Nothing Good Lasts Forever

== Nothing Good Lasts Forever ==
=== All New characters in this story belong to PowerTheNightwing577 and Pringles12358766, and if you dare to use them, I will use Animus magic to bring back darkstalker, and make him go to your house, then make him SQUASH YOU! So, don't use my characters. ===
=== Part 1: Escaping Pain ===
==== Chapter 1: ====
Snake’s earliest memory was the adoption. For some reason, he and Bloodmoon weren’t enough, so his dad adopted an egg. “Heartstealer come. It’s hatching!” Sandstone cried. His mother soon came to the sandy deserted oasis and looked at the golden yellow egg. “I don’t understand why you adopted it without telling me.” She said quietly. “I thought it was a good idea, but watch!” The egg quivered then a tiny claw poked out of the egg. A crack spit the egg, and a small yellow dragonet wobbled out. “Wrrbl?” The dragonet chirped. “What should we call her?” Bloodmoon asked, trying to get some more attention back to him. “Palmtree.” Both his mother and his father mumbled at the same time, and his half-sister was born. After this memory, it was blank. Blank, blank, and more blank. The only reason why this memory was preserved was because of the drawing of it hung up in his house. Now Snake wanted to rip it in pieces, burn it, rip it some more, then feed it to a bird and eat it. Why did his father have to leave! Why did Sandstone have to choose another mate and abandon his mother?! Why did he refuse to come back even when his mother got the blood disease?! Why in the MOONS did he abandon everyone, but his new mate when Snake asked him to come back to his mother??! “Snake! Want to play?” Snake flushed out as much anger as he could, when his half-sister (who didn’t like being called half-sister) came into his room. Tiny dots of anger started bubbling back up when he saw her face. The face that reminded him of his father’s desertion. The face that no matter how much he wanted to rip it up and burn it, he couldn’t. In the end, she was his sister. “Sure. Oh! Look at the fourth moon!” Snake yelled sarcastically. “Where?!” Palmtree responded. Snake started to laugh. Just his same gullible sister. “Come outside. Wanna play swordfight?” Snake said happily. Palmtree nodded, and then went outside, and picked up their sticks.
“Hiy ya!” Palmtree said as she happily whacked her stick against Snake’s. Snake then whipped his stick around and flicked Palmtree’s off her claws. “Hah! Looks who’s losing now!” Snake yelled, before poking Palmtree in the heart. “Oh no! The pain! The pain!” Palmtree yelled while on the ground laughing. At that moment an ear-splitting cough shook Snake’s heart. “Mom.”
Snake was flying as fast as he could back to his house. Bloodmoon was there, sitting by Heartstealer who was lying down in a pool of blood, her scales turning white. “While you two were playing outside, I was with mother who is on stage 6 blood disease.” Bloodmoon growled while also cried. Heartstealer coughed once more, sending a jet of blood towards them. Another few scales turned white. One more cough, and Heartstealer was still. “Mom!” Palmtree cried. Snake was at a loss for words. “I need to go see Camel.” Bloodmoon said to break the silence. Not even the curiosity of who Camel was made his stand away from his mother. The shy mother who he’d loved.
Through tears, Snake and Palmtree dragged Heartstealer’s body outside, and picked up 2 of their sharpest shovels. “You get the stone. I’ll dig the hole.” Snake cried softly. Palmtree nodded, then started picking up some stones that were littered around the house, shining in the moonlight.
Snake stabbed the sand with the shovel, then lifted the shovel, and moved the loose sand away. He continued to dig, even though his talons felt as though they were covered in tiny sharp spikes. Snake worked for hours through the night, digging and digging until the hole was finally big enough. Snake waited for Palmtree, who came back with a basket full of stones. Palmtree glared at the hole, then looked at her mother. The mother whose scales were white. Snake put his talons on Heartstealer’s chest and started dragging her towards the hole. His mother was surprisingly light, and Snake couldn’t figure out why. Because she lost all her blood. A small voice said inside his head. Snake’s eyes starting filling with tears. From this point on, I vow I shall never speak about my mother. “Let me.” Palmtree said sadly as she pulled Snake’s talons away from the white body and put her own on the wings. Palmtree dragged the body into the hole, then both Palmtree and him started filling the hole. Palmtree started writing words in the sand with stones, and the words read, “Rest in peace our dear mother. We wish you happiness wherever you may be.”
==== Chapter 2: ====
Snake looked at the grave, his eyes swimming with tears. Far below the sand, was his mother. His mother whose colour had been drained as the blood was taken from her body. Snake turned his attention back to his house. The large stone house. The house that would forever hold memories of his past. Memories of the happiness that was ripped away from him. He had to go. He had to leave. The question was, where would he go? The sand and ice war had turned the Sandwings and Icewings against each other, and the war between the night kingdom and sand kingdom had turned them against each other too. Pyrrha was no longer at peace. There were rumours though. Rumours of a place that all tribes were allowed in. Possibility.
Snake was packing his things in a satchel when his brother came out of nowhere. “Where are you going?” Bloodmoon growled, although some curiosity took away some of the anger. “Traveling. You coming?” Snake responded in the nicest tone he could muster while his rude brother growled. “No.” He spat. “Then go. I don’t want you interfering.” Snake responded coldly. Why must only my half relatives be kind? “Fine. Take stupid Palmtree with you. I want her gone.” Bloodmoon growled once more. “Ok. Now, let me go.” Snake said. Bloodmoon growled but stepped aside. “Snake?” A soft voice said. Snake turned around to see Palmtree standing near him, her eyes swollen and red as if she hadn’t slept in days. “Hi Palmtree. I’m leaving the house. Can you come with me?” Snake asked, knowing what the answer would be. “I have too. Bloodmoon hates me.” Palmtree whimpered, a tear or few falling off her snout. “Come on. Pack your stuff.” Snake responded. “Wait. Happy 11th hatching day.” Palmtree said, smiling for the first time in days. It is? “Thank you. Meet me outside when you are done packing and remember to watch out for Bloodmoon. He’s angry today.” Palmtree nodded, then bounced towards the room Snake shared with her at her request.
Snake waited outside, staring at the clouds and thinking what animals the shapes might be. It was very boring, but eventually Palmtree came back with a satchel roughly the same size of his, and bright orange. “Where are we going?” Palmtree asked looking into the distance. “Possibility, I think. If you want, we can take a detour through the oases.” Snake said, his wings aching to fly. “That would be fun.” Palmtree said, her wings shaking anxiously. “Ok. Off we go.”
Snake and Palmtree were flying over the oases, his wings finally satisfied with flight. “Down here!” Snake yelled, the wind whistling in his ears. They both dived, and Snake was able to pull up at the last second, but Palmtree crashed into the ground at a sickening speed. “PALMTREE!” Snake yelped as he turned around at lightning speed and flew towards Palmtree. Palmtree was on the ground laughing. “Moons above. You scared me!” Snake yelled, poking her in the chest. At that moment someone cleared their throat. Snake turned around to see what looked like a Nightwing, but with a line of red down her spine, no, pink, wait, orange? Was she part Rainwing? The were so many more hybrids now. “Yes?” Snake asked. “Just passing by. What’s your name?” Asked the hybrid. “I’m Snake. The one stuck in the sand is Palmtree.”  Snake responded, pulling Palmtree harder. “I’m Nightsky. Nice to meet you.” Nightsky said back, even though her eyes said otherwise. She looked like she was about to cry. With 1 more tug, Palmtree was free of the sand. “Are you a hybrid?” Snake asked. The question wasn’t rude anymore, because there were so many in Pyrrha that they matched the number of pure dragons. “Yes. My mother was a Rainwing, and my father was a Nightwing.” A small tear fell from Nightsky’s eyes. Her father. He isn’t here anymore. Is he alive, or did he leave like my one. Would I even find my father again? “My father isn’t here anymore either.” Snake said. Nightsky stared at him in shock. “How did you… never mind. Is it ok if I can stay with you? My mother… wanted me to travel.” Snake nodded. “Me and my sister are traveling through here. Do you mind the desert?” Snake asked the Nightwing part of him sweating. “No, I don’t mind it.” Nightsky responded. Something caught his eye. Dark yellow scales. Scales too dark for a Sandwing and too light for a Nightwing. Snake knew that dragon. It was his brother.
==== Chapter 3: ====
“Sorry. Need to go. Be back in a second.” Snake said in a hurry. “Where?” Palmtree asked, confusion glimmering in her eyes. “I saw Bloodmoon.” Snake said, before flying off to where he last saw his brother. “What are you doing here?” Snake growled. “Why should I tell you.” Bloodmoon responded, raising his tail barb. “Hmm, last I remembered I was your brother.” Snake said back in a sarcastic tone. “If I tell you, will you go away?!” Bloodmoon shouted, causing a few birds to fly away in panic. “Sure, I will.” Snake responded, ignoring how loud Bloodmoon had shouted. “I’m trying to find my mate. There. Will you go now?” Bloodmoon asked impatiently. “Sure thing, but who? Maybe I can help find them.” Snake said hopefully. Curiosity had got the better of him. “Camel, and no. I don’t need your help, so keep your promise and leave me alone.” Bloodmoon growled, then abruptly lunged his tail at Snake’s wing, and the tip of the barb scratched. Bloodmoon then took to the sky’s leaving Snake on the ground, whilst the Sandwing venom spread. “PALMTREE! HELP!” Snake bellowed. He couldn’t get up. The venom was stopping him. A small sand yellow dragonet appeared in his line of sight, and to be honest, wasn’t that large. “Palmtree. Get the cactus.” Snake gasped. Palmtree flung the Satchel over her snout, then started searching for the small cactus. “Here.” Palmtree said in a panic-stricken tone of voice. Snake took the cactus and crushed it, pouring the cactus juice all over the scratch. The pain relived, and Snake got up. “Bloodmoon. He attacked me. I think… I think… we should go, but first, I have something to ask Nightsky. Snake walked to where Nightsky was waiting. She was sitting in the spot he met her.
“Nightsky, may I ask, who are your parents. I may know 1 of them.” Snake asked. I’ll tell her we’ll be leaving this place soon. “Oh. My mum’s name is Sunshine, and my father is Stary, or as he liked to be called, Star. He died of a sickness. My mum told me he was coughing a lot, and then died.” Nightsky responded, another tear falling from her eyes. “I read about your parents. The royal Nightwing father, and the Rainwing mother had a child. That’s all I know.” Nightsky sniffed sadly. “We best be going. We should be here by now.” Snake opened his satchel and pulled at a map. Then he pointed at a dot ladled Thorn oasis. “Let’s get flying.” Palmtree chimed in, flapping into the air.
