Misfits of Vernada

[Ranger of the North]

Chapter Twenty

Zappy/Slash

xxxxxSlash’s sclaws abruptly met stone and he staggered, falling to his knees before the guard yanked him roughly to his feet; much to the cruel amusement of several dragons.
xxxxxAs far as he knew, he and MetalClaws were now in the Stormriders’ capital, going to be assessed by the elders to determine what aged hatchlings should be set on them. On the long journey there, the Stormrider captors had healed his wounds, so he was now back to his full strength. But they had never removed the musty sack from his head even once, so now, as they ripped it off, he was blinded by the amount of light in the room.
xxxxxMany fearsome Stormriders lounged before him, eyeing him disdainfully with haughty expressions.
xxxxxSlash ignored them and twisted around, scanning the dragon-infested room; seeking one snout in particular but Moon was nowhere to be seen—and neither was MetalClaws, for that matter.
xxxxxWhat he did see rooted him to the spot in fear and anger for a moment: a huge black dragon—larger even that Waterfall—sat gazing at him with one red eye full of a deadly hatred; next to her was an orange Stormrider, no less terrifying, but in a different way, and next to him was Sparkles; his gaze as he met the Sharpshooter’s eyes was laced with hatred, disgust, and—fear?
xxxxxSlash glared up at him, making no effort to disguise his anger.
xxxxx“Welcome, Sharpshooter,” the orange dragon sneered, “we hope you’re not enjoying your stay here. Are you?”
xxxxxSlash glared at him and the old dragon laughed. “Good.
xxxxx“I am Magma, leader of the Mighty Stormriders; this is my worthy mate, Obsidian,” he extended a wing toward the evil black dragon, “my daughter-in-law Tornado,” a nearby grey dragon, “and our adopted grandson, Fang.”
xxxxxSlash started; that meant Sparkles held great power. He hoped desperately that the nasty hatchling hadn’t used his authority to harm Moon.
xxxxxMagma continued, “You are here to die a worthy death, Scum, for we will let you loose in our arena for the young-ones to kill, thus allowing more dragons to join our ranks.” He grinned nastily. “But first you must go through certain... procedures.”
xxxxxSlash’s heart fell as Magma’s grim chuckle rolled through the room; the assembled Stormriders sniggered at his expression.
xxxxx“I shall let Firefly—”
xxxxxSparkles hastily interrupted, “Grandfather, I deeply regret the circumstances that force me to interrupt you, but, please, let me test the Blunt—I mean Sharpshooter.”
xxxxxChuckles spread through the room again at his ‘mistake’.
xxxxxMagma held the black dragon’s gaze for a long minute.
xxxxx“Very well,” he said finally. “You do not deserve the honour, after killing Luna, but I will allow you the privilege. We will make do with one dragon for our young ones to slay.” He raised his voice to address Slash’s guard, “Take him away; you know what to do.”
xxxxx“Once there, unbind him!” Sparkles called after them as the numb Slash was dragged from the room and the other dragons began murmuring and talking.
xxxxxSlash couldn’t believe it; Moon was dead!
xxxxxSparkles, he growled to himself as he was led through another corridor. He didn’t care what was going to happen; all he knew was that it had something to do with Sparkles.
xxxxxI’m going to kill that coward, he snarled, nearly choking on his hatred. He pushed his immeasurable grief away and focused on the ugly, burning hate.
xxxxxHe was dragged to a solid stone room with one stone door and one wall made of a strange kind of obsidian. He suspected that it had been tampered with to allow dragons from outside the room to see him, but he couldn’t see them.
xxxxxThe room was full of ominous blood-stains.
xxxxxThe door behind him flew open and he whirled around to see the Fang marching in.
xxxxx“Grandfather,” he called, facing the obsidian, “lock the door.”
xxxxxOnce done, Sparkles turned abruptly to Slash and the Sharpshooter tensed, glinting eyes examining the Stormrider’s scales for weaknesses.
xxxxx“Hello, Zappy,” Fang smirked.
xxxxx“Sparkles,” was the only reply Slash made, barely controlling his anger.
xxxxxSparkles growled. “I am Fang, now. Sparkles was weak and he is finally gone.”
xxxxx“Really? ‘Cause I’m looking at a weakling who was wounded by a Sharpshooter—and he looks a lot like Sparkles.”
xxxxxSlash wanted to fight; wanted to channel his frustration, fear, sadness, and anger into achieving one thing: defeating Sparkles once and for all.
xxxxxSparkles growled. “You’re going to pay for that. I swore to my adoptive father Bloodfang that I would tear your throat out. Now is the time.” With a mighty roar he lunged forward, teeth bared.
xxxxxThrough his initial surge of shock at finding out Moon’s father had adopted the other dragon, Slash’s anger exploded like a flood. He lashed out with his tail, whipping it around at lightning speed and seeking deep into Fang’s neck before leaping out of the way.
xxxxxHe misjudged his timing, however, and Fang landed on his back, howling with pain before tearing furiously at the bronze scales beneath him.
xxxxxSlash snarled as he felt talons rake across his wing membrane, and, remembering a defence skill Flare had shown him, raised his scales on edge and shook himself like a wet dog, catching Fang by surprise and throwing him half-way across the room. Slash was too furious and devastated to properly register what he was doing and pounced on top of the other dragon, ripping his wings and attempting to catch his neck in a relentless, toothy grip.
xxxxxFear surged into Fang’s eyes, and he clawed frantically at Slash’s snout, breaking scales and slitting one of his nostrils.
xxxxxSlash roared and jerked back.
xxxxxTaking advantage of his enemy’s distraction, Fang heaved with his back legs and threw Slash across the room with a sickening crack.
xxxxxSlash howled as one of his spikes snapped; a red haze clouded his vision.
xxxxxCompletely unthinking, acting on instincts alone, he roared, leapt to his feet, and sprinted across the room, aiming torrents of bronze fire at Fang’s snout and deliberately acting like he was going to attempt to bite his throat as he found himself longing to do.
xxxxxSparkles howled as he became enveloped in a wreath of flames and dove to the side, swinging his cludet around as he did so, while tucking his head in which successfully protected his throat.
xxxxxSlash ducked under the blow; it grazed his wing; and cut off the stream of fire, then launched himself over the unsuspecting Fang, whipped around like a striking snake, and dug his fangs deep into the black dragon’s neck.
xxxxxSparkles growled and suppressed a whimper, thrashing madly in a desperate attempt to catch any part of Slash with his teeth or limbs, but the bronze dragon was careful to keep behind him.
xxxxxThen, drawing on his last reserves of strength, Slash sat back on his haunches, heaved Sparkles into the air, and shook him like the rat that he was; throwing him against the opposite wall with a sickening thud moments before the black dragon’s neck would’ve snapped.
xxxxxWhat am I doing? he thought. Moon wouldn’t’ve wanted me to kill him.
xxxxxHe didn’t hesitate and bounded after Fang, pinning him to the stone floor—not to kill, this time; only humiliate. To his surprise, Sparkles was limp and began shaking.
xxxxx“No!” he whimpered. “It can’t be. No!” He rolled his head back and forth, as if on either side there were dragons whose gazes he didn’t want to meet.
xxxxxSlash eyed him quizzically. “Are you mad?” he demanded angrily, his initial fury renewing.
xxxxx“You killed Moon, you wingless slug!” he roared, shaking him.
xxxxxAt the sound of his voice Fang tensed and a tear rolled out of his clenched eye. “I didn’t,” he whispered.
xxxxxHis eyes abruptly snapped open and he glared at Zappy. “But I wish I had!” And he threw his adversary off—or at least, attempted to; he was so weakened from the shock of hitting the wall and loss of blood that Slash would have remained had he not suddenly felt pity and stepped back.
xxxxxSparkles staggered to his feet and began limping toward the door, a terrified look in his wide eyes.
xxxxx“You coward, Nightmare!” he muttered. “You fool! You... you...
xxxxx“You,” he snarled, turning and catching sight of Slash.
xxxxxSlash growled back, and, dodging Fang’s cludet, rammed his shoulder into the other dragon, smashing him into the door, which snapped open long enough to release the black hatchling.
xxxxx“Nightma-a-a-are!” he roared furiously as he flew into the hall beyond.
xxxxxSlash stood still, shudders wracking his body from adrenalin and shock.
xxxxxMoon’s dead! He choked back a sob.
xxxxxHe decided to sit; hoping to steady his legs, and lowered his raised frill, overcome by grief.

