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Chapter Text

In Pyrrhia, Icewings were considered jerks with terrible personalities; they were cold and unforgiving to those around them.

They spoke so highly of themselves, always demanding respect while not giving it back. They accepted no one in their kingdom.

Moreover, dragons couldn't even survive the deadly cold temperatures; they would freeze to death. The Icewings lived in perfect solitude, ruled by Queen Diamond, with the lower class and higher class being separated.

The Icewings were known to treat animus magic carefully, only allowing dragons to enchant one item on their hatching day.

The most noticeable enchantment is the ice cliff, which kills any dragon that isn't an Icewing, and the only way a dragon can pass is if they are given the gift of diplomacy, but good luck getting that.

Overall, dragons see Icewings as cruel, unforgiving dragons that don't care for other dragons other than themselves and have boring and stuck-up personalities. That is until one dragon was born with the power of animus.

In the Ice Palace, a lone Icewing walked quickly with a bunch of scrolls, looking more nervous than ever. He was super late with messages to the queen, and he hoped his queen would be forgiving as he walked quickly through the rooms. Making sure not to make a fool of himself, he needed this job; he did not want to go back to the lower class. 

He made it to the big doors and carefully knocked. "Come in," a loud but cold voice spoke, sending chills all over his body. He carefully opened the door and saw Queen Diamond staring at him with cold and emotionless eyes. 

"Oh, Powder, it's you," the queen said calmly. Powder heard one of the guards snicker, and he growled; he knew his name sounded girly. He took a deep breath and bowed before her. "My queen, I—" 

"You're late, Powder," Diamond interrupted him with a sneer. 

Powder gulped but kept his head down and calmed his mind. "Yes, my queen, I humbly apologize. The messaging system has been a bit slow," explained Powder, hoping to be spared from Diamond's wrath and cruelty.

The queen hummed lowly, "Powder, you know this will reflect your rank, right? A high rank like yourself cannot be this late," explained Daimond slowly. 

Powder gulped and nodded, "Yes, my queen, I understand. I'll try not to be late again," repeated Powder. 

Daimond shook her head. "No, come here. I want to make sure you know you must have a punishment," ordered Daimond. 

Powder's heart raced, and he slowly looked up with fear. "My queen, please, I un—" 

"Powder, are you disobeying me?" warned Daimond. 

Powder shook his head. "No, my queen," pleaded Powder. Daimond smiled. "Then come, Powder," ordered Daimond again. 

Powder nodded and slowly walked to Daimond and bowed. Powder felt Daimond touch his spikes and fur. 

"What beautiful fur you have! Are you sure you're not a girl? And a low class, because this is magnificent," praised Daimond. 

Powder sighed; he knew his fur was thicker and smoother than most males. Those were more female traits, since males had thinner fur with hard scales, but Powder had more female traits.

Powder sighed; he knew that Icewing dragonets were born with massive fur coats to combat the cold temperature. But as they got older, their fur became smaller and thinner as their bodies got accustomed to the cold.

Females had thicker and smoother fur, while males had thinner and harder scales. But sometimes it would be the opposite; some females had male traits, and males had female traits, but it was a small chance. Powder always hated it; it made every dragon think he was a girl, but he focused. 

"Thank you, my queen," Powder said. Powder felt Diamond scratch his horn slowly; his breathing quickened a little.

As Diamond grabbed it and snapped three of his spikes clean off, he held in his pain. "There, as punishment, I broke three of your spikes, but don't worry, it will grow back," explained Diamond. 

Powder nodded. "Thank you for being so merciful, my queen," praised Powder, and the queen smiled. 

"Now give me the letters and explain them to me, please," ordered Diamond.

Powder nodded, mad, and handed Diamond the letter. "Some complaints from the lower classes about damaged houses," Powder pointed to one. He then pointed to another. "That is from the general for more men," Powder pointed to the third. "And finally, Queen Scorch of the Sandwings asked to make a trade route with you for resources and food," finished Powder, bowing.

Diamond hummed and looked through these letters. She stood up and walked to the door. "Powder, stay here; I'll be right back. I must grab something," ordered Diamond. 

Powder nodded, and the queen left. The room filled with silence as both Powder and the two guards stood silently. Powder was scared being alone with them, but he tried not to show it.

Then he heard whispering, and his breath hitched when he heard one of them walking toward him. He felt one stand beside him and grab his butt firmly, giving it a squeeze. Powder's face flushed blue. 

"Hey, Powder Cake, you wanna go somewhere private when you're done? I can show you something tasty," teased the guard.

Powder, take a deep breath and breathe out. 'I'm sorry, but I'm busy later,' denied Powder. The guard frowned. He started caressing Powder's butt. 'Oh, come on, Powder. I can show you a good time; no lady has ever been disappointed,' the guard tried persuading. 

Powder shook his head and moved away. 'I'm sorry, but no. I'm a guy, not a girl, so sorry, and I really am busy,' denied Powder again. The guard scoffed and walked to Powder. 'Come on, Powder cake. My buddy and I can treat you good and nice,' the guard tried again, with his friend nodding and walking closer as well. 

Powder gulped; they were cornering him. 'Please, I'm sorry. I just can't. You both seem sweet, but—' Powder was stopped by the first guard grabbing his face. 'Now listen, I was being nice by asking you sweetly, but it seems it's going to have to be forced,' sneered the guard. 

The guard's friend touched Powder's body slowly, going all the way down until he made it to Powder's butt. 'Wow, it really is fluffy back there,' complimented the friend, feeling Powder's butt.

Powder gulped and tried pushing them away, but he was overpowered. "Hey, stop squirming! I heard fun stories about you in the lower ranks, and I want to see for myself," ordered the guard. 

Powder frowned and kept struggling, but he was stopped when the guard kissed him hard. Powder tried to wriggle away, but he was being overpowered. The guard's friend just watched, while the guard in front of him asked for entrance. He tightened his grip around Powder's hand as a warning. Powder whimpered but opened his mouth as the guard explored it as he pleased. 

However, the interaction was cut short by the queen coming back, and everyone was already in place as she entered. The guard whispered something into Powder's ear before he stood back in place. Diamond wrote some letters and gave them to Powder to send back. Powder was about to leave, but Diamond stopped him. She looked out the window and told him to follow her. As they walked, Powder saw how dark it was becoming, and he looked at his queen.

"My queen, where are we going?" asked Powder carefully. Diamond glanced at him and looked away. "I have one more job for you," explained Diamond as they went up a few floors and entered the royal hatchery. 

Powder saw the room filled with snow, and in the middle stood a single egg belonging to Queen Diamond. "I need you to take care of my dragonet when I'm busy," ordered Diamond. 

Powder looked up at the night sky and saw one of Pyrrhia's moons shining as he heard a crack from the egg. Diamond smiled when she heard the crack. Powder looked forward as the egg cracked more, and a fluffy claw poked out, thrashing everywhere. 

It kept cracking and cracking as a small Icewing dragonet rolled out, failing to walk and just crawling over to the big dragons. Powder stared, entranced at it, as the dragonet crawled closer. Powder lowered their head. "Hello there, little one," cooed Powder. 

The dragonet babbled slowly as Diamond lifted it up and looked it over. "Male, has a nice fur coat; I'll call you Arctic."

"Do you think 'Arctic' is a good name, Powder?" asked Daimond as she handed Powder the dragonet. Powder carefully held him as Arctic squinted his beady eyes at him. "Of course, my queen, Arctic is a wonderful name, Prince Arctic of Icewings," announced Powder.

Daimond nodded. "Come now, let's take him to my quarters. Tell the announcer that my son has been born and to spread the word, and tell the council that I will be busy for now," ordered Daimond, taking Arctic as they made their way to her quarters.

"Right away, my queen. Have a peaceful slumber and the prince as well," answered Powder, bowing. Daimond nodded and closed the door.

Powder stood up and went to the washroom quickly and quietly as possible. He stared at himself in the mirror and looked at his broken spikes. Powder sighed heavily; great, he needs to take care of a royal.

If any mistakes happen, he's dead. Daimond may be merciful for now, but if something happens to her son, it will be Powder losing his head. He stared at his wrist and hissed.

Right, he's needed elsewhere. Powder quickly did his task and went down to the guard's quarters and knocked on a door. It opened to the same guard who was standing in the queen's throne room. "Ah, Powder Cake, you're here," said the guard sweetly, opening the door. 

Powder slowly walked in and sat on the bed. "Alright, I'm here. Let's just get this over with," begged Powder, but the guard tisked. 

"Oh, come on, Powder Cake, where's the love in that? Here, have some wine," the guard suggested, pouring some wine and handing it to Powder. 

Powder looked at it and then back at the guard's smiling face and sighed. He took the drink, and the rest of the night was a blur to him. The guard told him sweet things as they drank, but after the wine was gone, the fun began as the guard used his body all night long for pleasure and excitement. 

********

What a joyous day! The queen's son was born, and the whole kingdom cheered. Powder prayed that the child would be sweet and cruel like their mother, and Powder hoped that the time spent was just a one-time thing.

**********

In the walls of the Icewing palace, there were many servants readying the ballroom for an event. Many cleaned the walls, event planners talked with each other about where things went, until they all heard giggling and screaming.

Everyone gasped and quickly got out of the way, picking up things as Prince Arctic ran through the ballroom, laughing as Powder ran after him. 

"My prince, please stop! Your mother will have my hide for this!" screamed Powder desperately. Arctic giggled and looked back. 

"Oh, come on, Mister Powder! You can run faster than that, can’t you? Because if you don't, you're not catching me!" laughed Arctic as he made a quick turn. 

Powder took a deep breath and saw water in one of the cleaner buckets. "Sorry, but I need this," said Powder quickly as he followed Arctic. The whole ballroom sighed; that darn prince was up to his antics again, and Powder was the one to clean up the mess. 

Powder quickly threw water onto the icy ground and started sliding swiftly toward Arctic. Arctic looked back and gasped.

Arctic picked up the pace and started going in a different direction to throw powder, but it was not working. Powder already knew all the tricks of his prince; ever since he had raised this child, he knew all of Arctic's tricks.

But Powder raised an eyebrow when he saw Arctic working up an ice breath; it was super small. What was he going to fire at Powder? But no, instead, Arctic shot the ground and made a wall, jumping from it to another direction and giving Powder a wall in his way.

Powder gasped and worked up his own ice breath; stopping was out of the question; he wouldn't have time. Arctic had a smirk as he ran; surely his caretaker would stop now.

He turned around and gasped when he saw his caretaker making a ramp and sideways wall and using it to slide perfectly without hitting the wall.

Arctic growled and kept running; the chase was grueling, but eventually, Powder closed the gap and grabbed Arctic as both tumbled out of a door and fell in front of Queen Diamond, looking down at them.

The two looked up, and Powder gasped quickly, bowing his head. "Good morning, my queen. I hope you had a beautiful morning," greeted Powder. Arctic sighed at the act and stared blankly at his mother and bowed as well. "Good morning, Mother. I hope this day has treated you fairly," greeted Arctic in a monotone voice. 

Diamond sighed. "Powder, why is my son outside of lessons?" asked Diamond. Powder gulped and stood up. Powder looked at Arctic, and Arctic kept staring forward. "Well, my queen, he needed the restroom, and there was a slippery floor, and yeah," Powder tried explaining. 

Diamond stared at him, and Powder smiled nervously. Diamond looked at her son. "Is that right, Arctic?" Arctic nodded. "Yes, Mother, I needed the restroom, and Powder just stopped me from getting hurt," agreed Arctic to Powder's statement. Powder sighed in relief, and Diamond nodded. "Alright, Powder, get Arctic presentable. We have a meeting in the diplomatic dome," ordered Diamond. Powder nodded while Arctic sneered at the thought.

Powder grabbed Arctic's arm and dragged him through the castle until they made it to Arctic's quarters. As soon as the door closed, Powder growled and glared at Arctic. "You brat, do you know how close I was to losing my head?" sneered Powder. Arctic scoffed, tugged his arm away, and rolled his eyes. "Oh, relax, PowPow. Mom wouldn't kill you for something that stupid," said Arctic, bored. 

Arctic sat on his bed while Powder growled and grabbed a brush sitting behind Arctic, working on his fur coat. "Oh really? What do you call that out there? You can't keep skipping your lessons, 'cause your mother would blame me," complained Powder.

Arctic laughed and leaned into Powder. "Cheer up, Powder! The chase was fun, wasn't it? Did you see how we scared the servants?" laughed Arctic, throwing Powder a cheeky smile. 

But Powder wasn't smiling; he was still glaring at Arctic. Arctic sighed and looked away, annoyed. "Besides, the lessons are boring. I never have fun with anyone," complained Arctic.

Powder started shaving Arctic's horn and nails until they were sharp. "And I never have fun; I can't play with anyone—no kids, no adults," complained Arctic more.

Powder grabbed a handful of powdered snow and rubbed it around Arctic's face and tail. "Maybe I should ask your mother to give you another caretaker, because I can't keep doing this," complained Powder. Arctic gasped and turned around quickly.

"Wait, no! Please stay my caretaker; I like you," spoke Arctic fast and panicked. Powder was surprised by the panicked Arctic. "What? Why? The other caretakers are nice; they won't hurt you, like what you've been told," explained Powder. Arctic looked down.

"No, it's not that; you're the only one that entertains me and actually talks to me. The others have bland personalities, like a rock; they don't talk or interact with me," pleaded Arctic.

Powder sighed and flopped down onto the bed, and Arctic crawled onto his chest. "Ugh, fine, Arctic, I'll stay, but right now I'm tired. Tell me when the servants get us," said Powder, yawning.

Powder closed his eyes and rested his mind. Arctic sighed, got off the bed, and walked to a scroll shelf. He guessed he could finish his lessons; it went over politics, how to deduce a lie, how to come up with a lie, how blah blah blah.

Arctic growled and closed the scroll. Ugh, that was boring. Arctic hated living in the palace; the only good thing here was his caretaker. 

Arctic stared at him, and his thoughts went back to his mother. Surely, she wouldn't kill him for something so small, but Arctic doubted that.

He had heard stories of how cruel and cold his mother was. Arctic remembered when a servant accidentally spilled something on his mother.

They quickly begged for forgiveness, but it was not given. Instead, the servant was executed by fire, and his mother made him watch.

She said that it was an important lesson, but Arctic saw no lesson to be learned, only cruelty. Arctic liked his mother, but something told him not to care for her or love her, but he didn't understand why.

Arctic shook his head, focused back on his lesson, and kept reading. Time passed, and Arctic heard a knock, quickly waking up Powder. Powder got up, made himself presentable, and opened the door, his face completely soured. The dragon in front of him was Freezeshock. 

Freezeshock had a sly smile and licked his lips. "Hey there, Powder Cake," teased Freezeshock. Powder's eyes widened at the name, and Arctic raised an eyebrow. 

Powder quickly walked out and closed the door. He growled at Freezeshock's smirking face. "What do you want, Freeze?" sneered Powder. 

Freezeshock raised his hand. "Wow, wow, what's with the hostility, baby? Didn't you miss me?" purred Freezeshock, but Powder kept glaring. 

Freezeshock sighed. "The meeting in the diplomatic dome is starting, and Prince Arctic needs to be there," explained Freezeshock. 

Powder quickly replied, "Thank you, now goodbye," he said plainly, turning around, but he was stopped by Freezeshock getting in front of him. "Wait, wait, please, I wanna talk more," said Freezeshock.

Powder growled, "Well, I don't. Our meeting is at the end of the month, so move now," said Powder, trying to get past Freezeshock. Freezeshock kept blocking him, and Powder was losing his patience. "Freezeshock, move your ass! I'm going to be late with the prince, and the queen might punish me," growled Powder. 

Powder then felt Freezeshock push him against the wall. "Wait, please just listen," pleaded Freezeshock. Powder gulped; he was afraid that Freezeshock was actually going to hurt him this time. 

Freezeshock quickly let go of Powder and shot him a sorry smile. "Look, I wanted to ask if you would want to go on a date with me when everyone is busy with the event today," asked Freezeshock nervously. 

Powder stared at him, speechless, and scoffed. 'And why would I do that? So you can embarrass me? Besides, why would I with how you treated me?' sneered Powder, and Freezeshock looked away, ashamed. 

"Yeah, I'm really sorry for how I acted when we met, but over time I've come to enjoy your company, and I want to deepen our bond," explained Freezeshock.

Powder stared at him with a blank expression, and Freezeshock gave his best smile. Powder sighed, "If I go on this date with you, will you leave me alone?" asked Powder.  

Freezeshock hummed, "Leaving you alone? I don't know, but I will stop harassing you," offered Freezeshock.  

Powder sighed, "Alright, I'll go on a date with you," said Powder, not too happy, and Freezeshock jumped for joy, leaving Powder alone.  

Powder sighed and entered the room to see Arctic suspiciously focused on his scroll. "Arctic, were you listening?" asked Powder.  

Arctic turned around with a sweet smile. "What? No, of course not! Why would I?" responded Arctic innocently.  

Powder raised an eyebrow, and Arctic squirmed. "Okay, fine, yes, I listened. Who is he? Is he your mate? Are you married?" asked Arctic curiously.  

He wanted to learn more about his caretaker since he was always so secretive. Powder quickly closed his mouth in a panic.  

"Arctic, please never mention me with another drake, okay? Please, I'll tell you stuff, but please never mention it," pleaded Powder.

Arctic looked confused. "Why, are you afraid?" asked Arctic. Powder nodded. "Yeah, the kingdom doesn't really like relationships between two drakes, and it's kind of illegal," answered Powder. 

Arctic wanted to ask more, but Powder shook his head; they were running late to the meeting. Powder quickly got Arctic ready for the meeting and answered his questions on the way, but he did not answer any questions about relationships between drakes. Powder told Arctic to specifically never speak of this around his mother. 

Arctic grew more confused but promised he would not. He wondered what his mother would do to his caretaker, and something in the back of his mind answered. His mother would probably punish his caretaker for this forbidden love, but Arctic shook his head; his mind was wrong. His mother wouldn't really do that, would she? But Arctic doubted that as well. 

Arctic cleared his mind when he saw the dome in the distance. Both he and Powder landed. Arctic was led to his mother while Powder was led somewhere else.

Arctic entered a room with three SandWings and many IceWings. "Ah, Arctic, you made it! Please sit beside me and meet Queen Scorch and Prince Eclipse," spoke his mother. 

Arctic sat beside his mother and saw a giant SandWing with brightly sandy scales, and her eyes were scarlet. He turned to the prince. He was quite a bit older than Arctic, and he glared at Arctic, who didn't know why. Arctic bowed. "Greetings," said Arctic. 

The two SandWings nodded, and the meeting started on trade routes between the kingdoms. Arctic didn't really pay attention; it was boring. Arctic hoped his emotionless face was working. An IceWing never shows their emotions; that's what his mother said. The only IceWing he saw show emotion was his caretaker. 

Arctic sighed; this meeting was going on so long. He looked around and saw an IceWing girl his age. She must be of high status if she's here. "Alright, everyone, we'll take a small break. We'll come back in thirty minutes," announced his mother, and everyone got up and left for break.

Arctic entered the break room and saw Icewing mingle. He looked around for the girl or his caretaker. Arctic saw her in a secluded space, so he made himself presentable and walked over to them. 

"Hello there," greeted Arctic, waving at the girl. She looked over with bored eyes, and Arctic waited for a response. 

"Uh, hello," Arctic tried again. She blinked slowly and bowed. "Greetings, Prince Arctic. What a pleasure to be in your presence," praised the girl. 

Arctic frowned but rolled his eyes. "Um, yeah, what's your name?" asked Arctic, trying to change the subject. 

The girl stood back up and stared blankly at Arctic. "My name is Snowflake, my prince. I am in the first circle," answered Snowflake blankly. 

Arctic stared at her strangely. He wondered if she was bored or tired. Arctic coughed. "So, what do you like and stuff?" asked Arctic. 

Snowflake blinked and shrugged. "I like reading, I like writing stories and stuff," answered Snowflake. Arctic hummed and nodded. They stayed silent and sat by each other.

Time ticked by as the silence grew between them. Arctic didn't know what to do, and Snowflake wasn't giving any signs. Arctic looked at her, then looked around for anyone else but found no one. Arctic sighed and looked back at Snowflake. "You know, you show really little emotion," said Arctic. Snowflake looked at him. 

Snowflake looked him up and down. "And you show too much. Are you sure you're an Icewing?" said Snowflake. Arctic was taken aback by the statement. 

Arctic scoffed. "Of course I'm an Icewing! I'm the prince! How dare you say that?" rambled Arctic. Snowflake giggled quietly, and Arctic didn't hear as he went on a tangent about how he's a great Icewing. 

Time passed quickly through Arctic's mind. The meeting went on for a long time, and Arctic tuned it out. After that, his caretaker took him back to the palace for the event. 

"Oh, come on, Powpow! Can't I stay with you? The events are boring, mother’s friends are boring, and they speak so blandly," complained Arctic as Powder worked on his fur coat.

"Powder checked his prince's coat, teeth, nails, and scales and nodded; they were perfect. 'I'm sorry, Arctic, but this is your mother's order, and I can't disobey it,' explained Powder. 

Arctic deflated and looked sadly at Powder. Powder saw this and sighed. 'Look, if you can do this for me and not get me in trouble, I'll do something good for you, okay, my prince?' offered Powder. 

Arctic shot him a smile and nodded. Powder sighed in relief and placed Arctic's tiara on his head. 

Powder smiled. 'There, look at how gorgeous you are, my prince,' praised Powder. Arctic rolled his eyes and nodded. 

There was a knock on the door. 'Come in,' called Arctic. Daimond entered, and Powder quickly bowed. 

Daimond looked Arctic over and smiled. 'Good work, Powder; Arctic looks acceptable,' praised Daimond. 

Powder sighed in relief, and Arctic stood by his mother. Daimond looked down at him. 'Let's go now, Arctic; we cannot be late,' said Daimond. 

Arctic nodded and waved at Powder as he masked his emotions again, and they left."

Powder sighed as he left and checked himself over before going down to the guards' courtyard. He saw Freezeshock waiting for him. 

"Hello, Shock," greeted Powder, and Freezeshock smiled, walking over to him. "Hey there, Powdercake, ready for our date?" teased Freezeshock. 

Powder rolled his eyes. "Whatever, where are we going?" asked Powder as they started walking. Freezeshock showed him a scroll. 

"I heard there's going to be a performance in the lower circles, and I thought, why not go watch it with you?" explained Freezeshock. 

Powder hummed and gave him back the scroll. "I guess that is pretty romantic; didn't know you could do it." Freezeshock held his chest in pain. 

"Ouch, baby, you really know how to hurt a drake's heart," exaggerated Freezeshock. Powder giggled a little and walked forward, leaving Freezeshock. 

While Freezeshock pumped his fist, he got Powder to giggle; that's already a good start, and he's going to ace this date. The two spent the rest of the night on their date while events went on in the kingdom.

Chapter Text

The world was dark; no light was present, only darkness. But after a while, a shining dot fell into it. At a closer look, it was an Icewing. Arctic opened his eyes slowly and looked around.

Where was he? He turned his head and screamed when he saw the ground quickly approaching. Arctic quickly opened his wings and slowed his descent. 

Arctic gently landed and looked around. Why was the world dark? Where was everyone? Arctic hummed fearfully and started walking in one direction.

Arctic walked for a long time; he never got tired, but he felt like he was going nowhere. No matter how far he walked, it seemed like the world was never-ending. 

Nothing but darkness filled the world, and nothing changed it. Arctic stopped and looked around again. Still nothing. Arctic started getting worried. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them again.

He jumped back in surprise and joy when he saw a snow trail in front of him. Arctic quickly followed it and watched as more snow appeared and ice also.

Arctic smiled and quickly followed its trail. As Arctic followed it, he saw more snow and ice appear—hills of snow, and he saw snow falling. Arctic was even more confused.

Where was he? How was this happening? He saw no sky and no clouds. Arctic hummed and looked forward. After a few minutes of walking, he saw the Ice Kingdom; it pulsed a white light, like stars or the moon.

Arctic smiled; he was home, but not really. Arctic walked to the gates of the kingdom and saw spears stuck into the snowy ground. He saw no dragons, no guards; it was silent. Arctic hummed worriedly. He walked in, and everything was brightly illuminated with some type of white light.

Where was this light coming from? As soon as Arctic thought that, the light shone even brighter and blinded him. He looked up and saw that the bright light was coming from the castle.

Arctic covered his eyes and started walking. He looked around and saw many houses abandoned, empty; the snowy streets seemed like they hadn't been walked in years.

The air was silent as Arctic walked through the kingdom; everything was either empty or abandoned. Arctic was fearful of this place; he did not like the silence or the scary air noise.

When he turned a corner, he let out a yelp of fear. In front of him were ice statues of dragons; they had no defining features, no face, no nostrils or eyes, and no depiction of scales or fur.

Just a smooth ice statue with the bare minimum of a dragon shape, there was an army of ice statues littering the snowfield. They came in different shapes and sizes; some resembled wyrmlings, dragonets, drakes, and elders.

Some were big, some were small. Arctic gulped and walked through the field, keeping a watchful eye on the statues. Why were there so many statues, and why were they here? Arctic, the snow crunching, picked up his pace.

He wasn't going to turn around; there was nothing. It was probably an animal. As he walked faster, he heard more snow crunching. Arctic did not acknowledge it; he started running.

Arctic ran as fast as he could toward the palace. He heard more crunching of snow, and Arctic ran even quicker, quickly losing his stamina and breath. 

But finally, he made it and grabbed one of the spears stuck in the snow and turned around. He saw no one except statues behind him. Arctic was confused; where was the dragon chasing him? Arctic looked closely at the ground and saw many claw prints in the snow. He looked up and stared at the statues and then turned around. 

As soon as he did that, he heard the snow crunching. Arctic quickly turned around and saw that the statues had gotten even closer. Arctic's heart hammered with fear. He slowly walked back, keeping his eyes on the statue until he made it to a lever and pulled it down. 

It closed the castle doors, and Arctic quickly heard the hundreds of bodies hitting the door trying to enter. Arctic quickly went up; something was definitely wrong with this place, this world he was trapped in. Arctic walked through the castle hallway, with the white light shining brightly.

Arctic grew accustomed to it; it didn't hurt anymore. But the more Arctic walked through the castle, the more he heard something pulsing loudly, making the castle shake. 

"What is happening now?" Arctic opened the first door he came to, and it revealed an empty room. Arctic grumbled and kept trying doors; they only revealed empty rooms: a library, ballrooms, and council rooms. There was no dragon in sight, and the further Arctic went into the castle, the loud pulse grew stronger and stronger, starting to hurt his ears. 

But Arctic stopped in the hallway when he heard the pulse coming from a specific door. He walked slowly to it and touched it, and just like that, the pulsing stopped.

Arctic was surprised but opened the door, revealing a long hallway with many portraits hanging. Arctic walked in and looked at them; they showed the line of Icewing royalty—kings and queens that Arctic had never heard about, their names lost to time and never kept in historical scrolls. Arctic walked down the hallway.

He saw some names that he recognized from the scrolls his mother forced him to read, but he stopped when he read the first Icewing animus. This one was different from the others; all the Icewings in these portraits looked regal, conniving, egotistical, and deceitful from Arctic's perspective.

But this was different; the Icewing in this portrait looked exhausted, their eyes barely showing any emotions, their bodies looked malnourished, and their faces were blank as canvas. The only emotion it had was immense sadness.

Arctic shuddered looking at it, but he looked closer and saw a shadow in the back. Arctic stared at the portrait for a few more seconds and then kept walking.

More portraits of queens and kings appeared, and more animus, but the animus ones looked healthier; they seemed less malnourished, but their faces still remained emotionless, and Arctic always saw the shadow behind them.

After a few more moments of walking, he started seeing some of his aunts and uncles from the past until it showed his mother and him.

Both Animus and Dragon were present, but Arctic's portrait was not filled in; it lacked colors and a face, only displaying his body design.