Everyone was flying through the cold night air, their wings flipping wind into their eyes. “How much further?!” Nightsky called, her voice drowned by the whistling of the wind. “Not much!” Snake yelled, back, making sure he was flying in the direction of the south star. “Good! My wings hurt!” Yelled the feeble voice of Palmtree, fighting against the raging winds. “We can set camp here!” Snake yelled, his voice overpowering all of them. Everyone he could see nodded, and they all dived toward the ground.
This time, Palmtree landed normally on the sand near large stone buildings and shops, and both he and Palmtree lifted the satchels above their heads. Snake pulled out the pegs and hammers (although he didn’t really need hammers because of how strong he was) and Palmtree pulled out the fabric and the main part of the tent, and they set to work. Snake laid out all the pegs, while Palmtree placed the fabric over them. In less than 5 minutes, they were done. “Come in.” Snake gestured Nightsky inside. “You sleep here.” Snake indicated a silk blanket, and another piece of silk that made the floor. “Palmtree, you get that 1. And I’ll sleep on the floor.” Snake pointed at another blanket, and then he lay down on the cold sand floor. Snake closed his eyes and waited for sleep to come, but the cold sand beneath him prevented that. Suddenly Snake felt something warm plop on top of him. Snake opened his eyes to see Palmtree sharing her blanket. Snake smiled, closed his eyes, and drifted into sleep.
Snake woke up to a clatter. Snake got up to see another Sandwing outside the tent, holding metal pots and pans, but she was dropping them. “Hello. Do you want help. My sister is asleep in there, so do you mind not making much noise.” The Sandwing looked at him, her expression as if she hated him already, then her expression changed in a second to one of someone kind. “Yes please. I’m really clumsy. I’m Sahara by the way.” Sahara smiled. “I’m Snake. Where do you want your stuff?” Snake asked, picking up some of the fallen pots and pans. “I’m setting up shop near here. The stall is set up, but 1 of my pans rolled away in the wind. I chased it here, and I tripped.” Sahara grinned. “Show me the way.” Snake said calmly before following the Sandwing.
Snake found himself at a dragon filled area. Wooden stalls all around had an assortment of items, ranging from claw sharpeners, to fried mango sweats. There were also a multitude of scavengers, no, humans running around too. There were smaller stalls where most of them were going, but the mostly just walked around and squeaked when a dragon came close to stepping on them. Snake landed with Sahara by his side, and they walked to an empty stall, trying not to step on the humans. “Just here.” Sahara said, placing down some of the pots and pans. She also put down a wooden sign right next to the stall. “Hello? How much for that pan?” A small squeaky voice asked. Snake appeared over the sign and saw a tiny human standing in front. That’s strange. How can humans talk dragonic? “Helloooo?” They said once more. “3 silver pieces, or a necklace.” Sahara said without looking at the human. There was a small plop, and a necklace with a sapphire stone in the middle was placed upon the table. “Also, if you are wondering; I’m part of the HDL course. Human Dragon Language course. Please don’t eat me?” The human whimpered after finishing talking. Sahara passed the pan, which was almost the same size as the human. “What are you going to do with it? It’s too big for you.” Snake added whist watching the human try various methods to lift it. “I’m trying to cook a lot of food at once, enough for a dragon to eat. It’s for my village. Thank you and goodbye!” The human squeaked before running off to another stall where they were selling fruits and meats. “Thank you for your help, Snake. I hope we will meet again soon.” At that moment, something clicked. His heart started beating faster and his palms turned sweaty. Did he have feelings for a dragoness he barely met?
==== Chapter 4: ====
It had been almost 2 months since he met Sahara. So many different things had happened in that time. His sister and Nightsky were getting along much better. It was like they were sisters. Nightsky also got a message from her mother, and Nightsky read it out to all of them. It said something along the lines of ‘hello Nightsky. I miss you. Just checking in to see if you are ok. When you get back, I’d love to hear of everything you have done. Love Sunshine your mother.’ Sahara was there too. Somehow, they became girlfriend-boyfriend during the month Snake had been with her, although something was up. She was kind albeit only to him. Something was just… off about her. To test that theory, Snake asked for them to go for a walk down the market. She agreed, but only after some persuasion.
Snake and Sahara were walking together, down the market. They were talking. Snake hadn’t yet realised his passion for talking. Even his sister knew of it. Nightsky though he was smart, and added humble when he said he wasn’t. “Why down here Snake. It’s so… crowded.” Sahara said as they were walking. “I thought it would be nice. Sniffing in all the different scents and seeing the wonderous sights. I think it’s great. Don’t you?” Sahara paused, thinking. “I think it’s good.” Sahara finally said, her claws twitching as though she was uncomfortable. “Can you tell me about your family?” Snake asked, realising how important the question was. “My mother, she is… not the brightest… her name is Sandstorm, and my father, he’s kind not really smartest either.” Snake thought for a moment. He didn’t bother to find out who his father’s new mate was because it disgusted him, but the description of Sahara’s father sounded like his. There must be thousands of kind, and not the smartest Sandwings out there. “That reminds me of someone.” Snake said finally. “What’s his name.” Snake asked. “Sandstone.” Snake’s insides curled up, his heart rate skyrocketed, and his brain felt as though it just exploded. “Give me a minute.” Snake ran behind a bush and threw up. No. Snake could just overhear someone walking by Sahara whist his thoughts blocked the rest of the noise. There was arguing. “Hello? You, ok?” A voice asked. “Go away.” Sahara growled. “GO AWAY OR ELSE!” Sahara boomed. Snake wiped off the vomit stuck to his lip, and confronted Sahara. “You heard didn’t you.” Sahara said sadly. “Yeah... It's over.” Snake then took to the skies and flew back to the tent. How could I even be with someone like that. Don’t you dare insides. DON’T YOU DARE MOURN HER! Forget about her. Forget about her. Forget about her. Snake forced his brain to forget Sahara as he landed outside the tent.
“Are you ok?” Palmtree asked in her worried voice. Snake shook his head. “Come outside and I’ll tell you.” Palmtree followed curiously then sat down on the sand. “Do you know Sandstone. Your father?” Palmtree nodded. “He had another egg, and her name is Sahara. The viper of a dragon I was dating.” Palmtree didn’t move. She had an unreadable expression on her face. The kind that is neither happy nor sad, exited or confused. “I think we should leave.” Palmtree said in a high-pitched squeaky voice that sounded like the human. “Where too? Snake asked, trying even harder than before to forget Sahara now that he was done talking about her. “We’re part Nightwing, so the Rainforest might do.” Palmtree squeaked. “No. The Nightwings hate Sandwings. We are allowed in Possibility. So, if you want, let’s go.” Snake started to walk, but when he saw that Palmtree was still, he stopped. “What about Nightsky?” Palmtree asked. Snake thought for a moment. “If she agrees, she can come.” Palmtree nodded, and finally started walking with him back to the tent.
“Nightsky, we have to leave now. We’re heading for possibility. Do you want to come?” Nightsky nodded. “Ok. We pack up, then take off.” Palmtree nodded this time, and Snake started picking the pegs off the ground. Snake put them in his satchel, and Palmtree grabbed the fabric and put it in her own. “This way.” Snake pointed, before throwing the satchel over his head, and taking off into the skies. Snake could barely make out the sound of wingbeats as he flew and flew.
After a few hours of flying, Snake and the others landed in possibility. Once again, something dark yelled caught his eyes. The same dark yellow he knew. Once again it was Bloodmoon, and on his face was a… smile?
==== Chapter 5: ====
“Stay here.” Snake commanded. “No. I’m coming with you. I am NOT allowing anyone to hurt you. Not a random Sandwing or your brother.” Palmtree said in a strong and hard voice that sounded nothing like her own. “Ok. But promise to stay behind me. Promise me, or I’ll make the moons fall on you.” Palmtree stood blankly in shock. “Don’t make the moons fall on me.” Palmtree said, now back to her normal worried tone. Plus, she was still gullible. This was still his sister. Her half-sister. But Sahara was his half-sister too. Another reason to break up with her. Shut up brain. Forget about her! 
Snake was following Bloodmoon, whist Palmtree was close behind. Bloodmoon turned around and looked directly into his eyes, but the smile didn’t vanish. “Hi Snake!” He said happily. What? Why is he happy to see me? “Hi Bloodmoon. Why are you happy?” Palmtree said, after stepping to the side so Bloodmoon could see her. “You remember my mate, Camel? Well…she’s with egg! I’m going to be a father!” Bloodmoon said enthusiastically with a trace of pride in his voice. “So, you and Camel…” Palmtree started, and Bloodmoon frowned. “Yes. Do you have any name suggestions for my dragonet? Wow. I still can’t believe I’m uttering those words.” Bloodmoon finished softly, his face back to a happy smile. “Is it a boy or girl?” Snake asked. He could help name it at least. “The egg’s not out yet, but we know it is an egg.” Bloodmoon replied, his smile growing every second. “For a boy I think, what about… Addax. For a girl maybe… Cactus?” Bloodmoon took out a piece of scroll, that seemed like it came from nowhere, then took a quill and inkpot from his bag, and started to write. “Thank you. Bye! I’ll bring the dragonet next time I come!” Bloodmoon yelled happily before stuffing the inkwell and scroll into his bag and taking off. “Well… That was weird. Let’s got back and check on Nightsky!” Palmtree yelled, before both of them took off into the sky.
As they were flying a shine caught his eye. A dragon black as night was helping another set up a store, and she had a smile. A smile that made him feal warm and happy. The black dragon looked in his direction and shot him a smile. Snake smiled back, then started flying to where Nightsky was. Palmtree was there already, talking with Nightsky, and exchanging jokes and stories. “So, we set up camp?” Palmtree asked as he landed. “No. There’s a hotel not far from here. We should stay there.” Nightsky smiled. “I’m sorry. My mother would want me back by now. I have to take care of her. Since dad died… I’m sorry. Thank you for taking me in. Hopefully we’ll meet again, and Palmtree, you are a great friend. Goodbye!” Nightsky then took off, leaving Snake and Palmtree alone. Palmtree sniffed then said, “You’re right. Let’s go.” Palmtree said, before Snake checked his map, and then took off.
==== Chapter 6: ====
Snake and Palmtree landed outside the hotel, the rain starting to build up. “Come on Palmtree! We’re almost there!” Snake groaned as Palmtree lay down and stopped moving. “We don’t have any money to pay the owner. We won’t be able to stay there.” Palmtree replied, still not moving. Snake angrily took of his satchel and pulled out a few silver and gold coins. Palmtree, finally persuaded, got up, and they walked inside the large stone and marble building.
