Chapter 13: Escape and Resolve
Jormund turned to Peril, "Where should we meet afterward?"
Peril pointed in a direction, her expression serious, "There's a hidden cave behind a waterfall up the river nearby. It's secluded and should offer enough cover. We can regroup there. Look for the waterfall, you can't miss it."
Jormund nodded, appreciating the information.
"No time to lose, everyone." The urgency in Jormund's voice matched the quick, purposeful steps he took as he looked over the group. With a determined expression, he signaled that time was of the essence. Cinder, with a swift nod, spread his wings wide, preparing to take flight, his fiery scales glowing with determination as he readied himself to head toward Kestrel and Osprey. Peril, beside Cinder, followed suit, her eyes gleaming with focused intensity as she readied her powerful wings for flight. The determination in her movements reflected a commitment to the task at hand. Glory, already lowered to the ground, awaited Jormund. Her scales shifted with a mix of vibrant colors, displaying a hint of impatience. As Jormund approached, she lowered herself further, offering a clear path for him to climb onto her back.
Climbing onto Glory's back, Jormund ensured a steady grip. He glanced around the arena once more, a sense of readiness in his eyes. With everyone in position, he reinforced the need for urgency. "Let's get to it and meet back at the waterfall. Stay alert and be quick,"
"Got it. We'll handle Kestrel and Osprey. See you at the waterfall," Cinder affirmed.
"Agreed. We'll be fast. Watch your back, Jormund," added Peril.
With coordinated precision, the group dispersed, each member focused on their assigned tasks to free the remaining prisoners and reunite later at the hidden waterfall cave.
The SkyWing palace, grand and imposing, its intricate architecture reflecting the proud and fierce nature of the SkyWing tribe. Jormund, perched on Glory's back, looked around at the sprawling complex as they soared through the air. The palace consisted of soaring towers, expansive courtyards, and gleaming spires that reached towards the sky.
As Jormund scanned the surroundings, his eyes caught the highest tower, standing tall and solitary against the canvas of the SkyWing palace. Its walls adorned with red and gold banners, the tower emanated an air of authority. Cinder's information from the map proved accurate, and Jormund pointed toward the tower, "There, Glory. That's the highest tower, where Sunny is being held. Let's head straight for it."
Glory, her sharp eyes focused on the indicated tower, adjusted their course. The palace's grandeur and the distinctive design of the tower spoke volumes about the SkyWing tribe's might and aesthetic preferences. As they approached the tower, the imposing structure loomed larger.
Glory gracefully descended, landing on the balcony of the highest tower. Jormund, observing the unique design, pondered over the dragon-centric architecture. The lack of stairs suggested that, for dragons with wings, such structures provided a natural advantage, eliminating the need for conventional means of ascent.
As Glory took a few steps inside, Jormund jumped off her back. They both surveyed the interior until their eyes fell upon a sight that stirred a mix of relief and concern. In a golden cage suspended slightly above the ground, a SandWing wing protruded, unmistakably belonging to Sunny.
Sunny possessed vibrant orange and gold scales that shimmered in the light. Her wings, vibrant and delicate, were a testament to the beauty of her species. Despite the confined space, a glimmer of determination radiated from her eyes.
Glory and Jormund, almost in unison, voiced their discovery. "There she is!"
Sunny looked up at the newcomers, her eyes lighting up with joy as she saw Glory. "Glory! You're back!" she chirped happily, her cheerful demeanor evident.
However, her excitement reached new heights as she noticed Jormund beside Glory. Sunny couldn't contain her enthusiasm, slightly jumping in her cage. "Wow, a scavenger! Where did you find him? Can I hold him? Are we keeping him? I call him Fluffy!" she exclaimed with childlike delight, her curiosity and exuberance on full display.
Jormund's expression shifted, a mix of irritation and amusement, as Sunny referred to him as a scavenger and suggested the name "Fluffy." He sighed but decided to respond with a touch of humor, "Well, I'm not a pet, and Fluffy might not be the best fit. How about we stick with Jormund?" He gave a wry smile, hoping to assert a bit of his own identity in this dragon-filled world.
Sunny's eyes widened with excitement as Jormund spoke. "Whoa, a talking scavenger? That's amazing! Do all scavengers talk? I have so many questions!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm almost tangible.
Turning to Glory, Sunny asked, "Does Starflight know about him?"
