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CW!!!! Please read before progressing to the following story.
A Lover's Despair had blood, gore, and mild torture. Please do not read this fic if you have an extreme tolerance to blood, gore, or torture.
Another thing before you read this fanfic, just know that the characters Skylar (Sky) and Hawk belong to my very good friend Book. They were very gracious to let me use these bois and I just wanted to say thanks! Alright, please enjoy!
Post Script:
This story is not a part one part two type of thing. This is one story and how it ends is how it ends. Upon requests, I might do more stories like this, but this is it. Please do not ask for a part two because (I won't spoil) A Lover's Despair ends how it is. Thank you to all the people who have given me constructive criticism and please feel free to as me questions. Thank you!
-DisneyGirl200
Characters in this Fanfic (With pages)
Desert Flower
Desert
Desert blinked, her vision fuzzy. Where am I? Where is Sky? her mind whispered. She tried to stand, finding her talons tied behind her. She looked around and to her horror she was bound to a chair. “What?” she murmured, trying to free her talons. She looked for her dagger only to find it had been tossed across the room. She struggled violently.
“Struggling is pointless, dear.” a smooth voice sounded from a shadowy corner from the small room. A tall, male Mudwing hybrid came into the light, “You won’t be leaving that chair anytime soon.” he smiled.
Desert glared at him, “Who are you?! Where is this and what have you done with Sky?!” she snarled.
“The question really is, ‘What has Skylar done to me’.” he growled, “But don’t worry, your boyfriend is safe.” he glanced at her smugly, “Can’t say the same for you, doll.”
Desert jerked in rage, “What are you talking about?!”
He chuckled, “Skylar. He took everything from me. My wife, my daughter, my pride. Now, it’s my turn. I will take away the thing he loves most.”
Desert stiffened, turning pale, “What are you going to do?” she whispered.
“You are going to serve his punishment, dear.” he grinned, “Everything I planned on doing to Skylar, is going to happen to you instead. He will feel the pain that I felt when he ripped the lives of my loved ones out of my talons. He should be thanking you, really.”
“Sky won’t come for me.” Desert snarled, “He isn’t stupid.”
“But he loves you enough to do anything for you.” the hybrid grinned, “That is why I am doing this. You can return to him once his punishment is fulfilled.” he walked slowly towards her, a dagger positioned threateningly in his talon.
“No. No, please.” Desert begged.
“Don’t worry, doll face. You’ll see Skylar soon. Whether it be in this life… or the next.” he shrugged
Their conversation ended in a long, wordless shriek.
Sky
Skylar walked up to his brother, Hawk, “Hey, have you seen Desert? I can’t find her and I’m starting to get worried.” he said, “She seemed pretty upset.”
“Well you hit her pretty hard, Skylar.” Hawk said, “She was already hurting and you just pushed her over her breaking point.”
Sky flinched, “I know. I want to apologize. Have you seen her?”
“Actually, I haven’t.” She was down by the stream last time I checked. Maybe look there?” he suggested.
“Alright, thanks, Hawk” Sky flew towards the small stream near their home. He smiled, remembering the first time he had taken Desert there. He landed by the flowing water and scanned the banks for the pretty SandWing. He came across something odd. He picked it up. It was Desert’s satchel. She never went anywhere without it. He ran back home, “Hawk! Hawk, I think something happened to Desert.” he charged into the kitchen to find his brother holding a scroll, his face pale.
“Skylar…” his voice trailed off. Hawk handed him the scroll.
Sky snatched it up, talons shaking slightly. He began to read.
Skylar,
You have made the mistake of taking away someone I love, so now I have someone that you love. I shall return her to you once your punishment is fulfilled. You have messed with the wrong dragons, Skylar. Now, you must pay.
“No. Nonononono. Desert, why did I say that to her? If I hadn’t she would have never run off and then she wouldn’t have been taken.” He re-read the letter, “The ink is red.” he looked at Hawk, “Why is the ink red?”
“It’s not ink.” Hawk muttered darkly, “It is blood. Desert’s blood.”
Atrox
Atrox sent the pigeon out to Skylar. It had a message for the traitor SkyWing. He snarled to himself, remembering that horrible night.
“Aspen! I’m home.” Atrox called.
