The Trial of the Hourglass

== The Trial of the Hourglass Fanfiction ==
Mature Content Warning!!! This page includes some themes that may be disturbing to a younger audience. Viewer discretion is advised.
The Onyx Winglet:
NightWing: BlackSail (Main Character, Sand/Night hybrid)
RainWing: Cucumber (Half SeaWing)
SkyWing: Altitude
MudWing: Mangrove
SeaWing: Horizon (10% SkyWing)
IceWing: Glacial (Very very small part NightWing/Related to Darkstalker)
SandWing: Scorpion
HiveWing: Cicada Killer
SilkWing: Golden’Lotus 
LeafWing: Solitude
=== Prologue ===
Whitegold and Leopard-Gecko bolted across the desert as fast as they could. Don’t look back, Whitegold told herself. Don’t look back.
The egg in Gecko’s arms cracked as they jumped into the air, soaring through the night sky.
”It’s hatching!” He cried, fumbling as he tried to tuck the egg into his satchel.
”Just keep going!” Whitegold shouted, pulling him ahead.
Black talons wrapped around Whitegold, pulling her out of the sky. Her scream was cut off as she fell to the sand with a loud thump. Leopard-Gecko hovered there in horror for a moment, then took off. I can’t fail now, He thought. This egg is our only hope. He beat his wings faster, skimming over the sand as a blast of fire shot past his ear.
”GIVE HIM BACK!” A voice roared as searing pain shot through Gecko’s tail. He clamped a hand over his snout as pain like he had never experienced almost knocked him out of the sky. More wingbeats surrounded him, and he swerved left and right to try to throw off the attackers. He looked back, only once. His tail barb was gone. His tail was bleeding and NightWings were chasing him like a swarm of vultures.
Gecko threw his weight to the left and spun about in the air, torching the first few NightWings. Continuing on almost meant certain death, he knew. I have to do this, He told himself as the NightWings gained on him. It’s for Pyrrhia AND Pantala.
Leopard-Gecko dove down into the sand, landing and running. He took off his satchel as NightWings swarmed him. Claws met eyes and he lost all of his vision, still clutching the bag desperately. FOR PYRRHIA! He screamed mentally. In a blinding blast of light, the bag dissipated and Gecko was lost to the swarm of NightWings.
Little did the dragons know that the dragon hatched under three full moons had been transported to the beach, where the world’s course was about to change . . .
=== Chapter 1 /~Part One; Prophecied~/ ===
Blacksail’s tail twitched nervously as he fiddled with a stick. Mother should be back by now, He told himself, sticking the twig into the sand. His mind wandered to his family like it always did when he was alone. I wonder who my actual parents were, He sighed, walking to the shore and dipping his claws into the ocean water. I’m obviously no SeaWing. 
Wingbeats came from behind him, and he turned to see an indigo and green SeaWing flying over the jungle. “Blacksail!” She cheered, dropping a large salmon onto the sand. “There you are!” Oh that tragic little dragon, She thought. No real parents and stuck with ME of all dragons.
”I haven’t left,” Blacksail said irritably, trying to block out her thoughts.
“Have you been thinking about your parents again?” The SeaWing scolded. “How many times have I told you that I don’t know who they are?” She asked him. The SeaWing sighed and put a wing around him. “Guess what?”
Blacksail looked up at her. “What?” He asked with a sigh, his tail sifting through the sand.
“I made some connections, and got you enrolled with Jade Mountain Academy!” She exclaimed excitedly. “Isn’t this great? You’ll be able to go and make friends with other tribes—“ And I can go back to Queen Anemone. At this thought Blacksail winced.
”And since I’m gone you can go back to the Kingdom of Sea,” He finished for her. “And be accepted back with your own tribe . . .” 
”Oh, Blacksail, that’s . . .” She sighed. “That’s true. I know I can’t lie to you.” She looked away.
”Mother—“ Blacksail was cut off as she looked at him with a gaze that said, You only say mother when you want something. Her thoughts read the same. “Fine, Cod, not mother. I’ll go. It’ll make life easer for you.” And me, he thought silently.
”Oh, you’re going to love it there!” Cod exclaimed. “I know it. You can get to know other NightWings and SandWings!” Oh for the love of the moons, they’re all going to think him odd. I hope this is a good idea.
Blacksail covered a betrayed look and sighed. Even she thinks of me as a defect. 
“Well, get some sleep,” She trilled. My weird little topaz gem.
”I’m not a weird gem!” He exclaimed. “And I’m not that odd!” His barb-less tail slapped against the sand. “Just because I’m a SandWing and a NightWing doesn’t mean I’m any different from anyone!” 
Cod flinched. “Blacksail,” She said warningly. 
“Don’t,” Blacksail hissed. “I’m leaving.” He swept past her and gathered his little belongings.
”Son, you don’t have to leave, I was only thinking—“ Blacksail cut her off.
”Thinking and not saying! I can hear it you know!” He yelled. Turning away from her he said, “You’re not my real mother anyways.”
Cod said something but Blacksail tuned her out as he jumped into the sky, soaring into the clouds.
=== Chapter 2 ===
Jade mountain. The large mass of rock stretched high into the sky, casting a welcoming shadow over the many tribes gathered there. Nervous-looking HiveWings grouped together as they enetered the mountain, avoided by SilkWings.
Blacksail let out a nervous breath and dove down to the entrance.
”Hello there!” A cheerful LeafWing greeted him. They had brilliant green wings and scales, with an eye-scorching neon green eyes and underbelly.
”Ack,” Blacksail blinked rapidly at the overload of green. “Um, hi. My name’s Blacksail . . .”
”Blacksail, let’s see . . .” The dragon said, flipping open a book and looking through names. She looked up at him curiously. “What tribe are you?” He doesn’t look like a SandWing OR a NightWing . . . Maybe he has a weird genetic defect for being a Sand-dragon.
I knew I’d be scorned, Blacksail sighed, his head pounding from all the thoughts around him. Even if it’s not intentionally. He looked up at her. “I’m a hybrid. A Sand-Night hybrid.”
