Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

This chapter is just a list off al the characters that are mine and my friends.

My oc's:
Main character- Klipspringer

Henchmen- Pangolin, Sobek, Xerus, Kingbird, Oviraptor, Mastigure, Serval, Ringtail, Hyena, Papyrus, Chupacabra, Wilddog, Tumbleweed, Jackrabbit.

Hencladies- Zebra, Vanilla, Sarcoline, Scripture, Pyrrhuloxia(right hand), Javelin, Lithic, Bruise, Acinonyx, Alluaudia, Flambeau, Echis.

Henchdragons- Roadrunner, Idorra, Sandpit, Okapi, Sonoran, Oleander, Khaki, Gambel, Eland, Dustbowl, Tarot.

Gods- Thoth, Reincarnation, Haxeyar, Whiz, Arroyo, Eirini, Kudos, Pronghorn, Royal, Volid, Aztec, Sibly, Ubuya, Memento, Incubus, Byraxis, Harvester, Vivace, Escort, and Wittikka

Others- Noroi, Grasshopper, ex-Queen Lyrebird, Whaleshark, Humpback, Civet, Smooth talker, Sediment, Rove, Xerces, Theona, Snakeroot, and Baygin.

My friend's oc's:
Gods- Sterling, and Sommnoir

Others- Vonteli, Kuda, Prince Sol, Prince Olympus, Princess Aurora, Prince Iridion, Princess, Lyu, and Eska.

All ships of the oc's:
Klipspringer x Vonteli
Kuda x Reincarnation
Memento x Aurora
Smoothtalker x Iridion
Esak x Eirini
Incubus x Sommnoir
Haxeyar x Sterling
Whiz x Sol
Baygin x Lyu
Thoth x Olympus

Siblings:
Zebra and Hyena
Aurora and Irdion
Memento and Smoothtalker
Incubus, Harvester and Volid
Oleander and Jackrabbit

Parent and child:
Sediment and Rove
Sandpit and Serval

All of these oc's are both somewhat important and not. Nearly almost everyone will be mentioned, but not all will have their own moment of being important. Most of my own oc's in Klipspringer's gang will not be that important, other then being mentioned from time to time.

Chapter Text

The sun in the bright and cloudless blue sky seemed to be beating heat down harder today than ever. A group of cloaked dragons slid through the crowded streets to an opening where on an elevated stall- a Sandwing and a few of his own men were speaking. The Sandwing had darker, but not too dark, sand colored scales with void black eyes. Across his body all over were black tattoos, each the same. Dragon skulls. His left ear was pierced with a gold spider earring that was too flashy. Over his back was the black cloak, a bad choice for a place like this, with gold along the ends.

“Dragons! Listen to me as I say- our queen is failing us!” He hissed, tongue flicking out as he scanned around, “I, Vulture, can lead us to a better and brighter future! I am not the queen, but join me- and I promise fortune and power alongside me!” The crowd under him began to murmur, along of if he could do this, or if his words were true. Not every Sandwing was a crime dweller like Vulture, but his words were slightly comforting. Maybe it was fear that made them consider it. Mothers who were beggars with their dragonets, merchants who were barely getting food, even some assassins who haven’t had a hit yet were not backing down to hear more.

Vulture’s sick smile grew more as no one left, letting him speak more about what he could offer if they joined The Talons of Power. His eyes failed to notice in the shadows of the buildings the group. 5 dragons, all Sandwings of each size, all wearing the same dark brown cloak and neck back that contained one thing in all the bags.

“Shall we strike yet?” The second largest figure whispered over to the one who had a symbol on the back of their cloak. They were the largest out of the 5, and clearly the leader of them.

“Not yet, let’s stalk closer. Zebra, Pangolin- take left. Pyrrhuloxia, Dustbowl- take right.” They ordered stiffly as they walked forward, only for their tail to be grabbed by Zebra, and pulled back.

“What about you, Klip?” She huffed in annoyance, her eyes narrowing on her boss with a stern look. Klipspringer could see her dark brown eyes staring at her like an annoyed mother. Maybe she had been practicing for the day she would have eggs.

“I’m taking point- to face Vulture up front. I want to see his face when I rip out his throat.” He snarled with his teeth clenched, though he had to keep himself not too worked up. They didn’t need him to start letting smoke out his mouth and give them away.

Zebra gave him a weary look before she let go of his tail and stalked off with Pangolin to the left. The other two bowed and did the same, leaving Klipspringer to stalk forward into the front of the crowd. He looked with his eyes to see all four dragons in position behind Vulture and his minions. They awaited the signal to strike, but Klipspringer was waiting for the right time to strike. His eyes locked with Dustbowl’s to see if his dragons from above were there and ready just as they were. After a moment he saw Dustbowl waved their tail above their horns like a real scorpion. He nodded back before staring up at Vulture who still didn’t see his enemy right in front of him!

What a dumbass, Klipspringer thought as he lowered his body into a pose, ready to strike. He crouched down and then leapt into the air- spreading his wings and shooting fire right at the Sandwing crime lord. Klipspringer watched as the other’s eyes went wide at the fire- reflecting the orange flames. It didn’t miss, but instead his stupid grandson, Sirocco, jumped in front of him and took the fire to the neck. Klipspringer felt a wave of guilt hit him as he heard the shrill shriek from the male Sandwing take the blazing pain, but he threw it aside quickly. He had a job to do. Klip saw as his own people dove from the shadows and sky to attack and clear the scarred people away. Vulture took to the sky and tried to get away only for Klipspringer to give chase.

“Get back here you worthless shitstain!” Klipspringer demanded as he shot another plume of fire at him. The shot managed to burn the dragon's tail and caused him to fall into the sand below. Klipspringer dove down and clawed at the membrane of his wings- rendering him flightless. Vulture screamed and tried to shoot fire, but was in too much pain and distress to really get a spark out.

“Shut up!” Klip demands as his claws drug down Vulture’s sides, leaving three deep gashes that bled out swiftly into the sand, “And listen closely.” His cloak had been thrown off in the chase, now exposing his grand figure. Klipspringer top scales were a lighter brown that faded to a darker shade down to his tail, but his wings and legs were a dusty chestnut brown. His underside was a light cream that stayed the same shade throughout his body. Klip’s sail was a pure white color that matched well with his scales. His horns were thicker, and curved downwards and the tip’s flicked up. Perched on both of them were gold horn rings that needed to be cleaned. However, his eyes- they were not black, but light cream, nearly white, with duty gold slit pupils that were locked onto Vulture.