#xxxxx#xxxxx#xxxxx#xxxxx#xxxxx#xxxxx#xxxxx#xxxxx#xxxxx#xxxxx#xxxxx#xxxxx#xxxxx

xxxxxMagma sat on his haunches on the other side of the obsidian screen, looking both disturbed and thoughtful.
xxxxxThe Sharpshooter was an exceptional fighter to have defeated Fang—nearly as good as Luna—and extremely dangerous. There was no way he was letting him loose with the hatchlings.
xxxxxBut Obsidian was more excited than she had been for a long time. “We must see how well the young ones do against the Sharpshooter,” she exclaimed, musingly.
xxxxxMagma was startled, and eyed her sceptically. “Have you taken leave of your senses? He’ll slaughter them!
xxxxx“Besides,” he continued, “he’s too good. Think of the signs: Fang hates him, and he’s a good fighter. It’s almost like his nest-mate was a Stormrider with Bloodlust...”
xxxxxA cruel smile curled the edges of Obsidian’s snout. “Now that Luna is dead, our greatest weapon is the Sharpshooter,” she decided. Then added, “But I still want to see him battle the small ones—after the appropriate preparations, of course. It shouldn’t matter too much if he’s killed.”
xxxxx“Of course,” Magma agreed. Then he raised his voice to address the rest of his family and advisors, “Who volunteers to torture the dragon? We can’t have him killing our children, after all.” He smiled mockingly.
xxxxx“I’ll do it,” Fang snarled from his corner where two dragons tended his wounds. “I’ll—”
xxxxx“No,” Magma interrupted smoothly. “He’ll kill you.” Magma hadn’t forgiven the young dragon.
xxxxxFang’s face darkened, but everyone ignored him as Tornado stepped forward.
xxxxx“I shall do it,” the grey dragon stated, “and that dragon will regret ever hatching with my daughter.”
xxxxxMagma eyed her questioningly, and she gazed at him with a steady expression until he lowered his head, knowing she hated the Sharpshooter enough to harm him, but was wise enough to not kill him.
xxxxx“Very well,” he conceded. “Do as you will with the Scum.”

[Woogwoo Wren]

Chapter Twenty-one

Moon

Moon blinked her eyes open, but no light came into them. Panic filled her, was she blind?

She lifted her head, looking around for some light, any light. Anything to let she see. She shook her head from side to side, her right eye throbbing.

Suddenly, she felt a paw on her back. Stiffening, she turned towards the owner.

“Its okay Moon, you’re safe.” The voice belonged to Darkfire. She could vaguely remember him talking to her before she passed out.

“Am I blind?” she asked, worry in her voice.

“No, we had to cover you eyes. You may lose sight in your right though,” Darkfire answered.

Moon dropped her head down, relief filling her. She wasn’t blind. She may lose sight in one eye, but she would still be able to see.

“Now go back to sleep, you need to recover your strength. That was some fight you put up.”

Moon nodded, closing her eyes. She had thousands of questions to ask, but she was too tired to put them into words. She slowly drifted off to sleep.

######

When she woke again, she was greeted by the same darkness. She forced back the panic, and closed her eyes, using her other senses to figure out what was around her.

She heard the rustle of a tail moving along the ground, the scent of fire, and felt something move past her.

“Who’s there?” she asked, turning her head towards the dragon that was in the room with her. “Zappy? Is that you?” Hope filled her, surly someone would have told Zappy that she was here, and he would have come.

“Its me,” she heard Darkfire say, and her heart sank. “Who’s Zappy?” he asked.

She frowned, wouldn’t he know Zappy? There wouldn’t be that many dragons with the misfits.

“Don’t you know him? He’s a bronze sharpshooter, my nestmate. He joined the Misfits a few months ago. He’s the son of Flare.”

She felt something move, and guessed that Darkfire has shaken his head.

“I haven’t heard of him. Or Flare for that matter. And I know all the dragons with us.”

Worry filled Moon, and she tried to stand. Had Claw been mistaken? Surely he had said that Zappy was with the Misfits. But he wasn’t here.

“Lie still Moon,” Darkfire said, laying a claw on her back. But Moon had lain still long enough, she needed to find Zappy. She shook Darkfire’s claw off, and ripped at the bandage over her eyes. She blinked in the light as she pulled it off.

She was in a huge room, inside the trunk of a massive tree. A large window, big enough for a dragon of Obsidian’s size to fit though, was on the wall of the tree, about halfway up. All along the walls of the room, were platforms, each with a nest in them, most with a dragon.

Moon was near the top, and looking down. She could see many types of dragons, both Sharpshooters and Stormriders. Other dragons were flying around, tending to them. The was had not left the Misfits unscathed.

“Moon! Calm down!” Darkfire cried. She took deep breaths, looking around. Her left eye was fine, she could see out of it. But her right eye was dead. She could see nothing, not even light.

She whipped her head around, and saw Darkfire, standing to her right. He was holding up a claw, trying to calm her.

“My eye,” she whispered.

“I told you, you might lose sight in your right eye.” He sighed, putting his claw down. “Now lie back down, Primrose will not be happy to see you with that bandage off.”

Moon shook her head, tried of lying around and doing nothing. She stood, winching at the pain in her leg, another wound from her battle with Bloodfang.

“I need to find my friend. I can rest after I found him, we’ve been apart too long.” Suddenly, she remembered why she had left the Stormriders. She turned to Darkfire.

“I need you to do something for me,” she said. He nodded.

“Anything for you Moon.”

“Obsidian and Magma, the leaders of the Stormriders, plan to empty the HatchingCaves. My mother, Tornado, and I, were ordered to gather any Stormrider hatchlings, and kill the rest.” She looked into his eyes. “Please stop her! She will go ahead with it either way, and I don’t want to know that all those hatchings are dead.”

Darkfire nodded.

“I’ll talk to our leader, Breeze,” he said. Sighing, he asked; “Are you sure you don’t want to stay here longer? You need to recover.”

Moon shook her head.

“I think something bad has happened to Zappy. I need to find him. Perhaps working together we can stop this senseless war.”

Darkfire looked into her eye, and smiled.

“Good luck Moon,” he whispered. “Don’t die.”

She gave a wiry smile.

