(The new characters introduced in chapter 6 weren't really in chapter 7... Only because i didn't know much about them. Also this took a while because of testing... I got this done in gym) "Oh, uhm... hey, Veneen," Jelu stammered. "What were you two doing last night?" Veneen demanded. "We were just talking," Jelu replied, crossing her talons. "It's nice to talk to someone new around here... it's always the same people." "We don't need new people," Veneen snapped. "The only reason he is here is because Morpho helped him." Veneen gave a cold look back at Morpho, who shifted xir weight uncomfortably under the look. "However, he is also useful," Veneen added, turning his head back to Jelu. "You need to stay away from Mango. Where is he anyways?" Jelu felt anger and anxiety, but she forced herself to hide her emotions behind a blank expression. "He is back in his room. He is asleep at the moment." Veneen let out a heavy sigh. "When Mango wakes up, let me know." Veneen and Morpho stepped out of the way. Jelu quickly walked past them and hurried inside the structure to start her daily tasks. Later that night, Morpho was walking down the quiet hallway feeling bored. Xey stopped outside Mango’s door, pushing it open lowly to make sure the hinges didn't squeak. Up on the ceiling, Mango was sleeping peacefully. "Psssttt, Mango?" Morpho whispered. Mango's ears twitched at the sound of Morpho's voice. His wings unfolded from his face as his eyes opened. Morpho was standing below, looking up at him. Mango stared down at the dragon, his mind suddenly going blank. What is this beautiful face? Mango thought, dazed. I never really looked closely at Morpho's face before... Wait, it's Morpho's fac- "AH!" Mango said out loud. Startled by his own thoughts, his grip slipped from the ceiling, and he fell straight down, landing on the feathery bed. Morpho looked down at him in confusion. "Uhm... are you okay, Mango?" Mango sat up, brushing the dust off his fur to hide his embarrassment. "Yes! I'm fine..." "I was told to tell Veneen when you woke up," Morpho said softly, xir tail twitching. "But... I wanted to talk to you first." "Oh, okay," Mango said. "Well, what do you want to talk about?" Morpho looked away with guilt. "I'm so sorry for all of this. I had no idea Veneen would do this. He is kind of the leader around here... other than the King and Queen." "I forgive you," Mango said honestly, looking into xir eyes. "I know you were only trying to help me at the bridge, and I appreciate it!" Morpho looked at the tiny bat, lost for words. Xey stepped closer, lowering xir voice to a whisper. "I'm gonna find a way to sav-" Suddenly, a giant shadow cut off the light from the hallway. Veneen appeared at the door of the room. "Hello, Mango..." Veneen said. He paused, his intense stare slowly turning over to Morpho. "So, Morpho. Were you gonna tell me he was awake like I asked?" Mango panicked. "Xey just got here! Xey were getting ready to go down and tell you right now!" "Ah..." Veneen rumbled. He obviously didn't buy the lie for a single second. Turning his head back to the bat, he stepped into the room. "Well, have you decided on our deal?" Mango looked around the room nervously. "No... I haven't..." "You will give me an answer by tomorrow," Veneen demanded. "If you don't... you will just end up like the rest of your colony once we find them." Veneen turned around and left the room, his heavy footsteps fading down the hall. As soon as Veneen's footsteps were gone, Morpho leaned in close to whisper "I'm gonna save you and your colony," xey whispered. "Just give me some time to think, okay?" Mango nodded. He watched in silence as Morpho turned and slipped out of the room, leaving him completely alone in the room. Left with his thoughts, the fear came back in. wrapping himself in his wings. He was absolutely terrified, he wants to stay as far away from Veneen as possible. His wing was still too injured to fly that far down, and a dragon had just given him a deadly deadline... Collab with <- Check them out! >:3 (Lol i say that as if i'm popular)