Arctic looked at his mother's portrait; she looked coldly forward, and not even a smile was present on her face. There wasn't even a shadow behind her. Arctic hummed and looked away to see a door in front of him. 

Arctic carefully opened the door and stepped in. It was a basic ballroom, but when Arctic looked up, he took one step back in shock. A massive heart hung from the ceiling, beating slowly.

Arctic slowly took another step back and reached for the door, but it wasn't opening. Arctic's heart dropped. He grabbed the door and tried to open it as hard as he could, but it wasn't budging.

Arctic growled but stopped when he heard the massive heart beat faster and louder. Arctic covered his ears in pain. He looked up and saw the heart beating wildly until something fell from it onto the ballroom floor. Arctic stared at the floor as he saw something forming from the icy ground.

A liquid material raised from the floor and formed an icy statue similar to the ones outside the castle. Arctic stayed quiet; it seemed like the creature didn't see him yet. Arctic watched as it moved slowly around the room, moving with no purpose in mind, just kept walking and walking. 

Arctic took a chance to try the door again, but still, it did not budge. Arctic growled in frustration and tried harder, but unfortunately, it broke with a loud snap. 

Arctic quickly turned around and found the ice statue facing his direction. Arctic gulped and smiled nervously. "Hey there, how's it going, mister statue?" Arctic struck up a conversation. 

But the ice figure did not respond; it only stared with its smooth face. It had no features like the others, so it made it really hard for Arctic to know what it thought.

Arctic kept trying; he never got an answer, only silence. It was not until Arctic took a step backward that the icy statue moved and mimicked the same movement as Arctic. Arctic was confused.

Arctic took a step forward, and so did the statue. Arctic walked around the room, and the statue followed suit. It mimicked every movement that Arctic made, and Arctic could see features starting to grow on the statue.

It grew scales, icicles on its back, and fur. Arctic grew fearful as more features appeared; they were his features. The statue started looking more like him, and Arctic didn't know what to think about it. 

Arctic took a risk and walked forward; the statue mimicked him. As they got close, Arctic could see that it was almost a realistic dragon, minus the icy skin and its lack of a face.

The two stood in front of each other, and they stayed like that for a while until Arctic decided to take another risk. He lifted his own claw, and so did the statue. Arctic brought his claw closer, and so did the other until their claws touched.

As soon as it happened, Arctic heard ice cracking and saw that the statue in front of him was forming cracks until it shattered, and what stood before him was an icewing.

But not just any Icewing; it was himself. He watched as the thing stared at him with a face—his own face.  

Arctic took a step back. "Who are you?" Arctic asked fearfully. The thing took a step forward and outstretched its claw. "I'm you, Arctic," it said.  

Arctic's heart started pounding faster. "How do you know my name?" demanded Arctic fearfully. The thing tilted its head and gave Arctic a smile. "I've always known your name; I'm you," it said again.  

It tried touching Arctic, but he backed away; he didn't want to touch this thing. The thing stopped and stood there, watching him with a smile.  

It outstretched its claw again, and dark blue mist rose from its claw and formed a ball. Arctic grew enchanted by it.  

Arctic walked closer, staring at the strange mist, slowly reaching out to it, but his doppelganger quickly closed their claw and opened it back as a blue flame burned brightly from their claw.  

Arctic stepped back, surprised. "What is this? What are you doing?" questioned Arctic, confused on how this was possible.

The thing tilted its head, smiling. "I'm doing magic, and you can have it," it answered, its smile widening.  

Arctic blinked and looked into its claws. "Really? I can have it?" asked Arctic, and the thing nodded, outstretching its claw again, waiting for Arctic.  

Arctic stared at its claw and looked up at its face. It showed no emotion behind those eyes, just a blank stare with a wide smile.  

Arctic gulped and nodded. He reached for the thing's claw and wrapped his hand around it in a handshake.  

Arctic felt its cold skin, and it seemed so real. He looked up to see the thing finally displaying an emotion behind its eyes: pure joy.  

Arctic felt a searing pain in his claw and looked down quickly to see his claws and the thing's claw melting into one another, fusing their melted skin.  

Arctic quickly tried pulling away. "Hey, what is this? Let me go! It hurts!" Arctic screamed, but the thing did not answer. It just walked closer and grabbed Arctic's shoulder; his shoulder started melting as well as Arctic screamed in pain.

Arctic felt the castle rumble and saw how it started to melt into water. The beating heart on the ceiling started decaying and withering into a husk. His screams filled the room as his and the thing's body started melting together; the only thing separated was their neck and face.

Their legs fused into one, and so did their body and arms. Arctic could feel less control of his body as the thing gained more and more control. Water started quickly filling the room as both Arctic and the thing were forced underwater, Arctic trying to hold his breath. 

Arctic tried fighting, but it was useless; he had no control of his body and watched in horror as claws rose from the depths of the water and held their body while the thing's face looked at him and leaned closer.

Arctic watched helplessly as their faces touched, and he screamed when his face started melting into one another until a full icewing floated in the water. The thousands of claws grabbed the body and dragged it into the depths, never to be seen.

********

Arctic woke up frantically and looked around, seeing the whole classroom looking at him. His teacher walked forward. "Arctic, are you alright? You never sleep in my class," asked his teacher, concerned.

Arctic laughed nervously. "Sorry, sir, I didn't get a good sleep last night. Forgive me," apologized Arctic. His teacher hummed and went back to the front of the classroom, while Arctic put his head on the desk. He heard the whole classroom whispering.

Arctic looked to his side to see Snowflake giving him a worried look. He gave her a smile and a thumbs up. Snowflake squinted at him, not really buying it. She made some signs, and Arctic sighed; it seemed like they would be talking about it later. 

Arctic focused back on his teacher, who was discussing the past animus, the effects of using animus, and its various uses. They also went on about other animus from different tribes.

Arctic sighed; he already knew this from the many scrolls he had read. He stared at his own claw and wondered what he would enchant on his hatch day. 

Would it be useful? Would his mother be proud of it? He knew Powder would be proud. Arctic laid his head on his table. Time ticked by until his teacher called him to the front. Arctic was confused but went to the front. 

"Alright, Arctic, why don't you show us some of your magic? Your mother requested that I advise you to enchant something in class for practice, so please use this ice cube," explained his teacher while placing an ice cube.

Arctic watched as the whole classroom gave him all their attention. He gulped and stared at the ice cube. His mother told him to speak and command anything he desired, but something useful.

Arctic racked his brain for ideas. He thought of one of the stories Powder read to him. Arctic whispered to the ice cube to become the hero from the story he listened to and save a princess. 

Arctic stepped back and watched. The class watched in anticipation and waited, but nothing happened. Arctic frowned a little and looked behind him to see raised eyebrows and his teacher writing something. He tried again, but in a more commanding tone and with authority, and stepped back again. Suddenly, the ice cube burst. 

The whole classroom gasped and watched as the ice cube shards spun around and formed a miniature ice dragon sporting a sword and a big hat. The rest of the ice shards formed the desk into a landscape with a massive tower and a massive dragon. It also had a tiny princess dragon at the top screaming for help.

The whole classroom watched as the ice dragon jumped throughout the landscape, slicing and dicing through big monsters. Arctic had a big smile on his face as the show played out; the great hero helped many villages and dragons on its journey. Finally, it made it to a giant tower as the princess screamed for help again, and the hero entered the tower. 

As the whole landscape changed to the insides of the tower, the hero went up floors and fought through hordes of enemies until he made it to the final floor where he faced the evil dragon.

It was a grueling battle between the dragon and the hero, but finally, the hero won, and the evil dragon broke into many pieces. The hero made it to the princess, and they held each other and kissed as the whole set piece exploded into dust. 

The whole classroom burst into applause and praised Arctic. Arctic looked away bashfully at the praise. "Alright, everyone, that was a nice show, but now let's get back to learning," ordered the teacher as Arctic went and sat down.

The classroom went as normal until it ended; every dragonet walked out of class to their parents waiting for them. Arctic looked around for his caretaker, but he saw Powder nowhere. Arctic sighed; Powder was never late. 

He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around to see Snowflake's blank stare. Arctic jumped back and laughed nervously. "Oh, hey Snowflake, what's up? I thought your mom came and got you," questioned Arctic. 

Snowflake gave him a blank stare. "No, my mother will be coming late, so it gives me the perfect time to question you. So come on," ordered Snowflake, dragging Arctic off to the library connected to the school. 

After they entered, they sat at a table farthest from the other Icewings. "Okay, now tell me what happened. You never sleep in class. Is your mother overworking you?" asked Snowflake. 

Arctic shook his head. "No, my mother is not overworking me. It's just that I kind of just blacked out and dreamed of something, but I don't remember," answered Arctic, unsure. Snowflake hummed but accepted it.

Snowflake got up and grabbed one of the scrolls. "I suggest you grab a scroll, distract yourself until your caretakers come, and try to remember the dream," suggested Snowflake as she read a scroll. 

Arctic shrugged and searched the library for a scroll. As he searched, he found none that were interesting. Arctic walked to the lead librarian and tapped the table. The Icewing looked down a little and bowed. "Greetings, Prince Arctic. How may I help you?" asked the Icewing. 

"Are there any interesting scrolls? I've already read all of these," asked Arctic. The Icewing hummed and pointed to a secluded spot. "Try over there, my prince. Those are old scrolls; you might find something interesting," suggested the librarian. 

Arctic nodded and left. He searched the secluded spot for any interesting scrolls, but he mostly found old history books that detailed construction and treaties. He also found old dragonet tales and fairy tales, but as he searched, something caught his utmost interest.

It was an old and brittle scroll that had massive amounts of dust on it; it seemed like it hadn't been touched in years. Arctic grabbed it and cleaned a little bit of dust off, then read the title: "The Horrors of Animus and Fear of Dragons." 

In the past times of Pyrrhia, there was never such a thing as magic, so the whole continent was shocked when a dragon proclaimed he had magic powers that could grant your wildest dreams and wishes. The dragons of the past were mightily curious about this magic dragon; the magic dragon was a MudWing. 

He did as promised; he granted the ones that came to him their wildest dreams and wishes. The dragons of the past were impressed and amazed; they praised the magical MudWing, but the MudWing did ask for things in return. 

As time passed, the things the MudWing asked for grew bigger, and dragons started experiencing weird symptoms when they visited him. The dragons of the past grew wary of the MudWing but kept going to him; they wanted their wishes granted.

But the truth revealed itself sooner: the dragons of the last found out that the MudWing somehow poisoned dragons without them knowing, probably through his wicked magic.

Many dragons died at the hands of the MudWing, but the dragons of the past quickly ended the MudWing before it could do any more damage.

After that, the dragons were wary of any magic, so any dragonets born with magic were killed on sight; they were burned, skewered, dropped into a pit of snakes, or drowned.

By any means necessary, these dragonets would die; no magic would survive until a SeaWing was born with magic. But its mother did not want it to die; she wanted to keep her child, so she hid it and closed off social interactions with the world for her child.

However, they were found sooner or later. The mother was cursed as a traitor and sentenced to death, but her child begged them not to kill her and willingly gave himself to them for his mother's life. The dragons agreed and imprisoned the child in the darkest pits of the sea where no light shone.

But as time passed, the child showed dragons that he was not evil like the MudWing, and dragons started trusting the child while others stayed wary.

The child helped change the perspective on animus a little; after that, the child was let out to live a normal life, secluded from dragonkind with their mother.

After that, the dragon of the past led dragonets with animus magic to live and grow, but one wrong step meant death for them. We shall see how the animus of the future act and if they survive for long or die out for good. 

Arctic closed the scroll and stared at it for a little while, then looked at his own class. He quietly put the scroll back and walked out to Snowflake while he waited for his caretaker.

It was midnight, and Powder escorted Arctic to his room while he apologized profusely. "I'm really sorry, my prince; I just got caught up with paperwork," Powder said dejectedly. Arctic sighed and shook his head. "It's fine, Powder, and please stop calling me prince. Just call me Arctic or a nickname," said Arctic.

Powder shook his head as they entered Arctic's room. "Sorry, my prince, I cannot do that. Your mother has placed more guards, and she does not like me calling you by your name, only by your title," Powder denied.

Arctic sighed and got into his bed as Powder prepared things for tomorrow. "I guess, but I don't like it," pouted Arctic.

Powder giggled and patted Arctic on the head. "Would you like a bedtime story, my prince?" offered Powder.

Arctic hummed and shook his head but then looked at his claw. "No, I'm fine, but Powder, are you afraid of my power?" asked Arctic nervously.

Powder put back the scroll but gave Arctic a raised eyebrow. "No, my prince. Why would you think that? Has someone been telling lies to you?" grumbled Powder.

Arctic shook his head and rubbed his arm. "Um, no, I just read a scroll that showed dragonets dying for having animus magic and dragons distrusting us," explained Arctic.

Powder sighed. "Why would a library have that?" Powder sat beside Arctic and rubbed his shoulder.

Arctic looked up. "Arcfic, listen, those dragons in the past were superstitious. They believed in a lot of things, and it was a cruel world. Not many dragons trusted others," started Powder.

He then grabbed Arctic's claw. "But I'm sure you'll do great things with your magic, and I'm sure you're not an evil dragon. Don't ever doubt yourself; be confident, don't let anyone bring you down, and just be kind. Okay? Can you promise me that?" asked Powder softly.

Arctic searched for words but just nodded his head, blushing a little. He had never seen Powder be that sweet or comforting. 

Powder giggled and hugged Arctic, then let go, standing back up. "Good, that's all I ask. And if you ever feel something clouding your mind, come to me. Good night," bid Powder farewell. 

Arctic waved softly as he stared at the ceiling. Something warm bloomed in his chest, and he loved it. He then heard something exploding in the far-off distance. He looked outside his window to see exploding colors in the far-off distance.

Arctic was mesmerized by the colorful lights. Where were they coming from? Arctic looked at his own claws. "Make exploding lights like the ones I see outside the window, but smaller," commanded Arctic.

He watched his claws glow with a rainbow as a stray light of color left his claw and exploded quietly with color. More color floated from his claws and exploded. Arctic laughed as his mini show went on.

In another part of the castle, Powder walked with exhaustion and frustration. He was not excited to work on the papers his queen left him again, but he was stopped by a guard.

"Powder, you are summoned by the queen, and she's not in the best of moods," warned the guard. Powder gulped, nodded, and walked to the queen's quarters. When he made it to the door, he froze, shocked, standing guard.

He slowly waved at Powder and shot him a wink. Powder rolled his eyes and blushed. He opened the door and saw his queen sitting at her desk marking things off. "Powder, you're here. Close the door, please," said Diamond.

Powder did as he was commanded and stood by the door. "Powder, come here; don't keep your queen waiting," ordered Daimond. Powder gulped and sat in front of his queen as she worked. "May I ask why you have summoned me, my queen?" Powder asked nervously.

Daimond stopped and put the quill down. "Yes, you see, my counselors and high guard have told me there has been a traitor in our kingdom," revealed Daimond.

Powder's throat grew dry, and his heart started beating faster. "Really? Have we found the traitor? Must I be on the lookout for something?" asked Powder hurriedly. Daimond signaled him to calm down; she smiled softly, but Powder didn't buy it; it was a fake smile as ever.

"Calm down, Powder; I don't suspect you. It could never be you; this is about something else," reassured Daimond. Powder took a deep breath while holding his chest.

"Well then, what else, my queen? Must I change Arctic's schedule?" asked Powder. Daimond shook her head. "This conversation is about Arctic, actually," answered Daimond.

Powder closed his mouth and paid attention to his queen. "I find it weird that Arctic shows emotion like the dragonets in this kingdom, don't you think, Powder?" elaborated Diamond. 

Powder gave a nervous smile. "I don't think so, my queen. It's normal for dragonets and dragons to show emotions, you know," Powder answered carefully. 

Diamond had a thoughtful look, but it quickly went away. "I suppose that is normal, but I find it repulsive to experience such trivial emotions. It makes you weak to them; it helps your enemy exploit them. You get it, right, Powder?" suggested Diamond. 

Powder gulped. "I guess, my queen, but it's healthy and good for Arctic to express emotions. I mean no disrespect, but I just think your way of thinking is bad," Powder offered back, waiting for his queen's input. 

Diamond hummed and stared at him. Powder couldn't discern any emotions between the cold eyes and fake smile of his queen, so he waited for an answer. His queen stayed quiet for a long time until she shrugged and sighed.

Diamond laughed a little and smiled. "I guess those are your own thoughts, so it's fine. But now, let me tell you what your new duties will be," Diamond said seriously, and Powder sighed, relieved. 

Diamond took out a scroll. "You will cease interactions with Arctic; you will no longer be his caretaker. I will be, and you will be positioned in a secluded postal room reading mails and sending personal mails of mine..." Diamond's voice was silenced by Powder's overwhelming thoughts. 

There's no way this could be happening. He was getting demoted, losing his job to become a postal boy, where he would be trapped in a room with no one but himself. Isn't that fun? 

Powder frowned at the thought of leaving Arctic. He had grown attached to the prince. He looked at his queen. Would she even raise him well? She'll probably just turn his prince into a puppet with no emotions. "Is that understandable, Powder?" Diamond asked. 

Powder was brought back from his mind to the conversation, to his queen asking him a question.

Powder frowned but did not say anything. Diamond started tapping one of her claws impatiently. Powder gulped and bowed his head. "My queen, is there nothing I can say to change your mind? I want to stay Arctic's caretaker; I've grown attached to the prince," pleaded Powder. 

Diamond scoffed. "No, Powder, my words are final. Besides, I don't want you to ruin my son's mind with sexuality," hissed Diamond. 

Powder was shocked and looked up at his queen. Diamond laughed when she saw his face. "Powder, don't be so shocked. I know everything that happens in my kingdom, even you. I know of your relationship with Freezeshock," Diamond sneered while rolling up scrolls. 

Powder gulped; his mouth felt dry. "My queen, please leave Freezeshock out of this. If anything happened, it's because of me, not him," pleaded Powder once again. 

Diamond waved him off. "Calm yourself, Powder. I would never hurt you; it would hurt Arctic's heart, but I don't want that. Just stay away from my son and that thing, and we're good. Got it?" agreed Diamond.

Powder sighed but nodded. "Good, now enjoy your last weeks with Arctic, and I hope you like your new job," congratulated Diamond as she left Powder alone in the room. 

Powder stayed there, stuck in his head, thinking of the future until he heard the door open to see Freezeshock. Freezeshock came beside him, clearly worried. "Powder, are you okay? Did Diamond do something? Are you in trouble?" asked Freezeshock, clearly concerned. 

Powder looked at him and sighed. He leaned into Freezeshock, and Freezeshock caught him, still clearly worried. Freezeshock sighed, "Come on, Powder, let's go to your room. You can tell me everything," he comforted as he went with Powder to his room, leaving the sad room behind with nothing but sadness and anger. 

******

It was a crisp morning; the sun was shining in the Ice Kingdom. In the far-off distance, Arctic and Snowflake flew to the ground. Arctic was jumping with joy, while Snowflake walked calmly beside him. Powder came up behind, breathing heavily as he carried a big basket.

Freezeshock was right behind him, looking out for any danger. "My prince, Lady Snowflake, please slow down. I can't go as fast; the basket is too heavy," groaned Powder. Arctic looked behind, smirking. "Oh, come on, Powder, don't tell me you're that old," teased Arctic, while Snowflake rolled her eyes and kept walking. 

Powder sighed, but he heard Freezeshock snickering. He turned around, growling, "Don't start, you. It's not my fault I don't have a physique built like yours," complained Powder. Freezeshock calmed his snickering and came beside him, grabbing the basket. They started walking side by side. 

"You could always join my training; we could get you some muscle. You're always welcome, but just don't deny it," offered Freezeshock. Powder sighed. "Freeze, you know I don't have the time for training. I need to focus on work and other stuff, but thanks. Maybe when I have time, I'll join," thanked Powder. Freezeshock sighed but nodded. The group kept walking until they made it to a frozen lake close to the kingdom border.

Freezeshock and Powder prepared a picnic while Arctic and Snowflake skated on the frozen lake. Freezeshock looked around. He looked back at Powder. "Powder, why are we out here again?" asked Freezeshock. Powder pulled out some bear meat.

He shrugged. "Our prince begged the queen to come here so he can watch the light show created by the Nightwings, by the border," explained Powder, laying down on the blanket. 

Freezeshock nodded, understanding, and laid beside Powder, striking up a conversation. Arctic and Snowflake skated with each other, doing twirls and tricks. "Snowflake, watch this," called Arctic. Snowflake looked over to see ice sparkles shining around Arctic as he skated.

Snowflake clapped for him as he showed off his moves, but that was stopped by a loud scream. "Hey, you there!" Everyone looked over to see a Nightwing. Both Powder and Freezeshock quickly stood up and went to the Nightwing. "What are you Icewings doing so close to the border?" complained the Nightwing.

Arctic and Snowflake stood by the basket and waited for the adults to finish. "Well, sir, we're here for the light show your tribe throws every night," explained Powder. The Nightwing started arguing with both Powder and Freezeshock while both Arctic and Snowflake grew a little bored. 

But they saw a young Nightwing their age come behind the Nightwing guard; she had green eyes and looked around enthusiastically. When her eyes connected with Arctic's, it seemed like the world stopped for him. Something about the Nightwing's eyes compelled him somehow. 

This moment was broken by the much older Nightwing. "Foeslayer, what did I say about coming so close to the border? Go back," complained the older Nightwing. Foeslayer frowned a little. "Sorry, Dad, I'll go. See you, misters," Foeslayer bid farewell to the Icewings. 

Powder and Freezeshock shot pleasant smiles and waved her off. Snowflake didn't really do anything, while Arctic stared longingly at the Nightwing, hoping he could remember her name.

It was nighttime. Powder and Freezeshock were able to resolve something with the Nightwing, but they now waited for the light show. Powder pulled Arctic aside while Freezeshock and Snowflaked ate. They went a few feet away. "So, what did you want to talk about, Powder?" asked Arctic. 

Powder sighed. "Well, you see, I will no longer be your caretaker; your mother will," revealed Powder. 

Arctic had a massive frown. "What? She can't do that! I like you!" complained Arctic. Powder shrugged. "I'm sorry, Arctic. I can't do anything; your mother's word is final," reassured Powder. 

Arctic shook his head. "No, it's not! I don't want you to leave; I want you to stay my caretaker!" ordered Arctic. 

Powder patted his head. "I'm sorry, Arctic. It doesn't work like that, but don't worry; I'm sure you can visit me sometimes or come to me when you're feeling down or troubled. I will listen," reassured Powder again. 

Arctic searched for words but wasn't able to say anything as a massive sound was heard. Everyone looked up.

They saw a massive green light illuminate the sky, then a blue color, and then a yellow. The night sky was filled with multiple colorful explosive lights.  

"Look, Arctic, isn't it amazing?" awed Powder. Arctic nodded, but he felt little joy.  

Snowflake and Freezoshock skated on the ice, but before Freezoshock grabbed Powder, both danced on the ice while Snowflake skated around.  

Arctic sat on the snow watching them while also watching the lights. He felt little joy; the news he heard ruined that, and anger rose in his heart.  

How could his mother do this? He looked at his claws and then at Powder. He sighed; maybe things would change and something good would happen in the future.  

Arctic sighed and let the night take him, releasing everything. He just wanted to enjoy the night with his caretaker and friend.

Chapter Text

In the Snowies part of Pyrrhia, five Nightwings flew, shivering through the cold. "Mother, are we almost there? It's so cold!" said a young female Nightwing with emerald irises, a dark green underbelly, and purple lines with stars under her wings. 

The older female Nightwing growled, "Foeslayer, stop pestering me with your idiotic questions. We'll get there when we arrive. Now stay quiet and go back," the older female reprimanded. 

Foeslayer scoffed and rolled her eyes. "I hope your wings freeze so you can fall," Foeslayer whispered angrily. 

Foeslayer felt someone bump into her. She looked to her side to find her friend Moonshine, a small Nightwing with amethyst irises and a dark blue underbelly with white dots around her cheeks like stars. 

Moonshine fixed her glasses and gave Foeslayer a calm look. "Hey, calm down. Don't let your mom get to you. Be excited; we're visiting a new place! I wonder what amazing things Icewings have," Moonshine reassured her, marveling at their destination. Foeslayer sighed.

She then smiled and bumped Moonshine back. "Thanks, and sorry. When I learned my mother was coming with us, my whole excitement died right there," Foeslayer apologized. She then looked forward. "And I don't know, I heard from passing merchants that the Ice Kingdom was really boring," Foeslayer argued. 

Moonshine rolled her eyes. "Oh please, you can't believe those merchants. How the hell did they get past the Great Ice Cliff? You shouldn't believe them," Moonshine shut it down. 

Foeslayer shrugged. "Well, anyways, I hope this trip is good. I just hope the Icewings are nice; I heard many bad interactions about them," Foeslayer voiced her concerns. 

Moonshine smiled. "I'm sure they're nice. The whole tribe can't be a bunch of grumpy pants—everybody land, we're here," Moonshine was cut off by the leader commanding. 

Everyone closed their wings and spiraled down, then opened their wings to slowly descend and land softly. They all looked ahead to see four Icewings waiting with spear and claw, ready to attack.

The group slowly walked towards the Icewing guards. "Hello there! Are you the welcoming committee?" the leader asked. 

What seemed like the captain stepped forward with a pillow that had four bracelets. "Yes, my group and I will guide you to the diplomatic dome, and you will need these," the captain presented the bracelets. 

The group looked at them; they were beautifully crafted with material made of iron shaped into snowflakes that connected to each other until they formed a full circle. It had light blue, dark blue, and white gems decorating the center of the snowflakes, and the group awed at it. 

Moonshine looked up. "What does it do? It's not bad, right? Like there's a secret animus curse on it, right?" Moonshine asked suspiciously. 

The captain shook his head. "No, these bracelets will protect the wearer from the cold and the mighty ice cliff," the captain explained. 

As soon as he finished, both groups heard a roar. They looked towards it to see a polar bear running towards them, but as soon as it got close to the wall.

The group heard the mighty ice hum as a mysterious spear shot out and pierced through the polar bear's head, causing it to fall down dead.

The group stepped back in shock and looked around for where the spear had come from, but they couldn't find any dragons hiding in the snow.

They heard the captain cough; they looked towards him, and he had a giant smirk. "As you can see, the great ice wall will kill anything that is not an Icewing, and these bracelets are your only protection," the captain smugly said.

The group gulped and grabbed the bracelets, but a minor problem arose: there were only four, and there were five of them. They looked at the captain, and he noticed it as well.

The captain shrugged. "I suggest two Nightwings share one; it will protect you, but the cold resistance might waver between the two. However, it will work," the captain suggested as he opened his wings and jumped into the air.

The group sighed and looked at Foelsayer and Moonshine; the two rolled their eyes and each grabbed hold of a bracelet.

After that, the group followed the Icewing guards nervously, as they feared being speared from the air, but it did not happen; they were completely fine. The group let out a sigh of relief as they followed the guards. As they flew, they could see the white expanse of snow stretching out for miles. 

With ice-like animals that lived in this snowy region, such as polar bears, sea lions, penguins, some narwhals, and more, Moonshine and Foeslayer were fascinated by the new animals they had only read about in books; but now, here they were in the flesh.

Moonshine was giddy at all the new animals. "Slayer, look! Those are penguins! Aw, they look so cute; I want to catch one!" Moonshine squealed quietly. 

Foeslayer smirked at her friend. "What, so you can cook them and eat them? 'Cause I heard penguin meat is a delicacy in the Icewing Kingdom," Foeslayer boasted quietly. 

Moonshine gasped. "No, that's terrible! Why cook something so cute? And besides, I make desserts, not meals!" Moonshine huffed, looking offended.

Foeslayer giggled and bumped her friend softly. "Moonshine, chill! I know you make desserts, but will you quiet down back there? Act serious!" Foeslayer's mother cut her daughter off with a sneer. 

