Chapter Text
It has only been a few weeks since she had first arrived at the school, and Kinkajou would say it is possibly the best thing she has ever been a part of (if you don’t count breaking out of a NightWing prison). The little RainWing knew she made the right choice when Glory had offered her the choice to attend Jade Mountain Academy as one of the RainWing students and representative of their tribe.
Obviously, she accepted. And of course, her winglet was definitely awesome!
Moon was pretty shy compared to most of the NightWings she knew of, but she was possibly the nicest dragon Kinkajou had ever met besides Sunny. Sunny! There was definitely no chance of post-trauma waiting to happen there! She was sure they would become the best of friends...if she could get Moon to open up.
Winter acted gruff like the other IceWings with the usual cool glares he sent to everyone, but she knew he was a big softie deep down. Not to mention being quite handsome, those scales practically shined~.
Qibli was quite the charmer, cracking jokes and smiles whenever possible. Oh, he always had this knowing glint in his eyes that spoke of danger, but the SandWing was always ready to hang out with them. Quite mysterious!
Umber was usually quiet around them, and considering that his older brother was Clay she knew he had to have the older MudWing’s big heart. but he almost seemed timid to be around them. Or, one in particular.
Turtle...was around. She was pretty sure the SeaWing was shy, like Moon! She just had to get him out of his shell (ha!) and that would be another friend gained!
Unfortunately of all of their winglet, the last was...Carnelian. The SkyWing had a temper that put Tsunami’s to shame, and she was the only one Kinkajou hadn’t figured out how to befriend. It was only a matter of time...
Overall, they were a mix of fun and frustrating, but the determined RainWing was NOT going to suffer through months of sneering, stuttering, and shy dragonets. That would be torture, and she’d had enough of that! She needed a plan, and to her delight one was practically given to her.
Their last class was a discussion about the history of animus dragons taught in history by Webs, and while she normally didn’t much care about the older dragon’s teachings, his topic sparked an idea that was slowly becoming a reality.
What if I used some magic to help?
Now, Kinkajou was well aware that animus magic was quite rare, and typically frowned upon, not to mention dangerous and unethical and it sucks your soul Kinkajou please stop asking me if I know any animi-
Anyway, what if she used magic...that already exists? No animi have to even use any magic and lose their soul! Surely some past magic user made some kind of enchantment or artifact that helped with intertribal problems and relationships?
Of course, that brought the problem of just how to find a magical artifact. It’s not as if any of the tribes just kept them around after thousands of years, right? Kinkajou blinked, looking around the sleeping cave. Her eyes landed on Moon’s form, the NightWing’s body lightly moving in her sleep.
Looking at Moon made her think of earlier that day, when she had once again tried to get them all together and failed as was the norm. It was right after their class with Webs, and her proposal of a group activity was met with the usual reactions.
Moon hesitantly said yes, Winter glared at them both and said no. Qibli said yes with his usual charm, Umber quietly agreed. Turtle had already walked off and Carnelian did the same, just with snide comments and the usual heated glare. It made her want to scratch out her own eyes.
She shook her head, swaying her hammock a bit as she turned to stare at the ceiling. Focusing on the only lit glass-globe in the room, she stared silently at its dying embers that reminded her of sunlight sparkling on water. Sparkling...like the ocean.
Thinking of the ocean and magic...something clicked. Turtle was Tsunami’s brother, which made him a royal. Webs mentioned how the SeaWing Royal Family had a history of animus usage in their lineage. Perhaps...
Kinkajou closed her eyes with a smile, a plan forming throughout the night.
...
...
...
“Hey Turtle!!!”
The RainWing kept her smile wide and joyful even as the SeaWing Prince jumped at her sudden appearance in front of his side’s sleeping cave. It was a free day for them, and just as she thought everyone but Turtle had left to spend their time doing whatever. It was the perfect time to ambush get his attention.
“Oh...hey Kinkajou,” his voice deadpanned, but it couldn’t hide the slight tremble of his wings.
Ah, so even alone it’s like that, huh? Kinkajou thought before nonchalantly spreading her wings to block the exit. Two can play that game.
“Yesterday’s class sure was interesting, don’t you think? I mean, magic’s always been cool but to have a lesson about it was so informative, especially since we learned about your family history!” Kinkajou gave him her signature beaming look.
