The Prince's Madness

== Prologue  ==
Albatross snarled as he hit the floor of the Summer Palace. Foam frothed at the sides of his mouth as his wild eyes turned to look at the armored dragons in front of him. He roared at them, froth flying from his jaws and splattering on the stone.
The lead Seawing grabbed a spear laying in front of him, covered with the prince's blood. "Give it up, Albatross. Just let us do what we have to." he said calmly.
The prince growled, heaving himself to his feet, stumbling from side to side. Blood trickled along his blue-grey scales, dripping into his bloodshot eyes and blurring his vision.
The lead dragon took a few steps forward, his blue eyes glaring at the prince. He held the spear to Albatross's throat, the prong poking into his neck. "Give up. I'll never forgive you for what you did to the queen. Lagoon will have her vengeance."
Albatross's eyes widened at the mention of his murdered sister's name. His lips curled to reveal his splintered teeth, tiny fragments of enamel missing from the yellowing fangs. He flung himself at the dark blue dragon, the trident slicing through his neck, a red flood pouring from the wound.
The rest of the squadron rushed forward, ripping the slowly dying prince from the blue dragon.
"My king!" Princess Splash cried, her eyes studying his wounds. "Humpback! Are you alright?"
"Y-Yes. I'm alright." he said, pulling himself up.
Splash's sky-blue scales were dripping blood from several large wounds. She dropped her spear, smiling weakly as she laid down next to her father.
The old king covered her with his wing. "It's alright, Splash. Just close your eyes."
Albatross's roar cracked the glass ornaments lining the lowest level of the palace, the blood turning his voice into a terrifying gurgle. He stumbled, slumping to the ground. His claws shook violently, beginning to bleed as he dug them into the sandstone even harder. His heaving breathing filled the empty palace, his eyes still wild, darting around rapidly at the squadron. He growled, his eyes beginning to close as his head flopped to the ground, a small splash from the large pool of blood underneath him.
"Serves you right." a green dragon spat. "You'll forever be remembered as a monster for what you did to Queen Lagoon."
Albatross snarled softly, his eyes struggling to stay open. "Kill... you..." he rasped.
The green Seawing flicked her tail at the squadron. "Come on. Just leave him. He's already gone. The king is now dead as well."
As the battalion of Seawing guards disappeared, Albatross lay on the ground, his vision rapidly fading into darkness.
He snarled as his last breath left his lungs. "Not... finished..." his scratchy voice sputtered as he slipped into death.
== Chapter One ==
Albatross trotted along the beach, looking at the tiny silver fish as they darted around in the shallow water. He swatted at them, ending them scattering.
Queen Angelfish's pale blue scales appeared out of the water, her tail splashing at the surface. She poked her head out of the ocean, the waves lapping at her face. "Albatross, come on! Time for the morning council meeting!"
The small dragon leaped into the water next to his mother, paddling along beside her as she swam.
King Algae stood waiting in the entrance of the deep palace, his dark green scales blending in with the coral around him.
Angelfish drifted past him, Albatross in tow. "Come." her teal spots flashed. "Our council dragons are waiting."
He swam after her as they lifted onto a higher level of the underwater palace. A circle of Seawings sat on a ring of several stone pedestals.
A pale green Seawing looked down from the pedestal labeled Dragonet Care. A blue dragon sat next to her, not paying attention. The green dragon smiled at the queen. "There you are, your majesty. Let's begin."
Angelfish swam up to the pedestal labeled Queen, her daughter, Princess Lagoon, already perched on the stone.
Lagoon flicked her nose upward, the water moving along her pale green scales. Her tiny string of pearls around her neck clinked together.
Albatross took his place next to his mother, keeping close to her. Remembering his sister, Sapphire, he winced.
Angelfish signaled with her tail as five of the kitchen staff flew in, each carrying a tray of food. They set one down in front of each dragon.
Albatross looked down at the silver tray in front of his mother. There were three plates, one with octopus tentacles, one with spiced seaweed, and one with whole sardines.
With Angelfish's signal, the council began to eat.
Albatross looked around at all the dragons, studying each one with big blue eyes. He gazed at the dragon on the pedestal labeled Treasury. He was a large grey-green dragon with vivid brown eyes. The young prince giggled slightly as he watched him push his nose into the bowl of tentacles, getting one stuck in his nose.
Angelfish lifted her head from her breakfast. She shot a glance at the nursery guardian. "Auger, report."
The green dragon looked up, wiping seaweed from her mouth. "Yes, my queen." her spots flashed. "Bad news from the nursery. All your male dragonets have mysteriously died in their eggs. Neither I or Whelk know why. There were two females in your latest clutch, however, and you announced that would be your last one."
Angelfish dipped her head slightly. "That's wonderful news, Auger. You must protect the last two eggs much more carefully now."
Auger bowed her head to the queen. "Of course, your majesty."
Angelfish's gaze shifted to the pedestal next to Auger's, one with an old blue Seawing hunched over on it. "Diatom, report."
He looked at her through his wrinkled face, giving her a small smile. He straightened himself up, puffing his chest out slightly. "Productions of new scrolls are under way." he said with a weak flicker. "The prehistory scrolls have been outrageously popular in the last few weeks."
The queen, flicked her tail at the next dragon, who was perched on the pedestal labeled Defense.
He nodded his head. Albatross noticed as he was giving his report that he was missing an eye, giving the dragon's face an ominous look.