There were dozens of wooden chairs inside. Most were the size for him and his sister, although there were smaller chairs, and some humans sitting on them. Palmtree sat down and closed her eyes, and Snake walked to the front desk, where a human and dragon were sitting. The dragon had bright pink scales, and soft blue eyes, but a dark line on black down their neck that made them seem somewhat evil. “Hello, and welcome to the star hotel. We currently have 3 open rooms, and each are 2 golden coins. A father and his dragonet are 3 gold coins for a room.” Snake stood there puzzled. Did he really look like Palmtree’s father? He was naturally tall, and people did say he loomed over them, and Palmtree was small. She was 5 years younger than him. “She’s not my dragonet. She’s, my sister. How much will that cost?” Snake asked, hoping that his strong voice could force the hybrid to understand. “Still. 3 gold coins.” Snake dropped the coins on the table, then walked over to Palmtree and poked her. Palmtree woke up with a jolt, then her eyes started to droop again. “Follow me.” The dragon at the counter said.
All of them were walking up some stairs, albeit someone was walking sleepily. Palmtree was lagging behind, until they stopped at the room. There was a large wooden door with a marble number on it. A 7. The owner gave them a smile and left back to the table where Snake met them. Snake pushed the door open, to see the same black dragon he saw help another one. “Oh moons! Sorry, sorry, sorry. I got the wrong room. Sorry.” The black dragoness shuffled out of the room, an embarrassed expression on her face.
There were 2 beds in the room. 1 was on the ground, with silk as a mattress and blanket, and a wooden outline. There was another bed elevated of the ground with the same silk blankets and mattresses. There also was a bench next to it, with a firefly lamp, and a fresh scroll. Palmtree walked over to the bed on the ground, and fell over, asleep. Snake smiled and pulled the blanket over his sister. Snake then climbed the weird wooden structure and lay down. It was a sensational feeling. It was the softest thing he ever laid on. Snake pulled the blanket over him and felt a warmth like no other. An uncontrollable science of sleep pulled over him, until he shut his eyes, and drifted into an easy sleep.
Snake awoke peacefully to the sun. There was a glass hole in the wall where Sunshine poured through. Snake looked at the bed bellow him where Palmtree should be, but she wasn’t there. “Palmtree?” Snake asked in a panicked tone. “Palmtree?!” Snake half yelled. The door was ajar too. Someone must have taken her! Snake thought worriedly.
Snake pushed the door open and looked directly into a room on the other side of the hallway. Its door was open, and there was Palmtree. Snake sighed a sigh of relief. The strange thing was Palmtree was standing next the Nightwing with glasses. “Good morning, Snake!” Palmtree yelled enthusiastically. “Hello, Snake, is it?” The Nightwing said. “Your sister told me a few things about you.” The Nightwing smiled. “Wait what? Palmtree, what happened?” Snake asked, hoping for answers so he could finally understand what in the moons was going on. “Oh. Me and Eclipse met because she lived right over here.” Palmtree pointed at the room where she and the Nightwing named Eclipse entered. “She had a few pans and plates she needed to wash, so I helped. We became friends, so, here we are.” Palmtree and Eclipse smiled. “Ok? So, Palmtree, what do you want to do?” Snake asked, realising that he had nothing to do. “Can I stay with Eclipse? She’s a good friend. Please?” Palmtree added after Snake frowned. “I can’t let you out of my sight Palmtree. What if something happens to you? What if I’m not there to defend you? If you want to stay with, Eclipse, then I have to come with you.” Palmtree groaned, then nodded slowly, so Snake followed Palmtree inside the room.
==== Chapter 7: ====
The room was brightly lit. The holes in the walls in Snake’s room were covered in blinds, but in Eclipse’s one they were nothing blocking the light from coming in. Snake covered his eyes for a second, then opened them when they adjusted to the bright room. Snake watched as Eclipse picked up a pile of silver pots and pans, only to drop them under the weight of the immense tower of metal. Snake hurried forward and automatically picked up some of the metal. “Where would you like me to put them?” Snake asked as Eclipse stared. “Up on that shelf.” Eclipse put down some of the pots and pans she was holing, then pointed at a cabinet above them. Eclipse opened it, then abruptly stuffed the metal inside. Snake giggled silently, then placed his share of the metal neatly in the shelf. “Thank you.” Eclipse said as she flashed a smile. Snake then felt as something pulled his arm. It scratched him. “Yes Palmtree.” Snake said as his little sister started poking him. “Can you come for a second. I have something to say to you privately.” Snake waited a moment before nodding wondering what this could be about.
Snake found himself in a small, enclosed space with his little sister’s breath heating up his lower neck. “Why do you always do this?” Palmtree inquired. “What?” Snake responded his brain rushing for answers. “It always starts like this. You do something kind, then you date someone. Why?” Palmtree asked once more, this time a little louder. Snake thought for a moment, thinking what the perfect words to respond to this weird question were. “I want to find a mate. Bloodmoon is younger than me and he has one. I don’t want to travel my whole life. I want to settle down soon. It may be difficult for you to understand, but I want to love kind people.” Palmtree stood still. Her expression unreadable, or maybe it was because it was so dark. “Ok.” Palmtree finally said, although it sounded more like a question than a response. Snake ignored it and proceeded to walk outside the small space, back into the room where Eclipse was. Do I even like Eclipse? She is a Nightwing like… like… mother… but she is kind, or is she like Sahara? STOP THINKING ABOUT THAT SNAKE BRAIN! Snake’s thoughts battled. Deep breath. Don’t rush anything. Be smart about this. I have to see if this would even work out. Is she the kind of dragon who doesn’t want a mate? I’ll find out later. 
Snake found a small wooden chair and sat down. Snake looked for Palmtree, before her golden scales caught his eyes. She was playing what looked like a card game with Eclipse. Snake closed his eyes for a second, thinking. He was good at that. Thinking about his future. “Snake? Want to join us?” Snake opened his eyes to see black scales. Eclipse was asking him to join. “Sure. How do you play?” Snake inquired as he moved his chair to the table Palmtree and Eclipse were playing at. “I’ll try to explain. It’s difficult to. You get 8 cards in the beginning, and the cards have either letters or numbers. If you make a word you have to put your number on the end and say a different sentence with your word every time. If you can’t make a word you pick up 1 more card. If you made a word and completed the sentence you take away all your cards and replace them with different ones, but with 7 this time. And then 6 and so on and so forth. First to 1 card wins.” Snake processed the information, then waited for something to happen. “Your turn!” Palmtree shouted enthusiastically. Snake picked out 8 cards and searched for a word. The only word he could find was ‘pie’. There was also 1 number. A three. “I like pie. I hate pie. Pie is good.” Snake then put all his cards away and picked out 7 more.
The game was more fun than he thought it would be. Eclipse managed to win, her final word being my, and she congratulated him on getting second. The light in the room started to dim. It felt like the mood did that, but he looked through the window and saw that the sun was setting. “Palmtree, bed.” Snake said as Palmtree yawned. “Please no. 1 more minute. This is so fun!” Palmtree yelled the last word, but sort of cried at the beginning. “You know how lazy you get when you are tired, so bed.” Palmtree groaned, before looking at Eclipse and waving. “Bye Palmtree! Bye Snake! See you tomorrow!” Eclipse yelled as they walked back to Snake’s room. Palmtree smiled, and Snake gasped inside himself, forcing his body not to gasp too. I guess she would like company. Snake thought before Palmtree and him closed the door on their room. Snake lit up Palmtree’s firefly night light, then he climbed into his bed, and drifted into sleep.
==== Chapter 8: ====
The room was dark and red. There were white corpses all around him. They looked flat and light, but without the Icewing sharp talons. In the middle of the room was a ball. A spiky red ball with white spikes and small blue cracks between them. The ball started floating towards him. “No.” Snake took a step back, but the ball didn’t stop. A flash of golden momentarily blinded him, then once his vision came back to him, Palmtree was lying on the floor, and the ball was floating inside her. Palmtree started coughing up something red and shining. Blood. Snake fell to his knees as his sister lost colour. She looked the same as the white corpses. His sister quivered, then moved no more. “Snake. Snake!” It was the voice of Palmtree. Did her ghost come to haunt him? “Snake, wake up!” Snake opened his eyes to find himself on the floor with Palmtree standing over him. Snake felt cold sweat pouring over him as he got up, his wings covered in the cold liquid. “What happened.” Snake gasped in a raspy voice, his mind saying he was still in a dream even though he knew he wasn’t in one. “You were mumbling in your sleep. You rolled over and fell. I had to help you.” Palmtree responded, her eyes brimming with tears. “I thought something horrible happened to you.” Palmtree cried, her blue eyes looking white with all the tears. Snake pulled himself off the ground and looked directly into Palmtree’s eyes, unblinking. “I promise you, I’m ok now. I just had a Nightmare.” Snake said whist hearing another door open up far away. Snake pushed open the door to his room and looked right at Eclipse. Snake’s heart started beating faster. I have to be careful of who I like. I don’t want another- DON’T FINISH THAT THOUGHT BRAIN! Eclipse started walking towards his room, then politely stopped right outside the doorway. “Can I come in?” She asked, her soft voice calming Snake’s adrenaline. “Yes.” Snake responded as the door was pushed open and the beautiful Nightwing with shining glasses and brilliant blue eyes. “Wow. I never noticed your eyes were silver. They look beautiful.” Eclipse said happily as Palmtree slapped her talons over her eyes and wiped away the tears. Snake smiled and Palmtree then walked Infront of him. “Palmtree!” Eclipse yelled, pulling her into a hug that blocked her from view. “Eclipse! It is so boring without you.” Eclipse giggled. “I brought something for you.” Eclipse said as she rummaged through her bag and pulled out a scroll. “Yesterday you asked for information about me and my family, so I got this. My scroll.” Palmtree took the scroll and unrolled it and gasped. “Your family killed Catfish? Creator of the Tainted series?” Eclipse frowned. “It was during the great war. Catfish was a Seawing who hated Blister and joined Burn, and when Nightwings joined the great war, my family killed him. His series was made by his son. Also called Catfish. And during the Nightwing Icewing mini war my great grandfather killed an Icewing named Narwal. Anyway, I like drawing, so do you want to draw with me?” Eclipse asked. Palmtree nodded quickly then bounced to a table as Eclipse set down an empty scroll, and some paintbrushes and paint pots.
