Chapter 2
When Serenity woke up the next morning, every muscle in her body was very sore and achy. She rolled onto her side and saw Chris sitting on his side of the bed, pulling on his boots. When he saw that she was awake, he beamed.
"How are you this morning?" he asked.
"Sore," Serenity answered. "All that climbing and falling as taken their toll." She sat up slowly and dangled her feet over the side of the bed.
"Can you still ride?" Chris asked.
"Yeah," said Serenity. "That is for curtain." Chris finished pulling on his boots. He got to his feet and went around to her.
"I take it you know how to deal with sore limbs," he said.
"I do," said Serenity. "For both humans and dragons." Chris sat next to her.
"How many things to humans and dragons have in common as far as anatomy?" he wondered aloud.
"Oh, they have quite a lot," said Serenity. "They have the same bones as humans, except hallow and positioned differently. Also those pressure points that you always hit when sparring with dragons, humans have them too. Really the biggest difference between dragon and human anatomy is the internal organs. Most dragons have no digestive system and instead most of their organs are used for fire breathing."
"So that's why it's so easy for you to do first aid on a human as well as a dragon," Chris said, it wasn't a question.
"Yup," said Serenity. "And that's pretty lucky in my opinion. For you and for Edel." She looked at him smiling. Chris smiled back. He got up and went to get Edelweiss and the dragons, and Serenity got dressed.
They all met up with Re, Aurora, and their dragonets. They then set off for Berk. After being grounded for so long, Serenity was so happy to be flying again. She gave Tenor all the rein she could. Tenor also found it nice to be free of the arena.
They landed in the middle of the plaza. The village was busy as normal. Hiccup came out of his house, followed by Toothless.
"Long time no see Re," said Hiccup.
"Yup," said Re. "We got a bit carried away with training."
"Well, we could really use your help in gathering food," said Hiccup.
"Gladly," said Re. Edelweiss and her dragons took off, heading for the Cove where they could play. Chris and Serenity helped around in anyway they could. Serenity checked on the Berk's dragons, made sure they were healthy. The dragons were all happy to see her of course. Being around her good friends Serenity was vary happy, even though she didn't get to talk to Chris at all. She was looking forward to the long flight with him and Tenor. The cuts on her face, hands, and feet weren't really bothering her. Her sore limbs went back to normal.
Once she gave all the dragons a clean bill of health, she went up to the Golden Apple Tree. She was the first one there, as her work was done first. She went into her house and got her basket of sewing supplies. She brought it all back out and sat in her chair. She was lost in thought. She was looking forward to seeing her old dragon friends; Flash the Skrill, Polaris the Flightmare, Glacierwing the Snow Wraith, all the inhabitants of Changewing Island. Chris hadn't yet met them, as adventure kept getting in the way.
Soon the rest of her family joined her under the tree. They had worked for several hours and the sun was starting to set.
"Can we head out tomorrow?" Serenity asked. "My face doesn't hurt that much anymore." Chris and Tenor exchanged a glance.
"I don't see why not," said Tenor. Serenity turned to the others.
"You guys coming too?" she asked.
"No," said Aurora. "Somehow I get the feeling the rest of us will be more useful if we stayed behind. I'm not sure why though."
"Alright," said Serenity.
"Next time, we will," said Re. "A dragon always listens to their instincts." Serenity sighed.
"How many friends do you have out here?" asked Chris.
"Oooh, I've lost count," said Serenity. "I'm well known throughout this archipelago. My dragon friends don't all live on just one location like yours or Valka's were. I don't have as many either."
"What sort of dragons are they?" asked Windwalker.
"Well, all the Changewings," said Serenity. "They're pretty good friends to me. I saved their squadron from an outburst of dragon flu. I also became acquainted with a Snow Wraith named Glacierwing, and Flightmare named Polaris, and I'm very good friends with a Skrill named Flash." Both Chris and Windwalker became very surprised.
"A Skrill? Really?" said Windwalker.