Albatross looked down at his claws. This is so boring. he thought. I wish I could go play with Cyan. He doesn't have to go to council meetings. He scanned his eyes along the circle, not listening much to what was being said, when he met eyes with a small, dark blue dragonet.
She was unusually short for her age, but Albatross recognized her. She was the daughter of the Chief of Agriculture. Her solid blue eyes twinkled as she looked at him, flashing a shy smile. She waved slightly.
Albatross smiled back. She's very pretty. he thought. I wonder if she'd want to play with me and Cyan after this dumb council meeting.
The small dragonet pointed at a door leading out of the council room, mouthing something at him. She then slipped off of the pedestal and swam towards the door.
Albatross followed her. He watched as she poked her head into an air pocket at the top of the palace. He stuck his snout into the air bubble, water droplets flying out of his nose as he came up further. "Hi."
"Hello, prince." she said shyly.
"Why did you ask me to come here?" he asked. "Don't you know Aquatic?"
The blue dragonet shook her head. "Not yet. But I'm learning."
"Oh." Albatross said. "Well, what's your name?"
"I'm Azure." she said in her small voice.
== Chapter Two Edit ==
Albatross leaped from the water, landing on the beach and sending sand in waves across the moonlit stones. "Azure, are you here?" the young teenager called.
Azure's lean blue head poked from around a stone. "Over here!" she whispered.
Albatross trotted toward her, his blue-grey tail creating troughs through the sand as he dragged it behind him. He flopped down next to Azure, pushing himself up into an upright position. "Ready?"
Azure nodded, an eager smile spreading across her face.
"Okay. Watch closely." he said as he brought a piece of blue stone from a pouch under his wing. He pressed his claws into it, focusing hard as it began to change shape, morphing into a heart shape. He handed it to her. "Do you like it?"
Azure studied it closely with her sparkling eyes. "I love it, Albatross." she said as she nuzzled him. "I have to go. The sun will be up soon."
The prince watched as the slim dragon slipped gracefully into the water and swam away. He waited until he could see sunlight spilling over the horizon before he plunged into the water, swimming into the Deep Palace, the atmosphere still and silent in the early morning water.
He looked around the palace, his sky-blue eyes studying the empty corridors. Good. Mother and father aren't up yet.
He stopped, turning back toward the entrance. Auger said there would be two female dragonets born soon.
He turned back, swimming toward the hatchery. He snuck past the sleeping guard, landing quietly on the blue stone of the nursery. His eyes searched the hatchery, landing on two tiny bundles of scales resting in the back corner. He gasped, drawing in a mouthful of water as he stepped closer, alerting the dragonets to his presence.
The two dragonets, one a light blue-green and one with grey and silver flecks, jumped up, their skinny tails wagging happily at the sight of the older dragonet.
Albatross picked up the bizarrely colored dragonet in his wings, cradling her as she looked up at him with big brown eyes.
She suddenly sneezed, letting out a flurry of bubbles.
The blue-green dragonet jumped up at his leg, tumbling back down onto the ground. She looked up at him with her bright blue eyes that reminded Albatross of his own.
He reached down, picking her up and setting her next to her sister as he paddled out of the hatchery and back toward the palace.
The guard stared in shock as the prince swam into the coral palace, carrying the two dragonets in his arms.
Albatross kneeled down, letting the dragonets out of his wings and onto the floor. He watched as they playfully rolled over each other, their small wings flapping quickly.
Angelfish heaved into the palace throne room, stopping as she saw Albatross. She put a wing out to stop Algae as he came up next to her. "Albatross?" her spots flashed faintly as she stared with a surprised look on her face.
The young teen turned to look at his mother. "I didn't know they were supposed to hatch overnight." his spots flickered. "This one's cute." he said as the grey dragonet hopped against his wing.
Angelfish walked up to her son, eyeing her two new daughters. "Did you pick their names?"
Albatross looked up at her in awe. "I get to name them?"
Angelfish nodded.
Albatross looked down at the grey dragonet, her white spots spitting out random phrases. "This one looks like a cormorant bird." he said, pointing at her.
Angelfish nuzzled her daughter. "Then that's what her name will be. Princess Cormorant."
Albatross pulled Cormorant close to him, looking down at the blue-green dragonet. "What about this one? Is River okay?"
Angelfish gave the tiny dragonet an affectionate lick. "Princess River. I like that, Albatross."
Albatross smiled at his youngest sisters. He looked down at Cormorant, observing her bizarre colors. She must be an animus too. If mother finds out, she'll want to use her. Don't worry about a thing, little dragonet. I'll teach you what you need to know to control your powers.
== Chapter Three Edit ==
Albatross rested in his favorite place on the beach, Summer Island. He let his eyes scan the large island, its flat surface sloping into the gentle waves.
He huffed a small sigh. "She was supposed to meet me here. Where is she?"
As he finished his sentence, a splash echoed from the water as the sleek blue SeaWing rose from the foam.
She panted. "Sorry I'm late. It was harder to get away from my father today than usual."
Albatross looked at the tiny box in his talon and sighed. I have to do it. He stood up and stepped toward her, trying not to be absorbed into her sparkling blue eyes. He looked at the golden bracelet he'd given her as it sparkled in the dusk's orange light. "Azure, I have to ask you something."
Azure's small smile made his heart flutter. "What is it, Albatross?"
