Cuckoowasp

List of Works and Chapters

Hybrids of Hope or Hell

☽༺♰༻☾

Chapter One

Chapter Two | Calla Lily

Chapter Three | Hemp

Chapter Four | Anemone

Chapter Five | Pitcher Plant

Chapter Six | Bellwort

Chapter Seven | Wild Tansy

Chapter Eight | Strelitzia

Chapter Nine | Begonia

Chapter Ten | Bird's-Foot Trefoil Flower

☽༺♰༻☾

Moonstone Shards

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

The mountain breeze bared its teeth as the chill bit at my scales, the grass around me shivering as it rustled. My eyes searched the vast expanse of nature in front of me, unsure of which direction to pick. Directly in front of me stood a vast forest, the thick green trees spreading out like slime mold. Behind me I could hear the faint whispers of a lake, a few abrupt splashes alerting me to the fact there were dragons already there. 

The earthy smelling wind washed over the back of my scales, taking the small push of the wind as a good enough reason to choose the forest, as that’s where the universe wanted me to go. The grass grew greener the closer I walked to the woods, surmising that not many dragons must go near the forest. The thick knitted tree leaves devoured the sunlight, leaving the dark floor much colder than I had previously been. 

Keeping my anxiously flicking eyes to the grass blanketed floor, determined to find something good enough to bring back. Purple petals strewn along the dirt caught my attention, halting my mission so I could inspect the flowers. I concluded it was purple wood sorrel as I examined the plant weaved in between the blades of grass, plucking some and chewing on it. The pleasant floral scent wrapped me into a calming bubble, however I knew it wouldn’t be interesting enough to present. 

Continuing deeper into the woods, the large imposing trees stretched impossibly tall the further in I walked. Distant hushes of a running stream made one of my ears perk up, heading towards the quiet trickling. Increasing in volume, I broke through the trees, being met with a humble little creek. Furious rushing water roared in rapids in an offshoot of the water, sparkling bodies of fish easily seen in the clear water as they fiercely swam from the pull of the cruel current. 

Small schools of glittering minnows flitted through the water, a couple of trout creating splashes as they darted to the safety of the rocks. Leaning over the gleaming surface, my shadow caused clusters of fish to scatter, leaving every man for themselves. Intently observing the squiggly swift shapes contorting underneath the water’s surface, I almost didn’t hear the faint sound of claw steps behind me. 

Hurriedly and anxiously turning to the source of the rhythmic sound, I couldn’t quite spot the perpetrator beyond the clusters of dense foliage. Slender wooden twigs cracked, and bushes bowed before the weight of the intruder, threatening to reveal them like traitorous curtains. My nerves caused my limbs to tremble slightly, the anticipation of the stranger’s appearance worsening with each moment. 

Relaxation relieved tense muscles as divinely deep burgundy scales shone through the greenery as I recognised the other dragon as Sundown. 

Dazzling dark yellow contrasted the forest’s vegetation, Sundown tilted his head in greeting, with a small smile etched into his snout. Deliberately slow steps approached me as he cautiously peered into the stream as well. Sundown’s expected egotistical act was unusually dampened as he perched upon a large river rock, seemingly attempting to accommodate my nervous nature. “It’s nice, isn’t it?” The spot and star speckled Skywing spoke gently, obviously avoiding turning his gaze towards me. 

Taking in a quiet deep breath, I replied, “...yeah…”

The hushed words barely carried to Sundown’s ears over the rushing water, he nodded, “it was a bit of a downer to learn that we’re all freaks of our kind, huh?” The Skywing asked, whispering the query as if saying it louder would physically hurt. 

Dragging my grey hazel eyes up to the sky, I observed a flock of birds flittering through the clouds, “I honestly wouldn’t have guessed that for any of you…”

A soft chuckle left the burningly beautiful dragon, “I think the same of you. You are much less freakish than the other Nightwings.”

“‘Not freakish’?” I laughed, “yeah right… trust me I’m plenty of a freak, no Nightwing lets me forget it.”

“Why?” Sundown’s piercingly steel eyes attempted to steal looks at me from the corner of his vision, careful not to spook me by moving his head to face me, “what is it about you that causes the other Nightwings to reject you?”

Clumsily unfolding my silver and green starred wings, the awkward limbs seemed stupidly unproportionate to my frame. “I’m not built right, and I scare everyone because they’re superstitious.”

Observing my silver blue membraned wings, Sundown slashed his talons into the dirt, “those are…very big wings for your frame. I fail to see how that scares the almighty Nightwings though.”

“It’s not the wings that scare them, that’s just another flaw for them to conveniently exploit…” I sighed, reluctantly informing him of my birth moons and what they mean in Nightwing society. 

Listening intently, the Skywing thought to himself for a moment before responding, having to process the load of information. “So, does that mean you have powers?”

A sharp splash rippled through the stream as I dashed my claws into the water, “no, thankfully, I’m not cursed.”

“That’s one less thing to worry about at least” Optimism beamed from his fiery scales, Sundown now testing facing me directly, “what are you thinking of taking back as your item of interest?”

“I have no idea, like at all. Do you?”

“I’m in the same situation, I don’t even know what Callistemon wants us to bring back.” He admitted, the bashful sun causing his scales to almost glow. 

“I think she wants us to find anything that we think is interesting…like maybe a cool rock?”

“A cool rock is your best example? I thought you’d suggest something like a beautiful sea shell or something like that.”

Yellow teeth reflected in the rushing water as I nervously smiled as Sundown laughed at my proposal. “Out here? Where are you finding shells in the mountains?”

“...Hm… you have a very fair point there.” Cold grey eyes looked through the trees, “I doubt we’ll find anything good enough here though.” Turning to him, I skewed my head in question before Sundown continued to talk, “I propound we follow the creek upwards, unless you have a preference of course.”

Wordlessly nodding, I agreed with the Skywing’s proposal, the two of us silently moving from our seats. Moving water created background noise as we walked, the terrain growing jagged as we followed the river. 