"You weren't kidding when you said your friends were rare dragons," said Chris. "I've never even seen most of those."
"But you have heard of them," said Serenity.
"Through rumors," said Chris. "Some of the dragons in our nest came from this part of the Earth. They had heard and sometimes seen these rare dragons. But we thought they were just cryptids."
"But you've seen both a Skrill and a Flightmare," said Windwalker.
"They're not cryptids out here," said Tenor. "But they are possibly the rarest dragons in existence. Up there with the Night Fury, and me." Windwalker looked at him, noticing the pause. She nuzzled his neck.
"I'm pretty sure there'll be more Night Fury hybrids in the future," she said.
"But until then, Black Widow and I are the only ones," Tenor said. He sighed and shook his head, clearing it.
The sun soon set and the adults collected their children from the Cove. They turned in for the night. Tenor, Chris, and Serenity agreed to set out early. Serenity found it hard to sleep. She was thinking about what she could do while every member of her family was in the arena. She figured spending time away from the dragons and doing her own thing would do her some good. She had many other skills. She didn't know how to fight, but she was adventurous.
"What are you thinking about?" Chris asked suddenly, breaking her train of thought.
"When you are all in the arena, I'm going to have to come up with things to do," Serenity said. "So I'm not so worried about you guys."
"What sort of things?" Chris asked.
"Rock climbing, hiking, swimming, canoeing, etc," Serenity answered. "Maybe grow flowers. Then you guys can fight to your heart's content."
"We're not fighting," said Chris. "It's more friendly wrestling, we would never intentionally hurt each other."
"Tenor and Windwalker argue a lot," said Serenity. "If I'm not around to hear about it, then it won't scare me." Her tone dropped.
"I'm pretty positive they don't mean to scare you," Chris said. "But I do like where your head's at. Though there are dangers in doing those things."
"Yes I know," said Serenity. "But I don't want to sit around doing nothing." Chris couldn't think of an argument to that.
"As long as you're careful," he said. "I don't want to end up finding you at the bottom of a steep hill, all broken. Or find your canoe floating on the water by itself." Serenity sighed.
"I can't promise that that won't happen," she said. "But I can promise that I'll be careful." Chris seemed satisfied. He kissed her forehead.
"You should get some sleep," he said. "You can explore you adventurous side later." Serenity nodded, smiling. She scooted closer to him and they both fell asleep. Serenity made a mental note to ask Re and Aurora for a canoe before she left.
The next morning the Draconians woke up at their leisure. Serenity, Chris, and Tenor got themselves ready for their trip. Serenity packed her camping supplies and medical bag. When everything was ready Serenity turned to the king and queen.
"Re, can I have a canoe?" she asked. This surprised everyone, except Chris.
"What do you want a canoe for?" Aurora asked.
"Going out onto the water," said Serenity. "While you guys are in the arena I plan to take a canoe out onto the water. I also plan to rock climb, hike, swim, plant flowers. It would be better than sitting in my room, worrying about you guys. Better than crying like a idiot." The dragons exchanged a glance.
"You're not an idiot," said Re. "We know why you worry, you don't want us to get hurt."
"Your worries are perfectly rationale," said Aurora. "Now these activities you mentioned, except planting flowers, are pretty dangerous, especially by yourself." Serenity's expression went from hopeful and excited to disappointment.
"Oh," she said. She picked up her medical bag and put it onto Tenor's saddle. Tenor looked at her. She didn't looked excited anymore. He thought around in his head for a change of subject.
"So, who should we visit first?" he asked.
"I want to meet this Skrill," said Chris.
"Okay," said Serenity. She mounted Tenor and Chris got on behind her. Tenor turned to Windwalker.
"You sure you don't want to come?" he asked. "You'll get to meet a Skrill. Not many folks get to do that." Windwalker considered.
"Tempting but someone will have to keep an eye on Black Widow," she said. Tenor shrugged.
"Next time then," he said, he sounded disappointed too.
"Absolutely," said Windwalker. Tenor spread his wings and took off. The rest of the dragons watched them fly away. Aurora turned to Re.