She's so beautiful. He took a deep breath. "Azure, from the moment I met you, I knew you were special. And every night since I've thought of you as I fell asleep. And now I want to ask you one thing." He pulled out the box into view, opening it to reveal a golden ring with a shining blue stone on it.
Azure gasped, a flush of red washing across her face.
"Azure, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you be my mate?" Albatross asked softly.
Azure enveloped him in her wings, landing a kiss on his cheek. "Of course I will. I love you Albatross."
Albatross rested his head on her shoulder. "My mother should be the first one we tell. She'll help us arrange a wedding."
Azure pulled back to look him in the eyes. "Good idea, Albatross." she said as she began to walk towards the water.
The prince followed her, allowing the cool water to wash over his scales as he began to swim toward the Seawing Palace.
As they swam through the entrance of the palace, the prince knew something was wrong. The metallic tang of blood lingered in the still water. Albatross felt his muscles tense as he surged toward the origin of the smell.
He felt his claws sting as he slashed through the thick water, feeling like it was weighing him down. His eyes searched wildly through the palace corridors as he emerged into the throne room just as a splitting roar echoed through the palace.
The prince stopped, looking on in frozen fury as Lagoon stood over Angelfish, her hackles raised as tiny curls of blood drifted into the water from her claws. She bared her teeth, her maniacal green eyes fixed on the queen's body.
Albatross's jaws flung open, letting loose a crazed roar and startling Lagoon, causing her to wheel backwards against Algae.
"A-Albatross?" her markings flickered quickly.
"You killed our mother!" Albatross flashed, his lips twitching violently as his claws dug into the coral floor. "You killed the queen!"
"Albatross, enough." Algae said.
The pale blue-grey dragon turned to face his father, the anger in his face replaced with shock. "But-"
"Lagoon has earned her title. She has won the Royal Challenge Duel. She's now queen, Albatross."
"No..." His mouth fell open in shock as he watched Algae remove a small box from under his wing.
"Here, darling. Your mother wanted you to have this when you became queen." his spots flashed as he opened the small box, revealing a silver crown, several tiny sapphires embedded in its mantle.
Lagoon gave a small smile as she took the crown from the box, placing it on top of her head. She turned to Albatross, the madness still lingering in her eyes, grinning like a shark locked on its prey.
A sudden cold current washed over the throne room, sending chills up the prince's spine.
Azure slowly swam into the room as the guards posted at the door bowed to Lagoon as she stepped up onto the throne. "Albatross?"
He turned around, pushing her back. "No, don't look."
Azure followed after him as he left the room. "Albatross what-"
"Angelfish is dead." he interrupted. "Lagoon doesn't deserve the throne, Azure. I'd give it to you if it was up to me. But I can't. Lagoon isn't fit to be queen if she killed my mother in such a way."
"But Albatross, those are the rules. Your mother helped instill those rules to her kingdom after The Scorching ended." she said. "She would want you to follow them."
"But she's not here anymore..." he said as he swam from the long corridor, leaving Azure alone.
== Chapter Four Edit ==
Several small bells rang across the beach as the ocean breeze whisked through them. Long white ribbons billowed from arching palm trees as they reached into the sky.
Albatross stepped onto the sandstone platform, his eyes gazing at the tiny seashells lining it. He turned to face the audience, his eyes firmly fixed on the water. This is it. It's finally happening. He heaved a sigh.
The ocean began to ripple as two dark blue heads appeared above the water, Azure's father and oldest brother.
Azure appeared next, her long silk dress dragging behind her.
The audience erupted into gasps and mutters at the bride's appearance.
Three large bells crashed as a servant began to play a tune as Azure started down the isle, her father and brother next to her.
Albatross felt his heart flutter as she took her place next to him. He looked up at her father boldly.
The old dragon pat him firmly on the shoulder. "Take care of my daughter, Prince Albatross." he said with a small bow.
Albatross gave a small nod. "I will, sir." he whispered as he and the other SeaWing disappeared into the audience.
Queen Lagoon walked up to the podium, her crown sparkling. She cleared her throat, the audience going silent.
Albatross tuned out as Lagoon recited several traditional wedding speeches. He turned his head slightly to look at Azure, gazing dreamily at her glistening wet scales. She's so beautiful...
"Albatross." Lagoon purred in her disturbingly silky voice. "Do you take Azure as your bride, in life and in death?"
A shudder ran up his spine, causing his scales to stand on end. "I do." Albatross managed to choke out.
"And Azure? Do you take Albatross as your groom, in sun and in storm? For good and bad?"
Azure dipped her head, a huge smile on her face. "Yes, your majesty."
Albatross held his breath. Why can't she see that Lagoon is evil. I feel it... She's going to ruin the kingdom. I just know it.
Lagoon turned to the audience, eyeing both rows of dragons with her snake-like eyes. "And with the power invested in me by my royal lineage, I declare these two as one."
Albatross leaned in close, kissing Azure. He felt his wings quiver with happiness as he drew back, the cold in his scales vanishing.
The crowd cheered, throwing flowers to the two newlyweds.
River and Cormorant darted through the crowd, jumping up next to Albatross.
"Come on, bro!" River declared happily.
"Yeah! Me and River just finished setting up the dance floor!" Cormorant chirped. She grabbed Albatross's arm, pulling him forward. "Let's go!"
Azure trailed next to him, laughing at the two dragonets' antics.
Albatross followed his sisters into the air as they flew toward Summer Island.