Glory replied, "Starflight has seen him, but they haven't had a proper introduction yet."
Jormund chimed in, "Yeah, I'm a human. Let's save the questions for later; right now, we need to focus on getting you out of here." He turned to Glory, "Mind giving me a ha- er.. paw up there?"
Glory extended her open paw, offering Jormund a boost. He jumped onto her paw, and Glory effortlessly lifted him to cage height. As Jormund landed inside the cage, he was met with Sunny's enthusiastic greeting.
"Hello, Fluf- eh, Jormund! I'm so happy you're here!" Sunny exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Are you here to help us? Are you friends with Glory? Can we be friends too?"
Jormund, now inside the cage, responded with a smile, "Yes of course and I'm here to help. Glory and I have a common goal, and we're going to get you out of here."
Sunny watched in amazement as Jormund summoned his Stand, Hypergenesis, and uttered, "Amplify Zero!" The cage struts he touched seemed to lose stability, and the cage shuddered slightly.
"Woah, Jormund! What's that thing? It's so cool!" Sunny exclaimed, her eyes widening with fascination. "Can I pet it?" She reached a curious talon toward Hypergenesis, clearly intrigued by the mysterious power at play.
Glory reached up for the weakened struts, her powerful wings flexing as she effortlessly broke them out, freeing Sunny from her cage, while Sunny reached out and touched Hypergenesis, feeling the powerful energy behind it before the Stand suddenly vanished.
Jormund, as Hypergenesis disappeared, turned to Sunny and replied, "Now's not the time for the stand talk, Sunny." He winced slightly at the pain, feeling slightly dizzy and fell down on one knee.
Sunny noticed how beaten up Jormund was, her eyes widening in concern. "Oh, wow, what happened to you?" she exclaimed, her tone filled with genuine worry.
Jormund still on his knees, slowly tried to get up, "I got into a bit of a scuffle. It's a long story, but we're getting out of here now. Can you fly?"
"Hey, Sunny," Glory said, concern in her eyes, "think you can carry Jormund for me? He's a bit, well, exhausted and injured"
Sunny, concerned for Jormund, nodded enthusiastically. "Sure! I put him on my back, and we can fly out of here together!"
Sunny carefully grabbed Jormund, placing him on her back. Jormund, a bit surprised by the sudden movement, held onto Sunny's back, noticing the warmth of her scales. Together, they headed out of the tower.
Jormund, speaking a bit weakly, mentioned, "Frostbite is next on our list."
Sunny, curious and happy, asked, "Frostbite? Is he another friend of yours, Jormund?"
Glory responded, "Yes, Frostbite is an IceWing who Jormund spared in the arena. We need to find him and get out of here as quickly as possible. Jormund is protective of him every since the arena."
Glory and Sunny headed down into the corridors of the SkyWing prison, passing various empty cells along the way. The atmosphere was grim and silent. The only noice were the distant panicking SkyWings in the palace itself.
As they neared Frostbite's cell, he looked up, cautious at first but then softening as he noticed Jormund on Sunny's back, exhausted and battered.
Sunny, in her usual happy mood, spoke up first. "Hey, Frostbite! We're here to free you! Look who we brought!" She gestured towards Jormund.
Jormund carefully slipped off Sunny's back, almost losing balance. Both Glory and Sunny reacted to his unsteady movement, but they relaxed when he caught himself.
Carefully walking over to Frostbite's cell, Jormund leaned against it and greeted him, "Hey, Frostbite. We're getting out of here. Ready to join us?"
Frostbite observed Jormund's beaten-up form and nodded, concern furrowing his brow. "You look like you've been through quite a bit. What happened?"
Jormund managed a weak grin and quipped, "Well, let's just say I tried redecorating the arena with my face. It didn't go as planned." He then turned serious, "But enough about my mishaps. Frostbite, can you break out of that cell, or do we need a plan?"
Frostbite, unamused by Jormund's joke, replied, "I appreciate the effort, but no amount of humor can melt these bars. I did try using my frostbreath, but it seems the metal is sturdier than I anticipated."
Jormund sighed before addressing the group, "Just so you all know, using my Stand power again might make me pass out. Don't worry about me when it happens. Just take me with you."
Glory, concerned, nodded, "We'll make sure you get through this, Jormund."