Cautiously continuing up the rough rock a trio of familiar dragons became apparent. Duststorm and Stalactite were both hunched over to study something in Woodnymph’s claws. Spotting the three as well, Sundown’s steps came to a brief stop, “they look like they’ve found something…”

Chapter Four

The sleeping cave tunnel broke open into a large cavern, a wide hole in the rock ceiling allowed the morning sun to adorn the stone with its warm glow. Numerous students went varying ways, the sheer amount of colours and patterns made me feel dizzy as I trailed behind my winglet. Abruptly halting in the crowded space, others around us also began searching for a sign on where to go. 

Our nervous questions were answered with a sudden booming yell, silence quickly covering the crowd like a heavy quilt, “Everyone! Look this way!” My eyes searched the impossibly packed cavern, finally falling onto a bold blue dragon. “Each winglet has an assigned meeting cave and teacher! For today we’ll just be getting to know each other, have fun!” Tsunami shouted, just as quickly disappearing into the gathering of dragons as she had appeared. 

‘Meeting cave?’ I thought to myself, I don’t recall being told about any locations… and by the looks on my clawmates faces, it seemed they didn’t either. However, relief spilt over my tense midnight scales as Duststorm took off in a direction, pushing his way through the other students effortlessly. 

Leading the way, the Sandwing seemed to loosely know where to go, his brown eyes glancing back at us occasionally. After turning down a few twisting tunnels, we seemed to arrive at our destination, judging by the decrease in Duststorm’s speed and the dead end looking cave. 

The loose pebble littered tunnel ground met damp stone walls as we approached the cave. Water trickled lazily down the rock, the liquid glistening in the torch light. Little bioluminescent critters scampered across the roof, looking like running sparks. Opening up into a surprisingly decent sized cavern, my winglet and I filed into the meeting cave. A raised platform was carved out of the floor, a well crafted large table perched on top of it. 

Various coloured cloth banners swung from the ceiling, each representing a tribe. A couple of curious fish would swim to the surface of a small river through the cave, observing the group of dragons entering. “Ah, how are my students doing today?” A voice came from inside the cave, stepping forward a colourful Rainwing smiled at us. The older dragon had a strong athletic build to her, her colours leaning more towards comforting that pure vibrancy like young ones. Blushing pale pink scales decorated her back, bursting into a deeper pink at her wings. The dim cave light made her dark pink throat appear almost red, her piercing blue eyes strikingly contrasting the warm hues. 

For a few moments no one replied to the teacher’s greeting, shock and nerves clipping our vocal cords. However, Woodnymph recovered quickly, “we’re doing great! What are we doing today? When do we start?” The deep purple Rainwing’s voice had an excited splash to it, her joyful grin showcasing all of her teeth. 

Chuckling at the fellow Rainwing’s excitement, the teacher’s friendly blue eyes swept over us, “not much of the nervous type are you?”

Startling slightly at a sudden snort, all of our heads turned to observe the source. “More like the kind to talk our ears off…” Wallaby remarked, his huge charcoal frame leaning against the cavern wall. 

Offended by the statement and the mocking grin on his face, Woodnymph’s previously ecstatic smile twisted into a small frown. Her scowling green eyes narrowed at him, “at least I don’t watch other dragons while they’re sleeping!”

An insulted expression contorted Wallaby’s thick snout, “we were supposed to forget about that…” he huffed, angrily eying the purple and green Rainwing. But before the two could devolve into another pointless fight, the beautifully coloured teacher stepped in between them. 

“How about we start with proper introductions? That seems the best thing to do on your first day!” The teacher suggested, watching Wallaby and Woodnymph’s expressions carefully. She then expectantly turned to the rest of us, obviously anticipating an answer. The dusky coloured Skywing pushed out his golden chest, happily being the first.

“I suppose I can go first.” His grey eyes closed as he pretended to be taking one for the team, “my name is Sundown, I’m a Skywing, and I’m one of the best warriors the Sky Kingdom has.” Confidence and arrogance dripped disgustingly from his words, he paused, seemingly awaiting applause. His burgundy patterned wings deflating in disappointment as the teacher did nothing but nod. 

Looking back at all of our avoided faces, the pink Rainwing spoke again, “so who’s next then?”. A pleased expression rippled across her scales as the younger Rainwing elevated her arm, desperate to be chosen. 

“I can do it, me!” 

“Go on then”

Woodnymph’s emerald eyes lit up, her words spilling out a little too quickly in her eagerness, “my name is Woodnymph, like the bird! And I’m a Rainwing! I like plants, insects and shiny things!” Nodding in response, the teacher cast an awaiting look like a net, and unfortunately we were the fish. 

A grumpy, sharp voice muttered, the base of his words rumbling the rock beneath our claws, “I guess I’ll go next…” Reluctance gripped his words like his namesake as Stalactite sighed. “I’m an Icewing, my name is Stalactite, and…I like to draw.”

“Very well done, and how about-” The teacher began before being cut off by an abrasively arrogant yell.

“And grumpy, you shouldn’t forget grumpy.” Sundown snarked, his barely disguised insult and cocky nature enraging the Icewing. Stalactite began to yell at the sunset coloured Skywing, causing me to shake my head at the frequency these two fought. 

Snarling and growling bounced off the domed space, a chill in the air and smoke rising from Sundown’s mouth cautioning that this could become serious. Before the two could get into a frost breath versus fire battle, the light tan Seawing loudly began her introduction. “My name is Danio. I’m a Seawing as you can see, and I like to study corals.” She firmly and thunderously informed, forcing the two bickering males into silence.

Gratefully smiling at Danio, the elderly Rainwing closed her eyes and took a breath before continuing, “a very nice introduction, thank you Danio! Now how about…” She trailed off, her startling eyes landing on the Mudwing towering over the table.

