Fourth Wing AU's, Headcannons, Oneshots, Etc.

Opal: Mira x Fem. Reader (Part One)

Word count: 1252

Sorry for the late update, this was a bit of a longer chapter.

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I clutched my sword, breath shaky. I was still learning my way around this particular outpost. Griffon riders could attack at any second, the duels here were more serious than Basgaith, and my dragon was angry. Teine was struggling to find enough sheep to feed, especially with the major competition of the rest of the dragons. And the weather? Terrible. We were up high in the mountains where a single gust of wind could tip you over.

I've been here three months now, on this post in the outskirts of Navarre. But a week ago we got unexpected news; the arrival of four more cadets. The plan would be to hold this outpost against the griffon riders for as long as possible.

Me and Xaden—a whole story by itself, were the meager welcoming committee.

Despite the grim circumstances, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope at the prospect of reinforcements. The outpost had felt desolate and isolated, the constant threat of Griffon riders looming over us like storm clouds. Just past the gates, I felt incredibly vulnerable. This outpost was at the very edge of the wards, and I was struggling to pull them towards me and Xaden.

Four dragons, two orange daggertails, a red clubtail, and a brown clubtail soared down and met the cliffside. They beat their wings, adding to the wind of this gloomy day, before finally landing on the narrow and slanted field.

Xaden stepped forward first, his stance cautious yet welcoming. "Welcome to Samara," he greeted, his voice carrying a mix of relief and weariness.

The riders approached, their expressions a mix of determination and curiosity. Among them, one stood out to me instantly—a figure with fiery amber hair and eyes that shimmered like molten gold. She dismounted from her dragon, a red clubtail with scales that reflected the dim light.

"I'm Mira," I smiled, outstretching a warm hand; which she gratefully shook.

"And I'm Y/n," She replied firmly. "I was a squadleader when I went to Basgaith."

"I was the wingleader," I replied.

Xaden nodded approvingly at our exchange, his gaze shifting between us and the other cadets who had gathered around. The dragons rumbled softly, the ground trembling at their feet.

"Welcome to Samara," Xaden reiterated, his voice carrying the weight of both gratitude and urgency. "We've been holding our ground against the Griffon riders, but your arrival couldn't have come at a better time."

"Thank you," One of the older riders said. "We've been towards the west for a long time now."

"So you guys have been working together?" I asked.

"Yes, the four of us were all stationed together. Unfortunately due to recent... and unexplainable events, we lost the outpost. The rest of the base were all killed."

"By griffons?!?" I exclaimed. "That's impossible."

Xaden muttered something under his breath, but I ignored him.

The new riders exchanged nervous glances. "That's confidential."

A new threat? As if we needed another one!

"I'll show you around," I offered, my gaze never leaving Y/n's. There was something about this girl I couldn't quite place.

The revelation sent a chill down my spine, the implications of their words sinking in like stones in still water. Griffon riders capable of wiping out an entire outpost was not just a threat; it was a dire warning of the escalating danger we faced.

There was an awkward silence as the six of us padded into camp. The dragons were led into a large cave carved into the mountain by wind, while we headed towards the fortress. Samara was the smallest outpost in all of Navarre, and based on the new riders reaction it was painfully obvious. Still, Y/n kept her irresistible merry spirit. I was beginning to like her already.

"There's the main barracks," I pointed out, gesturing towards a cluster of stone buildings nestled against the mountain's edge. "And over there is the command center." My voice echoed slightly in the crisp mountain air, breaking the awkward silence that had settled among us.

Y/n nodded attentively, her gaze sweeping over the outpost with a mixture of curiosity and determination. "It may be small, but it's home," she remarked with a hint of admiration in her voice. Almost like she could read my thoughts. I couldn't help but smile at her optimism.

"We'll make sure you settle in comfortably," I assured her, my gaze lingering on Y/n's face for a moment longer than necessary.

As we continued our tour of Samara, navigating its narrow pathways and hidden corners, I found myself drawn to Y/n's infectious energy and unwavering optimism. In her, I saw a reflection of my own commitment to protect and defend, a shared purpose that bound us together amidst the uncertainties of war. But there was also doubt, doubt that she could not be trusted. What was all this mysterious energy about what happened at her last station?

"There's the infirmary," I mentioned, gesturing towards a smaller building nestled near the edge of Samara. "And over there, the training grounds."

Y/n nodded along, her gaze thoughtful as she took in the details of our surroundings. Her optimism remained unwavering, but I couldn't ignore the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye—that beneath her cheerful facade, there lay secrets and uncertainties.

"We appreciate your hospitality," one of the new riders spoke up, breaking the uneasy silence that had settled among us. "It's clear that you've been through a lot here."

"Of course," Xaden said. "I didn't catch your name."

"It's Opal," She smiled.

"Opal," Xaden repeated, his tone cordial yet guarded. He glanced briefly at me, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken doubts that lingered in the air. Despite Y/n's cheerful demeanor and infectious optimism, there was an underlying tension—a sense that we were all dancing around truths that had yet to be revealed. So why was Xaden acting like he already knew the truth?

The way he was so calm, collected. His relic of the rebellion glittered and I found myself looking away from him. He was my little sisters... boyfriend. Partner? Something, which meant I had to be respectful.

Despite the unease stirring within, I maintained a respectful distance, focusing on our mission to acclimate Opal and bolster our defenses.

"Here, we have the barracks where everyone rests," I pointed out, gesturing towards the solid stone structures where the cadets and riders found respite between patrols and drills. "And this way leads to the watchtower. Otherwise, the tour is pretty much over," I chuckled. "Do you guys like the mountains?"

"I love them," Y/n said dreamily. "It's like you're flying all the time, even when you're not on your dragon. At the mention of dragons, Teine quickly entered my mind.

'Are you searching for the truth?' Confused, I probed my green dragon's mind for what she was now hiding, but her walls were up. Irritation pickled my skin, what was all the weird secrets today?

"I'm glad you appreciate the mountains," I said, smiling faintly at Y/n's dreamy expression. "They offer a kind of freedom that's hard to find anywhere else."
Opal nodded in agreement, her smile polite but guarded. "I look forward to exploring more of Samara," she replied diplomatically, her gaze flickering towards Xaden briefly before returning to me.

I turned to offer Y/n a more private tour, but I spotted a look between her and Opal. My heart sank a little, recognizing what was likely romantic air between them. It was best not to be involved.

"You'll find your way around?"

"Yes, definitely." The one known as Jard said. "Thank you."

"Yeah, of course," I mumbled. But I just couldn't seem to shake Y/n out of my mind.