Kiora's hair whipped her face. Her breath was driven out of her chest. Adrenaline rushed through her. She was flying. Her dragon was speeding over the sea. Kiora knew she wasn't supposed to go this fast out of races. It was strictly forbidden, in fact. But she didn't care. She loved the thrill of Riding, the wind burning her face, tangling hair.

A horn sounded in the distance.

Kiora slowed her dragon, Icebreath. The horn meant all dragons and their Riders were called back to Berk for the evening. Her father, the chief Hiccup, always seemed to sound it right when she was having the most fun. Kiora longed to ignore it and keep flying all night. But she knew she would be grounded for a week if she did. So she turned Icebreath around. He responded to her direction, but only just.

Most dragons and Riders had an unbreakable bond. But Kiora and Icebreath had never formed that special bond. It was probably because Kiora refused to try. Icebreath was okay, but he wasn't hers. Not like Firestarter had been. Firestarter was Kiora's first dragon. He was her best friend. They loved and understood each other. But last year Firestarter had gotten sick. No matter what Kiora's grandmother Valka tried, he wouldn't get better. It broke Kiora's heart when Firestarter died. She hadn't Ridden for three months. Finally her parents forced her to start again. Kiora did like Icebreath. But she didn't love him.

Berk came slowly into sight. It also was alright. It was home. But Kiora longed to go somewhere else. She had only ever gone to the few closest islands. She wanted to go far. Kiora wanted to travel, to see the world, to have adventures, like her parents had. But Hiccup and Astrid both said she was too young. Yeah, right. She was fourteen. Hiccup had been fifteen when he met Toothless. Then he'd gone all over the country! Kiora didn't see why she couldn't.

Icebreath landed with a small bump. Kiora slid off and led him to her family's private stable. She put him in his stall and patted his snout. "Thanks, boy.''

Stormfly nudged her shoulder.

"Hey, big girl.'' Kiora stroked her between the eyes. Her mother's dragon was the biggest of the three in the stable, but had a sweet heart. She was always alert and protective. Stormfly was the first dragon Kiora had ever ridden. She moved on to the next stall and peered over the gate.

"Toothless? You okay?''

Hiccup's dragon was curled up in the hay on the floor. He didn't respond to her voice. Concerned, Kiora opened the latch, going inside. She sat down beside him. Toothless opened his big green luminescent eyes. They were dull and sad. Kiora knew he was getting old, but she had never seen him like this. Her heart clenched. Was something wrong with Hiccup? That was the only thing Kiora could think of. But if her dad was injured or something someone would have gotten her by now. Was Toothless just lonely? Hiccup spent several hours a day with him and he always had Stormfly's or Icebreath's company. So what was wrong with him? Kiora thought hard. If I was a dragon surrounded by other dragons and people how would I feel? Toothless isn't the only dragon. . . Kiora shot to her feet. That was it! Toothless was the only Night Fury! After so many years away from the rest of his kind. . . no wonder he was down. He missed his family.

Kiora bolted out of the stable. She had to tell Hiccup! They could go look for the other Night Furies! They could find Toothless' family! They could— Wait. Kiora skidded to a halt. Why hadn't they found any Night Furies in the years of searching for new breeds? What if they were all dead? What if Toothless was the last of his kind? We have to try. Kiora took a deep breath. She had to bring this upon her parents gently. If she burst into the house and yelled at the top of her voice they would never consent.

When Kiora pushed the door open, Astrid was sitting by the fire sharpening a knife. Kiora thought it was pretty cool she had a mom that sharpened knives in front of the fire instead of knitting.

"Hey, honey,'' Astrid greeted her.

"Hi mom,'' Kiora said. "Where's Dad?''

"He isn't home yet.''

"Okay, well, as soon as he gets home I have something—"

"Go to your room and wash up for supper,'' Astrid interrupted.

Kiora bit her tongue. "Yes, ma'am.''

Kiora splashed water on her face. She dried it with a cloth, then stared at her reflection in the pool of clear water. Her face was wind-burned red. Her short blonde hair was tangled from Riding. She had pale blue eyes. She was tall and thin like her parents. Some people said she looked like her mother, but most said she looked like her grandmother, Valka. This made Kiora proud. She admired Valka more than anyone else in the world.

By the time Kiora was ready for supper, her family was already seated at the table. Hiccup, Astrid, and Valka waited patiently for Kiora to take her seat. Once she had, they said grace and started eating. Kiora ate the soup quickly. She then cleared her throat for attention. None was given. Typical.

"Dad,'' she began, "have you noticed anything unusual about Toothless?''

Hiccup exchanged a surprised glance with Astrid. "Unusual? Not really. Why? Is something wrong?''

Kiora resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Her dad could be very overprotective of his dragon. Maybe this isn't a good idea. . .

"Kiora?'' Astrid prompted.

Too late to back down now. "When I was stalling Icebreath I noticed Toothless was looking a little down. Don't you think that's a little strange? He's usually so perky.''

