The Night and the Fury
The Dragon Riders of Berk were gathered in the Academy waiting for instructions from Hiccup. They had given their dragons they day off because tomorrow night they were going to go to Dragon Island for a stealth exercise. So the dragons went up towards Serenity's Dragon Hospital where they liked to hang out.
"What do you think this exercise will be exactly?" Hookfang asked.
"I don't know," said Toothless. "But I'm getting a slight feeling that we won't be invited."
"Well if that is the case," said Stormfly. "At least we'll be able to hang out with Serenity more." They all nodded in agreement. They walked through the village and up to the hospital. When they got there they found Serenity sitting in the shade of her apple tree with Ruby, Harmony, and Re and Aurora the dragon king and queen. They seemed to be talking about the dragons' homeland Draconia. Then Ruby spotted the new arrivals.
"Ah there they are," he said. "Hello friends."
"Hello," said Meatlug.
"We were just talking about you guys," said Harmony.
"Hello your majesties," said Toothless to the king and queen. "What brings you to Berk?"
"We wanted to personally drop off Ruby's new armor," said Aurora. "And to visit Serenity." She pointed to Ruby who was wearing a shiny, steel, suit of dragon armor that had a huge ruby stone in the head plate.
"Very nice," said Stormlfy. They joined the king and queen under the tree and sat down.
"Where are your riders?" Re asked.
"They're down at the Academy," said Toothless. "They gave us the day off. So we decided to come up here to hang out."
"You come here often?" Aurora asked.
"Yeah," said Belch. "It's the only place in the village that's for us, in a good way."
"There's been a lot of death in that arena," said Hookfang. "I've seen a lot of my friends killed there."
"There's a lot of death at a hospital too," Aurora pointed out.
"Not this one," said Serenity. "So far no one has died in my hospital."
"Really?" Re asked.
"It's true," said Toothless. "I've been here for a long time and I haven't seen one dragon put down."
"How long have you been here?" Aurora asked.
"Two years I think," said Toothless. "I've lost track."
"How long are you two staying?" Harmony asked. Re shrugged.
"Until something exciting happens I guess," he said.
"You won't have to wait long," said Stormfly. "There's always something going on."
"I know," said Aurora. "From what we here you guys see more action than we do." No one said anything. Serenity got up to stretch her legs.
"How about you go break in that armor," she suggested to Ruby.
"Okay," said Ruby. "Would you all mine if we go out fishing?"
"We'll bring you something," said Serenity. The dragons nodded.
"Don't be gone too long though," said Barf.
"We'll be back in twenty minuets," said Serenity. She mounted Ruby and rode down the hill to the plaza. There she found the riders coming back from the arena.
"Hi Serenity," said Astrid.
"Hello," said Serenity.
"Can I ask a favor?" Hiccup asked.
"Sure," said Serenity carefully.
"We're going to Dragon Island tomorrow night," said Hiccup. "To practice stealth skills. We want to do it without dragon help. So would you come with us and keep an eye on the dragons to make sure they don't help us?" Serenity thought for a moment.
"Where would we stay?" she asked.
"I marked the cave where we will meet up again on this," Hiccup handed Serenity a map.
"Okay," she said. "I'll see you guys letter." She put the map on her saddlebags and took off.
When Serenity and Ruby returned to the tree they found all the dragons still there, talking. They landed and Serenity dismounted.
"That didn't take long," said Re.
"No," said Serenity. "And I got plenty of fish." She unloaded a whole bunch of cod, salmon, and Mackerel. She gave each dragon a fish of their choice, then she put the rest of the fish into crates. She sat down and pulled out the map of Dragon Island.
"What's that for?" Toothless asked.
"Tomorrow night your riders plan to hike through Dragon Island," said Serenity. "They want to practice stealth skills, without your guy's help."
"What?" said Hookfang, shocked. "Why don't they want our help?"
"They probably want to be able to defend themselves if they're ever separated from you," said Harmony.