“Let me go you crazy dragon!” Vulture demanded and swiped at the younger crime boss. He got a small cut just under Klipsringer’s right eye, but then felt a surge of pain as the claws still in his sides dug deeper into his flesh.

“Listen,” Klip said slowly as he craned down his head, smoke billowing out the sides of his mouths into the sky, “You killed and harmed so many dragons, both here and not. I’m giving you a one time offer. Leave forever and disband your ‘Talons of Power’, and I will let you live. If not? I will find you, split your skull open, and give it to Queen Thorn as a gift.” His threat made the old dragon cringe, knowing Klipspringer was not above it, but could be bluffing. Would Vulture take that chance? Probably not, he cared too much for his own scales.

“Fine-” He snarled up at the younger dragon and shoved Klip off as he got to his feet. Vulture’s wings drooped lowly into the sand, sides still bleeding badly. His cloak was now covered with bloodied sand, making him grimace. Klipspirnger was glaring at him, waiting for him to leave the Sandwing Kingdom, only to get jumped from behind- as did Vulture.

“Wait! Get off! I’m helping!” Klip shouted and tried to turn his head to see who was on him, only for his face to be shoved into the sand, getting it in his eyes. He sneered in pain, but didn’t struggle too much- not wanting to get someone or himself hurt. He didn’t need to be a genius to know it was guards of Queen Thorn who came to arrest the two. Or well- just Vulture. Klipspringer may be a crime boss, but he did most stuff in the law- and what he didn’t, he covered up well. There was no evidence against him! The claws around him grabbed him and hulled him to his feet. Vulture was being held in the air and flown back because of his injuries. Around Klip’s wings were clamps that kept him from flight and a tail barb cover so he couldn’t stab anyone. A guard, probably Six-Claws, moved closer to put a muzzle on him. As much as it would annoy him, he moved into the muzzle- trying to show he was no threat. The guards took him back to the palace to be spoken to by the queen. Thorn and Klipsringer had only met once. It was in passing- the both of them, when she wasn’t queen, had been buying some food and struck convo, only for a little child to come up to Klipspringer who he said was his daughter who had ‘just run off for a bit’, and took in the child. His best choice. Vanilla had been a great joy in the camp, everyone loved teaching the child.

His thoughts were stopped as he found himself in front of the queen, her possible new mate Smolder and Thorn’s stunted- no.. hybrid daughter, Sunny. Six-Claws walked over to Klipsringer and took off the muzzle before stalking to the throne and sitting on the other side of Queen Thorn. Klipspringer hesitated before moving into a deep bow to the queen before he was made. Sure he didn’t have feelings on the queen, but he did respect her. Not because of her status, but how she started out as a boss like him, but earned the queen status via the Eye of Onyx. That same artifact that was around her neck, like a reminder to those she speaks with. They all gazed down at Klipspringer till he rose and spoke first.

“Your majesty-” He was trying to give an excuse but got cut off by Thorn, by raising a paw to stop him from saying much more.

“Stop. You caused a group of people to scatter and dragons were harmed in the stampede,” She did not look pleased at all from his actions, “You will be staying here until one of your people comes to take you back.” And with that, he was taken away by the guards to a new part of the palace and shoved into a cell, muzzle on his face again. Klipspringer sight and let smoke flare out his nose as he pacing in anger. This was bullshit! He did nothing wrong! He was trying to help- it wasn’t his fault some people got harmed in the process. But before he could get much more angry- the sound of guards walking down made him look up. Something about them made him get tense, they looked like Thorn’s guards, but something was clearly not right. Thorn’s guards would have a steely look in their eyes, but these Sandwings- they had harsh glares.

The four guards walked in and cornered him, they all pulled their spears on him. Klipspringer looked enraged as he went on his hind legs and flapped his wings in a fury. Two of the guards grabbed his wings and horns before slamming him back down onto the stone floor of the cell. He wriggled around to get free- panic setting in, memories of past traumas bubbled back up. However that quickly went to black as one of the guards grabbed a rock and slammed it onto his head.

“Shit! Way too hard Heatwave-!” The still guard snarled and grabbed the boss by his shoulders. Heatwave rolled her eyes and made the others pick up the male Sandwing and carry him out of the cell and the palace itself.

The 5 flew into the sky and set off to the mountains- west.

Chapter Text

The dragons flew for a few nights until they found their camp inside the mountains that separated both sides of the continent. The Sandwings tossed Klipspringer to the side aimlessly, not caring that his paw got stabbed from the way he fell on a sharp rock.

“So- our employer said to meet in the Mud Kingdom?” One asked with a grossed out tone, “I hate mud and Mudwings. All are the same- fat and stupid.” His racist remark earned a laugh from the others as they made dinner. Klipspringer was still knocked out, or at least- that’s what the guards thought. He was faking it, keeping mostly still and eyes closed, listening in. He was mostly trying to figure out where he was going and more importantly why he was going to wherever it is he is going. Though his attempts were futile, because the Sandwings just kept making stupid racist jokes or talking about what they’ll do with their own cuts of the money they shall receive for getting Klipspringer.

As night came onto the Sandwings, the fire died out and the sounds went from cackling and being horrible to grumpy snores and mumbles in sleep. Klipspringer opened his eyes and tried to slowly creep away- but he only then realized that his back left leg was chained to a rock. Any movement or trying to burn it would make noise- and he couldn’t take 5 Sandwings in this state. So with a sigh he laid back down and stared at the skies. A small prayer left his lips- up to stars, begging to Thoth, the Eldrige god, to get some help to make it safely back to his people.

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Pyrrhuloxia sighed as he gathered up a few of Klipspringer’s dragons to go collect him from Queen Thorn. He found this to be the most EMBARRASSING thing she has done, and she had been a dragonet once! The things she had done at that age were… questionable. Roadrunner, Sobek, Ringtail, and Dustbowl all followed in silence behind the right hand to the boss. They were also embarrassed about going to the queen to pick up Klipspringer, I mean- did he have to get caught? But also, why did he?

