How to Start a Dragon Academy

The village of Berk shone brightly in the sunlight. It was buzzing with Vikings and dragons. The dragon healer, Serenity, sat on the back of her blue and green dragon Draco. They were perched on a tall rock watching five of Berk's finest dragon riders showing off they're riding skills. They were waiting to start.
"Look at them," said Draco. "They have got to be some of the best riders in the world." Serenity was watching Snotlout wresting with his Monstrous Nightmare, who was restless.
"Well they still have a lot to learn," said Serenity. Draco nodded in agreement.

Serenity was a thin woman, yet she was very beautiful. She had shoulder-length golden brown hair, a young round face with emerald eyes, her skin was almost the same light golden brown as her hair, she wore a riding uniform which was a green turtleneck shirt, a blue riding jacket made of deerskin leather and matching trousers, on her feet were blue leather boots with shiny green embroidery around the top, and on her head was a wide brimmed hat that had a dragon's horns attached to it, she also wore black fingerless gloves.

Draco was a traditional looking dragon with long neck, tail, huge wings, and lizard head. He was a dark green with midnight blue wings, golden horns and claws, and yellow snake eyes. He wore a big navy blue saddle, that had shiny green embroidery all around the border.

Just then something black streaked by and landed next to Astrid and her Nadder. It was the sixth rider, Hiccup and his Night Fury, Toothless. Serenity smiled, she had something of a crush on Toothless.
"Best trick competition," Hiccup announced. "Who's first?" Snotlout raised his hand. His dragon, Hookfang, took off completely out of control. Serenity laughed as the dragon landed. Fishlegs went next, his Gronkle Meatlug, took off. All she did was fly in a big circle, no one was impressed. Draco shook his head.
"So many limitations," he said.
"I'm shocked that a god like you could talk about his subjects like that," said Serenity.
"I wasn't talking about the dragon," said Draco. "The rider lacks real skill." Then the twins took off on their Zippleback. Again the dragon was out of control. It flung the twins high in the air and caught them. The dragon landed, the twins were out of breath. Astrid and her Nadder, Stormfly, were next. The dragon performed perfectly. She did several acrobats on command, then landed.
"That was better," said Serenity.
"Yes, but that was very predictable," said Draco.
"You just said they were the best," said Serenity.
"The best at riding maybe, but not so good a trickery," said Draco. Just then Hiccup and Toothless took off. Serenity and Draco stopped talking. Hiccup and Toothless went into a dive at full speed. They flew gracefully through the sea stacks. Then Hiccup jumped off the saddle and onto a platform held up by two sea stacks. He ran across the top while Toothless soared beneath it. When he got to the end Hiccup leaped off and landed back in the saddle. As they flew passed Toothless shot fire balls which exploded into violet rings, like purple fireworks.
"Wow," Draco sighed.
"They totally belong in the sky," said Serenity. Draco smiled in agreement.
"We better get back to work," said Serenity. She picked up the reins that were attached to the collar around Draco's neck. Draco stood up and leaped off the ledge. He flew to the cave where he and Serenity lived. The cave was right behind Hiccup's house, Serenity used it as a wild dragon hospital. Draco landed on the small hill beside the canopy that led to the cave. Serenity dismounted, then unsaddled Draco. She put the saddle on a stand, she pulled out a rag and saddle soap and began to clean her saddle. She watched the Vikings and dragons. It seemed the dragons weren't used to civilization. They were chasing the chickens and eating all the food. Serenity was quite amused. Suddenly she felt a nudge on her back. She turned, it was Toothless.
"Hello, you done flying?" Serenity asked.
"Yes, I saw you watching," Toothless said. "What did you think?"
"I think you and Hiccup make a great team," said Serenity. She stopped cleaning her saddle and sat in her chair, Toothless sat beside her. They watched the dragons of berk.
"They aren't used to humans are they?" Serenity said.
"No, they're not used to freedom either," Toothless answered.
"300 years of slavery," said Serenity. "Must have been terrible for them."
"It feels so good to be back under the reign of Draco," said Toothless. "He is a far better ruler then The Red Death."
"Re's the king," said Serenity.
"We're in good hand then," said Toothless. Serenity nodded.
"Toothless!"
"That'll be Hiccup," said Toothless.
"Well run along, don't keep him waiting," said Serenity. Toothless stood up and stretched his wings.
"Good night Serenity," he said.
"Good night," Serenity tipped her hat to him. He left to join Hiccup. Serenity went back to cleaning her saddle.
"Come to bed," said Draco.
"I'm not done," said Serenity.
"You can finish that tomorrow," said Draco. Serenity yawned.
"Alright," she put the rag down and stood up. She laid beside Draco using his head as a pillow and his wing as a blanket. Soon they both fell asleep.

