~𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐈𝐈 ~
𝐎𝐇, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐒!

•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•

It had taken some time, but they were now far away from the claws of the Cloud Mountains and the grasp of Queen Scarlet and her cruel games. Mindcrusher had led them to a cave near the ocean, nestled within the verdant embrace of the Jade Mountains. There, she assured them, a dragon lived who could help.

As they entered the cave, the scent of saltwater mingled with the cool, damp air. The walls shimmered with a greenish hue, reflecting the light in a way that felt almost magical. Icemoon could sense a mixture of anticipation and worry among her friends.

Sunny, in particular, had seemed a bit off since their escape. Her bright eyes wandered towards the horizon, clearly lost in thought. "I just... I need to check on Kestrel, Webs, and Dune," she murmured for what felt like the hundredth time. Icemoon knew that Dune's death weighed heavily on her, especially since it had happened when Queen Scarlet came searching for her and Clay.

"We will find them, Sunny," Icemoon reassured her gently, her voice steady. "We just need to figure out our next move first. Mindcrusher believes this dragon can help us, and we need all the help we can get."

With a nod, they all settled in, their hearts heavy but hopeful, as they awaited the arrival of the dragon who could help them navigate the challenges still ahead. Together, they had faced so much, and even in the shadow of grief and uncertainty, their bond gave them strength.

Mindcrusher rose from her resting position, stretching her starry wings wide. It was then that Icemoon noticed the enormous scar beneath her mother's right wing. It looked almost like claw marks—deep, ugly scratches reminiscent of the ones Queen Scarlet had inflicted on so many of their kind. The sight sent a chill down Icemoon's spine.

"Mom, are you alright?" she asked, concern etched across her features as she observed her mother wobbling slightly during her movements.

Mindcrusher sighed, a weary weight in her voice. "I'm fine. I'm just going to find Stonemover. You guys stay here and rest." There was a stubbornness to her tone that Icemoon recognized; her mother was trying to be strong, but Icemoon could sense the pain beneath the surface.

"No, you shouldn't go alone!" Icemoon protested instinctively, stepping closer. A flood of worry enveloped her. "What if something happens to you out there?"

Mindcrusher shook her head, determination shining in her eyes despite the pain. "I have to do this. Stonemover is our best chance for help. I promise I'll be careful. You need to focus on your own recovery. I don't want you all to worry about me. Just... stay here."

Icemoon's heart tugged, knowing that her mother had always been a fighter. Reluctantly, she nodded, watching as her mother stepped back into the shadows of the cave. The echoes of Mindcrusher's departure filled the space, leaving the young dragons in a tense silence.

Sunny shifted uncomfortably, her worry evident on her face. "Do you think she'll be alright?"

Icemoon took a deep breath, trying to be brave for her friends. "She's strong. If anyone can handle it, it's her. We just have to trust she'll return." But deep down, a gnawing anxiety loomed, intertwining with the story of loss they had already endured.

As they settled into the cave's depths, a fresh resolve formed. They needed to prepare for whatever lay ahead, and they would support one another through whatever trials came their way. Together, they would find their strength, just as they always had. 

A few hours later, Mindcrusher returned, accompanied by another dragon who was partially encased in stone. Sunny gaped in disbelief, her talon coming up to cover her mouth. The new arrival stepped into the flickering light of the fire, his movements slow and cumbersome.

"Hello, younglings," he croaked, his voice rough like gravel, and Icemoon noticed that his eyes seemed a bit glazed. Her instincts flared up, concern flooding her as she looked at him, unsure of what to expect.

Mindcrusher stepped forward, her demeanor proud yet cautious. "This is Stonemover. He can help us."

As Stonemover's gaze settled on Icemoon, she felt a strange prickling sensation, almost as if he were peering deep into her mind. Panic flared within her, and instinctively, she reinforced the barriers around her thoughts, shutting them down tight. She watched as his eyes flickered with awareness.

"That is your daughter, isn't it?" he asked, his voice softer as he turned his attention to Mindcrusher. There was a moment of understanding in his gaze, something that felt ancient and profound.

"Yeah, she is," Mindcrusher replied, pride lacing her voice even amid the uncertainty.

Stonemover paused, taking a moment to assess Icemoon further. "She carries strength, a gift," he stated, almost as if he were speaking to himself. "But strength must be tempered with understanding. This world is fraught with shadows, and the scars of the past can reach deep."

Sunny shifted next to Icemoon, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and fear. "What do you mean? What can you do to help us?"

Stonemover turned his gaze to the group, a sense of urgency underlying his words. "I've seen the darkness that Queen Scarlet spreads. But I can offer protection for your minds... for those who wish to learn. It's time you embrace your potential, harness your gifts, and prepare for what lies ahead. Together, perhaps, you can turn the tides against her."

Icemoon felt a swirl of emotions—curiosity mixed with uncertainty. Could they truly rise against such a powerful enemy? She glanced at her mother, whose determination had come shining through the weariness, and then back at Stonemover, who stood firm despite his stone-like exterior.

"We need to train," Icemoon said, her voice steadying with resolve. "If there's even a chance we can stand against her... we have to try."

Mindcrusher nodded, a smile mingling with pride and hope. "Then let's begin. We have strength in numbers, and together, we are more powerful than we realize."

With that, the fire crackled warmly in the cave as the night deepened outside, and the young dragons steeled themselves for the journey ahead, knowing they must prepare to face the darkness lurking just beyond their reach.