Consequences

This is a fanfic I did on my OC called Gannet on the WoF Fanon wiki.
After a troubled and rocky childhood, Gannet just wants to help dragons. After leaving the Seawing Army, he goes to Possibility and gets a job as a doctor for a clinic. But his past doesn’t want to leave him alone...
Warning:The following work contains some mature elements.
== Part 1: It’s a hard knock life. ==
“Hold still for me please,” Gannet said. 
A Mudwing, recently bitten by a dragonbite viper, was laying on his side in a bed. Gannet heard the commotion caused by the pained Mudwing, and managed to rush him to the healer's hut he worked in, where he gave him an antidote and helped the Mudwing avoid shock while the venom was nullified. The Seawing was now wrapping some gauze on the snakebite wound to avoid any possible infection.
The practice of medicine gave Gannet great joy, whether it be giving someone a brew to drink, help mend a broken wing, or simply wrapping a wound. It was his passion, the one thing that gave him purpose. The one thing that he could brag about.
“Alright. You’re all patched up.” 
“Is there any other complications?” asked the Mudwing.
“Nope. You are all set. You should have no complications walking or flying.” Gannet moved out of the way to allow the Mudwing to get down from the bed.
“Thanks, doc. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for you.” said the Mudwing in a monotone voice.
“Saving lives is my job. “There is no need to thank me.” Gannet gave him a slight smile and led him outside.
“Still, it’s important to commend those who do a good job. Everyone needs some encouragement.” said the Mudwing dryly, stretching his wings. “Well, I better be going again. I’ve lost plenty of time due to that cursed viper. Have a good day, doctor.” 
“You as well.”
And with that, the Mudwing ascended into the sky and disappeared from view. Gannet, happy with the results from his latest patient, yet slightly irked at the Mudwing‘s attitude, headed back into the Medical hut.
Located in Possibility, the hut was more of a large rectangular prism, and it was surprisingly nice despite its simplicity. It was made from granite cut into bricks and laced together with mortar. The hut had corridors that led to different rooms for treating patients, storing medicine, making concoctions, and places to finalize examinations. Inside, the owner of the hut managed to get marble tiles on the floor, giving the place a sterilized and prim feel. The main area didn’t have much in it, just a reception desk and some chairs for patients to sit in, along with some lamps on the wall to shine a light when it got dark.  But to Gannet, it made him feel at home. It was quiet at the clinic today, with no patients present at the moment.  
In one of the corridors leading to the examination rooms, stood Santviento, the Sandwing doctor that owned the place. He was a cheery fellow, with light brown scales that looked like clay, spotted with golden flecks from snout to tail. He was always adorned with a gold necklace and spectacles on his snout. “They help me see and make me stylish,” he said once. Gannet agreed. They really do make you smart. His golden eyes were most curious to Gannet. They looked curious, active, and sharp, looking for every detail. It was a stark contrast to the eyes of his patients.
Santviento‘ s past was the one many dragons would call ideal. He grew up with loving parents, did well in school, and had friends. He realized he wanted to be a healer and to help others, and went the route of academia to get there, much more different than Gannet’s story, which was forged through service and sorrow. Despite this, they both shared similar goals, and they got together well. Gannet wished more dragons could be like him.
“How did the viper incident go?” Santviento asked curiously, twirling a quill in his right claw.
“He managed to avoid slipping into shock and recovered just fine. It’s a little odd that he left so fast despite his life being threatened 30 minutes ago.” 
The Sandwing chuckled. “That’s Bittern for you. He takes his job as patrolman quite seriously. It’s almost as if he despises stagnation of any kind. Come with me.” He walked into a building where the medicine was stored. He opened a cabinet and began looking through its continents. He resumed his conversation. “Did he at least thank you?”
“Of course he did.”