Ducking his boxy head, Wallaby hesitantly replied, his dark red eyes darting around the room, “I’m Wallaby.” He took a breath, “um, as you see, I’m a Mudwing, and…” Another pause, “and I like hunting.” Another awkward few seconds of wordlessness settled before the vibrant teacher pointed a claw at a lonesome Duststorm. 

The Sandwing opened and closed his snout a couple of times, disappointed that his plan of standing in the back had failed. Hanging his white tufted head, the Sandwing sighed, “Okay. I like to sculpt. I’m obviously a Sandwing and my name is Duststorm.” 

My heart began to race, knowing that I was inevitably next. Shrinking back from the Rainwing’s piercing blue gaze, I tucked in my wings to appear smaller, terrified to answer the silent query, “I- uh, I’m Tormentseer, I’m a, uh, I’m a Nightwing and I like birds…”

“Very good! Thank you.” The blush coloured Rainwing nodded, her eyes going over the winglet once more. By the glazed look in her eyes, it was obvious that she was doing her best to memorise the names. “Now!” She excitedly clapped, “since we all know each other, I suppose I should introduce myself.” The teacher chuckled to herself, not surprised when she received no answers, “Drumroll please!... I’m Callistemon.” The pink dragon took some time to seat herself on one of the plush mats, “you all must be wondering why we put you in these groups, yes?”

“Exactly! Why have I been disgraced with the likes of these?” Sundown gestured an oversized wing towards most of the group, however notably, skipped over me. 

“Well curious little Sundown! Each of you are considered outcasts of your tribes, that is what links you all to each other.” Callistemon announced happily, oblivious to each of the winglet’s reactions. Most of the dragons silently averted their eyes, too ashamed to be perceived, however the teacher’s words seemed to cut Stalactite and Sundown deeply. Interestingly, Duststorm’s expression didn’t change, seemingly already have accepted his place among his tribe. 

Determined to block my emotions from my face, I was shocked to learn that the other dragons were in the same position as me. Rocking on her four claws, Callistemon excitedly continued, “Okay everyone, out first class will be…! Exploring the outside of the academy! I want you to all pick one item each from outside and bring it back to show everyone.”

‘A little ironic that our first class is outside of the school…’ I thought to myself as the teacher said enthusiastic farewells, rustling wings and clicking claws funnelling out of the cave. Watching Danio’s lime spotted tail disappear into the dimly lit tunnel, I limped to catch up, not wanting to do this alone. 

“Would you come here please?” Callistemon’s joyful voice sang out, stopping me from scampering off into the dark. Averting my eyes, I glued them to the stone floor, wordlessly shuffling towards the teacher. 

Observing my trembling frame, she extended a white-pink talon as I approached. When I had reached the older and larger dragon, she gently held her claw underneath my forest green chin. Not particularly knowing what to do with myself, my grey-green eyes slid to the side. A soft smile graced Callistemon’s dark pink scales, her voice quiet and motherly, “can I ask you a question?”

“...Sure…”

“Why are you so nervous little dear?”

I was silent at first, unsure of how to respond, “uh, I have just learned that I need to be wary of everyone.”

“I see… has your tribe treated you poorly?”

Another couple seconds of silence as I stomached the question, “...Yes. They aren’t big fans of me.”

Callistemon’s talon moved from my chin to my black scaled shoulder, her grip reassuringly tight, “may I ask why that is?”

My shoulders drooped at her words, worried that she would hate me once she found out too, “they just think I’m ill proportioned and they’re… scared of me.”

“Why could they ever possibly fear you?”

A frown unpleasantly etched into my dark plates, “I was born under three blood moons, two of which were full. That’s why I have these weird red scales on either side of my body…”

“I see them, I think they’re beautiful… I don’t understand why your tribe would think they are something to fear?”

“There’s a myth in my tribe that Nightwing’s born under blood moons are evil harbingers of disasters. Apparently they are supposed to see devastating events and project their thoughts onto other dragons.”

Callistemon didn’t reply, an uneasy silence resting in between us before she spoke again, “but I’m sure you’re not like that yourself, are you?”

“No, I’m not like that, I don’t have any powers, no Nightwing does.”

“Exactly. So your tribe is wrong to dislike you. It’s not your fault that they demonise your very existence.” She squeezed my shoulder once more, “make sure to not let them ever break you. Now get out there and bring back something cool.” Callistemon encouraged, removing her paw from my shoulder as she smiled warmly. Feeling overwhelmed by the before unknown display of positivity, I wordlessly exiting the meeting cave. Hurriedly throwing a farewell to the teacher, I raced down the rocky tunnel, glad to burst into the open front space. 

Chapter Three

Moonbeams were slowly replaced with small sun rays, the sky exploding in striking hues of pink, purple and orange. The rising sun lit up the blue marble cave with a dusky glow, the ominous red-purple pool still bubbling. Dragons began to stir, their eyes blinking open as morning sun started to drip into the cave. The Mudwing, Wallaby I remembered, was the first one to wake, his looming frame sitting while he stretched. His red eyes watched the dragons around him, his attention landing on the shining red scales along my back as they caught the sunlight. Noiselessly creeping over to my sleeping ledge, Wallaby leaned in for a better look. 

I jumped slightly as my groggy mind registered the pair of blood red eyes watching my resting form, my eyes shooting awake. “You’re awake, good.” Was all the looming Mudwing said quietly, his face carved into an unreadable expression.

“Um… do you need something?” 

Wallaby huffed, a thin film of annoyance covering him as he bristled at being questioned, “I don’t need anything. I just wanted to look at you.”

“...While I was sleeping?...” I asked, a little creeped out by the large Mudwing’s intrusive stare.

“Yes. Sorry. I just wanted to look at your scales… The red ones that start at the corner of your eyes and trail down your sides. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude…” Wallaby apologised abruptly, his red eyes scanning over my face, trying to memorise as much as possible. 