Eclipse and Palmtree drew happily next to each other, while Snake watched in awe. His sister never told him he could draw this well. After a few hours of both of them drawing and Snake watching, both of them stopped and turned to him. “Which one is better.” Eclipse said holding up her work. It was a dragon holding a shining stone with a necklace of gold bringing colour to the dull piece. Snake studied it closer and saw the land. It looked like Pyrrha, but with a beam of light shooting through the middle. “It’s… Dark.” Snake responded truthfully. Eclipse smiled, then poured a glowing liquid on it. The piece burst into colour. The ground was shining, the dragon looked powerful and strong, and the beam of light completely changed. Its rays turned blue and faded, and it now looked like a reflection that a beam of light. “Wow.” Snake gasped; his eyes unable to look away from the brilliant masterpiece. Palmtree then held up her drawing. It was in colour and was amazing. There were 4 dragons there, all of them in so much detail that they looked real. Snake and Palmtree were there with his mother on top and… his father next to her. They were all smiling at the moons that were shining above them. Snake growled silently, the thought of his father destroying all chances of this drawing winning. “Eclipse wins.” Snake said softly. “Yay!” Eclipse cheered, as Snake passed her a golden medal. “Oops. Looks like it’s nighttime. Well, got to go!” Eclipse said cheerfully, then opened the door and stepped out as Palmtree groaned. “Goodnight Eclipse.” Snake said even though Eclipse had already left the room. Snake shut the curtains and lay down in his bed and soon after, his eyes closed, and he fell asleep, albeit with difficulty.
==== Chapter 9: ====
The next few months went by faster than Snake preferred. He wanted time to study his surroundings. Study the path he was taking in his life. The path that would eventually end in something great or the opposite. Bloodmoon had returned with his dragonet, a small black dragonet with yellow stripes down their spine, and Snake’s relationship with Eclipse had flourished. They had their first kiss and were officially in a relationship. His life was great, and he was on the path to a mate, but all this happiness and all this greatness was about to fall apart.
Snake and Eclipse were on a walk together, talking about life and what they had planned. During the months Snake and Eclipse were together Snake learned of Eclipse’s secret ambition. Talking. Turns out, Eclipse was an avid talker and as smart as he was. Snake wanted to go somewhere special. The place of their first kiss. Under a full moon under a cherry blossom tree. Snake had something special in mind. For 6 months Snake and Eclipse had been together, and it was time. Time for Snake to finally have someone for him. It was time, for Snake to- Snake’s thoughts were cut off by Eclipse. “Why are we here?” Eclipse said. It’s time. Come on Snake. Do it now! Ask her! “Eclipse-” A cry shot through the night, so loud and so in pain it hurt Snake from the inside out. Out of a bush came a dragon with dark yellow scales. In the eyes of the dragon was tears. So many tears. It was Bloodmoon and he looked absolutely destroyed. “N-no. Why?! Camel, Sunstar… No… Why?!” Bloodmoon yelled flailing his head, sending tears flying in all directions. “Bloodmoon?” Snake said his mind bursting for answers. “Go away or I’ll make you.” Bloodmoon growled his tears slowing, then suddenly they started up again. “I’ll kill the stupid Skywing who killed them. I promise you Camel. I will kill your murderer.” Snake and Eclipse gasped, and Bloodmoon took off into the sky. Now it felt stupid to propose. It would be a horrible time to ask Eclipse a question like that. Snake would have to put it off for a few days. “What did you want to ask me?” Eclipse inquired in a puzzled tone of voice. “Never mind now. I need to go back to Palmtree. Is that ok?” Eclipse nodded and Snake leaned forward, and kissed her on the cheek, then flew off back towards his apartment.
Snake landed near the doors of the hotel and stepped in. Snake walked in and right to his room where Palmtree was waiting. “What took you so long?” Palmtree asked angrily. “Bloodmoon came and said Camel his mate and Sunstar his son were murdered by a Skywing.” Palmtree gasped. “Why?” Palmtree asked, tears forming in her eyes. “I don’t know. He never- The war. The Sandwing Skywing war. A Skywing warier must have found Camel and Sunstar and thought they were part of the war. I need sleep, so can we stop talking?” Palmtree nodded fearfully, then lay down on her bed. Snake climbed up to him and closed his eyes but sleep never came. The undying thought that his brother who he loved (somewhat) was in so much pain, fought away any chance of sleep. Snake thought he might never fall asleep that night, but the thought that soon he would have his mate made falling asleep possible. For that night at least.
=== Part 2: Away From all Hope ===
==== Chapter 10: ====
Snake woke up, his eyes drooping from lack of sleep. Snake closed his eyes, trying as hard as possible to get more sleep, but fate said otherwise. Without much sleep, Snake got up and started walking. Should he present the question of marriage today, he needed to look more presentable. Snake flew to a lake nearby and flung himself in. Snake immediately felt awake as the cold liquid poured all over him, his eyes no longer drooping. Snake’s entire body protested with the cold, making his swim out of the icy pool and lay down on the warm grass. Snake felt a lot better now that he was awake, so he flew back to his apartment on which he stayed and looked for a mirror. Asides from looking very wet indeed, he looked like his normal handsome self, his golden scale shining in the light. Palmtree was asleep on her bed, her blanket falling off. Snake happily and silently pulled the blanket back on her. Snake then started to walk outside, then he shook his wings, shaking off all the water. On his way back to the apartment he found Eclipse walking near the cherry blossom tree. Now Snake. Come on. Snake started to walk towards her, but something else caught his eye. Golden scales the same colour as his. That dragon looked the exact same as him. Curiosity got the better of him, and he followed the dragon who looked like him.
Snake followed the dragon and hid behind a tree as the dragon looked his way. The dragon who looked like him walked directly into two guards and started to talk. “Hello. I’m Snake. Run.” Bother of them looked puzzled and the dragon smiled. A claw pieced the neck of 1 of the guards and the other ran away in fear. Snake watched further as 8 other dragons tried to contain them, but all failed as claws pierced their neck, hearts and eyes. All of them fell over dead, and the dragon smiled. l and flew away into a cloud, and changed colour until they became invisible. This was a Rainwing, a Rainwing who was trying to frame him for murder. The question was who, and why. Snake walked back to the place Eclipse was, thinking she would be there, but she wasn’t. Snake groaned then proceeded to walk home. Should I really stay at that apartment my whole life. No, I don’t think I should. There are not many houses I can buy though. I need money, but I don’t have much at all. I think I should get a job, but what about Palmtree. I’ll take her with me.
Snake flew back to the apartment, his little sister finally awake. Not your little sister, your half-sister. Snake thought bitterly, his thoughts twisted from what he had saw. “Palmtree, do you mind if you come to work with me? I need more money.” Palmtree stared at him, sadness spread across her face. She clearly hadn’t got over the death of her cousins. “Work? Can’t I stay with Eclipse?” Snake ran over the options in his head. “No. I don’t think she’s ready for someone your age. It’s only ok if I’m there, but I would be at work.”  Palmtree groaned as Snake replied. “Fine. I’ll come with you.” Palmtree finally agreed before trotting off behind him as he left the building.
Snake and Palmtree flew together to the shop area and Snake landed in front of a stall without many dragons or humans in it. “Hello Sir. What would you like today?” The dragon at the front of the stall asked. “A job. My name is Snake, and I am fast, strong and smart.” The dragon at the counter didn’t move or blink. They looked scared. Snake turned around to see a massive Nightwing walk past who had a necklace of skulls. “You wait here. I’ll get the manager.” The Icewing said, before taking off into the distance.
Snake waited a long time considering that all the shops and houses were near, but it didn’t matter to him. He was patient too. “What’s taking so long?” Palmtree asked, clearly annoyed. “I think that might be him. And he brought some friends.” Snake said, pointing at a group of flying dragons. Most of them were Sandwings with jewels and ruby necklaces, but they were in fashion these days.
The dragons landed in front of him, and each held a spear and a sword. “Snake, is it?” One of them asked. He was the biggest Sandwing Snake had ever saw. He had 1 ruby earing and a necklace made of gold. “Yes. Hi, I’m Snake.” He responded cheerfully. Best to make a good first impression if I want this job. “Good. Snake, you are under arrest for genocide and death of a royal.” Palmtree gasped then took off into the sky, but Snake’s gasp overpowered everyone. “You will be brought to the Sandwing palace to be executed, if there is any resistance, we will kill your mother and father, now, come with us.”
==== Chapter 11: ====
Snake walked with the guards, trying to think of every way he could escape. His mother was already dead, and he didn’t care about his father, so he had no trouble leaving. They stopped at an oasis as the travelled into the desert, and Snake knew it was time to run. “Mr guard? Is that a Nightwing?” As Snake had hoped for, they all looked in the other direction. “Sir, I don’t see any-” Snake punched the guard on the snout, and when the others turned around at the sound of the smack, Snake whipped his tail around and scratched almost all the guards in the face with his barb. The Icewing guard shot frostbreath at him, but he dodged and bonded the mouth of the guard with rope, then proceeded to punch the guard in the face repeatedly until their eyes closed. Snake pressed his ear to their chest and heart a heartbeat. Snake then walked to the only guard left and used his claw to unwillingly destroy their wings. They cried in agony as their wing membranes were ripped apart and crawled away from him. “I’m sorry. Hey, help the others with this, just please don’t come after me. I don’t want to hurt you.” Snake threw a small cactus cutting at the guard, then he took off into the distance.
The rainforest was where he wanted to go. If he covered his scales and pretended to have a different name, they shouldn’t think he was Snake, but something made him not want to go through with the plan. What he did was horrific. Tearing apart another helpless dragon’s wings was the worst thing you could do, and you couldn’t heal it. Animus magic went away decades ago and no herb or potion could heal the wings. Also, he wanted to see Eclipse again, and tell her what happened. Proposing now was not an option. He was now a hunted criminal, and weddings didn’t go unannounced; so, he picked up the cloak from the unconscious Icewing guard and pulled it over him. The cloak was cold and wet, but it didn’t matter. It hid his scales, and that’s all he needed. The only 2 things that made him want to go to the rainforest was to be in the Nightwing village and convince some Nightwings to be on his side, and to find the dragon that framed him.
Snake flew into the sky with the cloak dragging behind him, the cold and wet clouds making it even harder than it should be to fly, but he continued to fly, and before long, he was at the border. All he had to do now was fly through Jade mountain and he would finally be at the rainforest. Flying over the mountain holding the school he went to was impossible. The mountain was so tall and large, that you would freeze or suffocate at the top. Going around it seemed promising until he found another problem. The ocean was controlled by the Seawings, and they would surely notice a dragon covered in a cloak flying above them; so, going through the mountain was the only thing left to do.