“Well you just received the maximum amount of gratitude he gives to anyone. He once came in here all wounded and bruised that I guess was caused by a felon. He simply walked up to me a said “Heal me.” and those were the only two words he spoke that day to me, even after I finished fixing him up. He’s incredibly curt. I can’t imagine his fellow officers actually wanting to go on patrol with him.”
Gannet sighed.”It seems most dragons turn into pricks the second they gain any kind of power. It’s a shame really.”
Santviento took out some herbs from the cabinet and closed it. He walked outside to a pot of water hanging over an unlit fireplace and dumped the herbs into the pot. He used his firebreath to light the fireplace. The fire burned softly, the flame slow and smooth like pouring caramel. Combined with the light from the early sunset, the scene looked as if it were a scene from a painting. Gannet enjoyed the moment. Times like this have rarely come to him during his bumpy journey through life.
His brief thoughts were interrupted by Santviento. “The war isn’t helping either. It’s been going on for ages now, and everyone is tired of it. Especially the soldiers. I’m sure you’ve had front row seats to that experience. Is that why you resigned from the army?” 
“No, actually.” said Gannet, irritated by the thought but didn’t show it. “I left because I couldn’t take unnecessary lives anymore, and I wasn’t helping as many people as I liked, so I left.’
“Ah, I can’t blame you. If I was in your position, I would do the same. Let’s hope those “Dragonets of Destiny” hurry up and end the war. It’s been going on for too long now.” 
Santviento stirred the pot slowly with a wooden spoon and covered the brew with a lid. “I’m going to get more herbs for the brew. Watch the fire for me, will you?”
“Sure thing.”
The Sandwing left, and Gannet stared at the flames. He began to reminisce about the day of his resignation from the Seawing Army.
—————————————————————————————————————
2 months ago...
It was early morning in the Seawing Army camp. Most soldiers were still dozing off, but not Gannet. He had something to do. He went to the tent of the Seawing general in charge of Gannet’s detachment. Taking a deep breath, he passed through the folds.
Inside, General Guillemot was looking at some paperwork as if it was the most important thing in the world. Unlike his soldiers, Guillemot woke up early. It was his job to get the detachment battle ready in the morning.  He believed having his soldiers primed and organized would make them a force to be reckoned with. As such, he woke up earlier than the rest to make sure the camp was in tip-top shape and prepared for the day. He wasn't insane like the other generals, but he wasn’t a pushover either, and his soldiers loved him for it. 
His dark green scales looked like the vast seaweed forests in the Bay of a Thousand Scales. His light green eyes were weary, but still very much attentive. Still very much the eyes of a soldier.
General Guillemot was a Seawing soldier’s best friend. Unlike the other generals, Guillemot knew the effects of the battlefield. He was reasonable and caring for those who were in shock or said that they couldn’t take it anymore. It made sense to help his troops. After all, he was once one of them, and he witnessed the same terrors.
Guillemot looked at Gannet while he came up to his desk, but didn’t say a word. Gannet took out a scroll from his medical chestpiece and placed it on his desk. Guillemot studied the scroll. He seemed intrigued.
“So, our best medic is leaving us?” He leaned in his chair and crossed his arms. “And why would that be?”
“Well sir, if I stay in the army any longer, I might go insane.”
Guillemot raised his eyebrows, his eyes practically oozing curiosity. “Let me guess. The battlefield got the best of you? I’ll admit, it’s not pretty. Even the best succumb to the horrors of the war.”
Gannet knew exactly what he was talking about. During his time as a medic, he saw things few dragons ever witness, and fewer that lived to tell the tale. He had seen it all. The bodies lying on the battlefield. The dragonflame cactuses exploding all around while dragons scrambled to find cover. He had treated patients with the worst of injuries. He had seen the light in their eyes fade away. He heard the soldiers who cried for their parents while in pain. Gannet realized and accepted what these experiences mean. They made him strong. Though. Iron willed. They carved him into the dragon he is today. He will always remember that.
But sometimes, he wished he never knew it existed.