The colors of the sunset collided with the water, creating a mural of reds, oranges, and pinks. Many wispy clouds littered the upper sky.
Albatross looked over to Azure as she dipped down lower to skim the water with her wings, sending tiny waves splashing from her sapphire scales.
She shot him a gaze as she rose up next to him, her scales shining as steam lifted from them. She smiled, her eyes twinkling like stars.
Music filled the air as the two landed on Summer Island. Dragons littered the island, bowing as they made their way to the dance floor.
Cormorant and River pulled the two forward, pushing them together.
"Bride and groom get the first dance!" Cormorant sang, beginning to move along to the music.
Azure grinned, putting her wings on Albatross's shoulder, leaning against is neck. "I love you, Albatross."
== Chapter Five ==
Albatross curled his tail around his front legs, sighing as guests began to leave.
Several pale grey clouds lined the bright sky, signalling oncoming rain. A low rumbling of thunder boomed in the distance.
Albatross flinched as a few cold raindrops plopped onto his nose. He allowed his eyes to scan along the empty dance floor slowly. A wave of cold wind suddenly washed over him, sending shivers down his tail. He whipped his head to the left, meeting a pair of glowing eyes.
A transparent purple NightWing looked at him with blue eyes so pale they were nearly white. She raised her lip as she scowled at him with her eerie glowing eyes. "Be warned, Prince." she said in a high pitched voice, like ice shards splintering.
Albatross studied her, noticing the dragon had no footprints. He folded his wings down, his mind going blank. "Be warned."
"Be warned of your animus curse." she said as her long, wispy tail coiled around her like a curl of smoke. Her glowing eyes narrowed to slits.
"A-Animus?" he stuttered. "What do you mean? I have animus powers?"
A puff of spectral fire flared from her nostrils. "Not powers, curse." she hissed. "With dawn and day, you shall not die until your curse causes all to break..." she said as she vanished into a gust of stormy wind.
A lingering crawling feeling lurked under Albatross's scales as he searched for her, his eyes turning up nothing.
"Albatross, come on!" Cormorant called. "The storm is on the way!"
The prince jumped to his feet, stepping into the shallow water where his sister was standing. He looked back one last time before submerging himself beneath the water as a barrage of rain poured down on the water above.
Cormorant kept herself close to him as they swam to the seabed, Azure and River in front of them a ways. Her tiny grey scales flickered with the dim light from above.
Albatross stared straight forward, his face blank as the ghostly Nightwing's words rattled in his head. With dawn and day, you shall not die until your curse causes all to break... He allowed his claws to dangle limply as he drifted into the palace.
Lagoon's wings flapped as she appeared in front of him. "What's wrong with you?" she asked spectically.
Albatross shook his head rapidly, trying to shake the uneasy feeling she always gave him. "Lagoon, do... do you know what animus powers can do?"
She gave him a confused look. "Of course not. Why would I know anything about mystical powers that probably don't even exist?"
Albatross looked at her with wide eyes. "I...I have them."
Lagoon raised her eye ridge. "You do? Right."
Albatross nodded slowly. "I do. Don't you remember what happened to Sapphire?"
Lagoon's eyes widened a bit.
He pushed past her, paddling to the floor and pulling a large chunk of blue stone from the wall. He pressed his claws into it, focusing on the shape of a dragon in his mind. The stone slowly morphed into the form of a Seawing.
Lagoon tapped her claw on the blue statue's snout. "Hmm..."
"I told you."
The queen inquired for a moment, wrapping her claws into the pearls around her neck. "Can you do anything bigger?"
"I could try." his spots flickered.
Lagoon grinned slightly. "Excellent." her spots flickered as she lowered herself to the floor of the palace. "This could be great for me- I mean the kingdom."
"Wait, I don't-"
"Shut up." Lagoon snapped. "You will do as your queen commands." she said with a muffled hiss as she vanished into a dark hall, her deep blue-green scales blending with the shadows.
== Chapter Six Edit ==
Albatross's eyes flickered open to see Cormorant curled up next to him. He nudged her with his snout. "Wake up." his spots flickered dully.
Cormorant's silvery-blue eyes fluttered open slightly as the young princess rolled onto her side, drifting back to sleep.
Albatross smiled at her as he pulled himself from his seaweed bed and into the morning water. As he drifted into the throne room, Lagoon was swimming along her back, shaking her head as she gave her tail another forceful paddle.
The water was thick and heavy, an eerie stillness washing through the nonexistant rapids.
"No, how could I not have seen this coming." Lagoon muttered.
"Saw what coming?"
The queen's head flicked toward Albatross, her fangs bared. "Oh, it's just you." she said as she settled to the ground, her nearly black wings resting gently on the floor. "The border guards reported a hurricane coming in from the east. It's incredibly strong and no dragon should be above water during that time." She stopped.
Albatross could tell she was trying to hold back rage over something.
"And Albatross, the council doesn't want you working on any new projects because of what's involving you and that mate of yours."
His eyes widened a bit. "What? What's wrong with Azure?"
Lagoon raised her lip in disgust, rapidly changing to a forced, crooked smile. "Oh nothing's wrong. Only I... will have more challengers to the throne."
The prince took a step back, his eyes as wide as saucers. "W-What?"
"Oh right." she said, flicking her tail through the water.
Azure appeared from behind her, a wide smile on her face. "It's true Albatross. We're going to be a family."
Tears began to drift from his blue eyes and into the water as he pulled his mate toward him. "I'm so happy, Azure. Do you know how many?"