Foeslayer scoffed and rolled her eyes while Moonshine gave her an apologetic look and pulled Foeslayer a few inches behind. "Let's just quiet down for now, and we'll talk while we land, okay?" Moonshine suggested, whispering. Foeslayer sighed and nodded as the two saw a massive dome in the distance.

********

Far away from the diplomatic dome, inside Ice Kingdom Castle, many servants were preparing rooms for the incoming Nightwing guests, while Queen Diamond prepared herself to meet the Nightwings.

She looked at herself in the mirror. "Icecube, do I look presentable?" Diamond asked her servant. Icecube gulped and nodded quickly. 

"Of course, my queen. Your beauty destroys others in comparison," Icecube highly praised. Diamond smiled, but Icecube knew there was no joy behind it. "Good, now summon my son," Diamond ordered.

Icecube nodded quickly and was already halfway out the door. "Wait," Icecube stopped and turned to his queen. "Please bring Snowflake as well; a husband must be there with his wife," Diamond requested. Icecube nodded and bowed, leaving his queen to herself.

On the other side of the castle, a familiar prince walked back and forth in his room. He was thinking of what to enchant for his hatching day. He growled; he did not want his mother to decide for him this time. He wanted to enchant something from his own ideas, not his mother's.

Arctic looked at himself in the mirror. He had grown into a nice-looking Icewing. He had a thick and smooth fur coat around his neck and body, with sharpened ice spikes poking out.

His scales shined like ice. Arctic worried about his appearance frequently. He mostly thought his thick coat came from his mother's blood, while his father contributed barely anything. It also didn't help that he didn't know his father, but it didn't really matter, and Arctic really did not care.

Arctic looked out his window and stared at the clouds as small snowflakes fell softly. Arctic hummed. "What if I made a cloud that produces smaller clouds that rain snowflakes to keep any Icewing leaving the region cool and comfortable?" Arctic pitched to a small ice statue on his desk.

The ice statue resembled a Mudwing, modeled perfectly with every detail. Arctic heard its form crack as its head tilted to the side.

Its mouth then opened, and a mimicked voice of himself spoke out, "It is an idea, but many would not find this productive. They will only think this is just a waste of magic," the statue spoke as it walked towards the edge and froze again.

Arctic growled, "Ugh, you are so right. Mother and those claw-kissers who agree to everything she says would definitely say that," Arctic grumbled as he started pacing again. The statue watched his master walk back and forth and grew worried. "Master, I recommend calming down. Stressing over minor stuff does not help your health," the statue suggested.

Arctic sighed and flopped down on his bed. "Mud, I told you not to call me master; call me by my name," Arctic reminded him. 

Mud sighed and fell to the floor, shattering and reforming into a floating ball, and floated towards his creator. "Arctic, I'm sorry, but calling you master brings me comfort, I guess. I don't know why, but it does," Mud apologized. 

Arctic rolled his eyes and stared at the ceiling. "It's fine, Mud; I just don't like it. Anyway, is there anything to do for the day?" Arctic asked tiredly. 

Mud floated a little higher and glowed a little. "Yes, you have an appointment with the Nightwing Peace Committee, and you have a dinner date with Snowflake later this evening, and you have a secret meeting with Powder," Mud repeated and floated down. 

Arctic stood back up and sighed softly, looking at himself in the mirror. "Mud, how do I look?" Arctic asked softly. 

Mud transformed into a mirror and floated in front of Arctic. "Like a fine ice drake, my friend, just perfect in my eyes," Mud praised and complimented.

Arctic snorted and smiled. "Thank you, Mud, you are a great friend," Arctic thanked. Mud showed Arctic a smile back. 

"Thank you, my friend," Mud also thanked. Both then heard a knock on the door. Arctic sighed and walked towards the door while Mud transformed into an ice statue again. Arctic opened the door and saw both his mother’s servant and Snowflake. 

Icecube bowed. "Prince Arctic, you are to be summoned to her queen, followed by your future wife," Icecube informed and left. 

As soon as he left, both Arctic and Snowflake gagged; they hated when Arctic's mother set them up to be married. They did not like each other in any romantic way, only as friends. 

"Hey, Snowflake, how's it going?" Arctic greeted. Snowflake sighed and walked into Arctic's room, jumped onto his bed, and laid down. "It's okay, I guess. My mother is trying to teach me as much about politics and other stuff for when we get married," Snowflake spoke plainly, still with a bored look as ever. Arctic sighed and flopped down next to her.

Arctic turned to Snowflake "We gotta go to my mother's quarters, so she doesn't blow up," Arctic informed his friend. 

Snowflake hummed and looked at the ceiling. Arctic stared at it as well "Hey, can your magic statue show drawings or paintings of places or dragons?" Snowflake asked.

Arctic shrugged and looked at Mud "Hey, Mud, can you do that?'" Arctic asked. The statue broke and transformed back into an orb, projecting a light on the ceiling as pictures of places and dragons started appearing. 

The two watched in silence as the seconds ticked by; they knew that they needed to go to Arctic's mother. But Arctic wasn't ready for his mother's nagging and emotionless responses, so the two stayed there for many minutes until a knock on the door broke the calm atmosphere. 

"Um, Prince Arctic, I kindly ask for you to visit your mother. Her temper is quite high, and I do not want to die," Icecube's fearful voice came through. Arctic could almost hear him crying already. Both icewings looked at each other and stood up.

Snowflake went into Arctic's closet while Arctic opened his drawers and grabbed his tiara and his other jewelry. He couldn't look like a commoner, as his mother always told him, once he was done putting on jewelry.

He grabbed smooth cream for his scales and some soft snow powder for his fur. After that, he grabbed his cloak and threw it over his back and looked at himself in the mirror. He looked good enough in his opinion.

He looked at Snowflake; she was also putting on jewelry and makeup. Snowflake looked him up and down. "Arctic, go wait outside, please," Snowflake requested. Arctic rolled his eyes and stepped out. He saw Icecube standing to the side, looking really scared.

Arctic came over and patted him on the back. "Icecube, calm down, my mother won't kill you," Arctic reassured. Icecube looked at him like he was crazy. "Are you kidding me? Have you met your mother? She's scary," Icecube whined. Arctic rolled his eyes and stood beside him, waiting for Snowflake to come.

A few minutes ticked by, and his door opened. Snowflake walked out with a tiara and a fine silk scarf around her neck. She turned to him, "Let's go now; best not keep your mother waiting, dear," Snowflake suggested. Arctic held back a groan. 

Both did not like calling each other dear, my love, my prince, or princess; it was so cheesy. But if this is what makes dragons believe they're in love, well, so be it. Arctic raised a claw, and Snowflake took it lovingly as they walked behind the servant.

As they passed servants, high-ranking Icewings, and council dragons, all awed at the sight of the lovely couple. While both Arctic and Snowflake expressed joy and love for each other with gestures of love and affection, it was true that most Icewings did not express emotions very much. But if it's to love one, it's quite understandable.

When they finally made it to the queen's quarters, Icecube bowed and opened the door for both of them. They could see the queen sipping some tea and eating some cookies.

The two stepped inside as the door closed behind them. Daimond placed her teacup down and smiled lovingly at her son. "Arctic, Snowflake, please come sit down with me. Let's have a talk before going to meet the peace committee," Daimond requested while taking another bite of the cookie.

The two sat down on the other side, and Icecube quickly came into the room and poured tea for the prince and his wife. Arctic took a sip and thanked Icecube before looking to his mother. "Yes, Mother, what do you wish to discuss?" Arctic asked calmly.

Daimond smiled and looked outside the window. "Yes, I wanted to discuss about the peace committee. I want you and Snowflake to watch them closely to see if anything suspicious happens," Daimond requested.

Arctic nodded. "Of course, Mother. Anything else?" Arctic asked, but then he felt Snowflake nudge him. He turned to her, and she had her mouth open towards him. Arctic sighed and started feeding Snowflake cookies while his mother giggled and smiled at the sight.

Diamond calmed herself and looked back at her son. "Yes, I want you two to be perfect. Show them the elegance and strength of us Icewings, and don't mess this up. You got it?" Diamond asked kindly.

Arctic nodded and stood. "Come, dear, let us leave our queen to her business while we have other matters to attend to," Arctic suggested.

Snowflake took one last sip of her tea and stood up, taking Arctic's claw as they left the queen's quarters for the castle doors. 

A guard squad was standing in front of them as they stepped outside, and the captain stepped forward. "Prince Arctic and Lady Snowflake, would you like to be escorted to the Peace Dome?" the captain offered, bowing deeply.

Arctic looked at Snowflake, and she shook her head. "Sorry, Captain, but I must decline. We know the way, and I think we are capable of protecting ourselves," Arctic denied the offer.

The captain nodded and told his men to step aside as the two left, with many soldiers saluting them and waving them good luck. Both Arctic and Snowflake were amused by this.

Both jumped into the sky and started flying towards the Peace Dome, but once they were far away from any dragons, Arctic sighed and his posture relaxed a bit.  

"Ugh, finally away from that place and into the mighty sky! Doesn't it feel great, Snow?" Arctic asked, flying slower now.  

"Yes, it is so fantastic," Snowflake answered, bored. Arctic frowned. "Really, that's your response, and with that bored tone as always? Come on, we're friends; show some emotion, Snow," Arctic ordered.  

Snowflake looked at Arctic and gave him a strained smile. "Is this good, or is it bad?" Snowflake asked through strained teeth. Arctic hummed.  

"It's fine; we need to work on it again. You gotta show something when meeting new dragons," Arctic instructed.  

Snowflake let her face fall back into a bored expression and looked forward. "You're really excited to meet these Nightwings," Snowflake wondered, confused.  

Arctic nodded eagerly. "Of course I am! Finally, something different and something that isn't tied to my mother," Arctic replied happily.

Snowflake snorted but smiled at her friend. "It's nice seeing you happy and not fake brooding," Snowflake expressed. Arctic smiled back. "Thanks! It's nice being away from my mother and those boring lessons, but enough of that. We must go. Come on, Snow," Arctic ordered as he flew faster. Snowflake rolled her eyes and followed.

*********

The two Icewings flew at a good pace and would make it in a few minutes. They passed mounds of snow, frozen lakes, and glaciers protruding from the water's surface, observing much of the wildlife, until they saw the peace dome as the lowering sun shone upon it.

Both Icewings landed softly and gazed upon the big structure. Arctic sighed, "It's been a long time since I've been here. Remember the first time we met?" Arctic reminisced as they both walked towards it. Snowflake nodded. "Yeah, you were so persistent to get an emotion out of me. You even let me slap you so you could see anger," Snowflake laughed softly.

The two laughed and were about to enter but were stopped by a Nightwing running out.

The Nightwing moved around, panting, while the two watched her go. The Nightwing slowed down a little and caught the two watching her. She blushed, looking embarrassed. "Oh hey, sorry for the scene. I just couldn't miss the sunset, and a nice warmth would do me some good from the cold," she laughed nervously. 

The two Icewings looked at each other and then back at her. The Nightwing gulped and played with her claws a little. "Isn't it just beautiful, the sun, I mean? You know, reflecting on the ice and ice walls and stuff," the Nightwing rambled on, trying to fill the silence. 

Arctic stared at the Nightwing with interest; he'd never seen a Nightwing up close. He looked at her wings and was mesmerized by them, the purple lines intertwining with white dots, mimicking a starry night.

He looked into her eyes to see the emerald irises staring at him cautiously but a little bit curiously. Arctic was quite interested in this dragon and looked at Snowflake. Snowflake looked as bored as ever, barely reacting.

Arctic went to talk, but all three heard a new set of claw steps coming towards them. A smaller NightWing with amethyst irises and glasses stepped forward, holding a bracelet. The smaller NightWing quickly went to the other NightWing and smiled nervously. "Sorry for my friend; my name's Moonshine," Moonshine introduced, bowing. 

Both IceWings looked at each other, and Arctic leaned close, whispering, "Hey, you go on ahead. I want to talk to the one with no glasses," Arctic requested. Snowflake shrugged and puffed out her chest, making her best emotionless face. 

"Whatever, NightWings. Please do not ruin this event with your quirks and stuff. You follow me; I need you for something, and no dilly-dallying, you hear me?" Snowflake commanded. 

Moonshine gulped and followed as both Snowflake and she left the other two outside. The NightWing scoffed, "What's her problem? I said I was sorry." The NightWing huffed. Arctic shrugged and walked closer. "Hey, don't worry; she was just faking it to keep up appearances, okay?" Arctic reassured.

The Nightwing snorted. "What appearance?" she asked, not buying it. Arctic presented his own emotionless face. "To keep the appearance of an Icewing being cold, unforgiving, and emotionless, but she's also upset about marrying me," Arctic explained, his face going back to normal. 

The Nightwing raised an eyebrow. "I guess that is your guys' appearance I always hear of, but why is she mad about marrying you? Are you a bad husband or something?" the Nightwing guessed. 

Arctic scoffed, smirking. "Please, I'm an incredible husband. Besides, she should be pleased to marry a prince like myself," Arctic boasted. 

The Nightwing tilted her head, smirking. "So you are the prince? You seem less emotionless than your mother from the story I hear," the Nightwing wondered. 

Arctic frowned and stared at the castle. "Yes, I'm much different from my mother, and the stories are true. She's quite emotionless from my perspective and cold. But anyway, what is your name? Mine is Arctic, Nightwing," Arctic introduced himself.

The Nightwing smiled, "What a chilly name; I like it," she complimented Shen, then bowed. "Greetings, Prince. My name is Foeslayer, and thank you for gracing me with your presence," Foeslayer introduced, all dramatic-like and bowing deeply.  

Arctic snorted and threw a bit of snow on her. "Alright, stop with that. Don't become one of those claw lickers, and I think your name sounds nice too; it's fierce," Arctic complimented.  

Foeslayer giggled as she blocked the snow with her wing. She smiled at Arctic, and he smiled back. They stood there for a while, just enjoying each other's company in the icy wind.  

That was until a light caught Foeslayer's eye. She looked at the sunset and then looked at the dome and got an idea.  

"Hey, follow me! I promise it's gonna be good," Foeslayer said excitedly, dragging Arctic without his confirmation.  

She dragged him to the top of a hill as they watched the sunset hit the top of the dome, casting radiating light throughout the land of snow and illuminating the beautiful carvings and sketches.

Both dragons leaned in closer while enjoying the pretty scene, but as soon as their scales touched, Foeslayer jumped away, bringing her wing around her and shivering. 

"Sorry, sorry, it's just really cold. Sorry for ruining the calm moment," Foeslayer apologized. Arctic stared at her shivering and took one of his earrings.

He thought long and hard about what he was going to do. He took a glance at Foeslayer and nodded. He whispered into the earring and presented it to Foeslayer. 

"Here, take this; it might help," Arctic offered. Foeslayer raised an eyebrow. She looked at Arctic, and he gave her a confident smile. 

"Okay, but I don't know how this will help," Foeslayer said, confused, as she hooked the earring to her ear. Instantly, she felt warm and was no longer cold. Foeslayer was confused and unfurled her wings. She let the wind hit her, and she didn't feel cold. She grabbed a clawful of snow; she did not feel cold. She was shocked and looked at Arctic, who had a smirk. 

"You're an animus, aren't you?" Foeslayer said.

Arctic bowed "Guilty as charged, my starry friend," Arctic boasted. Foeslayer touched the earring "Wow, how did you do it? I've never seen an animus up close," Foeslayer wondered. 

Arctic shrugged "There's not much to it. You command what you want with the right wordplay, and anything can happen, I think. I haven't experimented with a lot," Arctic explained. 

Foeslayer hummem "Then why do we even need an alliance? Can't you just magic something to destroy them and win?" Foeslayer wondered, a little afraid. 

Arctic heard the little fear in her voice. He raised his arm, making sure to seem unarmed "It’s because every time we enchant something, you lose a part of your soul or something—some of those humbo-jumbo stories from the past," Arctic explained. 

Foeslayer stared at the earring and then at his chest "Then why did you enchant something for me if it meant losing a part of your soul?" Foeslayer wondered. 

Arctic shrugged "You're interesting. You seem cool. I don't know, I just wanted to," Arctic tried to explain."

Foeslayer tilted her head, confused. "Look, I just think you're interesting, cool. Everything in the Ice Kingdom is super boring, but you seem fun, and I want to make your stay comfortable if you accept my gift," Arctic rambled.

Foeslayer blushed a little and smiled softly. She wore the earring back and gave Arctic a soft smile. "Thanks, Prince Arctic. I like your gift," Foeslayer thanked him.

Arctic gulped a little and felt his heart thump. He nodded slowly and looked away. "Yeah, yeah, no problem. We should probably get going before someone comes to get us," Arctic suggested, offering his claw.

Foeslayer slowly took it and felt no cold. She gave a firm grip and nodded. "Yeah, let's do that. I don't want to get an earful from my mother," Foeslayer warned.

Arctic nodded and led her to the dome as they entered for the long meeting that was about to take place.

Time passed until the moon was high in the sky. Both Arctic and Snowflake left groaning from the long meeting and the arguing from both parties, but it was over now.

Arctic and Snowflake watched the Nightwing group being guided to the castle for their stay. Foeslayer and Moonshine spotted them and waved before flying away with the others. Arctic and Snowflake waved at them as they left. 

"You ready to go, Snow? Mother is busy with other stuff," Arctic suggested. Snowflake shrugged and jumped into the air, followed by Arctic. 

As they flew, Arctic turned to Snowflake. "So, how was your time with the small Nightwing?" Arctic asked. Snowflake tilted her head. 

"It was fine. She talked a lot about food, dessert, making desserts, and reading. I tried to understand, but she talked too fast. It was a good time," Snowflake answered, tiredness evident in her voice. 

Snowflake nodded her head to Arctic; it was his turn. "Foeslayer was an interesting dragon. We watched the sunset, and I kind of enchanted my earrings for her so she wouldn't be cold," Arctic answered. 

Snowflake's eyes widened, and she raised a brow, signaling why he would do that in the first place.

Arctic saw the look and growled, "Look, I don't know; I just wanted her to be comfortable, and besides, she seems cool— even cooler than you, I bet," Arctic teased.

He felt Snowflake punch him in the shoulder as he laughed. "Alright, she's not as cool as you, 'cause you're cool as ice," Arctic made a bad joke. But Snowflake snorted, shaking her head and punching Arctic much softer, giving him a smile as the two finally made it home and bid each other goodnight, going to their respective rooms. 

When Arctic entered his, he groaned and quickly took everything off, dropped it on his table, and flopped on his bed. Mud transformed into a ball and floated towards Arctic. "How was your meeting, Arctic? Tiring, exciting, boring?" Mud wondered. Arctic turned towards Mud. "Boring and tiring. Mother and the leader went back and forth a little bit, but it was all good. The peace committee will be staying here for at least three weeks before leaving," Arctic rambled before grabbing a comb and smoothing his fur.

Arctic started combing it while he tapped Mud on the face. "Mud, you know what to do, right?" Arctic asked.  

Mud moved back and shattered again as all the ice dust reformed into a giant mirror, showing an image of the ice kingdom's postal office, with a tired Powder snoring on a mountain of letters.  

Arctic coughed loudly, but Powder did not wake up. Arctic sighed and prepared his throat. "POWDER!" Arctic screamed.  

Powder woke up frantically. "I'm awake, I'm awake! I'm not slacking off; I'm doing my work," Powder answered, panicking until he saw the giant mirror showing his prince in his bedroom.  

"Oh, Arctic, it's just you. You scared me there, little one," Powder answered, calming down.  

Arctic looked his caretaker up and down. Powder's fur was bad; it was messy and disheveled. His scales had lost their gleam and had a bit of dirt on them, and he seemed to have gained a bit of weight.  

"Powder, don't call me little; just call me Arctic. And why aren't you taking care of yourself? You look terrible. Are you even sleeping?" Arctic worried.

Powder looked himself over and shrugged. "Sorry, I've been overworked lately. Don't worry too much, Arctic; I already hear it enough from Freezeshock," Powder reassured while trying to make himself look presentable. 

Arctic hummed, finished combing his fur, and laid down on his bed. "I have a right to worry; I miss you a lot," Arctic said quietly. 

Powder smiled softly. "Don't worry, Arctic; I'm sure we can meet face to face someday, but I'm glad you still remember me," Powder sighed happily. 

Arctic scoffed. "Of course I remember you; you were my caretaker, and you were the only fun dragon besides Snow that played with me before Mother took you away," Arctic said bitterly, with a bit of anger. 

Powder frowned. "Hey, don't worry; let's change the subject. How did your day with Peace Committed go? Do you already have an enchantment ready for your hatching day?" Powder asked rapidly. 

Arctic sighed and calmed down. "Yeah, it was fine—boring and tiring, but fine. But I did meet two new dragons," Arctic teased.

Powder leaned a little forward on the mountain of letters. "Please tell me, Arctic," Powder urged on.  

Arctic stared at his ceiling. "Well, there's Foeslayer. She's interesting, a bit weird, I think, but we haven't talked much—just watched a sunset," Arctic started as Powder listened.  

"She's pretty, I guess. First time I've seen a Nightwing up close. Her wings were pretty. Um, I did get frightened when I told them I was a prince. We made a few jokes when we entered the dome," Arctic rambled on, his cheeks turning a dark blue.  

Powder giggled at what was happening, and he hoped his prince would notice this sooner than later, but he would say nothing.  

Arctic coughed and shook his head. "And there were her friends. I don't know much about her. From what Snow told me, she likes baking, talking about food, and reading. I think Snow found her interesting, but you have to ask her when you get the chance," Arctic finished.  

Powder yawned a little. "That was great, Arctic! I'm happy you met new dragons," Powder said happily.

Powder looked at the time from his window. "Did you get the chance to talk to Freezeshock yet?" Powder wondered.  

Arctic shook his head. "No, he was stationed on the other side of the kingdom, and Mother would definitely know if I tried going there," Arctic answered.  

The two went silent and just looked at each other; nothing needed to be said; they just wanted to be in each other's presence.  

Time ticked, and Powder heard some new letters come in by the chattering of other dragons. "Arctic, I must go now. Thank you for calling; I always enjoy the time we have. Please look after yourself, and I love you. Goodbye," Powder bid farewell as the mirror shattered, leaving Arctic in the dark with Mud back in his orb form.  

"Are you alright, Arctic?" Mud asked worriedly. Arctic sighed and turned around. "Mud, play some soothing music for sleeping; I want to have a nice sleep," Arctic requested. Mud nodded and turned back into a dragon as its mouth opened, and a soothing song was played. Arctic sighed and closed his eyes.

Arctic let his mind be carried away by a soothing song as his final thoughts were about how the coming weeks would be with the new dragons in the castle. As his mind went blank, he fell asleep.

Chapter Text

The sun was high in the sky as it illuminated the frozen wasteland in all its glory, while animals and dragons woke up to start the day.

At the castle, servants were up and ready to begin their tasks of cleaning, organizing, planning, and cooking for the peace committee and the upper ranks, such as the council and royals.

Icecube walked quickly through the hallways to the kitchen, grabbing a quick snack before making his way towards the prince's quarters for his morning bath. Once he arrived, he knocked on the doors lightly and waited patiently.

A few seconds passed with no answer. He coughed and knocked again, a little harder and louder, and waited once more. Inside the room, Arctic snored heavily but quietly.

Mud, on the desk in the form of the Mudwing statue, awakened by the knocking, looked around and listened as Icecube knocked again.

"My prince, it is time to awaken, You must be clean before going to breakfast, my prince," Icecube instructed softly but loudly through the door. Mud stirred until he broke from his form and into a ball.

Mud floated up and went over to his creator/friend. Mud messaged Arctic's face softly and spoke in Icecube's voice. "Arctic, my friend, you must awaken; Icecube has come for you," Mud spoke, but Arctic just snored in his face, turning around.

Mud sighed and created a tiny cloud and zapped Arctic on the nose. Arctic jumped up in a panic, looking around frantically. "Who's there? Reveal yourself! Attacking me will get you punished," Arctic growled as a threat, but then he heard a cough and looked up.

He calmed down when Mud made the tiny cloud disappear. "Really, Mud? A cloud? Why did you shock me?" Arctic grumbled, getting up and looking at himself in the mirror.

His face was tired; there were no bags under his eyes, but his scales were a little dirty with sweat, and his fur coat was a tangled mess.

He smelled his breath; it wasn't terrible. "Arctic, Icecube is at the door. He's co—my prince, are you awake? It's time for your bath; your mother does not like a delay in plans," Mud was cut off by Icecube's worried voice.

Arctic groaned while Mud turned back. "Yes, as I was saying, Icecube has come to get you for your bath time," Mud informed, and Arctic grabbed him and placed him on the desk.

"Yeah, I get it. Now, go away, go do your own thing," Arctic grumbled as he got up, grabbed a towel, and stepped out, making Icecube stop mid-knock. Arctic closed the door, and Mud was now alone in the quarter. Mud hummed and went back to sleep while creating a world from his mind to busy himself.

Icecube jumped back when his prince's big figure stepped out and stared him down with irritation. Icecube gulped at his massive figure. His prince was so much like his queen; both acted like each other, but at least his prince showed his real emotions instead of the fake ones like his queen.

Icecube bowed. "Good morning, my prince. I've come to take you to the washing chamber," Icecube instructed. Arctic sighed, his irritation and anger already rising from being woken up this early and hearing this, probably ordered by his mother.

Arctic stretched his body, and both Icewings heard some cracks. "Geez, I need to get a better bed," Arctic commented.  

Icecube raised a finger. "Would you like me to put in a request for new furniture, my prince? We could get the construction workers to build you a new one, or would you like an exotic bed from a different kingdom?" Icecube gave his opinion or suggestion while he led Arctic to the washing quarters.  

Arctic half-listened but did take note of some things that interested him; Arctic was mostly busy waking himself up.  

Icecube saw this and quickly detoured them to the kitchen, where he grabbed his prince a cup of coffee.  

Arctic took a sip, and he was wide awake. He hummed and licked his lips. "Huh, we got a new import of coffee beans," Arctic commented gratefully.  

Icecube nodded. "Yes, it was imported by the MudWings instead of the SandWings, so it's more organic, I hear, my prince," Icecube informed.  

Arctic hummed and kept drinking while Icecube led them back on the route to the washing quarters.

As they walked, Arctic finished the cup of coffee. He never really drank it a lot of times; it was mostly his mother. It was also weird to drink warm liquids. But he had already drunk tea. His mother liked these two drinks so much that she even enchanted a hole in the kitchen to be refilled with warm water whenever it was empty. 

Arctic looked forward and decided to ask, "Icecube, why was I woken up so early, and why am I being given a bath? I take those myself," Arctic asked. 

Icecube sighed. "It's because the peace committee is waking up early as well, so you should wake up early as well, as told by your mother. She also instructed me to give you a bath, 'so you don't take your time.' So yeah," Icecube finished in air quotes. 

Arctic rolled his eyes but did not complain; he did not want to cause Icecube any more stress with his mood. He'll just go with whatever. His thoughts went to Snowflake, and he smirked. "How did Snowflake take it?" Arctic asked, curious and amused. He watched Icecube shudder a little.

Icecube opened the door and walked inside with Arctic. "Well, Snowflake was not enthusiastic about waking up this early. I heard she trashed a little of her room and some servant's before calming down," Icecube said, sighing in relief that it wasn't him.

Arctic laughed quietly while he waited for his bath to start. Icecube called at least four lower rank servant's and gave them all the task of cleaning the prince. Once everything was in order, Icecube bowed. "I must go now, my prince. Would you like anything else?" Icecube offered.

Arctic hummed as he stepped into the cold water and sighed. "Could you bring some food over to Powder and make sure he eats it, please? And order a bed that you think is suitable for me, please," Arctic requested kindly while he layed down in the water and stuck out his limbs for the servants as they started.