The horrors of battle didn’t make him throw in the towel. He was strong.
“No sir, it’s not the case for me. I don’t want to take unnecessary lives. I don’t care if it’s the enemy. A dragon's life is crucial, no matter what.” said Gannet. This was one of his core beliefs. No one could convince him otherwise.
“I see.” said Guillemot. “And nothing else?”
“Of course not. I’m not helping as many people as I want to. The role of a combat medic is… limiting.”
‘Ah. There it is. I was expecting that from you.” Guillemot sat straight in his chair and looked serious. “I’ll be honest, Gannet, I expected you to leave sooner. He picked up a quill and studied it as if it were an exotic treasure. There are very few dragons like you, Gannet. Most only care for themselves and scoff at the idea of helping others. But you are not the majority. I’m actually somewhat relieved that you decided to leave. Losing a dragon like you to this damn war is something I cannot allow. We need more dragons like you.”
Guillemot looked back at the scroll of resignation and adjusted his quill. “I will sign this scroll for you. However, I must ask you some questions.” 
Gannet tried not to look relieved.
“Where are you going to go after your resignation?” “I’m not sure yet. Perhaps a clinic in Possibility could use a doctor.” Guillemot nodded, agreeing with the proposal. “That’s a good plan. Possibility is a great town, from what I’ve heard. I’m sure they need people like you over there. He sighed. “You know, you should probably visit your parents. They’ve forgiven you, and you’ve fought back your grief with my help. I’m sure they miss you.”
Gannet stood still. The last time he saw his family was when they kicked him out, yelling at him to never come back. He got his letter 6 months ago, and hadn’t sent one back yet. “
You’re right. I really should visit them again. But I need to find a job first. I don’t want to arrive there without any kind of income to back me up.”
“That’s a good idea. Not exactly a great idea to have another family fiasco again, isn’t it?” Guillemot took his quill and dipped it in ink. He hesitated a bit, not too keen on losing the best medic he had ever seen, but he gave in. He put his signature on the scroll and put it in a drawer. “Congratulations, you’ve resigned from the army. You are now cleared to leave.” Guillemot sighed and gave a hearty chuckle. “It’s not going to be easy to replace you, buddy. I’m going to miss you.” Gannet allowed himself to smile. “I’ll miss you too, friend. I’ll never forget what you have done for me. Godspeed to you, sir.” 
“You as well.” Gannet was about to leave the tent, but Guillemot said “Just one more thing.” Gannet turned his head behind him. “Visit me some time, will ya?” Gannet laughed brightly. “I definitely will.” And with that, Gannet went back to his tent, packed his few belongings, and flew off, ready to start a new chapter in his life.
—————————————————-———————————————————————————————
The steps of Santviento snapped Gannet back to reality. He didn’t reasume his earlier conversation for a bit, lifting the lid of the pot and dumping more herbs in. Gannet was more than content to not talk for a while. It gave him more time to think.
”I didn’t tell Guillemot the whole story, did I? Me saying I didn’t quit due to the brutality of the battlefield wasn’t all of the truth.” Yes, the blood soaked beaches and the wailing dragons didn’t make him quit. He was strong enough to keep it cool.
But losing a patient on the battlefield? That hit him hard.
Almost all patients under Gannets care survived. But of course, there were some that didn’t make it. Gannet didn’t care about the number of dragons he saved. He cared about the number deceased.
Every dragon that lost his pulse, every pair of eyes that got glazed over, every time someone went to sleep and never woke up again, made Gannet feel like he was breaking apart. Each and every death meant a failure to him. It didn’t matter if the patient was beyond saving. He still felt it was his responsibility.
Death truly hit him hard. The only time he cried on the battlefield was when a fellow comrade under his care passed on. He always had a hard time controlling the emotions that overwhelmed him when that happened. The only way he managed to move on is by mentally saying to himself “You did all you can do. You did you’re best. You must move on. Pull it together. There are others that still need you out there.”
