❀ *. Cherry Blossoms . * ❀ Wings of Fire Fanmade story . * ❀

Chapter Two

Firetip's talons clicked against the floors of the hive as she took a step in, pausing to take a whiff of the surrounding smells. Firetip could distinguish most of the scents here, and it was much less vibrant to the watching eye here than at the Wasp Hive. Despite this, it was just fine. Firetip anxiously scampered along by Caterpillar's side, her head lashing around as she looked at the entry gates. Caterpillar halted suddenly to look for the most empty lane, taking a swift turn once she detected one. It probably had more than the least. Knowing Caterpillar, she would probably only run one scan around an area and take the most promising path she laid eyes on. The line flowed until they got to their turn. The Hivewing soldier at the gate gestured for her to show him her wrist, and eventually they were nodded off, slipping into the crowd. (i have no idea how that passage stuff works ok) Caterpillar and Firetip walked around for a bit until Caterpillar turned out of the crowd, Firetip quick on her heels.

 ''Alright, now where did she say her room was?'' Caterpillar's pupils slid throughout her eye as she studied the honeycomb homes, bringing a talon to her chin. Firetip looked as well, but knew it was hopeless anyways. She had only been told about the meeting, and she couldn't easily distinguish Hivewing from Hivewing. Besides, she didn't have any hints to help her. Firetip gave up on her own scan, her gaze slipping back over to Caterpillar. ''Apologizes for interrupting your searching, your clarity,'' Firetip spoke. ''But maybe we could ask around? There's a chance we could encounter a relative, or another dragon who was invited to your friend's party.'' Caterpillar looked over. ''Oh, you're right. Nice thinking.'' Caterpillar gave her another one of her grins, then re-entered the crowd. Firetip followed, staying some baby talonsteps away from Caterpillar's tail, cautious not to step on it by accident.

 As they walked around, looking for a dragon sagging out of the crowd, Firetip caught notice of some dragons staring at her. Underneath the beating pressure of gazes and glares from strangers, she felt heavily discomforted, her facial expression faltering into uneasiness. After a little while of enduring some stares and walking past plentiful amounts of dragons, they found someone who laid against the hive walls, studying a pouch around their neck. They slid free from the flowing dragons, catching the dragon's eye. '''Scuse me,'' Caterpillar began. ''You know about a dragon named Honey?'' Caterpillar asked, then beginning to describe her. The stranger looked unsure for a moment, but then gave a quick nod. ''Ah, yes! I'll be heading there after I pick up some sweets. Were you given an invitation?''  Caterpillar nodded eagerly. ''Mhmm! We were invited alright, me and Firetip here.'' Caterpillar gestured over to Firetip, which made her sink lower to the ground with embarrassment. The dragon gave her a scornful look, but then glanced back over to Caterpillar. ''I haven't seen you folks around. Are you from a different hive?'' The dragon asked. ''Yeah, Wasp Hive.'' Caterpillar replied. ''Ohh! Are you Caterpillar? She was telling me about everyone she invited,'' The dragon snapped his talons in realization, his tail flicking with amusement. Caterpillar chuckled.

 ''Well, I'll be. She's got word to you folks, huh?'' The two exchanged smiles. ''So I reckon you're lost, then?'' The dragon figured. ''I can show you the way, if you'd like.'' Caterpillar nodded. ''Yeah, that would be great, thanks.'' The dragon gave one last cheeky grin before gesturing with his talon for them to follow before tromping off, Caterpillar following soon after. The 3 dragons passed through some more crowds and such. Firetip's limbs were about to drop with exhaustion when they stopped at a rather big looking door. ''Here you are, lass.'' The dragon nodded towards the door. ''I'll be around here soon, but first I've got business to attend to. Seeya later!'' The dragon waved his goodbye and left them where they stood. As soon as he had departed from view, Caterpillar turned around to face Firetip. ''I know you should be exhausted after all that, and trust me, so am I. But remember, she'll be strict. Try not to slack off, okay? You'll be put off duty soon, hun.'' Caterpillar's words reassured Firetip for what lie in store, giving a brief nod. ''Yes, your clarity. I will work as well as I can in your honor.'' Caterpillar giggled for reasons unknown, then gave her a hardy pat on the shoulder. ''Alrighty then, clarity's assistant, I'll be counting on you.'' Caterpillar mocked her as part of a joke, but it didn't really get to Firetip.

 Caterpillar rose to her full height and rose a talon, balling it up, talons first. Firetip prepared for the worst as Caterpillar knocked on the door.