“Hey, Atrox.” a beautiful MudWing/IceWing hybrid appeared before him. She was a frosty brown with deeper brown and gray patches along her scales. Her eyes shone like emeralds in the sun. He sighed happily.
“Daddy!” a small dragonet bounded out of the kitchen and leaped into his arms.
“Hello, my little Pebble.” Atrox nuzzled his daughter happily, “What did you do today?”
“I ate a bug today!” Pebble giggled.
“Oh, so Mommy was cooking today, hm?” Atrox grinned, “Don’t tell her I said that.” he whispered
Pebble giggled again.
Aspen smiled and shook her head, “I’ll have you know that I am an excellent cook, sir.” she kissed his cheek, “Is Skylar coming over tonight?”
“I think he might pop by soon.” Atrox said.
“Is now good?” came a voice from behind him.
Atrox turned around. As soon as he did he was knocked backwards and into a wall.
Pebble shrieked in pain as Sky slashed her throat out.
“PEBBLE!” Aspen screamed.
Sky tackled her down, an insane grin plastered across his face.
“Aspen! No, Skylar! Get away from her!” Atrox charged at Sky. He was too slow. Skylar had already torn Aspen’s throat out and she was lying on the ground, dead, “NO!” Atrox whipped around to face Sky, “What is wrong with you?!” he bellowed.
Sky’s only response was another laugh as he slammed Atrox into the floor again.
Then everything went dark.
Atrox was trembling in anger, “He will pay for what he did to Aspen and Pebble. That SandWing girl has only scratched the surface of my anger. Sky will never be happy again as long as I’m here.” Atrox vowed as he sat down to write another message.
Desert
Desert was bleeding heavily. She groaned and peered at the wound. Her captor had stabbed her deep in the leg. She remembered the feeling as the dagger pierced her flesh with a wince. Desert found it odd that he had then collected some of her blood into an ink vial, although she knew what he was going to do with that. She closed her eyes, letting tears of pain and sorrow pour down her cheeks. She pictured Sky. He had been angry at her after she had gone to the Stronghold to visit her dying mother. She hadn’t told him because she thought she wouldn’t be gone long, but she had stayed because her mother wanted her there when she died. She had been so weighted by grief that when Sky snapped at her, it had been too much to take. She remembered sitting by the stream when she had suddenly gone unconscious. She regretted arguing with Sky and she knew that she would never get the chance to apologize to him. She was going to be stuck here forever. She gazed at her leg, knowing that this was only the beginning of much pain and suffering. She sighed, watching the wound start to die down as she drifted into memories.
Sky
Sky was pacing, the message in his talon as his thoughts whirled.
“Skylar, you have to calm down.” Hawk murmured.
“I can’t calm down! This is all my fault! Why did I snap at her? She was just staying with her mother! Oh, why am I such an idiot?!” he yelled.
“Skylar. We have to keep our heads.” Hawk stood, “Tell me, do you recognize this talonwriting?”
Sky took a deep breath and looked over the message, “I think I do. It might belong to…” his voice trailed off.
“To?” Hawk prompted.
“Oh moons.” Sky grabbed his brother’s shoulders, “You remember Atrox?”
“Yeah. Whatever happened to him?” Hawk asked.
Sky sighed, “He took over and I killed Atrox’s family.”
“Your other half? Skylar, you didn’t.” Hawk growled.
“You know I can’t control him!” Sky spat, “I didn’t want to! I loved Pebble and Aspen like they were my own family, but he hates them. And now Desert is in danger because of his actions in my body!” Sky roared.
“Skylar, brother, take a deep breath.” Hawk murmured, “We will save her.”
Sky shook his head, “How? We have no idea of knowing where she is and Atrox has probably already murdered Desert.” he looked up and saw a pigeon cooing in their window, “What is that?”
“It must be another message!” Hawk ran to the pigeon and snatched the scroll up, shutting the bird inside. He read it silently and flinched soon after. Hawk handed it to Sky with a grimace.
Sky read it shakily
Skylar,
Even I must admit that you’ve chosen a strong SandWing to partner with. She’s got guts and just refuses to give up. Now, in five days time you will come to retrieve your SandWing at the MudWing Mountain Border. Let’s just say you might want a medic nearby. Remember, five days. Any earlier or later and I will kill her before you.
