Rebirth (A WoF fanfic)

3

      Something was wrong, she could feel it.

      Bloodspiller wasn't quite sure what was wrong or why she was feeling this way, but she was getting an uneasy feeling, one that she couldn't shake. Like there was a viper hiding in the sand in front of them, ready to strike. She shifted her eyes left and right, trying to find anything threatening among the dunes, but saw nothing.

      "You okay, Bloodspiller?" Bloodspiller shifted her eyes to Sandstorm, who was looking at her curiously. She had to admit, the hybrid was quite perceptive when it came to how others were feeling. 

      "I don't know. There's something wrong...I can feel it. I don't know what it is, but I know there's something going on."

      Due to her training when she was younger, paranoia and caution were instilled within her. She was taught to instinctively notice any sign of danger, even if she didn't consciously recognize it. There were many instances when this had saved her, so she trusted them. If she felt like something was wrong, then something was wrong.

      She was expecting Sandstorm to laugh this off and claim that everything was alright, but to her surprise, she instead cocked her head slightly, gaining a worried expression on her face. Her gaze seemed distant for a moment before clearing once more, and she looked around as well, her barbed tail curling slightly. 

      "I trust you and your instincts, Bloodspiller. This area is known for being dangerous, after all; with how many merchants pass through here, many thieves and bandits lie in wait for dragons to come by. Don't worry, though: I promise nothing bad will happen to us. I don't hear anything, so I think we'll be safe."

      Bloodspiller blinked as she heard this, confused, before remembering that SandWings had sensitive hearing compared to the other tribes. 

      "Whatever. Let's hurry before bandits do end up showing up." 

      Sandstorm dipped her head in response and turned, ready to leave, but before either of them could move a low chuckle could be heard. The sand a few tail-lengths away from them began to shift as dragons shook it off and got to their feet, revealing five SandWings who had been lying in wait. 

      "You have good instincts, RainWing. I'm impressed." Bloodspiller tensed as she glared at the dragon who spoke, eying him up and down. She knew the situation wasn't good. They were outnumbered, and though she had trained all of her life, she knew that there was a great chance that they wouldn't be able to win.

      "Aww, you're a feisty one, aren't you? I've never met a RainWing, let alone one that is as aggressive as you." The SandWing grinned a malicious grin. Bloodspiller let out a low growl at the sight, causing the bandit to laugh. "You know, I think I want to keep you. You're entertaining."

      "If you dare try to touch me or my companion, I swear I will end you." Bloodspiller shifted her eyes to the other SandWings, gauging her chances of winning a fight. All of them were scarred, showing that they were experienced when it came to fights. Things were looking grim for the two travelers.

      The leader flicked his tail and the other SandWings, taking this as a cue to move, surrounded Bloodspiller and Sandstorm. Bloodspiller's eyes darted around to each one, her dread growing. She could see that Sandstorm was feeling the same.  One look at the hybrid revealed just how terrified she was. Her eyes were unfocused and her whole body was tense, her wings tucked close to her body.

      She was going to be no help in a fight. She would just get in the way. Bloodspiller nudged her gently with her wing, saying, "Listen, there's no way we can get out of this without a fight. I'll take care of them; you run. You'll be a liability if you stay."

      Sandstorm blinked a few times, flinching at her touch. She then shook her head, taking a deep, shaky breath. "I won't leave you to face them alone."

      Bloodspiller gave a frustrated growl, but before she could say anything the leader of the bandits stepped closer to them, his eyes narrowing. 

      "You're not going anywhere. You two are more valuable than you realize. A hybrid with what seems to be a valuable piece of jewelry, and a RainWing who actually has a brain? That silver cuff on the hybrid alone would bring in a lot of money; imagine how much we would get if we added the two of you in!"

      Bloodspiller's blood ran cold. Not only did they want Sandstorm's cuff, they also wanted to sell off the two dragonesses. It made her feel sick to her stomach. 

      "I won't let you!" Bloodspiller wasn't going to wait around any longer. They needed to get away now.

       Without giving the male a chance to react, she bared her teeth and leaped at him, managing to catch him off guard, allowing her to bowl him over. As quick as a fish, she sank her teeth into his shoulder, and before he could push her away she injected venom into the would, causing him to howl with pain, lashing out blindly. The damage was done; the venom was already eating away at his flesh.

      Bloodspiller withdrew from him, avoiding his flailing limbs, turning to the others who were rushing to defend their leader, furious snarls on their faces. 

      Her ruff flared as she gave a hiss, opening her jaws wide and spitting venom at them, hoping that it would deter them long enough for the two to make an escape. 

      It didn't work. 

      Though some of the venom had splashed onto one of the SandWings, it wasn't enough to deter them from advancing, and before she knew it she was being pinned to the ground by two of the SandWings, thier claws digging into her scales and drawing blood. The third was approaching Sandstorm, while the fourth was checking on her fallen leader. 

      This wasn't good. Bloodspiller wracked her brain, trying to think of a way to get out of this situation, but it was futile. She wasn't strong enough to throw off two SandWings, and they ground her face into the ground, causing her to inhale sand. She coughed and sputtered, her tail lashing, before getting an idea.

      Her fangs and claws weren't her only weapon. She reached up with her strong, prehensile tail, wrapping it around the throat of one until he shifted his weight off of her. As soon as his weight had lessened she surged upwards, throwing the other off before moving to help Sandstorm, who was petrified, pinned underneath the other SandWing.

      "Get off of her," Bloodspiller roared, her eyes narrowed and an angry crimson starting to spread across her scales. She slammed herself into her side, knocking the SandWing off of Sandstorm, the two rolling across the sand. 

      Her wounds stung, especially where sand was entering them. She didn't let this bother her, though, as she wrestled with the SandWing, and she grabbed ahold of her horns, snapping her neck as easily as one would snap a twig. 

      She moved off of her and nosed Sandstorm to her feet, telling her, "We need to get out of here." Sandstorm just nodded, trembling, and the two took off running, leaving the SandWings behind.