Wings of Fire: Fire and Water.

Orca
'''
“Time to wake up Princess Orca.” The SeaWing maid Seashell said. Orca was very tired from last night. There was yet another big birthday for King Gill. Of course, it had to go all night without stop. Yet whenever there is a big party there is always something important the next morning. When Orca was queen she would never have important things to take place the next day. She would probably get rid of the council too, Orca wanted to make her own choices. When she was fully awake Seashell had already left her alone in her cave. She had to fly to the Summer Palace to catch up with her. As Orca looked around everyone began to bow before Queen Coral. She arose from her underwater cave with much pride. Orca didn’t feel a single bit uncomfortable knowing she was the only one not bowing. I don’t have to bow to my mother. She’s not the queen over me. Orca thought. It would all be over anyway. Orca had a plan to challenge her mother for the throne. After weeks of planning, she knew it would be today. Once she won the statue would take control of her challengers.
“Another royal meeting to attend too?” Nautilus said from behind her. “I believe it’s a meeting about someone watching the outer islands. Not something worth waking me up for.” Orca hated it when she had to go to a meeting about stuff that didn’t even matter. Nautilus must have thought it was interesting because he continued to talk about it. “Who do you think they will send?” Nautilus asked. “Not many dragons would want to work so far from the palaces.” This was true. The outer islands are a good distance from the SeaWing palaces. If anyone were to get attacked out there, they probably wouldn’t make that kind of a swim. “I’ve heard talk their sending this Riptide guy. He’s supposed to be the son of Webs.” 
Orca frowned as she said his name. She hated the way he fled when the SandWings attacked them. “Sounds like the right punishment for someone related to him,” Nautilus replied. She thought about that for a minute. Orca hated Webs but it sounded like Riptide has done nothing wrong. Another reason she was going to make a better queen than her mother. She wouldn’t just punish innocent people like that. Nautilus looked uncomfortable after what he said. 
“So… I’ve been hearing about this group called the Talons of Peace.” Nautilus told Orca. At that, she replied, “Well hello Nautilus, welcome to the present, glad you could make it. How are you just now hearing about the Talons of Peace? They’ve been around for years and you’re just now talking about it?” Nautilus looked embarrassed. “Well… technically… I did know about them I just didn’t know they were accepting new dragons.” Orca thought about this. Maybe she didn’t have to challenge her mother, maybe she could fly away with Nautilus and they could help stop the war. Well, whenever the all-powerful Dragonets of Destiny arrive and tell us what to do. 
“Orca!” Queen Coral yelled flying right at her. “What are you doing hanging out with this low born dragonet?!” Orca knew the future she wanted could never happen with her mother as queen. “Leave him and come with me to the meeting now!” Orca couldn’t put up with this anymore. “No.” She replied. “What did you just say?” Her mother retaliated. “I said no! I will put up with this no longer. I’m sick and tired of you Mother.” Coral looked furious. “What are you saying?” Coral asked. “Queen Coral, I’m challenging you for the throne of the SeaWings!”
'''
PART 1
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SHELLS OF POWER
Chapter 1
Cardinal
'''
One of the last memories from his old home is faint. All he remembers is fire and smoke. When he was just a dragonet the MudWings attacked his village. He and his mom were forced to flee. His father was killed during the attack. Since his father was a general for the queen, Scarlet let them stay in the palace. It’s definitely a step up from the little villages. As Cardinal woke up he thought about what he should explore. 
“Hey, Cardinal are you up yet?” His mother always asked if he was awake. Probably because she’s traumatized from the attack. Cardinal wondered. “Come and have some breakfast.” Cardinal was starving. He spent so much time exploring yesterday he forgot to eat. “Do you have any rattlesnake this time mom?” Cardinal asked. Rattlesnakes were his favorite food. “I did find one Cardinal.” Whenever his mother goes into the kitchen the rattlesnake is always gone, and she doesn’t want to take the time to go hunt. 