"I'm not sure yet. We'll just have to wait." she said softly.
River and Cormorant brushed past Albatross, both looking at him with joyful sneers.
Azure brushed against him. "We'll have to start preparing. They'll be here very soon."
Albatross looked at his sister as she watched the two embrace.
Her fake smile had turned into a menacing, evil-looking grin, her fangs just barely poking out from her lips. "You'd better keep your claws crossed that there are no females." her stripes flickered dully. "Because if there are..." She lifted her talon, showing the full length of her silver talons. "I'll be sure to take care of them."
== Chapter Seven ==
Albatross paced along the beach, swatting shells into the water. He looked down into the waves uncomfortably. "Come on. Hurry up." he mumbled as his heart raced.
River poked her head above the water, her blue-green scales having lost their luster. She had a distressed expression on her face. "Come on brother. It's time."
Albatross didn't notice her expression, leaping into the water and swimming away without her. He stopped in front of the entrance to the Royal Hatchery as River swam up next to him.
Lagoon emerged from the hatchery, An expression of sick joy on her face.
"Well?" Albatross asked. "How are they?"
"Only one egg hatched. And the remaining dragonet is barely alive. Azure doesn't think it'll make it." River's white spots flashed weakly.
Albatross's eyes widened as he shoved past his sisters and into the hatchery. Azure was curled up in the corner, a tiny dark blue bundle in her talons. He rushed over to her, looking at the dragonet in her arms. "Is it a boy or a girl?"
Azure looked up at him with hazy eyes. "A girl." her spots flickered weakly.
He felt his heart sink. Oh no..."Did you name her yet?"
Azure sighed, a stream of bubbles leaving her jaws. "What's the point? She likely won't survive anyway. What use would it be naming her?"
Albatross nuzzled her gently. "Well, she still needs a name. I'll let you choose it."
Azure looked down at the dragonet, her blue eyes looking back up at her mother. "What about Manta?"
"I like it. Our little Princess Manta." he said as he took a step toward the dragonet.
She looked back up at him, her eyes opening a bit more. Her white stripes sparkled like diamonds as she rolled over onto her stomach and pulled herself toward Albatross. She lifted herself onto Azure's talon lifting herself up to look at him.
Lagoon and River entered the hatchery, Lagoon swimming through a stream of the warm bubbles and parting them like curtains.
"Well?" she asked. "You remember, don't you?"
Albatross looked back at her cautiously. "It's a girl." he said, extending his claws.
River looked up at the queen with concern. "A girl. Does that mean she's in line for the throne?"
"She is." Lagoon responded coldly. "But that doesn't mean she's going to be around to challenge me." she growled.
Albatross's lip twitched as he narrowed his eyes at her. He lifted his lips, revealing long, snake-like fangs as the queen took a step toward him. He released a snarl that boomed off the walls of the hatchery.
Lagoon stopped, staring at Albatross, crouched in front of her. In an instant, her claws flicked out and snatched along his left ear, a small cloud of blood seeping from the two clean slices.
Albatross pulled his talon back, his white claws turned pink by the blood in the water. With a snarl, he raked the scales away from Lagoon's eye, sending her head snapping in the opposite direction.
The hatchery was silent as the queen wiped the blood from the four long gashes in her scales. She looked up at Albatross as he glared down at her, her right eye now clouded over and pale; blinded.
Lagoon dug her claws into the stone of the hatchery floor, attempting to hold herself back. "Fine." she hissed. "Keep your little worm. But the moment she becomes a threat, she's dead."
== Chapter Eight ==
Manta swam down to the lower level of the palace, her eyes studying the throne room. "Not here." she said to herself as she swam into the adjacent room next to her. She sniffed the water, a fishy smell filling her nostrils. She cringed as she began to follow it. The throne room opened up before the blue princess, her eyes landing on Queen Lagoon.
The palace was dead silent, not a single sound rattling the still water.
Lagoon's eyes locked onto the tiny dragonet, narrowing into glowing green slits.
Manta squeaked, taking a step back.
Lagoon's claws flicked at the young dragonet, snagging along her throat and sending her crashing to the ground.
Manta jerked up in her bed, panting wildly.
Albatross looked up at her with sleepy eyes. "What's wrong, Manta? Did you have a bad dream?"
Manta nodded, pressing herself into her father's side, her tiny form curling up under his wing. "Daddy, I don't wanna be queen. I don't want to fight Aunt Lagoon."
Albatross felt the breath drain from his lungs as resting his head down next to her. "It's okay. You don't have to."
Manta heaved a sigh. "Goodnight daddy."
"Goodnight Manta."
Albatross couldn't breathe, clutching his chest with a talon. She... No, that was just a dream. Lagoon won't get her...
He closed his eyes drifting to sleep.
It couldn't have been more than a few hours before he felt Manta jump on his back.
"Wake up dad!" she said as she began to tug on his ear. "Come on!"
Albatross sat up, sending Manta sliding down his back. "Okay, okay. I'm up." he said as he heaved himself onto the ground.
Manta leapt down next to him. "What are we gonna do today daddy?"
"Well first we have a council meeting. Lagoon has ordered one today."
Manta sighed, sending a cloud of bubbles into the water. "But the council dragons are boring. None of them are any fun."
Albatross looked back at her as she sulked along behind him. He grinned, dropping into a crouch. "Too cool to play with your dad anymore?"