Turtle nodded slowly, “Well, it was about some of the animus stories, and while I did know most of them it was interesting to hear it from a different perspective.”
Kinkajou waved a claw, “Yeah, must still be pretty interesting even if you already know about it,” she leaned forward as he took a small step back, “For a first-time learner like me, it definitely got me interested about some things. I was hoping to ask you some questions about it.”
Turtle gulped audibly before clearing his throat, “While it flatters me you would come to ask me for help, you could just ask Webs for more information-”
“It’s about your family’s history with animus’, and I don’t think it’ll be information he knows a lot about. Tsunami and Anemone probably do, but I don’t know them as well compared to my fellow clawmate,” she smiled.
Whatever reaction she was expecting, it wasn’t for Turtle to turn an almost concerning shade of pale blue as his eyes widened and breathing stilled. She would almost call him a statue if she didn’t just talk with him seconds earlier.
“O-oh wait,” she waved her claws quickly, “I don’t mean to sound like I’m looking for an animus, not that I had thought before if any of your family members had magic in the first place, I was just wondering if you know about any enchanted artifacts or spells that are still lying around somewhere.”
Her clawmate’s eyes slowly blinked as he gazed at her with the most serious expression she’d seen from him yet. Coming from the usually disinterested SeaWing, it was certainly different than his usual stone-faced expression, “Why do you want to know about that,” he spoke softly with a hint of steel in his face.
Part of her was excited about the revelation of getting a new emotion out of him, but Kinkajou could tell that she was tip-clawing a line somewhere, meaning she needed to be very careful with what she said next.
She hesitated as a sudden realization hit her.
Oh, he would be very careful about this considering...” she thought about a certain story that had gotten out not long after the Summer Palace’s destruction. Of course it would be a sore topic for him. Webs talked about some of the more...horrible parts of their past history, and the discovery of Orca’s last enchantment had become public not too long ago.
Kinkajou sheepishly lowered her wings, “...I’m sorry,” she said, visibly surprising Turtle at her soft and quiet voice, “I forgot about what Orca’s statue did to your sisters. I can’t imagine how horrible that must have been,” she sighed and lowered her head. That was important information to forget, especially with what she had wanted to ask him!
Shifting uncomfortably for a moment, Turtle opened and closed his jaw a few times before letting out a sigh of his own and looked to the side, “I admit that recent events have soured some of my perceptions about animus magic, and I have always been worried about what would happen to my siblings if it was ever discovered one of us were an animus,” he shrugged his wings, turning back to her, “I can understand your curiosity about it, considering you’re one of the most animated dragons I have ever met. Web’s lecture must have really got your attention.”
The RainWing lifted her head and looked at him for a moment. The two stared at one another for a moment as she thought over her idea. For all her life Kinkajou has always been an outcast from the other RainWings considering her, as Glory put, ‘bubbling personality.’ When the NightWings kidnapped her she feared at the realization that she would die alone, without any friends or family to care enough to miss her. Ever since Glory helped her escaped captivity and chose her to participate in the Queen’s Tournament with their group, Kinkajou had learned that being a team is always better than doing things alone. If she was going to pull her idea off she definitely needed his help, but perhaps it could be more than that...
Well, she was no stranger to going all out now was she?
“His talks about animus magic was just the tip of the leaf that let me come up a plan I have been struggling to come up with since the start of the school year,” she began, looking intently into his eyes, “I was hoping to ask for your help, but maybe you can do more than help just me.”
He tilted his head at her, a small amount of red on his face and a shine of interest appearing in his eyes, “Okay...what is it?”
Kinkajou grinned, “Let me tell you about plan: Jade Friendship.”
------
In all honesty, their talk had gone much smoother than even she had thought. Apparently, Turtle had enough of awkward and tense moments between the Jade Winglet and was fully on board with lessening the headaches their fellow clawmates gave him. Assuring her that he had just the spell in mind, he shooed her out of the cave and whisked away to the message room.
It was a relief it didn’t take long to convince him, and having a partner help her made things so much easier.
One day later, as she lounged around on her hammock alone in the sleeping cave Turtle peeked his head in. Noticing no one else he waved at her. She beckoned him inside as she jumped onto the floor with a smile. Seeing what he had held in his talons she raised an eye ridge, “Wow that was fast. Also, is that really it?”
