Wings of Fire: Nighthawk

Chapter 18: Small Talk

Lobster and Nighthawk dragged Cardinal down to their commander. They set her down in front of her. Tempest tilted her head before grinning.

"Well that's a surprise." She said as she picked up the skywing. "Still alive, nice work." She set Cardinal on the ground and had some seawings grab ropes to tie her snout, limbs and claws up.

"I figured it would be smart to capture her. Get as much information as possible. I see you've been a little busy." He walked up to his wife and gestured to her talons which were now soaked and red.

"Haha, you know it. I'd pat your head but I don't wanna get you all messy."

"Appreciate it." Lobster smiled and sat up. "I'm gonna help clean up. Where's Sulu?" He asked, a little worried as always. Nighthawk remained quiet.

"Right here brother." She rolled her eyes and walked over. "I'm okay, only a few scratches." Nighthawk was a little surprised, but he was mostly glad she was able to defend herself. He knew seawings definitely made great warriors despite not having fire. He watched Sulu for a bit, not realizing he was smiling. He saw her smile back, then he snorted a little and glanced to the side.

"Hm-" Nighthawk grumbled a bit before stretching his wings. "Anything you need, Commander?"

"Just need you to watch the prisoner. She'll wake up soon, but you might want to patch her up." She said as she nudged Nighthawk, almost knocking him over. He swatted at her talon and snorted.

"Yes Ma'am." He said before looking at the skywing.

"I can get you some medical supplies." Sulu offered, and got a nod in response. He examined Cardinal and took note of the most important spot to fix, which was her gut where the spear impacted her.

"I take it we're gonna interrogate her once she wakes?"

"Absolutely! You wanna help?"

"Eh, why not? Got nothing else to do." Nighthawk shrugged. Lobster had gone off to help the seawings clean up after the battle. He was surprised how short it was, as he'd seen some go on four hours or even days. Sulu came back with the medical supplies and he got to work. First he cleaned the area before deciding where to begin. He stitched up the wound starting from the middle, which was difficult to say the least. It was also messy. He pulled his sleeves up on his cloak to avoid ruining them.

"Wow, you really know what you're doing." Sulu complimented as she watched him work.

"Hm." Nighthawk stayed focused on it. He didn't say anything to her which caused her to frown a little. He fixed one side, then went to the other. It was a lengthy process, but he was done soon enough. The bandages came last and she was set on a cot.

"Perfect. Gonna wash my talons now." He walked down to the sea and stuck his talons in the water. He glanced over and saw Sulu again. "What?"

"I want to talk to you."

"I don't want to talk."

"I'm just impressed with you, is all." Sulu said. He snorted and his brow furrowed. Usually when he was told he wanted to be left alone it worked.

"Great. Cya." Nighthawk grumbled but she didn't leave.

"It wouldn't hurt to have a little friendly conversation. For moons sake we live together, Nighthawk." She added and crossed her arms.

"I'm not the conversation type. Shoo." Nighthawk finished washing his talons and he stood up, looking down at the female seawing.

"You can't get rid of me that easily." She huffed and grinned at him. He just sighed a little and pulled his sleeves down before walking up the beach slowly. He went back to Cardinal and sat. Soon enough he saw her sitting nearby.

"You can't take a hint, can you?" He growled a little.

"Don't you growl at me. I just wanted to thank you for helping us protect this island. It means a lot to everyone here, and you saved our lives. If you didn't find the maps and plans, we might not be here right now."

He wasn't sure what to say against that. It was hard to argue with such a statement.

"I guess.."

"No, you did. You're a hero. I know the dragons on this island will celebrate you for it."

"I uh, well I don't really need that do I? It's not necessary." Nighthawk said as he shrugged and stretched. A silly concept to him. A celebration for what, defeating skywings? That was pointless to the Nightwing. He didn't understand why he needed to be congratulated, especially if they knew his story. He just sighed. "I don't want one.."

"Can I at least make ya dinner?" Her food was really good, and it was hard to say no to that smile on her face. He let out another sigh and shrugged.

"Sure. Why not." Nighthawk huffed and looked at Cardinal's unconscious body. He was a little hungry after all, but he also had work to do. "When?"

"Could be tonight, tomorrow, whenever you're ready." Sulu smiled and looked at him.

"Tomorrow night. I gotta take care of this prisoner, get what we need. That sort of thing." Nighthawk said with a tiny, slight smile.

"Of course. I'll make you something special." She offered. Perhaps talking to her wasn't such a bad idea. He still didn't like it, but he wasn't about to complain either.

"Yeah." Nighthawk shrugged. "You did fantastic at the battle by the way." He mumbled a little.

"Oh, you think so?" Sulu smiled. "I've been training for years. I'm no Tempest, but I'm certainly capable of fighting." She flexed a little and grinned.

"I see that. Your brother is so worried, but it seems unnecessary."

"That's because he's my big brother and I'm his baby sister. He's gotta protect me, feels entitled to it. I'm not saying I don't like it, but it gets irritating."

"I understand. But he loves you."

"I know, do you have anyone like that?"

"Not quite. But there's a few seawings I'm fond of."

"Aw, well that's good. Glad you like it with us." He was too. He had a home now, and he finally found where he belonged.