Welcome readers to my version of HTTYD2. This story will not make sense unless you read my previous trilogy which you can do by connecting to my bio. That being said, I hope that all readers have seen the movie because I don't wish to spoil anything. I would also like to point out this story will be using cannon material that wasn't covered in the movie, but should have been to keep the flow of time. Examples include using Toothless echolocation and the issue with the stuffed dragon toy.

So please enjoy this story and support my original novel "Battle for the Stars", by ordering it or asking your library to acquire it. I would also like to dedicate this story to three of my favorite HTTYD fanfic writers: Jettar1, midnightsky0612, and lastly; TheOneWithTheScar. I hope they will read this story and review on my humble work. Also check out the link to my Deviantart page to see the new version of Nissa. Now on to the story!

Hiccup: "This is Berk, five years la…."

Nissa: "Hey, sorry to interrupt, but you really should start a story at the beginning not the middle."

Astrid: "She's right you know, there is a lot to say about what happened over the years. Do you remember our first year with dragons on the island and how much trouble we had that year?"

Snotlout: "Don't remind me, ugh, I was, such an idiot, back then. I swear if it wasn't for, Nissa showing up and having Hiccup kidnapped to be turned into a Draconia Daypeace, I still be a mutton head. I like being the perfect male specimen of Viking heritage with the brains and charm."

Fishlegs: "I have to admit the village has done a lot better since the influences from the Daypeace culture reached us. Just think about how much we've learned from them about the science, art, and math! I get tinkly just thinking about all the knowledge we learned."

Ruffnut: "Yeah learning Dragonese was fun! It added a new level of terror when we went on that quest to find the Nightfury pack remember? Who knew that we could be great ambassadors and find so much stuff?"

Tuffnut: "Is that all you can think about? What about the craziness that ensured afterwards? Magic necklaces, special powers and having Dagur becoming a good friend and ally after Hiccup and Nissa helped him bond to a Scauldrin?"

Hiccup: "Okay that's enough. I admit the first six months were Hel. Oh Odin's Beard; the whole first year with dragons was exciting. I remember our first months of defending Berk after we formed the Flight Club. I have to admit I enjoyed going out at night to study dragons. Remember that first night being chased by Thyphoomerangs and taking names of Outcasts?"

Fishlegs: "I think we made some important discoveries that second half of the year. Such as, how to make Gronkle Iron, that the Frightmare can paralyze people, oh remember that giant Fireworm queen whose venom saved Hookfang from dying?"

Snotlout: Do you have to keep bringing that up? Hookfang never lets that go and still burns my pants because of me pushing him too hard. I'm going to be apologizing for the rest of my life for that!"

Hookfang: "As you should be. I don't appreciate my life being in danger, but I had my revenge when you had eelpox. Oh, to hear you go on about forming a rebellious army to overthrow the chief was hilarious!"

Stormfly: "Oh laugh it up now flame boy, you never stood a chance against me when that Dragon Root. Okay, maybe now isn't the time to bring that up." Hearing a lot of chirps Stormfly twisted her head and saw all the Terrible Terror partners jumping on top of Meatlug. "Are you okay back there Meatlug? Are the little partners ganging up on you?"

Meatlug: "I'm fine oof. Really ah. I got a thick skin! Besides I can always put these guys in their place.

Sharpshot/Stealth/Iggy/Biter/Head/Butt: "We don't need to be put in our places! We're the best side dragons ever! You couldn't have created air mail or saved Meatlug when she got captured without us! Everyone on Berk loves us!"

Barf and Belch: Barf said, "They're right you know. We couldn't have kept track the Screaming Death without Stealth, Biter, and Iggy." Belch added, "Not to mention Sharpshot, Head, and Butt were essential to the plan to revive the Skrill Stormstriker and deceive the Outcasts that we were at war with the Berserkers."

Orli: Oh yes, Dagur's craziness to own a Skrill after seeing Lumina was just what we needed," she said sarcastically. "Honestly, did we have to plan that many attacks to convince Alvin to come out of hiding so we could capture him? I shudder just remembering that final fight. I swear I would have traded places with Thornado and his kids Bing, Bang, Boom to avoid nearly losing my mate when the Screaming Death tried to eat Outcast Island to get his mother free!"

Toothless: Ha ha you rather be the ambassador for Dragon Island than here with me" He jumped back to avoid being clawed by his mate. "All right you've made your point. The first year by the Elemental Dragons, I'm not sure how we survived, but we did. The next four years were interesting don't you think?"

Nissa: Yes they were. Not only have we established a proper school for the youngsters, with Fang and Lumina, in charge of the Terrors, all the children are learning proper dragon care. They only have to wait until the fifteen to start the Dragon Academy learning to work with their life partner. I'm really happy about that."

Hiccup: Raising a single eyebrow he responded, "Oh and I thought your favorite thing about the changes was the culture museum, library, and hobby hut? I have to admit that I thought it would take Odin himself descending to Berk to allow "non-traditional Viking items" to make Dad change his mind. But your Honor Guards Ula and Steiner are amazingly persuasive."

