Ruff Transition

Tenor and the Riders were heading towards the Isle of Wingmaidens. Hiccup was getting paranoid about the Flyers finding the lenses. Queen Aurora had flown back to Berk to help Stoic.

The dragons soared high above the clouds. Tenor was flipping and spinning with excitement. It had been almost a month since he'd seen Serenity, and was looking forward to visiting her. He pulled up alongside Hiccup and Toothless as they got closer to the island.

"Okay gang," Hiccup said. "When we get to the Isle of Wingmaidens, I want everyone to be on their best behavior." The Twins pulled their Zippleback up on the other side of Tenor.

"Hiccup we've maid a chiefly decision," said Ruffnut.

"Ookay, but you're not a chief," said Hiccup.

"We think we should tell Atali that we need to move the lenses," said Tuffnut.

"Since we were the ones that found out that Johann knows where they're hidden," said Ruffnut.

"We don't know that Johann knows anything about the lenses," said Hiccup. "You just heard a rumor at the northern markets. I'm just moving them as a precaution."

"If anyone's telling Atali anything, it'll be me," said Snotlout. "I am kind of the ambassador of the Wingmaidens."

"You're so right Snotlout," said Astrid sarcasticly. "I'm amazed they haven't built a statue in your honor." Tenor giggled.

"They could have," said Snotlout. "We haven't been there in a while."

"I'm just glad we're going there at all," Tenor said cheerfully.

They arrived at the island and landed near the village. Atali and a few of her Wingmaidens came to greet them. Except for Atali, the Wingmaidens all wore masked helmets. Tenor looked at them, but couldn't pick out his rider. He sat on his haunches sadly, while Hiccup told Atali about the lenses. Just then Tenor felt a hand on his neck. He turned and saw a masked Wingmaiden looking at him.

"You know Tenor, you can just call for me," she said. "You don't have to just sit there looking sad." Tenor beamed.

"Hi Serenity," he said. Serenity hugged him and he hugged her back.

"I'm glad you're here," she said. "I missed you." Tenor purred and got to his feet. Serenity mounted him.

They all walked through the woods. Hiccup finished explaining things.

"I agree Hiccup," said Atali. "Even if there's a slight chance the Hunters know where the lenses are, they should be moved."

"You should stay on high alert," said Hiccup. "Incase they come looking for them."

"Yes," Atali agreed. "Especially during the Grand Transition." Everyone became curious at this.

"What's the Grand Transition?" Snotlout asked. Just then Fishlegs noticed that non of the Wingmaidens had baby dragon Razorwhips on their backs.

"Wait, your baby Razorwhips are gone," he said. Atali smiled.

"They've been released back into the wild," Serenity said. "Where they belong."

"Must be nice to get that dragon off your back," Ruffnut joked.

"The Grand Transition is bittersweet Ruffnut," said Atali. "As one group leaves our hearts ache. But then a new flock of baby dragons come to fill the void." Fishlegs grew very excited to hear that.

"Ooh, I thought I heard rustling in the rookery," he said. "This is so exciting, new baby dragons."

"Tonight they will choose their Wingmaidens," said Atali. "And the process will begin all over again."

"Well, too bad we can't stay," said Hiccup. "We don't want to get in the way, or mess anything up." Both Fishlegs and Tenor looked disappointed.

"Nonsense," said Atali. "You will spend the night and be our guests of honor at the ceremony."

"Even if the Flyers do know where the lenses are, we're right here to stop them should they come," Tenor pointed out. Hiccup agreed.

They all headed back to the village. Serenity flew back on Tenor, since she hadn't ridden him in so long.

"So have you guys found anymore lenses?" She asked.

"No," Tenor said. "We have to make sure the lenses we have found don't end up in the hands of the Flyers, it'll give us an advantage for finding the King of Dragons first."

"How do those Flyers plan on controlling the King of Dragons when they find it," said Serenity. "It's so powerful."

"I don't know," said Tenor. "I don't even know what we're going to do when we find it."

Soon they landed at Serenity's healing hut and she dismounted. They went inside and Serenity took off her helmet. Tenor looked around. The hut looked the same as the last time he'd been there.

"I take it Bandit went home," he said.

"He only needed to rest and get his strength back," Serenity said. She sat in her chair. Tenor then noticed a portrait of a man hanging over the bed.

"Is that supposed to be Chris?" He asked. Serenity looked at the portrait.

"Yes," she said. "A few of the Wingmaidens had that made for me. I showed them the picture in my locket and they made that to show what they think he'd look like If he were alive today." Tenor looked at the portrait again. Chris looked much older then the last time Tenor saw him in person, but still looked like himself.

"Do you think he would have grown facial hair like the Vikings?" He asked. Serenity considered.

"I don't know," she admitted. "Maybe, I haven't thought about that." She looked at the portrait again, and sighed sadly. "Well, we'll never know. He's not here." Tenor looked at her sympathetically.

"Has Aurora seen this?" He asked.