Sunny, her usual cheerful demeanor slightly dimmed by worry, exclaimed, "You've got us to help, Jormund! We'll stick together!"
Frostbite, showing a rare moment of understanding, simply gave a firm nod, acknowledging Jormund's words.
Jormund, despite his weariness, felt a sense of gratitude for the support he was receiving from his friends.
Glory, rushing forward, caught Jormund before he hit the ground. Concern etched on her face, she gently laid him down.
Sunny, eyes wide with surprise and worry, exclaimed, "What happened to him?"
Frostbite, though still in his cell, watched with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
As for Jormund, he found himself in a state of darkness, unconscious yet strangely aware.
Jormund found himself in the familiar setting of his university days. His apartment, though small and simple, exuded the charm of countless adventures. The morning sun spilled through the modest windows, casting a warm glow on the mismatched furniture and scattered travel artifacts.
In his dream, Jormund went about his routine with ease. He showered, dressed in his favorite explorer outfit, made a strong cup of coffee, and sat down with a newspaper. The headlines blurred, but the feeling of normalcy embraced him.
As he checked the time, realization hit like a punch to the gut. He was late for his first lecture. Jormund's eyes widened, and a burst of energy fueled him. He downed his coffee in a gulp, forgetting to savor the taste, and bolted towards the front door.
Panic set in as he fumbled with the lock, searching frantically for his key. In the rush, he vividly remembered placing it in his other pants. His heart raced as he scrambled to retrieve it, the seconds ticking away mercilessly.
Finally clutching the key, he sprinted back to the door, swinging it open with the determination to make it on time. However, instead of the familiar hallway, Jormund was met with an eerie void stretching infinitely.
Confusion clouded his face, and he chuckled nervously. "Must have missed the memo about apartments above endless voids," he quipped to himself. But as he stepped forward, the ground seemed to vanish beneath him. He desperately grabbed the door handle, hanging on for a moment before the grip slipped, and he tumbled into the abyss, realizing he was now undoubtedly going to be late.
Jormund's eyes shot open, and he sat up abruptly, shouting, "Crap, I'm late for the first lecture!" However, the unfamiliar surroundings of the cave quickly brought him to his senses. The soft murmur of a waterfall echoed within, adding a calming rhythm to the atmosphere. The cave had a natural beauty to it, with shimmering crystals embedded in the walls, casting a gentle glow.
His sudden outburst startled the dragons around him. Clay looked over with a concerned expression, Tsunami raised an eyebrow, Glory glanced with mild curiosity, Sunny seemed puzzled, Frostbite eyed him cautiously, Cinder smirked, Peril blinked with confusion, and Kestrel gave him an unreadable stare.
Jormund, now fully aware of his surroundings, sighed in realization. "Oh, right. I'm not home." he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. The dragons exchanged glances, some with amusement, others with mild bewilderment at the peculiar human's outburst in their dragon-filled world.
Jormund stretched as he got up, feeling a bit stiff. Sunny broke the silence, her voice laced with concern, "Are you alright?"
Jormund nodded, a faint smile on his face. "Yeah, just had a nightmare about being late for something. You know, university stuff."
He then turned his attention to Glory, Sunny, and Frostbite, asking, "What happened after I passed out? How did you manage to escape the SkyWing palace and find each other?"
Jormund settled in, eager to hear the details of their escape. Glory began, "After you weakened the cell door, we managed to free Frostbite."
Sunny chimed in excitedly, "Yeah! We carried you out of the palace, and then we met Clay and Tsunami. They helped us get away from the guards."
Clay took his turn, "We were able to regroup and continue our escape. Cinder and Peril managed to free Kestrel and then we met Glory and Sunny, who carried you."
Peril added with a nod, "We also freed Osprey. He decided to stay in the palace's library, though. After that, we all made our way here and waited for you to wake up."
Frostbite, having listened quietly, spoke up, "Now we need to figure out our next move. We have to be cautious, especially with Queen Scarlet on the hunt."
Jormund nodded, grateful for the updated details. "Thanks for filling me in. It sounds like you all handled things well. Now, what's our next move?"
Kestrel, with a stern expression, responded to Jormund's question, "I suggest we return to the Jade Mountain cave. The dragonets of destiny need to see the consequences of their desires for freedom. They wanted it so badly; now they need to understand why we had to protect them."