“Pyrrhuloxia?” Ringtail asked, moving to her side and out of formation beside Sobek, “What happened after the boss jumped at Vulture?” His question was very valid- but no one could explain it. Pyrrhuloxia hadn’t seen what happened after the two got into the air. She had been busy fighting off a dragon she had known as a child, Gobi. She just glared down at Ringtail, a silent meaning of him to get back to his spot. Ringtail slowed down back to his spot, not questioning further. It was clear she was… worried- and maybe a bit scared? Whenever Pyrrhuloxia couldn’t explain something, she was silent and cold- trying to look like she wasn’t bothered, or annoyed.
The five dragons went up to the palace doors, explained who they were and who they were here for. The two guards, who Sobek called Hiss and Serpent, seemingly old friends, looked at each other and back at them. Without a word, they lead the dragons to Queen Thorn in a different room. Seemingly the letters room. She was looking at reports as the guards shut the door after Pyrrhuloxia and her dragons entered.

“Queen Thorn. I am here for Klipspringer.” Pyrrhuloxia bowed, but not for too long. She had to flick her tail at the others to get them to bow as well. Thorn turned around and nodded slowly.

“Yes. Klipspringer’s people. Come.” She said slowly, walking out and leading them to the dungeons. Roadrunner felt uneasy- like something was amiss. They tapped on Ringtail’s shoulder and whispered something about Klipspringer being missing. Pyrrhuloxia’s ears perked but she didn’t listen further, she was not one to invade others' conversations unless it was for spying or they were withholding information. As the six dragons came up to the cell, Thorn froze- her black eyes went wide.

“What?” Pyrrhuloxia demanded with a sharp tongue, watching as Thorn turned her head slowly to them. Dustbowl rushed over and gasped looking at the cell, confused- he entered and stared at the floor. Pyrrhuloxia felt her heart missed a few beats as she stepped in.

The dark grey and off weird sand-brown, that looked kinda green, had a pool of drying blood and Klipspringer nowhere in sight. Sobek grabbed a torch and threw it to Pyrrhuloxia, who caught it and shone it to light up the space. A few of his scales from his forehead, just barely above his eye, were on the floor. Even one of his earrings was on the floor. His beloved gold and sapphire diamond shaped earring- the only thing his mother gave him before she died from sickness. Thorn didn’t say a word as she left swiftly to go find her guards to start looking for him and reprimand those who were meant to watch him.

“What the hell do we do?” Sobek hissed, his black forked tongue sliding in and out his mouth. He began to pace in the hall of cells, stressing out. Pyrrhuloxia began to zone out as she stared at the slightly bloody covered earring. Her world had been flipped on a dime. She could manage alone yes- but she wasn’t wanting to! She liked her spot, important but not upfront and out there. It also wouldn’t take long for others to find out the boss of The Watchers was missing, and for people to try and fill the spot- and make Pyrrhuloxia their right hand. He gripped the earring tightly in her paw as her shoulder was touched. Roadrunner had been beside her, pulling her out her silent panic as the others were shouting at each other.

“Pyrrhuloxia…” They whispered, voice quiet as ever, “They need you right now- we need you. Klipspringer would want you to get to work right away. He’s gone missing before- remember? We’ll be alright.” Their words gave Pyrrhuloxia the push she needed, a sigh leaving her nose with a puff of light smoke. She handed over the earring for Roadrunner to hold onto before stepping out, making the other three shut up.

“We go back to the base, and send a search party, or two, out immediately. Keep this on the down low. We need to hide the fact that our boss is missing as quietly as possible.” Pyrrhuloxia ordered. She began to leave the palace, her people behind her. As she left- Pyrrhuloxia did not hide the glare of the queen as she exited the courtyard and took to the sky, flying back.

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“Wake up!” A voice snarled before a tail barb hit Klipspringer upside the head. He was startled away and looked up at the five Sandwings above him. He glowered at them and stood up- taller than them. The other dragon all hid the fact that they were kinda scared by this dragon. They all grabbed him and took to the air, and flew further west.

Klipspringer just tried to zone out, and think about getting back to his clan, enjoying the thought of them being near him again. But that thought was silenced by some voice in his head.

“Pay attention, Klipspringer.” They hissed. The voice was dark and demanding, but not to be rude. It was an order, yes, but an order from someone in charge who needed him to focus. He looked to see none of the dragons around him had been the ones to demand something of him. So he looked back down, paying attention to the terrain. Who said that? He asked in his mind, hoping to hear that voice again, and thankfully- he did.

“I did. These dragons are not bad. They have been misled.” The voice was much softer now, just trying to form Klipspringer of what was happening. Are you a Nightwing somehow projecting their thoughts in mine? He asked again, his head hurting from the unusual smell of the place. Maybe it was from the supposed Nightwing too.

“I am of that tribe, but I can assure you- I am not like other Nightwings.” The voice let out an amused chuckle to, “You asked for help, well. I’m going to give it to you.” Klipspringer let out a small gasp, only to get hissed at by the dragons. He gave a glare back to them and looked back down to the ground below. He tried to ask more, thinking about more questions he had, but the voice didn’t speak anymore. He tried more, to get them back to speak with him- but there was just nothing. What was left was a soft hum in his voice.

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After nearly an hour of flight, the dragons dove down without warning, catching the Sandwing off guard and making him flinch. He was sure his heart missed a beat as they landed, removing his tail and wing clamps, even his muzzle got taken off! How lucky was he. However, just as he rose to his back feet to attack- the voice of a Rainwing spoke up.

“Hey hey! Easy- oh I’m sorry! Did they hurt you? I thought I told you all to keep him unharmed!” The Rainwing melted into view as he swatted one of the Sandwing’s snout. The dragon yelped and glared at the Rainwing, but was quick to retract that look as a pouch of gold was tossed to them.

The Rainwing looked pretty- but then again, all of them were usually very pretty. The dragon in the image has a sleek, elegant body with a combination of vibrant and muted colors. His main body was a teal color, while its underbelly and hindquarters are a salmon pink shade. The Rainwing’s wings are a lighter teal with dark reddish-brown edges. He had a pair of backward-sweeping horns and a crest on its head, both in teal and dark blue hues. His legs are mismatched in design- the front legs are teal like the upper body, while the hind legs are mostly covered in black wraps. The claws were a reddish tone, matching the wing accents and tail tip.