Staring back at him with my green-grey eyes silently for a few moments, I wasn’t entirely sure what to do. Unfortunately, Wallaby didn’t seem to get the hint, his examining eyes inspecting every detail about my face. Soaking in every scale and colour on my body, fortunately after a couple more beats of silence, he seemed to become aware of how strange he was acting. “Right, sorry… I’ll uh, go and see what the others are awake…” Wallaby backed up, appearing a bit embarrassed at himself as he walked towards Stalactite's sleeping form. 

Meeting rich brown pitying eyes, Duststorm watched as the unusual Mudwing clambered into the back of the cavern. He tilted his head at me lightly, sharing in my confusion over Wallaby’s behaviour. A loud yawn entrapped everyone’s attention as the Rainwing groggily wiped her eyes. Woodnymph rolled over lazily, moving her barely open eyes to the glowing pool. 

Somewhat near her, the sleep Seawing stirred a little, folding her wings over her head to block out the unwanted sunlight. The creeping light illuminated Danio’s lime green luminescent markings, sparkling like bright emeralds. A groan coming from her twisted frame as the unwelcomed sound of bickering floated through the cave once more. 

The beautifully angled snout of Stalactite was crumpled into a snarl, his perfectly pointy teeth bared. Attempting to seem more intimidating, the Icewing flared his wings in fury, “why were you looking at my scales like that? Are you some sort of creep or something?”

Rolling his eyes, Wallaby continued to effortlessly tower over Stalactite, irritated at the Icewing’s reaction to his simple curiosity. The Skywing, Sundown, had woken up by now and was happily watching the argument with amusement. Woodnymph, however, was not pleased, glaring at the two fighting dragons. “Oh, calm down, I just wanted to see your scales! I barely looked at them for more than fifty seconds!”

“Why does it matter if you looked at them for five seconds or five hours? You still tried to watch me sleep without my permission! That’s weird!”

Wordlessly, I couldn’t help but agree with the moody Icewing, the Mudwing’s examining behaviour was in fact very off putting even if it was just innocent interest. Ultimately, it seemed that Stalactite had said the wrong thing, Wallaby’s thick tail lashing in anger. 

“It’s not weird! I’m allowed to be curious!” 

“Maybe you’re only saying it’s not weird because you’re a creep who thinks it’s completely normal!” Stalactite spat, he was obviously in a much more irritable mood this morning. The aggression between the two quarrelling dragons only rising as they continued to yell at each other. 

“Um, maybe next time Wallaby, just ask if you can look and no one will get angry…” I tried to offer, the uncomfortable feeling of eyes on me prickled my scales. To my relief, my words at least ceased the arguing for now. Wallaby huffed in response while Stalactite appeared grateful for the intervention, however his permanent scowl still remained. 

“Yeah, maybe ask before trying to watch someone sleep, you creep.”

“You’re not helping resolve this if you keep throwing insults at him… It’s our first day here, maybe just let it go and we can start anew?” I tried my utmost to sound as non confrontational as possible, not wanting to provoke the white spiky dragon. 

“...You’re probably right…” Stalactite growled, reluctant to agree but obviously not wanting to waste any more time on this. 

Once it seemed the situation had resolved, I turned my head from the other dragons. Their intense stares becoming a little too much for me. As I shielded myself from the observation of the other dragons, I could feel Duststorm’s intelligent eyes on me, slightly concerned at my anxious behaviour. 

Black and silver star dotted wings relaxed as the Rainwing broke the tension, Woodnymph asking when classes started. Each pair of eyes being pulled towards the pale green and deep purple dragon, however I noticed Duststorm’s worried glance flick over to my direction every now and then. No one answered Woodnymph’s question for a few minutes.

“I don’t know, probably soon. I propose we go find out.” Stalactite announced in an overly pompous way, lashing his spiked tail in annoyance that he didn’t know the answer. Watching as everyone agreed with the Icewing, they all slowly rose from their chosen sleeping spots. 

Chapter Two

Imagery of a dark woodland at night was evoked by my midnight blue, mossy dark green, and charcoal black scales. The dark colours swished around as I gazed around the large open space. “Which way is that?” 

The much older Seawing tossed her head towards a series of tunnels at the back of the wide cavern. “Right that way, down the tunnel with your winglet sign.” She answered my question promptly, smiling as she watched me begin heading in that direction. 

I quickly stammered a ‘thank you’ before I stumbled off towards the back of the room. 

“You’re welcome!” Corydora yelled out to me, causing my head to duck down, worried it would draw another dragon’s attention. The Seawing flicked her wings once more before she resumed greeting other students. 

A small, obviously newly made, plaque accompanied each tunnel. Looking past each one, my eyes landed on the assigned winglet. It was an ornate silver square with the words ‘Moonstone Winglet’ engraved into it skillfully. A large, beautiful rainbow moonstone was paired with the careful writing. A deep breath filled my lungs as I tried to calm my trembling claws, finally entering the opening. 

The solid rock tunnel was nothing of note but I was stunned as I entered through the mouth of the cavern. The cave was enormous, with the harsh brown rock from the tunnels being replaced with smooth, cool blue marble. A small opening in the ceiling yawned to reveal three gorgeously illuminating moons, the beams feeding through a translucent plant like material. The centre of the space held a large circular pool of glowing red-purple liquid, teeth-like chunks of moon rock and crystals dangerously decorated the pond. 

A startling radiance of red and purple light painted most of the blue marble, the gleam being bounced and reflected in the raw gems. 

The only thing that was able to shake me from my shock was the realisation that a group of dragons had already entered the cave. One of the few crowded curiously around the pool of mysterious liquid, was a Rainwing. She had deep purple scales with delicate pale green frills, her scales seeming to shift from light to dark as she was entranced by the substance. 

Another was a giant Mudwing, his impressively burly scales a dark grey brown. Scars scattered across his two toned face, encasing two intense red eyes. The last dragon gazing into the depths of the foreboding bubbling liquid was a Seawing. Lime green markings gathered on her pale brown scales, her silver underbelly being cast in the devious glow. 