Nissa: Laughing she added, "Of course they were. The point of the alliance was to share culture and knowledge to improve lives. That and I needed to work on my diplomacy skills to bringing peace to different lands."

Ruffnut: "Yeah, I remember how many adventures we had. Peace missions gone astray, quests to find all the descendants of the Elemental Dragons. My favorite trip was the one you took us to that exotic island for vacation!*"

Tuffnut: "Can we stop talking about our adventures for a while? I want talk about how much we've all changed before we go back to describing the village. Is that okay with everyone?" There were affirmatives from everyone. "Good, well first off I like to say that I love how handsome I've gotten."

Snotlout: "You got to admit our makeovers were a success. We're all stronger, faster, and our looks have improved. My hair has never been this manageable. Take a look at Ruffnut, she's so pretty with her hair like that. What? I can't compliment a girl?"

Fishlegs: "He's right, you do look beautiful in your new outfit. Is that a new jacket?"

Barf and Belch: "Is it possible that they're attempting to flirt with Ruffnut? Ugh we want to throw up."

Stormfly: "No barfing Barf!"

Astrid: "That's enough girl. Isn't anyone going to mention how much we've improved with using the powers of our necklaces? Not only have we extended the length of how far apart we can be to share our hearts, minds, and spirits with our dragons; the fusion power now lets us stay joined for up to an hour if we're careful! That's quite the accomplishment."

Hiccup: "You're right Astrid. We've come so far with the powers to unite with our dragons. It may have taken almost four years to get it to this level, but it was worth the wait. Our own individual powers have also improved. We can actively use them whenever we want for nearly forty five minutes a day. I've gotten so much better borrowing dragon powers and your telekinesis has really improved. You can nearly lift a whole house now!"

Nissa: "Yes, our powers have improved. When you combine Snotlout's invulnerability with Fishlegs super strength for a frontal attack, with Ruff's projection, Tuff's bending and my aura reading nothing can stop us!"

Hiccup: "Right as always "big sister". Personally my inventions are the reason we had time to practice our powers. Dragon stables,with daycare, serving stations, health care, combined with my ingenious fire prevention has served the village well."

Toothless: "Don't take all the credit. We dragons helped a lot! Converting Dragon Outcropping to specific dragon needs was hard. It took weeks to recreate the hot springs for the eggs to hatch into. Nest shelters for new parents to use until the brood could fly back to Berk. Plus the migratory rest stop is in need of constant repair. Don't get me started on the improvement on the sentry islands."

Hiccup: You're right bud. The last five years have truly changed all defending riders and dragons' lives. I have a feeling though the next few days will bring about the greatest change. It may be time to say goodbye to our old life and embrace a new one." Everyone nodded, "So as I was saying before; welcome to Berk five years later."

It was a beautiful day as the sun shone brightly in the air with only a few clouds. A usually warm wind was blowing across the ocean before wavering through the town of Berk. The village was empty at the moment except for a flock of sheep that were nervously making their way through the town. Each of the sheep had been painted with brightly colored targets; each color meaning a different point value. While the livestock had gotten use to the dragons years ago, they were starting to regret it because of an incident two years ago caused by Phil, Gobber's sheep, who's strange habit of jumping off the roof of buildings in order to be caught by passing dragons; inspired the now nerve wreaking came of Dragon Race.

There was a thunderous roar and the leathery flapping of wings as the sheep scattered into the alleyways. They were all shoving and bleating as one guy got left behind. The poor little ram let out a bleat of fear taking off as fast as his little hoofs could carry him. It was too late as he felt some hands grab him lifting him high into the air.

"Oh yeah, we got one girl! Come on let's get it into the basket before those idiots try to stop us!" Astrid cheered loudly. She always enjoyed a good race, no matter if it was teams or individual competition. The pure adrenaline rush was worth every minute. Her sapphire gem necklace started to glow as Stormfly shared her body's senses with her. The sense of sharing no longer overwhelmed her, having practice over the years to refine this.

Sounds of wings beating faster alerted her to the fact one of the dragons were attempting to increase their speed to snag her prize. She smelled sulfur and crushed sandstone. Her eyes couldn't find the last pair, but no matter she would still score. Breaking the connection she gripped the sheep tighter. She pressed down on the back of Stormfly's head. "Single Spine shot girl!"

"Yes! Finally I get to shot you someone! Hookfang watch out!" Stormfly shouted with glee as her tail released a single spine towards the opposite riding pair.

"Not today Stormfly, it's our turn to win!" Hookfang bellowed back. He turned over onto his belly setting it on fire torching the spine. With a well-timed back thrust, the Monstrous Nightmare flew upside down like a fighter jet before twisting up and snatching the sheep out of Astrid's hand.

"Better luck next time Astrid. I'm going to show my lady that I'm worthy to be her love!" Snotlout called over his shoulder. Rubbing the back of Hookfang's horns caused the Nightmare to wiggle in pleasure as the whipped around the game arena where everyone on Berk was sitting screaming cheers as Snotlout neatly tossed the sheep with one hand to score a slam dunk. "Snotlout rules oi oi oi!" Hookfang lit up, careful to avoid the spot his rider was on, in celebration. "We might actually win this one!"