”WONDER-FUL!” The LeafWing squealed. “You’ll fit right in with your Winglet!” She grinned at him. “The name’s Dart! You can come to me or any of the headmasters-or-mistresses if you have any question so here’s the books you’ll need for the day and the map, if you’re hungry you can go to the prey center—“ Dart stopped herself. “Sorry, I’m rambling again aren’t I? Anyways, have a good year! And life! And day! Or, er . . .” Her thoughts poured out like a rushing river, never stopping or even pausing.
Blacksail grimaced. “Thanks, Dart. I’ll see you around.” He turned and wandered into the mountain, dodging a stampede of SeaWings on his way. Let’s see . . . He unrolled the map that Dart gave him. At the top, printed in bold and underlined said: If found, return to ____ in the _____ Winglet. Huh. Guess I’ll have to find out what winglet I’m in on my own. He gathered his things and wandered through the halls.
I wonder if anyone likes me—where’s the prey center again—ugh, RAINWINGS—HiveWings are here too? Aren’t they worried about—why do I have to be in a winglet with—ACK! Get out of the way—Blacksail stopped And held his head. As dragons ran and walked past, thoughts flooded his brain.
Calm down, he told himself. Just identify the voice and center their thoughts around—GAH! A particularly strong voice slammed into his skull as a SkyWing walked past him.
I wonder if Glacial is in my winglet, He wondered. She seems like a nice dragon. The SkyWing looked at him. Strange looking. I wonder if he’s okay, he looks like he’s either having a panic attack, or has a bad headache. Or both. “Are you alright?” He asked Blacksail.
”Y-yeah, I’ll live,” Blacksail replied. “I’ve never been around this many dragons before.”
The SkyWing laughed. “You should see the SkyWing palace when Ruby has a meeting with Moorhen! It’s jam-packed full of dragons!” He smiled, his yellow, red, and mango-orange scales contrasted his grey-blue eyes, and he had a small copper wire wristband on.
”W-who are you again?” Blacksail asked. “We haven’t met, right?”
The SkyWing smirked. “I don’t believe so. My name’s Altitude. You are?” He held out a claw.
Blacksail shook with a smile. “Blacksail. I’m a hybrid. Sand-Night.”
Alitude nodded. “What winglet are you in?”
Blacksail smiled sheepishly. “I have no idea. I just got here, and that LeafWing—Dart—didn’t say anything about it.” His tail swished across the ground, the white NightWings spots on his scales shifting to a lavender.
Altitude seemed surprised, then shook it off. This dragon seems to be hiding something, he observed. I’ll figure it out later. “I’m in the Onyx Winglet,” he said, pointing to a huge plaque with hundreds of names categorized into groups of ten. “See? Right . . . There.”
Blacksail read the names. MudWing—Mangrove. SeaWing—Horizon. SkyWing—Altitude. IceWing—Glacial. NightWing—Blacksail. SandWing—Scorpion. RainWing—Cucumber. HiveWing—Cicada Killer. LeafWing—Solitude. SilkWing—Golden’Lotus. He smiled. “Looks like I’m in your Winglet!” He exclaimed.
Altitude peered at the plaque. “Great! Looks like Glacial is too—“ He caught himself. Oops. I shouldn’t say anything about her, Blacksail might think I like her. I mean, I DO, but he doesn’t need to know that. 
Blacksail felt a pang of guilt because of invading his privacy. “Er,” He said, trying to change the subject. “Do you know where our cave is?”
Altitude nodded with a smile. “Yep! Follow me this way!” He turned and swept around a corner. 
Blacksail smiled. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.
=== Chapter 3 ===
Blacksail bit his tounge as he nervously stepped into the sleeping cave.
A beautiful IceWing happily played a guitar atop a ledge strewn with bear and wolf skins.
That must be Glacial, Blacksail said, observing her. She had a pleasant face, with very very pale blue scales and mint-almost-white accents. Small navy speckles dotted the top of her wings, and all of her spines faded to a navy. Her eyes were deep purple, and she had black serrated claws. Glacial had a blue-silver earring in her left ear, and a simple ring on. Her mind was like a cool, flat ice plain that was hiding something underneath the surface.
”Glacial!” Altitude exclaimed. His awkward smile changed to a confident grin. “I see you found our cave.”
”Our?” Glacial laughed. She looked down at Blacksail. “Who’s the newbie?”
”Blacksail,” he replied, bonking Altitude with his wing. “I’ve met your SkyWing friend.”
Altitude snickered and bonked him back. He stepped into a small alcove and sighed. “I like your music,” He complimented Glaical.
The IceWing closed her eyes and smiled, playing a familiar tune.
”That’s . . .” Blacksail trailed off. “That’s the song White Beach, right?”
Glacial looked at him curiously. “How did you know? I didn’t think SandWings were interested in SeaWing culture.”
Blacksail barked out a laugh. “I’m hardly a SandWing. I’m a Sand-Night raised by a SeaWing.”
“I see.” A voice came from the doorway. They all turned and looked at the dragon. It was a large, rather burly SeaWing with glowing red and orange bioluminescent scales. His wings were exceptionally large, and he appeared to have a SkyWing-like stature. Blacksail flinched. The dragon’s mind was a whirlwind of fire and water, thoughts and emotions being packed together and drowned.
”Who’re—“ Glacial was cut off as the dragon sauntered into their cave. 
“The name’s Horizon—Prince Horizon of the SkyWings.”
Blacksail arched an eyebrow. “You’re . . . A SeaWing.”
Horizon hissed at him and sliced his tail through the air. Blacksail noticed rubies embedded under his eyes, and a red horn ornament.
He looks like a SeaWing trying to look like a SkyWing, Altitude thought. He didn’t even get the rubies right. They’re crooked and uneven.
”I may be a SeaWing, but that tribe is weak. I represent the best of SkyWings—like my grandfather.” He hissed, thinking, Scorch was an idiot to take Flood as his mate. But I can’t do anything about his decision.
”Scorch is your grandfather?” Blacksail exclaimed, seconds later realizing his slip-up.
”How did you know?” Horizon growled. He squinted at Blacksail, then his eyes widened. “You’re a MIND READER!”