“Did you finally go hunting?” Cardinal asked. He wondered if she was starting to hunt again. “No, I made it to the kitchen early and got one before everyone else did.” Cardinal went to the kitchen and devoured the rattlesnake like it was a rat. “Mom I’m going to go out and explore again today.” Maybe it would help his mom if she was alone. “Don’t forget to eat this time, ok?” This time his mom wouldn’t let him leave without promising her that he’d eat. “Ok, I’ll catch some snakes on my journey.” Cardinal was heading out the hallway when he heard his mom call “Aren’t you forgetting something?” Oh, right, Cardinal remembered the shell that held his life force. He paused in the hallway remembering. During the attack, he was almost killed. His mother went to an animus to heal him. Instead, she took his life force and placed it into a shell. As long as it stays intact Cardinal can’t die. It also gave him animus-like powers. He walked back into his room and put the shell necklace around his neck. He then flew out the window to the mountains.
Chapter 2
Indigo
'''
Indigo loved to look at all the beautiful fish at the Deep Palace. After spending at least an hour of watching she went to the surface. When she reached the island it was bare. Where’s the queen? There’s supposed to be a meeting going on about patrolling the outer islands. Maybe they meant a different island. With time to spare she swam to one of Pyrrhia’s many beaches. She loved to listen to the sound of waves crashing onto the shore. If only she could just stay here and fall asleep listening to the sound of waves. Then she heard something. 
Almost like the sound of wings flapping. She was close to the Sky Kingdom, maybe that’s some SkyWings flying around. Then she heard the sound of someone landing. She dashed into the ocean and swam as fast as she could away from the shore. She ended up at the ruins of the Island Palace. Indigo walked around the broken down pillars thinking of her ancestor who used to live in that palace. Why would I be named after someone when my scales aren’t even that color? She laid down and fell asleep.
“Indigo! Wake up!” When she opened her eyes she saw her brother, Tide shaking her awake. “What is it Tide?” Indigo looked up and saw the moon. Uh-oh, She thought. “You’ve been gone for hours Indigo!” Tide looked like he wanted to tell me something important. “I’ve come with news from the Summer Palace. Princess Orca is dead.” What? How can that be possible? Indigo decided to ask. “How can she be dead? What could have happened?” Something terrible must have happened in order for her to die. “She challenged Queen Coral this morning in the Summer Palace. All meetings today have been canceled.” Well, that explains it, Indigo thought. 
“The queen has summoned everyone to the funeral.” Tide hesitated as he said ‘funeral’. “I suppose it’s not going to be a very mournful funeral,” Indigo said. She couldn’t really believe the queen would hold a funeral for Orca. As they swam to the Deep Palace Indigo couldn’t believe that Orca would challenge her mother at seven years old. 
She was so young. She obviously didn’t think she would lose. Indigo wondered what made Orca challenge her so quickly. As they swam Indigo saw a green dragon swim right past them. Indigo recognized him as soon as he passed. Nautilus! Indigo called in Aquatic. Where are you going? Indigo asked. 
I’m running away, Nautilus responded. Now that Orca is dead the queen will come after me for liking her daughter. Nautilus did look really scared. Where are you going to go? Indigo asked. I’m going to join the Talons of Peace. Maybe they’ll accept me. I’ve heard they were accepting new dragons. Indigo was sad to see her friend leave. Good luck Nautilus. As Nautilus swam off she knew they would never see each other again. I’ll be right back. Indigo told Tide. Where are you going? The queen wants everyone now. Tide responded. I’m just going to the island above us. I’ll be gone for a few minutes. When Indigo meets the surface she noticed it was the same island the animus tests take place. She walked around for a couple of minutes. She heard the splash of sand as a dragon landed. She looked around the bushes and saw a SkyWing. He wore a seashell necklace that was glowing a reddish color. It looked similar to the one her grandmother gave her years ago. Snap! A branch broke from under her claws. The SkyWing turned and jumped at her. Indigo got tackled and pinned to the ground. The dragon’s necklace lit up and made a chain out a fallen branch. He chained her up and said, “You’re coming with me SeaWing.” 
Chapter 3
'''
Cardinal
'''
Queen Scarlet will be proud when I bring this SeaWing to the arena. Cardinal was lucky to have landed on this island. The SeaWing did seem surprised to see him in their territory. He started to drag the dragon toward the beach. “Please! Let me go! What do you want with me?” She has no idea what Queen Scarlet does? “Queen Scarlet has an arena for war criminals. Every day there’s a new battle for her.” “But, I’m not a part of this war.” The dragon said. “To the queen, anyone alive right now and not on her side is considered a war criminal.” He could tell the dragon looked confused, but soon she would understand. Whatever it was Cardinal didn’t know, but he found himself feeling sorry for the SeaWing. He looked at her and saw the hope in her eyes. 