“I’ll do my best not to,” she said, before leaping out of the hospital room, and flying into the air.

########

The huge tree that the hospital was in wasn’t the only giant. There were about ten, each huge, making Moon feel tiny.

She looked up at them, in awe that something could grow so large. But she soon left them behind, flying in the direction she thought was the Sharpshooter land. If Zappy wasn’t with the Misfits, he would be at the Sharpshooters.

“Why are you not resting?” Moon whipped her head around, some one was coming up on her blind side.

Freedom flew beside her, grinning. The raven that was with her flew beside the golden dragon.

“You’re still not fully recovered,” she said.

“I can fly, and I need to find my friend,” Moon grunted, her leg paining her.

Freedom sighed.

“Well, why are you going to the GreatSea?” she asked. “Does he live there?”

Moon stopped for a second, before continuing flying.

“The GreatSea?” she asked.

“Yeah, that’s this way.” Freedom grinned. “So does he live there? Or are you going in the wrong direction?”

Moon sighed, and lighted on a tree.

“I guess I’m going the wrong way then,” she said. “Which way to the Sharpshooter’s territory?”

“Are you sure you want to go there? I mean, you’re a Stormrider…” Freedom said, landing beside her.

Moon felt a rush of irritation.

“I am aware that I am a Stormrider,” she hissed through gritted teeth. “I am aware that they are Sharpshooters. I am also aware that out tribes are at war. But I am also aware that my friend my be in trouble, and I’m not going to let a petty hate between species to get between me and my best friend!”

She stepped closer to the golden dragon, and she stepped back.

“Ok-ay,” Freedom said, “I’ll take you, but don’t attack me.”

Moon stopped, and lowered her wings.

“Sorry,” she muttered. ‘What is wrong with me? I didn’t mean to scare her. Is it my Bloodlust?’

Freedom nodded, and leapt into the air. Moon followed, troubled.

[Ranger of the North]

Chapter Twenty-Two

Zappy

Slash sat dejectedly in his lava prison, dread coiling inside his stomach; in mere minutes, a guard had told him, he would be summoned to Magma’s private chambers—Tornado was ill. The cackling laugh he had given wasn’t comforting in the least.

He leapt to his feet nervously—nearly stumbling into the lava when he felt the weight of the heavy chains wrapped securely around his whole body—as clacking talons echoed outside.

Pricking his ears, he heard muffled voices, and then a blood red Stormrider put a wing through the lava, stopping the deadly flow enough for Slash to leap to the relative safety of the corridor beyond.

A nearby blue Stormrider smiled grimly, seized his chains, and, before the young dragon could react, proceeded to drag him through the mountain.

Slash stifled a groan as his head smacked the wall, but the ache was nothing compared to the gaping abyss of hurt and sadness within.

Before long, he was propelled into a cramped stone room and chained securely to the wall. He tried to ignore the instruments set out along a nearby table that were clearly meant for torture.

As Slash’s guard departed, Moon’s grandfather, Magma, entered the room. His snout was stone-like in its grimness.

He gripped red-hot pincers in his talons. “You will pay for blemishing my granddaughter,” he hissed in as the pincers descended toward Slash’s quivering wing.

He clenched his teeth and tried to keep the fear out of his eyes.

Suddenly the door vibrated as someone knocked almost hard enough to shatter it and Magma whirled around, snarling threateningly.

Slash went limp with relief as the orange Stormrider lay the pincers back on the stone table and angrily yanked the door open.

“What is it?” he snapped.

Slash, watching, caught a glimpse of brown scales; heard quiet voices. Then he noticed a young orange dragon creep undetected past Magma.

She laid a quieting claw to her snout as he stared.

“I’m Li—Firelily; I was Moon’s friend: she saved my life. I know you’re Zappy; me and Flamer are here to help,” she whispered as excitement flooded across her snout.

Slash smiled. “Thank you,” he murmured gratefully. He felt bad that he wasn’t grateful enough, but—Moon was gone. Nothing else mattered.

Firelily nodded and drew a set of keys out from under her wing, casting a nervous glance toward Magma as they clattered slightly; the large orange dragon didn’t seem to hear a thing.

“Where didya get those?” Slash accidently wondered aloud.

The orange dragon grinned and pointed toward Magma before undoing each of the locks wrapped around his body.

Magma heard the chains clattering onto the stone floor and turned his head...

Swift as lightening; acting without thinking; Slash darted across the cavern and tackled him, attempting to just trap him and disable him by slicing his tail through his leg—but he roared and squirmed, attempting to wriggle out from under him and the deadly blades sliced through his throat.

Slash gingerly stepped away from the body; he wasn’t numb enough to not feel shock.

Firelily looked horrified and even the brown dragon, Flamer, wore an expression of dismay.

“You really are dangerous,” Flamer muttered, taking a cautious step back. “I’m not sure if this is the right thing to be doing,” she said to Firelily, but still keeping a wary eye on the Sharpshooter. “He just killed Magma!”

The orange dragon snorted. “Of course it is. He’s Moon’s nest-mate, Flamer! Eventually Obsidian would’ve had him killed, then where would we be? Moon would hate us, and with her Bloodlust nothing would stand in her way. She would kill us all.”

Slash gaped as a strange feeling washed through him. “What?” he gasped. “Are you—Is she—” His legs were wobbly and he couldn’t finish.

Flamer smiled happily. “Is she alive?”

“You’d better believe it!” Firelily crowed as she finished the other dragon’s sentence. “And free, too! Flamer showed her the way out and spread a false rumour that Sparkles killed her!”

The world seemed dream-like; Slash couldn’t comprehend anything. Moon was dead but she wasn’t. He was surrounded by enemies but was among friends at the same time...

“Maybe we shouldn’t’ve told him,” Firelily said anxiously as she noticed his blank expression.

Flamer chuckled. “He’ll get over it when his head’s in the real clouds,” she assured Firelily.

The two Stormriders each seized a front leg and lead him through the mountain to the passageway leading out.

Flamer grinned as a brisk wind blew up and slapped Slash in the snout, waking him from his daze.

“Thank you so, so much for your help,” he beamed. “I can’t believe this.

“But, please, do you know where Moon was headed? I can’t be away from her anymore!”

Flamer nodded, understanding how he felt. “I’m not certain where she went, but I’d imagine she went after you.”

Zappy nodded, and, unable to restrain himself, immediately spread his wings and spiralled down the tunnel.

“Thank you!” he called, hearing the words echo and reverberate back up to them.

Bursting into the open air he didn’t bother to examine his surroundings, instead beating his wings as powerfully as possible; racing away, back to the WildWoods were he knew Moon would at last be waiting.

[Woogwoo Wren]

Chapter twenty-three

Moon

Moon flew behind Freedom, questions running through her head. Where was Zappy? Had he never made it to the Misfits? Or where there other Misfits? Would she ever see he best friend again? We he all right?

She shook her head, trying to clear it, but the questions returned. Glancing at her travelling companion, she opened her mouth to ask one of the questions, but stopped. Freedom hadn’t said anything since they had set out, so she guessed she had scared the golden sharpshooter.

So they flew in silence, Moon nearly bursting with questions. Finally, she couldn’t hold them back.

“Do you know if there are any groups of Misfits?” she blurted out. Freedom glanced at her and shook her head.

“The ones we were just with are the only ones I know of,” she said, then turned away.