Was that the final straw for him? Was this the main reason he left? He wasn’t sure. But leaving certainly did help. At least in a clinic, he had other doctors for support, and here the survival rates were higher.
Gannet really wanted to talk right now, just to think about something else. Luckily, Santviento was more than happy to grant his wish by talking about his brew.
”Now this concoction I have here is quite special. I’ve taken a gander at your own brews when you first came here and decided to combine some of your ingredients together, and ended up with this.” the Sandwing moved to the side to allow Gannet to peer into the pot. The liquid was a maroon red, and seemed to have the texture of velvet.
“This brew seems to speed up the flow of blood in a dragon, which gives the drinker a surge of energy that allows them to move slightly faster and be more alert. It even helps seal wounds.
”Impressive!” said Gannet, quite interested. “But I'm guessing there are side affects as well, right?”
Santviento sighed. “Correct. Faster blood does help seal wounds, however it also means that more blood will exit the wound, which is kind of a double-edged sword. Also, it seems the drink makes dragons slightly angry.” I’m certain that one of the plants or the berries is causing it, but I haven’t found the culprit yet. He started to stir the mixture again.
”Wow, that must be annoying. I’m sure you’ll figure it out. You’re a smart lad.” said Gannet. “Have you seen the one that‘s in storage all the time? It‘s the one that looks like liquid gold.”
”No, I haven’t!” said Santviento, with lit-up eyes.
“Well, that one is like the opposite of this brew. It slows down the blood slightly, and it decreases the time for wings and bones to heal. It does make your muscles and nerves as null as a stone, so it’s only used for dragons that aren't going anywhere for a while. It’s incredibly effective.”
The Sandwing chuckled. These potent brews always seem to have side affects, The weaker stuff is just fine to use, but once it gets powerful, side effects start to appear. It’s kind of balancing itself in away.” Santviento reached for more ingredients, only to discover he had no more. He let out a groan.
Gannet couldn’t help but smile. “You forgot to stock up again, haven’t you?”
‘It seems I did. Can you please go to that gardener lady and ask for these herbs?“ Santviento handed him a scroll. “I know it’s late, but if I don't finish this brew tonight, it’s going to expire.
”Alright. I will.”
”Thank you so much. I owe you one.
Not wasting any more time, Gannet headed out into Possibility.
Possibility was a large, but still charming, town. During sunset to dawn, the streets were serene and quiet prevailed. The roads were well made, formed from cobblestone and mortar that held it together. These robust yet elegant streets were an example of what is possible when dragons band together. It’s what Gannet loved about this place. Here, every dragon from every tribe lived, conversed, and worked here in seemingly perfect harmony.
It seemed as if the war never happened,
Gannet was going to a Mudwing gardener by the name of Lady Twite. He didn’t know much about her, besides that she was old, and sold the herbs, berries, and planets that he and Santviento needed. She rarely talked, only asking what you needed before scurrying off and getting said items. She then would tell you how much to pay and wished you a good day. Gannet often saw her in the gardens, tending to here precious plants. Her nephew often came to visit and they both shared a meal. She seemed like a nice dragon.
On his way there, Gannet was about to pass a open-air bar called Kingfisher’s. It was more like a large stand, wehre you could sit down and have a drink 10 centimeters away from the road in the outdoors. He once had a drink there. It wasn’t too bad.
The owner, Kingfisher, was a Seawing. He said that he and his family left the Seawing Kingdom after the war started, and after wandering the rivers for a while, they finally settled down here. He wasn’t exactly a jolly fellow and didn't start the brightest conversations, but he was alright. He was rumored to make the best cocktails in town. Gannet never had one of them, so he couldn’t confirm. Maybe one day he would order one.
”Damn!”
There were 2 Skywings at the bar, both wearing chestplates and Gannet immediately knew something was up. He had to be careful about Skywings. Not that he killed Skywings in the war. In fact, he saved quite a few of them at one point. 