Serenity felt something nudging her the next morning. She woke to find a black and white Skrill looking at her.
"Hello," said Serenity.
"I'm sorry to wake you," the dragon whispered. "My brother is ill, we your help." Serenity stood up, Draco followed suit. Serenity spotted a midnight blue Skrill sleeping under the canopy. She grabbed her medical bag and knelt beside the sick dragon. She began to examine him.
"What are your names?" She asked.
"I'm Striker," said the black and white dragon. "This is Bolt."
"Nice to meet you both," said Serenity.
"Will he be okay?" Striker asked.
"Yes, he just needs rest and plenty of water," said Serenity.
"What's wrong?" Draco asked.
"He's dehydrated," said Serenity. "When did he last have water?" she asked Striker.
"We've been flying over the sea for three weeks straight," said Striker. "Bolt is young."
"I see," said Serenity. "You can rest in there." She pointed to the cave entrance. "There's a pool in there and a place to lie down."
"Thank you Serenity," said Striker. He helped Bolt get to his feet and walk into the cave.
"We dragons owe you a lot," said Draco.
"I love taking care of dragons," said Serenity. "Besides no one else is going to do it."
"Yeah," Draco sighed. Just the Stoic the Vast came up the hill, followed by Gobber, and Hiccup.
"Good morning, gentlemen," said Serenity.
"Do you think you could help up gather food for winter?" Stoic asked. "We need all hands on deck."
"Sure," said Serenity. "I'll saddle up." She picked up her saddle and put it on Draco. When he was saddled she followed the others to the food storage hut. The Vikings came with huge baskets of food. Stoic and Gobber told them where to put it. Fishermen came with huge baskets of fish, the dragons were eyeing them and licking their lips. Serenity brought apples that she brought from her home land, Draconia.
"We should grow our own apple trees," said Draco. "In the spring of course."
"Sound good," said Serenity. "Should we grow golden apple trees or regular apple trees?"
"One of each," said Draco.
"Okay," said Serenity as she put a bag of apples in the hut. They came out just as a grumpy old man approached.
"Here's Mildew with the complaint of the day," said Gobber in high spirits.
"You picked a bad time Mildew," said Stoic. "I'm in the middle of storing food."
"It's those dragons again," said Mildew. "Those demons are not fit to live among civilized men." The whole village seemed to agree. Hiccup stepped forward.
"They don't mean any harm," he said. "They're just dragons being dragons."
"If there's a problem I'll deal with it," said Stoic.
"You better," said Mildew. As he left he made the mistake of bumping hard into Serenity, every dragon in the village snarled at him. He stalked off looking gruff.

The Vikings finished for the day and went home. Serenity walked back to her hospital with Draco. When they got there Serenity mounted Draco and the took off over the ocean. They were soon joined by Astrid and Hiccup on their dragons.
"Afternoon," said Astrid.
"Hello," said Serenity.
"This is the first time you've flown in the day time," said Hiccup.
"I was out yesterday," said Serenity. "You guys were too busy trick flying to notice."
"You were watching?" Astrid asked.
"Yes, we both were," Serenity said, giving Draco a pat on the neck.
"How did I do?" Astrid asked, pridefully. Serenity considered.
"You have a good start," she said.
"Can you do any tricks?" Hiccup asked.
"Yeah, a few," said Serenity.
"I want to see," said Astrid. Serenity sighed and steered Draco to the top of a sea stack. The three dragons landed side by side. Then Serenity clicked her reins and Draco took off. He stabilized himself. Serenity slowly stood up on the saddle. She leaped high off the saddle, Draco rolled a 360 and came back upright just in time for Serenity to land back in the saddle. Once they got moving again they were again, joined be Hiccup and Astrid.
"That was amazing," said Astrid.
"Thanks," said Serenity. "I need to get back to by patients."
"Is that why the dragons protect you like they do?" asked Hiccup. "Because you take care of the sick ones."
"Yes," said Serenity. "See you guys later." She steered Draco back to her hospital. When they landed Serenity dismounted. She went inside the cave. Striker and Bolt were both asleep. She went to the underground freshwater lake and filled a bucket. She walked back outside where Draco had just started a fire. Serenity got to work making tea.