Manta gave a wide smile as she barreled into him, holding onto his wing as he swam out of the palace. She pointed at a stream of fast moving water. "Dad, go up there!"
Albatross flapped his wings, ascending to the swift current. He felt the force of the water take hold of him, dragging him with it.
Manta swatted at a lazily moving sea turtle moving past them. She squealed, puffing a cloud of bubbles that coiled around her face as Albatross ducked out of the stream.
A large ravine opened up beneath them, its dark bottom shrouded in shadow. A huge silver creature snaked its way from the darkness, swimming quickly up at the prince.
Albatross gasped, propelling himself away from the creature as Manta squealed in fear, looking back at it. He hinged his claws into a pillar of rock, sending himself clumsily stumbling into the palace. He whipped his head around to see the creature was gone. He panted, swimming swiftly up to the Council Room. As he entered, the council dragons turned to look at him.
"Albatross, where were you?" Azure asked. "You had us all worried."
The prince looked at her as he let his daughter down from his back. "There's something out there, in the trench. It came after Manta and I."
Lagoon scoffed, her two young daughters at her side, peeking around her. "Coward." she muttered.
"How large was it?" King Humpback asked as he swam down to the prince.
"I don't know. It might have been as long as fifty feet. And it looked like a huge snake." he said as he began to calm down Manta.
"Anything else?" the king asked.
"Uh... A flat face. It had a flat face and a very large mouth." he said quickly.
"It had big spikes on its back." Manta interjected. "And great big eyes."
The two princesses hid behind her.
Princess Splash poked her head out, her blue eyes looking down at Manta. "That sounds scary." she whimpered.
Lagoon looked over at Humpback, looking disconcerned. "Sounds like an Oarfish to me. And they don't usually venture far into our borders. But, I'll humor you." she mused as she pulled herself to her feet. "Humpback, you'll need to finish the council meeting for me.." she said as she drifted down from her pillar.
Albatross nodded. "Manta, stay here." he called after her as he and the queen vanished into the water.
Albatross flicked his tail in the direction of the trench. "That way."
He started in the direction of the Oarfish's territory, Lagoon following behind him.
Lagoon stopped at the edge of the ravine, peering down into the darkness. "I don't see-" She stopped.
Albatross's heart sped up. "What? What is it?" He poked his head over the ravine to see the massive thin body of the Oarfish propelling itself toward them. He watched as Lagoon leaped out of the way just as the fish surged past them, its narrow, whip-thin tail snapping along his side.
The gargantuan creature looked down at them with massive, circular grey eyes. A long red crest graced its head as it stared at them for a brief moment, its eel-like body slithering slowly toward them.
Albatross's head snapped to the side as he saw Manta swim up next to him. Oh moons no...
The blue dragonet screamed in fear at the Oarfish, triggering it to lunge toward her.
Albatross felt a wave of anger flood over him as he slammed into the silver fish, knocking it away from his daughter. He snarled, pulling back his talon and raking it across the tiny scales of the deep-sea fish, curls of red blood drifting through the water.
The Oarfish screeched as it flung Albatross from its side, taking off into the water and swimming away.
Albatross rushed over to his daughter, Lagoon following. He pulled the unconscious dragonet up from the ground. Thank the moons. She's alive. He ran his talon along her face, wiping away blood. He sighed. "Her left ear is completely gone. Her horn too."
Lagoon looked down at her niece with a disgusted expression. She snorted a cloud of bubbles into the water. "Pity. She survived." the queen mocked as she turned back toward the palace, leaving Albatross alone with Manta cradled in his arms.
Albatross glared at his sister as she swam back toward the palace. You'd better watch what you say, dear sister. It might come back around one day... And revenge isn't picky.
== Chapter Nine ==
Albatross pulled himself out of the ocean, stepping out onto Summer Island. "Lagoon? You summoned me?"
The Seawing queen turned to face him. "Oh, hello Albatross. I'm just making plans for the construction of the Above-Water Palace."
Albatross rolled his eyes at her, slipping back into the water. Might as well see what Manta is up to. Wouldn't do any harm to start her lessons early. he thought as he swam along the village huts. He stopped, staring at the large green dragonet his daughter was talking with.
"Reef, I wanted to tell you that I love you." she said, pressing herself against the pale green dragon.
Albatross felt his heart drop as he continued to watch.
The green dragonet stared at her over his shoulder. "You do? And you're sure your family doesn't know about us?"
Manta nodded. "Yes. Especially my father. He has no idea we're together."
"Think again." Albatross's voice boomed, startling the two young dragons.
"Dad, i-it's not what you think." Manta sputtered out quickly.
"Who is he, Manta?" Albatross demanded.
"Dad, don't hurt him. T-This is Reef." she stuttered. "I love him."
Albatross growled at Reef, sending the young dragon's long back spines prickling.
Manta jumped in front of him, scowling at the blue-green prince. "Dad, stop. Don't touch him."
Albatross's face twisted into a grimace. "Manta, he's barely a dragonet anymore. You're only five."
"I'm almost an adult anyway. What does it matter if I love someone a little older than me?" Manta barked.
"You'll be an adult when you're nine years old, and not before." he said. "Then, you can choose who you want to be with."
Manta growled, backing away. "You can't do that to me."
Albatross folded his ears back. "I'm your father, Manta! And I don't allow you to be with him!"
Manta's eyes flew open. She gritted her teeth and opened her wings, launching herself into the water.
