Disclaimer: How to Train Your Dragon does not belong to me, as does Star Wars or any other series or franchise. They are the rightful property of their rightful owners.
Warnings: sexual references and themes, language, and mentions of Hags-Fiend activities.
"Normal Speech"/ "Telepathic Speech"/ Thinking/ #Another Language#/ "Both Telepathic and Normal Speech"
Chronicle 1 in the
Chronicles of the Dragoniters:
Dawn of the Dragoniters
Updated: 11.05.2018
Chapter 3: Bondings and the Cove Campers
The Dragon Raid ended before dawn and the surviving dragons carried everything they had managed to steal all the while supporting their injured fellows as they flew away back to their nest. The surviving Vikings of Berk were left to clean up the village, rebuild, take stock of what they had lost and how much of it they had left, count and mourn their dead and heal their injured. As the sun rose over the horizon, Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu felt an increasing urge to go looking for their Soul-Dragons and so they waited for the right time to leave. When they reunited after the battle, bearing soot stains, cuts, scratches and slight bruises and burns, Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu leaned into each other and embraced, wrapping their arms and wings around their Soul-Mates as they did after every time they were separated from them. Their Soul-Bond did not allow them to be separated for long without drawing them back together if it was strained.
Thanks to them being together almost every waking moment except for the times when they had to bathe, go to the privies or other similar such things that required privacy, Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu's Soul-Mate Bond fully stabilised during the first two months they were together and they already loved each other, showing their love and affection through gazes, touches, kind words and hugging each other longer than necessary. Their families knew the signs of young, true love when they saw them and Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu were already flourishing in their love for each other. They had not even shared their first kisses yet but were content to let their relationship grow on its own without any rushing or force. Stoick, Arthur, Ingrid, Fengo, Namara, Theodore, Nala, Mirandel, Steven, Anna and Niam gave them relationship which Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu accepted gracefully, blushing quite regularly.
Before long, Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu split up again to check on their families. Hiccup and Swiftwing headed over to the Chief's House to see Stoick and Thuggory who lived with them in Hiccup's former room. Sprinter caught up to them along the way and Hiccup hugged his Reindeer Familiar in relief. "Toothless will be expecting us soon. Time is of the essence." He told them. "I know but Dad and Thuggory will panic and send out search parties if they do not find us as soon as possible." Hiccup replied. "Oh, do I not know it, Hiccup and Sprinter. Stoick is overprotective like a mother Grizzly Bear." Swiftwing muttered. Hiccup and Sprinter laughed in response although Hiccup laughed like a normal Human, Sprinter's laugh was more of braying even if he was laughing like a Human in his mind. Stoick and Thuggory were putting out fires around their House when Hiccup and Sprinter walked and Swiftwing flew up to them, landing on Sprinter's back.
As soon as they saw him, Stoick and Thuggory marched up to Hiccup and hugged him fiercely in relief. Hiccup gasped for breath and patted both of them on their backs. "I missed you too, guys." Hiccup wheezed as they released him. "We missed you, Hic. You should be visiting your father and foster brother more." Thuggory scolded him with a gentle slap to the back. "Typical teenagers. Forgetting about their families as soon as they move out. I trust you went straight to Gobber at least." Stoick grumbled, glaring at Hiccup sternly. "Yep. Aniu and I helped him fix and forge and sharpen weapons all throughout the raid. Swiftwing and Sorina aided us as well." Hiccup replied. Stoick smiled proudly, patted Hiccup on the back, rubbed Sprinter's snout and stroked Swiftwing's feathers as gently as he could. Thuggory did the same and both Familiars nuzzled them. "Ah, back off, you big beast." Stoick muttered, pushing Sprinter away affectionately. The male Reindeer snorted and nudged Stoick and Thuggory with his great rack of antlers, nearly dislodging Swiftwing in the process.
"So, what do you guys need help with?" Hiccup asked. "Hiccup, you will help Thuggory and I cut apart debris with axes and we will hitch Sprinter to a sleigh and tow it away. Swiftwing will search anywhere where we will have easy access. As for putting out fires, we will use Sprinter to tow bucket of water back and forth from the water stations to fires. The rest of us will put out the fires. Let us get going." Stoick ordered, quickly turning into Stoick the Chief from Stoick the Father. "Aye, aye, Chief." Hiccup and Thuggory chorused and chortled, looked at each other and laughed harder. Stoick smiled and cuffed them gently over their heads before going to grab a harness for Sprinter and hitch him to the sleigh which the Reindeer was willing to do to help and had given them his full permission. Hiccup and Thuggory grabbed buckets of water and began putting out fires when Thuggory thought of something and grinned.
"Hey, Hic. Have you, Astrid, Nava and Aniu been snogging or fucking lately?" He asked mischievously. Hiccup nearly dropped his bucket in shock before regaining his senses and throwing it over Thuggory, soaking him even as he began laughing hysterically. "BOYS!" Stoick roared when Hiccup was just about to tackle Thuggory in revenge. Not willing to risk Stoick the Vast's wrath, both boys quickly returned to work and Swiftwing pecked both of them on the ears in scolding. "That bird of yours is mean." Thuggory complained. "Well, he has to be when you open your big, fat mouth." Hiccup replied. "Big, fat mouth, hey?" Thuggory growled. Hiccup smirked and knowing Stoick was nearby and Swiftwing and Sprinter were watching and listening, Thuggory glared at Hiccup and gave him the "I am watching you" gesture. Hiccup mischievously replied with an "Oh, I am so scared now" gesture. Swiftwing cuffed them both over their heads with his wings and Hiccup and Thuggory both returned to work, muttering.
Arthur, Ingrid, Aster, Erika and Finnley Hofferson were preparing breakfast when Astrid and Zena walked and flew inside and Willow waited outside. Astrid had barely closed the door when both of her younger siblings ran up to their big sister and hugged her. "Hey, demons." Astrid greeted them affectionately and hugged them both before standing up to hug Aster and their parents when they walked over. "There is my young warrior-ess." Arthur laughed, giving Astrid a gently smack on the back. A male Human Viking of 42 years old, Arthur Hofferson was widely renowned as warrior and a true Viking, strong, fearless and ferocious. He had long blonde hair, sky blue eyes and a loud, booming, deep voice. He wore a sleeves, dark blue tunic, black trousers and dark blue leather boots. For armour he wore a Viking helmet with horns and spikes, leather vambrace and gauntlets, metal pauldrons and chain metal over his tunic.
"Give her a break, Arthur. She does not have to be a warrior every minute of every day." His wife and the mother of his children Ingrid scolded. A Viking Spear-Wife and a loving mother both, Ingrid was strong, matronly, tough, fearless and fiery-tempered. A muscular, thick-set and heavily built woman, traits she shared with her sister the Chief of the Bog Burglars Bertha, thus making Astrid and Camicazi cousins, Ingrid had long golden hair braided in a style similar to her daughter's and worn by most Viking Spearwives of Berk and sapphire blue eyes. She wore a deep blue Viking woman dress designed for combat with a thick, studded leather overskirt, white leggings, deep blue leather boots, leather vambraces, metal pauldrons and a gold necklace with a sapphire pendant, gifted to her by her husband. Ingrid had once wielded a battle axe with two half-moon blades but she had given it to Aster when he had begun Dragon Training.
Speaking of Aster, he shared his mother's muscular, thick-set and heavy build, his father's sky blue eyes and his sister's golden-blonde hair. As for his clothing and armour, Aster followed his father's fashion choices in that regard. Erika was a sassy, little tomb with a powerful temper and a fiery glare to match. She had blonde hair, sky blue eyes and wore a red long-sleeved tunic, black leggings, brown leather boots and a pink skirt. Erika was ten years old and her younger brother Finnley, named after their paternal uncle who died fighting a Flightmare, was five, born only one year after their father's brother's death. He had golden hair, sapphire blue eyes and wore nearly the same clothes as his sister but meant for boys and coloured blue, black and white. The Hofferson clan was known for its strength, endurance and durability, meeting any challenge with ease and relishing in battle for they were among Berk's most capable warriors.