Icecube bowed and left his prince to his bath time, going to finish his other tasks before breakfast. He completed minor tasks like checking food storage quickly and attending to his queen.

Once that was done, he entered the dining room. He spotted some of the council and Snowflake. He left the information about food storage to the council and went into the kitchen, not before waving at Snowflake.

When he opened the kitchen doors, he felt heat wafting out, and he quickly closed it, feeling confused. He opened it again and felt the heat wafting again. He sighed and entered. He watched as all the workers stood by a fire. 

As the head chef flipped something in the pan and placed it on the plate with two more flatbreads from Icecube's view, the head chef snapped his fingers, and the fire was extinguished. All stood around the plate while Icecube walked towards them.

"Uh, hello," Icecube opened his mouth, and everyone turned to him. "Is the food for guests and upper ranks ready? and what is this, may I ask?" Icecube wondered. The head chef stepped forward and placed the plate in front of him. "The food for the upper ranks is almost ready, but we're trying to make hot foods for the guests," he informed.

The head chef then pointed to the plate. "I heard this is liked by everyone outside; it's called pancakes, but I want you to taste it and tell me if I did a good job," the head chef requested while giving Icecube a fork. Icecube stared at the pancakes in curiosity and took a bite. He chewed and gulped while the head chef waited. 

Icecube didn't dislike it; its heat could easily be ignored; he's eaten hotter things than this. However, he liked how soft and easy it was to chew, but it was quite dry and lacked a lot of flavor, he thought. Icecube told the head chef, and the head chef grumbled until his head shot up with an idea. He went into the pantry and took out a bottle with sticky liquid. 

The head chef placed it beside Icecube. "Here, I've heard that it goes best with syrup, and this was imported from the Rainwings. They say it's strawberry syrup," the head chef informed. Icecube tilted his head in curiosity again and watched as the sticky liquid slowly fell on the pancake and got absorbed.

Icecube took another bite, and everyone watched in anticipation. Icecube hummed; it tasted good, a little too sweet for his taste, but overall it was good.

Icecube gave a thumbs up. "It tastes great; it's just a little too sweet for me, but good," Icecube said as he slid the plate back. The head chef smirked and snapped his fingers as at least five fires lit up.

"Thanks, men, get to work! We have four Nightwings, at least ten Icewings, so get started," the head chef commanded. Every Icewing started working while Icecube requested a plate for Powder.

*****

Icecube opened the door to the post office and walked while making sure not to slip on the many scrolls and packages. He walked to the back and found Freezeshock and Powder talking.

Freezeshock was boasting about the scar over his eyes that he got from combat training. Icecube smiled when he saw Powder fuss over the scar like a worried mother. He coughed, and the two looked at him; he waved, and they waved back.

Freezeshock looked outside and gasped. He quickly bid the two goodbye as he gave Powder a kiss on the cheek and left. Powder waved at him as he left, while Icecube placed the plate on his desk and lifted the container.

Powder was surprised by the food. Icecube smiled, "Our prince personally requested food for you since you've been neglecting your health, and I will not disobey, so you better start eating," Icecube ordered. 

Powder sighed but started eating the food he was given. He nodded his head to Icecube for information on this food he had never eaten; it tasted good.

Icecube hummed, trying to remember the information. "What we have here is egg, pancakes, and bacon. I know the pancake and bacon came from the Mud Kingdom, and the egg from the sky, but tell me, does the heat discomfort you?" Icecube wondered. 

Powder shrugged; the heat of the food barely bothered him, but he found the bacon way too fatty and strong for him. However, he ate it anyway; his mother always told him to never waste food and always eat what you're given.

After Powder finished eating, he moved the plate aside and looked at Icecube. "So, Icecube, how's it been going? Is the queen or prince giving you a hard time?" Powder asked, curious as he started with the mail again. 

Icecube shrugged and sat down. "No, not really. It's been calm, but the queen's attitude still unnerves me. When her blank stare is on me, I feel like I'm about to explode," Icecube rambled, terrified. 

Icecube giggled. "Yes, the queen is quite unnerving, but at least she does a good job. What about our prince?" Powder wondered. 

Icecube smiled. "Prince Arctic is kind as ever. Even though he does have some attitude, he makes sure I am fine whenever I stress too much," Icecube thanked softly. 

Powder had a big smile; he was happy that his prince was as kind as ever. Icecube then smirked and leaned forward. "So, when are you going to propose to Freezeshock?" Icecube teased, and Powder instantly flushed blue. 

Icecube laughed as Powder fumbled with some scrolls that he let fall, but Icecube helped him.

*********

In the lower parts of the castle, two nightwings snored as they shared a bed: Foeslayer and Moonshine. Unfortunately, the castle only prepared four rooms, so the two friends decided to share one.

Foeslayer snored softly as she pulled a soft polar bear pelt over her body, but as she moved, her earring, gifted by Arctic, snagged on the pillows and came off. Foeslayer immediately woke up from the cold and jumped out of bed, moving around quickly to keep her body warm.

Moonshine was woken up by her friend frantic movement and sighed. She spotted the earring and grabbed it, dangling it from her claw. "Foeslayer, your earring is here. Please don't be so loud; I'm trying to sleep," Moonshine groaned drowsily and placed it on the nearbt desk and went back to sleep.

Foeslayer quickly grabbed it and placed it on her ear, feeling the cold immediately leave her, and she felt warm again. Foeslayer sighed and sat down, gathering her thoughts; her mind was already awake, and sleep seemed counterproductive now.

Foeslayer stared at herself in the mirror, and her eyes went to the earring that she was gifted. She touched it gently and turned it in her claws.

Her memories from the past day came flooding back, and the time spent with the prince also came to mind; she wondered how he was doing. But she shook her mind off him and grabbed a scroll that she had packed and started reading while she waited for Moonshine to wake up.

After a while, the two heard gentle knocks on their door and a soft voice spoke, "Good morning! I am a servant and I am here to guide both of you and your group to the washing quarters," said the voice as it walked away to wake up the others.

Moonshine got out of bed, yawning as her eyes blinked open lazily. Foeslayer gave her a pitying smile "Still not good at waking up during the day?" Feoslayer asked softly. 

Moonshine's eye flicked towards her, and she huffed, "No, I don't know why dragons, ever want to wake up to the sun. It's so bright; the moon is so much better," Moonshine grumbled while doing some exercises to get her body awake.

Foeslayer giggled and packed her stuff back. "I told you to get yourself familiarized with waking up early at home, but no, you didn't listen," Foeslayer softly reprimanded. Moonshine rolled her eyes and sat up, grabbing a towel and checking herself in the mirror, sighing at her tired complexion.

Foeslayer grabbed her own towel, and Moonshine spotted her earring. Moonshine smirked, "You ready to meet your prince charming today?" she teased. Foeslayer blushed a little and shook her head.

"Please, he's not my prince charming; we just talked, that's it," Foeslayer mumbled. Moonshine raised an eyebrow and pointed to the earring. "Really? Just a regular conversation where he gave you something imbued with animus magic?" Moonshine pointed out.

Foeslayer scoffed and hid the earring. "Please, he was being courteous and respectful. We are the peace committee; he was just trying to put the Icewings in a good light or whatever," Foeslayer argued, and Moonshine shook her head, but then it shot up with an idea.

Foeslayer hated how her friend's head jumped up. Moonshine turned around with a big grin. "Maybe he's one of those disobeying princes, the ones that don't want to live in a fancy castle and marry who they were ordered to," Moonshine spoke with a half-serious tone. 

Moonshine held Foeslayer's claw. "Maybe he's looking for something exotic, something different than blue, white, or grey," Moonshine insinuated. 

Foeslayer pushed her away as the door knocked. Foeslayer sighed and looked at her friend. "Look, let's not talk about this, and let's just go," Foeslayer requested, tired. 

Moonshine rolled her eyes, and both exited the room and met with their group. A servant Icewing stood in front of them and bowed before speaking. "Good morning, I will be your guide to the washing chambers, so please follow me and don't split up," they requested as they started walking. 

The group followed and looked around for anything of interest. Both Moonshine and Foeslayer were impressed by how everything was built from ice and not stone.

The group passed through many rooms, with many Icewings working to keep the place clean and spotless. As the group ascended the stairs, Foeslayer watched as her mother, Prudence, slipped on one of the steps and came tumbling to the ground.

Foeslayer quickly helped her mother up while a few servants came over as well. "Are you alright, Mother?" Foeslayer asked, worried. 

But Prudence did not answer; she just glared at Foeslayer, yanked her arm away, and stood up, glaring at all the servants. All the Icewings stepped back, and Prudence climbed the stairs, walking ahead of the group while growling.

Foeslayer watched her walk away and scoffed, "I'm so happy you're okay," Foeslayer whispered under her breath, and kept following the servant as they made it to the washing chamber, where her mother stood snapping at any Icewing that dared approach her.

The servant led them inside and told them to enter the water carefully. "It's quite cold," the servant warned. Both Moonshine and Foeslayer entered one.

After that, the whole peace committee was left to their own accord.

*********

Time passed, and Snowflake tapped her claw on the table, grumbling. She had been woken up early, and nobody was here except the council, but she didn't really care about them. Snowflake let her mind wander off; her thoughts went to the NightWing she met yesterday. That dragon sure was a talker. 

But Snowflake found it pleasant to not talk for once. She didn't like talking a lot, and Arctic understood; that's why he filled most of the conversation, and she just made comments. What did the NightWing talk about? Snowflake searched her mind and remembered something about baking, history, and nothing else. 

Snowflake tried imagining the dragon. What was her name? Doom, Kaboom, Chime? Snowflake groaned; it wasn't this hard to remember a dragon's name, right? Snowflake kept thinking until "Moon, come on!" a distant voice shouted, and Snowflake snapped her fingers, her face changing to joy. "Moonshine! That's the name!" she spoke out loud.

The others at the table looked at her, and she quickly neutralized her face and faced them with a blank stare. "What are you looking at?" Snowflake asked, her voice laced with irritation. 

The others quickly looked away, not wanting to get in trouble this early. Snowflake huffed and looked back at the door where the distant voice came from. 

All the dragons at the table watched the door open as the peace committee came in and sat down in their designated seats. Snowflake's eyes zeroed in on Moonshine's face; Snowflake's memories of yesterday were becoming clearer now. 

Snowflake stared at Moonshine, who cleaned their glasses with a cloth and placed them neatly on their snout before pushing them to their eyes. 

"What a cute face! Those glasses really match her," a thought from inside Snowflake head popped up. Snowflake tilted her head; did she really think that? 

Snowflake looked again and hummed, "I guess she does," Snowflake whispered, agreeing with her thought. Moonshine felt eyes on her, lifted her head, and caught Snowflake staring.

Both locked eyes, and Moonshine meekly waved. Snowflake waved casually back, and Snowflake broke eye contact, instead staring at a perfectly good wall.

Moonshine blinked, confused, and Foeslayer looked between the two. "So, what was that? Do you two have something going on?" Foeslayer questioned, confused. Moonshine shrugged. "I don't think so; we just talked a lot yesterday. Well, mostly me; she stayed quiet," Moonshine said.

Foeslayer squinted at Snowflake and turned back to Moonshine. "Did she always have that blank stare and neutral face?" Foeslayer asked. Moonshine nodded her head. "Yeah, kinda. She showed almost no emotions, I remember, well, I guess except surprise," Moonshine answered.

Foeslayer hummed as the two went back to talking quietly between themselves while Snowflake waited for Arctic. After a while, more of the council came in, then Icecube stepped in and gathered everyone's attention. "Everyone, I want you all to welcome the queen, and I hope you all enjoy breakfast. Thank you," Icecube told.

Everyone watched as Queen Diamond walked in with many waiters placing plates in front of everyone. As Diamond sat at the head of the table beside Snowflake, she smiled at everyone. "I hope you all had a nice rest," Diamond greeted. She looked around the table and noticed her son was not there, so she sighed.

While everyone prepared to eat at the queen's command, Diamond looked at Icecube. "Icecube, where is Arctic? I thought he was already here," Diamond inquired. 

Icecube gulped and smiled nervously. "I'm sure he's close, my queen. He must have gotten held up. I'll go look for him," Icecube offered, and Diamond nodded. 

But before Icecube could even move, the door slammed open as Prince Arctic walked in all glory, Foeslayer's eyes locked on him. Moonshine looked at her friend with a smirk.

Arctic sat down on the floor, he took off his tiara, placed it aside, and bowed his head. 

"Please forgive me for my delay; I needed to take care of something in my room," Arctic apologized. Diamond hummed.

Arctic then made his way to his seat beside Snowflake, with many eyes watching, but he did not care for theirs. The one he focused on was the one of Foeslayer, who watched him with interest and fascination once he sat down.

Foeslayer sent him a small wave, unnoticed by others except him and his mother. Arctic stared at his mother from the corner of his eye, and she stared back. Foeslayer watched his face subtly change to cold and uncaring. Arctic stared at her with annoyance and ignored her.

Instead, he turned to Snowflake and gave her a kiss on the cheek, far away from the mouth. "Good morning, my love. Did you have a good sleep?" Arctic asked warmly. Snowflake rolled her eyes, but she put on her best smile and looked back at Arctic lovingly.

"Of course, my love. Now quiet down and listen to the queen," Snowflake suggested while others clapped softly for the couple. Foeslayer watched the scene and looked forward, feeling a little sad, but she quickly shook her head. What was she feeling sad for? She smacked herself softly.

The whole table heard it and turned to her. Foeslayer gulped and apologized, explaining she thought she saw a bug. After everything calmed down, Diamond announced to everyone that breakfast could commence.

Foeslayer sighed and began eating. She felt a tap on her shoulder; her eyes drifted to Moonshine, who gave her a worried look and pointed to her brain. Foeslayer sighed and spoke in her mind, "Oh, it's nothing. I know he told me that they are keeping up appearances, but it still feels bad to get the cold shoulder," Foeslayer grumbled.

Moonshine rolled her eyes, took out a small note, wrote something, and passed it to Foeslayer. Foeslayer read the note: "I'm sure he's sorry for treating you with the cold shoulder, but what's up with them kissing? I thought they were friends," Moonshine wrote neatly.

Foeslayer nodded. "Yeah, this is just an arranged marriage, and Arctic doesn't really like it, but they also do that to keep up appearances," Foeslayer answered. Moonshine hummed as the two kept talking.

After breakfast was done, Diamond stood up and clapped her claws together. Everyone looked at her, and she smiled. Diamond turned to the peace committee. "I hope the food was to your liking," Diamond asked, and the group nodded. 

"Good, I know we settled on two weeks for your stay, but I want to propose some extended days because I would personally like to invite you to the Arctic hatching ceremony," Diamond offered as she sat back down. 

The peace committee looked at each other as they closed in on each other and whispered. Prudence then stepped forward. "Thank you, Queen Diamond. We will think about your proposal and give you our answer tomorrow if that is acceptable," Prudence offered back. 

Diamond gave them a pleasant smile and nodded. "That is perfectly acceptable, my friends. Now, let us continue." Diamond clapped her claws, and Icecube stood beside her. 

Diamond looked at him for input. "My queen, your schedule is clear for the day, so you will be free to give the peace committee a tour of the kingdom," Icecube informed.

Arctic stood up. "Mother, I would like to give the two Nightwings my age a tour. I'm sure they will be happy as well," Arctic requested. 

Diamond's eyes stared at his son while Arctic stared back. The Nightwing group watched both of them as the whole council exited the room to continue their work. The group observed a silent conversation between prince and queen. After a while, Diamond smiled. "It is allowed if the Nightwing group agrees, my son," Diamond said, looking at the group. 

The group looked at each other and whispered among themselves, with Moonshine and Foeslayer's voices speaking louder than the others, but still quiet enough that the three Icewings couldn't hear. After a nice whisper session that was irritating the Icewings, the group finally turned.

Prudence stepped forward and nodded. "We agree to your offer, Prince Arctic, but we humbly request to bring them back before nightfall, if that is acceptable," Prudence proposed. Arctic nodded. "Of course," Arctic agreed.

Diamond nodded, "Perfect! Now let us go; my son will take care of your young ones," Diamond ordered as she left with the group. Prudence glared at them before leaving.  

Arctic groaned as he fell into the chair while Snowflake calmed her posture and slouched.  

"Finally, she's gone. God, she's even more uptight then usual," Arctic complained while Foeslayer and Moonshine stood there awkwardly, picking at their claws.  

Arctic looked at them and waved them over. "Hey, Foeslayer, sorry for giving you the cold shoulder. If my mom saw me waving at you, she would punish me right here and there," Arctic apologized.  

Foeslayer shrugged. "Oh, it's okay, but why would she punish you? Wouldn't it be polite?" Foeslayer wondered.  

Snowflake leaned forward. "’Cause Arctic's mom wants Arctic to show nothing but cold gestures to others, like ignoring, threatening, and other stuff," Snowflake answered.  

Moonshine raised an eyebrow. "So she expects Prince Arctic to show no emotions or even act kind?" Moonshine exclaimed, super confused.

Arctic nodded. "Yeah, she thinks emotions are a weakness to be exploited, and I mean she's not wrong, but it's not really right," Arctic said, agreeing with their confused stares.  

Foeslayer was busying herself rationalizing the queen's thinking while Moonshine leaned toward Arctic and outstretched her claw.  

"Nice to meet you, Prince Arctic. My name is Moonshine, Foeslayer's best friend and a scroll nerd," Moonshine introduced herself.  

Arctic smiled and took her claw into his and shook it. "Arctic, please don't use 'Prince' when greeting me; I hate it. Also, I'm an animus. I'm not a scroll nerd, but fun facts are nice," Arctic introduced himself.  

Foeslayer and Snowflake looked at each other. "Hey, my name's Snowflake. I like... stories," Snowflake introduced herself awkwardly.  

Foeslayer hummed. "Yeah, hi, I'm Foeslayer. I like fighting a little and making tiny poems from time to time," Foeslayer introduced herself with an outstretched claw, which Snowflake took while the other snickered at their friend's awkwardness.

Arctic sighed and stood up smiling. "Now I think we have a tour to go over with, am I not wrong?" Arctic announced with glee.  

The others nodded and stood up; all four left while the servants came in to clean.  

Arctic guided them to the west side of the castle in the lower levels. He walked in front of the group and coughed before standing in front of the door.  

"In here, we have our greatest artwork in the Ice Kingdom. Please do not touch anything; always raise your claw if you have a question, and please stay with the group," Arctic said as a tour guide while opening the door.  

Snowflake walked beside him, while Moonshine and Foeslayer looked around. The group walked into a big room with many paintings and ice sculptures; it also contained knitted and sewn art as well.  

Both Nightwings saw many paintings of dragon landscapes, historical wars, famous dragons they guessed from any tribe, and historical findings. They all stopped at a sculpture as Arctic stopped and coughed, gathering their attention.

Arctic smiled and outstretched his arm to the sculpture that resembled a flower. It was small, and it seemed even a delicate touch would shatter it. Foeslayer and Moonshine looked at the flower in confusion; they expected something grand. "How did it come to be?" Foeslayer asked. Arctic smiled while Snowflake clapped her hands, and the light dimmed, focusing only on the flower. 

"Well, this flower was created by an unknown Icewing animus not connected to the royal bloodline in the far past," Arctic began. "When many dragons still lived isolated, in packs, or just survived, we never got the name of the animus; its name was never kept. But they lived in isolation, outcast by their pack, forced to live and fend for themselves," Arctic retold. Then Snowflake spoke next. 

"The animus was not a good hunter or had any good qualities that would have prevented it from being outcast. It did not provide any benefits, so he lived in hunger, trying to survive. But one thing did bring the animus joy," Snowflake said somberly.

Snowflake then pointed to the flower. "They like seeing their favorite flowers at the snow border; they would come each time that it would bloom," Snowflake said somewhat joyfully.  

Arctic spoke next. "But unfortunately, they could no longer see them as they were run out by other dragons outside of the snow region. They couldn't go back, and they feared what would happen," Arctic said as he touched the flower.  

"But the animal wanted to see his favorite flower so much that he tried making it from ice. But every time he tried, it broke or it was wrong. He started neglecting himself and only focused on the flower, hoping to see the thing that brought him joy," Arctic said quietly. He then grabbed Foelsayer's claw slowly and pulled it towards the flower.  

"In his final breath, he demanded—begged—for the flower. He didn't want it to break or go away; he wanted to be filled with hope again because of what the flower meant to him. And so he got it, as the flower formed from ice," Arctic said softly.

Arctic then led Foeslayer's claw as both touched the flower. Foeslayer felt herself being more joyful than normal and more optimistic. She stared at Arctic. "This flower fills you with hope and joy. Do you guys want to touch it as well?" Arctic asked happily. 

The other two came and touched it, with Moonshine buzzing with joy and Snowflake having a big smile on her face. After a few minutes of silence, Arctic led them outside the room. He didn't spend any more time in the art room, and he didn't want to expose all the good art; he wanted to save it for his next visit. 

They walked down the hallway. Moonshine touched Snowflake's smile. "Do you really feel happy?" Moonshine asked curiously. Snowflake nodded. "Yes, I am really happy," Snowflake answered joyfully. 

Snowflake tilted her head and grabbed Moonshine's claw carefully. "Hey, come on, I want to make it before these two. Can you tell me more facts from yesterday?" Snowflake requested. Moonshine blushed at the contact but nodded as the two walked further ahead.

Foeslayer sighed as the two went ahead. "So where are we going next?" Foeslayer asked while they passed by windows where she saw a village further out.  

Arctic hummed, "Okay, I guess. We're going to see some animus enchanted stuff," Arctic answered while he followed Foeslayer's eyes and stared at the village as well.  

Foeslayer pointed to the village. "I saw that when we came to the dome. Why are they all the way out here and not here in the castle?" Foeslayer asked cautiously.  

Foeslayer stared at the village and thought of her caretaker. "That's the village that houses the Icewings that are rank 1 and 2. Their value is worthless, and they contribute nothing spectacular, so that's where they live," Arctic answered, remembering his mother's explanation.  

Foeslayer frowned, looked at Arctic, and then looked back in disgust or rage. "That's horrible! How can you judge someone on their worth? How can you judge? Don't you at least care for one another?" Foeslayer asked, confused. Arctic looked at her coldly, and she gulped.

Arctic's eyes softened as he sighed, "I don't know, it's been like this since I was born. The rankings are judged on a wall; those at the bottom must fight and strive to reach the top to have at least a good life," Arctic explained sadly. 

Foeslayer frowned and looked forward. "What happens to them if they stay at the bottom?" Foeslayer asked slowly. 

Arctic frowned as well. "They're sent to die in battle or to do things that I cannot say," Arctic answered quietly. 

Foeslayer nodded. The two stood in silence while staring at the falling snow; Arctic kept staring at the village. 

"My caretaker was from there. I always saw others look at him with disgust. I never knew why, but now that I'm older, I understand. I hate it, but I can't do anything about it; only the queen can do something," Arctic rambled a little. 

Foeslayer sighed but said nothing. Arctic frowned a little. "Sorry if this ruined your day. I hoped you didn't see this. I'm not happy about it," Arctic apologized.

Foeslayer sighed but had a small smile. "It's alright, it's not ruined. I'm happy that you see this is wrong too," Foeslayer reassured, and Arctic smiled.  

Foeslayer then took his claw. "But I want to visit it; I want to see it with my own eyes, if you can make it happen," Foeslayer requested.  

Arctic stared at the village and looked unsure. "I'll try, but I can't promise anything; it is my mother's decision," Arctic semi-promised.  

Foeslayer smiled. "That's all I ask. Now let's go; I want to spend some more time with you, Prince Arctic," Foeslayer said softly.  

Arctic blushed and looked away. "Uh, sure, I want to spend more time with you. Let's go; I'm sure the two are already getting idiotic ideas about what's happening," Arctic mumbled.  

Foeslayer giggled and ran up ahead. Arctic stood still and looked back at the village. He raised his claw slowly, stared at it, and gazed at the village.  

What could he even do? How much of his soul would he lose if used for something this big? What would he even enchant?

Arctic sighed and left; he couldn't use his powers for evil. Controlling or manipulating a dragon's mind is bad. He needed advice; he needed Powder; he would know what to do. Arctic left to continue the guided tour of the castle.

Chapter Text

The clouds were dark with small snowflakes falling. Both Moonshine and Foeslayer looked around the palace grounds as many Icewings walked past them. Moonshine cleaned her glasses while Foeslayer looked behind them, spotting their tour guides speaking in hushed tones. 

Arctic and Snowflake were talking in hushed tones. "So, are we allowed to show them the animus-touched objects?" Snowflake asked. Arctic shrugged. "I don't know, and I don't care what my mother thinks. We're taking them. Now come on," Arctic ended the conversation. 

But he was stopped by Snowflake, who seemed a little nervous. That made Arctic raise an eyebrow. "Anything else, Snow? You don't usually act nervous," Arctic questioned. Snowflake hummed and looked at the two Nightwings, her gaze focusing on Moonshine before she turned back to Arctic. 

"Can we actually talk in private, away from everyone? I want to tell you something, and I need some advice from you," Snowflake requested with a small smile.

Arctic narrowed his eyes a little; now this was something new. Snowflake never acted this way, all secretive-like. Arctic peered over her shoulder and locked eyes with both Nightwings. "Hey, you guys can go on ahead if you want. Snowflake and I need to talk," Arctic communicated in his mind, hoping either Nightwing could hear it. 

He saw Moonshine's ear perk up. She turned to Foeslayer and told her something. Foeslayer tilted her head and locked eyes with Arctic. She asked if he was sure, and he nodded, putting on a charming smile to reassure her. Foeslayer sighed and nodded. 

Arctic watched the two talk back and forth before coming to an agreement, as Foeslayer waved at him and both left. Arctic looked at Snowflake. "They leave?" she asked. Arctic nodded, turning around with Snowflake following. They walked as fewer and fewer dragons appeared until it was only them. 

"Okay, you can talk now that we're away from everyone," suggested Arctic, leaning against a wall for his friend's secret talk.

*********

Moonshine and Foeslayer walked through the courtyards and stopped at a training ground. The two watched as Icewings practiced their frost breath. Others were doing exercises, and some were engaged in combat training. "You think you can take any of them in a fight?" asked Moonshine challengingly. 

Foeslayer scoffed and smirked. "Please, I fought dragons bigger than them. I could definitely win... uuhhh..." Foeslayer hesitated as she looked over every Icewing, calculating how many she could take down. "Four, I can take down four if I wanted to," boasted Foeslayer, flexing her claws and biceps. Moonshine rolled her eyes and looked closer.

It seemed like a few Icewings spotted their watching session; they talked among themselves before one walked forward and stood on its hind legs. Moonshine and Foeslayer raised a brow as the Icewing ran a claw through its short fur and flexed its body for the two, shooting a smirk and a wink. Foeslayer rolled her eyes while Moonshine giggled, blushing a little.

A few of the Icewing buddies cheered, seeing that his little show did something. He flew up to them and landed beside them.  

"Evening, ladies! You like what you see?" purred the Icewing. Foeslayer gagged while her friend leaned on the snowy rails.  

"Oh, definitely! What an impressive form!" praised Moonshine, making the Icewing puff his chest a little.  

"Thanks! You know, gotta prepare these babies for when an enemy attacks," said the Icewing while flexing his bicep.  

Moonshine outstretched her claw a little. "May I?" The Icewing smirked. "You may, beautiful," he complimented.  

Moonshine blushed a little as she touched the Icewing's bicep. She felt how sturdy and strong it was, and she giggled when the Icewing flexed it again.  

Foeslayer rolled her eyes and stood up. "Hey, Shine, I'll go on ahead. Try to find the others, okay?" announced Foeslayer as she started walking away.  

That seemed to break Moonshine out of a trance. "Oh, uh, sorry! I gotta go. Hope to see you again!" Moonshine quickly said goodbye.