==== Chapter 12: ====
Snake knew his way through the tunnels and corridors of the school because he was there longer than any student beforehand. He loved studying and getting smarter and faster, so he convinced his parents to allow him to stay much longer than he should have. No one liked him besides the teachers though. To everyone he was an old smart Sandwing (even though he was a hybrid), that was to smart and strong to be friends with, but that didn’t matter anymore. He just had to pretend to be a dragon passing through, and for this part, he didn’t need the cloak. He looked like an ordinary Sandwing with bright scales that looked like gold, so he knew what he needed to do. Snake put the cloak down in a sun-filled area and found himself a small puddle. Reluctantly, he grabbed as much water as his talons could carry, then dumped it in a hole made of dirt. The dirt turned into mud, and Snake jumped in.
Every ounce of his scales were covered in the dirt and grime until he looked unrecognisable. Snake then picked up the now dry cloak, and caried it in his clean talon. Snake then flew to the back entrance of the school where a stone-covered dragon corpse lay. Legends said that it belonged to an animus who turned the enchantment on itself and made it so every time he used his power, he turned more of his scales to stone. He died many, many years ago, and now, students feared to go down his cave.
Snake ran through the cave and into a large hall. “Sorry. Just passing by.” Snake said to the many students that looked at him. Snake then found himself at his exit, or the entrance to the school. “Snake, is that you?” Snake turned around to see his old Skywing teacher Bat looking right at him. Snake put on his best Mudwing accent and said, “Nope. Confusing me with someone else.” Snake said in a hurry, before flying right out the entrance, and right into the rainforest.
Snake rushed for the nearest pond, and threw himself in, washing away all the mud. Snake then hurried out of the pool and threw the cloak over him. “Halt!” A voice cried as Snake pulled the cloak further over him. Snake searched for the dragon that made the sound, but he was unsuccessful. A Rainwing then appeared out of nowhere and threw chains over him. Snake struggled to get them off, and when he managed too, he then used to tail barb to strike the Rainwing over the left eye. The Rainwing turned red, then disappeared. Snake closed his eyes and listened for any sound. There. Talon steps. Snake whirled around, and grabbed the horn of the Rainwing, and smashed it into the ground. There was of cry of pain, and they were still.
Snake opened his eyes in shock and looked at the Rainwing on the ground. Their scales were white, and no sound came from them. Snake lay down on the floor and looked at the Rainwing. There was a large stone underneath their neck, making the angle look all wrong. In panic, Snake pressed his ears to the Rainwing’s chest, but there was no pulse. Snake fell to his knees, his heartrate exceeding anything he had ever felt before. No… I… I killed a dragon. “My love. NO! GET HIM!” A Rainwing roared, silver tears falling from out of nowhere. Snake then felt something sharp hit the side of his neck, and everything turned black.
==== Chapter 13: ====
“Wake up Snake. You need to enjoy your last few days.” Snake opened his eyes, his surroundings blurry. “Wha…” Snake replied softly, his heart still pounding. “You will be sent to the Sandwing prison to be executed. Don’t bother trying to escape here. Darkstalker made it impossible when he made it. You killed my brother’s mate. You should be able to stay 1 week here, but we will ship you to be executed tomorrow. My name is Queen Rain. What do you want your second last meal to be?” Snake gasped for breath, the concept that he would die tomorrow stopping all chances of breathing properly. “What are the choices?” Snake asked. “Name anything you want, and I will get it. I’ll be here with you, until we send you off. I don’t usually send my prisoners to death, so even though you did something horrific, I’ll try to help you feel better.” Snake thought for a moment. Just a cow please. I don’t want anything fancy, or a lot. Please?” Snake added. “Like I said. Anything. Also, you don’t sound like a murderer. Why is that?” Queen Rain asked. “I’m not a murderer. I was framed by a Rainwing, and your sister-in-law, that was an accident. I was just trying to knock her out to defend myself, but a rock was under her neck.” Snake said in the most innocent voice he could muster. “I get what you are saying, but Rainwings don’t kill, plus, I can’t trust you. Take this.” Queen Rain said as she passed a book to him. “And this.” Rain added, passing a metal bookmark. Rain then sat down next to him as he read the book. It was quite interesting. It read about electricity and magnets, and he closed the book feeling as if he knew so much more than he did before opening it. Then, a plan to escape crossed him mind.
If you electrify metal, it becomes magnetic, and all metal on Pyrrahia was magnetic. Including keys. As Rain left the prison room, which was pretty dark, she opened the door with a key. If he rubbed the pages of the book together hard enough, the friction would create electricity and magnify the metal bookmark. That would get him the key, and he could escape. Snake sprang to work, putting the bookmark next to the book. He started to then rub the pages together and watched as the room burst into blue light. Snake felt his claws warm up, then something that resembled lightning hit the bookmark, and it started to glow. Snake hopped this had worked, and just in time too. Rain reappeared, and Snake closed the book. “Hi Rain. Sorry.” Snake pointed the now magnetic bookmark at Rain, and the key flew into his talons. “Wha?” Rain responded puzzled as the door behind them closed, locking them in the room. “You help me magnetify the bookmark. Also, I’m sorry.” Snake pinned the small Rainwing queen to the floor, the unlocked the door and walked out. Before leaving the prison, Snake threw the key back inside the room.
Snake took off into the distance, the light hurting his eyes that were adjusted to the dark room. He had to risk it. Risk flying back to the sand kingdom. Possibility was close, and Eclipse did tell him she liked going to the sand kingdom from time to time, but that’s not what he needed. He needed an army. Sort of. The Outclaws are what he needed. They were a group of Sandwings that didn’t follow the queen, but followed whoever was strong enough to lead them. The main reason he needed them was to find a way to talk to Queen Frond. He wouldn’t be able to talk to her normally, because he was a wanted criminal, but with his army, he could get to her and convince her he was framed. With his plan in mind, Snake started flying towards Jade mountain. He couldn’t afford to go through it again, because he might raise suspicion, so he only had 1 choice. To fly over it.
Preparing for what would soon be the hardest thing he would ever do, Snake looked for some coals, and used his fire to heat them up. Snake got some more of the heated rocks, then started his journey to certain death.
==== Chapter 14: ====
With the heated coals in hand, Snake started his journey. The mountain looked like it went up forever, but that was mathematically impossible. The first part was easy. His strong wings and everlasting energy kept him flying at a rapid pace, but the higher he went, the colder he got. Snake clutched the warm coals harder in his hands and felt somewhat warmer, but not as hot as he would have liked to be.
Snake kept flying as fast as he could, even though his wings and back protested. His mind and soul were set on climbing higher, and the warm thought that he might see Eclipse again kept him flying. Snake was flying higher and higher, and now he could see snow. Snake held the hot rocks ever closer, but his talons, now as cold as ice, slipped, and the rocks fell. Snake found another rock, and he tried to make it warm with his fire, but the cold had made it impossible to heat up.
Snake flew as hard as he could, but his strength was leaving him. Snake found himself falling, and when he tried to fly higher, his wings didn’t move. Snake crashed into the mountain, and he felt a sharp pain strike one of his talons. Snake saw that all of them were frozen solid, and the talon the hurt looked short and red. A part of his talon had frozen and broke off. Snake closed his eyes. Preparing for death to come and strike him down, but he found strength. Strength in the memory that he could see Eclipse again. Through pain, Snake lifted himself off the rocky mountainside and continued flying.
Snake almost cried of happiness when he saw the top. Snake barrelled into a dive and flew right down to a lake he saw at the bottom. Snake made sure he was able to pull up at the last second, but he missed the lake, and landed on the warm sand. Snake felt warmth spreading through him, and he felt the ice on his wings face and claws melting away. Snake got up and shot fire into the air, making himself warmer. Never before had Snake felt this happy to be warm, but he couldn’t savour his enjoyment.  He had to go to the Outclaws. Snake got up, his broken talon bleeding, and forced himself to walk to the Outclaw camp. From his memory of the maps, he had seen on his journeys, the camp wasn’t far. Also, from the scrolls he read about the Outclaw leaders, the present one wasn’t the quickest or strongest, so Snake had a chance to become the new leader.
As Snake walked on the warm sand, he caught a glimpse of a sandstone wall. It looked old and rugged, but there was a wooden door that looked new and clean inside. Snake pushed it open and looked directly into the camp. There were many stalls with dragons sitting around them looking at the goods intensely, but also large buildings scattered around the place with pieces of gold and gems littered on the crumbling sandstone buildings. There were stone fountains with glistening blue water shining like diamonds in the yellow area.
Snake turned his attention to a dragon coming towards him. They had yellow bloodstained scales with black eyes and a necklace of what looked like dragon teeth. They had a knife in a bag, with shining green potions and silver discs in a belt around their wings. This was an assassin. “Hello. Can you show me where to find the Outclaw leader?” Snake said in the strongest tone he had. He had to show he was strong and powerful. “That, would be me.”
==== Chapter 15: ====
“Ok then. Snake replied. I would like to challenge you for role of the Outclaw leader.” Snake replied, showing his massive wings and radiating an essence of power. “Ok then Mr…?” The leader replied. “I’m Snake.” Snake said. It didn’t matter if he didn’t hide his identity here. Almost all of the Outclaws were criminals. “That mass murderer, eh? Well. I’ll get my people and prepare a speech before you fight me. That way if you kill me, they can decide if you are the right leader.” Snake already had a plan for a speech, so he followed the leader until he found himself on a raised wooden platform with bloodstains covering the whole thing.
Snake waited until there was a large enough crowd, then gestured for the leader to say his speech. “My friends, my Outclaws. Today marks a special day. The day I might die. But I won’t. I am the strongest Outclaw here, and deserve to be leader, so, if I kill this little Sandwing, vote me as leader.” The crowd applauded and a few cheered, and then it was time for Snake’s speech. “Welcome everyone. My name is Snake, and you need to know these things about me before you go off voting that guy as your leader.” Snake pointed at the leader who looked angry. “I am a fast strong dragon who had powerful fire and strong wings. I am also the first dragon to ever survive flying over Jade mountain. I am capable of killing even the strongest of dragons, but I have mercy. Now, let us fight, and truly see who the stronger dragon is.” Snake walked to his side of the platform, the cheers and claps temporarily making him deaf. The leader walked to the other side, and it began.
The leader charged at him, dagger in hand, but Snake dodged easily and grabbed the dagger right out of his talons. Snake then threw it with perfect aim, and it struck the leader’s leg. They cried in agony, and then threw a silver disc at him. Before it hit his neck, Snake grabbed them out of mid-air, and threw them back at the leader. It cut one of their talons clean off, and they fell to the ground in a pool of their own blood. Snake took their bag from him and took out the sword. Snake placed it on their neck, and they closed their eyes. “Just kill me already. I’m a disgrace. End me. Make me suffer.” Snake dropped the sword. “I said I have mercy. I’ll let you live, but I need a doctor. Is anyone here a doctor?!” Snake yelled. A few dragons stepped forward. “Heal him. Everyone else, follow me!” Snake screamed out, and the other dragons followed him with a jump.