Klipspringer thought immediately that this was the employer, and that he looked like both copper and oxidized copper (he gets called that in game). Klipspringer sighed and looked down at the Rainwing before he asked the valid questions, “Who are you and why am I here?” The Rainwing’s frills began to change into the same sleek colors as Klipspringer.

“Well- our medic, Noroi, needs Sandwing venom for some medications he is making! And we have one- but they can’t make the right version of it, because of their Nightwing parts.” The Rainwing shrugged simply and grabbed Klipspringer’s forearm and began to take him over a few hills to show off below them a town. It was much smaller than The Scorpion den, but bigger than Possibility.
“Oh! And I’m Civet- to answer your question on who I am.” He grinned, his frilled perking up and turning a yellow color with flares of deep purple. Klipspringer just pulled his arm away with a growl and followed Civet down to the town and through the buildings. Klipsrpinger kept his head down then remembered that he was not in the Sandwing Kingdom, and had no need to do that. When he picked up his head- he saw only a few dragons staring at him, but mostly everyone gave him smiles and waves, or low head dips as a greeting. He found it… odd? It was nothing like back home. Everyone was friendly and not giving him glares or disgusted looks. Civet pulled him into a path and into a large building where a Mudwing was cleaning the cut on a Skywing.

The Mudwing finished by the time they entered, and let the Skywing go after telling them to not mess with the cut. The Mudwing was large, though all were. He had dark brown scales that were solid and different shades on each set. He had amber-orange eyes with round dark brown pupils. His back leg had a large burn scar, making him a small limp as he walked over to the two dragons.

“Civet- is this our Sandwing helper?” He asked, with a soft and clear German accent.

“I’m no helper,” Klipspringer snarled, “This fruit bag hired Sandwings to capture me and bring me here!” He pointed a claw at Civet as he climbed up onto a tree post like a bird.

“I told them to not hurt him.” He shrugged and licked his arm and preened off some scales.

“Civet- I said bring me a Sandwing! Not capture one!” The Mudwing scolded, “And why even did you do that!?” He questioned, clearly embarrassed.

“Well- I heard about Klipspringer, the boss of that clan! So I thought because he was strong, his venom would be better for your medications!” Civet squeaked, scales flaring a whirl of light purple, pale red and seafoam green.

“Civet- just because he is a boss doesn’t mean his venom is stronger.” The Mudwing sighed and rubbed his eyes, clearly tired from Civet’s stupidity, “It’s fine- jeez.. Sorry about this- I am Noroi, and I would be thankful if you still let me have some venom of yours?” He asked, expecting a no from the Sandwing.

Klipspringer sighed and rubbed his forehead, remembering that he still had a wound there and reopened it. He rubbed his blood off on a nearby cloth that was dirty, and rolled his eyes and huffed a “fine” and moved his tail over to the Mudwing. He just wanted to leave and get home quickly.

“Thank you.” Noroi nodded slowly and grabbed a jar with a cloth over it and took Klipspringer’s barb, the tip going into the cloth. Noroi pressed on a muscle that felt weird to be touched, and venom began to pour into the jar. After a minute or two, the medic let go and Klipspringer took back his tail.

“Your head- you mustn't go just yet!” Noroi called before Klipspringer left the building. He huffed a puff of smoke out and glared at the Mudwing.

“Why not?” he asked bitterly, rubbing away more blood- it nearly got in his eye and it was now getting annoying to deal with.

“You could have an untreated concussion, and the wound can get infected. Also- your ear is torn.” Noroi pointed to Klipspringer's ear, where he touched it and gasped. His mother's earring was missing. He was sure it had to be back in the cells, he could find it again- one way or another. The boss sighed and walked back over, laying down on a soft mat as Noroi began to clean both wounds and put a cold paste on them to heal them quicker. A patch went over his forehead- just above his left eye and a smaller one on his ear. Once the medic was done, he thankfully let go and explored. Sadly- he was forced to stay until the wounds healed, and Civet had to stay with him the whole time. Civet was SUPER annoying! The bubbly thing refused to shut up once! As the two walked around, the Rainwing would blabber on and on about each building and person. However, one name caught his attention. Vonteli.

“Who’s that?” Klipspringer asked, seemingly interested.

“Vonteli is our odd Sandwing! He’s a lovely person too- he’ll be back tonight!” Civet chirped with pink frills.

“I thought you said your only Sandwing was a hybrid?” Klipspringer felt his anger come back, had he been lied to and captured for nothing?

“Oh, I did? Well! Vonteli has been out for a while- meaning we didn’t have the venom!” Civet just kept walking. Klipspringer’s eye twitched as he muttered “how great” before following some more, his tail barb twitched as he walked.

Chapter Text

Civet managed to take up all of the day to tour Klipspringer around the town. Turns out, it was called Scorodite Valley because of its excessive amount of Scorodite gemstones. Klipspringer had never seen the kind of gem before until today, he found it rather pretty- and might have stolen a few pieces for himself. Civet had made sure to get it into Klipspringer’s head that tonight would be some kind of special festival for the marriage of the two gods Haxeyar and Sterling.

Haxeyar was the god of the sun, solar flares, heat and the forsaken. While his husband was the demi-god of wishes and gifts. Klipspringer had been working so much, he kinda forgot about the gods. Civet kept dragging the Sandwing along as he began to get into his head, remembering the best parts of his life.

He and his mother would every other week go pray to an altar they made in their house, it was to all the gods, but mostly Thoth. He was the god of all gods- coming from the first. Kaoss had split his body into two different dragons, one lost to the galaxies and the other becoming the Eldridge God, Thoth. From then on, other gods came about. It had been told that Thoth had made Haxeyar into a god, from just being a normal Sandwing who had been shunned from his people. Sterling background is more… distant. Some say he was a star plucked from the skies and morphed into a dragon, or a dying comet that Thoth opened up to find the god inside.

“Klipspringer?” Civet asked, making Klipspringer stumble at the sudden stop of the two. He blinked a few times in confusion, he hadn’t heard Civet’s full question.

“Huh? What?” He asked, looking down at the Rainwing who’s scales had shifted to match the color of a bongo.