"That's my boy! The Jorgensen's always win no matter what the game is!" Spitelout crowed, sneering at his brother. Stoick met his challenging grin as if to say the race wasn't over yet. Spitelout settled back down next to his wife Freda. Nearby Bjarte and Grethe Ingerman watched their son finally get competitive in a sport. Just below them was Rakal and Varg Thorston, happy that their twins had learned to finally stop fighting all the time, even if they still caused destruction. Lastly Sven and Phelgma Hofferson shouted encouragement as their daughter flew by.

"The competition today is fierce today isn't it Steiner?" Ula, one of Nissa's Honor Guard commented. Not much had changed in appearance for both her and Steiner. Both still wore the official uniform with a few extras. Their orange tunics and pants now had a silver rune pattern on the hem and waistband. They also wore a brown with gold embroidery shirt over the top part of the tunic covering their shoulders. The gold armor, arm bands, and helmet were freshly polished with a ruby set dead center in their helmet. Their red capes fluttered in the wind as the kept a grip on their swords. The five years had lightened their bronze skin and their orange hair had grown a bit. Steiner's now stopped and the base of his neck and Ula had multiple braids on her back. The only thing that had changed was their turquoise eyes had gotten bigger for tracking the riders and keeping an eye out for trouble.

There was another rowdy cheer as Fishlegs, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut sailed past each dropping a sheep into their goal. A signal from Gobber to Bucket informed the Viking to blow the horn loudly. This signaled it was the final lap and the prized black sheep was about to be launched. This is what Astrid and Nissa had been waiting for.

Seconds later the black sheep let out a loud bleating as he was shot super high into the air. He was tumbling over and over. As he came closer to the ground he started to wave his legs in desperation to fly. Astrid was pushing Stormfly. "Come on a bit faster girl. Almost there, I got whoa!"

A rush of purple and black scales rushed past in a corkscrew pattern. The rider grinned as pink wings sprouted from her back and her arms turned into strong, scaly, limbs with wider red bands on the ankle, jumped into the air hovering for a few seconds, catching and cradling the sheep in her arms as she settled back down on the female Night Fury's back. "Sorry Astrid, but it looks like Orli and I have this one!" Nissa called out a grin on her face. The hundred and twenty three year old had also changed somewhat over the five years. She still sported the same purple markings, purple pink eyes, and long dark pink hair, but her face had thinned up and she now had more defining feminine figure with toned muscles.

Her clothes, while still the same color scheme, were different then her previous outfit. She now wore a long, orange, scoop neck off the shoulder, under shirt that went all the way to her waist. Her over shirt was red and went down to hug her hips with a yellow stitch on the side of the shirt. The belt and one armored shoulder was yellow to. Her straps criss cross and loose belt straps were pink. Instead of a battle skirt she had switched to a traditional, but flexible and free movement purple skirt with a long orange panel in front with a purple orange oval pattern on hem. Her pink socks were shorter, her boots covered her feet with orange jewels on the tongue. Her armbands were now yellow but still had the pink diamonds sewn on them. She still wore the two necklaces, the orange and red beaded one with the Draconia Daypeace symbol and her magical amethyst one. Her gold circulate was gone, replaced by a gold and purple headband crown with the traditional purple horns on it.

Both females stuck out their tongues as they hurried to the scoring zone with Astrid hot on their tail. "No fair! You know you're supposed to ride a dragon to keep it fair!"

"No rule prevents me from partially manifesting to help grab the sheep! All I need to do is stay with my dragon. Come on Orli, let's win this one, it may be our last race!" Orli let a plasma blast of joy as they zoomed towards the target. As strange as it was, the person who most often rode Orli was Nissa, for security reasons when they entered hostile territory, to avoid letting the girl's secret get out. Once they had the all clear she would fly on her own as a dragon, who had simply been watching as backup for the riders.

"We can't let her score! Barf smoke her!"

"Belch, light her up!"

"No way are those two going to win!" Barf mumbled through the gas.

"Time for a little destruction!" Belch added lighting the spark. The explosion was very wide and big. Seeing it coming, Nissa held in the air waiting for it to clear. Sensing something else was at play she had Orli do three loop de loops to in all directions. Good thing too because Meatlug was spewing lava rocks all over the place.

"Can't you just hold still and let me hit you? Orli give an old girl a break!" Meatlug grumbled. Her rider agreed calling out, "What she said. Nissa, just give us the sheep. My parents are watching!"

"Then you can show them that your worthy of a placement!" Nissa teased. Once again she manifested her wings increasing their speed as they flew through the town twisting about, down through the stables and back up, pulling a fire prevention bucket before slamming the sheep in her own goal. Pushing off the platform she turned into her full dragon form, which had gotten a bit larger, doing a celebratory dance in the sky.

"Final score! Nissa fifteen, Astrid and Snotlout ten, and Fishlegs and the Twins with eight. Well that's all folks. A thrilling end to another race! Time to get back to business," Stoick shouted. The crowd moaned a bit, but went back to work. Only Gobber, Ula, and Steiner remained. "That was a thrilling race, but it would have been better if Hiccup was actually here to compete."

