Cinder: In No Way, a Hero || Book 3

~ Chapter 11 - Reality ~

Comet landed in front, widening her wings to keep the others behind her. "Let me talk to her. Stay here real quick."

The others nodded, staying behind as Comet walked into the Royal Pavilion. It was the same treehouse she remembered growing up in.

She looked up to the dais, anything but surprised to see Passionfruit sitting on it. She looked angry.

"Greetings, your majesty," Comet said, sliding into a bow.

"Comet," the queen said blankly. "You of all dragons should know I don't care for royal flattery."

Comet straightened herself up. "Sorry."

"It's quite alright." Passionfruit wore a fake, empty smile.

Comet looked back to the Ragtags, then to Passionfruit. "I'm sure you're aware of my...group."

Passionfruit nodded. "You and your Ragtags, as the other queens have called you."

Comet nodded. "Yea...if you give me the time, I can explain."

Passionfruit looked up, seeing where the position of the sun was. She looked back down to Comet. "Go ahead. I have time."

Comet took a deep breath. "First, I should start with names. I'm sure everyone is aware of Cinder and Ronin. Knowing their...interesting backgrounds."

Passionfruit nodded.

"Right. The HiveWing, his name is Jacques. The SeaWing is Angel. They're not captives of neither Ronin nor Cinder. Angel is Ronin's little sister, and Jacques is their best friend."

Passionfruit nodded. "They were once residents of my kingdom. I know them well."

Comet nodded. "Anyways. The whole 'criminal group' thing. We're not. Well, Cinder might be. But have you really ever seen her kill a dragon?"

Passionfruit huffed. "No. But I've heard of what she did to her father."

Comet began to sweat. "Uhh, more on that later. Anyways." Comet took a deep breath. "Here I go."

"Ronin was infected by a virus of unknown origin. At least, the origin is unknown to me. He's been fighting it for, what, 4, 5 years? And he's just a kid. He's fighting what one could call a demon. This thing has been eating at his heart and soul for so long, and everyone villainizes him for it. Well, I say villainize the damned creator of that virus! No one deserves the pain that my son has gone through! No one!"

"The reason we've been running from the law is because of this villainizing. We cannot physically catch a break from any of the queens. We don't get a day of rest to sleep, to eat a full meal, or to bond, as a family. Sure, we've been together for 2 years, but most of that time was spent either running from kingdoms or finding a cure for Ronin's virus. And sometimes, it was both!"

"And then we ally with Soot and Eagle, who have experienced the harshness of the Sky Kingdom firsthand! They've lived in it, for Moons' sake! And they ask for your help to take down a tyrant, and you lock them up because we are their friends!"

"We aren't the villains here. We're a misunderstood group of heroes trying to save everyone all at once. And if you can't realize that you're the ones at fault here, then you're delusional."

Passionfruit blinked. "Oh..oh my. I was unaware of this. The other queens have just said that Ronin could turn himself into a dangerous HiveWing. I apologize for the misunderstanding. Consider this your safe place. I am always open for dragons in need."

Comet smiled. She felt a wing brush by hers. She turned to see Cinder smiling at her. "You sure have a way with words, Com."

"Yeah, way to go, Comet!" Ronin said cheerfully on Comet's other side.

Comet kept her smile. "Natural talent, I guess." She turned back to Passionfruit. "So, uh, Ms. Passionfruit, do you think maybe you could...I dunno, let Soot and Eagle free?"

Passionfruit nodded. "Of course." She flicked a claw, and a magenta RainWing came up to her.

"Sunbeam, release the captives, and make sure they are unharmed."

The magenta RainWing, Sunbeam, nodded, and walked off.

Passionfruit smiled and turned back to the Ragtags. "Now, I don't want to involve myself in any wars, so I can't necessarily help you all with taking down Skyblaze. But just know, I will be rooting for you guys."

Comet smiled. "Thanks."