The Good Dragon
The summer sun shone down on the Isle of Berk. The vikings and dragons were bustling about the village. The Draconians had arrived the previous week. However they weren't bustling about the village because all of them had a bad case of dragon flu. Serenity did everything she could to make them feel better, but she was sick too.
They were all gathered under the Golden Apple Tree. Most of them were asleep, Serenity was the only one awake. She sat in her chair by the fire. She had just given them all medicine and they had plenty of water. She'd given herself medicine and it gave her the energy to take care of her family. It was a hard job, but someone had to do it.
Serenity got to her feet and went inside the house where her husband and daughter were sleeping. Edelweiss was asleep on a small bed, her dragon Black Widow was asleep beside her on the floor. Serenity checked on them first. Their fevers had lowered significantly. Then she went to the big bed where Chris was also asleep. Serenity crawled onto her side of the bed and sat crosslegged facing him. She felt his forehead. He was more feverish than Edelweiss. She soaked a cloth in a bucket near by that was filled with ice cold water. She laid it on Chris's forehead, to bring down his fever. He stayed asleep. Serenity kissed his cheek then got up and went back outside. She left the door of the house wide open. She sat in her chair again. She glanced around at all the dragons.
"What would you guys do without me?" she asked. She leaned back in her chair. There was another bucket of water beside the chair. Serenity soaked another cloth and slapped it across her own forehead. It felt so good and it made her relax. She closed her eyes and dozed off.
A few minuets later Serenity was woken up by the sound of a landing dragon, and from the sound of it she knew it was Hiccup and Toothless.
"Hello boys," Serenity said, without opening her eyes.
"Are they feeling any better?" Hiccup asked.
"Yeah, they're improving," said Serenity. "They'll be up and about in a day or so. Now what brings you two up here?"
"I wanted to ask Re something," said Hiccup. Serenity sat up and put the cloth back into the bucket. She got to her feet and knelt in front of Re. She stroked his head.
"Re? Sir?" she said softly. Re stirred and opened his eyes. He moaned.
"Hey Serenity," he said, his voice was scratchy.
"How are you feeling?" Serenity asked gently.
"Bit thirsty," Re said.
"I'll get you more water," said Serenity. "Meantime, Hiccup has something he wants to ask you." She got to her feet and went over to her well. Re sat up slowly.
"Hey Re, I was thinking we could combine forces and practice aerial battles," said Hiccup. "When you guys are feeling better of course."
"What did you have in mind?" Re asked.
"My riders and your fellow Draconians practice taking out an enemy fleet," said Hiccup. "We'll use Berk's ships to act as the enemy fleet. We can practice with several scenarios, in all types of conditions." Re considered.
"I like it, it'll be good practice for our young ones to defend themselves and each other from dragon hunters," he said. "Alright, when we're on our feet again we'll talk some more about it."
"Great," said Hiccup. "We'll let you rest now." He got back on Toothless and took off. Serenity came back with a filled bucket of water. She set it down in front of Re. He didn't hesitate and drained the whole thing. Then he laid his head back down and went back to sleep. Serenity sat in her chair again.
A day later the Draconians were on their feet again. Re informed them all about Hiccup's idea about aerial combat training. They were all excited about the idea, except for two individuals. One was Serenity who always worried that someone would be seriously injured or killed. The other one was Apollo. He was nervous about training. He had always struggled to keep up with his brother and sister. Chris was all grown up and had won a war and started his own family. Avalon had mastered the art of magic and could spar against the adults, by herself. She hadn't won a spar yet, but she lasted a minuet longer each time. Apollo couldn't last longer than a few seconds. He did fine when he had help from his siblings or his friends, but he always struggled when he was by himself. Whenever he sparred against one of the adults he either wasn't quick enough, or he chickened out. It made him sad and upset. The way his father talked, you'd have thought he only had one son and a daughter. Apollo wanted his father to be proud of him too.