Altitude leapt to his feet. “What?!”
Blacksail tried to cover the silver scales by his eyes, but it was too late.
”Why didn’t you tell me?” Altitude snapped.
”I barely know you!” Blacksail cried. “I can’t just go around telling everyone!”
Glacial put her guitar down. Blacksail cried out in pain as a theory, spiny wall came up around her mind. If he tried to hear her thoughts, a sharp pain dug into his skull.
Horizon hissed menacingly. “Stay out of my head and we won’t have a problem,” He paused, staring at Blacksail. “Got it?”
He nodded quickly, cowering as Horizon swept from the room.
Alititde looked betrayed—although he hadn’t even known Blacksail for an hour. “I won’t ever be able to trust you,” he growled. “You could be probing my mind!” Why didn’t he let someone know so they could warn people? I guess nobody would want to be friends then. I don’t know if I should forgive him. Should I? It’s not his fault . . .
”Yes, please forgive me!” Blacksail begged. “I’m sorry! I can’t help it!”
Altitude sighed. “Maybe later.” He turned and walked out from the room.
After they were gone, Blacksail looked up at Glacial. “How are you blocking me?” He asked.
Glacial gave him a cold, observing stare. “If I tell you I’d have to kill you.” At Blacksail’s appalled look she smiled. “My mother taught me,” She replied. “We’ve had bad experiences with NightWings, so she taught me how to guard my thoughts.”
”Oh.”
She got up and brushed past him. “Do you want to go to the prey center with me?” She asked. “I’m starving for a walrus.”
Blacksail shivered as she passed him. “Uh . . . Sure. Why not?”
Glacial led him into the hall, and through multiple caves. 
“Have you been here before?” Blacksail asked.
She nodded briskly. “This is my second year.”
Blacksail nodded and cringed as they walked through a swarm of SilkWings.
Ugh, why do I have to share a cave with a HiveWing—Oh look an IceWing—Why does that dragon look—AAHHH a COW—Who expects me to eat a chicken—why am I here again—I want to go home—I hope mother knows that they—if she so much as touches my brother—
“Gah . . .” He held his head for a moment.
”You alright?” Glacial asked.
He nodded. “Those SilkWings are just very anxious and worried about the HiveWings. It makes me nervous about our claw mates.”
Glacial shrugged. “Tsunami and Clay wouldn’t let anyone in if they were dangerous.”
Blacksail cast a worried glance at her. “I sure hope so.”
=== Chapter 4 ===
Blacksail smiled and bit down on his lizard. He had identified most of the dragons in the cave, and sucsessfully quieted their thoughts.
OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH! 
He snapped to attention as an exited voice plowed into his brain.
LOOK! An ICE dragon! And one of the ones that can change COLORS! I wish I could do that! That sounds so exiting! 
Blacksail looked towards the entrance.
A black and red HiveWing stood there, a cheesy grin plastered onto her face. She had crimson speckles all over her, with a void-black underbelly and dark red plated scales. Her eyes were amber, and she had a pair of copper glasses.
”HELLO!” She cheered, running up next to Blacksail and Glacial. “I’m pretty sure you two are in my winglet!”
Glacial smirked. “We are. Cicada Killer, is it?”
”The one and only!” The exited dragon exclaimed. “And you’re Glacier and Scorpion, correct?”
Blacksail blinked. “Glacial and Blacksail, actually.”
Cicada Killer stuck out her claw. “Nice to meet you!”
Blacksail smirked. Her thoughts were wrapped up around each other like spaghetti, one always touching another. “So, you’re in our winglet,” he said. “Have you met anyone else?”
Cicada nodded vigorously. “Yeah! I’m pretty sure this MudWing I met toatally likes me!” She squealed.
”I do not!” A MudWing called, running up next to her. He had dark brown plated scales, and muddy greed under scales and wing membranes. His horns were large and slightly antler-like, with moss dangling from them. His eyes were green, and he wore a woven wooden anklet and pouch necklace. His thoughts seemed to be submerged in mud, only vaguely peeking above the surface.
”Mangrove, right?” Glacial asked, offering him a lizard.
He smiled and took it. “Yeah. You’re Glacial and Blacksail, correct?”
Cicada Killer bounced up and down. “YEAH! They’re our new best friends!”
Mangrove sighed and chomped into the lizard. “Sure, Cicada.” She is such a RainWing, he thought. The universe put her into the wrong tribe.
”Do you want us to help you back to our cave?” Blacksail asked.
Cicada nodded. “Sure! Thanks Black!”
Blacksail blinked. “Black?”
”It’s your nickname!” She exclaimed.
Glacial snickered.
”Let’s just go,” Blacksail said, leading them out of the prey center.
He tuned Cicada out as she rambled on and on about the long flight from Pantala, among other things. At last, they reached the sleeping cave.
”WOW!” Cicada cheered as she bounced into the room. She flew up to a large pod hanging from the roof and sat inside on top of a puffy cushion.
”I think that’s for our SilkWing—“ Glacial pointed out.
”Oh.” Cicada jumped out and landed in a hammock. “Better?”
Blacksail nodded. He observed the room, taking in all the small details. There was a small-ish circular hole in the corner opposite the door, filled with water and covered like a cave. There were two hammocks, two wall alcoves, and two wall platforms. There was a leaf bed, and the hanging pod. Also, up at the roof, there was a section cut out with leaves on the bottom to pad it.
”BOO!” Someone shouted from the room. Cicada yelped, falling backwards as a RainWing uncloaked. She was hanging upside-down from the pod on the roof. “Hello!” She exclaimed.
Blacksail jumped. Why didn’t I feel her mind? He wondered, examining her. It’s almost like she’s . . . Blank. He spotted a small black rock earring in her left ear. Sky fire, he noted. That’s how she’s blocking me.
”Cucumber, right?” Cicada quivered. “N-nice to meet you!”
Cucumber grinned. “Same! I cannot wait to get to know you all!” Her tail coiled around the hammock’s ropes as she cocked her head. “And guess what?”
Blacksail smiled. “What?”