Deciding that meeting these three new dragons was not something I wanted to do, I spun around to sneak out of the room. Maybe I could postpone having to meet anyone else today. However, just as I turned, I noticed a lone Sandwing sitting in a carved hole by the entrance. His beautifully deep amber tail flicked back and forth, his dark face raised towards the glimpse of the night sky. A golden ring circled his barb and limbs, his dark wing folded in. 

Panicking, I scrambled to leave the room, fearful it wouldn’t be long until someone realised I was here. Unfortunately, two blindingly bright dragons bolted past me, almost knocking me over as they gave chase. An Icewing and Skywing were hurling insults at each other as every dragon in the cave turned to observe the scene. 

Perfectly smooth white scales adorned the large Icewing, blue streaks running down his underbelly plates. Beautifully crisp white and icy blue wings flew open around him in outrage as he spoke to the slightly smaller Skywing. Burgundy scales contrasted golden ones as the Skywing shouted back at the fierce white dragon. Star shapes and spots decorated his massive wings. “No Skywing is a match for Icewing frost breath!” The snowy white Icewing yelling at his furious opponent as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. 

A scoff left the burgundy and deep purple snout of the enraged Skywing, “what if it’s a firescales huh? Then it doesn’t even do anything.”

“That doesn’t count! That’s a special occasion.” 

“Now, stop fighting you two.” A quiet laugh unexpectedly erupted from behind me, a tall, pale Nightwing standing in the cavern entrance. “What did I tell you guys about fighting?” Her voice was silky and smooth, pale grey speckled with silver coloured her, a kind look on her tired face.

“To not do it…” The Icewing responded in a mumble, his wings lowered along with the Skywing’s as slight embarrassment dawned on them. The older authoritative Nightwing gently led the two boys to the pool as I stayed silently watching from afar. 

The pair seated themselves to also be wowed by the bright liquid, the Skywing curiously piping up, “What is it?” 

“I believe it is animus made…” She wisely responded. 

“What does it do?”

“That is a secret.” The Nightwing smiled, walking away from the pool towards the exit of the space, “perhaps, I’ll tell you one day…” As she headed for the dark mouth of the only way in and out, the pale Nightwing startled a bit at the sudden realisation of my presence. Once the shock subsided into curiosity, her kind eyes peered closer to examine the lone dragon. “What is your name?” She asked, her tone was motherly, or at least what a mother should sound like. 

“Um…Tormentseer…” I quietly answered, wanting to keep my voice low so the other dragons wouldn’t catch on to my existence. 

“Such a lovely name.” The Nightwing replied, her tired eyes moving over my scales, “you’re a fellow Nightwing I see.” There was a pause, almost as if she was still figuring out how to say it, then she continued, tilting her head, “an interesting one, I haven’t seen a dragon like you before.”

My response was delayed as well, my gaze absently locked onto the blue marble of the walls, “I hear that a lot.”

“Hm, I see you’re shy around other dragons,” The Nightwing commented, sounding intrigued by my nonchalant answer. “Why is that?”

“I just, I don’t like the stress that comes with interacting with other dragons…” 

The Nightwing’s tail flicked as she chuckled at my words, “I can see that, dragons can be…difficult to talk to.” There was a knowing glint in her eyes as she looked at my crumpled figure, “tell me, Tormentseer, what do you hope to achieve at Jade Mountain Academy?”

Her query took me off guard for a moment, my head still low as I semi melted into the shadows, “I guess I’m not sure yet. I didn’t have anywhere else to go…So when Queen Glory was asking for Nightwing volunteers, I just went.” 

Looking somewhat puzzled, the other Nightwing tilted her pale grey head, “no one to take care of you? No family?”

“There is, family I mean, they’re just not the caring type.”

“I see.” Her tone wasn’t shocked but instead sympathetic, as if this was not the first time she had heard this story, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. “You don’t seem happy to be here.” She bluntly questioned, not knowing how to sensitively breach the topic. 

A frown spread across my dark blue and black scales at the confrontational question. I spared a glance towards the other dragons, relieved that they were still occupied with bickering amongst themselves. “I don’t think I’m happy to be anywhere. I’m just going to give this a shot and if it doesn’t work out…” I got lost in my thoughts as I trailed off. 

The elderly Nightwing’s face was mostly stoic, however a hint of concern and sympathy betrayed her neutral expression. A beat of silence passed before she spoke again, worry evident in her voice, “I understand if you haven’t had the best experiences with other dragons, but I believe that it’ll be different here. I understand if you don’t believe me…” Her exhausted eyes watched me carefully.

“I hope so.” Was all I could muster without being overwhelmingly pessimistic, at my short response, the elderly Nightwing turned and left the cavern. Now the only noises in the cave were the multiple theories and debates being irritably thrown at each other around the mysterious pool. 

The beautifully deep burgundy Skywing hissed at the towering Mudwing, “I’m telling you, it’s a portal or something!”

“No it’s not, it’s probably just a weird water fountain…” The dark Mudwing responded, a yawn following his bored words as he was already over the redundant arguing. 

“A water fountain?! Don’t be an idiot, why would there be a decorative water feature inside a mountain?” The gleaming Icewing spat, acting as if the Mudwing had said the most idiotic thing imaginable. 

The dark almost black scaled Mudwing hissed at the Icewing’s harsh comment, “well what do you suppose it is Mr Smarty Pants?”

“It’s something much more interesting than a water fountain, that’s for certain.” The Skywing answered for the Icewing, earning a frosty glare.

“Like what huh? You don’t look like you know anything about animus magic.” The Icewing’s cold blue eyes were locked onto the Skywing, his tone clearly mocking. 

Offence flooded the deep amber, burgundy and purple scales of the Skywing, his grey eyes narrowing, “and what does that mean exactly?”

“Can both of you just shut up?!” The mousy brown and electric lime green Seawing yelled between the bickering dragons, teeth bared in annoyance. Surprised at the sudden outburst, the two quarrelling males fell silent. 