The day before the aerial combat training. The Draconians were in the arena sparing. Avalon sparred against her mother. The Princess actually got her claws around Aurora's neck, but forgot to watch out for the queen's tail. Aurora grabbed Avalon's hind legs and threw her off, pinning her down with her strong paws.
"Nicely done Avalon," said Aurora. "But you've got to watch your back. And you must go in for the kill before your victim can through you off."
"I didn't want to actually hurt you Mama," said Avalon. She got to her feet. Aurora nuzzled her.
"I'm proud of you Avalon," she purred. "Keep it up and you'll be ready to take on Windwalker." Avalon chuckled. She then ran to the sidelines. She sat beside Apollo and watched Chris take on all four adult dragons at once. Apollo watched in amazement. Chris fought all four of them and won. Re and Aurora congratulated him, beaming with pride. Apollo looked at the ground sadly.
"Apollo, your turn," called Re. Apollo looked up and saw his father in the middle of the arena.
"Go on Apollo," said Avalon, giving him a shove forward. Apollo ran towards his father, determined to win this time. Re went into a playful crouch. Then pounced at Apollo, claws out and nostrils flared. Apollo saw the big claws and teeth coming at him, and he lost it. He squealed in fright and flew out of the arena as fast as his wings could carry him. Re watched him fly away, and sighed in disappointment. Aurora came up beside him.
"It's the tenth time he's done that," she said.
"He'll grow out of it," said Re. "We may have to change tactics. I'll see how he does tomorrow. He'll improve, they always do." He turned to the rest of the group. "That'll do for today." Chris got on Windwalker and flew up to his room; Tenor, Black Widow, and Edelweiss close behind. Avalon followed her parents to the throne room.
When they got there, they found Apollo waiting for them. He looked awfully upset with himself. Re and Aurora sat on either side of him, and Avalon sat between Apollo and Aurora.
"I chickened out again," Apollo said, close to tears. Re nuzzled him.
"No one's perfect Apollo," said Re.
"I want you guys to be proud of me to," said Apollo. "I know I'll be the last one to unlock my titan wing."
"You don't know that for sure," said Aurora. "And even if you are, it's nothing to be ashamed of. Late bloomers are always a sight to behold." Apollo felt a bit better.
"Tomorrow will be the aerial combat training," said Re. "The first scenario will be rescuing captured dragons. Your job will be to sneak onto the ships and release the dragons, then lead them back to Berk or Dragon Island. You can do that right?" Apollo didn't answer.
"Come one Apollo, you're great at hide 'n hunt," said Avalon. Apollo sighed.
"Okay," he said.
"It's getting late," said Aurora. "And we all need our rest for tomorrow." She pulled her two dragonets close to her with her tail. They curled up in a ball under their mother's wing. They all fell asleep in minuets.
The next day the Draconians gathered on the beach outside of the throne room. The dragons strapped on their armor, and Chris strapped on his swords. Serenity sat on a nearby boulder. Apollo looked over at her. She looked as nervous as he felt. He went over and sat next to her. Serenity smiled and scratched him behind his horns. Then Apollo turned to Re.
"Dad can't I stay here and keep Serenity company?" he asked, hoping Re would say yes. The Dragon King turned around.
"Not this time Apollo," he said. Apollo moaned with nerves.
"Now come on," said Aurora. Apollo sighed and took off with the others. Serenity watched them fly away. She turned and headed back into the throne room.
Over the ocean between Berk and Dragon Island the Draconians met up with the Berkians. The only rider that wasn't there was Eret, as he was manning his dragon trapping ship.
"Good of you to show up," said Astrid. "Now we can get this show flying."
"You do you have in mind to go in and release the captured dragons?" Hiccup asked.
"Apollo," said Re. "He needs a confidence boost." Everyone looked at Apollo, making him feel uneasy.
"Ok, that makes sense," said Hiccup.
"Can we go already?" said Snotlout. "Hookfang hates waiting."