Moon sighed, wanting to know more, but didn’t want to make Freedom talk if she didn’t want to.

They flew for another hour, Moon losing herself in her beating wings. She forced herself not to think of anything; only one wing beat after another. Each wing beat brought her closer to the Sharpshooter’s territory, but also to Zappy.

“I’ll leave here,” Freedom said abruptly, and Moon looked up, surprised.

“What?” she asked.

“The Sharpshooter territory is up ahead. I’ll leave here,” she repeated, and the bird on her should cawed.

“Oh, okay. Thanks,” Moon said. Now that Freedom had mentioned it, the trees had changed. They were no longer the pines and such of the WildWoods, but the leafy trees of the Sharpshooter territory.

Freedom nodded, and flew off, the raven following her.

‘Strange dragon,’ Moon thought, watching her go.

She landed on a tree, and looked over the forest.

‘Where are you Zappy!’ she thought, looking at the trees. Suddenly, the leaves began shaking in the trees, as if something was coming towards her.

Taking to the air, she hovered over the tree, looking down. Something burst out of the trees, followed by others.

‘Griffins!’ Moon thought, panicked. A flock of griffins was one of the few things that could take down a full-grown dragon.

The lead, a large male, squawked, and they began to surround Moon. She let out a burst of flame, sending it washing over the flock. One went down, feathers on fire. But there were still about a dozen others.

Surrounded, Moon began to fly higher, trying to get away from them. But her wings were tired from the battle she had with Bloodfang, and the flight. The griffins soon caught up with her, and surrounded her again.

She swung her head, trying to keep them all in her sights, but with only one eye it was hard. Something pecked her on her flank, and she spun, bathing the griffin with fire. It followed the other.

But she had left her blind side open for an attack, and felt a sharp pain on the back of her neck. Hissing, she dropped, tucking her wings to her body as she did.

As she fell, she remembered the many times she had tried that trick back at the hatchling caves. Glad for all the practice now, she pulled up, her belly scrapping the top of the trees.

But the griffins were still following her, and her wings were aching. She looked behind her, and, seeing them close, swung her cudlet. A satisfying smack and a loud squawk told her she had hit something.

Suddenly, a dragon erupted out of the trees. At first Moon thought it was Freedom, but then she saw the golden sharpshooter was a male.

He roared, letting a flame dance out of his mouth, washing over both Moon and the griffins. They squawked in pain, and flew off, leaving Moon alone with the other dragon.

She hissed in pain, surprised that his fire had hurt her. Then she remembered that Sharpshooter flames were different, and could still hurt a Stormrider.

“Thank you for saving me sir,” she said, landing on a tree.

He grunted.

“What are you doing here? You’re a Stormrider.” He glared at her.

“I’m sorry for trespassing,” Moon said, bowing her head. “I need to find my friend.”

“Well we don’t have any Stormriders here. So leave, or I’ll have to attack you.”

Anger began to form in Moon, but she forced it down.

“I’m not looking for a Stormrider,” she said, quietly. “I’m looking for a Sharpshooter. His name is Za –.” But the dragon interrupted her.

“You’re trespassing, so get off.” He growled.
“But –,” Moon cried, starting forward.

“Goldy! Where are you!” a voice called, and another dragon leapt up through the trees to hover beside the other dragon. She glanced over at Moon, and scowled.

“Who’s this? And why is she on out territory.”

“I’m looking for my friend,” Moon began, but again was interrupted. Goldy growled.

“A flock of griffins chased her here. Though I think she was already on our territory before they found her.

The female nodded.

“I think Waterfall would like to meet her,” she muttered. Goldy nodded.

“Good idea Glitter,” he said.

They moved towards Moon, and she aloud them to capture her, not wanting to fight. If she did, she knew that her Bloodlust would take control and she might kill on of these dragons. That was no something she wanted.

Suddenly, she felt a burst of pain on the back of her head, and everything went dark.

[Ranger of the North]

Chapter Twenty-Four

Zappy/Slash

Slash soared effortlessly over the forest that ran down the Stormriders’ mountain, willing his aching wings to endure through the pain and take him as close to Moon before sundown as they could.

He paused curiously for a moment, seeing a limping black figure with a twisted wing hobbling up the mountain side.

What happened to him? he thought, and cocked his head. He looks a bit like Moon.

He shrugged the thoughts away and flew on again.

The size of Militia depressed him. It was so big he had been traveling almost without rest for two days and was only just beginning to see the tips of trees that grew in the WildWoods.

With a tired sigh he pushed on.

“Hey!” a yell startled him and he whipped around, frill raised.

“Firelily?” he asked in confusion, lowering his frill as two shapes, an orange and a brown, flew toward him, easily catching up with their larger wings. “Flamer? What’re you doing here?”

He saw the grimace that distorted Flamer’s snout; the tear-streaks down Firelily’s.

“What happened?”

“Fang saw us rescuing you,” Flamer responded heavily. “Obsidian was only going to punish us for killing her mate, but he convinced her to banish us.”

Firelily couldn’t keep back a sob.

Slash’s heart melted. These good dragons had helped Moon, and himself—as well as given him hope. Now they were in trouble because of him!

“Come with me, then,” he burst out impulsively. “We’ll live with Moon and the Misfits in the WildWoods. Come on! I can’t leave you alone to die after all you’ve done for us. Come with me. Please?”

A shudder ran down Firelily’s length. “The WildWoods?” she quivered, staring with wide eyes at the vast expanse of forbidding trees ringing the horizon.

“Sure!” Slash assured them. “It’s fine. My family’s there; Mum, Dad, my little sister Snow-Fang; my friends—MetalClaws!” he cried in dismay, suddenly remembering. “Oh no, we’ve left him with the Stormriders! What can we do!”

Firelily smirked, her spirits rising. “You might’ve forgotten him,” she said, “but we didn’t. We managed to free him a few days before you.”

Zappy only just resisted the impulse to hug the two of them.

“That’s amazing!” he crowed, doing a backwards flip in mid-air. “Thanks you guys so much!”

Flamer smiled happily. “It was the least we could do.”

# # # # # # # # # # # # #

Flare paced back and forth anxiously, gradually wearing the wood floor of her den down.

Slash had been gone for over a week now, with neither hide nor scale of either him or MetalClaws. She and Vertigo had been tearing up the forest searching for them, but they had to take turns searching: Snow-Fang was too young to be left alone safely.

Flare growled impatiently.

Three years! she snarled to herself. Three years of waiting for him; a few months of actually getting to know my son—and he’s gone again! Captured or killed or lost who knows where!

She roared, venting a little of her anger and loss and Snow-Fang squeaked in fright.

Flare immediately felt sorry and tried to cuddle the little hatchling, but they were both too restless. No sooner had she sat down next to her daughter than she was on her feet and pacing again, lashing her bladed tail like a scythe.

An involuntary smile creased her features as the tiny white dragon stumbled out of her nest and tried to copy, squeaking happily.

Finally, at the end of her patience, she leapt cat-like toward the nearby door and stared out at the darkening sky.

Her heart skipped a beat as she saw a twinkle of bronze.

Calm down, she growled to herself. It’s just a star.

But at that moment Snow-Fang let out an overjoyed squeak, barrelling outdoors and shrieking at the sky.

There was no doubt in Flare’s buzzing mind now; Snow-Fang had already shown a likeness and love for her brother.