I can’t. I cannot take this dragon to the queen. Cardinal knew he couldn’t just let her go, she would surely tell everyone what happened. The last thing the SkyWings need right now is for the SeaWings to start an attack. “Fine! I’m letting you go. If you say one word to someone about me there will be some serious consequences.” The SeaWing seemed scared enough and he was pretty sure she wouldn’t tell anyone. “Ok. I won’t. Thank you.” Cardinal felt good as he took off her chains. “You never told me your name.” The dragon asked. “Why would I? You were my prisoner. I didn’t have to tell you my name.” The SeaWing looked sad. She must really want my name. “Cardinal.” The dragon looked up. “My name is Cardinal.” She looked better now that she knew his name. 
“I’m Indigo.” Indigo? Her scales are blue, not purple. Must be a family name. “That’s a good name.” The words slipped out of his mouth. He didn’t mean to say that. “Thank you. Yours is good too.” For some reason, he felt good. He didn’t know why. There was something he did know, he liked this dragon. He didn’t want to leave without her. “I should be going. I’m supposed to be at a funeral for the queen’s daughter. I’ll see you around Cardinal.” He hated to see her leave but still said, “See you around sometime.” As she flew off into the sky she called out. “I love your necklace by the way!” Shoot! I used my necklace in front of her and I just let her go! She’ll surely tell the other SeaWings that. He considered going after her, but he decided to go home. It was getting late. If he wasn’t back soon his mother would start to worry like crazy. He took one last glance at her before flying away.
'''
Chapter 4
Indigo
'''
Today we mourn the death of Princess Orca, daughter of Queen Coral. Most of the crowd hasn’t said anything at the funeral. Queen Coral didn’t even get up to say anything about her own daughter. Obviously, the funeral was King Gill’s idea. Queen Coral never would have had a funeral for her. She was a very special person in this kingdom. Her death will be remembered forever as long as we live. Maybe even our children will remember her. The queen looked angry as the announcer said that. Maybe she doesn’t like the fact that Orca is getting more attention than she is? Indigo thought. She will especially be remembered for all her sculptures. Especially the new one that was given to the Royal Hatchery. The queen doesn’t look at all sad. King Gill though will be mourning for weeks maybe. Why did she have to challenge her at such a young age? The thought that was probably going through everyone’s heads was, ‘Something made her challenge the queen so soon. But what was it?’
'''
“I love these octopus arms.” Indigo and her friend Aqua were in the kitchen. Indigo was showing Aqua a new food the chefs were making. “I told you Aqua! They’re the best thing this kitchen has to give right now.” Even though the food helped she couldn’t get this one thought out of her head. “What do you think the queen is going to do now?” She could tell Aqua took her time answering that question. “I’m not sure. I’m guessing she’ll have more daughters.” “Yeah, but is she scared now that Orca challenged her?” Indigo and Aqua stayed puzzled on that for a while. “Indigo! Where are you Indigo!” That was the sound of her mother calling. “I’m coming Mom!” She flew down to the bottom level of the Summer Palace to meet her mother. “What took you so long to get to the funeral?” Oh no. What am I going to tell her? ‘Hi, mother just wanted to tell you that I was captured by a SkyWing. Don’t worry, he let me go and told me not to tell anyone or there would be consequences.’ “I… um… I went up to an island and I must have fallen asleep.” That sounds believable, right? “Ok, but for the next important calling don’t be late.” She’s talking about future challenges. That must mean that the queen decided to have more daughters. “Ok. I’ll do my best.”
'''
“Why did we have to come to the animus testing?” It’s been weeks since her meeting with Cardinal. Today she had to come to the animus testing for the new dragonets. “Because your brother is out there,” Aqua responded. “Our mother should have waited another year before Beluga took the animus test,” Indigo complained. “Technically you have to be three years old. Beluga is only two.” Beluga is still my brother. I should be happy if he ends up having animus powers. “Do you remember when we took the animus test?” Aqua asked. “Yeah, I do. I still can’t believe that Tide Wing is an animus. He was the last person I thought would be an animus.” Tide Wing was a very popular SeaWing in school. He used to have a crush on Indigo. Eventually Indigo said she wasn’t into the popular type. “To think he used to have a crush on you is hilarious!” Aqua replied. “Welcome loyal SeaWings! It’s time to begin the animus tests.” King Gill was the announcer today. Usually, Shark does this. Must be gone on some war party thing, Indigo thought. Once the tests started, Indigo thought of what happened to Tide Wing.