Sky looked at Hawk, face pale, “He’s going to try to kill her.” he whispered. Sky staggered, sitting down with a dull thump.
Hawk growled, “Five days? No, I’m going there now!”
“Hawk, did you read the letter?!” Sky snarled, “He’ll kill her if we come before then! Desert’s life is hanging in the balance of us going to get her before hand and Atrox torturing her! What are we supposed to do for her?” he spat bitterly.
Hawk shook his head, “I don’t know.”
Atrox
Atrox stepped into the room again and looked at the SandWing. She was struggling despite her condition, “Honestly, girl, do you really expect to escape?” he sneered.
“I will not give up!” she snarled, glaring at him with brilliant blue eyes, “I will not sit here and just let you torture me. If I’m going down, I’m going down swinging.” she spat.
Atrox smirked, “I have to admit, I admire your courage, SandWing.”
“I have a name.” she hissed.
“And that name is?” Atrox circled her slowly.
“Desert Flower.” she muttered.
“Desert Flower.” Atrox repeated. Her name rolled smoothly off of his tongue. It was pleasant. He smiled and stopped in front of her, “You might as well know that I am Atrox.”
Desert growled, tail whipping dangerously.
“Oh, come now, darling. There is no need for all this anger.” Atrox began circling her again.
“Oh, I’m sorry. You must have forgotten that I am being held hostage as you are about to torture me. But, you’re right. I have no possible reason to be angry.” Desert said sarcastically.
Atrox grabbed her chin and lifted it, eyes narrowed, “I would watch your tongue if I were you, SandWing. You are in no position to be running your mouth.” he whispered dangerously.
Desert glared at him, yanking her head away.
Atrox gazed down at her blankly, “You have nerve, doll face. I would be careful.”
Desert turned back to him, eyes blazing with rage. She lashed out with her tail and caught him on the side.
Atrox roared in pain and backhanded her across the face.
Desert’s head went limp as she slipped out of consciousness.
Atrox clutched the scratch and snarled. He produced a small vial with the antidote and smeared it on the wound. He glared at the unconscious SandWing, “You will pay for that, Desert Flower. Just you wait, this will be your first punishment.”
Desert
Desert blinked wearily. Her head was throbbing from where he had hit her. She lifted her head slowly. Desert spotted Atrox standing in front of a door.
“Desert Flower.” his voice oozed with pleasure, “You will endure your first punishment now.” he slowly approached her, “Your tail is an extraordinary tool that can be used for defense. But,” he was circling her now, “it can also get you in trouble. So, I am going to help you.” he seized her tail sharply.
Desert took a shaky breath, “Wh-what are you going to do?” she whispered.
Atrox walked around her front, her tail still in his talon, “I am going to teach you a lesson.” he produced a dagger from a bag he carried, “You will not be using your tail to attack again.” he smiled evilly before severing her poisonous barb from her tail.
Desert’s eyes widened and she shrieked in agony. He blood sprayed their surroundings as Atrox tossed her tail aside. He picked up the barb with a smile before leaving.
“AAAAAUGGGHHHH!” Desert felt tears roll down her cheeks and she cried out in agony. All she could feel was pain stabbing through her body.
Sky
“We shouldn’t be doing this.” Sky murmured as he settled in a cave with his brother.
“We need to at least find out where he’s keeping Desert.” Hawk said quietly, “We have to find where he is staying, his base of opper-” he was cut off when a loud, blood curdling shriek echoed through the mountains.
Sky felt the color drain from his face.
“Desert.” they both murmured at the same time.
“This isn’t good.” Hawk whispered as another agonized moan echoed throughout the cave system.
Sky felt his blood boil, “I’ll kill him.” he snarled, “No one messes with Desert and gets away with it.” he was shaking in rage.
“Agreed.” Hawk nodded, “How are we going to save her?” he asked.
Sky shook his head, “I have no idea.” he confessed.
“Urgh!” Hawk growled.
“Let’s just find out where he is staying. There must be a house or something that leads into these cave systems.” Sky muttered, “Let’s just look for that.”
Atrox
Atrox hummed cheerfully to himself as the sun was rising. It was day one of five. He couldn’t wait to get started with Desert. He walked into the room, “Wake up.” he woke Desert.