And she’s so young; can’t young dragons sense things that are long out of reach of adults?

Without a second thought Flare scooped the baby up in one shimmering sclaw and raced into the air, wings beating harder than they ever had, desperate to reach her long-lost son.

“Slash?” she called, wanting to be certain. “Slash!”

“Mum!” The bronze shape raced toward her, and they were soon locked in a huge hug.

“Oh, it’s so good to see you!” he murmured tiredly as he lay his head on her shoulder. But he broke away shortly after.

“Snow-Fang! What’re you doing here, ya lil rascal!” He laughed delightedly and snatched the hatchling away, hugging her close and knuckling her head, as she squeaked in protest.

“Slash, where have you been?” Flare asked anxiously through her laughs at their antics. “Who’re these two?” She flicked her tail toward his companions. Ordinarily she would’ve been wary of them, alerting Target immediately; but tonight was different. Slash was back, and they were obviously his friends.

“Oh,” Slash grew serious and began telling his mother all that had happened to him, weaving a tale of capture, fights, grief, and pain.

“But that’s over now,” he ended hurriedly. “Where’s Moon? Where is she!”

Flare shook her head. “I haven’t seen her, sorry. She’s not here.”

Slash’s eyes grew frantic. “She’s not? Where could she be! Is she hurt?”

Flare shrugged and lead them to the ground—worried about what desperate actions her son might take in the air—where a clear voice arrested them.

“I might know where she is,” it said, and they all turned, startled, to see a golden Sharpshooter gliding between the trees toward them.

“Who are you?” Slash asked in surprise, but she ignored him as she came to a running halt.

“Purple Stormrider? Ferocious? Nest-mate called Zappy?”

Slash nodded, a strange light in his eyes. “I’m Zappy.”

The other Sharpshooter nodded. “My name’s Freedom. I know Moon—sort of. She’s gone to the Sharpshooter village; looking for you.”

Zappy immediately spread his glittering bronze wings.

“Thanks,” he said, then turned to Flare as she tried to ignore the sinking feeling in her gut.

“Sorry, Mum,” he said quietly. “But I need to find her. I’ll be back as soon as possible. Give my love to Dad.”

He turned to the Stormriders.

“Flamer, Firelily,” he began, “you can come with me or stay here; either one’s alright with me. I’m sure Target would accept new recruits.”

Flare finally found her voice. “Slash, I can’t let you do this,” she said sharply, cold dread coiling through her gut.

He avoided her gaze. “Sorry, Mum,” he said quietly. “Think of Bloodfang. I can’t desert her.”

He leapt into the air without a backward glance; Flamer and Firelily soon followed.

Flare stood with her head bowed miserably, only looking up when Freedom awkwardly stepped back.

“Where are you going?” she asked. “You can stay, if you want. Target does need more dragons.”

Freedom shook her head uncomfortably. “No, thanks. I don’t—I mean tribes just—” She gave up and abruptly took to the air, leaving Flare all alone in her silent misery; only Snow-Fang understood.

[Woogwoo Wren]

Chapter twenty-five.

Moon

Moon blinked her eyes open, winching with the pain in her head. She first thought she had lost sight in her other eye, and scrambled backwards, panicked. As she did, her tail hit something, and she jumped forward, only to bang her head on something.

Taking a breath, she lay on the ground. When she calmed down, she could see a small hole in the roof, and through it a star. Breathing easier, she closed her eyes and slept.

When she woke the sun was shining through the hole. She realised that she was in a tree trunk, not big enough for her to stretch her wings. But, as she tried, she realised that she couldn’t stretch her wings anyway. They were tied down with chain. She sighed, dropping her head on her paws.

Suddenly, the light vanished, and she looked up. One of the dragons that had captured her, Glitter, was sitting on the edge of the hole. Moon stood, and raised her head.

“Hello,” she said.

“Who was your friend? You said he was a Sharpshooter,” Glitter asked.

“His name’s Zappy. He’s a bronze dragon.”

Glitter nodded.

“I thought so. We adopted him before he was banished.” She yawned. “He seemed nice.” She hesitated. “He -he saved my life.”

Moon looked at her eagerly.

“Do you know where he is?” she asked.

Glitter shook her head.

“I don’t sorry.” She sighed. “He’s with the Misfits now.”

Moon nodded, and sighed, lying down again.

“I need to find him,” she whispered.

Glitter nodded.

“Of course! I’ll do what I can to help you.” Frowning, she added, “He seemed different. That might be because he was the child of Misfits, but he was braver then any Sharpshooter I’ve met.”

Moon would have once put that to him having a Stormrider as a nest mate, but now she knew differently. It was because she had Bloodlust.

“He had me as a nest mate. That’s why,” she said, not wanting to tell Glitter about her Bloodlust.

The golden dragon nodded.

“Well, if he comes back, I’ll be sure to tell –.” She stopped, and muttered a curse. “I have to go,” she hissed, “Here.” She dropped something into the tree and flew off.

Moon glanced down, and tucked the key that Glitter had dropped under her feet as a huge emerald dragon landed in the spot where Glitter had been.

He looked at her, and scowled.

“What where they thinking, bringing her here,” he muttered. He shook his head. “I guess that we’ll have to kill you.” As he spoke, he yawned “And then sleep.”

Moon tried to step back, but the cramped space and her chains stopped her. Knowing that she wouldn’t go down without a fight, even if it meant going Bloodlust, she quickly unlocked her chains as the dragon yawned again.

“Who are you?” she asked, staling.

“I’m Waterfall. Now stay still so I can kill you. Nuisance.”

Moon had no intention of staying still, so she leapt, and knocked Waterfall off his perch. The chains fell off her as she flew into the sky.

She blinked in the light. She was in the forest, trees towering above her. And in most of the trees were Sharpshooters.

‘I have to get out of her without a fight!’ she thought, knowing that she wouldn’t be able to control herself if she succumbed to the Bloodlust.

She was suddenly jerked back, and felt a sharp pain in her cudlet. Turning, she saw that Waterfall had bit her cudlet, right where Bloodfang had a few days before.

Roaring in pain, she dove down, landing on Waterfall. He was slightly larger then her, but not by much.

He squirmed, and Moon let him slip.

“Please, just let me go!” she cried. “I don’t want to hurt anyone!”

But Waterfall roared, scrambling to his feet.

“Kill her before she kills our hatchlings!” he roared.

A few dragons dropped to the ground, ready to fight.

“Please! I don’t want to hurt you!” Moon cried, backing against the tree trunk. “Just let me go! I just want to find my friend.” A tear fell from her eye, dripping down her muzzle.

But the dragons didn’t listen, and suddenly something slammed into her blind side.

She staggered, and spun, growling. But she stopped before she attacked, not wanting to draw blood.

Then she was attacked from the other side, but this time she saw, and dodged. The blue dragon that had leaped managed to slice her side, and blood tricked out.

She gritted her teeth, forcing back the Bloodlust, but her vision was turning red.

Then she felt a sharp pain in her tail, and she lost it. The Bloodlust took control, and she spun, batting the young dragon that was biting her tail. He flew through the air, and landed against a tree.

Moon spun, growling. She was under the control of Bloodlust now. Waterfall leapt forward, and she sliced, feeling her claws draw blood.

