The next morning, Nyx woke up to a lavender sunrise. She went to the training ground alone with no one but her throwing stars. I am going to save them Nyx thought. I am going to save them and then find out what Alpine has against Dad.

Nyx threw the throwing stars at the target and nailed the bullseye. "Hey," said Alpine as she landed next to Nyx. "I can see that you've been practicing." 

"Yep," replied Nyx. "So, I have a question."

 "What's up?" Alpine asked.

 "Well," said Nyx, "Why are you helping me? I mean, I know you like helping, but you clearly have something against my dad."

 Alpine frowned. "I have to go get some weapons. I'll tell you... later." Then, she flew off without saying another word. Nyx sighed and kept throwing her throwing stars.

Mulga came after about half an hour and gave Nyx some tips. "You're really good at aiming and throwing it fast, but remember that sometimes you have to miss on purpose. We aren't trying to kill every dragon out there." 

Nyx tried what Mulga said, and it worked. Buuuuuut it was slow. Training seemed to be getting slower, in fact, and Nyx thought it was because she couldn't help thinking about why Alpine hated Stoat so much. Secrets definitely seemed to be a theme around here. 

Nyx kept hitting the bullseye until it was lunchtime. She hadn't really ever eaten fruit before, but once Nyx had is was one of the most delicious things she had ever tasted. "Like it?" Mulga asked after Nyx had her third helping. 

"Yep," said Nyx. "But, I should probably find Alpine. She said she'd tell me something soon." 

"Let's hope so," Mulga muttered as Nyx flew off.

Alpine was hitting the bullseye with throwing stars when Nyx got to the training grounds. "Looks like the same thing helps us get our anger out," Nyx said. 

Alpine smiled. "Yep," she said.

 "So, uh,"Nyx said, "I need to ask you what you have against my dad." 

Alpine groaned. "I just... have a history with him." 

"He killed your mom, didn't he?" Nyx asked quietly. 

Alpine looked startled. Then Mulga landed next to her. "Alpine, you have to tell her the truth," Mulga insisted. 

"Please, Alpine," asked Nyx, "Why do you hate my dad?" 

"Fine," Alpine said a little sadly. "The reason I hate Stoat... is because... he's my dad, too."