Moonshine quickly ran after her friend as  the Icewing's eyes lingered on the disappearing form of Moonshine. Moonshine quickly caught up with Foeslayer, who was looking at the architecture in the meantime. Moonshine caught her breath and glared at Foeslayer. 

"What the heck was that, Foe?" questioned Moonshine. 

Foeslayer shrugged. "I didn't like the way that guy was looking at you. I don't think he was even staring at you; he was checking your body out more," Foeslayer pointed out. 

Moonshine sighed. "Yeah, I did that too. We were checking each other out; it's what dragons do before approaching," confessed Moonshine, seeing nothing wrong in the interaction she had with the Icewing. 

Foeslayer sighed, looking conflicted, but spoke her mind. "I was just worried he was checking you out for your body, for a quick lay. I'm worried, you know," said Foeslayer quietly, her voice filled with worry. 

Moonshine calmed down, hearing the worry in her friend's voice and the implications of the statement.

Moonshine stared at the ground, thinking over her words before she spoke. Foeslayer stopped beside the palace school, watching the Icewing dragonets talk and play with each other. Moonshine took off her glasses and grabbed a white cloth from her pouch to clean the lenses before putting them back on her snout. 

"Foe," Moonshine called softly. Foeslayer tore her eyes from the dragonets and looked at her friend. 

"Yeah?" she asked. Moonshine sighed. "Look, I'm happy you care for my safety, but I don't want you becoming like my parents—so protective," complained Moonshine. 

Foeslayer frowned and grabbed her friend's shoulder. "Moon, I'm just trying to keep you safe. You know what happ—" Moonshine shushed her with a claw. She grabbed Foeslayer's claw and held it with care. 

"Look, I know, but that's in the past, and I'm fine. I can't let that hold me back from finding someone to be my mate. I'm grateful you care so much, but please let me do my own thing when meeting dragons I want to go out with," Moonshine begged.

Foeslayer hummed unsure, but she looked at Moonshine's pleading face and sighed, "Fine, I won't be overprotective when you're trying to get a guy or gal," Foeslayer conceded.  

Moonshine jumped for joy and smiled at Foeslayer, making sure she knew how grateful she was. "Thanks, Foe! Don't worry, I'll be fine, but come on, let's explore more. Our tour guides are taking too long," ordered Moonshine, taking confident strides as she walked in a random direction.  

Foeslayer rolled her eyes and followed her wherever she went. The two Nightwings spent many minutes wandering aimlessly, walking into activities and conversations; they even crashed a party, which both Nightwings apologized profusely for crashing.  

Now the two walked down the snowy street, Moonshine bored and Foeslayer frustrated.  

"Ugh, what is taking Arctic and Snowflake so long? The day will end before we see anything interesting," complained Foeslayer. Moonshine shared the same sentiment, clearly annoyed at the no-show of both Icewings.

Both looked up; they couldn't really tell the time with the clouds blocking the sun, but the falling snow was a bigger concern for them. It seemed to be getting faster and a little bit heavier, as they could see small mounds of it. Sure, the gift of diplomacy protected them from freezing, but not from a snowstorm.

Moonshine looked around and pointed. "Hey, let's go in there, away from all this snow," suggested Moonshine, with Foeslayer quickly agreeing. Both entered a circular building with a dome ceiling that seemed strangely illuminated. 

The two walked down a tunnel with barely anything; it only had small carvings. "Geez, this place sounds empty. I can't hear anyone," said Foeslayer as her voice echoed down the tunnel. Moonshine let out an excited gasp. "Helloooo," she called, as her voice echoed down the tunnel as well, making her giggle. 

Foeslayer snorted. "Is this place haunted?" Foeslayer called out cryptically, as the howling wind answered her. The two giggled as they kept walking down, as it grew darker and darker.

The two gulped as their eyes adjusted to the darkness. "Hahaha, this got creepy fast," Moonshine laughed nervously as the howling wind grew louder.

That made her move closer to Foeslayer, who remained stoic. "Don't worry, Shine, it's just a tunnel that's really long and dark, with creepy wind noises. We're fine, don't worry," Foeslayer tried reassuring her, her voice echoing again. 

Moonshine hummed, unsure but trusting her friend as they kept walking. Moonshine felt her body shivering from fear as they ventured further. But her body flinched when she felt a slight touch on her side. Her body stopped completely as she looked around frantically. 

"Shine, what's wrong? Why did you stop?" whispered Foeslayer, confused. Moonshine looked everywhere. "Didn't you feel anything touch you?" whispered Moonshine back, her shivering becoming even worse.

Foeslayer looked side to side. "Uhh, no, it's probably your imagination and this whole creepy tunnel giving you ideas," deduced Foeslayer as she went to walk again.

Moonshine jumped a little and followed her friend, clinging to her a bit. Foeslayer let out a sigh of relief, finally seeing the end of the tunnel.

The two walked out into a circular room with nothing interesting besides a tree with white leaves and branches arranged in a very intricate way. Foeslayer smirked down at her friend. "See, there was nothing to be afraid of; it was just a tree," she reassured Foeslayer, giving her best smile. 

Moonshine hesitantly let go and looked around, still hearing the howling wind, but there was nothing, which made her relax her shoulders. "Yeah, yeah, there's nothing. I was scared of noth—'tap' 'tap' 'tap'." Both Nightwings froze when they heard claw steps.

The two quickly looked around for anyone but found nothing. "Foe, Foe, what was that?" Moonshine's high-pitched voice asked as her teeth chattered. Foeslayer gulped, her body quivering, but she put on a smile. "Don't worry, Shine, I'm sure it was a tiny animal, maybe," suggested Foeslayer, but then the two heard a whooshing sound.

The two looked toward where the sound came from and saw a shadowy figure disappear. Moonshine yelped and grabbed Foeslayer's arm, shaking in fear. Foeslayer gulped and took a step forward, looking around the room. "Hey, come out! This isn't funny; I'm warning you," Foeslayer threatened, but her voice didn't really back it up. 

The two watched as a ball rolled toward them, making them watch this ball in curiosity as it lit up, causing both to gasp. They looked at each other. "Where did this come from? How did it light up?" whispered Foeslayer. Moonshine shrugged, not really knowing. 

But then a white snout with many scars appeared between the two, making them freeze. "It was me," it spoke. This made them both jump in fear, screaming, but then it turned into confused "huh's" when the voice started laughing as the whole room lit up. 

Revealing a big-bodied icewing with short fur, his body riddled with scars, many of his ice spikes broken off, and some patches of fur missing as well. "Whoo, gets them every time," said the voice.

Moonshine huffed and walked angrily towards the big-bodied Icewing. "Hey, what the hell was that for, jerk?" Moonshine accused. Foeslayer glared, as well as the Icewing, who held his hands up apologetically. "Sorry, sorry, it's the only thing I can have fun with when dragons come to visit the Gift of Light," the Icewing apologized while pointing to the tree. 

The two looked over and saw the tree lit up with many balls of light. "Woah, when did that happen?" inquired Foeslayer.

The Icewing walked forward while snapping his claws. "This is the Gift of Light, made by Prince Frostbite to give dragons a guiding light in the darkest of times," informed the Icewing with love in his voice. He turned around and smiled. "My name's Freezeshock, but you can call me Freeze," Freezeshock introduced himself with a smile. 

Moonshine, still a little angry, huffed and rolled her eyes. "Well, nice to meet you, Freeze. Is this tree the only thing in here?" Foeslayer asked. Freezeshock nodded. "Yep, this whole dome is for one tree." Freezeshock answered.

Freezeshock snapped his fingers again, and the whole room went dark. When all the light orbs went out, he snapped again, and they lit back up. The two watched in fascination.

Freezeshock smiled, "These orbs are moon globes," he informed as one floated down towards him. "These globes can float and light up any place, never leaving you in darkness and always ready to guide you and help you," Freezeshock boasted as the globe floated around him. 

"So simplistic, yet so useful in unique situations," Foelsayer commented, while Moonshine stared at the tree, fascinated as a new moon globe grew. "Yeah, it's only useful for specific things, but it was a gift from our prince, so we cherish it. Here," Freezeshock spoke with care while he sent two globes to the Nightwings. 

The two were surprised. "Oh, can we? Are we allowed? We don't want to get you in trouble," Foelsayer tried denying. Freezeshock waved her worries away. "It's alright, little lady. You are our guest, so please accept our gift," Freezeshock reassured.

Both Nightwings smiled as they stared at their globe in fascination, Foeslayer let hers float beside her. While Moonshine put pressure on her globe, it cracked and exploded, making her gasp in horror, while Freezeshock laughed quietly, seeing the horror on her face. 

"Calm down, young lady, look," Freezeshock suggested. Moonshine watched as balls of light floated all around the room before coming back together and forming into the globe. 

"Whoa, that's cool," Moonshine marveled, as did Foeslayer. 

"So, Freeze, is it your duty to stand guard here?" Foeslayer wondered while she pocketed her globe in her satchel. 

"Yup, that's my duty for today: stand guard of this tree until night when I can go to my beloved Powder," Freezeshock gushed. 

All three dragons spent the rest of the evening talking until the first hour of the night when they all heard clawsteps. Both Arctic and Snowflake walked into the dome. "There you guys are! We've been looking for you everywhere," Arctic groaned, while Snowflake waved.

Moonshine waved while Foeslayer huffed, "So you finally decided to check up on us," sneered Foeslayer.  

Arctix rolled his eyes. "Foeslayer, I was busy. Me and Snowflake needed to talk; you don't understand that," Arctix pointed out.  

"Oh please, it couldn't have been that long of a talk. It's already night; most of the day was wasted waiting for our tour guide," Foeslayer complained.  

Arctic came closer to her. "Yes, and I'm sorry. We just got caught in a deep and meaningful talk," Arctic apologized. Foeslayer pouted and looked away.  

The others watched in amusement as the two bickered back and forth.  

Moonshine giggled at her friend, while Snowflake rolled her eyes at her friend's antics as well.  

She looked up to Freezeshock. "Evening, Freeze. Tree duty today?" Snowflake greeted. Freezeshock sighed and nodded. "Yup, it's so boring, but I had fun scaring these two," Freezeshock laughed.  

Moonshine smacked his chest, glaring. "Still rude, by the way," Moonshine said while Freezeshock giggled. Snowflake raised an eyebrow.

Moonshine caught her staring and looked away, embarrassed. "I wasn't that scared, alright?" Moonshine denied, blushing.  

"Really, all that screaming, shivering, and clinging wasn't you being scared? Strange," Freezeshock commented, with Moonshine glaring at him.  

Snowflake blinked and pointed finger guns at her. "Don't worry, Shine, you can count on me to protect you," promised Snowflake.  

Both dragons stared at her. "Oh, thanks, that's nice to know," Moonshine said, while Freezeshock squinted.  

Snowflake quickly turned around, making sure to hide her lightly blushing cheeks.  

"Hey, you two, come on, we're leaving and going out to eat before midnight. See you later, Freeze," Arctic called before following Foeslayer.  

Moonshine and Snowflake got up to follow. "Bye, Freeze, see you later. Don't try to scare me, or I'll punch you," Moonshine called out before leaving, while Snowflake waved.  

Freezeshock waved back and sighed, being left alone in this empty dome with nothing but himself.

*********

All four walked to the gates of the palace wall, where guards stood ready. Foeslayer looked up toward the clouds and saw how they darkened and how the snowflakes clumped together to make bigger ones.

She hummed nervously and tapped Arctic on the shoulder. He leaned his head toward her. "Yeah?" he asked. Foeslayer pointed to the clouds. "Is it safe for us to visit a village just for food? Don't we have food at the palace?" Foeslayer worried.

Arctic looked up at the clouds. He turned to Snowflake, who was trying to make casual conversation with Moonshine, who was doing her best to help her as well. He looked back at the palace, which stood ominously in the darkened clouds and falling snow.

Arctic gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we'll be fine. I promise that. Let's just have a fun time and not leave this day in such a boring way, huh?" Arctic suggested. Foeslayer sighed, but looking at Arctic's reassuring smile and comforting eyes, she nodded. "Alright, I trust you," Foeslayer agreed.

Arctic nodded as the guards opened the gates for them, and they flew away to their destination. The group landed as the snow crunched underneath their claws. Moonshine and Foeslayer looked up at a decently sized village; there were houses made of ice, snow, wood, and some were made of stone.

The group walked in as many Icewings bowed in the presence of Prince Arctic, while some stayed in fascination at the two Nightwings. Arctic waved at them softly as he was surrounded by many dragons.

Foeslayer giggled when she saw some dragonets trying to climb on him as their parents tried to take them off and apologized profusely. Foeslayer then felt a tug on her wing; she looked down to see a little girl looking up at her curiously. "Oh, hello there, little one," Foeslayer greeted while crouching down a little.

The little girl stepped back, getting a little nervous now. "Oh, hello! What kind of dragon are you?" the little one asked. Foeslayer smiled and spread her wings. "I'm a Nightwing," she informed.

She gasped and marveled when she spotted Foeslayer's wings. "Whoo, your wings are so pretty; they look like the stars," the little one complimented.  

Foeslayer smiled. "Why, thank you! Your spikes look awesome," Foeslayer complimented back.  

The little one blushed. "Oh, thank you! It's not as impressive as my brother's," the little one mumbled, embarrassed.  

Foeslayer scoffed. "Nonsense! I'm sure yours will be much more impressive than theirs," Foeslayer said confidently.  

The little one smiled. "Thanks, that's nice to hear! I hope I get to look like Prince Arctic; he has the fur and the spikes," the little one admired.  

Foeslayer looked at him as the crowd dispersed around him, with dragons being guided away.  

She watched as Lucio's fur blew softly and his spikes and scales sparkled beautifully. She admired his charming smile as he waved Icewings off.  

"Yeah, he looks amazing," Foeslayer whispered. The little one giggled. "Ooh, someone likes our prince," the little one teased, making Foeslayer blush as she looked away.

The little one giggled, and Foeslayer shushed her. "Please don't say anything; you gotta keep it a secret, alright?" Foeslayer asked. The little one nodded and crossed her heart. "I promise, but I gotta go now; my mom is here," the little one said as she left, waving at Foeslayer. 

Foeslayer waved back, sighing. She looked over to Moonshine and Snowflake, who were looking at buildings. It seemed like Snowflake was giving her friend a rundown on how the buildings were made. She walked towards Arctic when she saw everyone had left. "Hey, you ready to go, Mr. Popular?" asked Foeslayer. 

Arctic rolled his eyes. "Haha, let's go; I'm hungry. Snow, Shine, come on; we're gonna eat," Arctic called out as the two quickly ran to catch up. Arctic led the group to a wooden building.

As they entered, they were greeted by a cozy atmosphere with many Icewings sitting around tables, eating and chatting. While a group of Icewings played a calming tune on a stage, a crackling fire at the end of the room lit up the space with its orange and yellow hue.

Arctic walked up to a counter and tapped the wood. The shuffling Icewing hit his head under the counter. "Aw, shit," he said, standing up and shaking his head.  

"Good evening, welcome to Seal's Feast. How many dragons?" the Icewing asked while rubbing his head.  

"Uh, four dragons, but we like to sit at our own tables," Arctic requested. He watched the Icewing freeze and look at him, blinking slowly.  

The Icewing quickly jumped and stood before him, bowing. "Of course, Prince Arctic. Please follow me," the Icewing requested nervously.  

Arctic nodded and followed as he and FoeslayShe smiled softly. "It's nice; it's much better than the first village I saw. There are houses made of different materials, and the residents seem happy, healthy, and joyful," she answered while leaning on her claw. 

Arctic looked outside as well. "Yeah, this is one of the most stable villages, thanks to the gift that was created by Princess Caribou," Arctic mumbled, but he spotted her confused gaze. 

He smacked his head gently. "Sorry, I forgot; you're not from here, so here's a story," he started. 

Arctic told her how an Icewing named Snowstorm, born from this village, went to the palace for a chance to gain a spot in the palace school. When he succeeded, he didn't have many friends, but he did catch the interest of the animus princess, and they hit it off great, becoming great friends.

Snowstorm worked up the ranks to become her personal advisor, and thanks to him, he was able to see how the state of many villages was. When Princess Caribou saw this, she was distraught at finding many of her subjects starving from hunger.er were led to a table near the windows, while Moonshine and Snowflake were led to a table that was near the stage and the fireplace.  

"Is this seating favorable, Prince Arctic?" the Icewing asked as cold sweat ran down the side of his head.  

Arctic looked at Foeslayer; she nodded, then looked at Snowflake across the room, who gave a thumbs up.  

Arctic put on a comforting smile. "Yes, it's perfect. Thank you very much," Arctic said.

It had the calming effect he wanted, as the Icewing calmed down a little and nodded. "Of course, Prince Arctic, I'll bring our menu shortly. Would you like to start with drinks?" the Icewing asked.  

Arctic hummed and looked at Foeslayer. "Hey, you ever drank wine?" he asked. Foeslayer tilted her head. "No, not really, but I always wanted to try," she explained.  

Arctic nodded and turned to the Icewing. "Well, have your finest, if you please," requested Arctic.  

The Icewing nodded. "Of course," and left the two to their little bubble.  

"So, what do you think?" Arctic asked, waving his claw all over.  

Foeslayer looked over the building and shrugged. "The architecture is fine, nothing out of this world, but nice. The atmosphere is nice, and also the music," Foeslayer mumbled.  

Arctic laughed softly. "No, no, the whole village. I saw you getting chummy with a little one. What's your first impression of the village?" Arctic reiterated more clearly.  

Foeslayer looked outside and spotted a group of dragonets having a snowball fight.

She smiled softly. "It's nice; it's much better than the first village I saw. There are houses made of different materials, and the residents seem happy, healthy, and joyful," she answered while leaning on her claw. 

Arctic looked outside as well. "Yeah, this is one of the most stable villages, thanks to the gift that was created by Princess Caribou," Arctic mumbled, but he spotted her confused gaze. 

He smacked his head gently. "Sorry, I forgot; you're not from here, so here's a story," he started. 

Arctic told her how an Icewing named Snowstorm, born from this village, went to the palace for a chance to gain a spot in the palace school.

When he succeeded, he didn't have many friends, but he did catch the interest of the animus princess, and they hit it off great, becoming great friends.

Snowstorm worked up the ranks to become her personal advisor, and thanks to him, he was able to see how the state of many villages was. When Princess Caribou saw this, she was distraught at finding many of her subjects starving from hunger.

But that gave her an idea for her hatching gift, as she enchanted tree holes to always give a seal to whoever stuck their claws in. It helped many of the villagers, and they made a whole celebration in her name. There's even a temple, but there's still much more to do for the Icewings outside the palace to live a good life. 

Arctic finished with a smile. Foeslayer lapped softly, "That's so nice! What about you? Do you know what you're going to do for your hatching gift?" Foeslayer asked. 

Arctic frowned a little and looked down. "Uh, no, sorry. I'm still trying to find something to enchant that will actually help dragons," Arctic informed sadly. 

Foeslayer gave an optimistic smile. "Hey, don't worry! I'm sure you'll figure out something," Foeslayer encouraged with a thumbs up. 

Arctic snorted and laughed quietly. "What? What's wrong? Why are you laughing?" Foeslayer growled, which made Arctic laugh a little harder. 

"Sorry, it just sounded so corny from Dragonet Scrolls," Arctic explained while laughing quietly.

Foeslayer huffed and pouted, "Fine, don't count on me to ever encourage you again," Foeslayer stated, looking away with a huff.  

"Oh, Foe, don't be like that. Pff, I'm sorry, come look at me, pff," Arctic tried apologizing through his laughter, causing Foeslayer to snap at him softly so as not to draw attention.  

From the other side of the room, both Snowflake and Moonshine watched their friend interact. Moonshine leaned on her claw, smiling softly at her friend.  

Snowflake looked at her awkwardly; she opened her mouth but closed it back. She licked her lip nervously and tapped the table rhythmically.  

"So..." Snowflake started as Moonshine quickly looked at her, making Snowflake freeze up mid-talk.  

"Yeah, what's up?" Moonshine asked, tilting her head. Snowflake gulped. "So... what do you like to do in your spare time?" Snowflake asked slowly.  

Moonshine blinked and placed a claw on her chin, humming. "Well, I like baking with my parents; they own a bakery. You should definitely visit," Moonshine recommended.

Snowflake leaned on her claws and just listened to Moonshine talk. "And, uhh, like I said back in the palace, I'm kind of a scroll nerd. Give me any scroll, and I'll read it," Moonshine spoke quickly.

She drummed her claws along the table for more information. "Uhh, oh, I also want to visit the SandWing palace and all the other tribes to taste sweet confections," Moonshine finished with a smile. 

Her smile quickly turned into a nervous grin as she held her head. "Uh, sorry if I rambled a lot; I talk a lot," Moonshine meekly apologized. But Snowflake waved her concerns off. "Don't worry; I enjoy listening to you speak. It's cute, I guess," Snowflake answered dryly. 

That made Moonshine blush a little as she looked away. "Oh, thank you! You look good as well," Moonshine complimented back. Snowflake's face did not change; she stared at Moonshine with the same blank stare. Moonshine gulped but pointed at her. "What about you? What's your hobbies and, I guess, dreams of what you want to become?" Moonshine asked.

Snowflake blinked and tapped the table for a few seconds. "Uhh, like scrolls written by my mother, um, I hunt when I have time." Moonshine nodded to Snowflake, slowly talking.  

Snowflake gulped and hoped that Moonshine wasn't getting irritated by her talking speed.  

"And I never actually had a dream to become anything; my future is already decided by the queen," Snowflake finished on a sour note.  

Moonshine leaned back. "Ohhh, that's..." she didn't finish. Snowflake frowned and looked away. "Sorry for ruining the moment; I'm not really interesting," Snowflake apologized.  

Moonshine shook her head. "No, no, you're fine. You didn't ruin the moment, but I'm sure you're super interesting," Moonshine reassured her with a smile.  

Snowflake sighed and shook her head. "No, that's untrue. Your life sounds more interesting than mine. Not many dragons interact with me, 'cause, as you can see, I'm not the most expressive," Snowflake finished, pointing at her blank stare.  

Moonshine hummed and nodded her head to Arctic. "What about him?"

Snowflake looked at her friend across the room and smiled. "I'm grateful for having Arctic as my friend; he was the first dragon to ever interact with me when no dragon would," Snowflake spoke with joy.

Moonshine smiled and leaned in, her claw pointing at Snowflake. "I like that smile on your face. Why don't you talk more about Arctic?" Moonshine asked.

Snowflake blinked and tried remembering things she and Arctic did. She snapped her claws and had a joyful smile. "I remember this time when Arctic came with his caretaker to my house and tried to request a playdate, but my father denied it, telling him how I needed to focus on my studies, and he ordered me to focus on them," Snowflake recounted.

Moonshine had a cheeky smile as she leaned forward. "Ooh, do I smell a rebellious phase coming on?" she guessed.

Snowflake blushed a little and nodded. "Yes, he came to my window with the help of his caretaker, who was freaking out about being punished," Snowflake spoke with more emotion in her voice.

Moonshine nodded and leaned forward. "Yeah, yeah, keep going. Tell me more," Moonshine encouraged.  

Snowflake sighed and looked a little irritated. "I remember how many simple words he used to get me to disobey my father. I was so embarrassed and guilty," Snowflake confessed.  

Moonshine smirked. "But how did it feel, hmm?" she teased. Snowflake smiled. "Oh, it felt so good to disobey my father, to do things my way, and I just kept doing it. The thought of getting caught added such a thrill. Is it wrong for me to love it?" Snowflake asked with a small smile.  

Moonshine scoffed and smirked. "Girl, no! Every dragonet disobeys their parents, even me. You don't know how many times I snuck out with Foeslayer for rowdy parties, friend hangouts, even to escape homework. I'll do it," Moonshine reassured.  

Snowflake pondered. "Really? And you never got caught? Did you not fear punishment?" Snowflake asked, wondering.  

Moonshine raised an eyebrow. "Like getting grounded, or your stuff getting taken away?" Moonshine guessed.

Snowflake shook her head. "No, like, getting a rank down, getting to sit on a stool and stare at the wall or...." Snowflake tapped her chin as she tried to remember. 

But Moonshine shook her head. "You know what? I get what you mean, and no, I'm mostly getting reprimanded or grounded by my parents. Anything else?" Moonshine asked. 

Snowflake hummed and nodded. "What Nightwing powers do you have?" Snowflake asked, and Moonshine nodded quickly. 

Snowflake then pointed to her head. "Then can you read my mind?" Snowflake asked. 

Moonshine nodded, narrowed her eyes, and focused. She slipped inside Snowflake's mind; it was a snowy plain with many trees. She worried that she might get lost. 

But then she saw trees getting sucked into the ground or uprooted as the whole world shook and transformed into a small room. In it sat Arctic, who stood in front of a canvas with a paintbrush. 

But in front of her sat Snowflake, smiling sheepishly. "Hey, sorry if I changed too much," Snowflake apologized.

Moonshine moved her claw to hers and gave it a squeeze "its ok, just disorieting, but why did ask me" Moonshine reassured.

Snowflake hummed and tapped the table that appeared out of nowhere "well i wanted to talk to you in here, cuase it much easier to express my emotions here also" Snowflake answered emberasly as Arctic stood up and placed the canvas infront of Moonshine.

it was a painting of Moonshine herself "oh wow, does Arctic paint, i look so good" Moonshine wondered.

Snowflake nodded softly "uh yeah, Arctic does it paint i cna ask him to paint you, if you like, but i wanted to just hangout in here for a while and i wanted to ask you something important i guess" Snowflake rambled.

Moonshine placed the painting beside the table and leaned forward "sure, im having fun talking to you" Moonshine agreed.

on the outside Arctic stared at their table with a raised brow "uh what are they doing" he asked.

Foeslayer looked at them "oh there mind talking i guess" Foeslayer answered.

Moonshine moved her claw to hers and gave it a squeeze. "It's okay, just disorienting, but why did you ask me?" Moonshine reassured her.  

Snowflake hummed and tapped the table that appeared out of nowhere. "Well, I wanted to talk to you in here because it's much easier to express my emotions here also," Snowflake answered embarrassedly as Arctic stood up and placed the canvas in front of Moonshine.  

It was a painting of Moonshine herself. "Oh wow, does Arctic paint? I look so good!" Moonshine wondered.  

Snowflake nodded softly. "Uh, yeah, Arctic does paint. I can ask him to paint you if you like, but I wanted to just hang out in here for a while, and I wanted to ask you something important, I guess," Snowflake rambled.  

Moonshine placed the painting beside the table and leaned forward. "Sure, I'm having fun talking to you," Moonshine agreed.  

On the outside, Arctic stared at their table with a raised brow. "Uh, what are they doing?" he asked.  

Foeslayer looked at them. "Oh, they're mind talking, I guess," Foeslayer

Moonshine moved her claw to hers and gave it a squeeze. "It's okay, just disorienting, but why did you ask me?" Moonshine reassured her.  

Snowflake hummed and tapped the table that appeared out of nowhere. "Well, I wanted to talk to you in here because it's much easier to express my emotions here also," Snowflake answered embarrassedly as Arctic stood up and placed the canvas in front of Moonshine.  

It was a painting of Moonshine herself. "Oh wow, does Arctic paint? I look so good!" Moonshine wondered.  

Snowflake nodded softly. "Uh, yeah, Arctic does paint. I can ask him to paint you if you like, but I wanted to just hang out in here for a while, and I wanted to ask you something important, I guess," Snowflake rambled.  

Moonshine placed the painting beside the table and leaned forward. "Sure, I'm having fun talking to you," Moonshine agreed. 

*********

On the outside, Arctic stared at their table with a raised brow. "Uh, what are they doing?" he asked.  

Foeslayer looked at them. "Oh, they're mind talking, I guess," Foeslayer answered.

Arctic raised an eyebrow but then remembered something about Nightwing. "Oh right, you guys can see the future and look into thoughts, right?" Arctic pointed out.  