That evening back at Hiccup's house Gobber, Stoick, and Hiccup were discussing the dragons.
"We can't just let dragons run wild like they own the place," said Stoic. "We could put up signs."
"For dragons?" asked Gobber.
"No, for people," said Stoic.
"For Vikings?" Gobber said. "We're not big readers Stoic."
"Then we'll put a huge net over the plaza," said Sroic.
"Dragons breath fire," Gobber pointed out.
"I know that Gobber," said Stoic.
"Hey Dad, what if I deal with the dragons," said Hiccup.
"You?" Stoic said.
"Who else?" said Hiccup. "If anyone can control them I can, I'm then best man for the job."
"You're not a man yet Hiccup," said Stoic.
"Not if you don't give me the chance to be," said Hiccup.
"Fair enough," Stoic said. "You'll have your chance, starting tomorrow."

So next morning Serenity and Draco watched Hiccup run around the village trying to calm the dragons down. Toothless helped the best he could but they still got nowhere. Serenity spotted the other riders perched on a large catapult. She mounted Draco and flew up to join them.
"Hello Serenity," said Fishlegs.
"Morning, riders," said Serenity. "Hiccup seems to be enjoying himself."
"Yeah, what's he doing?" Ruffnut asked.
"I think he's helping the dragons break stuff," said Tuffnut.
"He could really use our help," said Astrid, as she watched Hiccup get run over by a dragon.
"We'll get to it, in a minuet," said Tuff. Eventually Hiccup collapsed from exhaustion. Serenity sighed and clicked her reins. Draco glided down next to Hiccup and Serenity dismounted.
"No luck?" she said. Hiccup got to his feet.
"They won't listen to me," he complained. Toothless came galloping up to them, he too looked tired.
"I dare say you both could use a drink," said Serenity.
"Yes please," said Hiccup. They walked up the hill to Serenity's Hospital. The two Skrills were awake when they arrived at the underground lake.
"Who are they?" Hiccup asked.
"My patients," said Serenity, as she filled a metal goblet with water. She gave it to Hiccup, Toothless got a drink from the lake.
"Thanks," Hiccup said.
"I'm going fishing," said Serenity. "Take your time." She went out side and remounted Draco. They took off over the sea.

That night, Hiccup was in his room with Toothless.
"Everything hurts," Hiccup moaned. "Even this." He pointed to his metal leg. Toothless croaked in sympathy.
"Hiccup," a voice called from below.
"Astrid? perfect," said Hiccup. Astrid came up the stairs.
"Hey Astrid," said Hiccup.
"So how was your day?" she asked.
"Uneventful, hung around the plaza," said Hiccup.
"Yeah, we saw you out there," said Astrid. "It's hard to believe you're still standing." Hiccup slumped backwards onto his bed.
"I'm going be seeing flaming sheep in my dreams for the next month," he moaned.
"Hiccup," called another voice as Stoic stomped up the stairs. "What's going on out there? The plaza looks like a war zone."
"I know it looks bad," said Hiccup. "But this is only phase one of my master plan."
"Well this better be real," said Stoic. "Because Mildew's stirred up the whole island, and if you don't get those dragons under control they'll be calling for their heads." With that Stoic left. Toothless looked horrified.
"Don't worry bud," Hiccup told him. "Your head's not going anywhere."
"You do realize there are like a million dragons out there and only one of you, I hope you do have a plan," said Astrid as she left.

Early next morning Hiccup over to Serenity's Hospital, it was deserted. He looked inside the cave, nothing but the two Skrills.
"Where's Serenity?" Hiccup asked the dragons. The black and white one got to his feet. He walked passed Hiccup and waited for him to follow. Hiccup followed the Skrill to the cliff's edge. Down on the beach Serenity and Draco were attending to a yellow Scauldon which had beached itself. Suddenly Hiccup's metal leg, which had no grip, slipped on the wet rocks and he fell off the cliff. Draco heard him scream he held out his wing and Hiccup landed on the fleshy membrane in between the wing fingers, it cushioned his fall like a trampoline. Serenity and the yellow dragon looked up. Draco tilted his wing, causing Hiccup to slide down the membrane and onto the sand.
"Are you okay?" asked Draco, who was the only dragon on Berk that could speak English.
"Yes," said Hiccup.
"Did you need something?" Serenity asked.
"You know all about dragons," said Hiccup. "I was wondering if you could give be some help in controlling them."
"Hmm," said Serenity. "Well these dragons have been under control for 300 years, and they didn't like it, you remember the Red Death."
"Yes," said Hiccup. "I don't mean to be cruel."
"I know," said Serenity. "I've raised young orphaned dragons for a long time, and they are quite a handful,"
"How did you get them to behave?" Hiccup asked.
"I used a method you know well," said Serenity. "I trained them."
"Oh, I see," said Hiccup. "Thanks." He turned to leave but found he was trapped on the beach.
"Would you like a ride?" Draco asked.
"Maybe I should help," said Hiccup looking at the yellow dragon.
"We're just waiting for the tide to come in," said Draco. "Then Sunny here can swim home."
"Okay," said Hiccup. Draco knelt down and Hiccup climbed into the saddle. Draco stood up.
"Hold on," said Draco. Hiccup put his right leg into the stirrup and held onto the saddle horn. Draco took off and glided to the top of the cliff. He landed by the hospital and kelt down again. Hiccup got off and walked back to his house, and Draco flew back to the beach.