"So, how many fires did you put out tonight? Directly." Aster asked, hiding his love and pride for his sister behind a stern façade, although a smile threatened to break though. "Oh, too many to count but I suppose that is a very good thing when you are doing your best to save and protect your village and dragons are trying to destroy it." Astrid replied and Aster's stern façade broke as he smiled proudly and lovingly. "Good job, sis. It seems like every fire we put out, another ten blaze in their place but as long we keep putting them out and never giving up, we have a fighting chance." He patted Astrid on the back and both siblings went to join their family at the dining table to have breakfast. They ate in silence and try as she might, Astrid was unable to keep her mind off Stormfly and their upcoming first meeting. Zena was eating a big fish and Willow was outside grazing. Noticing Arthur, Ingrid and Aster glancing at her in concern, Erika and Finnley were too busy eating and talking with their mouths full, Astrid gave them a reassuring smile and told them a lot of things were on her mind. Fortunately for her, they respected her privacy and did not ask what she was thinking about.
"So how long do we have until Icicle expects us?" Edme asked Nava as they and Alvis walked or flew, in Alvis's case to Nava's family's house where Theodore, Nala, Niam, Nyra and Mira lived. "She told me we should sleep first before coming to her since we spent the whole night awake." Nava replied. "That is a good idea considering we do not want to meet Icicle for the first time half-asleep." Alvis said, barely holding back a yawn. "Yeah, she told me she wants us wide awake for the Bonding and that she and her friends have much to tell us." Nava said. "Well, let us visit your family, have breakfast, go home, have a sleep for a few hours, leave and then go find Icicle and her friends." Edme said. "In my opinion, it is rude to keep ladies waiting, particularly dragonesses. It is most impolite." Alvis replied. "Well, are you not a ladies' bird, you little charmer? I bet girls fawn over you." Edme teased. "You know what they say, Edme, being kind and polite brings you much further than being mean and rude." Alvis said and Edme nodded her large head in agreement, smiling.
Nava smiled at their friendly bickering and then smiled again when his family's house appeared just up ahead. Walking and flying the last several metres to the door, Nava and Alvis opened it and went inside, closing the door behind them while Edme stayed outside because of the size of her body. Sometimes, being a Dire Wolf nearly the size of a horse and growing bigger was quite difficult and inconvenient because she could not shape-shift into a different, smaller Form although she could use magic to shrink herself but that would take strength and energy she needed for the day ahead. Inside the house, Theodore, Nala and Nyra were cooking breakfast in the kitchen and Niam was playing with Mira to tire her out before she had to go back to bed. Mirandel, Steven, Melinda, Alinda, Trevor and Irwing were in their own house, either sleeping or cooking and eating breakfast. Upon seeing her other brother, Mira ran away from Niam, ignoring his protest and into Nava's arms. He picked up her up and hugged her, wrapping his wings around both of them and relishing in holding his little sister.
"Hey, Mira. Are you okay? Did the Dragon Raid scare you?" Nava asked her and Mira nodded. "I am okay. I was scared but Mummy, Daddy, Niam, Nyra and I took shelter in the underground bunker. They read me books and played with me until I fell asleep. " She replied in her sweet, soft, lispy, little girl accent. Being only five years old, Mira had not yet lost her lisp and that sometimes made her hard to understand and a quiet talker. Every Viking Home had a bunker and an escape route built underneath in the ground to provide a safe place for children to hide without fear of the house burning down and or collapsing with them in it. They were also built in a way Whispering Deaths would be hard-pressed to accidently or not tunnel in on them. Nava smiled and gently ruffled her hair, being careful of the tiny horns barely hidden and underneath the silver-blonde tresses so similar to his own. "That is my brave, little sister." He replied and Mira smiled.
"Are you ready for breakfast?" She asked sweetly. "Are you kidding me? I am starving. Alvis and Edme are too." Nava exclaimed quietly. Mira giggled and let her brother put her down so they could walk to the dining table and sit down to eat with their family. "I was beginning to think you had forgotten about us, my smart little brother." Niam teased. "Or maybe I did not want to come here just to be teased by you." Nava retorted. "Boys, enough. If both of you start arguing or worse, fighting, then I will smack you both over your heads and lock you two in a room until both of you remember that you are brothers." Nyra hissed ferociously. "You tell them, Nyra! You tell them they are being mean to each other. Naughty brothers they are." Mira replied and Niam and Nava stared at her while Nyra smirked. "Traitor." Both brothers hissed. "Mira ought to be rewarded every time she stops her brothers for arguing or worse, fighting." Theo grinned and Mira giggled. "Breakfast is ready. Eat up, we have much to do today." Nala said. So do I. Nava thought.
Aniu, Sorina and Merlin used Air magic to blow the smoke away as they approached the house in which Fengo, Namara, Anna, Acer and Arin lived. Like Nava's family's house, her family's home was a lovely, two-story Viking house with elements of their Elf-Fae culture mixed in to create a wonderful Elf-Fae/ Viking home. It had bedrooms, bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen and everything they could need to live safely and comfortably on Berk. "This village sure is quite different from Central Village on Elf-Fae Island yet similar at the same time." Sorina commented. "Yes, regular attacks and raids by hundreds or perhaps even thousands of dragons can have detrimental effects on anyone and anywhere." Merlin agreed. "All the more reason to end this war, it goes against our very nature, conscience and moral code to allow this suffering and strife to continue." Aniu said, speaking from her very heart and soul. "Spoken like a true Child of Sunheela." Sorina smiled. "Evelyn will be proud as am I." Merlin agreed. Aniu smiled and lifted her Pendant out of her tunic to hold it in her palm and stare at it, brushing her thumb over the smooth surface thoughtfully and aware of the Purified Phoenix Tears and Star-Steel Daggers on her belt and the Ironwood Battle Sticks on her back.
"I still cannot believe I am a Child of Sunheela." She whispered. "Neither can I but here we are and that is what we are." Sorina and Merlin replied. Their conversation ended when they stopped right outside the door and Aniu opened it and went in with Sorina while Merlin waited outside. Namara was resting on the couch in the living room with her wings wrapped and folded around herself and her hands above her unborn children while Fengo, Anna and Acer cooked breakfast and Arin helped set up the table. Seeing she was still awake, Aniu slowly went over and Namara opened her eyes. "There is my girl." She smiled sleepily, emerald green eyes brightening at the sight of currently youngest daughter. Aniu knelt by her side and kissed her mother lovingly on the forehead, reaching over to rest a hand and one wing on her mother's hands and wings. Still dressed in her night clothes, it was easy to see Namara had just gotten out of bed and her golden hair and wing feathers were ruffled from sleep.
"Hey, Mum. How are you?" Aniu asked gently and softly. "I am doing well, sweetheart." Namara replied. She was then eight months pregnant and feeling the effects, suffering swollen feet, a sore back, stiff wings, aching horns and constant tiredness, hunger, mood swings and cravings. Fengo, ever the dutiful, loving husband, did everything he could to relieve Namara's aches and burdens and care for her whenever he could, often massaging her body, cooking Namara her favourite meals, helping her bathe and dress and sating her needs, which had greatly increased because of her pregnancy. Aniu thanked the gods Fengo and Namara had warded their room against any sounds escaping and locked the door whenever in the throes of intimacy for the sake of their children. Anna, Acer, Aniu and Arin relished in their parents loving each other so much but it was a wonder how they did not have more children what with all the sex they had been having.
No matter how old they were and even if they had been having sex with their own lovers, there were not many people who wanted to catch their parents in the act. Fortunately, Fengo and Namara remembered to lock their door, close the windows and cast spells to prevent them from being heard, seen or even smelled. Out of all of his siblings, Arin was the only one who had not yet received the 'birds and the bees' talk on puberty, sex and pregnancies because of his age. All Elf-Faes had menstrual cycles and bled from their vaginas once every season unlike female Humans who had their periods every month. Even when fully clothed, it was easy to tell male Elf-Faes apart from female Elf-Faes even though all of them the reproductive organs and genitalia of both genders. Because breasts were mostly fatty tissue, both males and females were able to lactate and breastfeed babies even though a male's breasts were very small compared to a female's.
As for their unborn twin siblings, Fengo, Namara, Anna, Acer, Aniu, Arin, Sorina and Merlin could not wait and were very excited for their birth. Babies were precious to Elf-Faes and their births were widely celebrated by friends and family alike. Sorina flew in after Aniu and landed on the armrest of the couch. Merlin cam in soon after, having used magic to shrink himself to a more suitable size so he could fit in the house more safely and comfortably. Namara reached up with both hands to stroke them. Sorina and Merlin leaned into her touch and nuzzled her. Fengo, Anna, Acer and Arin walked into the room seconds later, smiling when they saw Aniu, Sorina and Merlin. "Everyone, dinner is ready." Fengo said. "Coming, my love." Namara yawned and Fengo helped her sit up slowly, taking a few seconds to wait for her dizziness to subside before standing up. Both lovers hugged and kissed then led their children, the Barn Owl and the shrunken Dire Wolf into the dining room.