Chapter 5
'''
Cardinal
'''
“Remember! Only use your fire to stun the enemy. Every time you use your fire it has to take ten minutes to recharge. Which means you have to use your fire carefully.” It’s been five months since he’s seen Indigo. Cardinal’s mom wanted him to be able to do something for his queen, so he joined the army. “Remember the weak spot on your opponent’s tail,” Their captain announced. 
“After this, you want to hunt for mountain lions?” His friend Cliff asked him. “Sure. If only we survive this lesson.” Every day since training, Cardinal has had no free time on his hands. “Cardinal, Phoenix why don’t you demonstrate for today?” Now I definitely won’t survive. “So much for surviving today’s lesson,” Cardinal said to Cliff. As Cardinal stepped up onto the platform, Phoenix flew down to the platform. Phoenix was considered the popular one in the village. 
“Ready to fight down on our level, castle boy?” Phoenix said. He quickly thought of a comeback. “Unfortunately I had to dumb it down, even more, to be able to fight with you.” A murmur went through the crowd of dragons. “I’ll kill you in this fight today Cardinal. Just want you to know that.” Our captain came up to us. “Ready, set, fight!” As soon as he heard the word ‘fight’ Cardinal leaped at Phoenix.
'''
I need to see her again. Cardinal has been thinking this ever since the fight with Phoenix two weeks ago. “Hey mom, I’m going to head out for a little bit.” Maybe now that he’s had training she will let him go? “Ok, be back in time for dinner.” He flew out the window and soared off to find the island they met last time. As he was flying he saw an island with pillars coming out of it. He decided to land and look around. As he landed he noticed there were more pillars all over the island. “I see you’ve found the Island Palace,” A familiar voice said behind him. He turned around and saw Indigo standing there. “It used to be used many centuries ago,” She continued. “After the Great SeaWing Massacre, the palace was abandoned.” Cardinal could only imagine what it must have looked like when people still lived in it. “It must have looked beautiful a long time ago.”
“SeaWings have thought about rebuilding it, but most don’t want to live in a place where thousands of dragons were killed.” That seems to make sense, but still, to think about this place in perfect condition. “So where did you get your necklace?” He wasn’t expecting that question. “When I was a dragonet, my village got attacked. I was badly injured. My mother took me to an animus dragon, who took my life force and put it into a shell. The shell gave me magical powers. As long as it remains intact I can’t die.” I’m not sure I can really trust her with that important information. “I have a necklace similar to that. Mine is kind of like that. Mine just gives me special powers. I mostly use my powers to help with the gardens and fish.” With powers like that, why would you only use them for gardening? They talked for hours and hours. Eventually Cardinal heard a sound coming from above them. “Indigo, hide.” Indigo hid around one of the pillars. Cliff landed on the island. “Cliff! What are you doing here?” Cliff looked at him like he just asked if the desert had sand. 
“What do you mean? You’re supposed to be at the base right now.” Why should I be at the base? “The SkyWings are planning an attack on the SeaWings.” Cardinal heard a gasp come from Indigo. Cliff looked up. “Who was that?” He asked. Cardinal tackled Cliff to keep him away from Indigo. “What’s gotten into you, Cardinal?” Cliff pushed him off and Cardinal had to drag him back. “I’m sorry. I can’t let you see.” I should have told Indigo to run, Cardinal thought with regret. Cliff blasted Cardinal’s neck with fire. “Ahhhhhhh!” Cardinal screamed. Cliff raced behind the pillar and dragged out Indigo. “Let me go!” Cliff threw her onto the ground. “Cliff let her… go!” “I can’t do that! Once Queen Scarlet hears about this, you will be killed and so will your little angel!” Cliff was about to tie her with something when Cardinal jumped in the way. He pushed Cliff down. “Indigo! Run!” Indigo ran and jumped into the ocean. At least she’s safe, He thought. Cliff bit him in the shoulder and slammed his head into a pillar. As everything was fading. He saw Cliff tie him up and started to fly away with him.