”I already know how to read!” She cheered.
Cicada laughed. “I think we’re gonna get along splendidly!” 
=== Chapter 5 ===
Blacksail yawned as the Onyx Winglet tromped back to their room. He had successfully met everyone, and liked most of them.
Horizon ducked into the water alcove and curled up with a smoldering glare directed at his talons.
Cucumber and Cicada Killer chatted incessantly until Solitude, their LeafWing, demanded that they stop. He had auntum-colored scales, with green eyes and a mind that was as smart as any dragon Blacksail had ever met. He analyzed everything with shocking intelligence, and his mind was always calculating something.
Golden’Lotus was their SilkWing, and she rarely spoke. She had emerald, violet, turquoise, and gold scales, with blue moth shapes around her eyes and antennae that glowed. Her eyes were orange, and her mind was quiet and scared.
Scorpion was their SandWing, and he was fun to be around. He had a joking attitude and was very optimistic and outspoken. His scales were brown, with black highlights and horns that looked like they were made of gold. His sail was pale tan, and his eyes were blue.
Blacksail sighed deeply and closed his eyes, nestling into the nook in the wall. His mind drifted to the kingdom of the sea, and his foster mother. Maybe I shouldn’t have left her, he thought. I hope she’s okay . . . AH!
A scene played out in front of him, everything seeming all too real.
Altitude lay dead at an unknown HiveWing’s talons. They were covered in blood, with white and black scales. Glacial screamed, trying to wake Altitude in vain. Scorpion tried to defend Golden’Lotus from the HiveWing, but he was pierced through the chest with a spear and flung aside. Blacksail roared and tried to defend his friends, but Solitude threw him to the ground and everything went black. An hourglass appeared in the darkness, and words flooded Blacksail’s ears.
Find the cave the glowing maw, into the darkness they guffaw, a heart poisoned with darkness and scales of white, their red eyes have never seen light. 
Time is running time is racing, time is flooding time is changing, only those of separate tribes, can work together through blood and knives, These ten dragons some not pure, seek and find the glowing lure.
Of ice and darkness she arises, black in soul she comprises, magic running through her veins, in the future the world she gains . . .
Of sky and sea the second comes, forced to fight he always won, fierce and yet his fate is death, soaked in blood he draws his final breath . . .
Blacksail bolted awake before the song could continue. Was that . . . His breathing became short. Was that a prophecy?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Next Day
Blacksail’s eyes nervously darted around as he walked with his Winglet.
”And then he said; ‘The Scorpion Den is under queen Thorn’s protection,” Scorpion said. “And the SkyWings all flew away!”
Golden’Lotus smiled shyly and Mangrove laughed. “I bet all of the SandWings scared them off,” he replied.
Blacksail smiled as he ducked into the Geography Cave.
”Hello Mister Tarantula Hawk Moth!” Cicada chimed, prancing into the cave.
A HiveWing turned around with a pleasant smile on his face. He had golden scales, with a deep brown accent on his plated scales, and ruby red freckles splattered about. “Just Tarantula is fine,” he said.
”Okay!” Cicada exclaimed. “What are we learning about?”
Blacksail proceeded to sit through an in-depth discussion about the series of islands discovered between Pyrrhia and Pantala. 
Afterwards, they started through the tunnels to Tsunami’s classroom. 
”hello!” The SeaWing called, beckoning them in. “The Onyx Winglet, right?” 
Scorpion nodded. “The one and only!” 
”Great! How about we start with hobbies and favorite colors?” Tsunami asked. 
”Start what?” Horizon snapped. 
”Oh, sorry. Today we’re just trying to get to know each other.” She motioned for them to sit. 
”I’ll start,” Glacial said. “My name is Glacial. I like playing music, and my favorite color is indigo.” 
Scorpion smiled. “I like hunting, and my favorite color is beige.” 
”Fighting. Crimson.” Horizon barked. 
Blacksail flinched as everyone looked to him. “Er, I’m Blacksail . . . I er . . . I like swimming, and my favorite color is—“ His vision blurred and words poured from his mouth. “Of Mud he rises and falls, in sorrow he vainly calls, lost to stone he is peirced, death and him are aquanted both are fierce.” 
”What’s going on?” Tsunami demanded. 
”In the Sky he burns to ashes he . . . Returns—“ Blacksail teetered to the side, and blacked out. 
In the shadows he will fight, for he can force back the night . . .
=== Chapter 6 ===
Blacksail woke with a start. He looked around quickly, and saw nobody but Tsunami and a NightWing he identified as Moonwatcher.
”Good, you’re awake,” Tsunami scowled.
Blacksail shrunk back. “D-Did I do something wrong?”
”YE—“ Moonwatcher cut Tsunami off with a look.
”No, nothing’s wrong.” Moon said tiredly.
Blacksail honed his attention and thought, Moon, you can hear me, correct?
Moon jumped and Tsunami gave her a strange look. How . . . You’re a mind reader! I should have noticed, you have the silver scales . . . “We’re going for a walk,” Moon said hurridly. “Come on, Blacksail.”
He followed her out, and they walked through the halls. Let me guess, Moon said telepathically. You’re a prophet as well.
Er . . . Blacksail hesitated for a moment, then replied, I guess so.
Oh. If you don’t mind me asking, do you happen to be an Animus? She asked in a scared voice.
You’re worried I’m another Darkstalker, Blacksail said. That’s what you want to know, isn’t it?
I—I suppose so. 
Well I’m not. My adoptive mother tested me when I was young, he said.
I see. Moon replied. 
What do you want from me? Blacksail asked. It’s not like I can do anything about my powers.
They entered into a large cave, with an underground lake. Moon opened a pouch on her ankle and took out a small black stone. “Take this and don’t get rid of it,” She said, holding it out. “It’ll block your mind reading.”
”What?!” Blacksail exclaimed. 
“I know, it’s like losing your hearing. But you’ll get used to it, I promise.” Moonwatcher assured him.
Blacksail suddenly felt like the walls were closing in on him. No no no—he turned and ran. Moon called for him, but he didn’t turn around. His vision became tunneled, making him run faster. The tune of a song echoed in his ears as he skidded into his sleeping den.