Everyone walked with him until he stopped at a small wooden table with stones and rocks covering it. Snake wiped the rocks off but kept a few on. “Before I explain what this is I need to tell you all something. I was framed as a murderer by a Rainwing, and I need an audience with the queen to make me innocent. Someone needs to find that Rainwing and bring them to me. They are a dragon, not dragoness, and they sound like this.” Snake then spoke like the Rainwing did, even though it was difficult to. “I will get them for you.” One of the dragons said, raising their barb tail ominously. “Good. This table and these stones are to show the castle and us. Plus, the Sandwing army. We need to storm the castle and get an audience with the queen. Then I will be able to convince her I’m innocent. And if you have been framed too, I can help.” Everyone cheered, and Snake started explaining.
“We start here.” Snake pointed at a stone placed on the table. “Then we charge into battle. Our army is much more powerful than the Sandwing one, so, after we win the battle, all of us go to the throne room and seek an audience with the queen. After we convince her, we will help all of you get better lives.” The crowd of dragons with 1 ruby earing each, cheered, and followed him onto the battle position.
==== Chapter 16: ====
Everyone including Snake waited at the position, sharpening their weapons and preparing for battle. A few guards started looked at them, and when one went inside and came out with an army, Snake knew it was time to fight. “NOW!” Snake bellowed, and there was a rush of talon steps and war cries, and the battle commenced. The were shouts and screams filling the air, hurting his ears, but Snake fought on. “NO!” Someone cried, as a body hit the floor. Snake saw a Sandwing looking at another body, tears in their eyes. “At least now I get to go down fighting.” The Sandwing then plunged their barb tail into the hearts of many more Sandwings, but another guard threw a spear at them. They had just enough time to see it, but not enough to dodge it.
The battle raged on as more and more dragons died, but the Sandwing royal army was winning. More and more Outclaws were fleeing from the battle, hoping to survive, but now the Outclaws had no chance of victory. As the last Outclaw fled, it was only Snake there. There were chains thrown over him, and when he got them off, 2 more fell on him. Snake couldn’t get up anymore. There were too many heavy chains on him. “Knock him out. A guard said. And another responded with, “My pleasure.” Something heavy hit Snake’s head, and everything turned black.
Snake awoke with in a cold dark prison cell with heavy chains locking his wings talons and claws in place. Everything was spinning, and Snake felt as though he might vomit. “Hello. Welcome to your last living day. Who do you want to see before you are executed?” Snake gasped. “J-just 1 dragon. Her name is Eclipse. She’s a Nightwing.” The guard scoffed. “More intertribal relationships. Oh please. Well won’t let you see a Nightwing in here. They might set you free.” Snake groaned. “Then my brother. His name is Bloodmoon. He has dark yellow scales.” Snake responded. Bloodmoon was the only person he wanted to see besides Eclipse. Bloodmoon might know who framed him, and also might, just might help him escape. “Ok.” They said, before leaving the cell.
***
Snake stood in silence waiting for the sound of talons steps to signal his brothers arrival or his death. It was terrifying to think that his life would end today, and there was nothing he could do about it. There. Snake thought as he finally heard the sound of talon steps. A door swung open and out came his brother. Bloodmoon gasped. “Wha? Snake?” Bloodmoon said. “Hi Bloodmoon. Looks like I was framed for murder. Do you know anything about this?” Snake asked curiously. “Uh… uhm… when… when Camel died… I was angry… and… and….” Bloodmoon stuttered. He then took a deep breath and answered. “I was so angry and sad when Camel and Sunstar died, so I killed the Skywing who killed them, and I didn’t feal any better, so I asked my Rainwing friend Capybara to get rid of you. I didn’t know he would kill so many guards.” At that moment a guard came in. The guard unstrapped Snake’s chains but lead him to another room. This room had a large wooden tower with a metal blade on it, and a hole the size of his head. He was going to die now.
==== Chapter 17: ====
Snake was forced under the blade and his head was locked in place. The rest of his body was strapped down, and his wings were tied. The guard pulled on a rope and the blade was raised, making a horrid screeching sound. “Could you slow down. That screeching sound sucks.” Snake joked. The guard looked at him darkly but slowed the ascend of the blade. As the blade hit the top of the tower, and as the guard began to let go, Snake closed his eyes preparing for the quick strike of death. “STOP!” A dragoness bellowed. The guard clumsily grabbed the rope as the blade started falling. “Get him out of that and put this guy in.” Snake opened his eyes to see the same guard unstrap his wings, talons and claws. Snake wiggled free, and watched as the Rainwing was shoved in the hole. They struggled and wiggled to get out, but to no avail. “Why?” Snake asked, his heart pounding in his chest. “This Sandwing by the name of Elephant brought me this Rainwing and made them confess. Their story matches up, so we are swapping you and him” Snake stared at the dragoness. They had jewels embedded in their scales with a golden crown. This was queen Frond. “GET ME OUT OF HERE!” The Rainwing yelled, shooting black venom all over the ground. Queen Frond gave a signal to the guard, and they started pulling on the rope. The blade started to lift, but Snake was ushered out of the room. “Sorry for the confusion. We didn’t have enough-” “LET ME GO! I’LL KILL YOU WHEN I GET OUT! I’LL KILL Y-” Capybara was abruptly cut off, as the sound of metal to scales filled the enclosed air. Snake wanted to see what happened to Capybara, but Queen Frond forced him forward.
“I heard you wanted to see someone?” Frond asked, before stepping aside to reveal Eclipse. “We have told her what happened, and how you were framed so-” Snake ran forward and kissed Eclipse so passionately, that she was raised off the ground. Frond smiled, but Snake stared into Eclipse’s eyes. “You have no idea how much I missed you. I climbed over Jade mountain for you. Just to see you again.” Snake hugged her. “Now that you are free, I must spread the word. You have to stay in the castle today. Is that all right with you?” Snake nodded, before stepping out of the cave. Sunlight shot into his eyes, temporarily blinding him. Eclipse stepped outside beside him then Snake turned to her. “Promise to visit.” Snake said softly. Eclipse smiled warmly, filling him with hope. “I will. But first I need to check on my other boyfriend.” Snake took a moment to process the words, before something burst out. “WHAT?!?!” Eclipse burst into laughter. “I’m just messing with you. I’ll make sure to come.” Eclipse replied. “Have you seen Palmtree lately?” Snake asked, finally remembering his little sister. “No.” Queen Frond then cleared her through as if she wanted to speak. “Snake, we are sorry to inform you, but, when you escaped our forces, which is good you did it, or you would have died, but your father has been killed.” Snake had no reaction to this at all. It had been years since he last saw his father, and he didn’t care about him. He didn’t care about him from the moment he abandoned his mother. “Ok. Is there any chance you can look for my half-si… normal sister? Her name is Palmtree, she is 5 and has normal Sandwing scales.” Frond nodded, and Snake leaned closer to Eclipse. “I don’t want to leave you ever again Eclipse. Those were the worst weeks of my life.” Eclipse leaned closer and whispered in his ear. “Then why are you leaving for the night?” Snake burst into laughter and watched as a small tear fell down his face. “I think I should go now.” Snake said sadly. “Ok. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Snake walked to the castle which was sitting on a sand dune not far from where he was. The gates opened for him, and he followed Queen Frond, who was showing him to his room. Snake passed grand halls with diamond covered windows and gold chandeliers. Soon Snake found himself in a small room with a calendar with a picture of the brightest night with numbers marking how long until it. 1 day. Snake read. Huh. I guess it would be romantic to propose on the brightest night. How many dragons can do that? Snake climbed into the bed. It was the comfiest Snake had ever felt. It felt like a warm cloud. Snake sighed in happiness. “Thank you.” Snake said to Queen Frond who was watching him. “You’re welcome. Sorry for almost killing you.” Frond said awkwardly. “Ahh. It’s ok. Everyone gets confused sometimes.” Snake said sleepily, realising how tired he was. Frond smiled, then left the room. Snake closed his eyes and fell asleep immediately.
==== Chapter 18: ====
Snake awoke to from a deep slumber to the beautiful rays of light, shining from the sun outside. Birds were chirping, and Snake heard a small choir of dragons singing. “That’s good everyone, but let’s make it quieter. We have a guest here today.” A dragoness said in a strong commanding tone. They sounded like Queen Frond, but Snake heard the difference. Snake got up and walked slowly to the door. Snake pushed it open, yawned, then continued to walk, until he was outside of the castle. Snake saw a black dot in the distance and smiled. Eclipse was coming. Snake decided to meet her on the go, then for her to see him in the castle, so Snake lifted into the warm clear skies.
As Snake flew, he could hear his own thoughts running through his head. How he was going to propose, how he was going to find Palmtree, and what happened to Capybara. Snake flew slowing, think about these questions, and some of them were answered. Under all three moons, Snake would propose, and he also had the Queen Searching for his siter, so now, he had time to do his own things.
Snake landed quietly behind Eclipse, then spoke. “Hello Eclipse.” She turned around in shock but smiled when she saw his face. “Ahh, Snake. How was staying in a palace?” Eclipse asked happily, trying to make him talk. She was the best. She knew he loved to talk, so Eclipse always started conversations. “It was… great! The accommodation was great, as in, the bed was soft and warm. That’s it.” Eclipse started to laugh, then followed him back to the cherry blossom tree. They flew together, their tails entwined, finally understand who the right dragon for them was. They landed together under the trees, and they sighed. It was warm, but the grass near the pink tree made the whole area burst into colour. “What would you like to do?” Snake asked, his mind already thinking of all the combinations. “I’ve never played truth or dare before. I heard It’s fun.” Snake smiled. He played truth or dare with his sister a few years back when his father was still around. It was one of his favourite memories.  “Do you want to go first?” Snake asked politely. “No. I want to know how to play it. Also, dare.” Eclipse replied, her glasses shimmering. “I didn’t ask yet.” Snake started to laugh, and so did Eclipse. “My dare for you is, to tell me, why do you have glasses?” Eclipse though for a moment, before smiling and responding. “I don’t really need them. I wear them for show to make myself look better. I don’t really know if your face looks that good, or if my glasses are just warping it. Wearing them is a bad habit I need to forget. Here. This is what I actually look like.” Eclipse took off her glasses and passed it to him. They both gasped at the same time. “Wow. You look amazing.” Snake said, and Eclipse blushed. “You, too. You look even more handsome than before.” They burst into fits of laughter. Eclipse sighed happily, then spoke. “Snake, truth or dare.” Eclipse replied in a happy tone of voice. “How about truth.” Eclipse smiled. “Were you going to propose to me, and if so, how soon?” Snake almost gasped but managed kept it inside of him. “Hmmm. Yes, and in… if x = 9x7 divide that by 3, then times by 79, times by 8, then times x by 6.5. All of that in seconds.” Eclipse laughed. “Ok, you got me. I also choose truth.” Snake laughed once more. “Stop choosing before I ask.” Eclipse giggled.