Tsunami, with a flare of temper, shot back at Kestrel, "Yeah, thanks for the suggestion. We could've left you in that prison. See if you'd prefer that!"
Kestrel, maintaining her composure, replied sarcastically, "Oh, sure, blame us for everything. We only did what the Talons of Peace told us to do. If they had a better plan, maybe we wouldn't be in this mess."
Tsunami, with determination in her eyes, retorted to Kestrel, "We're not returning to the Talons of Peace. We've seen enough of their plans."
Sunny, ever curious, chimed in with a question directed at Tsunami, "We're not? Where are we going then?"
Kestrel, skeptical, responded to Tsunami, "And what's your magnificent plan, Tsunami?"
Tsunami, with a determined tone, declared, "We're going to find our homes and our parents. We're going to see this war firstclaw and see for ourselves what to do about it."
Kestrel, with a dismissive tone, responded to Tsunami, "Fine. What do I care? You're on your own now. Good riddance."
Sunny, ever hopeful, responded to Kestrel, "Oh, Kestrel. You don't mean that."
Jormund, observing the exchange, couldn't help but feel the tension in the air. He knew about the conflicts, the complexities of their situation, and the internal struggles among the dragonets and the Talons of Peace. Leaning against the cave wall, he sighed softly, realizing that their journey was far from over, both physically and emotionally.
Jormund, intrigued by the mention of the Talons of Peace, turned his attention to Kestrel and asked, "What are the Talons of Peace?"
Kestrel, looking at Jormund with a mix of surprise and curiosity, answered, "The Talons of Peace are a secret organization dedicated to stopping the war. We worked in the shadows, trying to prevent the dragonets of destiny from being used as weapons. I'm surprised you even know about us. And why does a talking scavenger like you care?"
Almost simultaneously, everyone else chimed in, "He's a human."
Jormund, a small smile forming on his lips, commented, "Well, that's a first. Thanks for having my back, everyone."
He then turned back to Kestrel, "Now, about that follow-up question. Have you or the Talons of Peace ever heard about someone named 'Destiny Scribe'?"
Kestrel furrowed her brow, thinking for a moment before responding, "I'm afraid that name doesn't ring a bell. Why do you ask?"
As the name was mentioned, Cinder, Glory, Peril, Clay, and Tsunami exchanged glances, recognizing it from their previous encounters. Others, unfamiliar with the name, looked at Jormund with curiosity.
Jormund, his expression turning serious, replied, "If you or the Talons of Peace ever encounter someone named 'Destiny Scribe,' avoid him at all costs. All I can assume now is that he might be a Stand user, and he is looking for a certain artifact."
Kestrel, looking perplexed, asked, "What's a Stand user? And what artifact is he looking for?"
Jormund, realizing the gravity of the situation, stepped into the middle of the cave to address everyone. He took a deep breath before starting to explain the basics of a Stand user, beginning with what a Stand is based on JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
"Alright, dragons," Jormund began, "a Stand is a supernatural manifestation of a person's life energy, or Stand user, and each Stand is unique to its user. They can have incredible powers, abilities, and are usually used in combat situations."
He continued to elaborate on the concept, detailing how Stands are often invisible to non-Stand users, that dragons can naturaly see stands, how they can physically interact with the world, that the damage a stand take is reflected on the user, and the various powers they may possess. As he spoke, the dragons listened intently, some with expressions of curiosity and others with skepticism. Jormund knew this was a lot to take in, but it was crucial for them to understand the potential threat posed by Destiny Scribe.
Jormund, after explaining the concept of Stand users and their Stands, took a moment to summarize the current situation. "So far, there have been four Stand users encountered. I took care of one in my first arena battle, a scavenger with a shadow-like Stand. There are two here in this very room, namely Cinder and me. The last one is presumably Destiny Scribe, who might be out there, and there could be more we don't know about yet."
He then turned to Kestrel, suggesting, "Considering the potential danger, Kestrel, I'd recommend informing the Talons of Peace of any new sightings of Stand users. It might be a good idea to stay on the lookout and share information to ensure everyone's safety."
Kestrel, considering Jormund's information, raised an eyebrow and questioned, "It's fascinating, but how can I be sure you're not lying about all this?"
Jormund exchanged a look with Cinder, a silent agreement passing between them. In unison, they both manifested their Stands. Hypergenesis appeared for Jormund, while Cinder's Stand, "Blaze Inferno," took its form. The sudden appearance of these powerful entities served as a visual confirmation of the truth behind Jormund's words.