Albatross's eyes scanned the sand for Reef, but the lean dragonet had disappeared.
== Chapter Ten ==
Albatross's dark blue eyes scanned along the border to the Mud Kingdom, scanning slowly along the ferns lining the muddy bank. He groaned, submerging himself beneath the salty waves.
It had been three days since Manta had disappeared. Naturally, the queen hadn't cared. But Albatross had organized over a dozen search parties to search for the princess. All had turned up empty-handed.
With a powerful swish of his long tail, the prince propelled himself out of the water, his soaking wet claws landing heavily in the sand. He sighed, settling to the ground as he looked to the sky. "Dusk. And still no sign of her."
He rested his head onto his talons, his eyes landing on an arrow jutting from the sand. He reached out, pulling it from the ground. He stared down at the splintered tip as the sand sprinkled down from the arrow.
He grasped the thin wooden shaft of the arrow tightly, squeezing his eyes shut. A cold shiver jolted down his spine as he opened his eyes again. "Arrow, I command you lead me to Manta's location."
As soon as the words left Albatross's mouth, the arrow yanked to the west, toward the rocky shore of the rainforest border.
The prince snatched up a long strand of seaweed from the ground next to him, tying the arrow to it and slinging it around his neck. He moved toward the tall, fog-shrouded trees in the distance, following the direction the arrow pulled in.
As the sun began to set further, nearly vanishing below the dark horizon, Albatross landed, feeling the gooey mud pool around his claws. He growled, shaking it off and staring down at the arrow.
It was still for a moment, suddenly jolting to the right slightly.
"She's on the move." Albatross whispered as he began to slither through the underbrush. His ears pricked, straining for any noise at all, but the forest was silent apart from his soft footsteps as he trudged through the squishy layer of damp brown leaves.
He stopped as he heard a soft rustling a few wingbeats away. He kept still, slowly extending his claws and preparing for a fight.
A long, steady hiss sounded from a nearby bush as a lanky Rainwing pulled itself into view, showing off its long, jet-black claws. It put a feathery foot forward, the feathers turning a vivid red as the shimmering feathers caught a small beam of silver moonlight as it filtered down from the canopy high above.
"What are you doing on our land, Seawing?" the Rainwing drawled, her salmon-pink tongue flitting in and out of her mouth. She pulled herself into the moonlight, revealing a bizarre feathered body, a fluffy ruff of feathers wreathing around her horns. Her fiery amber eyes seemed to look directly through Albatross.
Albatross didn't answer, his claws digging into the dead leaves beneath him. She's small. If she were to try anything, she would be easy to defeat. "Who are you?" he hissed in a deep, menacing voice.
"That's none of your concern." the feathered Rainwing growled. "Get off of our territory. Before I escort you out."
With a grumbling snarl, Albatross's tail wrapped around a rock poking out of the ground. He shot it a glance before turning back to the Rainwing, who was dropped in a battle crouch.
I hope this works. he thought. Rock, I command you to transform into a dagger and to not stop until the Rainwing is dead.
He felt the familiar cold shiver down his spine from whenever he used his powers as the stone morphed into a long, sharp point and ripped itself from his grip, plunging itself into the feathered Rainwing's chest as a downpour of blood dripped along her neck, her feathers turning snow-white, a swirl of pale green blending in along her wings as she fell dead.
Albatross looked down at her cloudy eyes, the same look of terror plastered on her face as the moment she died. He raised his lip in a snarl as he narrowed his eyes at the corpse. He placed his talon on the feathered shoulder of the jungle dragon, his eyes still locked on her. "I command you to disappear from existence, to be eradicated. For nothing but your spirit to be left."
As the words escaped his cold lips, the Rainwing's body faded into the night air, nothing but her scent and a pool of blood remaining.
He snorted a puff of hot air from his nose and stared down at the arrow around his neck. "North. She's moving quickly." he muttered as he opened his huge wings and lifted into the air, spiraling around and darting into the trees. As he continued to fly north, the arrow began gradually pointing down.
Albatross landed, taking care not to snag his wings on any stray branches. As he tiptoed through the underbrush, he watched as two sets of footstep could be heard in the distance. He crouched behind a wide-trunked tree as they came into view.
Manta flicked her talon, splattering dark brown mud across the layer of leaves on the ground. "How did you convince me to do this? It's so cold out here. A princess shouldn't live like this."
Albatross growled softly as Reef came into view, his pale green scales streaked with mud. "Well, I'm sorry, your majesty. You didn't have to come. Oh, and for the record, this was your idea."
Manta stretched her wings, yawning. "Whatever. We should be finding a place to settle down for the night."
Reef stopped her, jutting his wing in front of her. "Stop." he said, raising his snout and sniffing the air. He paused, leaning over and whispering something into her ear that Albatross couldn't hear.
In a split second, the two of them shot into the sky with a gust of wind.
Albatross scrambled to his feet, darting after them. As he emerged through the tree canopy, his head swung around, searching for the two young dragons, but they were nowhere in sight. He opened his jaws as he drew in a gulp of air through his nose.
No scent. Nothing.
== Chapter Eleven ==
Albatross trudged to the shore, his wings aching as he dragged them at his side. The arrow still tugged to the north, but he ignored it. He growled, looking back at the fog shrouding the forest floor. A jolt of pain coursed through his legs as he rested himself onto the ground.