"Right," said Hiccup. "Everyone in battle formation." The dragons and riders headed for the trapping ship, which was no where in sight at the moment. They kept their eyes open for the ship.
"The ship was last seen heading west," said Hiccup. "Snotlout, you and Black Widow scout ahead and report back when you find it, but don't engage." Both Snotlout and Black Widow groaned in disappointment.
"Man, you're no fun Hiccup," Black Widow complained. But nontheless Snotlout and Black Widow broke away from the formation and sped up. Black Widow flew beside Hookfang.
"I wish I could lead the charge, like my mother did," said Black Widow. "Rather than being a simple scout."
"Hiccup's about as fun as a tooth ache," said Snotlout. "He used to have us going out and searching for Trader Johann, a lot. Who, by the way, never shuts up. And it gets really annoying when he and Fishlegs get all dragon nerdy talk every time we find a new dragon species."
"Is there any reason we can't engage the target?" said Black Widow, clutching the air with her talons. "I can easily sink a trapping ship, I could sink several."
"So could I," said Snotlout. "Now let's hurry up and find this thing, we can reek havoc later." Hookfang sped up and Black Widow.
They searched for a few more minuets. Then Snotlout spotted the trapping ship below, hiding behind a sea stack. The two dragons circled it, staying out of the firing range. They saw three cages with dragons in them, and both Snotlout and Black Widow suspected there were more below.
"Right we found the ship, I'll go back and lead the others over here," said Snotlout.
"How do I know you won't get lost?" said Black Widow.
"I never get lost," said Snotlout smugly.
"That's not what Toothless said," said Black Widow. "Something about a waterspout and Outcasts." Snotlout groaned in defeat.
"Well, we've gotten better since then," he said.
"Alright," said Black Widow. She flew down and landed on the sea stack. Hookfang and Snotlout turned around and flew off. Black Widow watched the ship from her perch. She could see Eret at the helm, waiting impatiently. There were many more vikings bustling about the deck. Skullcrusher was one of the dragons held captive. Black Widow kept to the shadows so she wouldn't be seen.
Before long the other dragons and riders arrived, led by Snotlout. Black Widow took off and joined them. They dive bombed the ship, and the ship fired back. The dragons shot fire at the sails. Apollo circled the ship, waiting for his turn. When the ship's ammo was running low, Re turned to Apollo.
"Go now, and remember you must be silent," he said. Apollo gulped and nodded. While the others distracted the vikings on the ship, Apollo flew down and landed on the deck. He scurried from shadow to shadow. He made his way over to the cages. He was about to reach one of them when an eel landed in front of him; the vikings on the ship were throwing eels at the attacking dragons and the riders were catching them and throwing them right back. The eel that landed in front of Apollo squirmed and slithered like a snake. Skullcrusher caught his eye.
"Come on Apollo, what are you waiting for?" he whispered. But Apollo had frozen in place, staring at the eel with wide, terrified eyes. It slithered closer to him, making him back up. Suddenly he stepped on a taught rope, which caused several bolas to shoot out and bind his paws, wings and snout. He rolled across the deck and came to rest at Eret's feet.
"Nice try Apollo," Eret said. "But I aint that stupid." He then turned to the other vikings. "Fire the Speed Stinger darts and dragonroot arrows!" The vikings began firing arrows and darts at the riders and their dragons. The Draconian dragons were protected by their armor, but all the Berkian dragons got hit and Chris got shot in the shoulder by a dragonroot arrow. He fell off the saddle and splashed into the water before Windwalker could react, as she was too busy dodging arrows and darts. The vikings on the ship launched nets, snagging all the dragons that got shot and pulling them onto the deck.
With the simulation over the Draconians landed on the deck, Windwalker rescued her rider from the water. Eret released the dragons in the cage, and cut Apollo's ropes. Apollo soon caught his father's glare. Re was furious.