"Or if Nissa hadn't just flown off again. Honestly, Queen Rayna is coming in three days to take her back home to begin her new training regiment and the girl's dragging her heels," Ula muttered, brushing her braids off her. "I don't see how we can be ready to leave with still so much to be done."

"The fact that she still has yet to choose an Ambassador to come back with us or who of the Honor Guard should remain to keep the alliance standing? Her aunt isn't going to like this one little bit," Steiner muttered, biting his lip in exasperation.

There was a familiar roar in the air as everyone turned their attention to the sky. Three Daypeaces were flying in the air circling the island. Ula and Steiner stiffened identifying the markings on the dragons. It appeared that Queen Rayna and her Honor Guard escorts, Davin and Fia, had arrived a head of the ship. Most likely they had taken advantage of the favorable weather and gone ahead to assist with the transition of ambassadors and last minute progress reports. The trio continued to circle before a signal flair went up indicating a landing spot near the arena. The Honor Guard felt through their mental bonds that the Queen had spotted the landing area and were coming in.

The quartet hurried over to the spot just as the trio of dragons came in for a landing. It was a magnificent sight to see the sun reflecting off their main pink scales and dappling the ground with red, yellow, orange and purple. The largest of them was the Queen, who was slowly reverting to human form now that Davin and Fia were ready to protect her with their swords should trouble arise. Rayna was still very beautiful. Her long auburn and lavender hair flowed down to her waist, with just a few hints of gray starting to show. Her pinkish purple eyes shone like gemstones highlighting her slightly now tanned skin. Her outfit also had been color swapped. Her tunic dress was now a lushes purple with a silver and gold trim. Her short red top, blended well with the red toga, mixed with yellow and pink draping. Her new royal sandals were thick giving her a bit of height. She still wore the same accessories: golden wrist bands and crown, with a ruby necklace. Not bad for someone who was two hundred sixty five years old, who was just entering the elderly stage of her life cycle.

Rayna smiled upon seeing Stoick, bowing slightly before holding out her arm for a traditional Viking arm shake. "Greetings Stoick, I'm glad to see you old friend."

"As am I Rayna. It is my honor to have you visit Berk. Five years pass rather quickly haven't they?" Stoick asked. Rayna nodded her head in acknowledgment before turning her attentions to Ula and Steiner, a small frown appearing on her face. "I was expecting to be greeted by my niece, yet my bond with her doesn't feel her close by at all. She knew that I would be arriving soon, why isn't she here to greet me or introduce me to the new ambassador for Berk?"

"Your Majesty, Princess Nissa, um well…" Steiner started to say, but couldn't get the words out. Sweat was slipping down his forehead. He wasn't normally nervous addressing the queen, but this was a royal mattered that should have been attended to at the start of the fifth year. "She's not here now and she has yet to pick an ambassador. She mentioned something about not finding the right characteristics for the job."

Rayna's eyes narrowed a bit. "She hasn't found someone yet? I see, what has kept her so busy lately? Has she been keeping up with her royal duties?" Ula responded telling her about the many negotiations and peace treaties she had created during their time here as well her work with both humans and dragons. Lately Nissa had been helping either the Ingerman's with keeping the Dragon Chronicles updated or helping Orli out. In her free time she spent it with her friends.

"Nissa Draki, oh that niece of mine is entering young adulthood, but still plays around like a teen. She'll have to come back soon. In the meantime; Davin, I want you to go down to the docks to help arrange for the arrival of the ship in three days. Fia, you're in charge of getting an inventory list of what goods Berk needs and what we should stock up on for the return trip. Ula, Steiner, please continue packing up the house and eye out for my niece." Rayna silenced them with a single look. Stoick gave a Gobber a similar look telling his friend back to the forge to fill the orders for saddles out. The other left carrying out their orders as the chief and queen headed to his house for some berry juice and biscuits.

Entering the house, Rayna was greeted by Skullcrusher, the tracking dragon, who gave her a big hug. He was Stoick's second dragon, having been found by Thornado two and half years ago. The Thunderdrome had met him on Dragon Island, somehow he convinced the old tracker to be Stoick's dragon. Thornado would stop by every few months for a progress report and let Stoick ride him then, reminiscing on their year together. Their bond was still strong even when they were far apart doing their duties.

"Nice to see you again Queen Rayna. Did you bring any treats for me?" Skullcrusher asked. He gave his best dragon eye look, but all it end up doing was making him look as if he had a stomach ache. Rayna scratched her cousin behind the ears telling him his treat would arrive with the ship in a few days making the tracker shake all over in delight. He decided to get some exercise in heading to the backyard to run. A second later a whistle was heard followed by a super high pitched voice.

"Yeah! I get to do airmail today! Oh I bet it's another message to get Hiccup to come back from his travels. I wonder what new lands he's found today. I hope he isn't still naming them by Toothless bodily actions!" Sharpshot squealed flying around the kitchen area. He landed on the hearth before jumping on to the table, nearly knocking over the glasses and plates, before scrambling up Stoick's vast form and curling on top of his head with the helmet partially covering him. "What's the message, what's the message?"