From the tribe of Rain a hero flies, hidden behind a smile she lies, her lineage pure and blood unstained, upon a throne she sits unfeigned. 
Blacksail leapt into his sleeping alcove and started scrawling down the prophecy on a peice of paper. When it was done it went something like this:
Find the cave the glowing maw, into the darkness they guffaw, a heart poisoned with darkness and scales of white, their red eyes have never seen light.
Time is running time is racing, time is flooding time is changing, only those of separate tribes, can work together through blood and knives, These ten dragons some not pure, seek and find the glowing lure.
Of ice and darkness she arises, black in soul she comprises, magic running through her veins, in the future the world she gains . . .
Of sky and sea the second comes, forced to fight he always won, fierce and yet his fate is death, soaked in blood he draws his final breath . . .
Of Mud he rises and falls, in sorrow he vainly calls, lost to stone he is peirced, death and him are aquanted both are fierce . . .
In the Sky he burns to ashes he returns, In the shadows he will fight, for he can force back the night . . .
Then flies up wings of Silk, choose your poison her’s is milk, white and running it will flow, dragging her down to depths below . . .
Of Wings abuzz one shalt fly, truth be told she never has lied, but she hides a secret only the strong can hide . . .
Scales of Sand and wings of heat, tail so sharp it can cleave through meat, a son of royals and a son of fate, will he rise to the challenge before it’s too late . . . ?
Wings of nature soft and light, his mind can only see the fight, alone and scared he will be broken, unless a friend parts with magic token . . .
Wings of Rain, shining bright, has more than most of a strength called might, no fear has crept into her soul, she has not felt the tempting pull . . .
Finally comes the bridge of tribe, his powers hidden none have scribed, his wit unmatched lest he fall, into the deep darkness that calls . . .
Blacksail re-read the lines. This . . . Can only mean one thing. Us.
=== Chapter 7 ===
Blacksail screamed and skidded around a corner with Altitude on his heels. 
“GO GO GO!” Sunny shrieked, waving the dragonets towards the exit.
”FIRE IN THE LIBRARY!” Someone called. Sunny bolted to the library cave as Blacksail dashed around her. He yelped as a group of SeaWings trampled over him. The wind was knocked out of his lungs, and he gasped in smoke.
”Blacksail!” Altitude reached for him but was swept along by the crowd.
Talons dug into his back and he groaned as someone knocked his lead against the ground. “H-help—“ His cry was cut off as Cucumber tried to pull him to his feet.
”Come on!” She screamed. her scales were lime green, with white flecked about. Her frills had a Mano-like gradient, and when she saw Blacksail her scales flashed white. “Get up!” She sobbed.
”Go!” he coughed, smoke stinging his eyes. He shoved her forward and pushed back through the crowd. He bolted down the empty tunnels, searching for someone.
”Blacksail!” A weak voice screamed.
He turned into a cave and saw Golden’Lotus pinned under a flaming log. He grimaced and released her, flames stinging his talons. “Run!” He ordered. She limped away, coughing hard.
Is that everyone? He wondered.
No no no! A mental voice cried. He jumped and turned into the library. Sunny and Starflight were gone, but he thought he saw someone in the flames.
”Who’s there?” he called.
”M-me,” A hoarse voice called. “Please, help!”
Blacksail braced himself and dove into the fire. He bit back a roar and grasped an outstretched talon. He yanked, and a NightWing was pulled out. “Run!” Blacksail ordered. “GO!”
The dragonet bolted away, and Blacksail stumbled to the side. His lungs screamed for air and he fell to the ground. His vision blurred as he tried to drag himself out. The roaring in his ears got louder as he felt sparks brush his tail.
Whoosh . . . KABOOM!
Blacksail’s scream was cut off as he was flung against the opposite wall. He cried for help, but flames stung his throat and he coughed out . . . Blood. He looked back and saw that a beam supporting the cave had fallen on his back. The pain was almost like numbness as he fell limp. His talon fell before he could call out.
He was alone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~An unknown time . . .
Blacksail’s breathing slowed. Then it stopped. His thoughts drifted away slowly, and his ears only barely detected talonsteps in the hall.
A muffled cry called him, but he didn’t open his eyes. 
The world slipped from his grasp just as freezing scales pulled him away.
. . .
I’m . . . Alive? Was Blacksail’s first thought as he regained feeling in his talons.
Quiet voices murmured around him. “Do you think he’s okay?”
“I don’t know. He took a hit from that beam.”
”Is he breathing?”
“Barely.”
Blacksail groaned and his eyes fluttered open.
Glacial stared down at him with a worried expression engraved on her face. “Blacksail?” She whispered. “Are you okay?”
Blacksail coughed rapidly, his scales stinging. “It . . . Hurts,” he coughed.
”Get the tranq darts,” Someone said.
Mangrove stepped into his view and pricked him with a dart.
”Wait,” Blacksail cried, his consciousness fading. “Where’s . . . Alti— . . . —tude . . .” 
. . .
Blacksail inhaled the cool air sharply, his head bolting up. He was on a cot inside the room he recognized as the infirmary. “Was that a dream?” he wondered aloud.
”No,” Glacial said, getting up from beside him with a smile. “Sadly, it’s not.”
”How . . . Am I alive?” He asked incredulously.
Glacial’s eyes darkened, like clouds brewing in a clear summer day. “Magic.”
He blinked. “What . . . Do you mean?”
”I’m . . .” She sighed. “I’m an Animus. There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me, actually. Like how I’m Darstalker’s direct descendant.”
”Wow.” Was all Blacksail could breathe.
”Blacksail!” 
He yelped as his whole winglet minus Golden’Lotus, Horizon, and Solitude barreled into the room and dog piled him.
”Let him breathe!” Altitude laughed.
”NO!” Cicada Killer squealed. “He almost died!”
Cucumber pulled off Cicada with a laugh. 
Blacksail smiled at them. “Thanks guys.” He looked around. “How is this place . . . ?”
”The fire was—“ Altitude glanced at Glacial with a betrayed look. “—ten days ago.”