Namara sat down on her chair with slight difficulty and Fengo helped her before sitting in the chair beside his wife. "So, Ni, how have things been going between you, Nava, Hiccup and Astrid? Any kissing or...more...yet?" Fengo asked Aniu. "No, Dad, we have not kissed yet but we have been hugging and sharing the same bed while only talking, cuddling and sleeping." Aniu replied. "That is good. At least you are not forcing it to go faster than it should. Only fools rush in, I say." Anna said. "Yeah, relationships take time to grow and flourish but I can see you, Nava, Hiccup and Astrid are getting closer every day." Acer said. "Aniu, when are you and your Soul-Mates going to find your Soul-Dragons?" Arin asked. Aniu froze before remembering she had told her family, in private away from overhearing ears of course, about how she and her Soul-Mates had Soul-Dragons waiting for them and about how they were to bring back the Order of Dragon Riders. "Considering we spent the entirety of last night awake and have not had any sleep yet, Nava, Astrid, Hiccup and I are going to get a couple of hours sleep so we can our Soul-Dragons for the first time awake and alert." She said and so the conversation drifted to Dragons, Dragon Riders and the War as they ate breakfast.
After they finished eating breakfast with their families, Hiccup, Swiftwing, Sprinter, Astrid, Zena, Willow, Nava, Alvis, Edme, Aniu, Sorina and Merlin went back to their Soul-Bond-Ling Home with drooping eyes, shuffling feet, paws or hooves and slumped wings, thinking longingly of the beds waiting for them where they lie down, close their eyes and sleep but thanks to their increased stamina, Hiccup, Swiftwing and Sprinter were more energetic than the others even though they knew they had to get some sleep. They met up outside the door that led into their dimensional home. Most of them were too tired to talk and simply headed for their rooms. "Hey, guys." Hiccup greeted his Soul-Mates who simply smiled sleepily at him. Together, they went into their room, removed their Star-Steel Daggers, Ironwood Battle Sticks, Purified Phoenix Tears, Children of Sunheela Pendants and boots, Astrid also removed her skirt and shoulder pauldrons, pulled back the blankets and sheets on their bed, lay down and pulled them back over themselves, cuddling up to each other. "Good night." They yawned and fell asleep.
A few hours later, they woke up and knowing they were not in any real hurry as there were several hours left until sundown, simply lay there in each other's arms and Nava and Aniu's wings, enjoying the peace and quiet. "Just think, by tonight we will have found our Soul-Dragons and Aniu's First Soul-Phoenix." Nava mused. "Yeah, it will change everything and nothing will be the same again." Hiccup replied, having been the first to wake up. "Do not forget our First Soul-Siblings who are also aliens from other worlds." Aniu said. "Yeah, but we have to find Toothless, Stormfly, Icicle and Heatwave first." Astrid reminded her. Unable to lie in bed anymore as they were too excited, Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu got out of bed, brushed their hair and wing feathers, and put their boots, armour, Star-Steel Daggers, Ironwood Battle Sticks, Purified Phoenix Tears and Children of Sunheela Pendants back on, opening their door and meeting Swiftwing, Sprinter, Zena, Willow, Alvis, Edme, Sorina and Merlin outside in the hallway.
Not knowing if they would get the opportunity to eat once they left, the twelve Children of Sunheela ate lunch then cleaned up. "We all ready to go?" Hiccup asked and everyone replied the affirmative. They walked or flew out of the kitchen and to the main door, opening it and heading outside. Because of the fear that someone might mistake them for Dragons, Hiccup, Astrid, Nava, Aniu, Swiftwing, Zena, Alvis and Sorina only ever went flying in their Bird Forms around the village but in the safety and privacy of their Home where they could shape-shift into any Form they wanted. Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu smiled as they remembered Nava and Aniu showing Hiccup and Astrid their Bird, Mammal and Dragon Forms and what a glorious day that had been. Nava and Aniu had told Hiccup and Astrid as much as they could about their Dragon Forms and when both of them requested they shape-shift into them, they did so. The memory replayed itself in their minds.
(Flashback scene)
Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu were walking through the forest and enjoying the scenery while Swiftwing, Sprinter, Zena, Willow, Alvis, Edme, Sorina and Merlin did so somewhere else to give the four Soul-Mates their privacy, having only been living in their Home for a few days when Hiccup asked a question that had been nagging at him. "Nava, Aniu, when are you two going to show us your other Forms?" He asked. Nava and Aniu stopped and glanced at each other. The four of them had been busy the past few days so they had not gotten any time to do that. "What is the matter, guys? Hiccup and I might get a fright but we will not think any differently of you two once we get over the shock." Astrid said. "Are you sure because Aniu and I do not really want our Soul-Mates charging at us with weapons drawn on instinct." Nava said. "Have you two so little faith in us? I am sure that our Soul-Bond will enable us to recognise each other no matter what Form we are in." Hiccup replied. "Even though our people have been at war with Dragons for centuries, I am sure will not be scared and run away or try to hurt you because are we not trying to figure out a way to end this war?" Astrid inquired.
Nava and Aniu glanced at each other again and nodded, swayed and convinced by Hiccup and Astrid's compelling and logical arguments. "Okay but I think you two should stand back. Nava and I do not accidently hurt both of you even though we will start with our Bird Forms." Aniu said. Hiccup and Astrid nodded and moved away from Nava and Aniu who also moved away from each other so they would have enough room to shape-shift safely. Once Hiccup and Astrid had backed away, Nava and Aniu concentrated and shape-shifted: Nava into his Golden Eagle Form and Aniu into her Barn Owl Form. Their shape-shifting complete, Nava and Aniu gestured at Hiccup and Astrid to come closer to them and perched on a boulder high enough for them to be level with their faces. Hiccup and Astrid approached awe-struck, admiring their two Elf-Fae Soul-Mates' Bird Forms. At Nava and Aniu's signal, both of them slowly reached out and gently touched them, stroking their soft feathers. Nava and Aniu closed their eyes in bliss and leaned into Hiccup and Astrid's touches.
"Your feathers are so soft and beautiful." Astrid marvelled. "What do your Mammal Forms look like?" Hiccup asked after a few minutes. "If both of you want to know, then both of you will have to back away further than you did last time." Nava said. "I warn you two, Nava and I are as big as Edme and Merlin in our Dire Wolf Forms." Aniu added. Hiccup and Astrid nodded and moved away, giving Nava and Aniu room to shape-shift into their Dire Wolf Forms that time. When their transformations were complete, Hiccup and Astrid once again slowly moved forward, admiring them and then touching them and stroking their fur which was so thick their hands were nearly buried by it. Nava and Aniu made sure their wings did not accidently hit Hiccup and Astrid and they once again enjoyed their touches. "I wonder if Astrid and I can ride on your backs in these Forms?" Hiccup inquired. "You two can but do not forget we have yet to teach you two how to ride on Sprinter and Willow and shape-shift into your Reindeer and Bird Forms." Nava said.
"Sprinter and Willow will get jealous if you two ride on us first so both of you best wait." Aniu added. "And now, lucky last, our Dragon Forms. Both of you will have to move way back for this." Nava said and Hiccup and Astrid nodded, which they seemed to be doing a lot of that day and backed away several feet. However, both Elf-Faes realized Hiccup and Astrid had not moved away far enough. Aniu raised an eyebrow at them. "More." She said and Hiccup and Astrid backed away again but not far enough. "More." Aniu said again and both Humans obeyed. Nava smiled in amusement. "More, more, more...perfect. That is far enough." She said when Hiccup and Astrid had backed away far enough. "Ready?" Aniu asked and Hiccup and Astrid nodded. "On three...two...one...shape-shift." Nava said and both Elf-Faes shape-shifted into their Dragon Forms.
When the flashes of sapphire blue and emerald green light disappeared, Nava and Aniu were standing there, proud and tall, on all four clawed and scaled legs supported their large, scaled bodies, gazing down at Hiccup and Astrid with reptilian eyes. Even in their Dragon Forms, the Winter Dragon and Summer Dragon were still unmistakeably Nava and Aniu. Shielding their eyes from the bright flashes of light, Hiccup and Astrid lowered their hands and stared at Nava and Aniu in awe, eyes wide and jaws dropped as they admired their two Soul-Mates Dragon Forms, drinking in their large sizes, their bodies and the colour of their scales. "Wow." They breathed. "So...what do you two think of us?" Aniu asked shyly. "Both of you are so...cool and amazing." Hiccup gasped. "Do not forget awe-inspiring and magnificent." Astrid added and both Nava and Aniu blushed. "Would both of you...like to...touch us? Do not worry, Aniu and I are not that hot or cold and we definitely will not bite." Nava said.
