The transparency of my wings filtered green tinted light onto the water below as I spread them open, the purple swirls casting curved shadows onto blankets of green. I was going to do this and be successful, I knew it. I didn't know how, but I could feel it. Like someone was just behind me, encouraging me to take the leap and fly.

Crouching down, I prepared to jump. A few butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I did so; if I didn't catch the air, I would just fall into the rushing water and go with the current. That would have been more reassuring if the water didn't have a dozen pointy rocks protruding from the river downstream.

I couldn't fail this.

Taking a deep breath, I prepared my wings and leaped off of the slippery rock.

Quickly, I brought my wings down with a swoosh and was miraculously carried higher into the humid rainforest air.

An unwilling smile spread across my face, causing a burst of uncontrollable excitement to explode inside of me.

I was flying.

The wind in my face, the birds in the air right alongside me. It felt like a dream. So much like a dream...

What seemed like a few minutes of slow motion paradise was in reality a few seconds, and with I jolt I realized I had closed my eyes in bliss. Snapping my eyelids open, I caught the glimpse of a quick flash of white between the trees.

Trees!

I almost noticed too late, the trees had become a bit thicker and I was aimed straight towards a collision with one. If I didn't stop now, my wing would get caught in the branches and most likely break. The thought of it brought a shiver down my spine as I attempted to stop. It took me a second to slow down, my stopping mechanics were a little bit rusty...

I started to fall.

The wind and adrenaline that had previously brought joy suddenly brought terror as I flailed in the air, dropping like a rock. The rush of the descent almost caused a scream to slip out, but my jaw was locked in place as different shades of green and brown rushed past my vision.

With a sudden swoop and a tingle, I was out like a light.

~<>~<>~<>~

"What do you think it is?"

"Why are you asking me?! Ask him!"

"Should we be worried?"

"What if it's dangerous?!"

"That tail doesn't look too inviting..."

"Silence!"

The murmur died down, but I was too dazed to even open my eyes.

"I shall be left alone to study this dragon."

Nothing happened.

"That means leave!"

A shuffle of talons on wood and the flutter of wings rang in my ears, but the sound was all muffled. As quickly as the noise had erupted, it dissipated, leaving only the sound of the forest outside.

Then a voice came out of the darkness, smooth but almost... wise. That is, if something can sound "wise".

"Who are you?"

The spines down my back tingled. The dragon who had spoken didn't sound like he directed the question at me, it felt as if he had released the words into the air and left them hanging in suspense.

A sudden thump in the near distance startled me, but I didn't move. I couldn't tell if I was frightened or drowsy, but I didn't move a muscle.

"Sir, there's a RainWing patrol dangerously close to the borders. The scouts need you just in case." It was a female, presumably older than me.

RainWing patrol? Borders? What borders? Where am I?

"On my way."

I heard the dragon beside me walk away and murmur something to the female, then the sound of wings beating reached my ears and soon faded away.

All was quiet.

I felt my tail flop to the side, the tip landing on lower ground. I must be on an elevated platform... Perhaps a bed of sorts?

My talon gripped a soft fabric-like material.

Definitely a bed.

In an instant, I felt an odd sensation of strength flow throughout my entire body and I sat up straight, my eyes snapping open.

The room I sat in had a circular shape, small, and constructed of wood planks. I gazed around, realizing that the only furniture was a small table and the very bed I rested on. The roof was formed from large leaves and sticks, letting a small amount of light from above filter through the cracks.

Smart... I thought, smiling a bit.

The air here was almost less dense than the air I had inhaled before in the rainforest, but I could still hear the birds and trees rustling outside.

There was one opening in the room, an archway opening to lots of light. Too much light for my dazed eyes, yet I was still compelled to explore what lay outside.

I slid off the rickety bed, talons weakly landing on the wooden boards.

So tired... So dizzy...

I shook my head in determination, then stumbled to the open archway, stepping out onto the platform outside.

My eyes were suddenly clear as I gazed upon the sight before me.

It was breathtaking.