She sliced, dodged, bit and fought; all she could see was a haze of red. Suddenly, a dragon appeared in front of her, a bronze one. He was shouting something, but Moon, filled with Bloodlust as she was didn’t hear, instead lashing out.

She felt her claws dig into his scales, and she pinned him under her claws, bearing her fangs, dripping with venom.

“Moon! Stop!” a voice shouted, but it seemed so far away. She snarled, digging her claws deeper.

“MOON!” the voice called, weaker this time, but with more force. She recognized the voice, and her knees felt weak.

The Bloodlust drained away, and she could hardly bare to look down. But she did, tears dripping from her snout.

Lying under her claws, his bronze scales covered with blood, lay Zappy.

Moon staggered back, shaking her head.

“No, no, no, no!” she cried. ‘I’m a monster!’ Her vision blurred, and she didn’t hear Zappy calling, didn't see Flamer and Firelily near, or Freedom flying to join them. She turned, ignoring the looks of fear from the other dragons.

She didn’t look back, her eyes filled with tears. Instead she leapt into the air, and flying away.

‘I nearly killed him! I nearly killed Zappy. I’m a monster. I’m a monster. Nightmare was right. I can’t be near anyone.’ Tears dripped from the sky as she flew away from her friend.

[Ranger of the North]

Chapter Twenty-six

Zappy

The world was a hazy blur of pain. Zappy couldn’t remember much, and what he did recall he wished he couldn’t.

Moon. A feral light in her eyes as she attacked the Sharpshooters; the surge of relief at finding her swamped in horror; swooping down, knowing he had to stop her at any cost, hoping she would spare him; her unseeing, unrecognizing eyes as she prepared to kill him.

He shuddered, and winced at the pain it caused—then tried not to wince at the pain the wince caused.

“Whh—” he tried to speak but couldn’t; his throat suffered a lance of pain.

Zappy snapped his eyes open in alarm, willing them to focus until he eventually recognised Freedom’s worried features.

“Whh—” he wheezed again, and, in a torrent of fear lunged forward and snatched up a piece of bark.

“Zappy, wai—”

He ignored her; ignored the spasms of pain from his body, and concentrated on scratching letters into the wood with one claw.

‘What’s going on?’ he wrote. ‘What happened? Why can’t I speak!’

When Freedom saw what he had written she sighed.

“Moon... well...” Freedom took a deep breath and sighed, then started differently.

“You’ve lost a large chunk of your throat,” she said slowly, avoiding his gaze. “Your vocal chords are munted. It’s doubtful you’ll ever speak again. The good news is that one day—after a lot of practice—you might eventually be able to whisper.

“I’m sorry. I helped as much as I could.”

Zappy noted her slumped wings, her downcast expression; and wished he could write to tell her that he was fine—but he wasn’t.

Moon was gone again. She had nearly killed him. And he would never speak again.

He slumped back down to where he had been lying before, barely registering the feeling of the soft moss.

Freedom left the room.

Zappy found himself scratching his thoughts into the bark still clutched in one sclaw.

‘I don’t want to see Moon again.

‘Or do I?

‘She nearly killed me.

‘But she was being controlled.

‘She didn’t even recognize me. She’s a monster—and if she’s not she’s well on her way to~~

He jumped in fright as the bark was suddenly knocked away by an orange cludet and smashed against the wall.

He leapt to his sclaws, gasping at the pain; to see the furious Firelily standing next to where his head had been resting. Zappy realized, with a slight pang, that she must’ve read what he had written.

“How can you think such things?” she yelled. “Moon’s you nest-mate, not a monster! She saved my life, Zappy! If it weren’t for her I would be dead!”

Zappy glared at her as he snatched up a fragment of wood. ‘She nearly killed me,’ his claw snarled.

Firelily growled and shook her head. “Bloodlust nearly killed you. Moon is the only reason you’re still alive. Moon and Freedom. She stopped her Bloodlust.” She began to get angry again. “And why do you think Freedom saved your stupid scales? Not for you!

“Moon. Needs. Help. Only you can help her. How do you think she feels knowing she all but killed you, huh? For all she knows she did kill you. Only Freedom knows the herb that stops infection. Only Freedom knows how to wrap bandages in the correct position to successfully stop the bleeding.

“Moon needs to know you’re alive to heal her own wounds—her inner wounds. Think, Zappy! What might Moon do to herself!

“Think about that, not the fact that you’ve got a few owies.”

Zappy flicked his tail angrily as Firelily stomped away.

Owies? he snarled to himself. Owies! I nearly died!

He crushed the wood angrily between his claws, then reached for another, turning it over idly. There was a single word on it.

Moon.

Zappy sighed, and slumped forward, holding it to his chest with one thought swirling around in his mind. What do I do?

# # # # # # # # # # # # #

Freedom heard an uncertain step in the hallway outside her room in the great pine tree and looked up wonderingly.

“Zappy!” she cried, leaping to her sclaws as she sighted the bronze dragon. “What are you doing? You’ll reopen all your wounds!” She bounded forward and wrapped another bandage around his red throat.

“Whh—” Zappy shook his head in exasperation, and Freedom immediately ripped a chunk out of the wooden wall for him.

‘I need to find Moon,’ he scratched. ‘She needs help and may end up hurting someone—and maybe even herself. I need to help her.’

Zappy’s eyes widened in surprise as Freedom nodded.

“Yes. You do,” she agreed. “But not right now, get back into bed!”

Zappy shook his head stubbornly.

“Garr,” Freedom huffed in exasperation. “You don’t even know where she is!”

“Freedom!” a call sounded suddenly from outside a window cut into the tree and the two dragons moved forward to see a dark-green dragon on the ground below.

“Freedom!” he called again. “Scallywag’s back; says he saw a purple dragon heading toward the Great Sea!”

Freedom growled in annoyance as Zappy wrote on his wood.

‘Hahaha! I know where she is now.’

“Not helpful!” she yelled. “This dumbo wants to hunt Moon down—now you just told him where she is!”

The other dragon chuckled. “Sorry.

“Hello, Zappy,” he called up afterward. “How are you feeling? My name’s Darkfire.”

Zappy bobbed his head. ‘Where’s he from? He looks a bit like MetalClaws.’

Freedom eyed the wood. “I have no idea who MetalClaws is, but Darkfire’s a Stormshooter; Moon’s friend. He lives in another part of the forest and I got Flamer to let him know what happened. My raven, Scallywag, acts as our scout. He’s been searching for her.”

“I’m going back out to look for Moon,” Darkfire called from outside, and swift wingbeats immediately met their ears.

‘So... Moon’s heading for the Great Sea, eh?' Zappy wrote mischievously.

Freedom sighed. “I can’t let you go after her. I’m sorry, Zappy, but you’ll kill yourself. Your throat isn’t your only injury, you know.”

Zappy threw his wood down and stamped on it.

“I’m—going—after—Moon,” he said with a tremendous effort. “Are—you—going to—help—or—not?”

[Woogwoo Wren]

Chapter twenty-seven

Moon

Moon flew blindly, barely noticing the trees slapping past her. Tears blurred her vision, and dripped down her face. She flew, not looking back, not caring where she went. She just had to get as far away as she could. She couldn’t go back, couldn’t see what she had done to her best friend, couldn’t see the fear in his eyes, couldn’t see the distrust.

So she flew, blindly at first, just wanting to leave, just wanted to run from the dispar and horror she felt, the shock of coming out of Bloodlust with Zappy under her claws.

