Wings of Fire: Dragonets of Change AU

"So," Fjord perked up. "What did you think?"

"Horrible." Clay replied. 

"You're awfully soft for an enemy of Queen Scarlet. A dragon dying should be a walk in the snow for you."

"You mean you see that all the time?"

Fjord contemplated for a moment. "Well, maybe not all the time. More like three times a week."

Clay let out a small whine. "That's so horrible."

Fjord was looking at Clay like he had just seen a frog sing. "Have you even fought in the war at all? Or been near a battlefield? Anything at all?"

Clay shook his head.

"Three moons, it's like you've been living under a rock!"

This is awkward, Clay thought. "I guess you can say that."

The conversation immediately came to a halt as a dragon came flying towards them. 

"Okay." Fjord muttered. "Don't freak out."

"What?" Why-" Clay cut off.

It was Peril.

"Hey, I said don't freak out! She visits sometimes, just stay cool."

"That's easy for you to say, you're always cool!"

A young voice butted in. "Ohhhh, I get it. 'Cause he's an IceWing!" Peril giggled.

Clay found himself staring in disbelief. Peril was right in front of him. And she was laughing. And she looked… Oddly nice. Just earlier he had seen her kill a dragon, but here she was, smiling with bright blue eyes.

How could she just forget about the life she'd taken like it was nothing?

On one talon, Clay would never want to be like her. Killing was the most horrible thing ever, and he could never forgive himself for such an act.

But on the other talon, he longed for such peace that this strange dragon felt. He wished he could laugh all his troubles away.

Maybe he shouldn't have judged her too soon.

"So. You're the first MudWing I've seen up here. I wonder if Queen Moorhen will be upset." Peril said, flapping her wings to hover in the air beside Clay.

"Who's that?"

"You can't be serious." 

Fjord and Peril exchanged a look. Fjord shrugged. "He's kind of clueless"

Clay shrunk.

Peril quickly changed the subject. "So why were you traveling with a SeaWing and a RainWing? That's treason, you know."

"Tsunami and Glory!" Clay exclaimed. "Are they alright? They're safe?"

"Woah, hold your fire. They're fine, for now."

"For now?"

Peril shrugged, then perked up. She glanced over at the sky, and Clay followed her gaze to see two SkyWing guards flying their way.

"Oh! I almost forgot. The queen wants to see you." Peril said quickly.

Clay shrunk. "Don't you think you should've told me that first?"

Peril smiled. Clay didn't want to admit it, but he liked seeing her smile. "Yeah. Oops."

The guards neared, and Peril readied to fly away. 

She turned to Clay. "Let me know how it goes."

He nodded.

The guards arrived, freeing Clay from the chains. He noticed that each of them wore a set of keys, each distinguished by colored gems and arranged in rainbow order. The key with the purple gem unlocked his leg shackles. 

The guards carried Clay by his wings until they reached the palace entrance. He was dropped to the ground as they landed, then guided through the ornate hallways, flanked by the two guards.

They passed many intricate tapestries, mosaics, and various shiny objects on pedestals. Clay felt as if he was walking through the biggest treasure room on Pyrrhia. 

Finally, they arrived at the throne room. Giant stained glass windows stretched from the floor to the ceiling, fading from orange to red as if the sky was an eternal sunset. The entire floor was a huge mosaic depicting a red SkyWing flying through a wall of fire, donning a golden crown.

The same golden crown sat upon the dragon in front of Clay, who was much bigger up close, even bigger than Asha. She was resting on a golden throne decorated with too many gems to count.

Now, Clay was able to notice the rubies embedded into the queen's scales that glittered as she spoke.

"Ah, here he is. The infamous MudWing that I keep hearing so much about… It's honestly giving me a headache."

"Um… Hi."

"Now, if the rumors are true, you were seen alongside two dragonets from opposing tribes." Scarlet's yellow eyes tore into Clay's scales.

Clay didn't respond, but it seemed like he didn't have to.

"Now, there's nothing to be afraid of, darling. I may be the owner of a death arena, but I'm not heartless. I'm willing to let you free, for a price."

Is that true? Clay thought. Would she really just let him go? He gave into hope a tiny bit, imagining running away and finding Asha. 

He dug his claws into his necklace. If there was no way to save his siblings, maybe he should take the chance and save himself.

"Go ahead, ask me how." 

One of the guards, who Clay had forgotten were still behind him, poked him with the blunt side of a spear.

"...How?"

Scarlet grinned. "Not very talkative, are we? You see, SkyWings and MudWings go way back. Not only are we both allied with Princess Burn, but I consider myself a friend to any mud folk, no matter how… Little." She stared at Clay with a hint of disgust.

Scarlet continued. "Because of this, I'm willing to grant you a full pardon, given that you swear allegiance to Burn."

Clay hesitated. "Is it really that easy? You'll let me free, just like that?"

Scarlet smiled. "You have my word."

"...But what about my siblings?"

The queen lost her grin. She stared at Clay in confusion, then laughed. "You can't mean the SeaWing and the RainWing? Ha, isn't that cute? He calls them his siblings!" 

Clay wished his scales would turn invisible. 

Why did he speak up?

He reached to fidget with his necklace, then his heart sank.

His necklace was gone.

Scarlet immediately took notice. "Oh, looking for something? My guards have stored any possessions away, but I may see to its return if you accept my offer." She smirked. "You won't be needing it otherwise."

Scarlet suddenly stood up, walking to where Clay was standing. She took long strides, and now that she was even closer he realized her full height.

"Now, little dragonet." Scarlet leaned closer. "What will it be?"

Clay felt as if he was making the biggest decision of his life.

He couldn't leave his siblings.

But he also didn't want to die.

What would Asha want him to do?

Clay dug his claws into the floor. The mosaic dragon underneath his talons remained motionless as he dug into her throat. 

"I'm not leaving my siblings." Clay announced, hoping that his uncertainty didn't reach his voice.

Scarlet didn't react for a long, suspenseful moment, leaving Clay tense.

Then, finally, she sighed, smoke rising from her teeth. 

She was still smiling.

"So be it."

She motioned to the guards, who left the room and returned shortly with two prisoners.

Clay recognized them immediately.