The dragons in the cave stared in awe and curiosity at the manifested Stands. Glory's scales turned blue of her curiousity, Cinder seemed proud of his Stand's display, Peril tilted her head, Clay blinked in surprise, Tsunami crossed her arms in skepticism, Frostbite observed with interest, and Sunny, while a bit confused, maintained her excited expression.
Jormund raised an eyebrow at Kestrel, his arms crossed, as if challenging her skepticism. The manifestation of the stands, Hypergenesis and Blaze Inferno, shimmered in the cave's dim light, providing a vivid demonstration of their powers.
Kestrel, initially dubious, observed the display before her eyes widened in realization, "I guess that's proof enough for me. Alright, we'll keep an eye out for these stand users and let the Talons know if we encounter any." She said in acceptance of the truth Jormund had laid before her.
Satisfied with her reaction, Jormund walked over to Clay and asked him, "Could you give me the crystalline artifact back?"
Clay responded with a friendly smile, "Of course, Jormund." He reached under one of his sturdy scales and pulled out the artifact, handing it to Jormund.
Turning to Kestrel, Jormund displayed the artifact for everyone to see. The crystalline object glimmered with an otherworldly radiance, casting prismatic hues that danced across its intricate surface. It was a multifaceted gem, a kaleidoscope of colors melding seamlessly into one another. The material seemed to defy the conventional understanding of earthly minerals, possessing an ethereal quality that hinted at its extraterrestrial origins.
The core of the artifact pulsed with a soft, mesmerizing light, reminiscent of a beating heart. Tiny filaments of light intertwined, creating an ever-shifting pattern that seemed to draw one's gaze into its depths. As if holding the essence of the cosmos within its crystalline lattice, the artifact emitted an aura of both mystery and power.
Around its edges, delicate runes were etched, symbols that appeared to belong to no known language. They glowed faintly, responding to the dragon's touch or the slightest shift in the surrounding magic. Each rune contributed to the overall harmony of the artifact, contributing to its enigmatic allure.
As the dragons gazed upon the crystalline artifact, a hush fell over the cave. Each of them, except for Jormund who was familiar with its strange allure, found themselves captivated by its ethereal beauty.
Clay looked at the artifact with a mix of curiosity and wonder. He was intrigued by its unique properties and the way it seemed to emanate an otherworldly energy.
Tsunami, with a natural affinity for all things related to enchanting waters, observed the artifact with a discerning eye. Its radiant glow reflected in her ocean-blue scales, and she couldn't help but be drawn to its mysterious aura.
Sunny's eyes widened in amazement as she took in the sight of the artifact. She couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement, as if the artifact held secrets waiting to be unraveled.
Glory, always interested in the beauty of colors and light, was visibly intrigued, slight hues of blue dancing over her scales. She shifted her eyes across the kaleidoscope of hues, appreciating the artistic craftsmanship of the crystalline structure.
Cinder observed the artifact with a stoic expression. His eyes, however, betrayed a hint of curiousity and fear, as it reminded him of Destiny Scribes encounter.
Peril, torn between her loyalty to Clay and the allure of the artifact, watched with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. She seemed drawn to its enigmatic nature.
Kestrel, the hardened Talons of Peace member eyed the artifact warily. Suspicion lingered in her gaze as she assessed the potential danger that might be associated with such an otherworldly object.
Frostbite maintained a cool exterior, but there was a subtle gleam of interest in his frosty eyes. He regarded the artifact with a scientist's curiosity, pondering its possible significance.
Each dragon processed the sight before them, their reactions as diverse as their respective tribes and backgrounds. The artifact's radiant presence continued to cast a mesmerizing spell over the gathering.
Jormund's eyes focused on the crystalline artifact, and he broke the silence with a sense of urgency and curiosity.
"This," he said, his voice carrying a weight of mystery, "is the key to everything. It was hidden in a ruin with symbols akin to those etched on its surface. When I touched it, a portal opened, pulling my friend Professor Alexander and me through. There's much about it that remains unknown, but I believe it holds the key to our answers."
Jormund's gaze sharpened as he continued, a determined edge to his words, "This very artifact is what 'Destiny Scribe' is after. Until I understand its true purpose, I have no intention of letting him get his hands on it. We need to figure this out together and keep it safe."