Hiccup and Astrid nodded, both of them seemed to be doing a lot of that lately and approached Nava and Aniu slowly so they could admire all of their features. When they were close enough, both Humans slowly reached up and taking a moment to acknowledge the special moment, gently rested their hands on both Dragon's snouts: Hiccup resting his hand on Nava's snout and feeling the gentle cold that reminded him of snow and the smooth texture of his scales. Astrid rested her hand on Aniu's snout and felt the heat that reminded of Summer and the smooth texture of her scales before they switched over, not wanting to make their Elf-Fae Soul-Mates feel favoured over another. Both Nava and Aniu purred at Hiccup and Astrid's touches and let them stroke their scales, purring even more and gently nuzzling them. "This is incredible...and historic." Hiccup marvelled. "I know, right. This changes everything." Astrid agreed.
"Do both of you want us to show you two how we fly, breathe our Breath Weapons and such?" Nava asked. "Are you kidding me? Of course I do." Hiccup asked enthusiastically. "Most definitely." Astrid grinned. "Which one do you two want us to do first?" Aniu asked. "Breath Weapons!" Hiccup and Astrid exclaimed simultaneously. "All right, Aniu, you go first." Nava said. Aniu bared her fangs in a smile and raised her head, inhaling a deep breath then exhaling a powerful flow of hot golden fire into the sky, burning red hot and sun bright against the blueness. She held it for several seconds then stopped. "All right, Nava, your turn." Aniu grinned. Nava smiled and opened his jaws, inhaling then exhaling a stream of freezing cold ice and forming a giant block of it in front of him with frost and snow around. "Show off." Aniu muttered affectionately. "If I am a show off, then you are one too." Nava grinned at her and Aniu rolled her emerald green eyes.
"Can you two show us how both of you fly now?" Hiccup requested. "I much prefer seeing you two fly in your Humanoid Forms first." Astrid added. "All right but let us get to a place where we have a better take off and landing point and you two have a good place to watch us." Aniu said and led them to a cliff edge overlooking a valley. Both she and Nava shape-shifted back into their Humanoid Forms and stood on the edge of the cliff. "Be prepared to be amazed." Nava grinned. "On three...two...one...GO!" Both he and Aniu counted down and jumped off the cliff. Hiccup and Astrid ran to the edge of the cliff and watched as Nava and Aniu plunged down, opening their wings and then levelling out and flying over the valley, spiralling and looping, twisting and turning, rolling and soaring, diving and descending and ascending their way through the sky much to the awe and amazement of their two Human Soul-Mates. It was obvious to them that Aniu was a better, more agile, balanced and flexible flier than Nava but even so flying came naturally to them as they flew with ease.
Every half hour or so, Nava and Aniu would shape-shift into either their Bird Forms, Winged Dire Wolf Forms or Dragon Forms and perform a bunch of tricks and manoeuvres to wow their audience. Nava and Aniu flew and Hiccup and Astrid watched for hours until hunger, thirst and exhaustion called them back to their dining room and their bedroom for dinner and sleep. A they watched Nava and Aniu fly, the urge to join them in the sky grew in power and the next day, Nava, Aniu, Edme and Melrin taught them how to ride Sprinter and Willow through the forest and Edme and Merlin through the sky, allowing Hiccup and Astrid to experience flying onboard a Winged Animal's back for the first time. After that, Nava, Aniu, Alvis, Edme, Sorina and Merlin taught Hiccup and Astrid how to shape-shift into their Barn Owl, Golden Eagle and Reindeer Forms and how to stand, walk, fly, eat, drink, urinate, defecate and everything else they needed to learn. By the end of the month, the lessons and the experiences drew them closer and strengthened their connections and Bonds.
(End Flashback)
Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu mounted Sprinter, Willow, Edme and Merlin and Swiftwing, Zena, Alvis and Sorina flew above them. "All right, let us go." Hicup said and at their Rider's signals, the two Reindeer and Dire Wolves began walking in the direction of the forest, excitement, relief and joy blooming in their hearts, minds and souls. They knew what would happen that day would change everything. To anyone who saw, they looked like they were only going for a ride into the forest when in fact what they were doing was much more than just a ride. They were going to follow their destiny and find their Soul-Dragons, Bond with them, learn how to be Soul-Bonded Dragon Riders and become true Children of Sunheela, learning and training all they needed to learn and train. The fate of Berk, Vikings, Humans, Dragons, Elf-Faes and the world was counting on them and they vowed to protect them and make Athelon a better, safer and happier place to live. "May the blessings of Sunheela be with us." They all thought as one.
Elsewhere in the forest, four Dragons and a Fire Phoenix waited in a deep, lush crater in the ground complete with a lake for their Soul-Riders. "How long do you three think our Soul-Riders will be?" The male Night Fury asked. "My Soul-Rider did tell me they were having breakfast and a long nap before they came." The female Deadly Nadder replied. "It will not be long now. I can sense my Soul-Rider getting closer and closer." The Winter Dragoness said. "I sure hope our Soul-Riders will get here soon. Time is of the essence." The Summer Dragon admitted impatiently. "Patience, they will arrive when they arrive. All we can do is use our Bonds they share with us to guide and wait." The female Fire Phoenix said. "The sooner they get here, the sooner we can Bond and begin learning and training." Toothless muttered. "Hush now, Mr. Impatient. You cannot always go at the speed of sound." Stormfly reminded him, swatting his wing with her tail. "Always on the move, our dearest Toothless is. At least I know how to wait patiently." Icicle laughed in amusement. "As you constantly remind us, my lovely, smart and intuitive Icicle." Heatwave chuckled, nuzzling her affectionately. Firesong chuckled melodiously and resumed her silent vigil of the Cove as they affectionately called their temporary home. She knew Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu were on their way.
Speaking of the four Soul-Mates, they and their Familiars were rather slowly making their way through the undergrowth, being guided by the Soul-Bonds they shared with their Soul-Dragons in the direction of the Cove and they already knew they were getting closer. Swiftwing, Zena, Alvis and Sorina had flown ahead to scout out the path while Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu rode on Sprinter, Willow, Edme and Merlin. The eight of them looked up when the two Barn Owls and two Golden Eagles flew back to them. "It seems we caught up to you four in just in time." Zena said. "The path ahead is clear but there have been signs of Dragons hunting nearby. They hid their tracks well but we found them nonetheless." Swiftwing said. "It is a sure sign we are getting close. In fact, the tracks grew more numerous the further we flew." Sorina said. "It was smart of them to hide this far away from the village and anywhere Humans might be. Unfortunately, that means we have to travel further." Alvis added.
Hiccup, Astrid, Nava, Aniu, Sprinter, Willow, Edme and Merlin nodded and continued walking. "By the stars, I sure hope none of them see Willow and I as food." Sprinter shuddered nervously. "Many Dragons eat deer and we are Reindeer so does that mean they will prey on us?" Willow asked. "I am pretty sure they will know both of you are Hiccup and Astrid's Familiars and thus not food." Edme said. "Do not worry, Sprinter and Willow, we will keep both of you safe from harm even if we have to constantly remind them you two are not on the menu." Merlin assured them. "OH, thank you. I still remember how scared Willow and I were of both you." Sprinter sighed in relief. "First we feared both of you, then we were wary around you and now we are the closest of friends." Willow said and both Edme and Merlin smiled at her. "It is better to be loved and respected than feared and hated." Edme said wisely. "People who love you will do anything for you, people who hate you will want you dead and people who fear you are not truly loyal to you." Merlin added.
Ever since they had arrived on Berk, Nava and Aniu had taken every opportunity they had to explore Berk beginning with the village. Unfortunately, they were quite busy but that did not stop them from learning everything they could about Berk, meeting new people and making friends with them. They were already getting along well with Camicazi, Thuggory and Fishlegs, each of whom were close friends with Hiccup and Astrid. They sparred, worked, hunted, fished and gathered with them frequently as was important for Viking culture to improve their fighting skills, maintain the village and get food for its people. Since they only had time to explore the village, the forest was unfamiliar territory to them. Berk truly was a beautiful island, full of verdant forests, towering cliffs, pristine beaches, lush meadows, valleys, mountains, lakes, rivers, streams and caves. In its own way, Berk was a true, northern paradise just as Elf-Fae Island was despite being further south. Nava and Aniu missed their old home but they knew Berk was their new home and they already cherished it. If Berk was that stunning and beautiful despite suffering raids from dragons, it would be even more so once the war was over and Berk regrew.