"Blasted Sharpshot I told you to stop doing that! Ugh, take this parchment to Hiccup and make sure he comes right back. I don't care if you have to drag Toothless by his tail, both of them need to come home. Remind him he can't outrun his destiny forever," Stoick snapped at the tiny Terror. With a sloppy kiss the little guy flew out the window clutching the note tightly. "Where do those Terrors keep all that energy? If we didn't have Fang and Lumina keeping them in line, shudder to think the state Berk would be in."

Rayna said nothing as the two of them sat at the table in silence enjoying their snack together. Both had plenty on their mind about their heirs yet were unsure how to bring it up to the other. Rayna broke the iceberg first. "I sensed earlier a spike of panic from Hiccup, but it was very faint because of the distance. I assume from your conversation, you asked your son to take over and let you retire?"

Stoick nodded, nursing his drink for a few minutes. He looked over at the hearth were Valka's helmet rested. Ever since Hiccup had invented his combat flying armor he didn't wear as much. Mostly it sat there as a reminder of who they lost fifteen years ago**. "I tried broaching the subject again, reminding him of his duties as the Hope and Heir to Berk, but he ran over before I could finish." Stoick pushed his drink aside and held his head in his hands. For over a month now every time he dared to speak about the chiefhood, his son would find a way to escape. He started to wonder if he should tie him to his bed to get him to listen.

Taking off her crown, she rubbed her fingers against the points admiring the sparkling gems. She remembered being scared to take over for her mother, when she had reached the end of her life at three hundred and fifteen; being one of the oldest Draconia Daypeaces who ever lived, in the last six hundred years. She had been only one hundred and fifty when she had taken over. Young by her people's standards having not even entered middle age yet.

"I recall how scared I was when the day finally came for me to lead. I had prepared for it my whole life, was already married to Aksel and Arkin was only a few years old. The weight of being a mother, wife, and queen nearly crushed me. I thought I drown, yet I found a way to balance it all. I still missed my freedom of just being me or doing things with Ola, but I knew my responsibilities came first."

Stoick nodded. He had already considered that fact. He also knew something else that was bothering his son. "He doesn't want Nissa to leave. Fifteen years he thought she was imaginary only to discover she was real. Five years with her and his friends isn't enough."

"I know, Nissa's never had to worry about the burden of leadership until these last few years. So afraid she'll mess up or never find out who she really is if she leaves. Both children are fearful, worried, but almost all in denial that things change. We can only hope that their friends can help prepare all of them for what's about to change."

Several miles away two female dragons soared through the clouds enjoying the warmth of the sun. Nissa swerved high in the air using her magic, gathering white light between her front legs. She dove down closer to the water before releasing her magic light ball. It bounce across the ocean creating a trailing rainbow in the water. Swiping her tail through the water, she gathered the rainbow on her tail so that the trail continued in the sky as they gained height.

"Astrid was right about one thing. You're the perfect tracker to find Hiccup anywhere in the world, but unless you leave a trail, no one can find you, not even if they have bond with you," Orli commented as she did loops around her friend. Her gold eyes narrowed as she adjusted her tail fin for faster flight. Her mood was a bit sour because she was angry at her mate. He had flown off forgetting his responsibility to her and to his future family. "Are they close by? I really need to talk with my mate."

"Just up ahead on the sea stack. I wish Hiccup's mapping quest wouldn't take him to the edges of the Archipelago every day. His map is getting pretty big considering how many places the Gateways have taken us. He won't be satisfied until he sees the world. I don't even know if the Gateways go around the world." Nissa laughed remember how shocked Hiccup and the others were when they finally believed her about the world being round. It was truly a moment she treasured. Just then she felt a surge through her mental bond with Hiccup. Focusing she could see through his eyes as he wrestled with Toothless. "We're here! I don't think they noticed us yet."

"Then let's give them a surprise greeting." With a burst of speed Orli zoomed through the clouds, firing a plasma blast at the duo separating them. Before the stunned males could figure out what was going on she tackled Toothless to the ground, using her sharp teeth to leave nip marks on Toothless neck as she rolled him on the ground. She smacked him with her front paws as he countered with shove from his back legs. They lashed out with the front paws as if they were lions as they started to circle around each other. They charged each other only for Orli to slip underneath Toothless belly flinging him onto his back as she pinned him to the ground. "Do you submit to your mate or do you want to be further punished?"

"All right I give I give! Get off me female please!" Toothless whined, his tongue hanging out of his toothless mouth, ears folded down, with his tail curled up tight. Satisfied with his submission, Orli got off of him before giving him a neck rub, a dragon's version of a kiss. "I didn't expect to see you this far out. Why aren't you at the nest keeping an eye on our two eggs? Who's watching them now?"