“You both need to chill” A phenomenally green and purple Rainwing chimed in from across the pond, shaking her head slowly. 

Grunting in agreement the Seawing added, “honestly, arguing like little hatchlings all because of some glowing water…”

“What do you think it is? Considering your tribe are quite the experts on animus’” The male Sandwing sitting by the entrance spoke up.

Bright green wings shrugged, the Seawing’s purple eyes still on the red-purple bubbling water, “beats me, it could be something boring. We won’t know until we’re told.”

Dark charcoal brown scales nodded in agreement, the Mudwing’s vibrant red eyes also locked onto the liquid, “she’s right, might as well not waste our energy until we find out what it is.”

Both the Skywing and Icewing huffed, “you’re both so boring…” the Skywing grumbled.

“At least the fighting is more interesting than just sitting here, staring at a shiny pool…” the Icewing muttered. 

“Not my fault you two have no sense of self control…” the Seawing grumbled back at the two moody dragons, earning a grunt of agreement from the large Mudwing. The pale grin frills of the Rainwing twitched as she chuckled at the insulted expressions of the two bickering males. 

“Hey, we have self control!” An enormous shadow was cast upon a few of the dragons as the Skywing spread his patterned wings in outrage. 

The Icewing scoffed as he was reluctant to agree with his opponent, but ultimately he raised his crisp white snout in agreement, “yeah, it’s just dreadfully boring waiting around for some snowbrain to maybe tell us what the pool is…” Fury grew in his steely eyes as the Rainwing giggled again, the image of two hatchlings fighting over a toy neither of them could have came to the front of her mind. 

“Still doesn’t excuse your stupid bickering” The Seawing spoke again, 

“Shut it fish face!” A roar came from the Skywing, smoke billowing from his nostrils.

A flash of annoyance crossed the Seawing’s face, her thick dangerous tail lashing, “excuse me? Call me that again and I’ll fill your lungs with water…”

Snorting, in a horribly arrogant way the Skywing snapped back, “I’d like to see you try sewage water” The Seawing growled at his insults, her beautifully purple eyes narrowing as she suddenly lunged towards the Skywing from her sitting position. He barely managed to dodge the enraged Seawing, his gorgeous wings flapping to regain his balance, “missed me bubbles!”

Another furious snarl echoed throughout the sleeping cave, claws slashing at the Skywing as she pounced again, “you are so annoying!”

“I guess that makes two of us!” He laughed through gritted teeth, preparing himself for the next assault. 

The Seawing’s vision was blood red, throwing herself at the larger Skywing, just wanting to hurt him in any way she could, “I’ll rip those wings off and shove them up your as-” She was abruptly cut off as the towering Mudwing yanked her backwards. 

“You were just scolding him for fighting. Pick a path and follow it.”

“He’s annoying and deserves it!” Angrily huffing, the Seawing tried to fight her way out of the Mudwing’s tight grasp. 

Folding in his charcoal and tan brown wings, the Mudwing shook his head disapprovingly, “he’s annoying, yes, but you’re just as annoying if you keep fighting with him.”

Out of nowhere, the Sandwing, who had been silently watching the whole situation, turned towards me standing awkwardly by the doorway. “You alright there?” 

As the spotlight was thrust unwelcomely upon me, I tensed, panic coursing through my scales as each burning hot stare landed on me, “um, yes. I just, uh, don’t know which bed is mine…”

The anger emanating from the Seawing dissipated as her vibrant eyes swept over me, “yeah, we didn’t get told which beds are whose, did we?”

Earthy brown eyes flowed over the contents of the space, the Sandwing observing each one of us, “hm, this is a problem…”

“If there’s no names, then I would guess that we choose amongst ourselves?” I warily suggested, the others seeming to agree with my proposition. The Seawing nodded thoughtfully, her eyes also scanning the options, before landing back on me. It took a few awkward moments of wordlessness but I soon caught on, “um, I don’t mind, I can sleep anywhere, so you guys can pick first…”

It was almost as if my words were a starting horn at the beginning of a race, the dragons scampering into all different directions. “Are you sure you don’t mind?” The Mudwing asked as we both observed the Icewing and Skywing fighting for the same space. 

“Yeah, I don’t.” I replied, the large brown dragon nodding before sprinting off into the cave. I waited patiently for the arguing and flying to settle before I chose where I would be sleeping. The Skywing had draped himself on a rock ledge near the top left of the cave, seeming satisfied with his choice as he settled in for sleep. The glittering Icewing had settled for another stone ledge in the far back of the cave to the right, the white dragon mumbled to himself grumpily as he rested far away from anyone else. In the strange illumination of the bicoloured pool, the Rainwing had chosen to sleep on a pile of jungle leaves right next to the water, her bright green eyes entranced by the swirl of colours. Surprisingly the Seawing had chosen a moss bed further away from the water, she had stretched out near the entrance, now lazily rolling onto her back. Lastly the Mudwing had disappeared somewhere within the cave, despite my night vision, I couldn’t locate him within the shadows.

I noticed how the bright Sandwing nearest to the entrance hadn’t moved, now realising that he was curled up in a carved hole in the floor. He had chosen the perfect place to quietly watch the others, and was obviously comfortable within the smooth cold surface. 

One more bed remained, it was similar to the one the Seawing had chosen. Constructed of soft looking moss and vines, the bed was bordered by a skillfully carved wooden barrier. The ledge it sat one was to the left, between the Icewing and the Sandwing, however it was the highest ledge of them all. The three glowing moons cast awe striking tendrils of ghostly white onto the moss through the cavern’s crack in the roof, deciding this was going to be my bed, I leapt into the air.

 The view of the clear night sky was even more breathtaking from the small ledge, the moonbeams feeling refreshing on my dark scales. “Found a place for yourself then?” The Sandwing made me jump as he suddenly questioned me. I bit back a cry of surprise as I watched the other dragons rhythmically breathe in their slumbers, not wanting to wake them. 