A red and yellow Monarch Butterfly made of fire fluttered down to them and hovered above Aniu who giggled and held up a finger for the Butterfly to perch on. It stared up into Aniu's emerald green eyes and the female Elf-Fae gasped as she felt the magical signature of the one who had created it. "Hello. Are you not a beautiful butterfly?" Aniu murmured, admiring the markings on the butterfly's wings as it stared up at her face. Nava, Astrid and Hiccup leaned in closer for a better look. It turned away from Aniu to look up at their faces before fluttering its wings and flying above them. "I think it wants us to follow it." Hiccup said."I believe you are right but just let me try something first." Aniu said and conjured a flame in her hand. The Fire Monarch Butterfly fluttered closer until it touched her fire and grew more happy and excited. Aniu gasped in surprise when she sensed the magic the butterfly was formed of and it was familiar yet new at the same time. It felt as though it was checking who they were and emanating a sense of curiosity, joy, excitement, impatience, benevolence and eagerness.
Aniu created a breeze to blow around the fire in her palm. Nava decided to add his own Elements to the mix and large snowflakes swirled around a ball of water in his palm. The butterfly seemed very pleased and fluttered over to Hiccup and Astrid as if expecting them to display their magic but both humans shook their heads and lifted their Necklaces out of their shirts, pleasing the butterfly even more. It fluttered on ahead and they followed it again. Their Familiars had been watching and observed the butterfly as it fluttered around them."I think that butterfly will lead us to our Soul-Dragons." Nava said. "And it wanted to make sure we were the right people." Astrid added. And so they followed the butterfly to a rock wall that spanned to the left and right and was rounded. A thick gap in the wall, cleverly hidden by foliage and was wide and tall enough to let Sprinter, Willow, Edme and Merlin in through comfortably formed the only entrance they could see.
The pull leading them to their Soul-Dragons was stronger ever, so strong nearly all they could feel was the urge to go through the gap in the wall and meet their Soul-Dragons for the first time in person. Without even needing to ask, Hiccup, Astrid, Nava, Aniu, Swiftwing, Sprinter, Zena, Willow, Alvis, Edme, Sorina and Merlin went through the rock wall, walked down a narrow passageway and out into bright sunlight on a rock ledge towering above a most beautiful Cove sunk deep into the ground about 50 feet below. One half of it was grassy land with patches of trees and boulders, the entire area was big enough to fit a whole herd of dragons and or half the village. The other half was a massive pond big and perhaps deep enough to fit a whole herd of Scauldrons and Thunderdrums. It was amazingly well-hidden from the sky and from the surrounding forest. From the rock ledge on which they stood, there was a pathway leading down into the depths of the Cove, allowing them entry and exit.
"Should we walk or fly down?" Astrid asked. "I think it best if we fly down and walk up. Unfortunately, Sprinter and Willow do not have wings so Astrid and I will ride them down on hoof. " Hiccup replied. "This place is so big, well-hidden and beautiful. It is like a secret paradise." Nava marvelled. "I still remember when Nava and I showed you our other Forms." Aniu said, smiling at the memory of Hiccup and Astrid staring at her and Nava when they showed them their other Forms. Her wings twitched when she remembered Hiccup and Astrid running their hands through their Dire Wolf fur, Barn Owl and Golden Eagle feathers and their Summer Dragon and Winter Dragon scales. That was the first time Hiccup and Astrid had ever touched dragon scales still attached to a dragon body even though Nava and Aniu were not actually dragons but Elf-Faes in their Dragon Forms. They had had a lot of fun that day showing Hiccup and Astrid what they could do with their Forms but they had never gotten onto their backs in their Dragon Forms as they insisted on doing it for the first time with their Soul-Dragons. That had not stopped Hiccup and Astrid from riding on their Dire Wolf Forms though, going at high speeds, jumping over obstacles and running as long as they could.
To celebrate Hiccup and Astrid learning how to shape-shift into their Bird and Mammal Forms, Nava, Aniu, Swiftwing, Sprinter, Zena, Willow, Alvis, Edme, Sorina, Merlin and their Families threw a party with plenty of feasting, drinking, gift-giving and showing them their new powers involved. Hiccup and Astrid would never forget the looks on their families' faces or their reactions or expressions when they shape-shifted. At first, Stoick, Arthur, Ingrid, Aster, Erika and Finnley got a fright and did not recognise Hiccup and Astrid in their Barn Owl, Golden Eagle or Reindeer Forms but as they calmed down and recognition dawned, Stoick remarked Hiccup and Astrid were slowly turning into Elf-Faes and requested they show him what they could do such as flying. When Hiccup and Astrid shape-shifted back, their families hugged them and told their children they would always love them and be proud of them, even if they became full-blooded Elf-Faes. Miniki, Stryka, Torian and Evelyn aided them in their lessons and attended the party, congratulating them both on taking further steps into becoming true Children of Sunheela.
The butterfly was growing impatient, fluttering around their heads at increasing speeds as the four of them got lost in their memories until they snapped out of it and returned to the present. "All right, all right, we are coming." Aniu chided. "Just give us a couple of minutes, please." Nava requested and the butterfly flew back to give them some space. Hiccup and Astrid mounted Sprinter and Willow and both Reindeer began trotting down the pathway which was fortunately wide enough for both of them to walk side by side. Nava, Aniu, Edme, Merlin, Swiftwing, Zena, Alvis and Sorina spread their wings and flew down into the Cove following the butterfly which led them down to the ground and signalled for them to land which they did. Once they landed, the twelve Children of Sunheela took the opportunity to gaze around and admire the Cove, taking in all of the sights, sounds, smells and feels of which filled their senses.
"This cove is of utmost beauty and full of fish, water, shelter and plant-life. " Edme breathed in awe. "I cannot imagine a better place for the Bonding of the first four Dragon-Soul-Riders to their dragons." Merlin said, gazing around the cove with his emerald green eyes. The ground felt soft and rich beneath his paws. "There is a lot of room for each of us to run, fly and play in." Sprinter said. "I would simply love to graze upon this grass. Nature is plentiful here." Willow added. The butterfly led them to a clearing surrounded by trees and in that clearing, Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu's Soul-Dragons awaited them. For a moment, Hiccup and Toothless, Astrid and Stormfly, Nava and Icicle, Aniu and Heatwave simply stood there staring at each other in awe, wonder, joy and excitement before they began slowly moving forwards, taking only one step at a time. No one moved or spoke a word, so focused were they on the spectacle happening before them.
With no conscious thought in their minds, Hiccup and Toothless, Astrid and Stormfly, Nava and Icicle, Aniu and Heatwave moved closer and closer to their respective Soul-Dragons/ Soul-Riders. When they were only inches apart, Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu simultaneously lifted their hands, holding them out with the palms level and Toothless, Stormfly, Icicle and Heatwave lowered their heads in unison, extending their snouts forward. In the very same second, Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu's hands made contact with Toothless, Stormfly, Icicle and Heatwave's snouts. As soon their hands and snouts met, four bright flashes of light filled the Cove as Hiccup and Toothless, Astrid and Stormfly, Nava and Icicle, Aniu and Heatwave Bonded. Blasts of energy erupted from where skin and scales met and surged into their snouts and hands, racing up and down their bodies. It was different for each of them. For Hiccup and Toothless: it was dark and electric. For Astrid and Stormfly: it was bright and energetic. For Nava and Icicle: it was cold, icy and watery. For Aniu and Heatwave: it was hot, fiery and accompanied by a surge of air.
The sensations seemed to last forever when in fact they only lasted for a few minutes. The sensations slowly faded away, leaving Hiccup and Toothless, Astrid and Stormfly, Nava and Icicle, Aniu and Heatwave gasping, trembling and numb, their hearts racing. That was when they felt something brush against their consciousnesses, like fingers trailing over their skin or scales. They felt them again but those times they solidified into tendrils of thoughts, feelings, emotions and sensations. As they did when mentally, emotionally and spiritually linked, they felt as though invisible walls surrounding their thoughts had fallen away, leaving them free to reach out with their minds. For Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu, it felt very similar to what they felt when they were linked with each other and their Familiars. "Hiccup?"/"Toothless?"/"Astrid?"/ Stormfly?" / "Nava?"/ "Icicle?"/ "Aniu?"/ "Heatwave?" the four Soul-Mates and their Soul-Dragons asked each other.