"Would it really be a terrible thing, giving her a canoe?" she asked.
"She could fall overboard and drown," Re said. "It's way more dangerous doing it by herself. She fell off a rock."
"I've seen in her head, she's well aware of the dangers those activities," said Aurora. "And she really wants that canoe."
"I'll think about it," Re said. He laid down in the dragonnip.
Tenor flew over the ocean. Serenity and Chris watched for wildlife. Both Chris and Tenor noticed that Serenity still looked disappointed. Chris put a hand on her shoulder.
"You okay?" he asked.
"I think so," said Serenity. "I really wanted a canoe."
"Somehow I think Re and Aurora will still get you one," said Tenor. "And if not, I'll get you one myself."
"Even if they said no?" Serenity asked. "I don't want to disobey them, Re's scary when he's mad."
"Well, we'll work something out," Chris said. "How much farther is it?"
"Nearly there," Tenor said. He was approaching a tall iceberg. Heavy grew clouds hung over it. Serenity got a hold of herself, deciding to worry about the canoe later. Tenor accelerated and flew over the iceberg. He let out a loud roar to announce their arrival. Several bolts of lightning shot out of the iceberg, followed by another roar. Tenor flew down and landed on top of the iceberg. They were facing a deep cave. Chris and Serenity dismounted.
"He's on his way out," Tenor said.
All too soon a dark grey and purple dragon emerged from the cave. He blinked the sunlight out of his eyes. When he saw Serenity he seemed pleased.
"Hi Serenity," he said.
"Hey Flash," said Serenity. Flash was quick to notice Chris.
"Who do we have here?" he asked.
"I'm Chris," Chris said. Flash seemed surprised.
"You can speak to us too," he said.
"Yup," Chris said. "I was the first to learn Dragontongue, Serenity was the second." Flash beamed at this. He held his snout out to Chris, and Chris stroked it, a dragon handshake.
"Never seen a Skrill before," Chris said. "Not even from a distance."
"We are very secretive, much like the Night Fury," Flash said. "And we tend to avoid humans at all cost. Humans aim to capture us Skrills and use our lighting as a weapon."
"I hear you," Chris said. "My mother has magic and keeps it a secret for the same reason." Flash tilted his head.
"You're mother?" he said curiously.
"I was adopted by the Dragon King and his queen," Chris explained. "My birth parents are dead." Flash nodded.
"Odd, I had not idea they had another human," said Flash. He looked at Serenity, who had been quiet the whole time.
"Well I was separated from them when I was twelve," said Chris. "And helping a mountain full of dragons defend their home from a powerful empire." Flash looked at Tenor.
"Were you there Prime Minister?" he asked.
"I saw the last of it," said Tenor. "My comrades and I got wind of what was going on and helped those dragons as well. They won the war but it cost them their home in the process. So my comrades and I gave them a home on Draconia."
"I may consider heading there myself," said Flash. "It's the only place that's completely safe from humans. Unless the king and queen plan to give you the crown next." He looked at Chris.
"No they can't," said Tenor. "Draco doesn't really concern himself with humans, except for these two, but he's absolutely against them running his country. If they run it, they're will be no escaping them."
"Well that's good," Flash said. "So do you have other places to go or can you stay a while?" The three of them exchanged a glance.
"There's one other dragon I want to visit before the sun sets," said Serenity. Flash nodded.
"It was nice meeting you," Chris said.
"Likewise," said Flash. "I hope to run into you two again in the fatherland."
"You can be sure of that," said Tenor. Flash turned and went back inside. Serenity and Chris got back on Tenor and they took off.
Back under the Golden Apple Tree, Re was pacing up and down. He was mauling over weather or not he'd give Serenity a canoe. He wanted to give her one, but the ocean in these parts were unpredictable and had strong currents. Aurora and Windwalker watched him, concerned. Just then Hiccup came up the hill with Toothless.
"What are you so troubled about?" Hiccup asked, seeing Re pacing and swinging his tail.
