Don't Fall in Love with the Night

Chapter 26

     Prism had never gone into the NightWing village since she had finished helping with construction. Friends such as Dreamkeeper, Nightsky, and Duskwatcher had always met her outside the NightWing village, especially Dusk. Prism had never needed to go in, and Dusk always had the worry that a RainWing alone in the NightWing village might not be accepted in a friendly way. She hesitated for a moment, but her fear and need to talk to Dusk empowered her.

     The village was surprisingly active, clusters of NightWings huddling together and talking about recent events. Prism caught small parts of conversation as she looked around for a familiar face:

" - lead us to the Lost Kingdom of Night - "

" - prefer the warm atmosphere of the rainforest..."

"- finally have a NightWing ruler -"

"...RainWings have always treated us well--"

"- gave me a new superpower! Now I can fly faster than any dragon on Pyrrhia!"

     The last snippet of conversation caught Prism's attention, as the speaker took flight, and flew across a stretch of the village at an incredibly fast speed. The NightWings in that group oohed and aahed, speaking of superpowers they wanted to get. Superpowers?

     "Well, if it isn't wittle Pwism," came a spiteful voice from behind her.

     Prism immediately recognized the voice. Dawnseer. Of course. The NightWings cold yellow eyes pierced her as she turned around. "Dawnseer," she replied curtly.

     "Looking for my brother, I guess. I don't think you should bother." Dawnseer inspected her claws boredly. "He'll be leaving with us, of course. Quite the obvious choice." She stopped her inspection, then cruelly met Prism's gaze. "After all, he always did want to find the Lost Kingdom of Night. And what idiot would choose to stay with weak, sniveling RainWings when you could gain superpowers, a powerful king, and a sense of pride again?"

     Prism couldn't hold back her growl, feeling her eyes sting with humiliation. Dawnseer was right, of course. As friendly as Dusk was to her and other RainWings, the chance to finally be with his own kind in their own kingdom was too great to ignore. "Well," Prism began, trying not to let her voice shake, "I hope you finally find some happiness and love wherever you're going, since you have absolutely none of it now." With a shaky breath, she resolutely turned her back on Dawnseer and left the village. 

     She tried to take deep breaths as she flew away. Anywhere except there. Her eyes were still stinging as they filled with tears, Dawnseer's words still ringing in her ears. He'll be leaving with us of course... quite the obvious choice... what idiot would choose to stay with weak, sniveling RainWings...

     Prism emerged from the trees and found herself back at the little green hill that had helped comfort her before. At the sight of it, she couldn't stop the tears. It was somewhat of a relief to let them out, releasing the shaking sobs that had been building up. Heavy grief sat on her chest, heavier than it was the day of the battle, heavier than it was when she learned that the NightWings were going to live with them. Prism had never had to lose a friend before, especially one so close to her heart. Losing her NightWing friends hurt, but the thought of Dusk most of all. The suddenness of the whole situation only added to the shock, and the uncertainty of it all made it worse.

     After a while, she pulled herself together, wiping her nose and shaking her head. It'll be okay, Prism. It always turns out okay.

     Will it really, though? It doesn't feel like it'll be okay at this point. She curled into a ball to comfort herself, feeling the grass tickle her snout. The same grass she had first cried onto before the battle. The same grass she stood on with Dusk when he taught her about constellations and held her. Her heart beat a bit faster at the memory. Once one memory of him came to mind, all the others came rushing in. Duskwatcher, first meeting her with his friendly smile, the tutoring sessions they'd had, introducing her to his friends, him teaching her songs and beginning to sing again, his growing relationship with Buttercup once the two had met. Tears filled her eyes again at the thought of him leaving. I need to talk to him before he leaves. He can't just leave like this, without saying anything. We've been through so much together, and you don't leave someone you love without saying goodbye. 

     Prism tried to rein in her thoughts once again. The NightWings won't be leaving immediately, and he's not the kind of dragon to leave without saying goodbye. Yet again, a tear fell out of her eye, and she let out a heavy shuddering sigh.

     The flapping sound of a dragon landing behind her caught her attention, but Prism was too defeated to even look around to see who had just arrived. "Prism? Prism, are you alright?"

     Him.

     Of course it was him. Coming to say goodbye.

     Prism sat up, sniffled, then turned around to look at him. They made brief eye contact, Prism's heart cracking a little bit more while looking into those deep brown eyes, then Duskwatcher rushed forward and hugged her. "Oh, Prism. This is about the whole NightWing business, isn't it?" His voice was gentle, and it was the last straw before she burst into tears again.

     "I'm fine, I'm fine I promise, it's just --" She pulled back out of the hug. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be acting like this, it's not that bad --"

     He put his talons over hers. "Prism, it'll be okay --"

     "Yes, yes it will. I just wanted to thank you for everything - for being my friend and for teaching me how to read and write and being with you has just been so great. You'll finally be able to see your home, and I'm honestly so happy for you and I'm just going to miss you so much because I've really come to love you and-- and--" Prism had to stop and catch her breath, taking a couple of deep breaths. Dusk went to say something, but Prism continued before he could. "Please, just let me finish." With her free talons, Prism wiped away her tears. "I'm sorry for overreacting, it'll be okay. I just haven't had someone close to me leave me before, and I'm just going to miss you so much." She met his eyes again and he once again pulled her into a hug. She clung tight, just holding on to him.

     "Prism, I'm not going anywhere."

     "What do you mean? No, Dusk, you have to go. You've wanted to find your home, and going with Dawnseer and the others is best for you. I'll be fine, I promise, it's for the best if you go."

     "No, no - I want to stay." He hugged her tighter. "I've found my happiness here, in the rainforest and with the others, especially you." He let her go, and took a step back. "I don't want to go with the others, become part of an icy, prideful tribe alone in a kingdom while my sister tries to control me and take away what makes me happy." Dusk took a deep breath, then continued. "Look, Prism, I love you and I want to be with you. If you don't feel the same way, I'll respect that and be perfectly okay with being your friend. But I want to stay here, and I'm not the only one who does. When I imagine my happy future, I see myself here in the rainforest, with you and the others. We're going to continue living in the NightWing village under the reign of Queen Glory, and I can't imagine anything better."

     Prism was breathless. "You really mean it?" 

     Dusk nodded, taking her talons in his. "Of course."

     Prism let out a deep breath as the reality sunk in. She leaned forward and rested her head on his chest, feeling warm and accepted as he rested his head on hers. "I love you."

Guyssssssssssssssss I finally finished it! I'm soooo sorry that it took so long - basically two years ( O.o ) but I'm actually pretty proud at how this turned out. Thank you so much for reading, and have a fantastic day :)