“I asked what your favorite instrument was! Mine is the bongos.” He grinned up at the Sandwing, thinking that liking a common Sandwing instrument was gonna earn his respect.

“Uhm.. I guess..” He thought for a moment, what was his favorite instrument? “Probably a tenor cornett.” Klipspringer shrugged and kept walking, looking at the sun just an hour past midday. Civet laughed from behind him and bounced over to his side.

“I’ve seen one of those! I’m sure Grasshopper has one made from Impala horns- if you wanna use it tonight!” Civet began to pull the Sandwing to a hut, all of the windows made from stained glass. Inside it was very nice. Cozy almost. Civet bounded over to a large green Mudwing that looked exactly like Noroi but with green eyes and scales, and now back leg burns.

The shop was wide but a bit shorter than most of the homes and other buildings in the town. It was covered in small shelves with glass figures. Some animals, some dragon tribes. The middle shelves had small stained glass sun catchers all with their own colors and designs. Flowers, animals, patterns- everything. He must be good, Klipspringer thought as he walked over to a Sandwing glass figure and picked it up. It was one of a Sandwing with light coloring scales on their hind legs with their wings out and talons pressed together, head down and eyes closed.

“Are you going to buy that?” A voice asked behind him, making Klipspringer jump and nearly drop the pretty thing. He spun around to see a smaller dragon. Bigger than Civet, but smaller than any adult Sandwing. Their scales were dark yellow on both the top and underbelly that were slightly grey scaled. Their wing frames and both back and front legs were all the same color dusty light brown-red that got darker the closer to their toes and fingers the scales got. The dragon’s face had black across their snout and up to their sail. Their sail was a dark yellow, nearly black, with curved down brown horns. Across their red-orange wing membranes were silver scales flecked across at random. When Klipspringer looked down more, he noticed their left arm was replaced with a prosthetic made from vines, birch wood, and metal.

“No. Want it?” Klipspringer narrowed his eyes onto the dragon, feeling pissed that they scared him. Talons and tails he was off his game!

“I wasn’t. But talon prints soil the glass.” They took the item and used a soft cloth to rub off any prints and put it back onto the shelf. Right between the Skywing and Mudwing glass figures.

“Tarot!” Civet grinned and flung himself at the dragon and wrapped them up into a hug. Tarot smiled and hugged back, turning to the side to face the Rainwing. Klipspringer saw that, what he thought was a Sandwing, had no barb- their tail end just deformed and curled into the rest of the tail. Poor thing got their barb taken, he thought as he watched the two small dragons chat. Civet ended up handing the tenor cornett to him. It was sanded down and looked very pretty. He went outside and took to the air just for a bit- enjoying the warm feeling of the sun on his back. Not far out was the ocean. So the people who had kidnapped him had taken him south-west, not just west. He scoffed and landed again, putting the instrument to his lip and playing it quietly. It played amazingly, very in tune and everything! What luck he had.

Once Civet came out after terrorizing that poor Sandwing, Klipspringer looked down at him and asked something of an awful question, “What’s wrong with them?” His tone came out… not what he wanted- bitter and harsh. Civet’s face dropped into a look of irritation and disgust to the Sandwing boss, his scales shifting a bitter orange and a horrid dusty olive color. The edge of his frills also became red. As soon as the colors came, Klipspringer saw his mistake and mentally stabbed himself, he could have phrased that so much better.

“Tarot is a hybrid- you dunce. There is nothing wrong with them,” Civet’s tone, once chittery and perky, now a sharp and resentful tone, “They are part Nightwing, so they are missing a barb and has black on them.” A scoff left his mouth as he kept walking. Klipspringer took a moment to follow before trying to think of something to get the Rainwing happy again.

“So.. What are we gonna do at the festival?” He asked in a low-key, nonchalant tone. It took a bit of restraint to not smirk at how swiftly Civet changed his scales to the colors of excitement and his eyes lighting up.

“Oh! We get to do so many things! We have a large bonfire, eat amazing food, make jewelry, burn offerings, and couples get to do this special dance! Some of the Skywings will do their trust falls tonight!” Civet listed off with a giddy look as his tail flicked from curled to uncurled aggressively.

“What’s a trust fall?” Klipspringer asked, he had heard of them but only in passing.

“Basically- like bald eagles, Skywings will curl tails, clasp talons together and jump off a cliff and the closer they stay together the more they trust each other! It’s so romantic.” Civet mused with a hum, scales bubbling pink.

“Well, what do other tribes do?” Klipspringer hadn’t been a romantic type, so he was not in tune with even his own tribe’s courting or romantic rituals. As soon as Klipspringer asked that question, he kinda regretted it. Civet took in a large breath before speaking at a fast pace.

“Okay so with Seawings, they give each other really cool gifts, mostly rocks, and only stay beside their chosen one for a while until they feel ready to start parting but still mates. Rainwings, my tribe, give each other flowers and fruits- we will rub the other’s favorite flower on our bodies to smell nice and then preen scales for a while. Icewings are borning, they give rocks and that's it- kinda like a penguin? Nightwings just preen and scent marking? I think they might also get matching jewelry. Mudwings give each other food and make each other a home for the other. Sandwings, well you know your own tribe. So there!” Civet panted, his tongue sticking out a bit as he took some breaths. Klipspringer stared at the Rainwing with an impressed look. He was kinda too scared and embarrassed to ask Civet what Sandwings did, because he should know but he didn’t?

The two kept walking for a while, Civet just babbling on and on about the other dragons living here and who he thinks might pair with another tonight. Honestly, Klipspringer didn’t care, he just wanted to meet this other Sandwing Civet mentioned.

Chapter Text

Klipspringer, alongside Tarot and Civet, were made to gather firewood for the fire pit. Noroi was the one who ordered this, and Civet was all for it. Klipspringer not so much, he hated that he was forced to do things now. The boss should not be bossed around! Whatever, he’d be out of here soon anyway.

He didn’t speak much as the other two dragons chatted on and on, but he did stare at Tator a few times- understanding their hybrid parts and finding it kinda cool. They clearly looked like a better hybrid than Sunny. Klipspringer still respected the princess, but still- she was just a weird gold color, not much of a hybrid part to her. Her size, scale colors, and eye color were about it. Not much of a hybrid in his opinion.