'''
PART 2
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Betrayal
'''
'''
Chapter 6
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Indigo
'''
Indigo flew as fast as she could. She wondered if Cardinal could hold them off. He can do it. He told me he was in the queen’s army. Indigo still wondered if it was true. The SkyWings are planning an attack. She had to warn everyone. Finally, she arrived at the Summer Palace. When she launched out of the lake, everyone stared at her. 
“The SkyWings…!” She was still trying to catch her breath. “They’re coming! They’re planning an attack! Warn everyone!”The SeaWings started going crazy. Some exited the palace, to warn the dragons at the Deep Palace. 
“Indigo!” It was the sound of her friend. When she got to the top level, Aqua was waiting for her. “How do you know all this, Indigo?” She asked. “I overheard a SkyWing talking about it.” Her friend looked scared. “What were you doing next to a SkyWing?” How am I going to tell her about Cardinal? Keep it a secret for now. “I was at the Island Palace when I saw two SkyWings landed and started talking about it.” “You weren’t seen were you?” “No. No, I wasn’t” Hopefully she believes that pack of lies. “We have to go and warn the guards!” Indigo yelled. “Ok, I’m right behind you.”
'''
As Indigo swam to the palace he was worried about Cardinal and how he was doing. He’ll be all right, he said he was in battle training. Once she arrived she saw everyone swimming around like crazy. She saw the queen and her army getting ready for the big battle. Indigo swam up to her cousin in the army. Does everyone know, Whirlpool? She asked. 
I think so. I’m pretty sure the only one who doesn’t is probably Riptide. Indigo thought about this for a moment. He’s the one who was sent to for patrol on the outer islands. He needs to know about this. Maybe with a little help, we can stop the SkyWings from there. She turned to her friend. Make sure everyone is in a safe place, ok? She flashed in Aquatic. 
Ok, I’ll do my best. She responded. Indigo swam as fast as she could go. If there was any chance of stopping this attack they need everyone to help.
'''
Once she got to the outer islands, Indigo surfaced. She thought it would be easier to spot a dragon from this height. After a couple of minutes of flying, she saw a blue dot moving on one of the islands. She flew down to it and landed. “Who are you?” Riptide asked. “Look I don’t have much time to explain.” She told him everything. The attack, how they needed everyone for the battle. “This is a lot to take in.” He said. “I know that but you need to come with me.” They flew to the Summer Palace and found it packed with SeaWing families. Whoa. There are a lot of dragons. At least they’ll be safe here. It’s hidden well enough. “Indigo, over here!” She turned around and saw Aqua at the middle level of the palace. Once she reached the level she told her about Riptide. “You think he can help us in defense?” Riptide happened to hear Aqua’s question and answered it for her. “Yes. I can help. I may not have as much trained as the other guards, but I’ve still had training in combat.” Indigo felt happy that she chose to let him help. “We need to go ahead and place the guards,” Indigo said. “Good luck out there Riptide.” He looked happy to have someone say that to him. He probably hasn’t gotten many kind words said to him or about him. “Alright,” Indigo said. “Let’s fight some SkyWings.”
Chapter 7
'''
Indigo
'''
Where is it? She was at the Deep Palace. She was looking for her shell necklace her grandmother gave her. It has to be around here somewhere. She was searching in her room. The queen was requiring all animus dragons to report to the army. Of course, since Beluga is an animus, Indigo’s mother wanted him to stay behind and help to heal the injured. Indigo volunteered to help with her shell necklace her animus grandmother gave her. Aha! Found it! She took it out from under her seaweed bed and swam to the reef gardens. As she neared the gardens she saw King Gill leave with a bunch of armor on. 
We need to be ready when the injured start to come back. The queen announced to Indigo, Beluga, and Bermuda. Bermuda was older than Indigo and a little more careful about her animus powers. I guess she’s so careful she doesn’t want to be in the battle, Indigo thought. 
Did you find Grandma’s necklace, Indigo? Beluga flashed at her. Yes. It was under my bed. Her brother seemed really worried about the battle to come. All Indigo could think about was if Cardinal was doing ok.