As all of this was happening, Swiftwing, Sprinter, Zena, Willow, Alvis, Edme, Sorina and Merlin watched in awe as they sensed what Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu were experiencing as they Bonded with Toothless, Stormfly, Icicle and Heatwave through the Bonds they shared with their Familiars. Swiftwing and Sorina screeched, Sprinter and Willow brayed, Zena and Alvis called and Edme and Merlin howled into the sky. The Reindeer and Dire Wolves reared and the Barn Owls and Golden Eagles spread their wings and raised their faces. It was a magical, sacred moment they would remember for the rest of their lives, the moment the four Soul-Mates found, met and Bonded with their Soul-Dragons and the Night Fury, the Deadly Nadder, the Summer Dragon and the Winter Dragon found, met and Bonded with their Soul-Riders. After what seemed like time had no meaning but was only a minute, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava lowered their hands while Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle moved their heads away so they could stare into each other's eyes.
As a fifteen year old male Night Fury, Toothless had midnight black scales as dark as a moonless night sky without stars, forest green eyes the colour of fresh leaves in Spring, lighter black slightly stretched and flattened spinal crests and manta ray-like lightning bolt markings all over his body. The colours and texture of his scales were perfect for flying at night unseen. Hiccup knew right away that Toothless was not a vicious, mindless, blood-thirsty, monstrous beast but an intelligent, wise creature whose soul reflected his own. Like him, Toothless was very fast, sneaky, somewhat hyperactive and possessed enhanced eyesight, reflexes and stamina. Stormfly, the fifteen year old female Deadly Nadder, had shiny, sky blue scales, yellow eyes, tail stripes, horns, under-scales and spikes. Like Astrid, she was very strong, tough, durable and possessed an enhanced sense of smell. While Toothless was quite mischievous, Stormfly was quite temperamental but a good, loyal and protective friend nonetheless.
The male fifteen year old Summer Dragon Heatwave, had hot orange scales, bright yellow eyes, horns and spinal crests and a warm, basking heat emanating from his scales as well as smoke trailing from his nostrils. Like Aniu, he was very agile, balanced, flexible and possessed an enhanced sense of hearing. Aniu could sense that he was in love with Icicle, a female Summer Dragon named Sunshine and a male Winter Dragon named Blizzard, the last two he missed because they had been captured by the Vikings of Berk and caged in their Dragon Training Arena and he also had a litter-sister named Summer who was there watching them. Icicle, the female fifteen year old Winter Dragon, had pure, snow white scales emanating a pleasant coolness, blue eyes, horns and spikes the colour of fresh, untainted ice and wisps of snowflakes blowing gently from her nose like a light snowfall every time she exhaled. Like Nava, she was very smart, intuitive and possessed a good memory. Nava could sense that even though she was delighted and overjoyed at meeting her Soul-Rider, she hid a deep, consuming sorrow for the younger siblings she had failed to save from a Hags-Fiend attack when she was young and carried the grief and trauma of witnessing her younger siblings die, leaving her with only one sibling left, her litter-brother Winter.
"The time of the Soul-Dragon-Riders has come again." Toothless said, his voice warm and smooth and baritone. "And the reign of Evregina the Tyrannical will soon be over." Stormfly said. "But the Hags-Fiends will soon make their moves, we must be ready by then." Icicle said. "But first, we must teach you four everything we know about Soul-Dragon-Riders." Heatwave added. That was when a female Fire Phoenix, a female Griffin, a female Alicorn, a male Hippogriff and a male Peryton walked forward until they were only feet away. "There is much to be done and so little time. I am Elenia." The Griffin said. "I am Lunastar. I will tell you four more about your Pendants." The Winged Unicorn said. "I am Stormhoof. I will teach you more about those Star-Steel Daggers." The Hippogriff said. "And I am Antlerwing. I will teach you more about those Ironwood Battle Sticks." The Peryton said. "MY name is Firesong and I am your first Soul-Phoenix, Aniu." The Fire Phoenix said, her voice was musical and lilting as though she was singing.
"We are honoured to meet you five." Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu said in unison, bowing their heads in respect. "Since you eight have now Bonded, it is time for Aniu and Firesong to do theirs." Elenia said. Needing no further encouragement, Aniu and Firesong walked closer to each closer, Aniu reaching out with her hand and Firesong reaching out with her beak until they touched. Aniu and Firesong froze as a flow of hot, fiery energy surged between them and raced up and down their bodies. Their Bonding was over in a matter of minutes and Aniu and Firesong separated, both of them staggering, trembling and gasping for breath. The expressions on Elenia, Lunastar, Stormhoof and Antlerwing's faces were of absolute joy, relief, wonder, amazement and curiosity. "Congratulations, all nine of you. It is absolutely wonderful to meet all twelve of you and witness five separate Bondings as they are such momentous occasions." Lunastar said, smiling brightly.
Like all Phoenixes, Fire Phoenixes were around four feet tall from the top of their head crests to the tips of their talons with wingspans of eight feet. They had slender and smooth bipedal bodies with long, strong, elegant and powerful wings, both of which bearing long, silky smooth feathers bearing the temperature of their element and growing longer on the tails, head crests and wings like peacocks. A Fire Phoenix's beak was rather long, hooked and curved with a sharp tip and strong bite force. Their talons were super-sharp and elegantly long and curved, being very nimble and strong, able to carry loads. Like all Phoenixes, their tears possessed amazing, phenomenal healing powers, particularly when ingested and when mixed with the nectar of Sunlight Heaven Flowers, their healing powers were even more powerful, able to heal any physical, mental or emotional wound as long as the dosage was enough and most poisons and sicknesses as well.
Phoenixes lived for 1000 years but were otherwise immortal, bursting into flames, snowflakes, water, dirt or whatever Element they were when they died and being reborn from the ashes as a baby Phoenix. They possessed the ability to sing songs of utmost beauty, restoring peace, calm, courage, joy and purity to the minds of pure souls. Extremely loyal, intelligent, calm, wise and patient, Phoenixes were noble, majestic and honourable Magical Beings. Depending on which Element they were, Phoenixes were often drawn to Elementalists of the same Element. Being creatures of goodness and purity of soul, Phoenixes were selfless, compassionate, kind, gentle, generous, courageous and those reasons were just some of why they were most often Soul-Bonds of the leaders of every troop of Children of Sunheela, often serving as their advisors, healers, diplomats, negotiators, calmers and close friends.
Griffins were 20 feet long with wingspans of 40 feet. They had lean, lion bodies with powerful, strong limbs. The rear legs were of a lion with lion claws while the forelegs were of an eagle with super-sharp eagle talons. Their tails were long and rope-like, ending in a plume of eagle feathers and the head was average size, bearing a powerful, sharp eagle beak, large nostrils, eyes and two tufted ears. A Griffin's wings were those of an eagle with overlapping flight feathers. Their bodies began with thick, eagle feathers on their heads and necks and changing smoothly to thick lion fur on their shoulders all the way down to their tail plumes. Griffins were Elemental beings typically of the Elements Earth, Nature (Plants) and Metal and they had a strong affinity with treasure, particularly gold and that was why they were favoured as treasure guardians. Talented in Conjuration and Transfiguration, as they were powerful magical beings able to use magic at will, Griffins use usually used their powers to do and create what they needed, not what they wanted for frivolous use.
Griffins were very powerful creatures and they were long-distance flyers, catching thermals to soar at extreme heights. Very fast, agile, swift and manoeuvrable with incredible senses, particularly eyesight, hearing and especially smell, able to see a Terrible Terror flying 100 feet away in daylight and 50 feet away at night. Their ears were large and could be turned and swivelled to face any direction, capable of hearing the faintest sounds such as a mouse's breathing and rustling from 50 feet away. A Griffin's sense of smell was also incredible to the point they could pick up scents of other Beings that were days, even weeks old. Incredible intelligent, ferocious and with their adept, flexible talons, Griffins were able to manipulate tools and could shape their environment to suit their needs. Known for their hunting, fighting and survival skills, Griffins were very adaptable and thus adapted to any situation or environment very quickly.