Once enough wood was collected by three of them, they got to return and build fire pits all over the place. Some by the river for the Seawings, some in the more rocky side for the Skywings, and everywhere else. It was kinda nice to be a part of some kind of festival. Klipspringer hadn't been in many- or at least not that he remembered, his memory wasn’t the best at the moment. Even if he had, it didn’t matter as much. Not all things should be remembered. Civet helped him stack the wood in a certain way to prevent them from falling and causing sparks to fly in the air and possibly into someone's eyes. He joked about how that had happened a few times and Noroi had scolded them like they were dragonets. Klipsringer couldn’t help but chuckle at the story. He remembered when Idorra and Sandpit had that happen. The two had been messing around with torches and trying to wack one and other with it and Sandpit got sparks with soot in their eyes. What the gang called “the blindfold of shame” had to be worn by Sandpit for over a week till their eyes healed. Klipsringer hummed softly at the memory, missing his dragons dearly. Mostly because they are probably worrying about him by now.

“Hey Klippy!” Civet bounced over and onto his back. It startled Klipspringer enough to make him cough out some smoke. He whipped his head around with a hiss at the Rainwing, but Civet didn’t take the hint to get off. He only continued speaking, “Vonteli is gonna be here soon! Isn’t that cool?” His eyes lit up like it was the coolest thing over. Klipspringer rolled his eyes and sat so Civet slid off with a small thud and got dust on him. The Rainwing only laughed before bounding off and taking flight.

“Wha- Civet!” Klipspringer shouted before flying off after him. His take off was a bit uneven but he got stable before he glided down to where Civet was. The Rainwing was on a dead tree on a cliff side just above the water. It was covered in moss and cracks where grass or small flowers grew. How odd, he thought.

“Klipspringer!” A voice shouted, making the Sandwing look every way, his heart beating faster than he wanted to admit.

“Civet! Don’t do that-” He snarled and looked over at the Rainwing, he was… frozen? Klipspringer walked over and gently poked the dragon, no reaction. He looked around- birds passing the ocean waves, dragons flying- they were all stuck in place.

“Klipspringer-” The voice said again and the sound of heavy footsteps sounded. The Sandwing whirled around, battle stance ready as he bared his teeth, tail raised to possibly stab someone and pupils slits as he locked onto the dragon before immediately freezing. He looked up before moving into a deep bow.

Looking down at him was a god.

“Lord Royal..” Klipspringer whispered as his eyes closed and opened slowly to take in what the god looked like. Royal was large- almost 3 icewings in one. His scales were duty mint with patches of different shades of the minty color all over his body. Coming from his mouth were two large saber-tooth fangs, but the right one was more exposed at his lip. The scar on the right side of his lip pulled up and showed the gums around his main fang and a few other teeth. Royal’s horns curled around his ear like a rams with another set pointed right up. His wings were not a pair but 3 pairs. The middle and bottom set settled together while the top set rested up. Both his ears had silver earrings but the left one had a tear in it near the middle- clipping it. A talon coated in silver rings moved to signal the boss to stand back up.

“Klipspringer- I would be all for the formalities if I didn’t come with a dire message,” Royal’s voice was strict and harsh, “If you do not leave now, something bad will happen that you cannot take back.”

Klipspringer felt the weight of the words push down on him, “What would happen?” He asked quietly, looking down at his paws. Royal sighed and walked over and sat in front of him, using a talon to lift his head.

“I cannot say- for it will affect the timeline you have here. I’m sure Silby or her brother would not wish to deal with fixing it.” Royal’s black and blue eyes looked down at the mortal with worry and guilt.

“How… how do you know that something bad will happen?” Klipspringer moved his face away from the touch, it didn’t feel right to him.

“You forget I am the god of magic, power and all prophets!” Royal glared down at Klipspringer, hating that his judgment was being challenged. How dare he?

“If I leave now?” Klipspringer moved back a step, his crime mind had already told him a good path to use to flee if he needed to.

“The place here will be damaged- but will rebuild without you, and you will be safe. The sooner you leave- the sooner you can get back to your clan.” Royal stood, his wings unfolding to make himself look bigger, “I am telling you- it is better to leave.” He sneered and began to walk closer. Was Royal trying to scare Klipspringer away?

“... it’s my choice right? I want to be here for this festival!” He snarled at the god. Royal began to have freezing mist exit the sides of his mouth as this pathetic Sandwing talked back to him.

“It may be your choice- but your choice will be wrong! It will make everything and everyone around you fall apart- do you want this!? All for some stupid holiday for a few gods?” Royal scoffed, stepping closer and closer- making the mortal take small steps back.

“It’s important to me! And you won’t tell me what happens- therefore it will not scare me!” Klipspringer looked behind him- he was getting closer and closer to the edge. He could fall into the water. Royal began to growl as he got closer and pulled Klipspringer closer to him by his forearm.

“If you do this- this village will be worse off then if you left.” His voice was low and strict. Klipspringer yanked his arm away and fell into the water.

“Klipspringer!?” Civet screeched at him, shaking his shoulders. The Sandwing sat up right with heavy gasps. When he looked around- he was in Noroi’s place of treatment? Both the Rainwing and Mudwing looked at him with utter worry.

“W-what.. What happened?” he asked, clearly still very shaken up, his whole body trembling. Noroi stepped over and began to explain how Civet and him were waiting for Vonteli only for him to collapse and have a seizure. And just now he was having another one but trying to say the name of a god, Royal.

“It could be a part of your head injury, or you have frontal lobe epilepsy..” Noroi cleared his throat softly, “It would be unwise if you don’t rest. We will wake you for the festival.” That deal made Klipspringer nod slowly, his eyes looking over Civet. The Rainwing’s scales were deep blue with patches of bright green, his front claws clasped together while his tail curled around his lower legs from fear that Klipspringer was dying or something.

Civet left after Noroi told him and helped Klispringer into a nice moss bed with blankets where he finally fell asleep to get some rest.

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“SON OF A BITCH!” Pyrrhuloxia shrieked as she slammed her talons onto the wood desk in front of her, causing a vial of ink to fall and spill onto the nice rug under her. She hissed another curse as he picked it up and placed it back into the holder for it. Pyrrhuloxia put a talon to her head, rubbing it gently- a headache had been forming for a while now and was causing her to not focus. A long sigh left her mouth as smoke began to pour out and curl around her horns.