Hiccup's brow furrowed in concern. "He has been rather melancholy. I thought he would get over it. . . Maybe I should go check on him.'' He started towards the door.

"I'll come with you,'' Valka offered.

Kiora's heart sank. This wasn't where she wanted things to go. "Wait!''

Her dad and grandmother stopped and turned back towards her. Astrid crossed her arms expectantly. Kiora tapped her thighs nervously. As much as she liked attention, she hated being put on the spot.

"Uh, so,'' she swallowed. This was her chance. "I was thinking Toothless is lonely. I know he always has plenty of company but maybe. . . maybe what he has isn't enough.'' Kiora waited for someone to stop her. But they all stared blankly at her. She continued with more confidence. "I think Toothless is homesick. He wants to be with other Night Furies. Berk is all very well, of course, but he wants to go home. Wherever that may be.''

No one said anything. Kiora stared at her lap. Finally, she looked up. "Well?''

"I've thought about the possibility before,'' Hiccup admitted. "But Toothless has always seemed happy here. He's the only Night Fury I've ever seen. And I've seen a lot of dragons. If there are more then they are well hidden and far away. I don't see how we could find them.''

"But—'' Kiora insisted.

"Your father's right,'' said Astrid gently. "We are willing to do anything to insure the happiness and well-being of our dragons, but what you're asking is impossible. We have all thought for a long time Toothless is the last of his kind. Plus, traveling into unknown land would be dangerous. We just can't, Kiora.''

Kiora heart sank. She wanted to go into unknown land! She wanted adventure! And there was something up with Toothless. "Then what is wrong with him?''

Hiccup shrugged. "He might just be getting old.''

She had never thought of that. She didn't like the idea either.

"I'm sure he will be fine,'' Valka put in.

"But what if he isn't?'' Kiora burst out. "Listen, for once! We need to find the other Night Furies! There are more! We just have to go a little further. Please!''

"I already told you—'' Hiccup began.

"Do you even care?!'' She yelled.

"Of course! You know I do!"

"Then why aren't you doing anything? Just try. I could help. I could go with you—''

Hiccup crossed his arms. "So that's what this is about. You just want to go on some crazy adventure. I've told you countless times: wait until you're older. Just a year, or two—''

"Will you ever shut up and listen?'' Kiora demanded.

"I have been listening to you,'' said Hiccup flatly, "You haven't been listening to me. You never do.'' To Valka, "let's go.''

Kiora felt like crying. It wasn't fair! She watched Hiccup and Valka leave.

"Young lady.'' Astrid was fuming. "Go to your room.''

"But I didn't do anything!''

"Don't even. Just don't. Do as your told this instant.''

Kiora stormed to her room, slamming the door behind her. She collapsed on her bed. She was too angry to cry. All she could think about was how miserable her parents could be. Wallowing in her misery she zoned out for awhile. She must have fallen asleep because when she lifted her head it was dark outside. Kiora rolled onto her back. Toothless wanted to be with the other Night Furies, she just knew it! But no one would listen. . .

Kiora shot up in bed. She could do it! She could take Toothless to find more Night Furies! It would be risky. She would be in unknown land. Who knew what the weather and terrain would be like. Kiora's parents would be enraged. But if she was successful the future possibilities were endless! She had to do this. Not only would Toothless be happy, but she herself would finally be respected and understood.

Kiora waited until nightfall to make her move. Quietly, she slipped out of her house. She didn't bother leaving a note. Her family would figure it out. Berk was dark and silent. In all her fourteen years, Kiora had never seen it like this. It was waiting. It was waiting for her. She tiptoed into the stable. Stormfly and Icebreath were fast asleep. Toothless was lying on the ground of his stall, but his eyes were open. His ears pricked when the girl opened his stall door.

"Hey, Toothless,'' whispered Kiora, stroking his head. "I know what's wrong with you. I'm gonna help you. Come with me; we're going to find the Night Furies!''

At "Night Furies" the small black dragon alerted. He scrambled to his feet. Kiora shushed him quickly. He seemed to understand. Kiora led him out into the open night air. She climbed on his back. She had ridden him before. Not often, but she had. She warily place her foot in the strap that controlled his artificial tail. It was a stretch—her dad was taller than she—but it worked.

"Let's fly!'' Kiora murmured.

Toothless glanced at her house.

"It'll be fine,'' she insisted. The Night Fury was undoubtedly wondering why she was taking him instead of Hiccup. "This is your only chance to find your family.'' Her conscience pricked. Kiora hated manipulating him, but it was the only way. Toothless took a couple starting bounds and took flight. Kiora held on tight. She was going somewhere. She was actually going somewhere! The further away Berk got, the more confident she felt. I'm going to find the Night Furies. I'm going to prove myself.

Behind her, Berk vanished.

I know in How to Train Your Dragon: the Hidden World they find more Night Furies, so I can say this is based on that fact. This isn't what I think will happen in the movie - far from it. But I had fun writing this and hope you enjoy it! Please review!