Cebu had herself laid flat against the trunk of a massive tree, staring out into a ruined landscape of mud and death.
The LeafWing slithered down another branch, her tail wrapping around the branches for security.
As
A rustling sort of thump signaled that her companion was following.
Cebu glanced back. A CloudWing with Scarlet, green, blue and yellow feathers stared down at the empty clearing.
Humans had done this, chopping down their trees and clearing away the forest. Deep tire tracks were gashed through the mud, leading away from the clearing.
The CloudWing gave a hissing sort of sigh. "They seem to be moving faster every day."
"Hyacinth said he saw them hauling in more machines on one of those huge ships," Cebu replied. "More weapons too. Traps, guns. It's not safe for us here anymore, Ara."
Ara dug his claws into the trees bark, making Cebu wince at the action. "We don't have enough dragons to stop this, and we lose more every day," he lashed his tail. "It's hopeless."
Cebu glared at him. "Don't say that," she said evenly. "We're going to figure this out."
"Don't be a pessimist," she continued, flicking her tail. Ara ignored her.
Cebu looked back, into the noisy emerald forest. Gigantic trees towered as far as she could see, which wasn't very far- vegetation concealed every available surface, colorful orchids making splashes of color, blinking out of the green and brown landscape. Howler monkeys could be heard over the monotonous buzzing drone of insects, the soundscape decorated by exotic birdsong, occasionally pierced by a parrot's raspy call or the sound of a big cat roaring.
This was her home, always had been, and always will be, as far as Cebu was concerned.
"We should go back, discuss with the others," the LeafWing said, flicking Ara's talon gently with her tail. The CloudWing nodded, tearing his gaze away from the ruined clearing.
Cebu dropped off the tree branch, her wings flicking open and catching the humid jungle air. Ara followed suit, his brightly colored flapping in sync with hers.
The two dragons dipped and flew through the forest, the obstacles getting more difficult to navigate as they got nearer to the center. Carnivorous plants were rare nowadays, but the ones that still lived were usually found lurking here.
Cebu tilted her wings to avoid a sundew's sprawling tendrils, dropping in the air momentarily.
What if Ara's right? The humans keep coming and we just keep losing dragons. Their machines are so big...
The humans tore apart the forest with their monstrous yellow machines, tearing the earth and destroying every living thing in their path. They set traps all over the jungle, kidnapping or killing dragons. Humans armed with guns guarded everything.
We're best advantaged on our own turf, and that's not working in our favor.
Cebu's thoughts were interrupted by Ara rocketing over her head, a flash of scarlet feathers.
Always in a rush.
"You're gonna slam into a tree one day," Cebu called after him, picking up her own pace.