"That makes sense," said Belch. "But what are we going to do?"
"We are going meet them at this cave," Serenity said, showing them.
"Are you coming?" Stormfly asked.
"Yes," said Serenity. "I'll keep you guys company."
"We should all go," said Meatlug. "The king and queen included." They all turned to Re and Aurora.
"Do you want to come to Dragon Island with us your majesties?" Serenity asked. Re exchanged a glance with Aurora.
"Where's Dragon Island?" Aurora asked.
"You've been there," Serenity said. "The first time you came to the Archipelago."
"Oh yes," said Re. "It should be fun, a dragon camping party. I haven't done that since I was a yearling."
"Alright," said Aurora. "We'll come if you bring your guitar Serenity." Serenity smiled and gave the OK sign with her fingers.
That evening after the dragons went home Serenity started to gather up her camping gear.
"So how is that armor?" Aurora asked Ruby.
"Wonderful," said Ruby. "It's so light I can scarcely feel it."
"Would you mind sleeping in it?" Serenity asked, as she rolled up her sleeping bag.
"Not at all," said Ruby. Serenity put her sleeping bag next to the tree trunk, along with saddlebags full food, her water canteen, her guitar in its black case, her medical bag, and her hammock tent.
"Is this the stuff you bring when you're on the go?" Harmony asked.
"Pretty much," said Serenity. She set the hammock tent beside her chair.
"Are you two ready?" Ruby asked Re.
"Yup," said Re. He and Aurora were now both wearing steel dragon armor. Their armor was fancier than Ruby's. Aurora's armor was silver decorated with a floral pattern carved into it, sapphires and turquoise stones. Re's was gold with a Celtic pattern carved into it, decorated with emeralds. Their head plates doubled as their crowns. Both sets of armor were reinforced with diamond. Looking at the armor Serenity had an idea.
"You guys should claim Dragon Island," she said. "It's open, now that the Red Death is gone."
"That's a great idea," said Ruby. "You could turn it into another castle." Re and Aurora exchanged a glance.
"Well we'll see," said Aurora. "It's a great idea, but we need to look over the land first." Serenity smiled.
"Since we're here," said Re. "Do you think we could get a tour of Berk?"
"Oh sure," said Serenity. She went put her medical bag onto the back of her saddle and mounted Ruby.
"Are you coming Harmony?" Re asked.
"No thanks," said Harmony. "I've already had the tour."
"We'll be back in a few minuets," said Serenity, then she turned to Re and Aurora.
"We'll start in the village," she said. They walked down to the plaza witch was quiet.
"This is the town plaza," said Ruby.
"It's big," said Re, looking around. "What happens here?"
"It's mostly used as either a gathering place or a landing patch for the dragons," Serenity explained. "Up those stairs is the Great Hall, that house up there is where Stoic and Hiccup live."
"And they're the ones in charge?" Aurora asked.
"Yes," said Serenity. "Stoic's the chief and Hiccup is head of the Dragon Flight Club."
"What's that?" Re asked.
"It's where the riders train how to defend Berk from enemy tribes or wild dragons," said Ruby. "It's new."
"Anyway," said Serenity. "That large building is the food storage hut, next to it are the Dragon Riders' houses, and the forge."
"Where is everyone?" Aurora asked.
"Sleeping in probably," said Serenity. "This place will be buzzing when we finish this tour." She clicked the reins and Ruby took off. They all flew to the empty arena and landed in the center.
"This is the Dragon Training Academy," said Serenity. "However the riders train in the skis these days, they just meet up here."
"Is this the arena Hookfang mentioned yesterday?" Aurora asked.
"Yes," said Ruby. "This used to be the dragon killing ring, hence all the cages."
"I like it," said Re. "Dose that come off?" He pointed to the big cage roof overhead.
"Yes," said Serenity. "They take it off for competitions."
"Is this where Hiccup and Toothless met?" Serenity asked.