Frostbite, with a thoughtful expression and a slight tilt of his head, responded, "Origin... fascinating question. Do you have any theories, Jormund?"
Jormund turned to Frostbite, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, I've been mulling it over. This artifact, considering its size, can't be of dragon origin. It leaves only one plausible conclusion..."
Cinder, overhearing the conversation, added with a sarcastic tone, "...it was made by a Scavenger! Imagine that, a tiny scavenger creating something that captures the attention of dragons."
Jormund, maintaining his calm demeanor, responded to Cinder, "A human, indeed. The fact that the artifact pulled me into Pyrrhia suggests that a human somewhere in this world created it for a purpose."
Kestrel, deep in thought, eventually responded to Jormund, "A Human artifact on Pyrrhia... intriguing. But what purpose could it possibly serve here?"
Jormund turned to Kestrel, his gaze earnest, as he answered her question. "This is another reason why I need you to ask the Talons of Peace. Even the smallest hint of something similar in the past could be crucial information. We need to understand the origin and purpose of this artifact."
Kestrel nodded, acknowledging Jormund's plea. "I'll ask the Talons of Peace if they've heard or seen anything resembling this artifact. It might take some time, but I'll not promise anything."
Kestrel turned to Peril, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and hope. "Are you coming with me, Peril?"
Clay interjected with a concern for Peril, "I thought you were coming with us?" However, Peril, torn by conflicting emotions, responded with, "I- I don't—"
Tsunami with a fiery temper, cut her off abruptly, "Only over my charred dead body."
Glory chimed in, addressing Tsunami with a snap in her tone. "Why not? Maybe Peril is the missing dragonet, your 'Wings of Sky.'"
Jormund, observing the unfolding dynamics, crossed his arms and turned to Glory, seeking her eye contact. After a brief moment, he subtly gestured to Glory, indicating that she was the "Wings of Sky."
Glory, catching on to the reference, met Jormund's gaze. "Oh, that again," she quipped in her head, giving him a wry smile.
Peril, her expression lighting up, responded to Glory's suggestion with a happy realization. "Oh, could I be?" Her smile conveyed genuine excitement at the thought.
Glory, maintaining her witty banter, replied, ""The largest egg in mountain high." If you hatched with your twin, your egg must've been big."
Peril, enthusiastically agreeing, added, "That's true! Maybe I'm part of your destiny!"
Clay, always the voice of reason, chimed in, "Wow, do you think so?" His gentle demeanor added a touch of optimism to the conversation.
Kestrel, with a hint of cold certainty, responded to the suggestions. "Not a chance. Peril hatched over a year before the brightest night. Your SkyWing died in the egg; I saw the shattered shells."
She then walked up to Peril, placing a paw on her shoulder with a soft hizz, but quickly pulled it away as the heat from Peril's fiery scales made contact. Kestrel spoke with a touch of empathy, "Come with me. I'm not much, but better than Scarlet."
Peril sighed with closed eyes, "I can't go with either of you. How would I get my black rocks?"
Kestrel, with a stern expression, responded to Peril, "Those are lies. You don't need those rocks. Scarlet has been deceiving you."
Peril turned to Kestrel, a mix of surprise and confusion in her voice, "But she said... She said I had to eat them every day to stay alive."
Kestrel, trying to dispel the misinformation, "No, Peril. That's just another one of Scarlet's lies. You don't need those rocks to survive."
Peril glanced at Kestrel, a mix of curiosity and uncertainty in her eyes. "But she told me that... that if I didn't eat them, I'd get sick."
Kestrel sighed, a tinge of sadness in her expression. "That's one of Scarlet's tricks. She poisons the food she gives you so that you become dependent on her and her supposed 'cure.' It's a control tactic, and it's despicable."
Peril's eyes widened as she processed this information. "So, everything she said... it was all a lie?"
Kestrel nodded solemnly. "Most likely. Scarlet enjoys manipulating dragons, making them believe whatever suits her plans."
Peril frowned, a mixture of anger and realization crossing her features. "Then, I've been a fool..."
Kestrel placed a gentle claw on Peril's shoulder. "No, Peril. You were a victim of Scarlet's deceit, just like many others. But now, you have a chance for a new beginning."