He scratched at the sand, sending a wave of grains into the water. "She can rot out here for all I care. I gave her everything she wanted, and this is how I'm repaid?" he hissed. He grinned slightly as he slipped toward the water. "She'll come crawling back. They always do."
The salty water flooded his nostrils, stunning him for a brief moment. His ears pricked as the screech of a Rainwing search party sounded in the forest behind him along with the creaking of trees as they swung from branch to branch.
He puffed a single large bubble into the water. They'll never find her. I made sure of that. he thought as he gave his tail a hard swing as he propelled himself through the black water.
Two border guards glanced at him in confusion as he swam over them, his blue-grey scales flashing silver in the light of the moons.
A long eel slithered into his path, staring at him with bright yellow eyes. It opened its mouth, revealing jutting teeth.
Albatross narrowed his eyes at the creature as it swam away. He grabbed his claws into the seabed, his claws sinking into the cold, murky sand. He watched as a dark purple consumed his talons, manifesting in front of him.
The purple silhouette formed the shape of a dragon in the water; a Nightwing, staring down at him with icy blue eyes. "Prince Albatross!" the dragons voice boomed, startling the prince. "You must stop this madness!"
His lip twitched, the beginning of a growl.
"Enough." the Nightwing growled. "You haven't forgotten what I've told you already, have you?"
Albatross's scales began to crawl in a cold shudder as he remembered the Nightwing's prophecy.
The shadow's blue eyes narrowed at the Seawing. "You will be destroyed, prince. You will ruin your kingdom for generations to come if you don't control your curse."
Albatross scoffed. "I won't destroy the kingdom. I'm what's going to save it."
"You don't understand." the Nightwing blurted out, her tone urgent. "Your sister is not to be trusted. She will drive you to your fate if you don't get away. Escape, prince. Run far away."
Albatross felt his claws hinge into the ground, a fiery rage climbing through him. "I'm not leaving! And you won't make me! This is my kingdom!" he roared as his claws slashed through the water.
As his claws rippled through the shadow dragon, it vanished, washing away as a dark cloud in the water.
You're making a huge mistake, Albatross. the Nightwing's voice whispered through his ears. I was only trying to save you... From yourself...
Albatross snarled. "I don't need saving."
== Chapter Twelve ==
Albatross's claws gripped into the spire of rock jutting from the sea. It had been over a year since the prince had seen his daughter, and she was beginning to fade from his memories.
He sighed. "I miss her. Oh Manta, why did you have to leave?"
A grey Seawing exploded from the water. It was Cormorant. "Brother!" she panted. "The dawn patrol has reported that Manta has entered the kingdom! She's home!"
His heart leaped into his throat as he followed the aging princess into the water.
He followed alongside her as she swam to the shore, the pearls lining her necklace acting as tiny beacons as she pulled onto the sand.
Albatross exploded out of the water next to her, his eyes searching wildly as they landed on the blue dragon standing in front of him. "Manta!"
The dark blue dragon looked up at him, mild happiness in her face. "Hi daddy."
The prince pulled his daughter into a hug, holding his wings out as he grabbed her with his talons.
Manta buried her face into his shoulder. "I'm sorry, daddy. I should have listened to you."
Albatross loosened his grip, holding her face to look into her eyes. "That doesn't matter now. You're home. That's what means the most to me."
"No, that's not what I mean." she muttered, not meeting his eyes. "Reef and I-"
"Dragonets." Reef hissed, his dragon teeth necklace shuddering as he moved. "That's all I have to say to you." With a growl, he pushed two tiny dragonets from behind his tail and into the sand in front of him.
Manta gasped, pulling away from her father. "Don't you ever lay a claw on them like that again!" she growled.
Reef sneered at her. "What? We were playing. Little eels need to learn to be strong before they get too old."
Manta flexed her claws into the sand, a snarl spreading across her face. With a roar, she ripped her claws across his face, leaving three long slash marks. "Get away from my dragonets, Reef. I never want to see you near them again."
Gasps ricocheted through the dragons on the island as the air fell silent.
Manta pulled the two tiny dragonets close to her gently. "You're lucky I don't tear you apart right now. Because if I did, you wouldn't be worth feeding to the fish." she snapped as she spit at his claws.
Reef stared in shock, his eyes wide. He huffed. "Fine. I never loved you anyway. Take the stupid mongrels. I never liked them anyhow." he said as he leaped into the water and swam away in a burst of panicked speed.
Albatross's jaw hung agape at his daughter's 'performance'. "Manta..."
She picked up her two hatchlings, handing them to her father. "Come. I'll introduce you to your grandchildren in the Deep Palace."
Albatross followed her into the water, taking care not to hurt the tiny bundles of scales dangling from his mouth. He looked down at them, unable to see them clearly as he swam. Grandchildren. What would mother think? She'd be so proud.
Manta turned from the entrance of the palace, taking the dragonets from Albatross's mouth and gently setting them on the ground.
"What are their names?" he asked. His heart dropped as he saw one of the dragonet's light green scales. Just like her father...
"The green one's Pearl and this little one is Fathom." she said, gesturing to each dragonet with her wing.
Albatross looked down at the tiny blue-green dragonet, big blue eyes staring back at him.
The dragonet flapped his tiny wings furiously as he swam toward his grandfather.
WIP
Category:Fanfictions
Category:Fanfictions (Incomplete)
Category:Fanfictions (Canon)
Category:Fanfictions (Semi-Canon)
Category:Content (Queen Seaglass of the Seawings)