Blacksail jumped up. “What?! I’ve been unconscious for TEN DAYS?!”
Scorpion nodded. “We thought you weren’t going to make it, until Glacial enchanted you to be better.”
”So you all know?” He asked. “That she’s an Animus?”
Glacial nodded. “I asked them to not tell anyone. We haven’t broke the news to Horizon, Lotus, and Solitude yet though.”
”Speaking of,” Blacksail replied. “Where are they?”
Mangrove grinned. “They’re out hunting with Clay and Tsunami.”
Blacksail let out a sigh. “Thanks guys,” he said. “For caring about me.”
Altitude glared at the floor. “Don’t thank me, I didn’t help.”
. . .
”SHE WHAT?!” Blacksail thundered.
”SHHH!” Altitude hissed, snickering.
”She KISSED ME?” Blacksail exclaimed.
Altitude sighed. “Yeah.”
Blacksail smiled sheepishly. “Sorry Altitude. I know you like her.”
He bit into his eagle. “It’s just . . .” He trailed off. “Glacial’s so pretty and kind, and . . .”
”Yeah. I know.” Blacksail said awkwardly.
Altitude smiled. “Well, looks like school drama is picking up speed, huh?”
Blacksail laughed, thinking, You don’t even know.
=== Chapter 8 ===
Altitude flushed as Glacial walked into the sleeping cave.
Blacksail hid a snicker. 
He’s sooooo hopless, Cicada Killer thought wistfully. He really likes her. I wish someone liked me, there’d be so much fun drama.
Glacial yawned and flopped onto her bed. “Today was rough,” She commented.
”Yeah,” Cucumber agreed. “I swear Clay ate the goat I caught for Horizon!”
”The goat was so stinky,” Horizon laughed. “Why would he eat it?”
”It wasn’t that bad!” Cucumber whined.
Solitude peered over his book at the RainWing. “It was pretty pungent.”
“Pungent?” Scorpion snickered. “You don’t have to talk like a scroll you know!”
”I am not conversing like literature!” Solitude protested. “I only speak logically.”
Horizon rolled his eyes. “Uh-huh, ‘pungent’ is logical?”
Everyone laughed. Golden’Lotus smiled sweetly and said, “Although it is nice to have a level headed dragon to balance out all of you! It’s like living in a constant prank.”
Mangrove flicked his tail. “I agree, Scorpion put a centipede on my owl.”
Solitude smiled. “That’s hardly a horrible deed.”
”Aww,” Altitude teased. “Is Mangrove afraid of centipedes?”
”NO!” Mangrove giggled.
A green SeaWing poked her head into the room. “Go to sleep! That’s an order from the princess!”
Blacksail jumped up and bowed. “Sorry, Princess Aunklet. We didn’t mean to disturb you.”
Aunklet nodded and left.
”Well,” Solitude said. “We should probably retire to our lodgings.”
Scorpion rolled his eyes. “If you say so, walking dictionary.”
Solitude smirked. “Or if you prefer, ‘hit the hay’.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Next Day
Blacksail walked with his winglet as they arrived in the great hall.
”AHEM!” Sunny called. Dragons milled about, talking and murmuring.
”AH-HEM!” Clay shouted. Everyone fell silent.
Sunny gave Clay a thankful nod then stepped up to her podium. “Today we are calling a leave from school, as we are investigating the fire that started in the Library. Please do not stray far from school grounds, and take a teacher with you if you would like to adventure far from the Mountain. Thank you!”
Dragons cheered and exited the hall.
”So,” Altitude said. “What should we do?”
”I’m going to check on my mom,” Scorpion said. “So, er . . . I’ll meet up with you later.”
”Hold on,” Lotus piped up. “Who’s your mother?”
Scorpion ducked his head sheepishly. “Sunny of the SandWings.”
Blacksail blinked. How did I not find that in his mind somewhere? He wondered.
”Ohhh, so you’re adopted,” Cicada chirped. 
Scorpion nodded. “Yeah.” 
. . . 
Blacksail sighed as he sat in the warm spring air. 
Altitude yawned and stretched his wings, almost smacking a NightWing in the head. 
”Hey! Watch it!” they ordered. They had black-blue scales, a blue underbelly, and icy white eyes. 
”Who’re you?” Altitude asked. 
”Tidepuller,” He sniffed. “Now get out of my way.” 
His mind was sharp and jagged, with scenes of him and a purple dragon attacking a SandWing and a Night-Hive hybrid. Blacksail winced and pulled himself away from him. 
“Guys!” Cicada Killer chirped, running up to the Winglet with Scorpion in tow. 
”What?” Cucumber asked, brightening. 
”I found this SUPER cool river! And it GLOWS! Come check it out!!!!” She squealed. 
The prophecy echoed in the back of Blacksail’s mind, but he shook it off. No reason letting my powers ruin my life, He decided. “Let’s go,” he agreed. 
Altitude nodded. “Is everyone good with that?” 
They all nodded, and followed Cicada down the mountain. 
. . . 
”Wow,” Glacial breathed, tapping the water’s surface with her claw. The sand in the creek glowed a teal-blue color, mesmerizing them. 
”I wonder what’s making it glow.“ Mangrove wondered aloud. 
”I hypothesize that is has to do with microorganisms living in the sand.” Solitude said. 
Blacksail hid a snicker. “Sure.” 
”Look over there,” Altitude said suddenly, pointing to the base of Jade Mountain. “The river stems from the mountain!” 
”That must mean it connects to the underground lake,” Horizon replied gruffly. “Right?” 
”Correct.” Solitude confirmed. 
Blacksail waded into the water. “Guys, there’s this cool weed like plant in here,” He said, peering into the water. 
Glacial poked her head below the surface, then came back up. “You’re right! It looks like it’s moving too,” she said. “Like it’s crawling around on the bottom.” 
Mangrove splashed into the water, soaking Horizon. 
”HEY!” Horizon slapped his tail against the water, splashing him back. 
They played in the river for a while, splashing each other and seeing who could swim the fastest—Horizon won, obviously. 
Blacksail sighed contentedly. Nothing could do wrong, He assured himself. Right?