'''
It was another ten minutes before the inured started to head toward the gardens. Indigo used her necklace to heal as many people as possible. After a couple of hours, the gardens were packed with injured dragons. Minutes later she saw someone familiar in the crowd of injured dragons. It was Whirlpool. He was missing half a wing, a horn, and part of his tail was burned off. Whirlpool! Indigo flashed. Three different soldiers swam him to her. What happened out there? She asked. 
I got… too into the… ba… battle. A… SkyWing took me by… surprize. She could only think about how bad the battle was going. Don’t worry. I’ll heal you. My grandmother gave me an animus shell. She pressed the shell onto Whirlpool’s head and slowly every cut and bruise and bone was fixed. His wing grew back as did his horn or tail. After a little bit of rest, he went back into the battle. Indigo began to notice that Riptide hasn’t been to the gardens yet. Either he isn’t injured or he’s dead. Indigo hoped it was the former. 
'''
Eventually, there was less and less injured coming in. Indigo hoped that meant the battle was dying down. After a while, the queen announced that they should check and on the battle. They swam in silence on the way to the battle area. Beluga was the first to speak, 
Do you think that Whirlpool survived the attack? Indigo took a minute to answer that. She didn’t want to worry him so she simply said, He’ll be fine. Once they got to the battlefield, they surfaced and shocked at what they saw. Five whole islands were scorched like crazy. There were hundreds of bodies everywhere. There were at least eighty SeaWings. The SkyWing numbers were way larger. In the distance, they saw the SkyWings retreating. The SeaWings had won the battle. 
“Whirlpool!” Beluga screamed. He flew down and landed at Whirlpool’s side. He had a couple of cuts and bruises. Nothing critical. “Your Majesty,” Whirlpool said as Queen Coral landed. “I’ve decided to quit the army. I can’t stand to be in another battle like that.” The queen looked irritated but in kind words, she said, 
“Of course. I understand. I expected to lose a couple of dragons in the guard. I’ll have to rebuild it.” Indigo had a pretty good idea. “Your Majesty,” Indigo started. “I think you should promote your brother Shark to the rank of commander. He will be a great leader. They might learn more from him.” The queen looked pleased with this idea. “Yes. That will work. That’ll work just nicely. Where is Shark right now?” Everyone looked around for a while before they spotted him on one of the scorched islands. The queen instantly flew off to promote her brother. After she left Riptide came up to us. 
“Hey! Get out of here!” Whirlpool yelled. “Whirlpool, stop! He helped you during the battle. Be nice to him.” Riptide looked afraid to take one more step. “That doesn’t cover up for all the betrayal in his family.” She kind of found it unfair to punish a dragon for what his parents did. 
“Hey! You! Leave this place at once!” That came from the queen. Riptide flew off as fast as his wing could carry him. “Why does that dragon keep on showing up everywhere?” The queen asked no one. They flew back with the surviving SeaWings to the Deep Palace for the hospitals. After that Indigo went to the Summer Palace. When she got there it was mostly empty. Word must have gotten out the battle was over. She went to her cave and slept trying to forget about Cardinal.
'''
4 YEARS LATER…
'''
'''
Chapter 7
'''
Cardinal
'''
Grumble. That was the sound of his stomach. He has barely been fed in this prison. He should be thankful the queen isn’t making him fight in the arena. He was still in his jail room, scrawny and starving. 
Death could be better than this, He thought. He stopped counting the days after the first year or two. Stomp, stomp, stomp. He might be near death, but his hearing was still good. He heard the door open and Cliff stepped inside. 
“I brought you breakfast.” He dropped a pigeon and a rat on the ground. He gladly took the meal and devoured it. “There’s going to be another trial in two days.” He thought about this for a moment. “Why do they bother with trials?” “Your mother has fought so hard for your name. I don’t know why she tries. You’ll be found guilty and your mom will be thrown in jail for making the queen wait so long to have you executed.” Oh. That’s why they’ve had so many trials. “You don’t have any evidence I’m guilty,” Cardinal said. “With Queen Scarlet, you don’t need evidence. You just need her to be bored enough. She always has executions when she’s bored.” That’s good to know. Cliff walked out and was about to close the door when Cardinal yelled, “Wait!” Cliff turned around. “Thank you. Thank you for breakfast.” Cliff turned back and left without saying a word. Cardinal wished he had more food to eat. He tried to fall asleep but he couldn’t with this one thought in his head. Did the SeaWings survive the attack? Every time he thought about it he couldn’t fall asleep, he just couldn’t.