She lifted her head, “I was hoping it was a nightmare.” she whispered fearfully.
“Heh heh heh, nope.” Atrox grinned.
“Why are you doing this?” Desert asked desperately, “I’m sure Sky had a reason for doing what he did, why can’t you just talk to him?” she pleaded.
Atrox backhanded her again, “Silence.” he spat.
Desert gasped in pain.
“Now, SandWing, I want you to listen.” Atrox lifted her chin again, “You will learn to hold your tongue or your barb will not be the only thing you lose, get it?”
Desert nodded solemnly.
“Good. Now, I think today will be a great day for you to learn your first lesson. I will be showing you how to hold your tongue and if you don’t, this will be your… consequence.” Atrox smiled evilly.
>~<~>~<
Atrox was busy tying Desert back into the chair. He had previously beaten her with his new whip and he felt pretty good. He looked at the long cuts on her back, remembering her pleasant screaming as the sharp edges of the whip pierced her flesh. He smiled, his heart lifting joyously, “I hoped you learned your lesson.” he grabbed her chin again, grinning wickedly.
Desert nodded weakly.
“Good. Now, tomorrow I will be back.” Atrox jabbed a dagger into her arm and left it there. He trotted off, clearly pleased with himself. In all his pleasure, he forgot to lock the door.
Desert
Desert looked at the dagger in her upper arm. A plan was forming in her mind. She grabbed the dagger in her mouth and began to cut the ropes that held her down. She felt it loosen and finally it snapped. With her free talon, Desert cut the rest of the ropes. She stood shakily, her whole body aching with effort. She staggered to the door and opened it quietly. She peeked out the door and into the hallway. Empty. She ran towards another door and found she was in a cave system. She lifted her nose and took a deep breath. Left. I can smell the breeze. Her mind said excitedly. Desert started down the cave system, hoping and praying no one would find her.
Sky
Sky was pacing in the small cave. He had noticed there was a tunnel to the right, but they were deciding if they wanted to go in or not. He sat down, claws tapping the cold stone.
“Skylar. Do you hear that?” Hawk murmured.
Sky perked his ears, “Talonsteps.” he whispered, “Behind that boulder.” he leaped behind a massive boulder, Hawk three steps behind him.
Someone exploded from the tunnel, panting. They sounded exhausted and in pain.
Sky peeked from behind the boulder. His eyes widened. It was Desert! He was about to run to her when an arrow whizzed right over her head.
“No! How did they find me?!” Desert cried, leaping from the cave ledge and into open air.
Four more dragons ran from the tunnel, “SHOOT HER DOWN!” one bellowed, taking off after her.
Moments later Sky heard the horrible thump of an arrow hitting its target. Moments after he heard a scream of pain and cold, horrible snarling. He flinched.
“How dare you try to escape, you filthy lizard!” came a snarl.
Moments later something slammed into their boulder, followed by a groan.
“You have guts, SandWing.” came the voice, much closer this time, “I must say, even I admire your bravery. But there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity.” he snarled.
There was a harsh choking sound and then a few moments of silence, “Take her back to the room. Chain her down and don’t tend her wounds.” he spat, “She has spirit, but while she’s in this state, she is easy to take down.” the voice faded away as did the other talonsteps.
Sky rested his head on the boulder, blinking back tears.
Hawk punched the wall with a growl, “How dare he?!” he snarled, “How dare he do that to her?”
Sky shook his head, “She was so brave to try. Desert… She was right there. So close I could touch her…and now…” his voice trailed off. He clutched his head, shaking.
“It’ll be alright, Skylar.” Hawk murmured.
“But it’s not alright, don’t you get it?!” Sky spat, “Did you see her, Hawk? Did you?! She has been beaten and hurt and it is all because of me! It was my fault that she ran off and my fault that Atrox is even after her! This hurts, seeing her like this and knowing…knowing it is all my fault.” Sky looked away, trembling in anger.
Atrox
Atrox glared at Desert, “You tried to escape. How stupid could you be, trying to escape?” he snarled, “Just a measly cut will not be enough of a punishment for this.” Atrox hissed, “Tomorrow I will come back and you will be punished. Twice.”
Desert shifted, chains rattling, “You don’t have to do this. You can just let me go and we can put this all in the past.”