Alicorns were 10 feet high at the shoulder, 15 feet long and their wingspans were 25 feet long. Being magical equine horses, Alicorns also had a single straight horn growing out of their foreheads, massive feathered wings gifting them with the ability of flight and phenomenal beauty and grace. Thick, flowing, soft, straight and silky manes cascaded down their necks and their tails were very similar. Their hooves and horns were as strong, hard, smooth and shiny as diamonds. Alicorns were powerful, magical Beings. Their horns possessed the power to purify anything it touched and their Elemental Powers lay in elements such as air, water, ice and light. Healing and empathy was what they were best known for and their sense of hearing was phenomenal. They were gentle, graceful, compassionate, wise, generous, kind, gentle and peaceful creatures but despised any evil doing. Alicorns were also very mysterious and elusive, preferring to only show themselves to people they trusted and or were in great need of aid.
Hippogriffs also had the bodies of horses but with the heads, wings, beaks, eyes and feathers of eagles. Their rear legs were those of a horse while their front legs were those of an eagle. They were also 10 feet high at the shoulder, 15 feet long and their wingspans were 25 feet long. They were ferocious, proud, highly intelligent Magical Beings. Despite possessing no magical powers other highly enhanced senses and being expert fliers, Hippogriffs were not to be underestimated because of their beaks and talons. Protective and quick to enrage, Hippogriffs were not to be insulted or threatened. Doing so would result in serious injury or even death for the culprit but they were also very loyal, affectionate and caring of family, friends, innocents and allies. Valuing kindness, respect, trust, courage, intelligence and generosity, Hippogriffs at least ignored or outright attacked people who embodied the opposites of these traits.
Perytons had the size, bodies, necks, heads, antlers (If they were male), forelegs and fur of stags but the wings, rear legs and tail feathers of eagles. Fierce and gentle at the same time, Perytons were dangerous and safe friends. Much like Hippogriffs, there were both good Perytons and bad Perytons and the actions of the evil ones had led to the species being feared by Humans. Adept at forming friendships and alliances, Perytons were willing to let Humanoids ride them as mounts and even form Soul-Bonds with them. People who rode Perytons were known as Peryton Riders and the same held true for Riders of Griffons, Alicorns and Hippogriffs. Even though Dragon Riders were far more numerous and well-known, the Riders of other magical creatures such as them were also numerous and well-known, they just did not have the same fame and popularity of Dragon Riders but nonetheless, each of them made their own marks on the world of Athelon.
As a female Fire Phoenix, Firesong's silky soft and smooth feathers were a fiery, ruby red with fiery golden eyes, beak, talons, chest and belly feathers. Elenia had deep, earthy brown feathers, golden fur, eyes, beak and talons. Lunastar's fur was so white it made so snow look gray and stars look black. Her wings, mane and tail were pure silver and her eyes, horn and hooves were pure gold, so gold they almost looked as though they were made out of gold itself. Stormhoof had storm grey feathers and fur with a white horse tail and eagle's beak, black hooves, talons and eyes. Antlerwing's fur was wood brown, his feathers mahogany and eyes, hooves, beak, antlers and claws amber. All four of them had chosen to train and instruct the new Children of Sunheela and Soul-Dragon/ Riders in the ways of the Children of Sunheela and Dragon Riders. Each of them had something different to teach them and they were intent on teaching them all they had to know and seeing their training through the end as well as guiding them in their duties and adventures.
That was when Hiccup, Astrid, Nava, Aniu, Swiftwing, Sprinter, Zena, Willow, Alvis, Edme, Sorina and Merlin became aware of the many other Dragons surrounding them, having watched the events unfolding ever since they arrived. There were eleven other Night Furies, three other Deadly Nadders, two other Winter Dragons and Summer Dragons each and five Skrills. Out of all of them, four of the Night Furies and two of the Skrills looked no more than five years old. Three of the Night Furies, two females and one male, walked forward and stopped next to Toothless, followed by two of the younger ones, a male and a female. "This one here is my sister Lilith, my brother Darkfang and my sister my Plasma. All three of them are my litter-siblings and I am the oldest so that makes me their bigwings. These two young ones here are Obsidian and Onyx. Both of them are being raised here by us because their parents are being held captive by Evregina and we rescued them." Hiccup's first Soul-Dragon introduced them and the five Night Furies smiled at Hiccup welcomingly.
Lilith's body was slim, lithe, lean, slender and compact and her scales were a dark midnight black with lighter black spinal crests and claws like her older brother Toothless's scales but with panther markings all over her body. Her eyes were forest green and she had a kind, gentle, intelligent, calm and protective expression on her face. Darkfang's scales were a lighter black than Toothless and Lilith's with dark black crests, claws and panther markings all over his body, curling around his legs and tail and forming a symmetrical pattern on his wings. Darkfang's eyes were a bright spring sky blue. Plasma was the youngest out of her siblings and her scales were a light black with dark black spinal ridges, claws and manta ray markings all over her body. Her eyes were sky blue like Darkfang's. Obsidian's scales were definitely the reason for his name and his spinal crests and tiger stripe markings were onyx black while his eyes were golden.
Named after the main colour of her scales, Onyx bore obsidian black spinal crests, claws and tiger stripe markings and silver eyes. Then the remaining Night Furies stepped forward and Toothless introduced them. "These two here are Obsidian and Onyx's litter-siblings, Nightus and Darkia. This Raven, her younger brother Crowden, her younger sister Ebony and her youngest brother Aleron. All four of them are litter-siblings and have been helping my siblings and I raise Obsidian, Onyx, Nightus and Darkia. Another thing is…well…Raven is my girlfriend, Crowden is Lilith's boyfriend, Ebony is Darkfang's girlfriend and Aleron is Plasma's boyfriend." Toothless added, blushing. "Congratulations, bud, Raven sure is a beautiful Dragoness." Hiccup smiled. "Well, Toothless, it looks like your Soul-Rider is as nice and kind and sweet as you are." Raven grinned. She had raven black scales, darker black spinal crests, claws and leopard spots and sky blue eyes. Despite the similarities in colour, Raven looked different enough from Toothless's sisters so they could not be mistaken for each other.
Crowden had scales as dark as a crow's feathers and spinal crests, claws and cheetah spots as dark as a raven's feathers and chocolate brown eyes. Ebony's scales were ebony black with differently shaded spinal crests, claws and cheetah spots and chocolate brown eyes. Aleron's scales were simply black and his spinal crests, claws and leopard markings were another shade of black. As for Nightus, his eyes were silver and his markings star-like spots. Darkia was similarly coloured with golden eyes and star like spots. "It is a pleasure to finally meet the Soul-Rider of our dearest brother." Lilith said courteously. "I still cannot believe my ears, eyes, nose or any other sense I have." Darkfang shook his head in amazement. "I would have introduced myself if Toothless had not done it for me." Plasma growled at her brother but the look in her eyes was one of annoyed fondness and affection. "That was so cool what just happened!" Onyx gushed. "Yeah, I want to see it again!" Obsidian exclaimed. "Calm down, younglings, there is no need to overwhelm our new friends." Crowden said sternly. "Aw but I want to play with them." Nightus whined. "You guys can play with us later, right?!" Darkia asked excitedly. "We will see, young ones." Hiccup promised. "YES!" Obsidian, Onyx, Nightus and Darkia whooped.
"Now that Toothless had introduce his fellow Night Furies, it is time for me to introduce mine. This is my older brother Magnus, my younger brother Spike and my younger sister Sera." Stormfly said, gesturing at three Deadly Nadders who stood to either side of her in order of age. "We are pleased to make your acquaintances." Magnus said, folding one wing to his chest and bowing his head in respect. His scales were sapphire blue with golden eyes, under-scales, spikes, horns and tail stripes. Spike had ice blue scales, blonde under-scales, horns, spikes, eyes and tail stripes. Sera was the youngest out of her siblings and she had cobalt blue scales, blonde under-scales, horns, spikes, eyes and tail stripes. The two Winter Dragons went over to Icicle while the two Summer Dragons approached Heatwave and stood beside him. "This is my litter-brother Winter, the only sibling I have left and this is Coldscale, Blizzard's litter-sister." Icicle said.