Finally she stopped. The sun was beginning to set, and with a jolt she realized that she had been flying most of the day. The trees had gone, she had left them long ago, and now she was flying over a low, hilly area.

She landed on the largest hill, trying to get her bearing. As she did, the sky clouded over, and it began t snow.

The softly falling snow transfixed her. She had never seen snow before. Reaching out a claw, she watched as a flake landed on it, and melted on the dried blood that was on her claws.

She shuddered, and wiped her claws on the ground that was quickly being covered with snow. She scrubbed hard until all traces of the blood was gone.

Then she lay down, curling in a ball. The snow began to cover her, and she just wanted to stay there, lying on the ground. Closing her eye, she slept.


Zappy stands in front of her, a wound in his throat, his body covered with scars.

“Zappy,” she whispers, as she walks forward. He steps back, fear in his eyes.

“You did this to me,” he says. “You did this Moon. You did this.”

“I know!” Moon cries. “But I didn’t mean to, you know I didn’t! Please Zappy.” She feels tears in her eyes. Stepping forward, she holds her claw out.

But Zappy steps back, and she sees the fear in his eyes.

“Go away,” he whispers. “Go away,” he says, louder this time. “GO AWAY!” he shouts. “You’ll only hurt me more.”

Moon steps back, saddened and lost. But something in her makes her leap. She attacks Zappy, and pins him down again.

“NO! I will never go, I will never go until you die!” she scowls.


Moon woke, shuddering. She was covered in snow, the fall having covered her. She lay there, panting, tears dripping from her eyes.

‘What have I done?’ she thought. ‘I nearly killed Zappy, I might have killed Zappy.’

She struggled to her feet, shaking off the snow. Taking a deep breath, she looked ahead. The land was covered in white; it looked like a white blanket had been dropped over everything. Behind her, the trees were sprinkles with snow.

It was like a different world, and Moon made a decision, standing in the snow.

“I can’t go back,” she said. “I can’t be near others, otherwise I’ll hurt them. I’ll find somewhere that no other dragon can come. I’ll live alone.”

Taking a deep breath, she jumped into the sky. As she passed the last tree, a few miles after the forest, she stopped.

It was a large tree, and impossible to miss. So she landed on a large branch about half way.

Then, using her claw, she scratched out a message, in case Zappy would follow her.

Taking a breath, she lifted off again, flying towards the sea.

“Goodbye Zappy,” she whispered.

[Ranger of the North]

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Zappy

Zappy thrust his wings downward, waited five seconds, and repeated the action in the Sharpshooters’ method of flying for hours on end without rest. His mind kept straying to his mother’s face as he left her. Snow-Fang’s delighted expression as he greeted her. Moon’s look of sheer hatred.

He steadfastly wrenched his thoughts away once again.

“Uh, Zappy, were’re ya going?”

The sharpshooter turned with a start of surprise to see that his companions were landing in a small clearing in the trees below.

“Landing already?” he called down. Days earlier he would’ve made a joke about it. Now his humour was all but gone, lost with Moon somewhere. He wished Vernada wasn’t so depressingly huge; if he had things his way he would round the next tree and find the end of the world with Moon waiting, trapped until he could arrive and talk to her.

Dumb planet, he thought in aggravation.

“It’s kinda night time,” Freedom yelled back. “And besides, it’s snowing!”

Zappy glanced with surprise at the soft white flakes settling on his wings, spikes, and back. He hadn’t noticed at all, he was so distracted. With a small sigh the dragon tilted his wings to glide forward and down toward his friends, resigning himself to another sleepless, pain-filled night.

During the daylight hours he could ignore his neck, painful as it was; but when darkness fell he was left alone with his nightmarish thoughts and aching throat.

Alighting in the clearing he was surprised to see a large bonfire; Flamer and Firelily were already asleep, but Freedom looked like she had no intention of settling down for the night as she sat pensively by the fire.

“Come by me,” she offered, flicking her tail toward the unoccupied snow next to her, and Zappy obeyed. He knew if he didn’t she would move next to him, anyway, to check his throat, so he curled up beside the other Sharpshooter and arched his neck heavenward with a longsuffering sigh.

Slash felt Freedom’s claws scrabbling at the bandage around his throat and winced as she touched the still sensitive tissue.

“Sorry.”

Zappy grunted in response, then tensed as she drew in a sharp breath. “What’s up?” he whispered, for although he could talk he preferred to whisper as much as he could to spare his shredded vocal-chords.

“Nothing,” she said in a strangled voice, “just what you look like after nearly being killed.” She shuddered, then mastered her revulsion and continued in an even tone, “You’ll be able to completely ditch the bandages, now, if you're careful.” She eyed him sternly, and Zappy smiled wanly.

“Sure, whatever,” he rasped, and Freedom growled.

“I’m serious! Do one stupid thing and I’ll put you in a jacket so tight you’ll never escape.”

Zappy shifted and growled slightly. “Could you hurry up?” he complained.

“I’m done.” Freedom shuffled back and stared moodily into the flames as Zappy arched and stretched his neck, glad to be rid of the itchy bandage.

“What’s up?” he asked after making sure he was in perfect working order—frill could still raise, he could breathe fire and smoke, and his neck was as flexible as ever—for Freedom usually rose and slept with the sun.

She sighed. “I used to live nearby. With my family. I know every tree in this part of the forest.”

“Really?” Zappy rasped, and leaned forward slightly, eager to learn more about his friend. “What happened?”

“Stormriders,” the word was loaded with enough venom to kill ten dragons.

“Oh. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. You’re a Sharpshooter.”

“Moon!” Zappy said suddenly, realization dawning, “Flamer! Firelily! You want to—you’re after—” His frill rose slightly as fear trickled through his body; he tensed, ready to defend his Stormrider friends.

But Freedom drew back in dismay. “No, no!” she cried. “I didn’t mean it like that! I dislike Stormriders in general, but I got to know Flamer and Firelily through you, and we’re buddies now. And Moon is the bravest dragon I’ve ever met—and you are, too, you idiot. Flying down to stop a wild dragon!” She cuffed him over the head with her wing and shot him an affectionate grin.

Zappy smiled slightly. “Thanks.

“But why didn’t you join the Sharpshooters afterwards? How did you survive alone? I don’t understand.”

Freedom sighed and buried her snout in her wings.

When she finally looked up she avoided his gaze, staring at the trees wrapped in dancing firelight and black shadows. “I was only young. My first hunting expedition alone. When I got back our tree was burnt and everyone was dead. I flew to the Sharpshooters but they treated me like a freak—at least, when they were awake.

“I was disgusted with them and they hated me, so I flew away. Lived alone. Learned to fend for myself.

“I did go to the Misfits briefly, but they’re a mixture of Stormriders and Sharpshooters, so I left pretty quickly. Darkfire was the only one who paid attention to me, really. He looked after me and showed me around. Took me under his wing, so to speak.” She chuckled slightly, and Zappy eyed her curiously, wondering what the strange light in her eyes indicated.

“Well, I’m glad you appreciated my efforts,” said a teasing voice behind them, and the two Sharpshooters whirled in alarm, taken by surprise.

Zappy was astonished to see a dark-green dragon perched on a sturdy tree-branch, looking absolutely exhausted.

“Hey, Zappy,” he accused wearily, “why didn’t you yell out you were chasing after Moon for real, when I told you Scallywag’d seen her?”