A bowl of strawberries were held in one of the sheepish SeaWing’s talons, a scroll in the other.
Turtle let out a nervous laugh, “Well, we do have a few artifacts around, and this was one specifically made by an animus who fancied a RainWing a long time ago.”
“Oh? That’s so romantic!” she blinked, “But what does this have to do with the plan?”
He coughed, “W-well, it was more for their families, as there are-were a lot of conflicts and hatred even way back then, so he gave them all these strawberries and they became the best of friends and the two lived happily-ever after,” he rushed out with a big smile.
“Hmmm...” Kinkajou hummed as she glanced back and forth between Turtle and the bowl before shrugging, “Okay,” she snatched the bowl from his talons and inspected the little fruits with a critical eye, “These look like every other strawberry I’ve seen in my life.”
“T-that’s the idea,” he wheezed, “It looks normal...until you eat it.”
“Eat it?”
“That is when the magic happens.”
“...How?”
Turtle sighed with a laugh. If it was anyone other than Kinkajou they would have called it nearly manic. To her it was a sign of their deepening friendship.
“It’s a truth spell.”
Suddenly, Kinkajou could see everything fall into place.
“Are you telling me, that whoever eats one of these,” she pointed a claw, “Makes you unable to lie?!”
“SHHH!” Turtle leaped forward and clamped his talons over her snout, “Not so loud!”
She blinked.
“...Yes,” he let her go. Stepping past her, he unrolled the scroll placing it on the small table in the room, “Well, technically it’s not exactly that. Now, I have been thinking a lot about what you said yesterday, so I came up with a few ideas on how to do this. The enchantment works for 24 hours, so whoever eats one of these strawberries will be unable to stop themselves from saying what is essentially their innermost thoughts, specifically their emotions. How they really feel about themselves and others. What they think, what they feel, if they like, dislike, love, hate you, stuff like that...ah, I guess it’s almost like those love spells my mother loves to write about,” Turtle mumbled to himself, “Now you need to understand how dangerous this can be, and just how careful we have to be-” he turned around.
He was alone in the cave.
------
Moon felt...as happy as she could be given the circumstances.
Don’t be like that, Moon. You are doing well in your studies.
That’s not what I worry about, she thought back, ignoring the glancing looks from a certain IceWing from across the library.
Ah, I should have expected. The IceWing, a snarl echoed in her head. Moon winced.
It has only been a few weeks since she first came to Jade Academy, and met the strange NightWing that occupied everyone’s head under the mountain. Moon wouldn’t say had grown comfortable about the extra passenger in her head, but she had slowly become more used to his usual presence. And his help with controlling her mind-reading has admittedly gotten her to trust him, if only a little bit.
I know he acts like he hates me, but I can’t help the feeling that there is something more, she thought, memories of harsh glares and cold words reverberated in her head.
You think because of some glimpse into some dad moments with his family makes it okay how he’s acted with you, Darkstalker huffed in annoyance.
No, Moon looked towards Winter, who looked away with a huff of icy mist, He just feels...angry all the time. There’s more, but there always seems to be a cold wall that blocks off those thoughts.
Before Darkstalker could retort, Kinkajou burst into the library.
Starflight sighed, “Kinkajou...”
“I know, sorry,” she whispered. The small RainWing’s eyes glanced across the room. Her excitable thoughts formed into coherent words, Two of them! And they’re alone, beside Starflight. Perfect!
The little RainWing thrusts her claws out, and Moon registered the bowl of strawberries being offered to her, “Would you like a strawberry?”
Taken aback by the sudden offer, Moon stammered for a moment, “I-I suppose I could have one-”
Wait Moon, something is changing-
“hmpf!”
While Moon was distracted by Darkstalker’s thoughts, Kinkajou took the opportunity to shove one of the strawberries into her mouth. Instinctively she chewed for a moment before swallowing.
What did that idiotic RainWing just do!
“What are you doing?” An exasperated voice sounded, and Moon nearly leaped out of her scales at the realization that Winter was standing right next to them.
Don’t think about it, don’t look at it, don’t stare at the juices dribbling down her jaw-
A heat bloomed across her cheeks as she hastily wiped at the strawberry juice across her bottom mouth. Kinkajou turned to him with an overjoyed expression, Winter! Would you like a strawberry?”
“If you shove one of those at me I will smash them into your face,” he growled lowly.