"We'll talk when we get back to Berk," he growled through his teeth. He then turned his attention to Chris, who was in a lot of pain. Re could feel the arrow as well, he winced every time he walked. Dragonroot didn't have the same effect on humans as it did on dragons. Chris felt very dizzy, which caused him to pass out. No one took the arrow out, since it prevented him from bleeding out.
Aurora used her magic to repair the damages and fill the sails with wind. They turned and headed for Berk. Tenor took off to fetch his healer and meet them under the apple tree. The sun had begun to set and there were dark clouds in the distance.
The ship pulled into the harbor. Windwalker flew Chris up to the apple tree. Serenity and Tenor were there already. Serenity got right to work addressing Chris's wound. He stayed unconscious the whole time. Windwalker watched from her spot beside Tenor.
"What does dragonroot do to a human?" Windwalker asked.
"Nothing really," said Serenity. "It's harmless to humans. But arrows aren't." She took the arrow out of Chris's shoulder and stitched up the wound. She wrapped it up in bandages and put her things away. She sat back and waited for Chris to wake up. At that moment the other Draconians landed under the tree, having helped unload Eret's ship. The minuet they landed Re turned to Apollo.
"I gave you a job Apollo," he said, smoke billowing from his nostrils. "All you had to do was unlock the cage doors, it wasn't hard."
"I'm sorry, that eel was so scary," said Apollo, timidly. "Slithering towards me."
"Apollo, if that had been the real thing, lives would have been lost," said Re. "You can't freeze up or let fear overcome you. That whole mission failed because of you." Apollo hung his head in shame. He backed up and scurried up the tree. Re laid beside Aurora. Serenity settled on the grass beside Chris. Windwlker laid down behind her, so she had something to lean on.
"There's something that bothers me Windwalker," Serenity asked.
"What's that?" asked Windwalker.
"There's been a lot of arguments under this tree," said Serenity. "Individuals have had their feelings hurt. And this is supposed to be a place dragons came to feel better. Lots of bad things have happened here."
"What bad things?" asked Windwalker.
"Well, you and Tenor have gotten in a lot arguments," said Serenity. "And that thing with Heal, that argument happened here. I don't want this to be a bad place."
"It's not a bad place," said Windwalker. "I love this place, no matter how many arguments have happened here. Besides, good things have happened too. Edelweiss was born here, so was Black Widow. This place is very special." Serenity scratched behind Windwalker's sonar flaps. She purred and nuzzled Serenity's shoulder.
"It's scary when you and Tenor argue," said Serenity. "I feel like you're going to rip each other's throats out, or Tenor will bite you out of pure anger. I don't want that happening here." Windwalker nuzzled her face.
"We'll make sure there's no death under this tree," she said. At that moment Chris stirred and opened his eyes. Serenity turned her attention to him.
"Hi," she said softly. "How do you feel?"
"My shoulder hurts," Chris said. He placed a hand over his wounded shoulder. It felt like the arrow was still there.
"You'll be okay," said Serenity. "It'll be sore for a while, but it'll get better." She helped him sit up. He groaned in pain. Serenity smiled and kissed his cheek. That seemed to ease the pain slightly. Chris blushed.
"Better?" Serenity asked.
"A bit," Chris admitted. "Never been shot in the shoulder before."
"I haven't either," said Serenity.
"You've had a lot of damage done to you," said Chris. "Probably more than an arrow in the shoulder." He got to his feet, Windwalker and Serenity followed suit. Chris clutched his shoulder, as the pain came back. He sat in one of the chairs by the fire pit, and Serenity sat next to him. Windwalker sat next to Tenor and Black Widow. Apollo stayed in the tree. Serenity looked up at him, then turned to Re and Aurora.
"Won't you forgive him Re?" she asked. "I don't want anyone to be sad under this tree." Re sighed.
"Don't worry Serenity, it'll be resolved before the sun sets," said Aurora. "And it'll be resolved under this tree." Serenity sighed with relief. She leaned back in her chair.