The game continued for hours, and it was beyond fun. Snake learned some pretty cool things about Eclipse, 1 of them being she was a distant relative from an Sandwing named Qibli, a dragon who was able to stop Darkstalker when he came back. The started to set, and the moons rose. “Eclipse, come with me.” Eclipse followed him as he took off into the air, right back to the castle.
The castle doors opened, and Snake and Eclipse walked through. Snake walked right to the middle of the castle, a place where the moons shone through, and he lit some candle. Snake then sat down with Eclipse as they watched the moons as they raised up from beyond the horizon. Snake and Eclipse’s tails entwined, and they smiled at each other before turning their attention back to the moons. Snake then looked directly into Eclipse’s eyes, as the third moon rose, and the sky was bright. “Eclipse,” Snake choked on his words, but Eclipse’s smile soothed him. Snake took a deep breath, then continued. “Eclipse, will you marry me?”
=== Part 3: Nothing good lasts forever ===
==== Chapter 19: ====
Snake smiled at his mate. Eclipse was smiling back, as they lay down next to each other. It had been 1 year since he proposed, and they still hadn’t found Palmtree. “Snake, you got a note this morning, but I forgot to tell you. It’s best if you read it.” A tear fell from Eclipse’s eyes as she passed a small note to him. Snake took up, and walked off the bed, before he started pacing around the room as he opened the note. Dear Snake, it read. We are sorry to inform you, but we found your sister. She was found near the Rainwing village with a Nightwing next to her. We are extremely sorry to inform you this, but she was found dead. Snake’s heart pounded in his chest, his face becoming wet from sweat. The Nightwing explained that she was, Snake ripped the note in half and burned it, then he started to cry. My sister. My sister, no. “I need a second.” Snake cried, as he left their room, and went outside.
Snake’s knees buckled, and he fell. Tears were uncontrollably falling down his snout whilst he thought of his sister. The kind gullible small Sandwing. The Sandwing that left because he was framed. Left, and died. This was all Capybara’s fault. Without him, his sister would have survived. Snake wiped the tears from his eyes, then stood up. It was difficult, but he was able to. Snake wanted to mourn his sister, and he would, but not right now. He had a family. A wife. He couldn’t spend all his life mourning over something he couldn’t change. He didn’t do that with his mother (although it was a promising option), and he wouldn’t do it for his sister. He pushed aside the feelings and started walking back to his and Eclipse’s room.
Snake crumpled onto the bed and closed his eyes.  I will mourn later. I promise you Palmtree. I will mourn, just, not now. I have a family now. Snake felt something warm press against his side. “Are you ok?” Eclipse asked. “Yeah. I just need some sleep.” Eclipse smiled, then the fell asleep side by side.
The morning came, and the sun was out. Snake walked outside and studied the house he lived in. He did this every so often to check if the house was falling apart or damaged and such. He bought the house less than a year ago, after he and Eclipse got married. Eclipse was fine with the desert, but they decided to live in between the desert and the rainforest. That way Snake could visit the Sandwings, and Eclipse could visit the Nightwings with ease. The house was bough by pity money from Queen Frond, as she found out Snake had almost no money, and wanted a house, she gave them a ton of treasure as a sort of, this is what I give you for almost killing you thing. The stone walls looked fine, and the wooden roof looked the same as when they first bought it. The dragon who sold the house was a Sandwing, and when Snake offered to buy it, they sold it for less. Snake had become a sort of Sandwing legend, and there were already some books and scrolls about his life. They had become popular, and Snake was offered the money from them, but he refused. He didn’t want to profit off his life-story. Random dragons did sometimes still give him money from time to time, and even when Snake refused to take it, they trust it into his talons, and flew away.
Snake went to the chicken house outside and took some of their eggs. He was making his famous new recipe, the cactus berry omelette. Snake went back inside and lit the cooking pan with his fire, then proceeded to break the eggs in the pan, then crush some of his cactus berries. Snake hummed to himself, but before long, he started singing quietly. “Oh, my upside-down life, the one with all the turns. My life with all the bumps and bobs, and still I seemed to learn. Every time I fell back down, every time I fought back, still I learned to face my fate, and everything went black.” This was a tune he picked up while he was traveling with Eclipse, and it was about an incredibly smart Rainwing animus who died after he accepted his fate. His name was something like Firedragon, No, firebug, wait, closer. Ah! Firefly! “Ahh. Is that cactus berry omelette I smell?” Eclipse asked. “Yes. With mangos on the side. Just how you like it.” Eclipse smiled warmly, then sat down. “I got you a present.” She said, passing him a small black box. Snake opened it to see a folded moonstone earing. “Aww. Thank you. Here’s my present to you.” Snake passed Eclipse the omelette and took the necklace. Eclipse took a bite and then sighed satisfactorily. “Always good.” Snake smiled, then went back to his bedroom to see what the necklace looked like on him. It looked amazing, so Snake went outside into the sun, and he saw his mother.
==== Chapter 20: ====
“What.” Snake said puzzled. His mother was dead, so why was she here. “Hello?” She spoke. Snake stared at her, puzzled. “Mother?” Heartstealer finally looked at him. “Snake? Three moons. It’s so good to see you again.” She said shyly. “Why are you here. You’re dead.” Snake pressed forward and touched his mother, but his talon went right through. Snake stumbled back, but then he heard a heart shattering cough. Blood shot out of his mother’s mouth. She coughed more and more, and all her scales were losing colour. “Mother? Mother!” Heartstealer fell to the floor, her scales as white as snow, and she turned to dust. Snake started to cry. His tears wetting the sand beneath him. Another dragon came rushing in from behind, and a soft soothing voice started speaking. “Snake, are you alright?” Snake turned around to see Eclipse standing behind him, her wing outstretched, and touching his. “Nothing, just a hallucination… about my… mother.” Eclipse sat puzzled. “What happened to her? Wait. If you don’t want to talk about, I wont force you too.” Snake smiled. “Why would I keep secrets from you?” Time to break my oath. Only to my mate. No on else. Snake sighed, then started to talk. “My mother was a Nightwing. I am a hybrid you know; I just look like a Sandwing. The Nightwing part of me turned the Sandwing tan scales golden, like another hybrid from a long time ago. She was 1 of the dragonets of destiny. Her name was Sunny. My father abandoned my mother for another mate, and my mother was the last to get the blood disease. She… got stage 6 disease, and… died. I haven’t had a dream about her for years, so this… this is new. Thanks for being here with me.” Eclipse didn’t smile. She didn’t even move. “I-I never knew. I really think you should get some sleep.” Snake looked at her puzzled. “It’s the middle of the day.” Snake replied. “Rainwings sleep in the day, and they never get any hallucinations. Maybe you should take a leaf out of their books. Is that ok?” Snake considered it, then nodded. “You’re right.” Snake got up and walked back inside. He turned a corner and walked right to his bedroom and lay down. As soft as always.
The bed had a funny story. After seeing first talon how comfortable the beds in the palace were, Snake dedicated a month of his life to studying why it was so soft, so that he could make his own soft beds. Turns out it was made by Firefly silk with a layer of moth silk on top. That was why it was so warm and soft.
Snake closed his eyes and tried to get to sleep. It took some time, but in the end, he did it. Snake awoke to a groan of pain. Snake shot up and found Eclipse on the floor. “Uhm Snake. Nothing here. I just fell off. Nothing to be worried about.” Snake stared at Eclipse, the looked outside his window. It was morning. “How long have I been asleep?” Snake asked curiously. “The whole day. I’m going to get some breakfast. You?” Snake nodded, then got up and walked with Eclipse to the kitchen. Snake fidgeted with his ring, then open the shelf and grabbed some walnuts. Snake cracked them open and poured them into a bowl. “This is for you.” Snake thrust the bowl into Eclipse’s claws, and she sat down as Snake did. “We share.” Snake smiled then proceeded to take a nut and threw it in his mouth. Soon it turned into a game. Who could throw a nut the highest and catch it in their mouth. Snake was won, then laughed as Eclipse caught a nut up her snout. Eclipse smiled, then ate the nut. Eclipse started talking as Snake picked up a few more nuts and started nibling on them. “Snake. I have something I’ve been meaning to tell you for a little while now.” Snake nodded, and swallowed 1 walnut, then put another in his mouth. “I’m with egg.” Snake started to choke and trust his talons to his neck and started squeezing. The nut came out and Snake looked at Eclipse, blinking rapidly. “This is not a joke?” Snake asked. His mind basically screaming. I don’t know how to take care a newborn dragonet. Palmtree was 5 when I was taking care of her. “I’m sure. Also, the egg is coming really soon. Maybe in 2 too 6 days.” Snake’s mind started going fuzzy, and he fainted.
==== Chapter 21: ====
Snake woke up in his bedroom. Eclipse was beside him, and she was looking very pale. Snake pushed himself up from his bed and looked around. Same house, same room. It wasn’t a dream. Alarmed, Snake went to his miny library, and found a small book. ‘How to take care of a dragonet’ by Leopard. Huh. Maybe this will help. Snake opened the book and scanned the pages. It helped him a little, but not as much as he would have liked. It explained what to do if they were sick or unhappy, but the best advice the book gave him, was ‘trust yourself.’ Snake went back to his bedroom after another hour of reading to check on Eclipse. She was groaning and shaking. She was pale, and her wings looked wet with cold sweat. Oh moons. I thought she said 2 days. It’s been less than 1. Or more. I have no idea how long I was unconscious for. Snake started pacing around then the idea came to him. Of course! Just bring her to a doctor. Snake grabbed Eclipse’s shoulders and she woke up. “Eclipse, hold on to me. Try helping me fly too. I’m getting you to a doctor.” Eclipse nodded silently, and she started flapping her wings.
Snake and Eclipse flew steadily through the night, until they landed outside the dragon hospital. Snake helped Eclipse through the glass front doors, and they sat down on the chairs in the lobby, whist another dragon started walking towards them. They were wearing a gold and white striped hat with a blue logo of a dragon flying, and they had blue scales. “Hello, how may we help?” The Seawing asked. “My mate. She’s having an egg, but she looks all wrong. She looks too pale and-” Snake was cut off by the Seawing. “This is perfectly normal. Just go down to a local hatchery and wait there until the egg is laid. Then label it with this.” The Seawing passed a small sticky note to him. “I can show you the way. It’s not far.” Snake nodded, then he and Eclipse started following the Seawing.