Zappy chuckled deep in his throat. “I couldn’t,” he rasped. “What’re you doing here?”

“Coming with you, of course.” Darkfire swayed and nearly fell out of the tree, wearily flaring his wings at the last moment before jumping out of the tree and angling for the ground. “I’ve been flying all day,” he groaned as Zappy stared. “Need to find Moon, but need... sleep... more.” His eyes shut and he curled immediately into a dark-green ball, snoring softly.

Zappy snorted and settled back down next to the fire, pretending not to notice the sad light in Freedom’s gaze.

# # # # # # # # # # # # #

Slash landed wearily in the last tree of the forest, shivering against the bitter cold snow.

“Come on, Zappy,” Darkfire called down encouragingly. “Don’t give up now! (The girls aren’t waiting, by the way).”

Zappy made no reply and huddled closer to the tree, exhausted and sore, then flicked his ears curiously as he spotted strange markings in the bark below. Spreading his translucent wings he glided down to a lower branch; observing the strange toughness of the tree-bark beneath his claws as he read.

Goodbye Zappy. Don’t follow me anymore. I cannot be near you. Thanks for being my friend. Moon.

Zappy felt a flare of anger, and, although he knew Moon would probably never see it, scratched a reply underneath.

In your dreams. Face it, Moon, I’m not ditching you that easily. You can’t run forever.

—Zappy

With new-found strength in his limbs, he unfurled his wings and took to the air once again.

[Woogwoo Wren]

Chapter twenty-nine

Moon

The sea laid spread out before Moon as she landed on the beach. She had flown for three days, only stopping once to drink by a small stream. As a result, she was exhausted.

She flopped down on the soft sand and closed her eyes, sleeping peacefully with no dreams.

When she woke, the sun was setting over the vast sea. She lay there, watching it for a minute, felling awed at the amount of water and peaceful for the first time for months.

‘Maybe I could fly over the sea. I could live far over there. Zappy would never be able to follow me, even if he comes this far,’ she thought, looking over the water.

With a grunt, she stood, winching as her stiff limbs moved. She spread her wings, and hissed in pain. Her body was aching from the long flight, and she knew she needed a good rest, but she didn’t care. She wanted to get as far away as she could.

So, she painfully leapt into the dark sky, slowly beating her sore wings. The rhythmic beating lulled her into an almost trance like state. Beat wings, breath. Beat wings, breath. Beat wings, breath. Don’t think.

The beach soon was in the distance, and all she could see ahead was the sea. Beat wings, breath. Beat wings, breath. Beat wings, breath. Don’t think.

The pain faded, and she could feel nothing but for the beating of her wings. Her rhythm made her lose track of time, all she knew was the sea under her and the beating of her wings. Beat wings, breath. Beat wings, breath. Beat wings, breath. Don’t think.

Her vision began to flicker, and she knew she was too tired to keep going. But it was so far back to shore. So she kept going. Beat wings, breath. Beat wings, breath. Beat wings, breath. Don’t think.

She faltered, her wings unable to hold her anymore. She tried to beat them again, but didn’t have the strength. She fell, no strength to keep herself up. The dark water covered her, and she sank. Her last thought was of Zappy.

‘I’m sorry.’

#######

The sound of the tide was the first thing she noticed. Blinking her eye open, Moon looked around. She was in a cave, on a ledge above the sea. An entrance was in front of her, looking out onto the vast expanse of the sea.

To her left, the ground slopped gently down, until it vanished into the water. Turning her head to the right, she saw that the ledge she was on continued until it merged with the wall.

She was lying on a nest of some sort of grass like plants, a little slimy, and salty smelling. But they were comfortable, and right now that was all the young dragon cared about. Too tired to do anything else, she closed her eyes and slept.

#######

A face was staring at her. It was dark blue, and angular. The eyes were sky blue, and sparkling with mischief. It was dripping with water.

“Pop! She’s awake!” the owner of the voice cried, male and young. It moved back, and dropped into the water. Moon got a better look at him. His face slopped back, until the neck. His neck had a line of long, thin spikes along it, continuing down his back into the water.

His front legs broke the surface of the water as he waved. The claws were webbed, and looked sharp. He had some sort of fin on the elbow.

“Hello!” he called, diving into the water and revealing a tail, the spikes from his neck, now smaller, continuing down it. He resurfaced, and grinned. “I’m L’rin. Who’re you?”

Moon frowned at the strange name, and answered. “Moon.” She looked the young creature up and down and her frown deepened. “What are you?”

He giggled, and answered.

“I was about to ask the same. I’m a k’lrak. We live in these here parts. Where’re you from? And what are you?”

“I’m a dragon,” Moon answered, beginning to spread her wings and stretch. She winched as she stretched her aching muscles. And they weren’t the only things that were aching. Her heart hurt whenever she thought of Zappy, and the tears threatened to fall again. But she blinked them back and answered L’rin’s questions.

“I’m from the mainland, Vernada.”

“Oh! I know where that is!” he cried, leaping out of the water. “That’s that way!” As he spoke, he pointed, standing on the water on the tip of his tail. His body was long, a fin on each side, and gills near the start of the tail.

“L’rin, don’t wear out our guest,” a voice called, and Moon looked up. Another k’lrak was entering the cave, his angular head barely breaking the water. This one was aqua, his eyes the same sky blue as L’rin’s. “Go back to your mother.”

L’rin dropped back into the water, and sighed.

“Sorry Pop,” he muttered, diving under the water and swimming off. The male smiled as he left, and turned to Moon.

“Sorry about my son, he’s a little talkative,” he said, jumping onto the ledge, his tail dangling in the water. “I’m J’ran, leader of the k’lrak.”

“Moon,” she said simply. There was nothing else to say. “I don’t mind L’rin, he reminds me of a friend.” And he did, the young k’lrak reminded her of Cricket.

“We don’t get dragons in these parts often. What brings you here?” J’ran asked. Moon looked down, the tears welling in her eyes again. She remembered her red vision, the blood flying, Zappy pinned under her claws.

She lay back down and sighed.

“It’s a long story,” she said quietly. “And one I don’t feel like telling right now.”

J’ran nodded.

“I understand.” He said simply. “How are you feeling? You were nearly drowned when I found you.”

Moon looked up, and grimaced.

“All my flight muscles are aching,” she said. “But other then that, I’m alive. Thank you for saving me.” ‘I think,’ she thought. ‘Maybe it would have been better if I’d drowned.'

“You nearly weren’t alive,” J’ran said. “What made you fly out so far? You were obviously exhausted.”

Moon shrugged, lifting her head.

“I wanted to get away from my past,” she said simply. “I –,” she stopped, and bowed her head. “I nearly killed my best friend,” the young dragon whispered. She looked up into the k’lrak’s blue eyes. “I may have killed him!” This time the tears did come, and she dropped her head, covering it with her paws.

A wet claw was laid on her arm, and she blinked her eyes open to see J’ran smiling sadly at her.

“Running from the past isn’t always the best idea,” he said softly. “I’ll leave you alone for a while.” He smiled again, and slipped back into the water, swimming out of the cave.

Moon sighed, watched the sea splash against her ledge. Then the tears came, and she wept, crying for herself, for Zappy, for the friendship lost, for Cricket who she would probably never see again. And slowly, she slept.