Suddenly the wind picked up and the sky grew darker. There came a loud clap of thunder. It startled Apollo and he bolted out of the tree. He ran to his mother and hid under wing with Avalon.
"Storms coming, and it'll be a violent one," said Re. "We should get back to Dragon Island."
"No, it'll be too rough," said Aurora. "We won't make it in time. We'll have to ride it out here." She used her magic to put up an invisible roof over the hospital.
"Could you put that spell over the village?" asked Re. Aurora smiled and extended the invisible roof over the village as well.
The storm intensified. Waves crashed against the rock that held the village. The vikings were taken aback when they didn't get wet. The waves and rain didn't touch the village. The dragons were another issue. They ran all over the village out of control. Toothless tired to get them to calm down, but unfortunately he was riled up by the storm as well. Hiccup, thinking fast, ran up to the apple tree. It was times like this that he was very happy to have the dragon king and queen on his island. He found them huddled under the tree, watching the storm.
"Re, Aurora, we've got trouble downstairs," Hiccup said. Aurora smiled.
"We dragons aren't too fond of thunderstorms," she said, getting to her feet. "The Skrill is the only dragon who can gain anything from getting hit by lightning." Re got to his feet and stretched. Aurora turned to Avalon and Apollo.
"You wait here, we'll be back," she said.
"Can we handle this one Mama?" asked Avalon.
"Not this time," said Re. "Next time, promise." Avalon settled back down beside Apollo. Re and Aurora spread their wings and took off. Hiccup walked back down.
The two Draconian dragons circled over the village. The dragons were still running a muck. Aurora let out a loud roar. They all stopped and looked up at their king and queen.
"There's no reason to panic," said Aurora. "I've put a spell over this village, the storm won't do any damage. You're perfectly safe. You should all get some rest, this storm will last a long time." The dragons finally calmed down. They made their way to the hanger, and Toothless made his way to Hiccup's house. Re and Aurora landed back at the tree. Avalon and Apollo huddled close to them.
"Can't we go back to Dragon Island?" asked Apollo. Thunder boomed, making him squeal in fright.
"No, we must stay here," said Aurora. "If I leave, the spell breaks and this village will be destroyed. We're safe here."
"You must stand your ground Apollo," said Re. "It's the only way you win." Apollo just nodded. Aurora wrapped her tail around her dragonets and pulled them closer. Re lit the fire pit, lighting up the hospital. Tenor and Windwalker laid on either side of Black Widow, and Edelweiss crawled into her mother's lap. The storm grew stronger.
Windwalker turned to Tenor. He looked overly thrilled watching the violent ocean. She scanned her brain for something to talk about.
"Have you been in a lot of battles?" she asked.
"Not as many as I'd like," Tenor said. "And no it's not because my lovely rider hates war, it's because I help finished wars, not start them." He smirked at the comment.
"What would you saw was your favorite battle?" Windwalker asked. Tenor thought a moment.
"The Battle of the Bewilderbeast," he said. "Though the outcome was a shame, it was a real adrenaline rush. And it was quite special to see not one, but two living Bewilderbeasts. And be able to fight along side one. Once in a lifetime opportunity."
"No casualties?" asked Windwalker. Tenor lowered his eyes slightly.
"Just, the two," he said quietly. "But one casualty is just as bad as hundreds."
"True," said Windwalker.
"What was your favorite?" Tenor asked.
"When we first attacked this place," said Windwalker. "No one was hurt, and that started the chain of events that got Chris back together with his family." Tenor smiled at the thought.
"What about the fight against the Bewilderbeast, here on Berk?" asked Windwalker. "It had a better outcome and must have been just as fun to watch." Tenor shrugged.
"Eh, that was more of a standoff then a battle," he said. "It was fun though. I don't think I've ever seen Toothless that mad before or since. Also I've never seen anyone defeat him. Hookfang said that back in the day he was the hardest dragon to take down."