"Yes," said Serenity. "I just wish Re would come visit me, so I can show him. But he never comes."

"Ooh, don't worry he hasn't forgotten about you," Tenor assured her. "I haven't seen much of him or Aurora either." He nuzzled her and she hugged his head.

"I'm glad you're here Tenor," she said. Tenor purred and laid down beside her chair.

"You're getting a new Razorwhip tonight?" He said. Serenity smiled and pulled his head into her lap.

"Yeah," she said. "Though the entrance to the rookery is big enough for humans and small dragons. You won't fit." Tenor shrugged.

"Oh well," he said. "I can wait with the other dragons." Serenity scratched his ears. Tenor dozed off.

"You must be very happy on Dragon's Edge," Serenity said.

"I am," said Tenor. "Aurora suggested I stay with these guys even after the Hunters are defeated. I haven't decided yet though." Serenity leaned back in her chair.

They must have fallen asleep because they suddenly heard Hiccup calling for Tenor. They woke up and the sun was setting.

"We better go see what Hiccup wants with you," Serenity said, she put her helmet back on. They got up and left the hut. Serenity mounted her dragon and took off. They found the Riders and Wingmaidens outside the cave entrance to the rookery. Tenor landed and Serenity dismounted.

"Sorry we're late," Tenor said.

"Hey Tenor can you go get the lenses?" Hiccup asked. "Since you can see in the dark."

"Sure," Tenor said. He flew off and Serenity went over to her fellow Wingmaidens. They all went into the rookery.

Inside, Atali lit a torch to light up the cave. The other Wingmaidens also picked up torches. The sound of baby dragons filled the cave.

"For generations, the Wingmaidens and the Razorwhips have lived in perfect harmony. Tonight that tradition continues," said Atali as she lit the torches. "Each baby Razorwhip will choose its Wingmaiden. That is the first step in our sacred bond. This is the way it has always been, and this is the way it will always be." Just then the baby Razorwhips came into the cave, attracted by the torchlight. They sniffed about, and stumbling a bit until their eyes adjusted.

"Look Hiccup, it's a little Razorwhip family," said Fishlegs excitedly. The Riders kept their distance. One by one the Razorwhips found their Wingmaiden caretakers. A small silver female with ice blue eyes went over to Serenity. She sat down so she was on the dragon's level, whispering to her in Dragontongue. The other baby dragons had found their caretakers, all except for one. A small gold and silver male with green eyes seemed be having trouble. They all waited. Suddenly Ruffnut got impatient.

"Make up your mind already," she said. The little dragon heard that and flew over to Ruffnut landing on her shoulder. Everyone was surprised. Tuffnut looked thrilled.

"Oh, look at him Ruffnut," he said. "He's ours, I shall call him Wingnut." Wingnut crawled all over Ruffnut, looking very pleased with himself.

"This can't be," said Atali, still shocked.

"Hey watch the braids," said Ruffnut, crossly. "Get him off of me." Atali gently pried the little dragon off Ruffnut. Wingnut cried and squirmed in protest.

"He needs to come with me," she said.

"I'm sorry Atali," said Hiccup. "I don't know what happened."

"He must have become disoriented with all the other people," said Atali.

"Baby dragons are very instinctual," said Fishlegs.

"What, there's no way he meant to go to Ruffnut," said Snotlout. "No way."

"He's where he belongs now," said Atali. With that they all left the rookery.

Outside, Tenor had returned from the shrine. Serenity hugged him.

"Lenses secure Hiccup," Tenor said.

"Thanks Tenor," said Hiccup. "You can turn in for the night, we're leaving first thing tomorrow." Tenor nodded, but looked a bit sad. He looked at his rider and her baby Razorwhip.

"So, what's this one's name?" He asked.

"His mother calls her Azymondias," said Serenity. The little dragon looked at Tenor curiously.

"That's fun to say," said Tenor, giving the other dragon a small smile.

"Right," Serenity agreed. She mounted Tenor, placing Azymondias on the front of the saddle. They flew back to the healing hut.

The next morning the Riders readied themselves for the flight home. Tenor joined them, looking sad. Toothless noticed.

"Don't be sad cousin," he said. "You can visit her anytime you want." Tenor stretched his wings.

"I know," he said. "And she's got work to do anyway."

"You still have the lenses?" Hiccup asked him.

"I do," said Tenor.

"Then lets get back to the Edge, before something else goes wrong," said Hiccup, mounting his dragon. The others started to get on their dragons, suddenly Atali came up to them looking worried.

"Have you guys seen my Razorwhip?" She asked. "He was gone when I woke up."

"Could he have gone back to the rookery?" Hiccup asked, dismounting.

"No, I checked," said Atali.

"He's probably off somewhere with is buddies," said Ruffnut. But then she heard chirping behind her. She looked over her shoulder to find Wingnut clinging to her back. "Or he's attached to my back." Atali breathed a sigh of relief.

"Here let me get him off," said Hiccup. He was about to go over to Ruffnut.