All of them landed outside a large building in the desert, with holes in the roof filled with glass. Snake ushered Eclipse inside, and the Seawing flew away. Snake walked inside with Eclipse, and she lay down on a pile of hay. Eclipse closed her eyes and curled up in a ball. Snake lay down neck to her and closed his eye. If anything went wrong, his great Sandwing hearing would pick up on it. Snake waited and waited to fall asleep, but it didn’t come. There were sudden groans from Eclipse every so often making it harder to sleep, but eventually as Snake closed his eyes and opened them again, it was morning. He was pretty sure when he closed his eyes he went to sleep, and didn’t dream, but when he opened his eyes, it was morning.
Snake got up and turned around to face Eclipse. She looked considerably calmer and happier, and nestled underneath her, was a small dark yellow egg. Snake almost squealed with joy. Wow. I’m gonna be a father! I wonder how long it will take to hatch. Eclipse woke up and looked at him happily. “Snake. You are a father now.”
==== Chapter 22: ====
Snake put the label on the egg carefully, then proceeded to follow Eclipse back to their home. As they were flying, Eclipse started to talk. “What do you think we should name it?” Eclipse asked whilst the warm air blew against his scales. “I don’t know. What does Dune sound like to you?” Eclipse shook her head. “That sounds like a warier. That dies. Better not tempt fate. What about Night?” Snake waited a moment before answering. He knew a dragon named Night. Well, a dragon named Nightsky. “That sounds great.” Eclipse smiled, then they landed.
Snake and Eclipse walked inside and got to work re-decorating their guest room. A dragonet needed a room. Snake toiled in the small room for hours, breaking up 1 of the old beds, and replacing it with 1 fit for a baby dragonet. Snake grabbed a log from outside and started chipping it with his talons. After a few hours, there was a large, curved hole in the log which was now split in half. Snake grabbed some pre-made sticks and slot them together on the bottom of the log to form a bed. Snake put down the Firefly silk on the wood, then put another layer of silk on top. Snake then wiped a drop of sweat off himself and lay down in his bed after walking to it. Eclipse was there already fast asleep. They had been working for so long that it was already nighttime. Snake closed his eyes, imagining what his dragonet would look like. Would it look like him? Golden scales due to be being a quarter Nightwing and 3 quarters Sandwing. Would it look like his brother? Dark yellow scales, or would it look like a normal Sandwing? These questions pondered him as he drifted into sleep.
As Snake awoke, he thought his dragonet would be there next to him, but they weren’t. They were still in their egg, waiting for the day in the coming months to hatch. Snake wanted more than anything to meet his child, but then a thought hit him as hard as a boulder. His sister. How could he forget. Snake got the ripped halves from the letter and slotted them back together and read the last part. How she died was what Snake had to know. Snake stumbled back, his eyes widening in terror, his heartbeat beating too fast. Snake tripped over his tail and fell to the floor and scrambled away from the letter. No. Mother was the last to get it. No. It’s impossible. I should have been there to save her from getting it. No. “Snake? You, ok?” Eclipse said. Snake got up and looked in directly into her eyes. “Sort of. I need to get a memory out of my head. And I need to burn this letter.” Snake picked up the letter and flinched as he automatically read the last part again. Snake breathed a jet of flame at the letter and watched as it crumbled into ash. “What about a trip to the hatchery?” Snake smiled as Eclipse said this, then proceeded to lift his strong heavy wings, and take off into the sky with Eclipse besides him.
They landed outside the large building, and when they entered, there was a flurry movement. “Snake! Snake! Is it true you have an egg?” A dragon yelled at him, with a notepad in talon. “Snake! Can you come with me? I really need you to give me some information about yourself. “Snake! Would you like this medallion?” Another asked, holding up a crystal medal. “Snake is it true that your-” Snake cut them all of with a yell. “EVERYONE STOP!” All the dragons in the room stopped moving at once. “If you are here to bombard me with questions jewels and things, then leave. I want to see my egg, and I DON’T was any dragon to come to me anymore. I don’t want money, I don’t want fame, I don’t want treasure! So, if you don’t have an egg here, or you work here, then leave!” As the massive crowd departed with some groans Eclipse flinched. “Sorry Eclipse. I don’t like yelling at dragons, but when they do this….” Eclipse grabbed his talons tightly. “I understand.” Snake smiled and they walked together to where they left their egg. It was still there. Thank the moons. Snake and sat down next to their egg and waited. ‘crack’. Snake sat bold upright, and so did Eclipse. The egg had a crack down the middle. HOW?! It should take MONTHS? Hold up, wait a minute. Ohhhhhh. I remember now. Hybrid eggs form a lot quicker than normal eggs. “Snake? Why is it hatching? It’s too early for that!” Eclipse yelled. Snake smiled once more. “Hybrid eggs form quickly. This is perfectly normal.” There was another crack, and the egg split open. Out stumbled a black dragonet, and Snake held back tears. Tears of happiness and sorrow. They looked exactly like him mother, but they were a dragoness, Snake could tell. Eclipse picked her up. “Hello Night. Welcome to Pyrrha.”
==== Chapter 23: ====
===== *1.8 years later* =====
Snake was playing with Night who had a small stick out. “hiy ya!” She yelled happily, whacking Snake’s stick away. The memory of playing this with his sister hurt him, but he played on. Night poked him with her stick, and Snake fell to the ground laughing. Night ran around happily, but tripped over his stick, and she was about to fall on a sharp stone. Snake rushed forward and pulled her back, but the rock cut right above her eye. “Come on. Let’s go to mommy.” Night was crying as Snake helped her hop onto his back. Snake then walked to Eclipse, and carefully put Night down. “We need a bandage.” Eclipse said in a worried tone. “The Icewings have good ones. I’ll trade with Walrus.” Eclipse nodded, and Snake took off into the sky.
Snake flew to the outskirts of the Ice kingdom, where he saw a Sandwing sneaking up on 2 asleep dragons and an egg. 1 was a Nightwing, the other was a Icewing. Snake ignored it, then continued to fly. Walrus was waiting for him with the same go away. I hate you look as he always did. “What do you want this time.” Walrus growled. “Bandage. The good ones. I have this diamond for it.” Snake held out the gem, and Walrus took it. Walrus left, then came back with a blue bandage. “Is it just me, or do all Icewings look so grumpy?” Walrus threw the bandage at him, and growled something like Iceblade has to murder him for me now. It was always a joke though. Iceblade never came. But one day, he did.
As Snake was in Possibility to buy food for his family, when something hit his neck, making him drop the pile of food he had built up. An Icewing who had a cloak covering his face started picking up his food and putting it back on his pile. “Thank you. Would you like a coin?” They smiled, and took the coin, before they started flying away from the town, back to the Ice kingdom. “Wait!” Snake flew forward, and when the Icewing landed in between some trees Snake landed next to him. “What’s your name?” Snake asked the dragon. They lifted a small wooden tube, then lifted their cloak. “My name… is Iceblade.” Snake backed away, but a dark hit his wing, and everything faded to black.
==== Chapter 24: ====
Snake awoke to a bucked of freezing water being thrown on him. Snake opened his eyes to see a dark blurry chair with straps covering every inch of it. Iceblade was there in front of him, fiddling with a knife. Then, something sharp and cold touched his neck. Snake saw the Knife pressed against his scales. “To the chair or die.” Iceblade responded cooly. Snake walked sadly to the chair, knowing his life was about to end. “Hmm. What should I do with you?” Iceblade asked, strapping Snake in place. “Oh! I know. Have a new toy I can hang on my wall.” Snake screamed in agony as a dagger pierced his arm. “Tell me where Eclipse is.” Iceblade growled evilly. “Why?!” Snake yelled back, fighting back tears of pain. “Simple. Her family killed my great grandfather, so, I want to kill her.” Snake tried to jump back, but the bindings around him stopped him from moving. “Never! I will never give up my family.” Snake then stopped talking immediately. “Well, this ought to loosen your tongue. Snake cried in pain as another dagger cut into his back. Snake whipped his tail around and almost scratched Iceblade on his snout. “You’ll regret that.” Something then hit his head so hard, and he was knocked out cold.
Snake woke up to the best sight possible. He was unstrapped, and there was an exit. “Come now or die.” Iceblade commanded. Snake ignored him, and slapped Iceblade with his wing. That gave him just enough time to fly out through the small gap and close it behind him. He had 1 place he wanted to go. His home.
Snake rushed back to is family, his wings flapping as hard as they could with 2 daggers stuck to him. Snake landed a few minutes later near his house, and he collapsed. He had just flown all the way across the continent in less than a day. “Snake? Do you have the-” Eclipse gasped as she saw him. There was blood all over him, and 2 daggers stuck in places everyone could see them. “Eclipse… get Night… run! … Find another place… someone… is coming to get you… go!” Snake fainted on the spot, and he woke up to a horrid sight. Iceblade was standing over him with a knife to his neck. “I could kill you right now, but I have other plans.”
==== Chapter 25: ====
Snake found himself back in the chair with Iceblade holding a long rope with a metal dagger on the end. “Time for pain.” Iceblade whipped the rope and it truck his chest. Blood jumped out of the cut it created, and Snake screamed. “Tell me where Eclipse is!” Iceblade yelled, hurting Snake’s ears. “No.” Iceblade forced his mouth open, grabbed his tongue, and sliced it off. Snake screamed as red-hot blood boiled up from where his tongue should be. “TELL ME NOW!” Iceblade screamed. Snake shook his head, knowing that he would die now. Iceblade growled, then got his knife, and sliced off Snake’s tail barb. Snake didn’t scream as Iceblade grabbed the uncontented barb and plunged it into Snake’s chest. Snake felt the life being squeezed out of him as he had his last thoughts. I hope Eclipse and Night are ok. I wish I had more time with them. I hope they can survive when I’m gone. Snake laughed softly to himself. I knew this would happen someday. Night would grow up without me. Eclipse, I love you and I’m sorry. Sorry I couldn’t spend more time with you. My time is up, but yours isn’t. Stay safe my love. And Night, I wish you a happy life. Goodbye. With his final though, everything turned black for the last time, and Snake was no more.
Thank you for reading. I spent a lot of time creating this story. Please comment and give feedback if you can, and once again, thank you for reading. Also, THIS IS NOT A COLLABORATION! Pringles and PowertheNightwing are the same person.
Category:Fanfictions
Category:Fanfictions (Fanon)
Category:Fanfictions (Completed)
Category:Mature Content
Category:Collaborations