"You and I can do so many things, Qibli. Think of all the wars we could stop. Think of how we can bring justice to the world. Think about being a hero with everyone adoring you. Your family, friends, and," He paused dramatically. "even Moon." The NightWing-IceWing hybrid whispered, his voice echoing in Qibli's brain.

The SandWing froze. I- It didn't make sense. 

He had asked Turtle to do it, but he straight-up refused. How- no why would Darkstalker even ask him? It just didn't make sense! His own friends objected to the idea of giving Qibli animus magic, even when he stated he would only use it for good. So why would his enemy give him the chance? No, why was he even talking to him?! They were enemies! 

"I know what you're thinking Qibli~ even with your Skyfire, it's clear what you're thinking. It's written all across your face." Darkstalker mused. "Although I can't exactly explain everything to you, one thing is for sure; I'm giving you this offer because I trust you. I believe you and I can accomplish great things together." 

Darkstalker's eyes gleamed ambitiously. "We think very alike and I promise you, together nothing can stand against us. We could be the heroes of the world! Think of how everyone would love you!" Darkstalker said in a smooth, silky voice. A voice that would make anyone fall for his sweet demeanor. 

But Qibli wasn't going to fall for it. 

"How am I supposed to trust you, Darkstalker?" He asked with a slight snarl. Qibli wanted to sound superior but not so harsh that he would make Darkstalker think he wasn't interested in his offer. After all, Qibli was over-ecstatic to accept Darkstalker's offer. His brain was vibrating with excitement but his guts told him something was fishy. 

"Fine," Darkstalker snorted, rolling his eyes. Glancing around, he spotted Qibli's earrings and snatched them from him before he could object. "I bet this will prove to you." 

Then in a smushed-together mumble, he whispered, "I enchant this earring to take away my animus magic for as long as the dragon holding the earring desires." He finished and paused for a few more seconds as if he was hesitating, but finally, he gave the small stone to Qibli. 

Qibli stared at Darkstalker as if he was crazy. "Three moons." He whispered in shock. "Did you really just do that? I don't believe you! Cast a spell."

Darkstalker frowned and then he let out an overly dramatic sigh and recited a spell, "I enchant my claw to turn yellow when I tap my right horn." Sure enough, Darkstalker tapped his right horn. Nothing happened. "Why can't anyone trust me? First, it was Indigo, then it was Clearsight, then it was Fathom, and even Moon didn't trust me! I helped her maintain her mind-reading abilities." He rambled on.

The young SandWing didn't respond, mouth agape. "You- you actually did it! You actually removed your animus powers!" He shouted in surprise. 

Surely Darkstalker could be trusted. After all, he practically gave Qibli his powers, handing him the earring as if it was nothing but an ordinary rock. "Okay, that was more than enough to prove me wrong," Qibli said in a much more friendly tone. "I accept your offer Darkstalker. I want to be an animus dragon. I want to improve the world. I want to save dragons like me from dragons like Vulture." 

Darkstalker smiled. A chilling breeze swept over them. "I knew you would understand, Qibli. After all, you're just like me." He said, handing him the item he had enchanted which would give him animus magic. "Just touch this petal and it'll automatically give you your animus magic without any harm. I promise you." 

Qibli let out a breath of pleasure. This would be it. This would be the moment he got animus magic! He couldn't believe it. Years and years of looking at his home ceiling, while he was in bed, thinking of all the things he would do with the glorious magic. He had never thought his little fantasies would become true, but it really was! 

His claws brushed against the enchanted item. Almost immediately he felt a small zap in his body.

He grinned. Darkstalker really hadn't put in any spell to harm him. Qibli felt embarrassed that he would ever think of that about the superior hybrid. He was honest, he was brave, and wise! Why did he ever think he lied?

Whatever. The past is the past. I'll repay Darkstalker by helping him with his every need. After all, what could go wrong? Qibli thought, flexing his claws.