Foeslayer nodded and pointed to the side of her eyes. "Yep, I can look into the future, Shine can read minds, and if a Nightwing is lucky, they can be born with both powers," Foeslayer informed.  

Arctic hummed and smirked. "Hey, if you read my future, I'll show you a magic trick. Deal?" Arctic offered.  

Foeslayer giggled and shook her head. "Arctic, you don't have to offer anything. I'll do it for free, anything for a friend," Foeslayer said, offering her powers freely.  

That made Arctic raise a brow. "Really, just like that? For no price, really? Does it not cost you anything, like my soul?" Arctic rationalized.  

Foeslayer shook her head. "No, I don't charge anything for my powers. Well, except for seeing something bad, but yeah, I do it for free because you're my friend," Foeslayer offered again with a smile. Arctic hummed, confused.

His mother always told him that everything came with a price; even her love was a price for something. That's what his mother always taught him: that everything must come with a price, no matter how big or how small. 

But to be offered a chance at his future with no price sounds ridiculous. He would always put a price on his magic if someone wanted something. Well, except for Snowflake; she's his friend. Arctic's train of thought stopped when that sentence entered his mind. He would do it for a friend, just like Foeslayer. 

He laughed in his mind, thinking about how he was being a hypocrite. He sighed and smiled, "Sure, I accept your offer. Please read my future, and I will show you magic," Arctic agreed. 

Foeslayer nodded and held up her claws. "Bring me your head; it will be much easier," Foeslayer instructed, and Arctic followed. 

Arctic felt Foeslayer's strong but gentle claws caress his cheek, and Foeslayer was mesmerized by the way his luscious fur moved elegantly. Arctic smirked when he saw her mesmerized face.

Foeslayer shook her head and looked down to see Arctic with a smug smile as he winked at her. "Like what you see, Foe?" Arctic flirted.  

Foeslayer blushed and growled, pinching Arctic's cheek, making his smug smile vanish and replaced by a strained frown. "Hey, what the heck? Stop, read my future already!" Arctic demanded while keeping steady, trying to endure the pain.  

Foeslayer huffed and let go, bringing their foreheads closer as they touched. "Don't do that ever again," Foeslayer demanded as she closed her eyes.  

Arctic sighed. "I make no promises," he quickly added as he closed his eyes as well.  

Foeslayer rolled her eyes and focused. She searched for a line, a thread, a pull into the future of this dragon.  

But it was hard; whenever she found a thread, it would snap before she even caught a glimpse into the future.  

But she kept trying and failing. She went deeper, and instead of threads, icy mirrors stood. She looked into them.  

But none of them showed her the future, just a few months, days, weeks, not years.

She growled and pulled away. Arctic looked up. "So what's my future like, huh?" Arctic asked curiously. 

Foelslayer rubbed her head and sighed. "Sorry, I couldn't see it. I'm going to have to force one out," Foelslayer informed. 

That made Arctic frown. "That sounds dangerous and forceful. Could you not see anything?" Arctic asked, worried. 

Foelslayer sighed and rubbed her claws together softly. "I did, but they weren't the future future; it was a few days, weeks, months, and they were just normal everyday life, I think," Foelslayer explained. 

Arctic tilted his head, not understanding. Foelslayer sighed, seeing that she would have to explain. 

Foelslayer looked into the mirror beside them. "Seeing the future comes in different ways. A spontaneous future occurs when I feel a big event coming. I can see multiple futures of a dragon. If their mind is not strong, the same can't be said for strong minds, where I see less," Foelslayer rambled. 

Arctic nodded softly. "Okay, but I let you in willingly," Arctic pointed out.

Foeslayer bit her lips in frustration. "Yes, that does help. More futures should come to me easily and willingly, but..." Foeslayer's voice went quiet as she looked away from Arctic's view.

Arctic did not like that gesture. "Foeslayer, please tell me. Don't leave me in the dark, please," Arctic pleaded, worried by the implications. Foeslayer stared into his eyes and sighed. "Okay, when no future pops up for me, that means that the dragon's future is undecided.

Everything keeps changing in that dragon's future; there is no possible future, no future set in stone. It's one future fighting to be yours, but I can force one out if I demand it, but it will hurt," Foeslayer finished with a warning.

She looked at him. "Are you sure you want to keep going?" Foeslayer asked suddenly. Arctic gulped and looked out the window. What did these implications mean? Was his future destined for tragedy or joy? Did he mess up his magic somehow? His mind quickly went to his animus magic and the many terrible outcomes for his mother.

Foeslayer saw the troubling thoughts in her friend's eye; she gently took his claws, snapping him back to the present.

She gave him a reassuring squeeze and smiled, "Hey, don't look so worried. Not having a future means yours isn't decided, and it means your futures are infinite. So there must be a good future in there, not just bad," Foeslayer reassured.

Arctic hummed and wrapped his claws around her. "Sorry if I ruined our night with all this future stuff," Foeslayer blurted out, looking sad. Arctic shook his head. "It's fine; I'm having an enjoyable time. Thanks for the reassurance, but I still want to read at least one future for me, please," Arctic requested softly.

Foeslayer frowned. "But the procedure will be pain—" "I can take it, please," Arctic reassured with a confident smirk. Foeslayer sighed and wrapped her claws around his cheek, bringing his forehead towards her.

Arctic quickly felt a splitting headache as his mind was forced open by Foeslayer, but he endured with a growl.

Foeslayer felt her body shivering from the cold as she stood in front of a broken mirror with glass shards scattered around the floor. She bent down to pick one up, but it quickly fell from her claws as she staggered back.

She felt immense pain, shame, and regret. She refocused her stance and looked down with caution; it seemed these shards held pieces of the future—not a vision, but emotions and actions.

She started carefully picking the ones that held good emotions, like joy, accomplishment, and satisfaction. But she also found one that made her worried: insanity, anger, hatred, and emotionlessness.

She kept picking up pieces as she fixed the mirror, and when the final piece was set—one made of positivity instead of negativity—it shined. Foeslayer prayed it would show her something nice. Once it stopped glowing, Foeslayer opened her eyes and gasped.

It was her and Arctic, smiling while they held two eggs between them. She could see tired bags under Arctic's eyes, but they held joy and love, and so did she.

Foeslayer stared at the mirror with fondness. She touched the mirror softly and traced a claw on her face. She seemed so happy, tired, and exhausted, but her eyes emanated so much love, and so did Arctic.

A big smile grew on her face, but then the mirror warped; it now showed Arctic alone as a Nightwing. She did not know who stood beside him, but the Nightwing's eyes looked deranged, while Arctic's looked tired, his fur disheveled, and his scales filthy. 

Foeslayer frowned. Was this also a possibility? She gulped at the thought, but the world shook as she was ejected out. She came back to the calming and cozy atmosphere.

She held her head in pain; her head was pounding, but it would go away quickly. She looked at Arctic, who was massaging his forehead, his face clearly in pain. 

Foeslayer grabbed his head and massaged it as well. "Arctic, are you alright? Was the pain too much?" Foeslayer asked, worried. Arctic sighed and opened his eyes, staring at Foeslayer, and smiled. "No, I'm fine. Don't worry," he reassured.

Foeslayer let out a sigh of relief but kept massaging his face. Arctic blinked and leaned into it a little. The two looked at each other as Foeslayer kept massaging; she stared into his eyes, her mind going to the ones in the mirror, the good and bad. 

"So, what was my future like?" Arctic asked as he leaned a little closer into her claws. Foeslayer hummed and looked away, thinking about what to do. She was given two futures: one that seemed good and one that was bad.

It showed her and Arctic in love with eggs, seemingly their children, while the other showed Arctic all alone with a random Nightwing. 

She liked the future where they were together. Now comes a decision: should she tell him, pursue him? Will it change the future, or will it remain set in stone? She was brought out of her thoughts by Arctic gently tangling her claws into his. 

"Hey, you don't have to tell me if it messes with my future, but I hope it was good," Arctic reassured. Foeslayer smiled and came to a decision: she would follow her heart.

She leaned closer and gave a peck on his cheek. "Yes, it was great; your future will be great," Foeslayer reassured while she blushed. Arctic was stunned by the kiss but quickly shook it off.

He smirked and kissed Foeslayer's claw softly. She blushed even more when Arctic looked at her. "That's nice to hear; it seems like a dragon finally fell for my charms," he teased. Foeslayer puffed her cheeks and looked away. Arctic giggled at the action. "Uh, sorry if I'm disturbing something," a voice spoke.

The two jumped and looked at the waiter who had seated them. He was holding a wine bottle with two glasses. The Icewing looked between them nervously and placed the wine on the table. "Uh, sorry if the wine took long, but are you guys ready to order?" the Icewing quickly tried changing the subject.

The two looked at each other and coughed, leaning back into their seats, and Arctic grabbed the menu. "Uh, yeah, sure, we'll take the seafood course and share it between us," Arctic requested quickly.

The icewing nodded and left, apologizing for ruining some type of moment. Arctic and Foeslayer looked at each other; they began laughing softly. Arctic grabbed the wine and filled the glass.

He pushed one to Foeslayer and raised his. "You wanna clink it?" Arctic asked with his raised glass. Foeslayer shrugged and lifted hers as well. "Sure, let's do it," Foeslayer agreed. The two clinked their glasses as they enjoyed their night. 

Moonshine and Snowflake were eating a gigantic walrus. Snowflake had an easy time tearing the meat from its bones, while Moonshine had a much harder time; her teeth were not made for such fatty meat, but it was savory, and she did like it.

Moonshine tore a piece and chewed it. "So, like this one time, me and Foe wanted to prank our math teacher, so we filled his classroom with snails," Moonshine spoke through chews.

Snowflake frowned, picked up a napkin, and flicked Moonshine on the snout, making her shut up. She cleaned Moonshine's mouth and looked at her disapprovingly.

Snowflake sighed and rolled the napkin up, placing it beside her. "Don't speak with your mouth full; it's bad manners," Snowflake reprimanded.

Moonshine blushed and looked away shyly. "Sorry, it's a problem of mine. I talk too much and too fast that I forget I'm eating," Moonshine apologized.

Snowflake shook her head and waved it off. "Do not worry, but back to your story. Did you not get caught? And how did you find so many snails?" Snowflake wondered.

Moonshine cleaned her claws as she spoke. "We did get caught and had so much homework as punishment. And how we found the frogs? Well, it was kind of their mating season, and they migrated, so we caught some," Moonshine rambled.

Snowflake tried to listen, but her gaze and mind were focused on a nasty scar on Moonshine's armpit.

Snowflake slowly outstretched her claw and touched it. Moonshine stopped talking and looked down.

"Are you okay? What happened here?" Snowflake asked softly. Snowflake saw Moonshine's face change into an uncomfortable frown.

Snowflake tentatively pulled her claw away. "Sorry, was that private? Did I make you uncomfortable?" Snowflake asked.  

Moonshine rubbed her scar softly and looked at Snowflake. Her eyes did not show concern, nor did her voice, but in her mind, it ran rampant with worry, shame, and guilt.  

Moonshine sighed and brought a wing around the scar to hide it. "It's nothing. Let's just keep eating. Sorry if I ruined the moment again," Moonshine apologized.  

But Snowflake shook her head. "No, no, you didn't ruin the moment. I touched you somewhere clearly personal, and I'm sorry for doing that. My curiosity got the better of me; you did not ruin anything," Snowflake said in a monotone voice.  

But Moonshine smiled because in Snowflake's mind, she could hear the worry. "It's okay, but I don't think I'm hungry anymore. Getting reminded of it spoiled my appetite," Moonshine announced quietly.  

Snowflake nodded and stood up. "Alright, then we'll go back to the palace," Snowflake decided, trying to catch their waiter through the crowd.

Moonshine stood up. "No, you don't have to go with me. Stay here and enjoy your night with the others," Moonshine tried swaying. But Snowflake shook her head. "No, I will accompany you to make sure you are alright. I do not want you to be alone; it is non-negotiable, got it?" Snowflake spoke clearly about her intent, and it was not about change. 

Moonshine sighed and sat down as Snowflake called their waiter and paid for the food. "Let's go tell the others we're leaving, okay?" Snowflake suggested as she walked over to their table, with Moonshine following.

The two walked up to them, laughing and eating. Snowflake coughed, grabbing their attention. Arctic looked at her with a dopey smile. "Oh hey, Snow! What's up? Enjoying your night?" he cheered. 

Snowflake shrugged. "Yeah, we did, but we're gonna go back to the palace," Snowflake informed them. 

"Really? In this weather? And it's so dark! Are you sure?" Foeslayer pointed out with worry. Moonshine nodded. "Hey, don't worry; we'll be fine besides," Moonshine reassured.

She then produced the moon globe from her satchel as it floated. "This will light the way, and I'm sure Snow knows how to fly through weather like this," Moonshine stated. 

Foeslayer bit her lip, not truly convinced, but Arctic took her claws and gave it a squeeze. "Hey, Foe, don't worry. I trust Snow; she'll make sure Shine makes it safely. Trust them," Arctic reassured, with the other two nodding. 

Foeslayer sighed and nodded. "Alright, but make sure to stay safe. Me and Arctic will stay here, alright?" Foeslayer relented. 

Moonshine and Foeslayer nodded and bid their friend farewell as they stepped out into the stormy weather, with the wind blowing fast around them. 

"Come, Shine, we must go quickly. Do not leave my side," Snowflake spoke with urgency. Moonshine nodded as the two quickly left the village. 

*********

The front doors of the palace burst open, scaring many of the cleaning dragons. They looked at the door as both Moonshine and Snowflake stepped inside, shaking off snow as they breathed heavily.

Snowflake helped Moonshine sit down as she shivered. The cleaner, called Icecube, came running towards both of them. He spotted them sitting on an indoor bench; Moonshine had a bear pelt wrapped around her and a cup of hot water. Snowflake was checking her for any injuries and making sure she was comfortable. 

Icecube ran up to them with worry in his eyes. "Are you girls alright? Where is Prince Arctic and the other one?" Icecube asked frantically. Snowflake stared at him with a calm gaze. "Don't worry too much, Icecube. Arctic and Foeslayer are back in the village; they're fine," Snowflake reassured him. 

She helped Moonshine take a drink of the hot water. Icecube let out a sigh of relief but focused on Moonshine. "Good, but why were you two flying through this weather? Don't you see how bad it is?" Icecube pointed out. He touched Moonshine's body and jumped back after feeling how cold she was. "Snow, why is she so cold? Shouldn't the van protect her from that?" Icecube pointed out, worried.

Snowflake frowned. "I know, the wind knocked her band off, and we didn't have much time to put it back on. We flew fast; she wears it now, but the effects of the cold linger a little," Snowflake informed.

Icecube hummed. "Alright, Snowflake, please take her to her room and wrap her up in many pelts. I'll tell the kitchen staff to whip up hot food for her, alright?" Icecube instructed.

Snowflake nodded and helped Moonshine up as she guided her to her room. "Bring the food to my room; she will be staying with me," Snowflake informed as she left.

Snowflake guided Moonshine to her room, making sure to keep her friend warm. As soon as they made it, Snowflake burst the door open and placed Moonshine in bed, throwing as many pelts on top of her while Snowflake herself lit a candle to lighten the room a little.

Snowflake came beside her bed to Moonshine, who was wrapped in pelts with only her face visible. "How are you feeling? Better?" Snowflake asked, sitting beside her.

Moonshine shrugged and looked at her. "I'm feeling better, but I'm still cold," Moonshine answered.  

Snowflake hummed as the two sat in silence. Snowflake tapped her claws together while Moonshine stared at the ceiling in exhaustion. She looked at Snowflake, whose mind ran rampant with worry and questions, but was too afraid to ask them.  

"Hey, thanks for not telling Foe. I didn't want her to worry and go all protective like," Moonshine blurted out.  

That made Snowflake jump at the sudden noise, but she quickly calmed down and gave a nod. "Do not worry; I know the feeling. Arctric gets like that sometimes as well," Snowflake reassured.  

Moonshine patted beside her and popped her arm back in. Snowflake took the invitation and laid beside her; now the two stared at the ceiling in silence.  

Snowflake looked at her and sighed. "Sorry if I brought up bad memories and ruined our night," Snowflake apologized again.  

Moonshine sighed and shrugged. "It's alright; you didn't know. You already apologized," Moonshine reassured.

Snowflake nodded and wondered, "Are you willing to tell me about it, or is that too invasive?" Snowflake asked carefully, trying to put emotion into her words and voice.  

Moonshine looked at her for a minute and then looked back up. "Sorry, I'm not ready to share this story," Moonshine replied.  

Snowflake nodded. "That is alright; it is your story to tell. I will not force it out of you," Snowflake reassured her.  

Moonshine smiled. "Thanks." She then looked outside the window to see the weather getting much worse.  

"Do you think they'll be okay out there?" Moonshine asked with concern.  

Snowflake nodded. "Yes, they will be okay. Arctic will make sure of that; do not worry," Snowflake calmed her worries.  

Moonshine looked around the room; it seemed quite barren. There was only a desk, a scroll shelf, a mirror, and other things essential for a room, but nothing stood out. "So what do we do now?" Moonshine asked out of boredom.  

Snowflake hummed, but it was interrupted by a knock on her door. She got up and opened it.

Icecube stood outside with a tray in his claw. He outstretched it to Snowflake. "Here, the kitchen staff made it quick and nice. Take good care of her," Icecube instructed and bid farewell as he left. 

Snowflake closed the door and placed the tray in front of Moonshine, who sat up to look at it. She lifted the tray to see cooked wolf meat with a side of cooked potatoes. Moonshine closed it and brought it closer to herself, enjoying the warmth. Moonshine jumped up a little as Snowflake jumped into bed, laying beside her. 

Moonshine held her tray with a strong grip and looked at Snowflake, who presented a scroll. "We can read some of my mother's scroll if you want," Snowflake suggested. Moonshine sighed but smiled; it was better than lying in bed with nothing to do. 

Moonshine nodded, and Snowflake leaned back against the wall while Moonshine leaned on her shoulder as they read the scroll together while Moonshine ate. They did this for the whole night until they fell asleep, snuggling close to each other as the night passed.

Chapter Text

A heavy snowstorm covered the icy land, leaving many residents stuck in their houses, not daring to go out in such terrible weather. But overall, the residents of the land were relatively okay; they had food to last through this storm until it ceased.

Icewings that lived near or in the palace were much better housed than those in the simple villages. Guards were posted near the gates and walls in a small hut, with snacks to keep them energized and sustained. 

Freezeshock stared worriedly outside; he sighed. This was quite the storm that he had ever seen. Sure, snowstorms had shown up from time to time, but never this bad. He just hoped that Powder would be okay. 

"Freezeshock, get your ass over here! Stop worrying; I doubt anyone would want to be outside in this weather," one of his coworkers, Crystal, called to him. He sighed and walked further into the small hut, which housed a small ice table and moonglobes for lighting. 

"Geez, Freeze, don't be so stiff," his other coworker, Frost, reassured him while shuffling wooden cards.

Freezeshock sighed as he sat down. "Sorry, guys, you know I worry a lot. This is the worst storm I've ever seen," Freezeshock voiced his worries.

His other coworker, Ice, scoffed. "Oh please, then you've never heard of the Great Snow Killer. That storm at least took out three villages," Ice argued. Crystal laughed. "Ice, you know Freeze barely knows the history of our kingdom," Crystal teased, making Frost snort. 

Freezeshock sighed. "Crystal, you know those musty old scrolls are as boring as watching ice form. They're not engaging and barely keep me hooked," Freezeshock tried defending himself.

Ice rolled his eyes. "That's not an excuse to be ignorant of our history. It's gonna help you out someday, I'm telling you," Ice insisted, eating a fish. 

Freezeshock shrugged. "I'll take my chances. Besides, I'm sure your brother is annoyed if you're reading scrolls at night like a dragonet," Freezeshock teased, shooting a wink at Frost in the process, who glared at him. Ice looked at his brother in shock. "You told him," he accused, making Frost sigh.

Frost looked at his brother in shame as he passed the wooden cards. "Sorry, bro, I kinda got drunk with Freeze and spilled embarrassing stuff," Frost confessed while he glared at Freezeshock, who whistled innocently.

Ice sighed and pointed a claw at Freezeshock. "You better keep your mouth shut. I don't want this spreading to the other guards; I don't know what other secrets bro spilled," Ice demanded, looking at his cards. Freezeshock picked up his and gave Ice a shrug. "I make no promises, but I'll try if it makes you feel better," Freezeshock offered with a smile.

Ice's claw shook as he stared at his cards. "Well, I got a shit claw; thanks a lot, bro, and you better freeze, or I'll dig up something about you and tell it to your boyfriend," Ice threatened with a frown. Freezeshock rolled his eyes and checked his cards.

It wasn't a bad claw, but not the best claw. He looked over to Crystal and Frost, who seemed content with their hands. Crystal smiled. "So, what are we betting, guys?" she asked, ecstatic to play.

Frost placed a sack of coins on the ice table. "We could always do money," Frost suggested, but the others shook their heads, not really fond of the idea. 

"Sorry, Frost, we almost always do money. Besides, I don't want to lose my salary to you," Crystal shot down the idea. She looked at the others for suggestions. 

Ice brought up some scrolls. "We could always bet prize possessions," he suggested. Everyone stared at him. "Really?" Crystal asked. 

Ice scoffed and placed them back in his satchel. "Fine, you suggest something then," he challenged, looking at Crystal. 

She tapped the ice table and looked at Freezeshock. "You got something?" she wondered. 

Freezeshock shrugged. "We could always share secrets, or maybe we can do truth or dare for the one that loses," Freezeshock suggested, placing the idea on the table and waiting. 

The others looked at each other, considering the idea. After a few minutes, both Frost and Crystal agreed. Everyone looked at Ice. He sighed. "Fine, but nothing drastic, okay?" he requested, and everyone promised to keep it safe.

********

After that, the game began as the storm outside grew stronger, with one snowflake entering the palace through a balcony.

It landed softly on Arctic's bed. He groaned, rolled around, and sat up. He yawned and got out of bed. He sat in front of his desk and began working on his fur, combing it back to perfection in his opinion. 

"Mud," he called as he checked himself. 

Mud cracked out of his form back into an orb and floated around him. "Yes, Arctic," he greeted. 

"What time is it, and how long will this storm go on? Will it disrupt my hatching day?" Arctic requested while he stared outside at the worsening storm. 

"It is still morning, sir. You're just a little late for breakfast, and the storm will pass tomorrow just before your hatching day," Mud informed as he rolled around the floor. 

Arctic hummed and put on his earrings and tiara. "Good, now would you like to accompany me, Mud, or would you like to stay here again?" Arctic offered. 

Mud hummed and transformed back into an ice dragon and shook his head. "No, I'll stay here. I want to watch the storm in pure silence," Mud requested softly. Arctic stared at him and left.

Arctic walked down the quiet hallways; it seemed many of the workers had been sent home for the day. Arctic debated whether to go to his washing chamber or the regular washing chamber.

He shrugged, "The regular one is much closer; I don't want to keep Mother waiting," Arctic decided, and walked down the stairs and took a left. 

When he made it to the door, he remembered that he hadn't grabbed his towel. *I'll just use the one in here,* Arctic grumbled and opened the door.

He heard a light humming. *Must be one of the workers or Powder; I hope it's Powder,* Arctic hoped. He grabbed a nearby towel from an icy shelf, entered the shared washing room, and stopped as he turned blue. 

Arctic saw Foeslayer standing on her hind legs, letting water run down her form. Arctic watched the water run down her form as he gulped. Arctic focused on her rump and blushed even more.

Foeslayer opened her eyes and saw Arctic. The two froze, and Arctic gulped, raising a claw. "M-m-morning," he stammered, and she gasped.

Foeslayer wrapped her wings around her body. "How long have you been standing here?" Foeslayer asked quietly.  

Arctic gulped. "I just made it. Nice figure, hahaha," Arctic teased with a nervous smile. Foeslayer blushed and sank deeper into the water with her wings wrapped tightly around her.  

Arctic frowned and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "I can leave if you want. Sorry for looking at you like this," Arctic spoke quickly, moving fast to leave.  

But a grip on his tail stopped him. He looked down and found Foeslayer's tail wrapped around his. He looked up towards her.  

Foeslayer's cheeks were bright red, but she smiled softly. "You can stay; I won't mind," she invited. Arctic gulped. "Are you sure? I don't want to make you uncomfortable," Arctic said, unsure.  

Foeslayer shook her head. "Please stay; I'm fine," Foeslayer insisted. Arctic gulped and nodded. He walked towards the water pool and sank down softly, with Foeslayer watching him. Arctic blushed at the attention. Once he was fully in, it went quiet.

Arctic stared at the water, not wanting to bring his eyes up. Foeslayer kept cleaning her body while staring at the wall. Arctic licked his lips and began cleaning his body, making sure each scale was shining like the rest.

He opened his mouth and rinsed it with different water. Foeslayer stared into the icy reflection and watched Arctic with fascination. Arctic sharpened his claws and spikes; his eyes moved to Foeslayer and caught her watching him through the reflection.

But he didn't say anything; he only blushed more and kept cleaning himself as he finally made it to his fur. Foeslayer giggled when Arctic's soggy fur fell on his face. "Having fun there?" Arctic teased, one eye staring at her.

Foeslayer jumped and looked away, blushing. Arctic laughed, "It's okay if you watch; I'm beautiful, and it makes us even for me watching you." Arctic gave permission with a smirk. Foeslayer hummed and turned around to face him. "It's fine; you didn't know I was in here," Foeslayer reassured.

Arctic shrugged. "It's still not okay, in my opinion." Arctic denied making eye contact to keep his eyes off her.  

Foeslayer saw this and moved closer. Arctic noticed the ripples in the water and froze when her body touched his.  

Arctic slowly raised his head to look at her, and she looked back with a smile and rosy cheeks. "I had a fun night yesterday. Thanks for taking me and treating me to dinner," Foeslayer said.  

Arctic gulped and looked away, sweating a little. "No problem; I had a fun night as well with you," Arctic agreed.  

The two sat in silence, neither wanting to break it or get up just yet. Foeslayer looked Arctic over and grabbed his claw in hers.  

Arctic jumped and looked at her. "What's up?" Arctic asked, nervousness evident in his voice.  

But Foeslayer didn't answer him; instead, she crawled on top of him, making Arctic gulp and look up at her.  

Foeslayer looked down at him and lowered her body where Arctic's arm held near him. Arctic shuddered, looking up at her. "Foeslayer," he whispered.

Foeslayer didn't answer him; instead, she lowered her face closer, making their snouts almost touch. Arctic gulped, feeling her breath near his face.

He looked into her eyes and saw something more in them, something hungry. Arctic tried calming his nerves. "Foe, maybe we—mmm," he was silenced by Foeslayer placing her lips on his. Arctic's eyes widened but didn't resist; instead, he kissed back and wrapped his arms around her body, bringing her closer.

The two deepened their kiss; Foeslayer wrapped her arms around his neck and pushed a little further. Arctic felt something touching his lip; it was Foeslayer's tongue asking for permission to enter his. Arctic shuddered again and opened his eyes slowly to see her staring him down with a fierce hunger in her eyes.

Arctic blushed, opened his mouth slowly, and Foeslayer quickly took advantage and slithered her tongue into his. Arctic moaned but gave in, letting her do whatever she wanted to his mouth. Foeslayer moaned in gratitude as she explored everything.

Arctic's claw moved up her body, exploring every inch of her while their tongues wrapped around each other. Arctic moaned softly, but finally, the two separated to catch their breath.

Arctic and Foeslayer stared at each other as they breathed heavily. Foeslayer gasped and clasped her mouth in embarrassment. "I'm so sorry for doing that. I just, I mean, I..." Foeslayer mumbled in apology. 

But Arctic stopped her by grabbing her claws and taking them off her mouth, smiling up at her. "It's fine. I liked it; you were so feisty, I loved it," Arctic complimented, making Foeslayer blush. The two held each other in silence while catching their breath. Arctic let out a hum and looked up at Foeslayer. "Foe," he called. 