“Klip, you better get your ass back here before I find it and tear off your barb…” Pyrrhuloxia threatened under her breath, it had been a few days of him gone- and disappearing after his whole stunt with Vulture was the worst thing to do. The whole kingdom knew he was missing and was already trying to take his spot. Pyrrhuloxia today had to turn away at least 8 dragons who tried to charm her. Even one of Vulture’s pathetic shitstains tried to come over and flirt his way into power, but was slapped with a barb by Papyrus before being dog piled by nearly half the den. Pyrrhuloxia had to blast fire at them to make sure the poor dragon didn’t die from being either bit, stung, or just flat out crushed by them.

“Pyrrhuloxia?” A soft voice called for her. Her head turned to see little Vanilla. The child that Klipspringer picked up a few years back. She was everyone’s little sister. Pyrrhuloxia sighed and moved over to the two flaps Vanilla came through and leaned down to touch noses with her.

“What are you doing here darling? Shouldn’t you be snoozing with Hyena and Zebra?” The right hand asked quietly. The little dragonet looked up at her with those big round black eyes.

“I heard you yelling…” She admitted quietly, like she had broken a spear or something. Pyrrhuloxia rubbed his temples and sighed before feeling bad.

“Ah shoot- did I wake you up?” She asked Vanilla, who nodded meekly up at the larger Sandwing. Pyrrhuloxia slapped herself mentally and apologized before coaxing the white Sandwing back to the tent taken up by Hyena and Zebra. That pair of siblings were an odd pair, fighting constantly but would never truly harm each other. They had been the main two to claim Vanilla as a sister, spoiling her more then Klipspringer did! If that was even possible.

Once Vanilla returned to her spot between the brother and sister, she went back to her tent. His head was hurting more and more now. Maybe it was the lack of rest? Or maybe food.. It couldn’t be water, Sandwings were adapted better to survive without water for months, at most 5 if they were fully grown and healthy. It could also be stress- Pyrrhuloxia had been taking double the shifts to make up for herself and Klipspringer. Even if any of the others begged her to let them take a shift to help her out, she’d refuse. She knew what it meant to be Klipspringer’s right hand, and it would be rude of her to put others with work she could handle. Pyrrhuloxia went back to her desk and began to do more reading. Lists apon lists of needed supplies and other things made her eyes go in and out of focus.

“Pyrrhuloxia…” A voice behind her made the dragoness get alert. At first, she pretended to not hear it until it got louder and louder. She looked behind her and saw a Nightwing?

“Who are you? What do you want?” She demanded and looked at the Nightwing. They looked like some random dark blue and grey dragon, but something about them made Pyrrhuloxia tense up.

“Who I am is not needed information, but I am here to tell you that Klipspringer is alright, but in danger.” They said, their voice smooth and slick. The right hand to Klipspringer felt herself shiver at their voice.

“Wait- where is he?” She asked, feeling dread spread over her. She needed a search party out for him! To get him home safely!

“I may not say.” The Nightwing said. Pyrrhuloxia felt anger rise in her, then why even tell her this!?

“Who do you work for!?” She shouted, her body tensing, ready to kill this asshole if need be. Her talons dug into the rug, causing it to tear.

“No one. I must go now- I came to let you know about your boss.” The Nightwing stood and began to walk out. Pyrrhuloxia lunged at the dragon with a snarl. But as she made contact, the Nightwing disappeared into thick black smoke. She landed awkwardly on the sand, catching nothing but air. Tears brimmed her eyes as she looked around.

“NO! NO NO NO!” She screamed, curling up on the sand. Sobbing into her paws. That was her only lead! Her only knowledge if Klipspringer was okay! They couldn’t just leave- they couldn’t! Her body curled up, her tail to the side of her body, the barb in the sand so she didn’t hurt herself. Her sobs were not in vain however, because behind her Gambel came up to her and laid down beside her.

“Breath Pyrrhuloxia… It’s gonna be okay. He’s gonna be alright.” He whispered, resting his head on the back of her neck. Strained sobs left her mouth as she kept trembling. It didn’t take long before Mastigure, Javelin, Acinonyx, Sandpit and Roadrunner joined the two. They all curled up around her in some kind of sleep pile. It took not too long for her to pass out in the sand with her dragons around her. It was clear Pyrrhuloxia needed that sleep badly. That was just the first breaking point.

━━━━━━━━━━━━

Klipspringer was awoken at the end of sunset by a new face. They were a slightly tall Sanding with grey and white scales. His top scales were such a pale yellow-cream color they looked nearly the same as his white under scales, but at his shoulder and back thighs to his paws and feet, they faded to a grey color. His eyes were fully bright blue that scanned over Klipspringer. At first, he thought that this Sandwing might have Icewing in him.

“Uhm.. Hello?” Klipspringer stood up slowly as he cleared his throat. He looked around to try and find Civet or Noroi but didn’t find them.

“Hello. You are Klipspringer?” The new dragon asked, “I am Vonteli.” He bowed softly with a grin- mostly seeing how Klipspringer’s eyes went wide and pupils grew to ovals.

“O-Oh. Well… you were not what I thought I’d see,” He said before backtracking, “I-I MEAN- In like an appearance way- No-! I mean- Like- I didn’t think you would look so- so.. Uhm-” He covered his face. How could he already fumble this hard!? He felt so embarrassed. Vonteli snickered before laughing at Klipspringer’s poor attempt at saving his scales.

“No no- I know what you mean. You didn’t think I would look this marvelous?” Vonteli grinned as he posed a bit for the boss. Klipspringer nodded a bit- not making eye contact. The two shared a beat of silence before Vonteli took Klipspringer outside.

Klipspringer thought he saw pretty things before, maybe lovely nights- but this was a whole new level. The sky was clouded with stars, the three moons, and part of a galaxy just over the horizon. Along the buildings and posts that were put up were banners, strings with pretty shapes and colors, even a few lanterns. The air was nice and cool- mixing well with the tune thrown into the sky by everyone. Klipspringer could make out a few songs heard, ranging from lallubys to culter singing and down to even songs to the gods. The place was covered with light from all campfires, dragons surrounding them and laughing, telling jokes or even singing. The pair walked around, seeing the cliff where Skywings and their partners were doing their trust falls, Seawings sharing cool things, a few Rainwings curled up together preening one another. The two walked over to a campfire where Noroi was, sitting beside him Civet. There were two other Seawings and Grasshopper! Civet ran over and hugged Klipspringer tightly. If it were any other day- he would try to shove him off, but tonight was special, so he just endured it. Once he was released, he was given his instrument he had nearly forgotten about.