"No," said Serenity. "That's next." They took off and flew out of the arena. They left the village and flew over the trees and rocks, and eventually they landed in the Cove. Serenity dismounted.
"Wow," Aurora gasped. "This place is beautiful."
"This is the Cove," said Serenity softly.
"Just the Cove?" Re asked.
"Yeah," said Serenity. "Though I call it the Dragon Trainer's Cove."
"It's very peaceful," said Re.
"We'll lets head back and I'll make breakfast," said Serenity. They took off and flew back to the village. They landed in the plaza, witch was now buzzing with people and dragons. Everyone turned and stared at Re and Aurora in awe.
"Oh, I've been expecting this," said Re, blushing slightly.
"Does it bother you?" Ruby asked.
"No," said Re and Aurora in unison. Just then Stoic came up to them flanked by Gobber and Thornado.
"Fine morning to you Serenity," Stoic bellowed.
"Likewise," said Serenity.
"And who do we have here?" Stoic asked looking at Re and Aurora.
"I'm Re," said Re. "I'm the king of dragons, and this is my queen Aurora."
"King?" said Stoic, surprised.
"That's right," said Re.
"What brings you to Berk?" Gobber asked.
"We've heard a lot about this place," said Aurora. "And we wanted to see it ourselves."
"Plus we hope to claim Dragon Island," said Re.
"Are you going to make the dragons attack us again?" Stoic asked. Re and Aurora exchanged a glance and snickered.
"Don't worry," said Re. "We're not the Red Death."
"In that case," said Stoic. "If you need anything from us just ask."
"And if you need anything from us just ask," said Re. With that they followed Serenity and Ruby back up the the hospital. Harmony was waiting quietly for them.
"I think that went well," said Serenity as she dismounted.
"We should get ready for tonight," said Harmony. "Hiccup came up here while you were gone and said he wants us to meet them on Dragon Island."
"Okay," said Serenity. She started to put her camping gear onto Ruby.
"So dose Hiccup know we're here?" Re asked.
"Yes, I told them," said Harmony.
"This should be interesting," said Aurora. "We haven't met Hiccup and the riders yet. I'm looking forward to it." Serenity strapped her guitar to Ruby's back.
"Are we all set?" Ruby asked. As an answer to his question Serenity mounted him.
"Lead the way," said Aurora. Serenity clicked the reins and they took off, followed by Re, Aurora, and Harmony. They formed a V-shaped formation as they flew over the village. They headed south towards Dragon Island.
When they got there it was buzzing with dragons of all types. Ruby lead the decent towards the cave that was marked on the map. As they got closer the wild dragons noticed them and let them pass. They all greeted the king and queen with deep respect. Serenity landed Ruby in front of the cave, the others followed suit. They walked into the cave and Serenity dismounted.
"I'm going to set up," she said. "Why don't you two go explore?"
"Okay," said Re. "We'll come back when we spot the riders." They turned around and flew out of the cave. Serenity unloaded her gear. Ruby and Harmony went to get fire wood while Serenity set up her hammock tent, sleeping bag, and chair. Then she made a fire pit by digging a a hole with a spade and surrounding it with rocks. Ruby and Harmony came back with firewood and put it into the pit. Serenity sat in her chair and waited for Re and Aurora to return.
As the sun went down the wild dragons that weren't nocturnal began to turn in for the night. The island grew quieter and quieter. Serenity began to cook dinner when the king and queen landed in the cave.
"This island is wonderful," said Re excitedly. "I have no problem making it apart of Draconia."
"The locals were very happy when we told them we were claiming it," Aurora added.
"Great," said Serenity. She removed a piece of pork chop from the fire and put it on a plate.
"Hiccup just landed," said Re, remembering why they came back.
"Okay," said Serenity. She put down the plate and mounted Ruby. They flew out of the cave together. They flew to the opposite side of the island where the riders waited. They landed next to them.
"Hello Serenity," said Hiccup.
"Hi," said Serenity as she dismounted. "I have everything set up."
"Great," said Astrid. "We should be there before the night's over."