Foeslayer looked down at him. "Yeah," she replied. "Is it weird for dragons to fall in love that fast?" Arctic asked, looking away from her. Foeslayer brought his face back to hers. "Why do you ask?" she inquired. Arctic frowned and shrugged. "I don't want this to feel fake and empty," Arctic replied.

Foeslayer lowered herself a little more so they could see eye to eye. "Are you bothered by it?" Foeslayer worried, but Arctic shook his head. "No, I'm just... isn't this going too fast? I've never liked a dragon like this. Don't you find it fast as well?" Arctic voiced his worries with a frown. 

Foeslayer slid a claw on his cheek, and he froze, looking at her. Foeslayer sighed. "No, not really. Us Nightwings find our mates much faster than other tribes because of our future sight," she informed him. 

Arctic looked away. "Did you use it when you met me?" Arctic regretted asking. 

Foeslayer brought his face back to hers and smiled. "No. I fell in love with a dragon that made me laugh, feel safe, and loved, without seeing the future," Foeslayer finished with a kiss on his cheek. 

Arctic blushed and looked her in the eyes, where he saw love. "Really? You mean it? All of it?" he whispered, and she nodded. 

Foeslayer made their foreheads touch. "Yes. And now when I see the future, you're always there beside me," Foeslayer whispered back.

Arctic looked meek and nervous as he looked at Foeslayer. "You mean it? Would you like to be my mate?" Arctic proposed.  

Foeslayer smiled and nodded. "Yes, I would love to. Prince Arctic, I would be honored to be your mate," Foeslayer finished off with a kiss.  

The two broke it off and looked at each other with love in their eyes. "Do you want to leave or...?" Arctic asked meekly.  

That made Foeslayer laugh as she got off and sat beside him; then she leaned on his shoulder. "No, I want to stay here a little longer with you," Foeslayer requested softly.  

Arctic smiled and nodded, placing his head on top of hers and wrapping his wings around her as they enjoyed each other's presence.  

********

Daimond stared at the door while everyone else ate, her son's chair empty and Prudence's daughter's chair empty.  

Daimond frowned; her eyes flickered to Snowflake and the Nightwing Moonshine as she watched how Snowflake smiled more.  

She saw Snowflake's mother, Snowangel, smiling at her daughter's happy expression. Daimond didn't like this.

Daimond looked over to Icecube, who was drinking tea. Daimon coughed, and Icecube looked at her. Daimond gave him a look to come over. Icecube choked a little and quickly came over. Icecube gulped and looked up at Daimond. "Yes, my Queen," Icecube said, standing at attention. 

Daimond pointed to the two empty chairs around the table. Icecube let out a nervous laugh and played with his claws. "I'm sure they woke up late, my Queen. The prince was out all night," Icecube informed her with a small smile. 

Daimon narrowed her eyes at him. "My son was out all night..." said Daimon slowly. Icecube licked his lips, looking at the ground. "Um, yes, and only Snowflake and Moonshine came back before the storm picked up," mumbled Icecube quietly. 

Icecube raised his gaze back to her and gave her a nervous smile again. Daimond let out a sigh; for once, she felt frustrated. Where was her son and the Nightwing's daughter? *Arctic wouldn't... no, no, impossible. Why would he?* Daimond fought with her doubts, trying to rationalize it.

But then she heard the door open with the sound of giggling.  

Diamond quickly put on her smile and looked at the door with the other dragons in the room.  

Everyone watched Arctic and Foeslayer come in, giggling with something purple smeared over their snouts.  

Moonshine gasped and looked at Snowflake, who smiled softly at the two. Moonshine quietly gushed over the two, *Did they confess? Did they confess?* repeated Moonshine over and over in her head while gushing.  

Every other dragon stared in curiosity at the two. Diamond cleared her throat, getting their attention.  

Arctic looked up at her and cleaned his snout of the purple stuff. "Good morning, Mother. Sorry for coming in late, but Foe and I have already eaten," Arctic informed with a smile as he sat down beside Snowflake.  

Foeslayer sat in her seat. She felt someone staring at her; Foeslayer looked up to see her mother staring at her with a quizzical look.  

Foeslayer frowned and turned away from her, instead facing Moonshine, who was buzzing in her seat.

Foeslayer rolled her eyes and leaned in closer to Moonshine as they began whispering between each other. Meanwhile, Arctic whispered with Snowflake.

Daimond stared at the two while the dragons at the table looked up at her. Daimond sighed and stood up, putting everyone at attention. Daimond snapped her fingers, and Icecube stood at her side and rolled open a scroll.

Icecube cleared his throat and spoke, "My Queen, due to the troubling snowstorm, many villages have been locked down. Many of the servants have been sent home," Icecube rambled on. Arctic tuned it out; instead, his gaze and focus were on Foeslayer, who did the same as well.

Foeslayer gave a small wave over the table. Arctic leaned on his knuckles and waved back with a small smile. "And that is all, my Queen," Icecube's voice snapped the two out of their own world.

Daimond nodded, "Thank you, Icecube. Now, as everyone has heard, most things have been locked down. But do not fret; we still have many activities for the day," Daimond reassured.

Daimond clapped her claws. "And that will be all; you may all go about your day. Son, we need to talk. Please stay," requested Daimond.  

Everyone started leaving while the other three stayed and looked at Arctic with worry. Arctic saw this and gave them a sign to go ahead.  

The others looked unsure, but he gave them a reassuring smile. The others sighed and left, leaving only Arctic, Icecube, and Queen Daimond in the room.  

Arctic turned to his mother. "Is there something you need, Mother?" asked Arctic.  

Daimond nodded. "Yes," she replied and leaned in closer. "I want you to tell me about your day. Yesterday, more specifically," demanded Daimond with a growl in her voice.  

Arctic jumped at her voice. He had never heard his mother growl like that.  

Arctic coughed, clearing his throat. "Well, I gave a tour to our guests, showing them various places, like our art, training, and the Moonglobe tree," Arctic informed her about each place they went.  

Daimond narrowed her eyes. "Alright, but why did you come so late?" Daimond wondered.

Arctic looked at Icecube, who avoided his gaze. Daimond tapped the table. "Look at me, son. Not Icecube," Daimond ordered.

Arctic sighed and looked at his mother. "Well, I thought about bringing our guest to the limitless seal village to eat some of our cuisine," Arctic replied slowly.

Daimond narrowed her eyes. "Yes, but why did you come late? It was just a quick meal, correct?" questioned Daimond.

Arctic growled and looked away. "Yes, but then it started snowing, and Moonshine didn't feel good, so Snowflake took her back while Foeslayer and I enjoyed our time there," said Arctic, feeling frustrated with his mother’s questioning.

Daimond, meanwhile, was panicking. Her son wouldn't have. Surely he didn't do anything with that Nightwing. "And what did you do after, hmm?" pushed Daimond further.

Arctic crossed his arms. "Why do you care? You never wondered what I do anyway," complained Arctic with a frown.

Daimond stood up from her chair. "Because I don't want you ruining your future. Now, what did you do?" Daimond asked.

Arctic also stood up. "Nothing, we just talked. Had fun, ate, drank. Is that all? May I leave?" Arctic answered her questions with a sneer.

Diamond shook her head. "No, you are hiding something. I know you are. Why were you up so late this morning? Did you do something with her, something intimate?" questioned Diamond further.

Arctic blushed but quickly shook it off. "What makes you think that?" Arctic accused with a pointed claw.

Diamond scoffed, pacing around the room. "Oh please, Arctic, it's obvious. The way you both look at each other, it reeks of young love," Diamond pointed out.

Arctic blushed but shook his head. "So what? I love her, yes, and so?" Arctic confessed.

Diamond finally showed worry. "Why? Why, Arctic? This could ruin your future or lineage, our bloodline. It will be tainted with Nightwing blood," Diamond pointed out everything wrong.

But Arctic found it ridiculous. "And? I'm following my heart, choosing what I want, and for the first time, you show any emotions is anger," Arctic complained again.

Daimond rolled her eyes. "Arctic, I'm not angry. I understand you're still young. Just break it off with this Nightwing and focus on what's important," Daimond advised with a smile. 

That just made Arctic angrier. "No. No, I will not. I'm not following your orders; I want Foeslayer," Arctic disobeyed. 

Daimond looked shocked. "Arctic, I will just say this one more time: break this off. You're already contracted to marry Snowflake, and you will do it," Daimond ordered again, standing before her son. 

But Arctic stood his ground. "No, I will not. I love Foeslayer, even though it's new. I want to experience it with her, go through it with her. I don't love Snowflake; she doesn't love me. We don't want this marriage; we never did," Arctic voiced his choice clearly. 

Daimond frowned, but Arctic kept going. "Why can't you be happy for me? I found the dragon that I love, a dragon I want to spend my life with, and all you show me is displeasure and anger. Why not joy or congratulations?" Arctic begged, looking up at his mother.

Daimond looked down at him. Arctic breathed heavily, pouring his whole heart out. Daimond grabbed her son's cheek and brought him close. Arctic froze but let it happen. Daimond brought him towards her chest and caressed his head. 

"Oh, Arctic, why can't you see I'm doing this for you?" Daimond whispered. Arctic blinked slowly and looked up at her. 

"I'm trying to secure your future, to secure our bloodline. That girl just wants to use you for your power; I bet she doesn't even love you," Daimond sneered. Arctic frowned and pushed her away.

Daimond looked surprised. Arctic slammed the table. "How can you even say that? You don't have the right to say that!" Arctic sneered, his voice filled with venom. 

Daimond took a step back. Arctic looked up at her with hatred. "You don't get to say that; you never showed me love!" Arctic screamed, slamming the table again. 

"You never showed an ounce of interest. If it wasn't for your benefit, you only treated me as your pawn, not your son," Arctic accused with a sneer.

Daimond shook her head. "No, that's not true, Arctic. All I do is to protect you, to make you better for when you ascend the throne with Snowflake by your side," Daimond assured, trying to convince him. 

Arctic threw a chair across the room, making Icecube jump in fear. "Bullshit! You only chose Snowflake because of how obedient she could be when I'm not there. And make me better? How many more excuses do you have?" Arctic screamed, breathing heavily. 

Icecube gulped and looked at the two. Arctic stared at Daimond with anger, while Daimond wore her usual blank look as she frowned at Arctic. 

Daimond licked her lips; she tried saying something but couldn't. "Smile at me and say you love me," Daimond looked up, confused. "What?" she mumbled. 

Arctic stared calmly at her. "Smile at me and say you love me," Arctic repeated. 

Daimond smiled. "Arctic, I always do this," Daimond replied, confused. 

Arctic shook his head. "I want you to smile for real and say you love me. I want you to mean it," Arctic asked again.

Diamond blinked and smiled. "Arctic, I love you," Diamond said, but Diamond didn't like it. "Arctic, I love you," she said again and again and again. But each time she said it, even she could see how fake it was. 

Finally, Diamond stopped and stared blankly at her son. He scoffed and turned away. "That's what I thought," he said quietly, turning around. 

Arctic placed a claw on the door. "Icecube, sorry for making a mess in here; my emotions got the better of me," Arctic apologized. Icecube stayed quiet but gave Arctic a nod. Arctic sighed and started opening the door. Diamond saw this; her claw shook, her heart tightened. For once, she felt fear, but of what? 

"Arctic," Diamond blurted out. Arctic turned around and looked at her. Diamond gulped. "Even if I can't say these words, I do care for you. I only do this for you; you must believe me," Diamond begged. 

Arctic stared at her and sighed. "If you care, then you will listen to what I said," Arctic reminded her as he left the room, leaving Diamond alone.

Icecube watched him go. Icecube licked his lips and looked at his queen. "My Queen, do you want me to clean this room?" Icecube offered.  

Diamond looked at him for a while and shook her head. "No, you're off duty for today. I'll be in my room," Diamond said as she left as well. Icecube sighed; what did he just witness?  

*******

Arctic stomped down the hall, his mind cooking up a storm of thoughts. *Why can't Mother just listen to me, understand what I'm saying?* Arctic grumbled.  

*But you can,* something whispered. Arctic stopped and looked around. "Who said that?" Arctic called out.  

*Why not command her to listen to you, with your own claws?* the voice suggested.  

Arctic turned around, his eyes scanning the entire room. "Who said that? Come out; it's not funny," Arctic demanded.  

*Just think of a long icy chain wrapped around that disgusting snout of hers,* the voice cooed.  

Arctic breathed heavily. Where was the voice coming from? Was he going insane? No, no, there's gotta be a dragon that is pranking him.

*But maybe a collar with a long chain as she bends to our will,* spoke the voice with joy. Arctic quickly began walking.

*Don't you agree, Arctic? To see her follow our command and only listen to us,* cooed the voice. Arctic shivered at how close the voice was. "No, it's not; it's terrible," Arctic denied.

Arctic quickened his pace. *But don't you feel it in your claws, the power to do anything, to have anything?* whispered the voice.

Arctic gulped. "Who are you?" Arctic asked outloud. *Don't worry about that; just think of the power you have in your claws, a strong power that only you have,* praised the voice.

"But to destroy a dragon's will, to bend their will to follow you," Arctic voiced his concerns.

*So what? They were just weak, pathetic, insignificant. Just think, with her under your claw, you could do what you want, be your own dragon, be with Foeslayer,* enticed the voice.

Arctic stopped, considering the voice's words. It sounded so enticing, and it was so easy to do with the snap of his claws.

But Arctic quickly shook his head. "No, it's wrong, it's wrong," Arctic repeated as he changed directions. He needed advice, and there was one dragon he could always count on. 

*********

Powder groaned as he pushed a stack of finished scrolls to the side. Powder slumped on his desk. "Three moons, this storm is the worst! It's messing up the mailing schedule and making me organize it again," complained Powder with a pout. 

He grabbed a box with more scrolls and took his quill to prepare for a painstaking hour's of reorganizing and date rescheduling. *I wonder how Freeze is doing; I bet it's much better than in here,* pondered Powder, thinking of his lover. 

He began his work, but midway, he started getting distracted and began doodling pictures of him and Freeze. On a lovely date, in the morning in bed, at a restaurant, watching the jumping whales together. 

Powder giggled as he doodled, but he quickly threw the scroll when he heard the mailroom door open. Powder leaned over his desk to see Arctic huffing and puffing as he looked around and spotted Powder.

Arctic stomped towards his desk, and Powder backed up a little when Arctic slammed his desk.  

"M-m-my Prince," stammered Powder, afraid he was in trouble.  

Arctic breathed heavily and raised his eyes to Powder. Powder quickly fixed his posture, sitting up straight when he saw fear, worry, and doubt in his Prince's eyes.  

"Arctic, are you alright? Just breathe," Powder advised as he stood up and came over to Arctic.  

Instead of following his advice, Arctic hugged Powder with a deathly grip.  

"Woah, woah, hey, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Powder kept asking, but Arctic wouldn't answer him; instead, his grip just got stronger.  

Powder patted his back and guided him to a bench as the two sat down. "Okay, let's sit down," instructed Powder as they settled.  

Both Icewings sat down, and Powder saw that Arctic wasn't calming down yet. He brought Arctic closer and leaned him on his shoulder as he hummed a nice tune.  

Arctic's grip lessened as he joined in on the humming. "Remember it, do you?" Powder teased with a smile.

Arctic scoffed, "So what? It was a long time ago," Arctic grumbled softly.  

Powder laughed and pushed Arctic off, grabbing his cheek. Arctic sighed and leaned into his claw.  

Powder sighed and caressed his cheek. "Every time you asked me to hum you a song to make you sleep," recalled Powder with a smile.  

Arctic laughed. "Yeah, it helped me sleep listening to you, but it's super embarrassing every time you bring it up," complained Arctic softly.  

Powder shrugged. "Now, you know, are you ready to talk about what's bothering you?" Powder suggested.  

Arctic frowned and nodded. Powder gave him some space to talk.  

Arctic licked his lips. "I kinda had a fight with my mother," revealed Arctic. Powder's eyes widened, realizing how bad this could get. "About what?" prompted Powder.  

Arctic sighed but smiled. "Well, it was about the Nightwing I told you about the other night; we confessed our love for each other," confessed Arctic.  

Powder nodded slowly. "Are you ready for that kind of relationship?" warned Powder with a serious tone.

Arctic shook his head. "Not really, and neither is she, but we want to go through this together," Arctic reassured, looking hopeful.  

Powder hummed. "If you're sure, but can you tell me more about this Nightwing?" Powder inquired about Foeslayer.  

Arctic's face changed to a dopey one. "Well, her name's Foeslayer, and she's really sweet, a little nervous, strong..." Arctic went on a rambling spree about Foeslayer.  

Powder leaned on his knuckles as he listened to Arctic ramble about this dragon with a fond look.  

When Arctic finally finished, he blushed and looked at Powder awkwardly. "So yeah, that's Foeslayer," mumbled Arctic with embarrassment.  

Powder laughed. "Don't worry, it's nice seeing young love flourish," encouraged Powder.  

"But now, onto the fight," Powder changed the subject. Arctic gulped and nodded. Arctic began retelling what happened in the dining room.  

How angry he got, how his mother tried convincing him with their lies, how Icecube stood in the room uncomfortably, and Powder listened carefully to everything.

"After that, I left the room and walked down the halls of the palace where I heard something," whispered Arctic, looking fearful.  

Powder raised a brow. "What did you hear?" asked Powder.  

Arctic looked around. "I don't know; it was a voice. It whispered such great things, such tantalizing words," Arctic said as he looked at his claws.  

Powder gulped. "What kind of words, Arctic?" Powder urged further.  

Arctic gulped, and Powder watched as his claws began to glow. "It said how I can use my power to bend Mother to my will, and she would have to listen to me, see things my way," Arctic recounted the words that the voice told him.  

Powder's eyes widened. He placed a claw on Arctic's shoulder. "Arc—" but he was cut off by Arctic grabbing his claw and looking at him directly with a smile.  

"I could get you out of here, set good laws, make my own decisions, be with Foeslayer," rambled Arctic, finding the idea more and more promising.  

"Don't you find it amazing, Powder?" Arctic whispered, looking at Powder directly.

Powder shook his head and pushed Arctic away. "No, I don't find it amazing; I find it disgusting," Powder denied. Arctic looked saddened by hearing that. "But I could make your life bett—NO!" Powder cut him off, making Arctic jump. 

Powder stood. "Arctic, listen to yourself. You're talking about enslaving your mother to make her bend to your will. Don't you hear how wrong that is?" Powder pointed out, looking angry. Arctic gulped. *Keep going, make him see the good in our idea.* Arctic stood up as well. 

"But Mother is cruel to you for no reason. Why shouldn't I enslave her? That way, I could make things better for everyone: for you, for me, for the whole kingdom," Arctic justified. 

Powder frowned. "Arctic, yes, your mother is cruel, but she doesn't know better. Many queens and kings were also cruel or kind in the past; the Queen's mother was also cruel," Powder defended. 

Powder sighed. "When your mother took the throne, she did make the kingdom better—not all of it, but she did in her own way," Powder explained.

Arctic growled, "Why are you defending her?" he accused Arctic.  

Powder sighed, "Cause she's your mother, Arctic. Sure, she doesn't show a lot, but I know she loves you in her own way," Powder explained, looking at Arctic with a frown.  

"But Arctic, what you are suggesting is evil. I raised you better than this. Your mother thinks better of you, and I know this. Foelsayer loved your kindness, not this," Powder pleaded.  

That seemed to make Arctic waver a little. Arctic looked at Powder when he felt Powder's claw on his cheek.  

"Arctic, please don't do this. You have the power to do good things, not this. Please tell me what you're thinking is wrong," Powder begged.  

Arctic breathed in and out. *Why was I thinking this? Of course, it's wrong. How could I worry Powder like this?* Arctic thought.  

Arctic shook his head and frowned. "You're right, it's wrong. I'm sorry for thinking like this. I just don't know what came over me," Arctic apologized.  

Powder just patted him on the shoulder. "It's alright," Powder reassured.

The two let silence fall over them. Arctic stared at the ceiling, thinking over his actions. Powder looked back at his desk and saw the stack of scrolls. 

Powder groaned on the inside; Arctic's eye saw it, and he looked at the desk as well. "Do you want help with that?" Arctic offered with a small smile. 

Powder blinked and looked at the office door. "Don't you want to go hang out with Snow and the others?" Powder reminded him. 

Arctic shook his head. "They can wait; I need to clear my head and kind of need some advice on this whole mate, boyfriend thing," Arctic requested, embarrassed. 

Powder smiled and nodded. "Sure, let me teach you the ways of mail," Powder announced, standing up with a smile. 

Arctic laughed and followed him as the two sat down at his desk and began working. "So what kind of advice do you want?" Powder offered. 

Arctic shrugged. "I don't know how to be a good mate, how to be good in certain situations, and how to, you know..." Arctic made a movement with his claws to insinuate something sexual.

That made Powder laugh. Arctic blushed. "It's not that funny," Arctic grumbled. Powder tried calming his laughter but couldn't; instead, he patted Arctic on the shoulder. "Sorry, sorry, I never thought I would be teaching you this," Powder said, trying to catch his breath after laughing.

Arctic huffed and grabbed a quill. "You don't have to," Arctic pointed out. Powder patted him on the back. "Come on, Arctic, laugh a little," Powder encouraged as he started working.

Arctic scoffed but smiled softly. "Shut up, just tell me what to do, old man," Arctic demanded with a soft tone.

Powder sighed and shook his head. "Old man, really? Maybe I won't teach you anything." "What? Come on, you can tease me, and I can't tease you back," the two bickered as they worked.

*********

Icecube leaned against the mailroom door and sighed. "The prince is alright; now I need to report back to the Queen..." Icecube trailed off as he made his way to the Queen's quarters, walking away and leaving the prince with his former caretaker.

Chapter Text

The snowstorm seemed to have calmed down a little, with only strong winds and tiny snowflakes blowing past the window. Foeslayer stared into the heavy snowy weather while the other two played a game of cards. 

"Foe, come play with us. Arctic's fine; his mom wouldn't do anything bad," Moonshine reassured her. 

Foeslayer shrugged and kept watching. "Even so, I'm still worried. I'm also trying not to use my future sight; I don't want to depend on it while being with him," Foeslayer argued. 

Moonshine frowned and tapped Snowflake on the tail with hers. Snowflake looked up from her cards and glanced at Moonshine. Moonshine nodded to Foeslayer and made a frowny face. 

Snowflake blinked and looked at Foeslayer. "Foe, I can assure you, Arctic will be fine. Stop your worrying; it's just a dispute between mother and son," Snowflake tried reassuring her, giving her best smile. 

Foeslayer sighed but smiled. "Fine, I'll calm down a little; I can't keep from getting worried," Foeslayer relented, drawing on the window.

"Cause you're together, right?" Moonshine teased, making kissy faces, which made Snowflake chuckle. Foeslayer rolled her eyes and kept drawing.  

Moonshine grabbed two cards and placed them on the table. "Two pair," Moonshine said. Snowflake placed down all five of her cards. "Royal flush, I win!" Moonshine groaned while Snowflake grabbed all their playing chips.  

"I should have folded," Moonshine grumbled, throwing the rest of her cards down and crossing her arms. Snowflake grabbed all their cards and began to shuffle them.  

"Try to have a better poker face, Shine; it's easy to read you," Snowflake advised with a smirk. Moonshine laughed. "You should feel lucky, Icewing. I wasn't even using my powers; I could have easily won this game," Moonshine boasted, puffing out her chest.  

Snowflake raised a brow and dealt out cards. "Alright then, let's do it. Use your power; I'll beat that as well," Snowflake challenged with a small smirk.  

Moonshine leaned forward and snatched her cards. "Oh, you got it coming—no—" their voices disappeared.

Foeslayer instead heard her claw trace slowly around the glass while she drew, the heavy snowstorm and the muffled voices of her friends in the background. She smiled when she finished her drawing of Arctic; she hummed and drew him with a big nose.

She giggled as she began drawing him with random traits and other stuff. The atmosphere was lively and calm, with everyone having an enjoyable time while they waited for their friend. 

But it soon turned sour when the door to their room was slammed open. Both Moonshine and Snowflake jumped, looking over and seeing Prudence.

Prudence glared at the two, but her gaze was focused on her daughter. "Hey there, Prudence, you need something?" Moonshine asked cautiously.

Prudence gave Moonshine a glare. "It's none of your concern, Moonshine. I'm just here for my daughter. FOESLAYER, COME!" Foeslayer jumped when her name was called.

She balled her claw into a fist but took a deep breath and uncurled them. "Coming, Mother," Foeslayer answered, standing up.

Prudence huffed and walked out of the room. Foeslayer stood there glaring at her ruined drawing. But she took a deep breath and calmed down; *there was no need to get angry,* she told herself.

Once Foeslayer was fully calm, she turned around and walked to the door, but Moonshine stopped her. "Do you want me to come? I don't want to leave you alone with her," Moonshine offered, not happy about finding her friend alone with her mother. 

Foeslayer shook her head without turning around. "I'll be fine, Shine. Just keep enjoying your game with Snowflake, okay?" Foeslayer reassured her as she walked out. 

Moonshine frowned and sat back down, placing her cards down. "Don't wanna play," Snowflake guessed. Moonshine shook her head and stared at the door. "Can't. Foe and her mom being alone always makes me worried, 'cause you can clearly see they don't really like each other," Moonshine voiced her worries. 

Snowflake placed her cards down as well. She went over to Moonshine and draped a wing over her, and Moonshine leaned into her.

Snowflake placed her head close to Moonshine. "Calm down, she'll be fine, same as Arctic; they can handle their own stuff," Snowflake reassured. Moonshine pouted and leaned in closer, making Snowflake blush a little. "I guess," Moonshine agreed.

Snowflake patted her on the head, making Moonshine blush now. Snowflake grabbed the cards and shuffled them. "Let's play something else," Moonshine shrugged. "Fine," Moonshine agreed as the two began another game.

*********

Foeslayer stood in front of her mother's door. She took a deep breath and opened it. Prudence tapped the icy table and looked up, irritated. "Finally, what took you so long?" Prudence complained, glaring at her daughter.

Foeslayer rolled her eyes and entered the room, locking the door behind her and quickly sat down in front of her mother. "What do you want, Mother?" Foeslayer demanded, glaring back. Prudence narrowed her eyes. "Watch how you talk, missy, but fine, it's about the Prince of Icewings," Prudence purred. Foeslayer growled, "What about him?" she asked.

Prudence leaned forward, crossing her claws together. "Well, you seem to have gotten close to the young prince," she pointed out.  

Foeslayer leaned back, crossing her arms. "And so what? It has nothing to do with you," Foeslayer replied.  

Prudence rolled her eyes at her daughter's attitude. "No, I don't, but you do. He could be a great asset for the kingdom, if yo—"  

"No," Foeslayer quickly denied, cutting her mother off.  

Prudence growled but calmed down. "If you could let me explain," Prudence asked, trying to keep her tone calm.  

Foeslayer shook her head. "No, I will not. Anything you suggest, I'm not going to do it, not with him," Foeslayer stated.  

Prudence sighed, pinching her nose. "Foeslayer, dear, please use your head. See how this could help our kingdom—an Icewing with animus magic," Prudence tried explaining her plan.  

But Foeslayer stood up, angry. "No, I will not. I'm not listening to you, not your plan, nothing, because I know it's bad," Foeslayer made her point clear, glaring at her mother.

Prudence slammed the table while standing up. "Why can't you use that useless brain of yours? This Icewing is infatuated with you; you can use it," Prudence sneered.

Foeslayer looked at her mother in disgust. "To do what, mother? To do what?" Foeslayer demanded.

Prudence smiled. "Well, you could finally be useful and have animus blood in our family. You could make the Nightwing so much more powerful," Prudence suggested, smiling.

Foeslayer wanted to barf at her mother's suggestion. "I'm leaving," Foeslayer decided, stomping to the door.