I turned my head to the only other awake dragon, “I- yeah, I think I’ll choose this one…”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he almost laughed, taken aback by my incredibly jumpy nature, hazarding a look towards the sleeping clawmates. 

“It’s okay I’m just kind of a scaredy-tail. It’s my fault, really.” I laid my head down onto the soft moss, observing the bright white mane of hair that trailed down his back, meeting two dark and rusty wings.

The amber scaled Sandwing chuckled this time, “no need to say it’s your fault.” He reassured, his wings relaxing out beside him.

“Do you know any of their names? No one told me when I came in and it’s a bit awkward if I don’t know anyone’s name on the second day…”

“Yeah, I know their names.”

A plume of smoke left my lungs, relieved, “thank the three, could you tell me your name first please?”

“My name is Duststorm, yours?”

“Tormentseer…”

The rich coloured Sandwing repeated the name in his head, making sure to remember it, “that’s an interesting name.”

“What are the names of the others?” I asked a little too hastily, obviously wanting to avoid talking about my name.

Noticing the redirection, Duststorm decided not to mention it, playing along, “the Seawing is Danio, the Skywing is Sundown, the Icewing is Stalactite, the Rainwing is Woodnymph, and the Mudwing is Wallaby. They’re all nice enough, although some are a little… short tempered.”

I nodded at the information, trying to cement it into my memory. Appearing satisfied with answering my question, he leaned forward on his claws as he looked up at me. “Not to be rude, but you’re a sort of odd dragon, if you don’t mind me saying that.”

“It’s not something I haven’t heard before, so I don’t really care.”

“So you don’t mind me asking a couple of questions? I do have a few things I’m curious about…”

“Sure, go ahead.” I braced myself for the same few questions I always seemed to have to answer.

“Alright, what part of Pyrrhia are you from?” “The Nightwing island, unfortunately, but now the rainforest since the whole… volcano thing happened…”

“Must’ve been a tough transition from the island to the forest.” Disguised sympathy shone in his dark eyes, the moonlight barely irradiating them.

“It’s pretty good actually, there’s things to eat and the sky is clear…”

Duststorm hummed at my answer, continuing his onslaught of queries, “how old are you?”

“I’m seven, I hope we’re all about the same age.” “No need to worry, all of us are similar in age.” He reassured, before taking a deep breathe before asking what looked like his final ask, “lastly, why are you sleeping all the way up there?”

Looking up at the bright three moons briefly, I glanced back down to the Sandwing, “I just feel a connection to the moons and it’s nice to feel the moonbeams after how awful that island was…”

Nodding in understanding, Duststorm fell quiet for a beat, before fixating his intelligent eyes back onto me, “well, we should get some rest, we have a big day tomorrow…”

Chapter One

Various fleeting splashes of colour blurred by, a phenomenal array of different dragons all coming to the same place. The ominously imposing giant mountain made each of the dragons seem like colourful ants. My white pupils surveyed the dizzying amount of others, not having seen such a mix since the battlefields. Each of the fierce and powerful attendees seemed to know exactly where they were supposed to be, confidence oozing from their perfectly planned steps. 

A startling sharp cry broke my amazed train of thought, “hey! You, new dragon!”. Dark midnight blue scales nervously swung around as I looked around, hoping that shout that wasn’t for me. “Yeah, you! C’mere!” The Mudwing who came racing toward me from the sky evoked memories of dirty rock lands with her brownish tan scales. She had a few small scars littered across her face, and a fierce look in her eyes. 

“What… um, what’s up?” My own trembling voice responded to the harsh yells. 

The Mudwing huffed as she touched down on the soft blades of grass, looking appalled at my stationary stance, “are you going to enter the cave or are you going to just stand there and get in the way?!” She snapped, clearly frustrated at my perceived loitering. 

“Oh…” Was the only word that left my dark blue scales before I turned and walked away from the unpleasant Mudwing. Obviously talking to this dragon is going to go nowhere.

This only fuelled the one sided outrage, the jagged toothed jaws of the natural coloured dragon snapping open, “hey!” She yelled as I continued to take my uneven steps away from her fuming form, “what the moon do you think you’re doing?! You can’t just walk away!”

Deciding that the crowded cavern would be safer than near that awful stranger, I reluctantly trotted into the wide rocky mouth. The large space split off into multiple tunnels bordering the wide cavern, solid signs labelling each destination. Small groups or lone dragons slowly funnelled into the tunnels with differing signs. Each plaque incorporated the material it referenced in the names, reading; ‘Quartz Winglet’, ‘Gold Winglet’, ‘Copper Winglet’, ‘Jade Winglet’, ‘Silver Winglet’, and ‘Moonstone Winglet’. 

Pale blue scales contrasted the dark rock walls, an old looking Seawing standing near the winglet tunnels. Coming to terms with the fact that I had no other options, I cautiously approached. Wise but clouded purple eyes moved to pour over my worried expression, “hm? Oh, hello there little one, what do you need?” Her voice was loud but sweet in only a way a grandmother could be. 

“Um, I’m not sure which winglet I’m in, or where to go, or what to do…”

“Tell me, what’s your name?”

“...” Looking at her blankly for a moment, I took a second to answer her basic question, “it’s Tormentseer.” 

“Interesting name” Her deep purple eyes peered from a scroll in her claws, then back to my face. “Do you know your birth year, or age?”

“I’m seven years old…” 

“Hm… seven…” The almost sickly blue Seawing muttered, “and your tribe?”

“...Nightwing…” I slightly cringed at my response, subconsciously tucking my wings into my body. I wished the shadows would grow, masking my faults and flaws from the inquisitive eyes of the older dragon. I didn’t want her to know that I wasn’t a good enough Nightwing to represent my tribe in my winglet.  