"We'll call our dragons if there's an emergency," said Hiccup.
"I hope you don't mind if I send up a scout every once in a while, so I know when you're close?" Serenity said, as she remounted Ruby.
"That's fine," said Hiccup.
"I'll see you all later then," said Serenity. She and the dragons watched the riders walk off into the trees.
"This is going to be a long night," said Hookfang.
"Let's get to the cave," said Toothless. "Then we can talk." Serenity lead them towards the cave.
When they got there Harmony had fallen asleep and the king and queen were exploring the cave.
"We're back," Serenity announced. She dismounted and unsaddled Ruby. The dragons sat around the fire.
"This is cozy," said Meatlug.
"Yeah I like this cave," said Serenity sitting in her chair. "Despite the fact it was made by the Red Death."
"It'd be perfect for an entrance hall," said Re.
"Entrance hall?" said Toothless confused.
"Yeah," said Aurora. "We're planning to turn this old volcano into a castle, and making it apart of Draconia."
"Really?" said Hookfang. "That's great."
"Are you able to make it a castle?" Barf asked.
"Yes," said Aurora. "Our castle back home started out very much like this, just a mountain."
"Cool," said Belch.
"We'll explore this volcano after this," said Re.
"Dose that mean we'll be seeing more of you guys?" Toothless asked.
"Sure dose," said Aurora. "And Tenor, and Alto, and Daddy Draco."
"You still call him that?" Serenity asked.
"I've always called him that," said Aurora. "Even after I was crowned princess."
"Anyway," said Serenity. "I would like someone to go out and see where the riders are."
"I'll go," said Harmony.
"Okay, just observe them and come straight back," said Serenity. Harmony nodded and flew out of the cave. She flew high over the island, looking for any of the riders. She spotted wild dragons here and there. Then she spotted someone with a torch. She flew down closer and landed in a tree. She could see Hiccup following a teenage Viking with a crossbow. They seemed to be looking for something. From what Harmony could hear the older Viking, Dagur, was searching for the Night Fury, and forcing Hiccup to do help him. Harmony quickly flew out of the tree and headed back to the cave. She landed in the middle of it.
"That was quick," said Ruby.
"I saw Hiccup working with someone named Dagur," said Harmony.
"Oh no," Serenity moaned.
"Why? Who is he?" Re asked.
"Trouble," said Hookfang. "Last time he and his Berserkers came to Berk Barf and Belch were nearly killed." The Zippleback cowered in fear.
"We still have nightmares about it," said Belch.
"Who's he after this time?" Stormfly asked.
"He's hunting the Night Fury," said Harmony. They all gasped and turned to Toothless. He looked just as afraid as Barf and Belch were."
"Hiccup's trying to stop him," said Harmony. "And keep him a secret at the same time."
"If the Berserkers find out that Berk has us they'll declare war," Hookfang explained.
"So what do we do?" Serenity asked.
"We have to get out of here," Toothless. "Find our riders and go home."
"You might be killed boss," said Hookfang. "If you go look for Hiccup."
"We'll help you," said Re to Toothless.
"I would appreciate that," said Toothless.
"I'll go with the others," said Serenity, as she packed up her gear.
"Okay," said Re. "We'll see you back on Berk."
"Please be careful," begged Serenity.
"We will, I promise," said Toothless. He, Re, and Aurora ran outside and into the woods. They started to look for Hiccup.
"I'll go see if I can spot them from the air," said Re. He spread his wings and took off. He circled the area keeping an eye out. He soon spotted Hiccup and Dagur walking towards the shore. He used his dragon call to relay the information to Aurora. Then he rejoined them.
"You guys are good at this," said Toothless.
"We've been trained for this," Re bragged. They reached a cliff overlooking the coast.
"Go get Hiccup," said Re. "We'll cover you from the air."