“Aw, but where is the fun in that, doll?” Atrox grinned, “Besides Skylar won’t be coming until four more days. So, let’s have some fun tomorrow, shall we?” Atrox turned to a deep muddy red dragon, “Mahogany. Guard her. If she happens to escape it will be your fault. If she struggles, let her know you’re boss. I will send Jade to relieve you at dawn. The door will be locked.” Atrox cast a glare at Desert. His nephew, Mahogany, was Aspen’s sister’s son, but he had agreed to come work for him. Mahogany was about eighteen or nineteen.
Mahogany nodded, glaring at Desert fiercely.
Atrox nodded and excited the room. He made sure to lock the door behind him and retreated to his study. He sat at his desk and glared at the wall, his thoughts swarming his brain like a swarm of bees. He remembered choking Desert unconscious and smiled to himself. Atrox walked over to his bed and settled down for the night.
Desert
Desert reviewed the last four days with a wince. The beatings and many knifings she had received had just barely stung considering the fact she knew that Sky wouldn’t be coming for her. She was sitting at the base of a tree with Atrox standing over her, his eyes scanning the horizon. Mahogany stood to the side of her, his spear resting on the tree. Desert shifted, chains rattled as she did so. She growled softly, struggling against the cold metal.
“Stop that.” Atrox ordered, raising his talon threateningly.
Desert flinched away from him and he smirked, resuming his position.
“He’s not coming.” Desert growled.
“Yes, he is. Now shut up before I shut you up myself.” Atrox threatened.
“What exactly is your plan here?” Desert asked.
Atrox remained silent.
“Are you just going to hand me over to Sky or are you going to attack him?” Desert snarled, “Or maybe…” she was cut off when Atrox flicked his talon and Mahogany tied vines around her snout.
“Mph!” Desert growled, “Hrgmmmnn.”
Atrox smirked, “You see that little red dot out there?” he pointed it out, “There he is.”
No, Sky, how could you be so stupid? Fear and dread dropped like a stone in her stomach. She started to struggle violently. He’s coming for me. No, my love, why would you do this? You’re flying into a trap!
Sky
Sky spotted Atrox standing under a tree. Rage burned in his body as he landed. His eyes landed on Desert. Another dragon was standing over her, a spear in his talon. She bound and gagged, but struggling violently. Sky glared at Atrox, “Let her go.” he snarled, trembling in fury.
A slow smile spread across Atrox’s face, “Skylar.” his voice oozed with pleasure, “Welcome.”
“I said let her go!” Sky growled again.
“And I heard you, but the thing is, I don’t really want to.” Atrox snapped his claws and the other dragon slammed the dull end of the spear into Desert’s face.
Desert let out a growl of pain, muffled by the gag.
Sky winced as Atrox went on, “You see, Skylar. You are at the disposition here. It is two against one and Miss Desert here won’t be fighting…or leaving for that matter.” Atrox made his way over to the base of the tree where Desert was chained, “She really is an exquisite dragoness. Pretty too.” he took her chin in his talon and lifted her face to where she was looking at him, “I think I’ll keep her.” he faced her head at Sky, “What do you think?”
“No!” Sky took a step forward, “Let her go now!” he hissed, his blood boiling. No one was going to treat Desert like an object.
Atrox smirked, releasing her chin, “Now, Skylar, she doesn’t have a choice. Desert belongs to me now, see?” he gestured to something on her arm closest to her shoulder.
Sky froze. A symbol had been melted into her flesh and it was still red, “What did you do to her?” he faced Atrox, “WHAT DID YOU DO?!” he roared.
“I simply made Desert here my property.” Atrox replied, “She will be marrying my nephew, Mahogany.”
The other dragon shot Sky a smug smile.
Desert started to struggle again, “Mnh! Mmm nhh!” she tried, rage painted across her face.
Atrox patted her head, “Oh, don’t worry, doll. You’ll learn to love him and who needs a wimpy SkyWing?” Atrox faced Sky, “Anyway, Skylar, thank you for coming. Good day.” he waved his talon again and Mahogany started to drag Desert away.
Desert was letting out muffled screams and struggling hard.
“NO!” Sky leaped at Atrox, slashing at his face, “Hawk, now!” Sky roared, pinning the larger dragon.