“I may have left on good terms with the Skywing Army after treating their wounded, but I better be careful. Who knows why they are here?”
Walking incredibly cautiously now, Gannet slowly walked past the bar. He overheard one of the Skywings talk, the one in charge, it seemed.
”What is this drink called again?” He was talking to Kingfisher about a sparkling purple cocktail that he was drinking. “It‘s delicious. No, seriously, it’s fantastic. What do you think, Vireo?’
”I agree. It’s a genius combination of flavors.” And almost as if he knew exactly were Gannet was, he turned around and looked Gannet straight in the eyes.
“Oh no.”
Gannet stood completely still.
”Hey, Elanus!” Vireo called out. “This is that Seawing you were looking for, right?”
”I feel like I remember that name from somewhere...”
“Yes, yes it is.” Elanus got off the chair and started walking towards Gannet. The Seawing took a look at his chestpiece. It was very decorated, like the armor that SkyWing captains wear. He came close to Gannet and put his perfectly sharpened talons on his shoulder with a grin on his face. Gannet remembered those claws. A few months ago they were pointing a spear directly at his throat.
It took all of Gannet‘s willpower to not bolt.
”Hey, buddy.” Said Elanus in a low voice. “You didn’t think I would let you off that easy, did you?”
== Part 2: The past is at your door ==
It wasn't a good day for Gannet.
His comrades had fought in a battle with the SkyWings and sustained heavy casualties, forcing the Seawings to retreat. However, there was some good news. The Skywings too had their hit of casualties, and they slowly advanced forward, giving Gannet a short window of time to look for injured soldiers, on both sides. Gannet didn't retreat with the others. He knew that there were dragons out there that still needed help. he couldn't leave them behind.
He walked on the hellish-looking beach, the waves crimson with blood and the once pearly sand tainted with dead dragons and abandoned weapons. If only the queens could see that bloodbath that was this war. Maybe then would they reconsider, but he doubted the front line would ever be broadcasted to Queen Coral. Gannet grunted a little. His left flank got stabbed by a bloodthirsty Skywing, but a valiant SeaWing managed to get his attention. It wasn't fatal. He could live with it.
After walking past countless bodies, Gannet found an ice-blue Seawing trying to move around, obviously very injured. He rushed towards the fallen soldier.
"Don't move. I'm a healer, I will patch you up." said Gannet in a calm voice. He inspected the SeaWing. He had a spear wound not too far from his heart, and on his right hind leg as well. He had various gashes and cuts over his face and belly. "He will live." Gannet thought."
"Wha-What are... you doing?" the SeaWing soldier said weakly. "The Skywings-"
"Yes, I know the Skywings are coming," said Gannet with a sad smile. "Don't worry, they won't get you. I'm more important to them then you are, no offense.
The Seawing nodded and relaxed a little. Gannet started to pour disinfectant on the wounds and bandaging them. He took out a vial of cerulean blue liquid. "Here, drink this. It will improve your condition."
As the SeaWing soldier drank, Gannet heard wingbeats. But not normal wingbeats. Fast, powerful wingbeats.
"Skywings." he thought, fear rising within him.
Elanus is the leader of a SkyWing Army division. A newcomer to the command scene, he was one of the fresh new captains in the army, but despite his inexperience, he leads as if he did it for his entire life.
Elanus was a rare breed of dragon. Even during his recruitment he stood out from the others. Towering over them, he talked fast yet orderly, flooded the room with his personality. He was always in high spirits, and he always seemed to disperse the atmosphere and make it his own. Cunning, opportunistic, and sometimes downright ruthless, he was born to lead. 
It's hard to miss him in a crowd. His muscular build is most noticeable, along with his bright orange scales and yellow underscores. The scars on his snout and belly were noticeable, but it only made him look even manlier. His sky blue eyes were filled with passion and always gleamed, no matter what.