"Hipbone is watching the nest, like the good surrogate mother she is, while I tracked you down Trygve," Toothless winced, Orli only used his birth name when she was extremely upset. "You do understand that you're about to be a father and that you need to share the responsibility of caring for the eggs with me? You know the dangers Nightfury eggs face. They need to be kept at the right temperature at all times, have to make sure that covered and comfortable, not to mention monitored for signs of early cracking that could kill the developing infant. Remember, it's rare for entire clutch to hatch successfully and live past their first year?"

"I know, my brother Elvy and his mate Ava warned me all about this last time we visited Nightfury Valley on Mysterious Island. It's the reason only three of my niece and nephew survived to adolescent hood."

"This is a very special clutch Toothless. It will be the first hatching of a Nightfury nest in the present outside of the valley in a nest of both humans and dragons. If you're offspring make it to adulthood it would be a sign that it's safe for the Nightfury pack to venture off the island more and reintegrate with other dragon packs," Nissa pointed out, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. One of the reasons she had put off her duties because she really really wanted to see the eggs hatch. If the health check was correct those eggs would hatch sometime soon, maybe in a week or two, which is if they survived the last critical weeks of incubation.

She looked at Hiccup, who shrugged his shoulders before picking up his shield/crossbow to check it over. Those his sword was his primary weapon now, he kept his shield nearby for exploring the land or for a quick defense in the air. The past five years had been very kind to her "little brother." He had gotten taller, broader, and even more handsome, those lovely lavender highlights giving him that exotic look. Thanks to her late cousin Arkin's blood, he was three times stronger, faster, and agile. His senses enhanced, not the same level of a dragon, but much stronger than the average human.

"Little brother, do you really need to take Toothless every time you go out to explore? Why not use your magic necklace to borrow his abilities so he isn't far away from his eggs?"

"I wasn't thinking, I just needed to get away from my dad. He's been trying to get me alone forever to discuss you know what," Hiccup told her. She nodded settling on the grass by him. She found a stick and started to doodle as he continued. "It's a big honor I know, but I rather be an explorer like my mom was." A twinge of sadness passed through his face and she could feel the tightness in his heart mentioning his mother who had died when he was five.

"Truth be told, I'm scared. I'm just not ready for things to change. My friends there still mostly the same and we still have so much fun together just being free. If I become chief, no more exploring or having fun. Just endless days solving the village problems, dealing with other tribes, and of course I'll have to get married and produce heirs. It's too much for me to handle." He slumped down on the ground staring out at the horizon. Their emotions mixing, the truth was they were afraid to be separated at this point.

"I know what you feeling, I'm feeling it too little brother. Our bond is more then just sibling, friend, not quite lovers. I guess Gothi described it best saying we're old souls, finding each other each lifetime to share our friendship and love with others." Her own inner turmoil was festering as Hiccup picked it apart in his mind.

"Thinking of you parents, uncle and cousin aren't you? You're nearly Arkin's age, he died when he was a hundred and twenty five, only a few months after becoming an official young adult," he asked. She stopped doodling and just held her hands together. Another emotion passed through the mental link, one that surprised Hiccup. "You're feeling guilty? I thought you came to terms with their death long ago. It wasn't your fault."

"Not that kind of guilt, the guilt of living longer then my cousin, taking his place on the throne. I've been preparing five years now to take his place. Aunt Rayna, when I last visited Xanadu, hinted that the next few years of my life would be the most intense preparation for when she steps down. I can't deal with this much pressure, I have to be everything my family was so that their legacy isn't lost, to honor them for surviving when they didn't. I have to…" Nissa voiced mentally with her Dragon Heart, trying to explain and show her worries to her best friend. She used her mindscape showing him her family with her as they stood on the beaches of Xanadu having fun. Suddenly the sand whirled around sweeping them away except for one.

"To be strong enough for you aunt, ensuring the bond between you stays strong enough. Even after all these years, that one bond left in your family is very fragile. No wonder you're afraid of change. So what should we do?"

"I don't know, I think you should talk to Astrid about your fears and worries. She's only about five minutes out. I'm going back to Dragon Outcropping with Orli to check on the eggs. Have Toothless back before nightfall okay? It's his turn to watch the eggs tonight," she said out loud. She held out a hand lifting him up as the two friends smiled at each other. They both heard the telltale flapping of Stormfly's wings as she followed the rainbow trail still in the air. "Coming Orli?"

Orli looked up from her mate's grooming. She nodded her head walking over to the ledge. Turning her head she gave Toothless a pointed look. "Promise to be home before nightfall?"

"I promise I'll be there even if I have to swim all the way back to you. I love you Orli."

"I love you too Toothless. See you back at the nest. Have fun playing fetch with Stormfly!" The two females pushed off flying back towards Berk as Astrid and Stormfly came flying in. Astrid and Nissa shared a look of understanding as they passed by each other. Nissa had been the supportive friend Hiccup needed, now it was Astrid's turn as his future wife to help convince him to come home and take his place as chief.

The flight back to Dragon Outcropping was a game of tag between the two friends as they swooped up and down, before circling around each other making tight turns. Twists and twirls even a corkscrew or free falling. No doubt Orli had the advantage with speed and stealth, but endurance and agility went to Nissa as they zoomed closer to the sentry islands.