Hawk leaped from the mountain cliff and tackled Mahogany, knocking him out. He ran to help Sky, “Go to Desert.” he said, holding Atrox down.
Atrox was roaring and struggling, but Hawk was stronger.
Sky ran to where Desert was struggling. He unchained her and unwrapped the vines, “Desert.” he hugged her tight.
“Sky.” she whispered, hugging him back. She buried her face into his shoulder and was trembling.
Sky felt her tears and held her tighter, “It’s alright.” Sky whispered, “I love you so much and I’m never letting you go again.” he murmured.
Desert looked into his eyes, pain, fear, and love shone in her sapphire blue eyes, “I missed you so much.” She returned to his hug.
Sky held her and rested his head on hers lovingly and he was never going to let her go ever again.
Atrox
As soon as Hawk was on him Atrox was struggling more violently than ever. He glared at the SkyWing, rage building up in his stomach. He hissed, “Get off of me, SkyWing wretch!” he spat.
“Sorry, I can’t do that.” Hawk said, “You harmed my friend and now it will be you who is going to pay.” he lowered his face to whisper in Atrox’s ear, “Desert is like a sister to me and when you harm my family you answer to me.”
Sky had come over, tail flicking angrily, “Atrox. You snake.” he spat, “You will never touch Desert, Hawk or me ever again.”
“I beg to differ.” Atrox pointed behind Sky.
Mahogany had a dagger to Desert’s throat and his other talon around her snout. He smiled smugly, “I would suggest you let him go.” he said.
Atrox grinned as Hawk backed off of him and he walked past Sky to his nephew.
Smoke rose from Desert’s nostrils as he smiled at her, “You didn’t really expect to win, did you?” Atrox asked.
Desert’s talons suddenly shot out dangerously. She grabbed Mahogany and flung him into the mountain with a crack. Her back leg then shot out and Atrox found himself on the ground. He was about to get up when Desert punched him and everything went dark.
Desert
Desert stood over Atrox’s now unconscious form. She was shaking unsteadily, her body stung like fury. She turned to Sky and Hawk before trying to walk to them. Before she even took a step, she had collapsed in pain.
“Desert!” Sky was immediately at her side, Hawk right behind him, “Hey, are you alright?” he whispered.
“N-not really.” she murmured softly, “It all hurts.” she whispered.
“Hey, no, stay awake, alright? We’ll get you home and fix you up, alright?” Sky said, picking her up gently.
“Skylar, she needs a hospital.” Hawk touched his shoulder, “Take her to the nearest one quickly. I’ll stay here with these two until Queen Doe sends some soldiers.”
Sky nodded and flew quickly into the Mud Kingdom.
Desert was doing her best to stay awake, “S-sky?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m s-sorry I didn’t t-tell you.” Desert murmured.
“Don’t be. I shouldn’t have yelled at you and I am sorry for making you feel unloved. I should have accepted it and moved on.” Sky said sincerely.
Desert forced a weak smile on her face, “You’re such a cloud-brain.”
Sky smiled at her.
Sky’s smile was the last thing she saw before she passed out.
Sky
Sky paced in the waiting room, worry worming its way through his body. He kept an eye on the door to the hospital rooms, hoping the nurse would come and give him news. Any news at all would be better than just guessing. He smiled as he remembered the way Desert had thrown Mahogany into the mountain like it was nothing. She was so strong and so brave. He loved her so much, but he hated waiting for news. He continued to pace around the room.
“Hey, man, listen.” another MudWing sat in the room, “We get it, you’re worried about your friend. But can you keep it down over there?” he snapped, returning to a scroll.
“Sorry.” Sky sat down, talons twitching. He looked up when he heard his name. It was a nurse. He jumped up, “Anything?”
She looked over her clipboard, “Well, she is still unconscious, but doing well. We can save her wings and arm, but her tail, there is nothing we can do.”
Sky nodded, “Thank you. When can I see her?”
“I would say wait for a little while longer while we get her situated. Does she have any family we can message?”
“No, just me…and my brother.” Sky said.
“Alright. I’ll come get you soon.” She left.
Sky sat back down with a sigh of relief. Desert is going to be okay. She’s really going to be okay.
The End