	He awoke with a startle. Someone had called his name. Who was it? “Cardinal!” He looked to the door and saw a dragon standing there. “Who are you and what do you want?” She looked around to make sure no one was looking. “My name is Princess Ruby. I’m here to get you out of here.” He was confused. “Why would you rescue me?” She hesitated on that question. “You’re innocent. You are not a traitor.” Someone came. I can’t believe someone came for me. Screech. It was the sound of a door opening. “I’ll come back another time. Here take this food.” She barely opened the window and dropped three rattlesnakes into the room. “I’ll return to you. Don’t worry. Try to hide the snakes.” And at that, she was gone. He did his best to hide the snakes under him. A guard walked past his door. Cardinal turned himself to the rattlesnakes. Three rattlesnakes! He ate and ate and ate. He finally felt happy sitting in his cell. Tomorrow Princess Ruby will come and he would be free. 
Chapter 9 
'''
Indigo
'''
Indigo loves the library. It helps her find peace in herself. That helps her with all the things that have happened in the past four years. Beluga was taken by the queen to join the army. Tide ran away with the one he loves. Father was captured by SandWings, and Mother has become the queen’s maid. “Hey, Whirlpool!” She heard many scrolls fall when she said his name. 
“Coming, Indigo!” He responded. “I was wondering if you could let me keep this scroll?” He looked at the scroll for a second. “Have you become interested in animus magic and scavengers?” “Yeah, it has a lot of cool stuff in it.” He sat there for a moment thinking it over. “Fine. I’ll let you have it.” Yes! I really do love that story. “Here I brought this for you.” She handed him a gold loop earring. “Thank you, Indigo.” He looped it through his ear and gave her the scroll. After she put the scroll away in her cave, she went to Aqua’s cave. “Hey, Aqua. You in here?” Silence. The cave was empty. Indigo decided to go look at the reefs. She swam out of the island and bumped into Aqua. Aqua? What are you doing? She hesitated before answering. 
I was out helping mom with the gardens. Aqua’s mom was promoted to work on the gardens last month. Aqua swam past her into the Summer Palace. That was odd. Indigo swam to the biggest coral reef. It was close to the Deep Palace. She hovered over it and watched the fish swim in and out. Eventually, she fell asleep.
'''
“Mother! Run!” The Summer Palace was on fire. The SkyWings were attacking. They burned through the canopy and were dropping logs and cactus bombs. Who had shouted ‘Mother! Run!’? Indigo looked around and saw dragons fleeing, but no one seemed to notice her. Why can’t they see me? She could see Commander Shark attacking the SkyWings. There was a new cave near the canopy. What is that? It was a MudWing. He was pulling a SeaWing by the tail onto the platform. They seemed to be friends since they weren’t attacking each other. There were more strange dragons. A SandWing, RainWing, and a NightWing. The Summer Palace was being demolished. When Indigo looked up she saw Riptide flying into the battle. What is he doing? He can’t survive. This was way worse than the first attack. When she looked back to the cave. She saw another dragon. It was Webs! What’s he doing back here? He looked like he had been hit with something sharp. He was bleeding out of his gills. Indigo wanted to help, but when she tried to help a dragon into the water she passed right through him. What was happening to her? After a little bit of thinking, she realized those dragons were the Dragonets of Destiny. What are they doing here? She thought. The Dragonets flew out of the hole in the canopy. When they reached the top, another SandWing came up and stabbed Webs in the tail. The SeaWing came and struck the SandWing. The SandWing looked familiar. It’s Blister! Why would Blister attack the dragonets? The scene was slowly turning black. She needed to ask how the Dragonets planned to stop the war. When she flew off to ask them the scene left her.