=== Chapter 9 ===
Blacksail stirred as water splashed against his scales. What . . . What happened? He opened his eyes slowly, climbing to his claws. His whole Winglet was unconsious beside him, splayed out on the cold dark stone.
”Hello?” Blacksail called, reaching out with his mind.
”Ugh,” Scorpion struggled up, his brown scales dripping with water. “What happened?”
”I don’t . . . I don’t know,” Blacksaid said honestly. “I just woke up here.”
After everyone was awake, Blacksail searched for a way out.
”We’re trapped!” Cucumber cried. “We’re all going to DIE!”
”Calm down,” Horizon snapped. “If we got in here somehow, we can get out.”
Altitude nodded. “I hate to agree with him, but Horizon’s right.”
Golden’Lotus squeaked pitifully. “W-w-what if . . .”
”Don’t get caught up in the ‘what if’s,” Cicada said strongly. “We’ll get out. It’s probably just a prank.”
”A prank?” Blacksail asked. “Who would knock us out and stuff us in a cave as a prank?”
Cucumber shrunk back.
”Come on,” Blacksail said, shoving his friends thoughts away. “I see a tunnel.”
They warily walked down the cramped tunnel. Altitude could barely fit because of his wings, and we had to squeeze through.
They exited out into a large domed cave. A LeafWing surrounded by the same weeds as in the creek stood like a statue opposite of them.
”Hello?” Cucumber called. “Do you know why we’re here?”
The LeafWing looked up at them. “Yes.” His voice was like hitting a sword with an icicle, a cold, sharp echo.
”Can you get us out?” Horizon demanded.
”No.”
”Why?” Golden’Lotus cried. “I’m starting to freak out!”
”Hm.” The LeafWing’s head snapped up and his brown eyes flashed white.
NO. A thought exploded from Solitude. That can’t be the breath of evil. It was destroyed!
Blacksail turned. “Come on, guys. Let’s get out of here.”
”Not so fast.” The LeafWing lashed his tail and the weeds crept up his talons. “I have something to show you.”
”What?” Mangrove peeped.
The LeafWing smiled. “My master an I have created a new kind of plant. After all, I’ve always admired Wasp and her ambition. I call it Mindweed.” The weeds vined around his shoulders, creeping up his neck. “It’s a mutated and more potent version of The Breath of Evil.”
Solitude gasped. “No . . . That’s impossible!”
”How would you like to see its effects on a dragon?” The LeafWing cackled.
”Let’s get out of here!” Cicada cried.
Vines shot from the ground, blocking their exit. Blacksail was forced to watch as the weeds exploded into the LeafWing’s ears and mouth. His mind became a tangled mess of death and choked thoughts. 
Golden’Lotus started weeping uncontrollably as the weeds shot out from the back of the LeafWing’s head, replacing his horns. Soon, the transformation was complete. His claws were now weeds rooted firmly in the ground, his eyes were a glowing green, and the leaf-shape on his tail was replaced by thrashing vines.
”RUN!” Altitude roared as vines shot towards them.
”THERE!” Glacial pointed to a tunnel in the ceiling. She blasted the closest vines with frostbreath, then took off after Golden’Lotus, Cucumber, and Cicada Killer.
Blacksail yelped and thrashed a weed off of his tail. He shot past Mangrove, Altitude just ahead of him. Blacksail looked back in horror as Mangrove screamed, being dragged to the ground by the vines.
”COME ON!” Altitude shrieked. 
Blacksail tore his gaze away and followed his Winglet into the darkness.
=== Chapter 10 ===
Blacksail’s breathing was fast and shallow. “What . . . Just happened?”
Golden’Lotus was sobbing uncontrollably on Cicada’s shoulder. “Ma-a-a-angrove!” She wailed. 
Altitude looked shocked. “I . . .” He trailed off.
Glacial held her breath as vines started creeping into the tunnel.
”Come on,” Horizon said. “We have to keep moving. We’re going to find Mangrove and rescue him no matter what.” The SeaWing marched further into the darkness with confidence.
Cicada patted Golden’Lotus lovingly and led her down the hall.
Eveyone’s thoughts were swirling about in chaos. Blacksail bit his young to keep from crying himself, as Solitude’s mind was full of the worst case scenario’s.
”Here,” Horizon gestured to a large room filled with more glowing water. “Come on.”
”For the record,” Solitude said. “this may be a very bad idea.”
Altitude furrowed his brow. “I can carry one of you.”
Everyone shook their heads. 
“It’s fine,” Blacksail said. “We can fly.”
Horizon dove out into the cavern, observing the vines crawling around on the walls. “I have a theory,” he said. He flashed his scales as bright as he could, and the vines outside of the water seemed to instantly shrivel up, crumbing away. 
“Wow,” Golden’Lotus breathed. “That makes sense, since the weeds only existed in the creek, and hadn’t swallowed up Jade mountain. I guess they can only live in a host, or in darkness or water.”
Glacial clenched her claws. “Couldn’t I just enchant them to all be destroyed?”
”No!” Blacksail suddenly shouted. Everyone looked at him. “That might kill Mangrove,” he explained. “If he’s already infected, it could completely destroy his brain. We’ll have to search for a cure instead.”
Altitude sighed. “Good point.”
Glacial nodded, hovering above the water. “Come on, I see a narrow tunnel up here. Golden and I can go check it out, and you guys can stay here.”
”It might be dangerous!” Altitude exclaimed, trying to look brave. “I should come so I can protect you.”
”PPHHHHTTT,” Cicada sputtered, trying to hold back a laugh. “You’re so pitiful!” She exclaimed. “It’s so obvious that—“
Altitude snorted fire in her direction, and she ceased talking.
”No,” Glacial smirked. “It’s too small for your wingspan. Lotus and I will be right back!” She pulled the SilkWing along, and they disappeared into the tunnel.
Solitude suddenly looked to Blacksail. “WATCH OUT!” He shrieked.
Blacksail couldn’t react fast enough. A large, thick vine exploded from the water and wrapped around him, pulling him into the water and squeezing him. Blacksail thrashed out of the vine’s grip as hundreds of leafy tendrils reached for him. A claw wrapped around his wrist and pulled him from the water.