"As for these two, this one is my litter-sister Summer and this one is Hotscale, Sunshine's litter-brother." Heatwave introduced the two Summer Dragons. Like his litter-sister, Winter had pure white scales and ice blue eyes, horns, spikes and claws. Coldscale, on the other hand, had moon silver scales and violet eyes, horns, spikes and claws. Like her litter-brother, Summer had orange scales and yellow eyes, horns, spinal crests and claws. Hotscale had bright yellow scales and orange eyes, horns, spinal crests and claws. Seemingly upset they had not been introduced yet, the five Skrills stepped forward. "My name is Spark." The eldest of them, a male with electric blue scales, silver under scales, electric purple eyes, highlights and spikes, said. "I am Electra." His younger litter-sibling and sister said. She had black scales, electric blue under-scales and electric purple eyes, spikes and markings. "My name is Bolt." Their younger brother said. Bolt had silver scales, white under-scales and electric blue eyes, spikes and markings.
"Hi! I am Lightning!" The young five year old Skrill chirped. She was barely bigger than a sheep and had violet scales, silver under-scales and electric blue eyes, spikes and markings. "And my name is Thunder." Her litter-brother added. He had deep gray scales, silver eyes, under-scales, spikes and markings. Hiccup, Astrid, Nava, Aniu, Swiftwing, Sprinter, Zena, Willow, Alvis, Edme, Sorina and Merlin gazed around the Cove and the Dragons, Fire Phoenix, Griffin, Alicorn, Hippogriff and Peryton in awe. "I did not know there would be so many of you." Aniu gasped. "Well, guess what? There is like 44 of us now, including you four and your Familiars." Heatwave replied. "I thought we were only going to be meeting our Soul-Dragons." Nava added. "Well, all of us have gathered here for a reason or two. We have all lost someone or something to the Hags-Fiends and this war." Icicle said sadly. "And we are here to kill Evregina, destroy her Hags-Fiends, liberate her slaves, end this war by making peace with our enemies and most of all, bring back the Order of the Athelonian Dragon Riders." Stormfly added fiercely.
"Unfortunately, even accomplishing just one of those things will be very difficult and each of us want to do our part so everyone will safety, freedom, liberation, justice and peace." Toothless said. "But what will happen if someone from the village finds you guys here?" Astrid asked in concern. "Do not worry, Astrid. This place is well hidden and isolated even from the sky. Only someone who is meant to be here will find it even without help." Stormfly said. "The Majora Maximus who goes by the name of Evregina the Queen is the reason Dragons are attacking Berk and the other Viking tribes of the Archipelago." Solarfira told them sadly. "She enslaves any dragon who falls under her mind control and forces them to raid, steal and kill." Lunastar said. "She also has an alliance with a group of Hags-Fiends who keep her dragon slaves under her control and power." Stormhoof added. "Because Hags-Fiends are insatiable rapists and torturers, they act as Evregina's rule enforcers. Any Dragon who does something Evregina and her Hags-Fiends do not like or simply get on the wrong side of their attention, is given to her Hags-Fiends for rape and torture and if Evregina wants to do so, she eats them." Antlerwing said grimly.
"Evregina is a tyrant, a monster, a lazy so-called queen, a war-mongerer, a slaver, a cannibal and an over-all BITCH!" Toothless snarled. "What Stormhoof and Toothless have said is true, I have seen those things happen and they are not picky although they are careful with the Night Furies because there are so few of them in her Nest." Stormfly said quietly and it was obvious by the tone and quietness of her voice that she was speaking the truth. "We have lost so many friends, family and fellow dragons because of her and Hags-Fiends. I know what is like very well." Icicle added, draping a wing over Stormfly's back to comfort her. "That is yet another reason why we must kill her and end this war. Only with the deaths of Evregina and her Hags-Fiends and the liberation of our fellow dragons will this war end peacefully for both sides." Heatwave concluded."But we have to think this through carefully. If someone finds us and Evregina and her Hags-Fiends are alerted, Berk could be destroyed and we...well, we will be in for things much worse." Electra said.
"I agree with my sister. We have to be careful and make no mistakes." Bolt added. "That means we have to stay hidden and avoid attracting attention so whatever lessons we have to learn will have to be learned in this Cove." Spark added. "But we can still have a lot of fun, right?" Lightning asked desperately. "Yeah, w can have fun exploring this Cove. It is so big and beautiful." Thunder replied. "Now that we are Soul-Bonded, our lessons must begin as well as planning and training." Toothless said. "We must account for each possible scenario, event or situation." Stormfly said. "That includes training, learning, discovering, getting to know each other, working as a team and distinguishing friend from foe." Icicle said. "But first, let us know each other's stories. That way, we can get to know each other." Heatwave said. "Ooh, story time, just what I like." Winter said, nudging his sister with a wing. "You love learning and stories just as much as Icicle, Winter." Coldscale said, rolling her eyes.
"Like brother, like sister and vice versa. Just like little old me and Heatwave." Summer said affectionately. "True that. If Sunshine was here, she would definitely agree with me." Hotscale replied. And so, Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and their Familiars told their audience of Dragons, Firesong, Elenia, Lunastar, Stormhoof and Antlerwing a short but detailed story of their lives on their respective home islands and villages, families, friends, enemies, hardships, treasured memories, meeting their Familiars, growing more aware and getting to know each other through dreams and visions, skills and talents, Nava and Aniu's families moving to Berk and meeting Hiccup, Astrid, their friends and families for the first time in person, activating their Soul-Bond and being transported to their Children of Sunheela Home, meeting Miniki, Stryka, Torian and Evelyn for the first time, receiving the first of their Gifts from the four Ghosts, exploring their Home, their friends and Families reactions when they told them, what had happened in the two months afterwards and then finally, the Dragon Raid and the events that happened after that until they first met them.
In return, Toothless and Stormfly told them of what they remembered of their time as slaves under Evregina to much shock, horror and disgust as Evregina mind wiped the memories of every one of her slaves so they would not remember their lives before she enslaved them or anything that would make them rebel with the help of the Hags-Fiends and crystals that amplified her powers to make her more powerful. They told them that one night, they were mysteriously freed from Evregina's mind control and led out of the nest by a disembodied presence who cast a spell over them, their siblings, Raven, Crowden, Ebony, Aleron, Obsidia, Onyx, Nightus and Darkia so they could sneak away without anyone noticing their absence, flying to Berk and finding the Cove where the three Winter Dragons, three Summer Dragons, five Skrills and the Fire Phoenix, Griffin, Alicorn, Hippogriff and Peryton had taken shelter.
Icicle, Winter, Coldscale, Heatwave, Summer and Hotscale then explained their story and how they first met on an Island where Winter Dragons, Summer Dragons, Shadow Raiders and Aurora Singers gathered to find food, strengthen friendships and form alliances. Then one winter while they were there, the Island was attacked by Hags-Fiends, many Dragons were killed, raped, tortured and or captured by the Hags-Fiends, how Icicle and Winter witnessed their younger siblings gruesome, agonizing, horrible at the claws of several Hags-Fiends, leaving Icicle traumatised, grief-stricken and very suicidal while Winter had been knocked out, escaping, Icicle's fight for life, being found by a group of survivors, spending some years with them then having visions of the future and leaving them to travel to Berk and wait for Icicle and Heatwave's Soul-Riders and learning they were Children of Sunheela which was the reason why Icicle was still alive despite attempting to commit suicide many times and starving to death. All in all, no one was left dry-eyed and they were all crying because of what their friends had suffered.
Story time would have gone on longer if Firesong had not looked up at the sky and noticed the setting sun. Knowing their families were waiting for them, Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu rushed back home with their Familiars after saying goodbye to Toothless, Stormfly, Icicle, Heatwave, Firesong and everyone else who were sad to see them go but they cheered up when the four Soul-Mates promised to return as soon as they could. Before they left, Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu wrapped their arms around their respective Soul-Dragons and said they would miss them and they would come back at the earliest opportunity. In reply, Toothless, Stormfly, Icicle and Heatwave gazed deeply into Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu's eyes and said only 15 words that meant a lot to them. "May the blessings of Sunheela be with us in all of our endeavours, young Soul-Mates." With those words echoing in their heads, the four Soul-Mates and their eight Familiars left the Cove.
Author's Note: Well, here is the third chapter of Dawn of the Dragoniters. Hiccup, Astrid, Nava and Aniu have met Toothless, Stormfly, Icicle, Heatwave and Firesong along with a Griffin, an Alicorn, a Hippogriff, a Peryton, eleven Night Furies, three of which are Toothless's litter-mate siblings and thus the same age as him, three Deadly Nadders and five Skrills. And they got through the Dragon Raid with no problem. Next chapter will have Stoick enrolling the four Soul-Mates into Dragon Training, facing off against Meatlug and then going back to the Cove. May the blessings of Draco be with you, readers! Or should I say may the Force be with you, readers!