The sentry island were now at least three times their original side thanks to the Stoker and Boulder class dragons working together to expand the islands making more room for the Changewings and Snaptrappers who lived on them. Besides increasing the size and adding flora to the island; the riders along with several men of Berk, had improved the space. Sentry Island: Changewing now had several different posts or artificial trees or shapes for the Changewings to practice camouflaging with a target course for them to fire acid blasts at. Sentry Island: Snaptrappers had plenty of mud pools and a shower system that took the ocean water, boiled out the salt, then rained on top of the dragons. Each island also had a guard tower with rotating guards, emergency bunkers with supplies and weapons, for invasions and hidden boats as well.

After passing through the islands they came on approach to Dragon Outcropping, a large sea stack on the far right side of Berk, created when part of the island broke off. Spotting the landing strip the girls came in. Nissa veered off to the left while Orli continued forward.

Coming to a stop Nissa returned to her human form. Looking around she was happy to see the runway wasn't in need of repair today. At least the Timberjacks and Whispering Deaths in the forest could take a day off from coming over to make repairs. Fixing her hair she followed down the lantern pathway towards the nesting area. It was still daylight so the Fireworms were still free running around hunting or cuddling, but come nightfall they would take up residence in the lanterns to light the way while giving the mothers' peace of mind.

Finally they reached the nesting area. On the left side stood several hot springs of different temperature with unique mixture of minerals specifically built to each dragon species needs. Several retired, but active shield maidens, helped monitor the temperature making sure the mixture was just right. Looking ahead you could see several different nesting areas with shelters built around them. Expecting mothers and fathers kept watch over the eggs, eating and drinking from the stations. There was a small play area nearby for newborns to play in and gain strength in their wings. On the right they had constructed a dragon hospital to heal migrating dragons or run checkups on the eggs. Gothi, with some help from Gobber, were training a few women and one or two men how to be vets as Nissa called them.

Orli scrambled up a small rocky ledge pulling herself up. She walked over to a grassy lined shelter entrance slipping inside. The nest was lined with soft sand under the two black with purple speckled eggs sat, with warm rocks surrounding them in a protective circle. A mix of different grasses and leaves lined the whole shelter with dragon nip hanging from the walls. A female Bone Knapper, (Hipbone), looked after the eggs from one of the hidden windows that allowed fresh air in and quick escape if the nest was found. "Orli, welcome back. Your little ones started to rock back just a tiny bit. I managed to calm them down with tiny burst of fire. I was worried something might be wrong so I called for Gothi and Lumina, they should be here soon. Where's Toothless?"

"Hopefully flying his rider back home this instant. I need a break from constantly watching my two babies. I only agreed to be in the race today because I needed to exercise my wings." Orli looked down at her precious eggs smiling a gummy smile. She cooed as she wrapped herself around her eggs, gently nudging them. "I can't wait for your arrival my little hatchlings. Everyone wants to meet you. You'll be the most beloved dragons on Berk."

"Have you come up with names yet? I can still check the sexes out if you want with my Dragon Heart?" Nissa offered, but Orli shook her head. She wanted to be surprised when her hatchlings came. When she saw them with her own eyes then she would name them. Toothless was not allowed to name them because he kept coming up with the craziest part human part dragon name; example: Magnusshadow.

There was a knock on the shelter door causing Orli to growl protectively only for Nissa to raise a calming hand, humming to her. "It's just Gothi and Lumina checking on the eggs okay? Come in!"

The old healer walked in calmly as her bouncy Skrill tried to contain herself. Lumina, still suffering the effects of her axanthism, never let her size, discoloration, and sensitivity to the sun bother her. The now, six year old Skrill, was the size of a six month old polar bear cub. She wore a special riding outfit that protected her sensitive skin from further damage and goggles full of tar to protect her eyes. Containing herself she cautiously moved forward with her rider to the expecting mother. "Hi Orli, Nissa, Hipbone. How are you all doing?"

"We're fine dear child, I just wanted to extra cautious with Orli's eggs so I called for you. Remember to be careful around the eggs, they're in a highly fragile stage."

"Don't worry, I would never let harm come to my mo I mean Orli eggs," Lumina said, her cheeks heating up. After being tortured and exiled from her previous pack, she had thought guidance and protection from Orli, who helped Gothi take care of her. It wasn't surprising she had come to view Orli like a mother.

"It's already my little light. I'm sure you'll be a good foster sister role model. Having to help raise you has given me plenty of practice with babies," Orli assured her. She turned her attention to Gothi, who was pulling instruments out of Lumina's riding suit. The two worked well together, measuring the size, weight, and thickness of the egg. They ran a few more basic tests before Gothi started writing in the sand for Lumina to translate.

"Gothi said the eggs are in perfect condition. It's natural for them to rock slightly as they can closer to hatching. Once they really start rocking and heating up that's when you need to move them into the pools. Her best advice to avoid early cracking is consistent temperature with occasionally more fresh air. It will help the incubating babies stay strong so they stay inside until it's just right to hatch."