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“Gasp!” She woke above water. How did I end up on this island? She thought with worry. She looked around and found her way to the beach. What she saw surprised her. She saw a NightWing-SeaWing hybrid sitting on the sand. “Who are you?” The dragon looked up. “My name is Stargazer.” She still had one more question on her mind. “Why and how did you bring me here?” Stargazer looked like she had just asked him if the Deep Palace was really underwater. “I’m part SeaWing you know?” He was right. He had purple scales on his back and side. His under scales were green. He had gills on his neck. Instead of silver scales on his wings, he had green wings with black scale dots. “I brought you here to give you a vision of the future.” Oh no! The Summer Palace gets destroyed. “Why would you bring me here?” He took a second before answering. Probably to figure out how to word it. “You need to know about this. There are many things in the future you aren’t going to end up liking.” What’s that supposed to mean? “What could I possibly hate about the future?” Stargazer started laughing uncontrollably. “One day, you’re going to look back at today, hear those words and you’re going to laugh yourself.” What is he talking about? “Look what I’m saying is, most of your entire future, starting in three months you’re going to hate it.” But why would he show me that one? “I showed you that one because the Dragonets of Destiny aren’t what anyone expects them to be.” I wonder when they’re actually going to come. “They’re going to come in 3 years.” How does he keep doing that? It’s like he’s reading my mind. “That’s because I am. I have the teardrop scales of the mind readers. As you already know I can see the future.” Couldn’t he have just started with that? ‘Hello, the name’s Stargazer, by the way, I can read minds.’ “I couldn’t do that. I’ve been trying to keep it a secret from everyone. Most dragons try to use someone who can read minds.” He had a good point. Many dragons could use a mind reader in some negotiations. “Can you at least tell me somethings about my future?” He hesitated. “Fine. Sit down and I’ll tell something that will happen in the next three months.” And so he began to tell Indigo the terrible things yet to come.
Chapter 10
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Cardinal
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She has to be back sometime soon, He thought in his jail room. She promised she would be back the next day. Yet here he was two weeks later, starving and still a prisoner. Maybe she was just trying to trick me. Getting my hopes up only to have them crushed again. If only he could reach his shell necklace, then things would be different. He would blast out of the prison and destroy Cliff. Once again he heard footsteps down the hall. Is that her? Has she come back for me? The dragon who reached his door wasn’t Ruby. It was Cliff. 
“The queen shortened your food rations.” What he tossed into the room was a single little mouse. Even though he hated it he still accepted the food and ate. When he finished Cliff was gone. What would I give to claw his stupid little face off? He sat in silence for a couple of hours maybe, Cardinal didn’t know. What he did know was that it was pointless to get his hopes up. She isn’t coming back, He thought with brief anger. If he ever got out of this prison he would get revenge on pretty much everyone. After what seemed like days he heard footsteps again. Who could it be this time? Cardinal wondered. When the dragon came into Carindal’s view, it turned out to be Ruby. “What took you so long? You said you were coming two weeks ago.” Cardinal hated this dragon for making him wait so long. “The queen got suspicious of me when I  came to feed you. Don’t worry, this time I’m here to get you out.” Ruby pulled out a key and unlocked the door. “Come with me, I know a secret way out.” Cardinal followed Ruby down a deep tunnel. After what seemed like hours, the tunnel opened up to a clear sky. How long has it been since I’ve seen the sun? Cardinal wondered. “Try to fly out of here as fast as you can. Queen Scarlet will have soldiers at your cell before you know it.” Cardinal turned to the sky and was about to take off before he remembered, “My necklace! I need my necklace!” Ruby pulled something out of her bag. “I was wondering what thins was. Here you go.” She handed him the necklace. “Thank you, Ruby.” Cardinal turned toward the sky lifted his wings and took off. He had a little trouble at first, but he got the hang of it after a while. The first thing I’m gonna do is to find Indigo. He flew off toward the Kingdom of Sea, excited at his freedom.
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Chapter 11
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Indigo
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Indigo woke up after what she thought was her twentieth vision from Stargazer. How can all of this happen? “So, why do the NightWings have a backup plan?” Indigo asked. “Originally the ‘prophecy’ called for a SkyWing. The SkyWing egg was broken so the Guardians had to find a RainWing egg to replace it. The NIghtWings did not approve of this. They found more dragonets that fit the description better.” Indigo was starting to get headaches from all the visions she was getting. “Stargazer, why haven’t you shown me any visions from my future?” Stargazer looked saddened by this question. “There are reasons you will find out later.” I should probably be heading back. “Yes, you should. You’ve seen enough visions for today.” I forgot he could read minds. “How could you forget that? It seems like something you should try to remember.” I hate it when he does that. “I should go,” Indigo said. She flew off into the night on her way to the Summer Palace.
Category:Fanfictions
Category:Fanfictions (Incomplete)
Category:Fanfictions (Semi-Canon)