Altitude prepared to blast the attacking weeds with fire, but Horizon stopped him. “No,” he said. “The smoke could be infectious!”
Altitude cried out as weeds crawled up his tail.
Blacksail tore the vines out, and threw them back into the water. “We have to get out of here!” He yelled. “Into the hole!”
Altitude could just barely squeeze through, the rocks scraping his scales.
Blacksail held off the vines with Solitude as Horizon flew up next.
”You go,” Solitude ordered. “Now.”
”No,” Blacksail growled. “I’m bigger than you, you need to go first!”
Solitude growled something, then said, “Fine. Your logic is flawed but you are awfully stubborn.” He flew up after Horizon, crawling into the tunnel.
Blacksail slashed at a vine and dove for the hole. A weed wrapped around his ankles, dragging him down with incredible strength as he tried to pull itself into the damp tunnel. He heard someone scream something ahead, but he was falling and couldn’t make out the words.
He struggled against the vines in the water as he was pulled deeper. Come . . . On! He thrashed and pulled, but a vine wrapped around his neck and he started choking.
No . . . The prophecy . . . I can’t die, He told himself. He bit into the base of the vine, ripping it from the sand as his lungs screamed for air. He beat his wings against the water, flinging himself above the surface. he dragged himself up into the hole, gasping in air.
Little did he know, a sliver of the vine was creeping down his throat . . .
=== Chapter 11 ===
Blacksail tumbled out into a cave, with the same LeafWing from before standing above them on a stone platform.
”Hello,” the LeafWing drawled. “I see . . . You all survived. Hm.” He seemed a little disappointed.
“LET US OUT OF HERE!” Altitude snapped.
The LeafWing flicked his tail back and forth. “I think not. I have received orders from my master to put you all through a series of trials.”
”Why?” Golden’Lotus asked.
”So see witch one of you would be the strongest host for the Mindweed.” He answered easily.
”What did you do with Mangrove?!” Cicada demanded.
”That is none of your business. Now, shall we begin?” The LeafWing smirked.
Solitude was about to hiss something, but vines wrapped around them and tossed them into another room. The stone seemed to knit up behind them.
”Now,” the LeafWing said, his voice echoing around the room as he seemed to walk through the wall into the cave. “The first trial is a test of strength. We’ll see who dies.”
”Why are you doing this instead of infecting us outright?” Blacksail demanded. 
“It’s more fun this way,” The LeafWing cackled, disappearing into a dark corner of the room.
Altitude instinctively flung out his wings, blocking the group from him.
Blacksail whipped around as he heard hissing behind them.
”Oh, I forgot to mention,” the LeafWing called. “I brought you some friends.”
Blacksail jumped out of the way as a Dragonbite Viper launched itself at him. He landed on his shoulder, skidding across the stone floor.
”Get out of the way!” Altitude roared. He opened his maw, breathing fire straight at the snake. Before the flames could reach it, the little thing wormed out of the way, striking at Golden’Lotus. She jumped over it, stomping onto it’s head.
”There’s a-another one!” Cicada Killer cried. 
A larger one slithered calmly towards them.
”It’s blind,” Blacksail whispered, seeing it’s glossy white eyes. 
Glacial nodded. “But it can still sense our heat—yours at least.”
Solitude snuck up behind the snake, but as he went to stomp on it, the viper twirled around, striking at his wrist.
Glacial froze it with frostbreath before it could latch onto him, and it fell to the ground with a clink!
This is NOT OKAY! Cicada thought. MY FRIENDS ARE GOING TO DIE! AND I’M GOING TO DIE! AND WE’RE GOING TO BE PLANT MONSTERRRRRRRRRRSSSSSSSSSS!
Blacksail coughed as something irritated his lungs.
”Are you okay?” Glacial asked. “D-did one bite you? You’re not dead yet, so I assume not . . .”
”No,” Blacksail replied, reining in his coughing. “I think I just inhaled something weird.”
The LeafWing sighed in annoyance. “You nine are awfully hard to kill,” He said. “Indirectly, at least. Next trial.” He pushed out two stone cups, one filled with a milky white liquid, the other with a green one. “Two of you have to drink this. Only one will survive. If you refuse, you’ll all die in here.”
How could he?! Altitude thought fiercely. He needs to die.
”Golden’Lotus!” Blacksail exclaimed suddenly. “Don’t drink one. You’ll die for sure.”
Lotus frowned. “Is that a prophecy!”
”Yes, actually!” he begged. “Please don’t! Let me do it instead.”
She shook her head. “I’ve been the l-least helpful. I should take one for the team. Before anyone could stop her, she picked up a cup and drank the white liquid.
Everyone was silent.
Suddenly, she heaved in a breath and coughed furiously, blood splattering onto the ground. She coughed over and over again, her lungs heaving.
”Lotus!” Solitude cried. He rushed over to her as she fell to the ground. He opened his mouth and then closed it again. “No.”
Vines crept from the wall and wrapped around her ankles, wrists, and neck, dragging her into the darkness.
The LeafWing came out of the shadows and stood in the pool of blood. “Very good. Get some rest. And don’t go insane yet.” He turned and dissipated again.
Altitude punched the ground, muttering something.
Blacksail sighed. He felt a weird twinge in his lungs, almost like something grabbing them. He shivered as he felt a sharp pain in his mind. What is happening?! He wondered, holding his head. Visions of plants growing at his command played out in front of him when he closed his eyes.
What the . . . Another pain ricocheted off his skull. He coughed suddenly, a fiery sting in his throat.
”Blacksail!” Cicada rushed to his side. “Are you okay?”
Cucumber looked at him worriedly. Oh, I wish I could be hanging out with Reed right now instead of being trapped in a creepy cave with all my friends dying, She thought. he looks sick. I hope he’s alright.
”I’m fine,” Blacksail said. “It’s probably nothing.”
Category:Fanfictions
Category:Fanfictions (Incomplete)
Category:Fanfictions (Fanon)
Category:Mature Content