Oh, playing hard to get ah?
Moon! Are you okay?!
Raising a claw to her head while closing her eyes, the young NightWing massaged her talons across her scalp, I’m okay, just getting a bit of headache. Did something happen?
“Ghrrk!”
Moonwatcher blinked as she opened her eyes to see Winter choking on what had to have been a strawberry as Kinkajou quietly ran out of the library.
Darkstalker’s laughter echoed in her head, Oh Three Moons, she just flung one of the strawberries into his mouth as he was talking!
A pause.
The futures are changing again. Oh no...
Moon slowly crept towards Winter as he forcefully swallowed his own unexpected fruit offering before glaring at the exit. She could feel his conflicting thoughts on whether to chase after their clawmate or return to his sleeping cave.
Moon opened her mouth, “I know you feel like a disappointment.”
Complete silence. Winter’s expression twisted and Moon found herself scrambling for a reply. Why did she say that?!
She wilted and looked away, preparing herself for whatever Winter was about say-
“I don’t want to be.”
Moon’s head snapped to face him. His shocked expression mirrored her own.
Oh dear.
------
Winter thought he was having a good day. Wake up, ignore Qibli, find Icicle if possible or hide in the library. Unfortunately, he was unable to locate his sister, and the library was empty...save for one emerald-eyed NightWing.
What is it with her?
Even now, Moonwatcher was an enigma. She did not act at all like any NightWing he had ever come across. It was as if she was from a completely different tribe. Why did she act so...meek and nice! No matter what angle he tried to see or trick he tried to find, nothing about her seemed malicious!
Then Kinkajou happened.
He watched the annoyingly chirpy RainWing unceremoniously stuff one of those ridiculous looking fruits into Moonwatcher’s mouth. It happened so suddenly he was already walking towards them before he realized what he was doing, Why am I getting involved, he internally grumbled.
“What are you doing?”
And somehow, in the middle of him telling her to not stuff random food into dragon’s mouth he looked towards Starflight fiddling with his scrolls for just a moment, and then their was something lodged in his throat.
Luckily it was easy to swallow the small piece of food, unluckily Kinkajou had already left before he could get his twitch, serrated talons on her.
“I know you feel like a disappointment.”
Winter froze, What is she talking about/how does she know/what did she just say-
He stared at her, emotions slamming inside him like a snowstorm as she struggled to reply. He felt a snarl start as he responded-
“I don’t want to be.”
The words were ripped from his chest, as if something had broken into his soul and torn the words out against his will. He stuttered for a moment before leveling a harsh glare towards the NightWing, “What did you do to me!”
“W-w-what?” she squeaked, “What do you...I didn’t do anything,” Moonwatcher stammered in fast succession.
With the harshest glare he could muster, he stared into her emerald eyes and said, “You’re eyes are sparkling emeralds,” immediately, he clamped his claws to shut his mouth before anything else could escape him.
Moon stared at him with a stunned expression, a red tint blooming across her scales. He bit back the strangled whine he wanted to release as he continued looking at, feeling his own scales turning a deep blue.
Three Moons, what is this!? Why did I say that! That should have stayed in the back of mind...I shouldn’t even be thinking about her eyes! Or about her at all, even if I compared them to gems! I especially should NOT be admitting ANY weaknesses, least of all in front of HER! What would mother and father think? What would Icicle think? This can’t be normal, it has to be some sort of NightWing trick! Wait, than why is she affected too? Why would she affect herself? WHY AM I-
“Kinkajou!” she shouted, startling him from his thoughts. He stared incredulously as noticed the alarming shade of red her scales had become as she babbled at him, “I-it was her. She did something. I...she...the strawberries, it was the strawberries!” with that, the turned tail and fled out of the library, her red face searing itself into his mind.
“H-hey!” he shouted, scrambling after her, “What do you mean it was the strawberries!”
The sounds of hectic dragons echoed off the cave walls as silence enveloped the room once more.
Starflight slowly lowered the scroll. All he could mutter was a confused, “...Strawberries?”
------
Peril could easily say she’s had worse days. One could say her entire life was a worse day. When Clay was around, however...
“How are you feeling,” the MudWing spoke softly as he wrapped a wing around her, “Did you find any news about Scarlet?”