His parents said his eyes weren’t always that way. When he was younger his eyes were just a normal light blue. But one day, Elanus was taken to see SkyWing soldiers do drills while his father explained the life of these soldiers. On that day, his eyes lit up and almost seemed to give off light. He found his career at that moment. He could see it already; he would give orders and lead his loyal troops to battle. He would bring up his troops morale and crush the enemy, and claim the land for the Skywing Queen while his troops celebrated and marched. It was his dream, and believed it was his destiny. Ever since that day, the light in his eyes never faded away.
Seeing as Elanus was so determined to join the army, his parents decided to might as well start him young. They would wake him up early in the morning, made him workout righteously, and drilled him as any military commander would. They were so strict, that Elanus joked that they were actually IceWings in disguise.
He didn’t eat lunch or dinner that day.
When he was finally old enough to join the army, Elanus was more than ready. Due to his strict childhood regime, every obstacle was a breeze while others struggled around him. He wasn’t selfish however, and tried to help wehre he could. He was quite full of himself though, even he knew that.
Elanus had this natural ability to make others listen to him. His silky voice always dominated the room, and everyone followed his orders. He seemed to draw in strangers as if they were already friends.
There was a dragon that caught his eyes called Vireo. Elanus could tell he didn’t exactly want to be in the Army, but he did it to protect his home, which Elanus appreciated. Elanus managed to pull him under his wing and the two got along perfectly.
”I feel like you understand me, Vireo.” Elanus once said. “Stick with me, and we‘ll reach the top.” That seemed to sound good to Vireo, and stayed beside Elanus smilingly 24/7. And true to his word, Elanus and Vireo climbed their way up, and have been inseparable since.
Today was a swell day for Elanus. It was his first battle against the SeaWings, and he managed to make them retreat. But the cost was high, which is something Elanus did not like. He would have to learn the tatics of the SeaWings in order to beat them.
He was flying with Vireo, along with 4 other soldiers across the battlefield, paying little attention to the bodies sprawled across the beach. He was looking for any SeaWings still lingering around, hoping that he could capture them. Well, some of them, at least.
Elanus was a bit picky with who he takes prisoner. He only takes dragons with a fighting spirit and bloodlust. A terrified soldier wouldnt providedmuch entertainment in the queen's arena. He didn't exactly like the Queen's Arena, but as long as it was a thing, he might as well make it as intesresing and entertaining as possible.
After flying for a while, Vireo spotted 2 Seawings, with one of the healing the other. 
"Impressive." thought Elanus. "His division retreated back, but he is still out here, helping dragons. I already have respect for him."
He landed close to the 2 SeaWings. The healer stiffened a bit but didn't look up.'“That's courage if I have ever seen it." he pondered.
He brandished his gleaming spear and pointed it at the healer's throat. 
"Well well, what do we have here?"
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Gannet was relieved, yet still terrified at the same time
”Captain Elanus.” He breathed.
“Thats right. You thought that you wouldn’t see me again, did you?” said Elanus. “Cmon, be honest.”
Gannet considered his answer carefully. ”No, I didn’t think I‘d talk to you again.“ He said as calmly as he could.
The SkyWing smiled. “I can’t blame you for thinking so. I mean, who would expect me, the captain of the SkyWing front, to be here, in Possibility? Absolutely no one. But here we are. Besides, what are you doing here, anyway? Aren’t you supposed to be with your platoon?”
”I... left the SeaWing army. I‘ve settled here for the time being. I’m helping more dragons here than... out there.” Gannet muttered.
”Ah! Good timing for you. The SkyWing army is getting more ruthless every day. I doubt they would spare you nowadays. Speaking of the army, I’m not here just for no reason. You see, I was tasked with finding you.”
Category:Literature
Category:Fanfictions
Category:Fanfictions (Unfinished)
Category:Wings of Fire
Category:Original Stories
Category:Original Stories (Unfinished)