"Ah, Serenity asked for a canoe," he said.
"What's a canoe?" Hiccup asked.
"It's a small boat," said Aurora. "Similar to a rowboat only narrower and piloted by one or two people, and they use individual paddles."
"Hmm," said Hiccup. "Something like that wouldn't last long up here. The ocean has very strong currents and storms come out of nowhere."
"And the water is freezing," Re said. "Which is the reason I can't let her have a canoe. Even though she really wants one."
"Why does she want a canoe?" asked Hiccup.
"She wants to go canoeing while we're all in the arena," Re said. "So she has something to do. Not that I blame her."
"Where is she?" Hiccup asked.
"She, Chris, and Tenor are going around the archipelago," said Aurora. "Visiting Serenity's old dragon friends."
"Oh, okay," said Hiccup. "She's made friends with some pretty rare dragons."
"Yeah," Re agreed. "She may hate fighting, but she is adventurous."
"Anyway, we're updating the dragon hanger," Hiccup said. "And we could really use your help." The three Draconians looked at each other.
"We'll be right there," said Aurora. Hiccup got on Toothless and took off. Re lead the way down towards the village.
"I still think the dragon world isn't really the right one for Serenity," said Windwalker. "We're all fighters and she's not."
"I don't want to get rid of her just because she's different," Re said. "She's part of the family."
"Well, we'll think of something," said Aurora. "But first lets get to work. We can discus this when the others get back." She took the lead and they headed for the hanger.
Serenity, Chris, and Tenor flew over the ocean. I was getting dark by now. They were suddenly approaching a tall island. It was covered in trees and grass. Chris looked down at the water. A luminous blue glow sat on the surface of the water. It surrounded the island, casting light on the rocks and cliffs.
"What is that?" Chris asked.
"It's glowing algae," said Serenity. "This is Polaris's island. He's a Flightmare." She clicked the reins and Tenor picked up speed.
Soon they landed in front of another cave. It was tucked between two hills and caged by trees. Chris and Serenity dismounted.
"So when the rider found out you were friends with these dragons?" Chris wanted to know.
"Umm, some of them were pretty jealous," said Serenity. "I think they had a secret dislike towards me but never expressed it out loud." She then turned towards the cave and called for Polaris. Suddenly there came a loud roar from the cave. A blue white light emerged from it. The Flightmare came out, looking like he'd just woke up.
"Oh, sorry to wake you Polaris," said Serenity. Polaris yawned.
"It's okay," he said. "It's almost time for my hunt anyway. How are you Serenity, long time no see." Serenity stroked his snout, his scales felt colder than a normal dragon.
Tenor watched quietly as Serenity introduced Polaris to Chris. They told him the same story that they told Flash. He waited and got lost in his thoughts. He wished Windwalker were there meeting these dragons too. He was lost in thought, missing her. He jumped slightly when Serenity and Chris rejoined him. Polaris had taken off to go hunt.
"Sorry to startle you Tenor," Chris said.
"No, it's fine," said Tenor. He shook himself and they got on his back. He spread his wings and took off. He left the island, heading over the ocean yet again.
The moon and stars came out. But they were soon covered up by storm clouds. Tenor used his sonar to see if he could go around the storm. But it was no use. He turned and went in the direction of the wind, hoping it would carry them through the storm. Chris and Serenity hung on tight. Tenor had to fly low to avoid lightning. The waves got bigger, drenching them in sea water. Tenor flew erratically to avoid them. It soon started to rain buckets. It was now impossible to see anything, with all the water being dumped on them. This caused Tenor to not see the monstrous wave coming right at them, until it was right in front of them.
"Tenor look out!" Serenity cried. But her warning came too late. Tenor tried to get out of the way but the wave crashed on top of them. Tenor no longer felt the two humans on his back. He swam to the surface and managed to get airborne again. He scanned the water for them, using his sonar. But he saw nothing. Refusing to go back to Berk with an empty saddle, he kept searching. Hoping for the best.