"Toothless is pretty amazing," said Windwalker. "I didn't like him at first, thought he was a snob."
"Huh, that's funny," Tenor said. "He told me he thought you were a snob. You know, just barge into his village unannounced, and do whatever the heck you want." Windwalker grimaced.
"Not very gracious of me, I know," she said. "You were more cautious and shy. It made me a touch curious about you." Tenor purred bashfully and lowered his head, letting her lick behind his ears. After a while Tenor looked over at the others.
"You think Apollo has the same kind of guts Toothless has?" he asked. Windwalker followed his gaze.
"I think so," she said. "He doesn't know it yet, but he's probably got more guts than you, me, and Toothless combined." Tenor murmured in agreement. Suddenly Black Widow stirred.
"Mama, I'm hungry," she said.
"You'll have to eat apples until the storm's over," said Windwalker. Black Widow looked up at the apple tree. She jumped to her feet and ran towards the tree. She looked over at her friends.
"You guys want apples too?" she asked. Avalon and Apollo followed her up the tree. Windwalker leaned on Tenor's side and nibbled behind his ears. Tenor laid his head down and let her continue, entwining his tail around hers.
Re and Aurora looked up at the tree, where Apollo was munching apples. Aurora hummed sadly.
"I'm worried about him Re," she said. "He'll be a great dragon one day, but he's so scared all the time."
"He can overcome it," Re said. "I know he can. I'll help him in anyway I can, but this'll be something he has to figure out himself with some help from Lord Draco as well." Aurora sighed. She then turned to the three humans.
"You should get some rest," she said. "This storm will last all night." Chris carefully got to his feet. He clutched his shoulder, wincing. Serenity got to her feet and put a soft hand on his good shoulder.
"I have something that can help with the pain," she said gently.
"Why does it hurt so much?" Chris said.
"It's the saltwater," said Serenity. "You fell in the water and the saltwater got in the wound, and it's irritating it. Don't worry, it'll go away." Chris took a deep breath. Suddenly thunder boomed again. Serenity held Chris's hand. They went inside the house.
Once inside, Chris sat down on the bed. Serenity put her bag on her side of the bed, and open it up. She took out a vile of clear red fluid and a syringe.
"What's that?" Chris asked.
"Speed Stinger venom," said Serenity. "Just the right amount makes an excellent morphine."
"How do you know?" Chris asked.
"Um, personal experience," Serenity said awkwardly. "Heal, hit me around a lot out of anger. But because I had been stung by a Speed Stinger, I never felt any pain. Ever since, I've been experimenting with it." She sat on the bed beside Chris.
"Who was your lab rat?" Chris asked.
"Me," said Serenity. "A way to pass the time while you guys were in he arena all day." She carefully inserted the morphine into Chris's shoulder. He sighed with relief when the pain went away.
"Were you scared, when Heal kidnapped you?" he asked.
"Being paralyzed, not knowing what was going to happen or if I was going to have to watch a friend die in agony," said Serenity. "Yeah, I was scared." She looked towards the door and the dragons outside. "I feel bad for Apollo. He wants to be as good as you, but comes up short."
"He's still young," said Chris. "He'll get it. I wasn't always the best at fighting either."
"You looked pretty good to me," said Serenity. "But then again I know nothing about fighting." There came another clap of thunder, making them both jump.
"Well, if what Aurora said was true, we have quite a wait," said Serenity. "We should get some rest." She kissed Chris the cheek again. They crawled into bed and fell asleep.
Outside, the dragonets finished their apples and climbed out of the tree. Edelweiss went into her bedroom in the tree trunk with Black Widow. Apollo and Avalon huddled between their parents. The claps of thunder kept making Apollo jump and shake. Aurora put her wing over the two of them and sang a little rain song. It helped calm Apollo down. He laid his head on his front paws and closed his eyes. He was asleep in no time.