“Ah, a Nightwing. You know, I’ve met quite a few members of your tribe, all nice and smart!” She exclaimed, a nostalgic shimmer in her eyes as she chuckled quietly. “Would you mind extending your wings for me?”

“I doubt that…” Green and silver stars glittered as I stretched out my all too long wings, awkwardly avoiding her soft stare.

The elderly Seawing seemed not to hear the mumble as she inspected my wings, “hmm, your wings are quite interesting” She commented, appearing pleased.

“I guess so, the others don’t like them, they say they are disproportionate…” 

The Seawing scoffed at my statement, “I see no imperfection, only a perfectly healthy dragonet that will grow into a powerful, beautiful dragon.” A comforting smile accompanied her equally as reassuring words, dismissing what others had said. I uncomfortably shifted my saw feet as I tried to figure out how I was supposed to act. “Ah, where are my manners? I haven’t introduced myself!” Her pale blue and tan wings shot out in surprise, “I’m Corydora, it’s a pleasure to meet such an interesting young dragonet like you.” 

“It’s nice to meet you…” I awkwardly spoke, examining every rock and speck on the hard floor. 

“You’re quite the shy one aren’t you?”

“I guess so”

A ‘eureka’ like moment flashed across Corydoras’ wrinkled scales as she squinted at her scroll, “I believe I know what your winglet is.” She stated finally, flicking her wings in, the action looking like it caused some pain to her aged joints, “the Moonstone Winglet” 

Chapter Ten : Bird's-Foot Trefoil Flower

☽༺♰༻☾

Subtle whispers of rustling plants roused Cuckoowasp from their shallow slumber, the faint scrape of talons treading over freshly dew-damp grass clawing their mind awake.

Forest green and midnight blue scales blurred alongside pale green ones, the HiveWing hybrid shooting up in surprised with a started cry that, although unintentionally, thankfully woke the still sleeping pair.

Horrific twisting shadows scrambled the SandWing dragoness' faces, creating awful distortions of their sneering snouts. Gore stained teeth flashed between scarred lips, offering a gruesome glance into the possible last moments of the three frightened dragon's short lives.

Terrified frantic eyes darted around the makeshift campsite as Permafrost and Eclipse bolted upwards at their friend's surprised shout. Stumbling to her pale blue claws, Permafrost was immediately on high alert, spiked venomous tip swinging wildly in preparation to defend herself.

Black sclera eyes glinted with malicious intent as the larger SandWing dragoness' brown irises raked over Eclipse's trembling body. The pair stalked up to the recently woken dragons, the dim ghostly glow of the moon warped the larger couple's faces to make them appear otherworldly.

Gleaming blue membraned wings flared in front of Cuckoowasp and Eclipse as Permafrost stepped between her friends and the sinister couple. Her serrated talons flexed in preparation, the SandWing hybrid's dangerous barb raised, "what do you want?" She demanded in a low, threatening hiss.

Placing a reassuring pale green paw on the quaking NightWing's shoulder, she leaned into Cuckoowasp's comforting touch. A small choked whimper escaped Eclipse as her petrified blue eyes glued themselves to the SandWing couple.

The said couple chuckled, their malicious smiles widening as they drunk in the smell of Eclipse's terror. Deciding to stop a few meters away, the two older dragon's shadows unnaturally extended, casting the trio into darkness. "Well, well, what do we have here?"

The earth toned largest dragoness growled, reveling in the frightened flinch that came from Eclipse, "looks like a few escaped prisoners, all alone and vulnerable in the middle of the night. How unfortunate for you..."

An infuriated roar greeted the dragoness' snarky remark, "just leave us alone already!" Cuckoowasp growled in warning.

Completely unfazed, the SandWing pair only smiled in response to the exclamation. Sharing a smug look between the two, one began to speak again, "oh, but we've only just gotten here little bug..." the little bright one drawled, "and we're just having so much fun already. We simply can't just leave now, can we?" She mock questioned her partner.

A bark of laughter came from the dusty one, the sound making Eclipse almost jump out of her scales. Which, unfortunately for her, caught the foreboding dragoness' eye. "Especially with such an interesting little thing right here." The largest of the couple purred out as Eclipse's body stilled in fright, "she looks like she'll be a lot of fun to play with..."

Silver lined star spilled wings trembled with terror, the NightWing letting a whimper slip.

Pale ice caps and sandy beach coloured wings sprung in front of the large older dragon, Permafrost flaring her wings wide as her body went rigid. The IceWing hybrid's mismatch eyes bore into the scales of the captors in front of us, her expression solemn. "Do not." Was all she hissed, her voice low and empty.

Perhaps if she hadn't grown up in cells the display would have been intimidating, however her stunted and tattered wings barely covered the cowering friend behind her. One of her front legs had been broken when she was young, and had never healed properly, she was also so malnourished that it looked like a gust of wind would take off with her.

The dark SandWing gave a patronising snicker, her harsh expression oozing with amusement, "oh what's this? A little hatchling trying to defend her friends? How precious."

The contrastingly bright other half of the couple rolled her yellow eyes, "it's almost adorable, really. Like a hatchling playing at being a real warrior."

"I am a real warrior" Permafrost snarled, her eyes ablaze with anger. She tried to lift her wings impossibly higher, attempting to look intimidating despite her weakened state. "You'll see"

"I'd love to see you try, little one."

"Permafrost." Cuckoowasp abruptly spoke up, their tone firm. "Don't. You're in no fighting condition."

An amber and red glare stabbed into Cuckoowasp's pale green scales, her eyes narrowing slightly. Permafrost clearly didn't enjoy having her abilities questioned, but ultimately, she knew her friend was right.

"Ah, wise words from your little friend," one of the SandWing's mocked, "you're in no state to fight at all, are you?"

"However, I didn't say anything about me..." A yellow-toothed smile spread onto Cuckoowasp's snout before they pounced onto the largest SandWing. Jagged talons sliced deep into the brown scales, the curvature of their claws keeping them pinned to the older dragon.

Chapter Nine : Begonia