Prudence glared and raised her voice. "You stop right there, Foe—" but Foeslayer didn't let her finish as she slammed the door in her face.

She tried to hold back the tears as she walked away with a destination in mind. Foeslayer walked aimlessly through the palace halls; she couldn't believe her mother would suggest such things and think so little of her.

Good for the kingdom, her ass. It was her life, her decision. She's not going to ruin her thing with Arctic for some stupid politics or whatever.

Foeslayer then felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around, snarling with smoke coming out of her mouth, preparing to burn anyone who dared to disturb her right now. But in front of her was a sweating Arctic. He raised his arms fearfully and let out a nervous chuckle. "Wow, didn't know that I was such a threat, heh," he joked. 

Foeslayer gasped and quickly fixed herself, blushing a little. "Sorry that you had to see that," she apologized, avoiding eye contact. Arctic chuckled. "It's fine, but are you okay? Never saw you get that angry," Arctic pointed out. 

Foeslayer sighed, staring at the snowstorm outside. "I'm fine, kind of. Just got into a heated discussion with my mother, is all," Foeslayer reassured him. Arctic hummed and grabbed her claw. "Follow me; I want to show you something," Arctic suggested. 

Foeslayer raised a brow but followed as they went up multiple stairs, where they made it to Arctic's room but did not enter it. Instead, they entered the room beside it. Arctic let her go and walked further in.

Arctic then turned towards her and spread his wings and arms. "Welcome to my art room, Foeslayer," announced Arctic with a smile.  

Foeslayer looked around the room, which had blank canvases, painted canvases, ice sculptures, a stack of papers, and a coal pencil beside it.  

Foeslayer looked back at Arctic, who stood there waiting for her response. "I like it; it seems you use it a lot," commented Foeslayer as she eyed the many paint splotches around the room.  

Arctic scratched the back of his head, embarrassed by the paint splotches. "Yeah, I do. Don't worry, the room isn't normally this dirty; I just haven't had the chance to clean it," Arctic explained, opening another door.  

Foeslayer shrugged as she sat down on a chair in the middle of the room. "I don't know; the paint splotches give it character. I say you keep it," Foeslayer suggested, staring at Arctic's back.  

Arctic laughed while grabbing some of his paints. "Keep it like this? You must be crazy; my mother would have a riot," laughed Arctic hysterically.

Arctic placed his paints beside Foeslayer, who was intrigued by what he was doing. "What are you doing?" Foeslayer wondered.

Arctic held up a paintbrush. "Well, I thought we could talk with each other while I paint you," Arctic suggested, grabbing a fresh canvas and placing it in front of Foeslayer.

Foeslayer blushed upon hearing this. "Oh, you want to paint me?" Foeslayer mumbled, embarrassed. Arctic grabbed a small stool and sat in front of his canvas, smiling. "Yeah, I do. I paint pretty things I see, and right now, I see something worthy of being painted," Arctic praised, dipping his paintbrush.

Foeslayer fawned over herself, trying to calm down. "Oh, that's so sweet, Arctic, but I'm sure there are better things to draw than me," Foeslayer denied while holding her red cheeks.

Arctic scoffed. "Oh, please, I want nothing more than to just paint you. Now get into a comfortable pose, and let's begin," Arctic insisted, giving her an encouraging nod.

Foeslayer hummed and looked away but took a deep breath and nodded.

Foeslayer lay on her side and propped her head up with a claw. "How's this?" Foeslayer asked. Arctic hummed and squinted a little. He tapped his chin and nodded. "That's good. Now get comfy; this might take a while," Arctic advised as he began painting.

Foeslayer nodded and got comfortable. To distract herself, she watched the storm pass. She observed how the snowstorm calmed down more and more as the day passed quietly.

All she could hear were Arctic's grunts as he worked. Her eyes grew heavy. *He wouldn't mind me closing my eyes for a few seconds,* Foeslayer thought, closing her eyes for a moment.

******(*

Foeslayer's eyes fluttered open to see a nice living room before her. "Huh? What?" she mumbled, looking around. "Where am I? I thought I was in Arctic's painting room," Foeslayer whispered to herself.

She stood up from a chair and stared outside. "I'm back home," Foeslayer said, shocked, as she watched Nightwing pass by the window. Some even waved at her, and she waved back. She stepped back and heard something.

It was light humming and something being chopped. Foeslayer tiptoed into a separate room that resembled a kitchen.  

"Hello," Foeslayer called out. She watched an Icewing jump up and turn around.  

"Foe, you're awake! Did you have a nice nap?" Arctic asked, turning back to his task.  

Foeslayer cocked her head, confused, and stood next to Arctic, who was chopping up a wolf.  

"You're chopping a wolf," she wondered, confused.  

Arctic stopped his chopping and turned to her, a little worried. He touched her forehead, and she shivered at his cold touch.  

"Are you alright, my star?" Arctic fretted, looking her over. "You're not sick again, are you?" Arctic asked, holding her head softly.  

Foeslayer shook her head. "No, I'm just confused. Why are you chopping a wolf?" she asked again, staring at the chopped wolf.  

Arctic hummed and crossed his arms. He stared at her with a raised brow. "Sweetie, you're not pretending to be fine again, are you?" Arctic accused, giving her a disapproving stare. Foeslayer avoided his gaze, not liking it.

"No, I'm just... ugh, why are you chopping a wolf? Please tell me," Foeslayer asked, frustrated with a pout.  

Arctic sighed and grabbed a meat cleaver. "Fine, I'll tell you, but if I find you're lying, I'm putting you under house arrest," Arctic warned, going back to chopping it again.  

Foeslayer raised her hands in anger. "What? You can't do that! I can make my own decisions, not you," Foeslayer stated, frowning at him.  

Arctic scoffed as he grabbed a clean knife and started slicing the meat off the bone while also removing any unwanted meat.  

"Well, you can make decisions when you take care of yourself like a proper adult, and until you do that, let your gorgeous mate take care of you," Arctic said, throwing the rest of the scraps into a bowl.  

Foeslayer scoffed. "I can take ca—wait, mates? We're mates?" she asked, surprised, but she quickly blushed when Arctic looked at her like she was stupid.  

"Uh, yes, we're mates. Why are you surprised? I think you need more sleep," Arctic grumbled, giving her a frown that made her blush.

Foeslayer opened her mouth, but all that came out was a wheeze. She closed her mouth and blushed even more, looking away. Arctic stared at her, confused, and rolled his eyes.

He grabbed the meat, threw it into a pot, and placed it over a fire pit. "Sweetie, could you light this up for me?" Arctic requested as he walked away. 

Foeslayer nodded dumbly and stood in front of the fire pit, breathing out fire to light it up. Foeslayer plopped onto the counter that Arctic was working on as her mind raced: *We're mates, but when? This can't be real; it must be a dream, or a vision, or maybe both,* she tried rationalizing.

She groaned, gripping her head: *Why am I so concerned about this? Why don't I just enjoy it?* she decided and looked beside her to see a pile of wolf skin. She grabbed one and sniffed; it reeked of blood still. "My prince, why did you skin it? Don't you want to eat it as well?" she called out, placing it back. 

"Nah, I was thinking of giving it to a tanner, yeah," Arctic threw out the idea.

Foeslayer raised a brow at the idea. "Do you want it as a furniture piece or as clothes?" she asked, intrigued by the concept. Arctic placed a bag of flour and a cup of other ingredients on the table. "Well, I thought about making it a cute furniture piece, but would it look good as a coat for our little ones?" Arctic pondered over the two options. 

Foeslayer's eyes widened as she looked at Arctic, shocked. "Our little ones?" she squeaked, blushing at the idea of having dragonets with Arctic, but really disliking it. Arctic smiled softly. "Yeah, our little ones. Just think of #### and #### in such cute clothing! What do you think?" Arctic squealed, liking the idea of clothing more and more. 

Foeslayer held her ear in pain when only garbled sounds left Arctic's mouth, but she shrugged. "I wouldn't mind," Foeslayer half-agreed. Arctic grabbed her ear softly. "Is your ear hurting? I think you should go take a rest a little longer," Arctic instructed, guiding her to a bed, which she got on without resistance. "Sleep a little longer," Arctic suggested.

Foeslayer hummed, her eyes already feeling heavy as they started closing. Arctic gave her forehead a kiss. "Sleep tight, Foe... Foeslayer... Foeslayer," a voice called her, and she groaned. "FOESLAYER!" it screamed now, making her jump awake.

Foeslayer blinked rapidly, looking around to see she was back. She held her head in confusion. *So it was a dream,* Foeslayer let out a sigh of relief. But a cough caught her attention as she focused back on Arctic, who stood there angrily tapping his feet.

Foeslayer gave him a nervous smile. "I fell asleep, didn't I?" she guessed. Arctic huffed and grabbed his canvas, walking over to her. "Yes, you did, but no matter; I finished painting even though we couldn't talk," Arctic grumbled, showing her the canvas.

It depicted herself lying on her side, asleep in front of a window where a moon stood high in the night sky, bathing her in its moonlight, with snowflakes falling slowly in the background. Foeslayer could even see a reflection on the floor of the painting.

Foeslayer turned to Arctic, who played with his claws, looking away. "I tried remembering all the dots under your wing, and I kinda made you a little more purple. Hope you don't mind," Arctic gave it more description. 

Foeslayer looked back and saw one of her wings sagging on the floor while she stared at the moon with her eyes closed. Foeslayer opened her own wings and checked what was different in the painting, but it was almost perfect; only a few dots were missing. 

Foeslayer didn't really mind being a little more purple; she liked it. It matched well with the dark room, with the moon being the only light source. Foeslayer came over to Arctic, who waited for her response, but instead of saying anything, she kissed him on the cheek. 

Arctic turned fully blue, his fur puffing up, making Foeslayer giggle. She rubbed his cheek and smiled up at him. "It's beautiful, thank you, Arctic," she praised. Arctic looked away, blushing, but puffed his chest, feeling proud. "Thank you," he boasted a little.

The two stood there, staring at each other. They quickly backed up, blushing. Foeslayer held the canvas close and looked at how late it had become. The moon was high up in the night sky.

Arctic saw this as well. "Do you still want to talk about what happened today?" Arctic suggested with a shrug. Foeslayer shrugged as well as the two sat down together near the door. "So what happened between you and your mom?" Foeslayer asked, staring at the floor.

Arctic sighed and stared at a painting of his mother. "Well, my mother did not like our relationship," Arctic confessed, tearing his eyes away from his mother's gaze.

Foeslayer's ears flopped down upon hearing that. "I'm sorry if I caused trouble for you; maybe we shouldn't have it," Foeslayer suggested, conversations with her mother popping in her head. *What if I just ruin his life by staying with me? Mother had sympathy using him for the kingdom. What would Vigilante think?* Foeslayer thought, fearing the idea of pursuing her love for him, but then he grabbed her.

Foeslayer looked up at Arctic, who glared down at her. "Do not let my mother's words dissuade you, Foe," Arctic reassured.  

Foeslayer frowned. "But what if it's a bad idea? I mean, as you said, we're taking this quick. What if I ruin your life or...." Foeslayer trailed off, remembering a dark future for Arctic.  

But she was shaken out of her thoughts again and looked up at Arctic, who stared her down fiercely. "I don't care, Foe. Fast, slow, it doesn't matter to me. I want to experience it with you," Arctic confessed, staring straight at her.  

Foeslayer crossed her claws in front of her chest, still not convinced. "But wh—" Arctic silenced her with a claw to her lip.  

"But nothing! I want to experience this emotion with you. I want to have something that isn't my mother's choice but my own," Arctic stated.  

He then gave her a kiss on the cheek. "And my choice is to love you and take the ups and downs. I want to experience it with you. Please don't be dissuaded; I love Foeslayer," Arctic proclaimed, hugging her while she was in shock.

Arctic then pulled away and held her claws in his. "But that's my choice. What's your choice, Foeslayer? Do you want to stay with me? If not, I'll accept it," Arctic presented a choice to her. 

Foeslayer stared straight at him and bit her lip. Did she want to be with him? The confession in the washroom was made in the spur of the moment. But now she had a choice: be with Arctic or leave him alone. *What if my mother uses him or me for the kingdom's gain? Or what if...* Foeslayer thought of many "what ifs." 

She went to use her future sight for help, but then she remembered her earlier proclamation that she wouldn't use it. Foeslayer took a deep breath and stared into his eyes. *Other dragons' words should not influence my decision, neither the future, but myself right here and now in the present,* Foeslayer decided. 

She nodded and smiled, gripping Arctic's claw hard, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Yes, I want to be with you. I want to experience it with you as well," Foeslayer stated, blushing. Arctic smiled.

The two then hugged, enjoying each other's company. They stayed like that for a while, but then Arctic asked a question: "Do you want to tell me what got you so angry in the hall?" Foeslayer sighed but nodded. "Sure," she agreed and began telling him.

*********

Snowflake sipped some tea while she read a scroll, and Moonshine combed Snowflake's fur while she ate a fish. The two heard a knock on the door. They stared at the door, which opened to reveal Snowangel. "Hey there, you two! Having fun? Do you guys need anything?" Snowangel asked.

Snowflake shook her head. "We're fine, Mother. Shine and I are just enjoying the quiet atmosphere and each other's company," her daughter assured. Moonshine agreed with Snowflake. "Yep, we're good, Ms. Snowangel. Oh, but do you have sweets?" Moonshine requested.

Snowangel hummed, pondering the question, and snapped her fingers. "Yes, we do, Shine! And please call me Angel," Snowangel insisted before leaving the two. Both girls went back to what they were doing. "Your mom's nice," Moonshine commented.

Snowflake nodded and rolled up the scroll, grabbing another. "She is," she agreed. Moonshine grabbed a small dagger and gently cut some of Snowflake's fur. "So what does your dad do?" Moonshine inquired. 

Snowflake shrugged. "I don't know; he's barely at home sometimes. He mostly asks me to focus on my future by learning and other stuff," Snowflake informed, putting the scroll aside and relaxing while Moonshine worked with her fur. 

"So is he strict or just a concerned father? 'Cause mine was super strict with my grades," Moonshine compared her father, but Snowflake shook her head. 

"No, he wasn't super strict; he just wanted to make sure I climbed the ranks, but he's a busy dragon. He's barely home," Snowflake sighed, remembering all the times her father came home at night to just fall asleep on the floor. 

"That's nice; at least your dad wasn't on your case about where you've been when you were just like five minutes late," Moonshine complained, thinking of her father's reprimanding tone telling her no.

Moonshine grabbed a bottle and poured some into Snowflake's fur, making it shine a little more than normal.  

"So, you ever had any boyfriends... girlfriends?" Moonshine whispered the last part, but Snowflake heard.  

"Nah, no dragon ever interested me. I was attracted to a few, but taking them out on a date? No," Snowflake explained.  

She told Moonshine how guys found her creepy because she didn't express her emotions, and other girls were jealous that she had Arctic's attention always on her and not them.  

Moonshine laughed. "If they were like that, they didn't deserve him; they don't deserve Arctic either," Moonshine concluded, huffing.  

Snowflake smiled. "Thanks, it's nice to hear that. But what about you? Any past lovers? Exes?" Snowflake asked her the same question.  

Moonshine sighed but nodded. "Yeah, I dated a few guys, but they didn't last. I tried some girls, but it never lasted more than a week," Moonshine recalled her love life.  

Snowflake nodded at all she was hearing, but her gaze focused on the scar on Moonshine's armpit.

"Did your past lover do that?" Snowflake asked softly, cutting off Moonshine from going on a ramble.  

Moonshine stared at her scar and frowned, but giving her a nod, Snowflake frowned as well. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," Snowflake reassured, giving her a squeeze of comfort.  

Moonshine smiled and sighed. "Well, I dated a guy, and we hit it off, but we did have some flaws in our relationship," Moonshine said slowly, touching her scar.  

Snowflake stood up, sat beside her, and wrapped a wing around her. "Take your time; I'm here to listen," Snowflake reassured.  

Moonshine smiled and sighed, trying to recall those days. "He had a hard time taking no and was quite violent sometimes, never to me at least; that’s what I thought," Moonshine leaned closer to Snowflake.  

"We went to a party that my dad advised me not to go to, but we went anyway and got a little tipsy." Snowflake didn't like where this was going but kept calm and let Moonshine continue. Moonshine shivered, recalling the night.

"We went to a secluded part, we just chilled, and then he asked me if I wanted to have sex," Moonshine said bluntly. "And I said no, I don't want to have sex here," Moonshine complained, her past emotions bubbling up. "But he didn't listen; he tried again and asked, but I said no again, and it started to make him angry."

Moonshine quickly turned to fear, and Snowflake held her. "He pinned me down, whispering to me how I would like it, how I wo—" "Did he do it?" Snowflake sneered, feeling her blue blood boil. 

Moonshine shook her head. "No, I defended myself, and he started getting aggressive, and that's how I got this." Moonshine showed her scar, which had a nasty claw mark.

Snowflake touched it gently and grabbed Moonshine's shoulder, bringing her in. "I'm sorry that happened to you. If you ever see him again, point me to him, and I'll break every bone in his body," Snowflake promised to beat him up. 

Moonshine smiled and leaned into her chest, which Snowflake allowed as she patted Moonshine's head softly and caringly.

"Eventually, some dragons heard the commotion and came to investigate, but when they saw what was happening, they helped me," Moonshine chuckled, recalling how her ex got beaten up. "But I didn't stay long; as soon as I got the chance, I ran back home crying," Moonshine sniffed, recalling how she told her parents everything.

"Mom and Dad made sure I was fine, and when Foeslayer found out, she quickly came to me to make sure I was okay," Moonshine recalled how Foeslayer fretted over her, making sure she was okay. 

Snowflake hummed and pulled Moonshine closer. "Did your ex get what he deserved?" Snowflake asked, and Moonshine nodded. "Yeah, my dad went straight up to his family and demanded an apology and a punishment for my ex," Moonshine chuckled, remembering how furious her father was and how he screamed at her ex's family.

"In the end, my ex's family moved, and I never saw him again, but my parents and Foeslayer got a little overprotective with who I dated," Moonshine complained a little, but not fully.

"But I'm grateful they did it; I felt safe knowing how far they go," Moonshine showed her gratitude, and Snowflake smiled. She then kissed Moonshine on the forehead, who shut up, blushing. "Why did you do that?" Moonshine squeaked. Snowflake shrugged. "I don't know; my mind told me to do it," Snowflake answered, clearly confused as well. 

But then she had a serious look and grabbed Moonshine's shoulder. "Thank you for telling me this. I know it must have been hard recalling that day, but I'm grateful you told me," Snowflake thanked, and Moonshine shrugged. "Well, you seem trustworthy and caring..." Moonshine mumbled, getting closer, and so did Snowflake. 

The two stared at each other in the eyes as they leaned slowly closer, their eyes closed as their lips almost touched— "Sweetie, I'm home, and some of your..." Both girls separated and looked at the door in shock to see Snowflake's father standing in the doorway. "Uhhh, am I interrupting something, or... um... your friends are here," her father mumbled, shuffling off.

"Homey, you take care of this," her father called out. The two then saw two heads pop up in the doorway.  

It was Arctic and Foeslayer, who looked at them with shocked expressions.  

Snowflake quickly sat up. "It's not what it looks like! Me and Shine were just talking, and stuff led to that, and..." Snowflake rambled, trying to save them both from embarrassment.  

Arctic walked in slowly, nodding, with Foeslayer following. "Yeah, sure, it's an accident that you both were so close to kissing," Arctic said, totally not believing them.  

Foeslayer walked up to them and placed a bag of sweets down. "Here, your mom gave me this. She said to bring it up to you. We'll leave you two to your privacy," Foeslayer said, following Arctic outside.  

The two gave a thumbs up with a wink and closed the door, where talking could be heard on the other side.  

Snowflake groaned, falling on her bed with Moonshine sitting next to her. "Feeling embarrassed?" Moonshine pointed out. Snowflake nodded. "So much," she confirmed, staring up at Moonshine.

Moonshine chuckled and lay down beside her. "Well, that's normal when your parents catch you with somebody," Moonshine reassured.  

Snowflake hummed and stared at the ceiling. She rearranged her body on the bed, which made her push Moonshine on top of her.  

"Whoa, uh," Moonshine didn't know what to do. "Sorry, it's been a long time since I've slept in my old bed; I forgot how small it is," Snowflake apologized.  

Moonshine snorted and made herself comfortable on top of Snowflake. "It's fine; I quite like it here," Moonshine assured.  

Now the two were closer than ever. Snowflake couldn't stop staring at Moonshine's lips, and she saw this.  

"You wanna do this?" Moonshine invited, inching closer. Snowflake gulped but nodded. "Yes, I want to," Moonshine smiled and moved in closer.  

Snowflake felt her lips touch hers. Snowflake wrapped her arms around Moonshine and kept her secure.  

Moonshine separated, breathing a little heavily, and Snowflake as well. "How was that?" Moonshine asked. Snowflake blushed but smiled.

"I like it," Snowflake admitted. Moonshine giggled and kissed her again. But then they heard a loud squeal; both separated to see Snowangel squealing and both their friends smirking at them. "Honey, our daughter is in love!" cheered Snowangel, running away to her husband.

Snowflake sighed and sat up. "Well, now that's going to be annoying," Snowflake sighed. Moonshine gave her a sympathetic look. "Sorry," she apologized. Snowflake shrugged. "It's fine. You guys want to do something?" Snowflake suggested to the others. "I heard there was a band of Sandwings playing near one of the villages if you guys want to visit," Arctic threw out an idea.

Moonshine stood up. "Well, I'm down," Moonshine made her decision, looking at the other two. "Yeah, I've never seen a Sandwing band before," Foeslayer said, wondering what instruments Sandwings would play.

Snowflake shrugged. "It beats getting bombarded with questions from my parents," Snowflake agreed to the idea. The group immediately left before Snowflake's parents could stop them.

********

"Hello, anyone in there?" Freezeshock sat up groaning. What was that noise? "Hello!" He turned around to see someone knocking on the door. 

Freezeshock blinked and rubbed his eyes, trying to wake them up. *How long did I sleep for?* Freezeshock looked around and saw his other coworkers dead asleep as well. He looked to the side to see a pile of bottles. "We must have gone crazy with the drinks," he said to himself. 

He stood up and cracked his back from sleeping in a bad position. "HELLO!" Freezeshock pinched between his eyes and walked up to the door, yanking it open, only to meet a fist hitting his chest. 

"Whoops, sorry, Freeze." He looked down to see Arctic staring apologetically at him. Freezeshock sighed. "You're alright, kid; it's my fault for sleeping on the job," he reassured. 

He spotted the girls standing near the gate, watching them. "Going somewhere?" he inquired, looking down. Arctic stuck his nose in and took a whiff, then stepped back, covering his nose. "Sheesh, reeks of alcohol, but yes," Arctic commented.

Freezeshock shrugged, leaning on the door. "Us guards gotta do something to entertain us, but where are you kids going?" Freezeshock inquired, grabbing some papers.  

Arctic rolled his eyes. "There are multiple ways to have fun besides getting drunk. Uhh, me and my friend wanna go to a nearby village," Arctic criticized while Freezeshock wrote down the information.  

"Any reason? And you try coming up with fun ways to distract yourself when you have minimal things," he inquired further, giving his prince the floor.  

"We wanna see the Sandiwng band that is playing, and there are loads of ways to have fun, like music, games, gossip...." Freezeshock tuned out his prince as he talked.  

Instead, he wrote the information, checked the time and weather. *Weather good, seemed to have calmed down a lot, and it just became night. Hmm.* Freezeshock tapped his chin, considering a curfew.  

"Well, the weather is good, but at what time will you come back?" he asked for reassurance.  

Arctic hummed, trying to calculate the time of going and coming with everything.

"I can give an estimate of three hours; the journey isn't long, but the show will be." Arctic gave a rough answer. That didn't reassure Freezeshock a lot, but he'll go with it. "Fine, you can go, but make sure to be back on time. I don't want our Queen getting antsy about where her son is," he instructed, making sure his prince listened.

Arctic let out a loud groan; he hated how everything related to his mother. "Yes, Dad, I'll make my friend and me act like responsible adults," Arctic semi-mocked him. Freezeshock chuckled and ruffled Arctic's fur, which he quickly tried to slap away. "Don't ruin my fur, you big oaf! You don't know how much I take to perfect it," Arctic complained.

"Well, don't ever try mocking me without thinking you won't get payback," Freezeshock reminded him. He looked to see Foeslayer staring at him, but more focused on Arctic. Freezeshock smirked and pulled Arctic closer. "Hey, I think that Nightwing has the hots for you," he alluded. Arctic rolled his eyes. "I know that, dummy; I'm not blind," Arctic said.

Freezeshock was surprised but smiled and gave his prince a pat on the back. "That's great! Did you win her over with your charms, huh, huh?" he inquired further. 

Hearing this, Arctic blushed a little. "Uh, yeah, we confessed and we're dating," Arctic mumbled softly. 

Arctic then felt a little crushed when Freezeshock brought him into a hug. "That's great, Arctic! I'm so proud! But are you prepared? I can teach you a few things if you want," he offered, feeling proud and happy for his prince. 

Arctic's heart swelled at how happy his caretaker's boyfriend felt. "Oh well, I'm kinda prepared, but Foeslayer and I promised that we'll do this together, and don't worry, Powder already got that covered." Freezeshock smiled, seeing his prince all blushy and happy. 

"That's great! But did your mother take it well?" Freezeshock could already tell that he had touched a sensitive subject, indicated by how quickly Arctic frowned. 

"Uh, no, we had a fight—a bad one," Arctic said quietly, looking at the ground. Freezeshock frowned at that.

Freezeshock gave Arcfic a pat on the shoulder. "Why don't you and your friends go have a fun time? We can talk about this later," Freezeshock suggested.  

Arctic nodded and waved to his friend, not before giving Freezeshock a wave goodbye, which he gladly returned.  

Freezeshock opened the gate and watched all four dragons go. He smiled at the sight and began closing it.  

But then he heard something crunch in the sand and turned around to see Queen Diamond standing a few feet behind him.  

He gasped and quickly bowed. "Good evening, my Queen. What brings you here?" Diamond didn't answer him; instead, she kept staring outside.  

"Did my son leave here with the Nightwings and Snowflake?" Freezeshock gulped, fearing the worst. "Yes, my Queen. Was I not supposed to?" he asked fearfully.  

Diamond shook her head slowly. "No, you are fine, Freezeshock. Just get back to duty and wake the other guards up. No sleeping on the job." Freezeshock saluted until the Queen left, and then he quickly ran inside and woke everyone.

Many of his coworkers groaned and cursed at him, but he didn't care; instead, he stared at the palace in worry.  

*What's happening in there? Maybe Powder knows,* Freezeshock pondered while squeezing something in his claw.  

"What are you holding there, Freeze?" Crystal asked, standing beside him as the two stared at the palace.  

Freezeshock opened his claws to reveal a pure silver ring with the name Powder carved in it. "It's a ring for Powder; I want to propose to him," Freezeshock confessed, staring at the ring.  

Crystal smiled and gave him a nudge. "That's awesome, dude! You should totally do it," Crystal encouraged, looking at the impressive ring.  

Freezeshock chuckled, but quickly died down to silence. "Crystal, do you feel something bad coming?" Crystal cocked her head and shook her head.  

"No, why? You feel something?" Freezeshock stared at the palace, and high above, he could spot the Queen on her balcony. "It's just a gut feeling, I guess, that something bad is gonna happen," he tried explaining but did so poorly.

Crystal stared at the palace as well but felt nothing. She gave Freezeshock a pat on the back. "Nope, don't feel anything; you're probably just paranoid. Come back inside before we get in trouble," Crystal said, going inside and leaving Freezeshock all alone outside.

He gave one last glance at the palace before kissing his ring. "Oh great Icewings, please protect those I care for; that is all I ask," he prayed before walking back inside to continue his duty throughout the night.