"Okay," said Toothless. The king and queen took off and circled high overhead. Toothless walked along the cliff quietly. He could soon here the voices of Hiccup and Dagur. He followed them. He soon came to a turn in the cliff with a tall stack of rocks. He peaked around them at the two Vikings who were arguing. Suddenly Dagur spotted him and aimed his crossbow at him. Startled Toothless backed up, his back paws only found thin air.
"Oh no," he whispered. He turned back to the crossbow. He caught Hiccup's eye and flashed him a desperate look that said 'help me.'
"Okay that's it," said Hiccup sternly. "I'm not going to let you kill that dragon."
"This again," Dagur groaned, lowering the crossbow. "Fine you saw it first, you can take home a wing or something."
"No," said Hiccup. "I'm going to take the whole thing." He let out his Night Fury call. Confused Toothless ran over to Hiccup, knocking Dagur aside. He came to a stop at Hiccup's side. Dagur looked dumbfounded at the saddle on Toothless's back.
"Is that a...?" he stammered.
"Saddle?" Hiccup finished. "Yes that's exactly what it is." He slung his steel shield across his back and mounted Toothless.
"We do not kill dragons on Berk," he continued. "We ride them." He turned Toothless around to face Dagur. The dragon growled, flashing his teeth.
"Your dad lied to me," said Dagur, still dumbfounded. "You lied to me."
"We wanted to keep the peace between our tribes," said Hiccup. "We have the dragons and we're not afraid to use them." He clicked the stirrup and Toothless took off. Dagur recovered from his shock and pulled out a bola. He threw it at the Night Fury, it wrapped tightly around his tail causing him to crash. Toothless banged into the ground and Hiccup fell off. Dagur shot more bolas at Toothless, they wrapped around his wings, mouth, and paws. Hiccup ran to his dragon and pulled out his dagger and started to cut the ropes. But Dagur shot arrows at him. Hiccup dogged them and hid behind a tree. Then Dagur shot arrows at Toothless, who rolled aside to avoid them. Hiccup grabbed his shield and opened it up into his own crossbow. He grabbed an arrow and fitted it into the crossbow. He fired it at Dagur, hitting his weapon and disabling it. Then Hiccup folded the crossbow back into a shield and threw it like discuss. It hit Dagur's crossbow out of his hands. Dagur pulled out his sword, he blocked Hiccup from Toothless. Suddenly there came a loud screech. They all looked up to see Re and Aurora diving right in there direction. Dagur pulled out two more bolas and thew them at the two dragons. Re shot fire at them and they both disintegrated. Then Aurora picked Dagur up with her talons and flew off. Hiccup ran to Toothless as Re landed.
"Your friends are waiting for you," he said.
"Thanks," said Hiccup. Re helped him free Toothless. Hiccup mounted his dragon and followed Re to where his friends were waiting with Serenity, Harmony, and Ruby. As they flew away from Dragon Island, Aurora joined them.
"Where's Dagur?" Hiccup asked.
"I dropped him off on his ship," said Aurora.
"How did you like Dragon Island?" Astrid asked.
"It's very nice," said Re. "And it's nice and big, perfect for the dragons who live here."
"Do you think they'll be back, the berserkers?" Harmony asked.
"Yes," said Hiccup. "My dad won't be too happy about this."
As the riders got closer to home the sun came up. They landed in the plaza that was filling with busy people. Hiccup told his dad the bad news.
"I don't balm you son," said Stoic. "I would have done the same."
"You seem to be a bit of a fix," said Re. "With the Berserkers and the Outcasts after your land."
"Yeah," said Stoic gruffly. "We will do the best we can."
"If it'll make you feel any better," said Re. "I would be more than willing to combine forces with you."
"Really?" Stoic asked.
"Yeah," said Aurora. "You've already made peace with our kind, I see no reason why we can't work together."
"I accept," said Stoic. He held out a hand. Re put his nose against it, a dragon handshake.
"We'll be on Dragon Island," said Aurora. "Send Serenity if you have problems of any sort." Re and Aurora then turned around and flew off, heading back to Dragon Island.