Orli bowed her head towards the old mute, reaching out with her front paw so that Gothi shook it. Gothi smiled and patted her on the head. She pulled out her pocket a protective charm of Frigg, promising a healthy birth and guidance for mothers. She hung the charm on the wall above the nest hoping that the gods would like kindly on this nest. With a shake of her staff the others departed leaving a sleepy Orli with her eggs.

"Thanks for checking on the eggs Gothi, I know Orli is very worried. She wants to show her grandfather Mungo that she can be a good mom and ambassador at the same time," Nissa said as they walked into the hospital so they could update the eggs charts. It only took a few minutes before they left. Gothi mounted Lumina before using her staff to point to Nissa and then the island. "My aunt's here early isn't she?" Gaining confirmation, Nissa nodded already manifesting.

"I really was hoping to have a night with the guys and Ruffnut, having fun. Oh well, better go home and face the music." Glancing back once more at the nest she flew towards her home, praying she wouldn't be yelled at too much. Maybe she could even slip away and find her friends after it was over.

Arriving back at home she could already feel through her bond that her aunt was very displeased with having to wait. Coming in for a landing she saw her Aunt Rayna sitting in a comfortable chair outside what had been her home for five years. Switching back to human, until she had only her wings, she dropped down in front of her aunt, sucking the wings back in. She gave a graceful bow. "Greetings Your Majesty, I'm very glad to see you and welcome you to my home."

"That's enough sucking up Nissa, we need to have a serious talk about your disregard to your responsibilities," Rayna informed her. The two royals entered the house settling down by the fireplace. Looking her niece over she frowned slightly at her disheveled appearance. Attempts to engage her further with their bond was blocked. This made the queen very unhappy. "Where have you been these last few hours? You Honor Guard informed me about winning your race before flying off. Instead of racing, you should have used these last few weeks settling your affairs and selecting an ambassador."

Nissa fidgeted with her shirt, running her fingers over the straps again. She couldn't look her aunt in the eye. "For your information I was just tracking down Hiccup for Astrid. Then I was with Orli looking over her nest. Aunt Rayna, the eggs will be hatching maybe next week! I don't want to leave without seeing that!"

Rayna felt the joy and warmth at the thought of seeing hatchlings. Even she was tempted to stay to see such a sight, but she had to remain focus. "I admit wanting to see such a rare sight would distract me. Still, why haven't you finished your other duties, you knew we'd be on a tight schedule."

"It's not like I haven't completely forgotten my duties Queen Rayna." Nissa snapped, standing up and stomping upstairs to her room. Angrily she sent through her bond memories of updating the treaties, mapping out the gateways and passages, even her work around the village and nearby dragon islands. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she looked out her window down below at the hustle and bustle. "You know I can sense you, so you don't have to come up quietly."

Rayna sat next to her niece folding their hands together sharing memories. Rayna really understood how hard it could be to leave a place you loved. In her younger years traveling on peace missions with her mother, Queen Zenobia, making friends with locals only to move on. "These past five years were necessary for your growth and health. Leaving is hard, but there is much you need to learn about being the Queen of Xanadu. There's more to being its leader and descendent of Tyra and Helios the Light Dragon, then you'll ever know."

Nissa was confused. She already knew how to use light magic, her flame powers were lasting longer, and her Dragon Heart was stronger than ever before. Her knowledge of cultures, uses of diplomatic skills, and other royal protocols were at their peak. What was she still missing?

Rayna took off her crown looking it over, fingering the gems and gold points. "There are secrets to our bloodline that you aren't awareof. Secrets only passed between ruler and heir. You're mother abdicated before she had to learn these secrets. Arkin…." The queen paused clutching her hand over her heart, tears filled her eyes as she thought of her son. Blinking them back, she continued. "Arkin was supposed to start this new level of secret training once we got back from his first peace tour. As the last of our bloodline, it falls to you learn these secrets and harness them, for the good of our people and allies."

"Why me? I wasn't ever supposed to take the throne and now it feels like you're trying to make me into Arkin. I'm not him Aunt Rayna, you still have plenty of years to rule. Is it that important that I start this training now?"

Rayna gave her a stern look. "It will take intense concentration. Mastering the secrets of the indigo flame, the ancient elemental tongue, the power of song. These are only a few secrets. Arkin would have mastered them quickly and so can you. I'll give you until the boat arrives in three days to finish up your work here, but after that it's time to live up to your responsibilities of being a Princess. Good night." With those parting words Nissa knew she couldn't go out tonight, the exits most likely covered. With nothing else to do she settle into a deep sleep wondering what the next few days would be like.

Thanks for reading my chapter, now I like to clear up the asterisk sections. The first asterisk are meant to be adventures that happened between the end of the series and the beginning of the second movie. One day I'll properly write them down, but this is in the way future.

The second asterisk is there because of an inconsistency between the series and movie. Hiccup, when he got back his stuffed dragon, said he had a few memories of his mother because he was so young. If Valka was taken when he was a baby, he wouldn't retain any memories because of infant amnesia. We only start really recalling memories around 2-5. Also in the first part of my trilogy I wrote he was five when his mother vanished.

So remember to read, review, check out the other stories and art. See you next Thursday.