The lab was cold, dark and dead like the world around it. Around the tube, the lab hadn't been touched in years, the query only fueling and powering the machine that kept it developing and growing. Oddly enough, the tube was the only thing that hadn't caught dust, everything else started to pick up cobwebs and dust mites, esspecially along the unintended equipment, which also happened to be a danger hazard. But what didn't say this wouldn't be a hazard?

"Oh come on, dad! It's just a bird! A bird!"
Stella pouted, frowning as she cupped a small, round, slightly fat and fluffy Chickadee. It gave a small peep, confused and innocent, unlike many things that still existed.
One of the men shook his head, his bald head as shiny as ever. His facial hair grew out however, to a small greying beard. His voice, when he spoke, was much more feminine than expected from someone who has not meet him before.
"I'm sorry, Stella. You know I.. Uh, am mildly afraid of birds, right?"
Stella's face fell flat, not amused. Slowly, she began to raise the Chickadee to the man's face. The older man began to scream.
"LYSANDER!! IT'S GONNA PECK ME TO DEATH!"
Stella started laughing, holding the bird closer, her goggles slowly falling down her face. As she laughed, she felt a pair of hands from behind her begin to lift the goggles back in place.
"Dear, don't torment your father like that. You know Jasper hates birds." The man's voice was smooth like butter, his tone was enough to put most men to shame. Lysander stepped from behind, placing one of his own hands on Jasper's shoulder to calm him down, snickering himself. Lysander was also greying, more prominent in his dark hair. His goatee was now a full blown and neat beard, hair still under the blue cap of his, after all these years.
Stella just shook her head, smiling up at the two veteran Skylords, simply proud of them for personal reasons. Little did she know, Lysander smiled at Jasper as he recovered, placing a hand on his heart. They had been together for so long, they had been through so much, they were married for Christ sakes. There wasn't much that this world could do to seperate them. Lysander eventually turned his head to Stella, her hands still clutched around the little bird. He spoke, suggesting something.
"Stella, we think it's best you let it go. As much as I do agree with how adorable it is, and as much as I do agree that Jasper needs to not fear what's in the sky, it's wild. It isn't meant for captivity."
"Your father's exactly right, Stella! Mostly.."
Jasper glared at him, Lysander only laughing more at his chance at teasing his partner. The girl stayed silent for a long minute, exhaling deeply. Stella hesitated, nodding her head. Finally, she let go of the bird, it took its time to fly away to its home.
"Good choice!" Jasper cheered, hugging his daughter in an instant, probably more happy than he should have been. Stella snickered, holding her breath.
Likewise, Lysander joined in, the old man lifting his husband and daughter off the ground. Their hearts and veins were filled with joy and happiness, esspecially Lysander. He never did this often, Stella's teen angst got in the way while Jasper's cowardly nature usually got in the way of moments they never did together.
Eventually, the old men let go, giving the girl a chance to get air. She smiled, holding both their hands, speaking.
"You know.. Can you two tell me a story when you get home? I know, we haven't done one sense I was 8, but I still remember you left the Spaceman and dwarf one unfinished. Can we finish?"
Lysander and Jasper looked at each other, intrigued with their eyebrows raised in surprise. Eventually, Jasper did look back, a sympathetic look crossing his usually sly face, informing.
"Absolutely. When we get home and if Lysander doesn't fall asleep outside again."
"Yes, I'm surprised you still remember that, Stella. We'll finish what we can tonight, but it never had an ending in the first place."
Stella's eyes widened slightly, letting go of their hands slightly.
"Wait, really? It never had an ending?"
Jasper nodded his head, a content look on his face, wrinkles more prominent when his face was moved.
"Wow.."
Lysander interjected, placing a kiss on both their foreheads.
"Yes. Now, Jasper and I have to finish our hours for today. Jasper should be home sooner than I, I have to make sure airships are in working order before we go on a voyage to Mistral City by Tuesday. Go on, wait for us when you've finished your work around the Skyhold."
Stella nodded, taking in the information like it was nothing. "Cool."
Jasper and Lysander eventually parted from the girl, leaving her to do her own doings. The young Skylord in training took a deep breath, turning around to only be consumed by what the Skyhold had become. It did change a lot over the 7 years, she remembered what it was like back then. Old, grey, cold and dead. No life, old fashioned airships. But now, it was thriving, the Skyhold higher than ever, it was practically a kingdom. The buildings had grown to up to 3 stories high, two huge and even taller towers as beacons for any lost pilot or Skylord, they also acted as a place for the council to meet. Most of the airships were now more technologically advanced, much faster and with sturdier and lighter material. Airplanes were also used as well, but they were often replaced with Dragonflies, smaller machines that were the size of motorcycles, 2 pairs of wings and an extra pair incase one were to malfunction and if they needed go get to their destination quick. Skylords were now abundent, rare but much more common now with the 7 year span. Stella would be considered a council member, as she is the 3rd oldest Skylord there, at least in terms of experiance. Everyone else would be 3 to 4 years behind.
Stella smiled, placing her hands on her hips, only lifting her hands to put the goggles over her eyes. She did have a job to do after all. Most of the exhaust pipes needed to be repaired and replaced before the voyage to Mistral. The girl wiped her hands together, walking to the bay filled with orderly airships, planes and Dragonflies, the sun beaming down on them as if they were a gift from the almighty.
It had been a few hours, Stella was forcing herself to move across the woodland type street, the houses more abundant, home to many Skylords. Finally, she stopped infront of a two story house, grabbing some keys from her pocket to only open the door, stumbling in and groaning at the same time.
"Dad should be here within another hour.. Papa another 2.. Time to cook and clean up."