“Play it!” Civet’s scales shifted to gold, pink and dark purple. Klipspringer and Vonteli sat, and all eyes went to Klipspringer. He grinned before taking a breath before slowly breathing out into the tenor cornett. The Sandwing closed his eyes as he played. Joining in was Civet, the Seawings and even Grasshopper, thumping his tail to the beat for the others to follow.

It turns out the two Seawings were Whale Shark and Humpback Whale, who went by Humpback. Whale shark was a larger Seawing- just about the same size as an elder Skywing! And he looked exactly like a whale shark, but if he were a dragon. Humpback was smaller, but still nearly the same size and also looked just like the animal he was named after. The two of them were twin brothers who had been here since they were around 4 or 5 with their mother who was somewhere off in the sea with her mate. Klipspringer listened to them talk about embarrassing stories at little ones while Noroi was cooking over the fire of some goat and gaster that Grasshopper had caught.

“So this moron-” Whale shark grinned as he scrunched up his snout, “Swims up to this large shark and bites it. And it whirled around and bit his tail in return!” Humpback rolled his eyes at the story before showing his tail where a scar of a shark bite was.

“Why’d you think that was a grand idea?” Klipspringer asked with a scoff as he laid on his stomach.

“Well- I wanted to test my luck! And get a nice meal-” Humpback said, puffing out his chest.

“You fled to the air while shrieking like a seagull. You never got that shark.” Whale shark rolled his eyes and nudged his brother with his wing. The group laughed softly.

“Hey Klip, come with me to get some river water?” Vonteli asked as he stood. Klipspringer nodded and got up with him and followed the other to the river bank. It was silent the whole time nearly as Vontli grabbed a bucket to scoop up water. Klipspringer watched as some dragons soared above their heads- laughing and smiling as they twirled before grabbing ahold of each other and diving down together. The dragons were clearly Skywings. The courting style made Klipspringer remember he wanted to ask the other Sandwing a question.

“Hey- Vonteli?” Klipspringer asked, sitting down and fiddling with his tail barb, “I was wondering.. How do Sandings court?” His question came out quieter than he wanted. Vonteli looked over at Klipspringer and tilted his head.

“You don’t know?” He said as the bucket came out the water, full. Klipspringer slightly shook his head. Vonteli nodded slowly before speaking, “Well… Sandwings usually make something for the other, either an accessory or trinket. Then they find a spot alone, or with friends around, to do a special dance and make their own love song. Sometimes it’s just instruments, other times it is singing.” He shrugged. Klipspringer nodded softly, he could tell that Vonteli was judging him- or finding him weird. The two went back to the fire and shared the water and food that was done cooking. Civet passed up the meat and was eating some fruits he found nearby. The Rainwing joked and called them brutes as he stuffed his face with banana. The others all snickered as he got karma by Grasshopper flicking a small piece of meat at him that bounced off his scales into the fire and burnt up. The group all laughed harder as Civet and Grasshopper began to play fight.

Klipspringer smiled at the group and realized he hadn’t laughed like this in a while. Sure his own clan would make good jokes, but this felt different. It felt like he was less guarded, and less stressed. It was.. Nice. Even if he had met these dragons only days ago- it still felt nice to be around them.

Tarot walked over after a bit, curling up beside Civet but kept staring at Klipspringer. It made his moment of feeling relaxed fade away. Why did they stare at him so much?

“Tarot- why are you staring at me?” He asked finally. The others turned to look at the hybrid who took a moment to speak.

“You need to leave.” Their voice was stern, and not suggesting- ordering. The group all looked at Tarot with a weird look.

“Why would he need to leave?” Civet asked, “He’s a guest here! We welcome all-” Civet looked back up at Klipspringer, but the way he did… It made Klip feel like he was bit.

“He is bringing danger here. Now leave.” Tarot hissed, standing up. Klipspringer flinched and stood up quickly. The eyes turned to look at him. Tarot stalked closer- just like how Royal did to him at the cliff side.

“Kid- I ain’t bringing harm here- just calm down..” He backed up, feeling himself tense up.

“Tarot! Enough! If he left it could be dangerous for him-!” Noroi walked over and stopped the hybrid who stared up at him with soulless eyes before falling to the floor with a gasp. They all rushed over to the young dragon to check on her before a shriek and BOOM that followed. From the sky rained fire bombed- dragon flame cactus bombs! They began to explode and shoot their pokey seeds all over. If it couldn’t get worse- one landed right on top of the fire that Klipspringer and the others had been around. The explosion sent all the dragons in different directions.

Klipspringer hit a large boulder that managed to dislocate his left wing. He fell to the floor and began to slip in and out of consciousness. Everything was spinning, there was a ringing in his ear, his head and body hurt- he couldn’t focus. Klipspringer led himself around watching as more bombs fell and dragons fled. He couldn’t understand what was going on! There was panic- that’s all he understood. Right now he is focused on trying to find his friends. He began to call out, “Civet? Vonteli? Grasshopper? Noroi? Whale shark? Humpback?” He was nearly shouting, but it sounded only like whispers to him. The Sandwing kept walking, one wing limp and dragging on the ground. He was unstable- failing to move correctly. He spotted Civet nearby burning logs, the edge of his wings burning. Klipspringer rushed over and picked him up. The pale white scales did not look good on him- nor the grey burnt scales on the frames of his wings or his tail. Klipspringer felt like a wobbly cat, unsteady and unable to move correctly. He kept calling out for anyone, mostly Noroi. He fell to the ground, tears falling out his eyes as a dragon stood before him. He looked up and couldn’t see who it was- his vision kept blurring.

“N-noroi?” He asked weakly and tried to pass over Civet, only for the dragon to grab him instead. Klipspringer felt a prick he thought was a seed from a cactus bomb and went limp- fully and finally went out into an unrestful sleep.