Even after all this time, she still had no idea how such a wonderful dragon came into her life. It should be a curse not to see him smile more, “No...still nothing. Thought I’d come back to see you...and the rest of course!” Nice save, she thought to herself, “You had offered me the chance to come here if I ever wanted to so...here I am.”
Clay smiled at her, and the fire in her heart burned ever hotter. Seriously, just how lucky was she to meet him? Unfortunately, before she could express her gratitude, a short RainWing flew into the room and skidded to a stop in front of them, a bow of strawberries held tightly in her claws.
“Oh, Clay! Hi, have you seen anyone from my winglet? Oh hi Peril!,” she spoke, somehow catching her breath near instantly.
“Um...” he trailed off in thought. Peril felt some sadness fill her as her wings drooped at his attention being taken by one of the students. Not...not that that was a bad thing! She was just hoping to spend her time alone with him, “I haven’t seen them today, sorry.”
The RainWing nodded absentmindedly, and that’s when Peril noticed how she was staring at her.
Oh, she’s probably scared of me like everyone else. Why should I be expecting anything different-
“Would you like a strawberry?”
“Huh?” Peril blinked in confusion, “Did...did you just ask me if I want a strawberry?”
“Yep!” She held out the bowl to her, “Take one!”
“...Oh. Oh! Uh, I guess I wouldn’t mind having one,” Peril said, surprised at the offer. She glanced at Clay, who gave her a claws up. Emboldened by his approval she looked back towards the small t RainWing, “Well, yeah, I’d like one. I would accept, but,” she raised an arm, showing the visible steam coming off it. She lowered her arm, “Can’t exactly do that.”
“Easy, I’ll just toss one in your mouth!” she exclaimed as she offered one to Clay. He reached out to pluck one of the red, juicy fruits and brought it into his mouth, licking his claws at the juice on them.
In that moment, Peril had one of the best ideas she had ever imagined, “I have a better idea. Caly can feed the strawberry to me!”
The RainWing titled her head as Clay stopped licking his claws in surprise. A smile that remined of uncomfortably of Scarlet spread across her face, “You’re right, that is a better idea,” she nodded.
Clay brought his tongue back in with a laugh as the RainWing gave him a strawberry, “Of course, blood-red scales. How could I forget,” he stepped towards Peril, “Open wide, I’ll feed you it.”
The SkyWing was very happy her scales hid the red that burned her face, “O-of course,” the RainWing winked before sprinting down the hall, “Thank you, Clay.”
It was nice. She felt nice. It almost felt as if they were a couple feeding each other nice foods and being closer than regular friends. It reminded her of the stories Osprey to tell her about during her dragonet years, regaling tales of adventure, drama, and love. She felt a small pang of sadness at the thought of the old dragon, yet the gratitude of his actions were a close second to the warmth that enveloped her whenever she thought of Clay.
He truly was the prince that saved the princess.
As he brought up the strawberry to her, she gave him a heartfelt smile. Leaning her head forward she whipped her tongue out and snatched the strawberry from his claws before chewing on it with a satisfied hum. The sweet juices burst everywhere as it’s delightful flavor flooded her senses. She rarely got to eat anything other than the meat she cooked on her own scales, and the little red fruit was one of the best, most delicious things she had ever tasted. Definitely beats eating rocks!
I hope that wasn’t too intimate. Wait, what if it was and he thinks I’m weird now oh Three Moons please don’t let this ruin our friendship-
“How’s the strawberry?”
It was delicious, and she opened her mouth to say as such, “I’d kill for you again.”
Silence filled the cave. The two stared at each other with wide eyes before Peril clamped her claws over her snout. A strangled cough was all that left her as Clay looked at her oddly, “That’s...nice? I mean, we don’t kill dragons, I mean you did but that was against your will even though I appreciate you a lot for helping us despite everything and I know you are trying your best to change and it makes me so happy to see you trying despite what everyone says about you-” he slammed his claws against his own snout with an audible pound, a powerful red tint turning his scales a brownish-red.
The two continued staring at each other.
A small NightWing rushed into the cave with a very worried expression. She paused for a moment upon seeing them, before suddenly jumping with a startled yelp and continued running down the corridors. A moment later a confused, visibly distressed IceWing followed after her and running past them, “Tell me about the strawberries!”
Peril wanted to melt herself into a puddle. Was it too late to go back to the arena?