Don't Fall in Love with the Night

Chapter 15

     "Prism!" hissed a voice from behind her. Mirage was stalking towards her, Iguana following. "What were you doing?"

     "I was just showing him how to slice open a pineapple." Prism was taken aback by the fury in her friend's voice.

     "You had a friendly conversation with a NightWing." 

     "What's so bad about that?" Prism found herself being defensive, though just this morning she would've had the same reaction if her and Mirage's roles were switched.

     "NightWings are murderers and liars, Prism. You know that. And the whole prophecy we learned about from the weird friends of Glory? The NightWings made that up just so they could get what they wanted. They kill and kidnap innocent dragons without even listening to whatever is left of their consciences just to get what they want. And on the first day you meet one, you start becoming friends with one?!" Mirage's voice rose in ferocity through her rant until the last sentence was practically spat out.

     "Showing someone how to cut up a fruit isn't the same as making a friend!" Prism felt angry red slowly coloring her scales. She took a deep breath, forcing her scales back once again to the shimmery peach. She realized how her friend must be feeling and continued in a more reasonable tone. "But I do understand what you're trying to say, and I will be on my guard. I haven't forgotten their past yet." She sneaked a glance over at the group of NightWings, who were testing out more produce. 

     She was surprised to catch the gaze of Duskwatcher, who sheepishly smiled at her. She suspiciously wondered if he had been eavesdropping, but realized she was being hypocritical as she had earlier been doing the same to the NightWings. She quickly broke off the eye contact, then quickly turned back to Mirage, who was still furious, though her rage had lessened somewhat. 

     "I just want you to be safe." Mirage settled next to Prism, handing her another grapefruit, knowing it was her favorite.

     "I will be," promised Prism, twining her tail with Mirage's in a gesture of friendship. She wanted to mention that not all NightWings were bad, but she still wasn't all that sure herself and didn't want to risk another argument.

     Iguana sat next to Mirage, and the two made conversation through lunch. Prism half-listened to them, joining in here and there, but doubts and worry and indecision kept swirling through her head.

* * * * *

      After lunch, the dragons returned to their work. Prism still felt awkward around Dawnseer, but instead focused on watching the village grow while she sorted the vegetation. The buildings slowly stood, being huts made of large legs of wood sturdily wrapped together with vine. The RainWings were able to work quickly and deftly, having built huts as a part of their daily life.

      About halfway through the sun's descent, the hottest time of day, it was announced that they were done for the day. The NightWings would be escorted back to their tribe, and the RainWings could have their suntime.

     Prism joined Buttercup on their usual suntime platform. The usually golden dragonet had dark blue streaks of worry on her scales, especially when Prism told her about how there were NightWings helping them build the village.

     "Aren't they all mean and nasty?" she asked nervously. "I mean, they kidnapped Sunny!" 

     Prism had been thinking that same thing, her thoughts running in circles. The NightWings want us dead... But Duskwatcher was so nice!... Come on, Prism, you can't be getting attached to them ... Dawnseer was so contemptuous, though, and untrustworthy...

     "That's not for you to worry about," was all she could think of to say to her niece. Buttercup still looked concerned, but she said nothing as she lay down on the smooth, sun-warmed rock. Prism did the same, spreading out her wings over the vast platform like she usually did to get the most sun. But when sleep came, it was only in small bursts, which was unusual for her. Giving up on rest after the fourth time she woke up in what must have been only half an hour, Prism sat up and tried to organize her thoughts. She had an unfamiliar ache in her shoulders and realized her muscles had been tensed. Shaking her head, Prism made a mental list: Friendly NightWings that I know: Duskwatcher... Fatespeaker, maybe... Starflight, from what I've heard of him... Dawnseer didn't strike her as particularly "good", and she didn't really know any other NightWings. Or DarkWings, as Mirage called them. Prism smiled at the memory.

     That other NightWing, though... what was his name? Queen Glory's bodyguard, whom she trusted. Maybe I could ask her about this. If the queen could trust a NightWing, maybe she could as well? Or maybe it was just that one NightWing? Either way, going to talk with the queen would certainly be better than sitting around doing nothing. Prism quietly sat up, being careful not to wake Buttercup or other sleeping RainWings, and took flight to find the queen.

     OHHHH SHE'S OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD! THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZZZZZ! Ahem.
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