The Blood Moon Killer

Chapter 15: Strawberries

"We've arrived!" Peacemaker yelled, gesturing to the strawberry-themed decorations the lined a certain strip of the rainforest. Along the sides, many dragons were preparing their stands and helping each other. There seemed to be stands for strawberry cookies, muffins, noodles, cake, anything and everything. Peacemaker led them all down the strip and as they walked, some dragons waved to Peacemaker and the others.

But then Kelp looked at some guards present and what Peacemaker said was true. They scowled once they saw his friend's face.

Kelp looked at the guards and they turned away quickly and walked in a different direction. Kelp looked at the others and the only one who seemed to notice was Aardvark who leaned closer to Kelp to whisper in his ear "I saw that too." "Why are they like that?" Kelp whispered back "not sure. But they definitely know something we don't." Both dragonets silently agreed to keep it to themselves but also keep an eye on the guards or any other dragons who looks at Peacemaker with such a sour face. 

Peacemaker continued to lead them to a small stand with a strawberry logo on the front. The dragon that was there was a Rainwing whose colours looked like a strawberry. Peacemaker spread his wings and grinned "Calendula, my dealer! How are ya?" The dragon whipped their head around and smiled upon seeing Peacemaker. "Heya kiddo! Ya come here for some goods?" "You know it. Whaddaya got?" 

Calendula bent over and pulled up a box of strawberries "picked just this morning. You got lucky my boy." Peacemaker grabbed the box and lifted into the air "thanks man, you're a lifesaver. I'll stop by later and give you some pie!" Calendula laughed a big belly laugh as his scales shifted to a bright yellow "you're too kind my boy. I'll see you at the festival!"

Peacemaker and the others made their way to Hope's house where the adults were relaxing and having some Espresso. Peacemaker flew in and placed the box of strawberries on the kitchen counter. "Alright, time to make some pie!" Peacemaker ran around the kitchen to grab some utensils and ingredients then began to bake the pie.

Aardvark just stood there with the others are they watched him bake. "He's come so far." He heard Hope whisper to who took another sip fo the Espresso. "I know. I'm sure you're so proud of him." Hope smiled as she also took a sip "more than anyone would ever know."

Aardvark looked at Kelp who didn't seem to be listening. But what got Aardvark thinking was when Hope said 'he's come so far', it made him think that something happened before. Maybe that's why this is happening. He thought as the sour faces of the guards flashed in his mind. What are the adults not telling us about Peacemaker? And why does everyone hate him for it?

He wondered, gently eyeing the adults to try to find any answer in their face when he was interrupted by Peacemaker calling out to him "hey, Aardvark? Come in Aardvark." "H-Huh?" "I asked if you could toss me the sugar that's right next to you." He answered with a giggle "r-right. Sorry." Aardvark grabbed the sugar and walked over to Peacemaker. "Thanks dude." 

Occasionally Peacemaker would share some tips and tricks to the other has he baked and even wrote copies of the recipe for everyone as the pie was baking in the oven.

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Before anyone realized, the festival arrived and they were all setting up Peacemaker's Strawberry Pie stand while others. Then, there was a loud booming voice that echoed throughout the trees. "Citizens of the rainforest and honored guests. On behalf of the Rainwings and the Royal Family, I bid you all... Welcome." Looking beyond the crowd of dragons, there was King Deathbringer there with a smile on his face.

"Today marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Strawberry Festival. Let us begin with the anthem we love the most:" Peacemaker's eyes grew wide as he felt a sense of pride as the dragons began to sing his song; Strawberries Big as a Scavenger's Head.

"In a land of sweet delight,
A strawberry grew to an amazing height.
As big as a scavenger's head, it stood,
Overflowing with flavor, oh so good!

Its vibrant red, a sight to behold,
Juicy and luscious, a story untold.
With every bite, a burst of delight,
A strawberry so big, a true delight!

From fields of green, it emerged with grace,
A fruity marvel, filling every space.
Imagine the sweetness, the joy it brings,
A strawberry as big as a scavenger's head, it sings!

So let us celebrate this fruity treasure,
A strawberry so big, beyond measure.
With each bite, let our taste buds dance,
In this anthem, we give it a chance!"

As they finished, Peacemaker felt his ego boost even more. He felt so proud that the anthem he submitted would be the one that was chosen. Jet gently punched Peacemaker's arm and chuckled "look at that Mr. Popular. Your song is a hit! Everyone loves it!"

He chuckled as Peacemaker began to cut some slices of pie and put them on plates. "I'm glad they do. I remember staying up all night one time just to finish it. Mom wasn't too happy about it though..."  Jet laughed "I'd imagine! But hey, worth it am-I-right?" "Of course." Peacemaker replied, watching the other dragons go around to stands. A family of Seawings accompanied by a Scavenger on the dragonet's shoulder came up to the stand.

"I hear these are the best strawberry pies around?" The taller one asked with a smile "well, that would be subjective my good sir." Peacemaker put a slice for each dragon and a smaller one for the Scavenger "only you can be the judge of that." He said, handing the plate to them.

Before the plate could transfer claws, a few guards came between them and grabbed the pie "hang on. Routine check." One of them said, as they cut the pie open and eyed it. Aardvark and Kelp looked at each other. "Oh come on! This is utterly ridiculous!" Whiteout screeched, snatching the pie back from the guards "if this is a 'routine check', shouldn't you guys also be inspecting the others?" The guards growled at the dragonet while pointing their spears at Peacemaker defensively. 

"Listen missy. I don't know who you think you are but-"

"There a problem here?"

Looking back, they noticed Turtle and Winter with disapproving looks on their faces "and who might you be?" The guard asked, grabbing the spear that another guard was holding. "I'm Prince Turtle of the Seawings. He's Prince Winter of the Icewings. This is his daughter, Princess Whiteout. So I suggest you show them some respect. This is a festival after all."

The guards grumbled something before turning to the family. "Wouldn't eat the food here. Not with him making it." Then left. Whiteout and Jet looked at Peacemaker who just smiled sadly. The family of Seawings looked at the dragonet worryingly. The Scavenger jumped from the Seawing's shoulder and onto the counter and put their small paw on Peacemaker's talon and looked up with a smile.

"Dragon good at cooking pie." "Baking" one of the Seawings corrected "oh. Dragon good at baking pie. Nice dragon." Peacemaker smiled "thank you."