Hiccup gathered his friends and their dragons and went to the old training arena. Serenity and Draco finished up and went to watch them. Hiccup was explaining his plan.
"That's your plan? train dragons?" said Ruff.
"Here where we used to kill them?" said Tuff. The dragons seemed edgy.
"Right because we don't do that anymore," said Hiccup setting down a basket.
"The dragons do seen nervous," said Astrid as she stroked Stormfly.
Serenity and Draco watched as they practiced training the dragons. Occasionally Toothless winked at Serenity, making her blush.
"It seems he has a crush on you," said Draco.
"You don't mind right?" Serenity asked.
"No," said Draco.
"So you don't mind if I had a crush on Toothless?" said Serenity.
"No, I don't think he has any female friends," said Draco. "But how Hiccup is going to react is what I'm worried about."
"Well he doesn't have to know," said Serenity. She stood up and mounted Draco. They flew back to the hospital where Serenity made lunch.

Suddenly as Serenity finished her cod stew, there was a huge explosion in the storage hut. Serenity put down her bowl and ran to investigate. The dragons had attacked the food supply and ate every last scrap. Stoic was enraged.
"We've got nothing left for winter," he said.
"I warned you Stoic," said Mildew. "But did you listen to me, no, you put a bunch o' teenagers in charge, caging is to good for those dragons."
"Dad I swear I can fix this," Hiccup begged.
"Enough Hiccup," snapped Stoic. "I have a village to feed the dragons have done enough damage by tonight I want every one of them caged."
"You can't just cage these dragons," said Mildew. "You need to send them away now."
"You're right Mildew," said Stoic. "We'll cage them tonight and in the morning Hiccup will send them off the island." They all left. The six riders looked really upset. Serenity and Draco walked back to their hospital. When they got there Serenity finished her lunch. Suddenly the two Skrills came up to her.
"We'll be on our way now," said Striker.
"Oh, okay," said Serenity. "Safe travels."
"Thank you," said Bolt. With that they took off.
"Come on let's get the camping gear," said Draco with a sigh

Later that evening the six riders were in the mead hall having soup. They were discussing their dragons. Finally they got up and left to go cage the dragons, all except Hiccup.
"We can't let this happen," he told no one in general. "Toothless is the nest friend I've ever had."
"You know what your mistake was?" Mildew said. "Thinking dragons could be trained, a dragon's going do what a dragon's going to do, it's their nature and nature always wins." He walked out. Hiccup was considering.
"Mildew's absolutely right," he said as he ran out with Toothless at his heels. They caught up with the other riders as they were closing the door of the arena.
"Don't close it," Hiccup called as he landed Toothless next to them. He opened the door back up. "We're not locking them up."
"Did you change your father's mind?"Astrid asked. "Or are we going behind his back again?"
"Look the dragons are going to do what they're going to do," said Hiccup. "We just need to learn how to use it." This got their attention.

So next morning the six riders got to work. Snotlout and Hookfang helped the fishing boats catch lots of fish, Astrid and Stormfly with Fishlegs and Meatlug helped Mildew with his cabbage, Hiccup and Toothles with Ruff, Tuff and their Zippleback rounded up boars. Then Stoic found out. He found his son and his friends by the slaughter house.
"There they are," said Mildew. "Those dragons don't look like they're in cages to me."
"No," said Stoic. "This is not what I asked for."

He and Gobber rounded the dragons up and put them in the big cage at the back of the arena. Then they confronted the riders.
"You all displayed my orders," said Stoic. "And there will be consequences."
"Dad if anyone's going to get in trouble it should be me," said Hiccup.
"No, you all had a hand in this," said Stoic. "You released the dragons against my wishes, things are going to change around here."
"You're getting a dragon training academy," Gobber blurted out.
"Gobber! I wanted to tell them," said Stoic annoyed. He turned back to the riders. "You've all made me proud, this dragon training academy is for you." And he opened the cage. The dragons rushed to their riders.

The rest of the day was spent with the dragons and riders fixing up the village. The final act was putting up a wooden plaque in front of the arena. The plaque had a carving of a Night Fury with a red tail fin. After that the six riders joined Serenity and Draco in a flight around the island.