Tsunami spoke up to Kestrel, her voice filled with curiosity and a bit of urgency, "Before you go, Kestrel, you should tell us about our eggs. We deserve to know where we're from."
Kestrel sighed in annoyance before responding, "No surprise there. Webs stole your egg from the SeaWing queen's royal hatchery."
Sunny, reacting to the revelation, beamed at Tsunami. "Tsunami! You realy are royality!"
Tsunami's eyes widened in surprise and disbelief.
Kestrel continued, her voice steady and informative, "Morrowseer brought Starflight's egg, and Dune found Sunny's egg in the desert near the Scorpion Den."
She turned to Clay, adding, "And before she died, a MudWing named Asha brought us your big, strong hero from the Diamond Spray Delta. Where the lowest born MudWings live."
Jormund's mind raced as he connected the dots. The name Morrowseer triggered memories of their clash in the arena, the danger he posed to Frostbite, wishing he could've save the other IceWings too and that he took Starflight with him. A question lingered in his thoughts, casting a shadow of suspicion: could Morrowseer be associated with the Talons of Peace? The possibility raised more questions than answers
Glory, her eyes filled with curiosity, spoke up with a question directed at Kestrel. "And what about me?"
Kestrel turned towards Glory, her response carried a tone of indifference. "Webs found you when we lost the SkyWing egg. I never bothered to ask where, and you were never of much importance."
Jormund interjected with his first words in the conversation, his tone reflecting a sense of disagreement. "Glory might not hold significance for you, but to her friends, she is undoubtedly irreplacable."
As Jormund spoke, a wave of emotions swept across the dragons in the group. Glory's eyes widened in surprise, her usually confident demeanor momentarily shaken. Tsunami, known for her temper, exchanged a glance with Clay, conveying a shared understanding. Peril looked conflicted, torn between her loyalty to Kestrel and an unspoken acknowledgment of Jormund's words.
Clay, with his calm and empathetic nature, gave Jormund a subtle nod, silently appreciating his defense of Glory. Sunny, tilted her head in curiosity, absorbing the unfolding dynamics. Frostbite, driven by scientific curiosity, observed the interactions with a keen interest.
Kestrel scoffed at Jormund's words, showing no sign of being swayed by his defense of Glory. Tsunami, driven by her temper, snapped at Kestrel, "Just go away! You're mean all the time."
Kestrel, unfazed, responded with an air of indifference. "I only speak the truth," she asserted, maintaining her straightforward demeanor.
Peril responded to Kestrel's attitude with a hint of disappointment evident, "I never imagined you like this."
Kestrel turned to Peril, unapologetic, "I'm the way life made me, take it or leave it."
Clay chimed in, adding his perspective, "She is not the kindest dragon, but she did try to save you," he pointed thoughtfully toward Kestrel, acknowledging her attempted rescue despite her abrasive demeanor.
Peril reacted to Kestrel with a heavy heart, expressing her thoughts through dialogue. "No, I can't come with you. Not now—maybe later."
Jormund chimed in with a sense of urgency, his words carrying the weight of experience and uncertainty. "This might be the only chance of being with your mother after all this time," he clarified to Peril. "Don't waste this moment. Because only one thing is certain in life... 'Tomorrow is a hope, but never a promise.'" His words resonated in the cave, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise.
Peril turned to Kestrel with a thoughtful look that slowly transformed into a small smile. Kestrel responded with a smile of her own, a silent acknowledgment of the complex emotions shared between them.
Peril then turned back to Jormund, expressing her gratitude, "Thank you, Jormund," she said. "You're right." Her words carried a newfound understanding.
Kestrel and Peril were about to leave as Jormund suddenly turned to everyone, a sense of formality in his demeanor, as he spoke up. "I almost forgot," he began, "now that everyone is here, allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Jormund G. Joestar, or simply Jormund." He offered a slight bow, a gesture of politeness. "You all may also call me JoJo from now on."
Sunny, with her cheerful disposition, couldn't resist asking, "Why can we also call you JoJo?"
Jormund responded with a warm smile, "Because all my friends call me JoJo."
As his words hung in the air, each dragon present felt a sense of camaraderie. There was a shared understanding that, in Jormund's eyes, they had become true friends. The atmosphere in the cave shifted, and the dragons exchanged glances that conveyed a mix of surprise, acceptance, and the budding bonds of friendship. Even Kestrel had a glint of surprise in her eyes.
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