"No Hiccup," said Atali cautiously. "The first few days of the process are crucial. If Wingnut doesn't bond with someone he will die." She looked at Ruffnut. "Ruffnut, you must become a Wingmaiden." Ruffnut looked a bit horrified.

They headed for the village. The Wingmaidens were heading for a large hut, Serenity was among them. She looked surprised to see the Riders still here.

"What's going on Atali?" She asked, stroking Azymondias.

"Wingnut has choses Ruffnut," said Atali happily. "She may become a Wingmaiden."

"Oh, that'll be fun," said Serenity. "I take it this means the Riders are staying a bit longer."

"Yes," said Atali. "Lets get started." They went inside the hut.

It turned out to be a grooming hut. It was filled with work benches that had brushes and other cleaning supplies. The Riders all gathered at the back of the room, except for Ruffnut who joined the Wingmaidens at the workbenches.

"You think she can pull this off?" Astrid asked.

"I hope so, for Wingnut's sake," said Hiccup.

"Well, I for one, believe in her," said Fishlegs. The Wingmaidens started bushing the Razorwhips. Atali was supervising.

"Caring for a Razorwhip is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Wingmaiden," she said. "You must groom your Razorwhip daily to prevent parasites and disease." She walked among the Wingmaidens, watching them. Ruffnut attempted to groom Wingnut, but was having trouble. Wingnut kept moving around and swatting the brush away.

"You can do it Ruff," said Astrid encouragingly.

"Yeah, remember when when we picked the fleas off Uncle Uggard's back hair," Tuffnut said.

"That was different, he didn't have teeth," said Ruffnut.

"Carefully lift each scale and scrub underneath it," Atali instructed. Ruffnut poked Wingnut's flank, and the dragon bit her finger.

"Ow, grooming Razorwhips really bite," said Ruffnut. The other Wingmaidens giggled. When no one but the Riders were looking Tuffnut grabbed Ruffnut and Wingnut, and dumped them into a nearby tub that was filled with soapy water. He washed Wingnut, who chirped with enjoyment. Tuff suddenly spotted Atali approaching and crawled out of sight. Atali saw Ruffnut and Wingnut in the tub. She smiled.

"Who knew Razorwhips loved the water," she said. She hadn't seen Tuffnut at all.

When the Razorwhips were all groomed, everyone went outside. Atali led them to a feeding station that had more workbenches, and buckets of sea slugs. The Wingmaidens got to work feeding the Razorwhips. They used different methods. Serenity used a knife to cut the slugs into bite sized pieces. Azymondias occupied herself by watching the other Razorwhips and Wingmaidens.

"The baby Razorwhip's nutrition is crucial," said Atali. "Only a well-fed dragon will survive." Ruffnut tried feeding Wingnut, but was having no luck. She kept trying to shove a slug into Wingnut's mouth, but Wingnut dodged her. Tenor tried not to laugh. Ruffnut was growing frustrated.

"Oh come on open your mouth," she ordered. "I grabbed you the juiciest one what's wrong with you?" Wingnut still refused.

"I hate to say I told you so," said Snotlout. "But no one listens." Both Astrid and Tenor glared at him.

"It's not that easy Snotlout," said Hiccup.

"Feeding baby dragons can be tricky," said Fishlegs.

"There's nothing easy about dragons," Serenity said, placing the pieces of slug into a bowel. Ruffnut held Wingnut down and stuffed the slug into his mouth.

"Nailed it," she said proudly. But then Wingnut spat the slug back at her face.

"I can't watch this," said Tuffnut. "I refuse to let our baby starve." He grabbed the slug from Ruffnut, stuffed it into his mouth, and chewed it up.

"Tuff, what are you doing?" Ruff asked. "Those aren't for us." But before she could finish Tuffnut tackled her to the ground and transferred the chewed up slug into Ruffnut's mouth. All the Riders gagged in disgust. After several minuets Ruffnut got up with her mouth full of chewed up slug. Atali came over in time to see Ruffnut transfer the slug to Wingnut, her face slightly green. Again, Atali hadn't seen Tuffnut and looked quite surprised.

"There are several ways to feed a Razorwhip," she said. "Ruffnut, you just invented another one." Wingnut swallowed the slug chum, and chirped happily.

Later the Wingmaidens let their Razorwhips play together in a small meadow filled with purple flowers. They rolled around in the grass. Azymondias wrestled with Wingnut, growling playfully. The Wingmaidens watched from a distance.

"Communication is the key to the bond between Razorwhip and Wingmaiden," said Atali. "You need to create a call that only your dragon understands." The Wingmaidens let out different calls, and their dragons came. Serenity called Azymondias, by calling her name in Dragontongue. She flew right to her shoulder, and Serenity gave her a piece of slug. Then she went to stand beside Tenor. Finally only Wingnut remained.

"Hey Wingy come here," Ruffnut called, Wingnut ignored her. "Wingnut, come here. Don't make me come over there." Again Wingnut didn't obey and just laid down on the grass. Ruffnut got even more frustrated. She tried whistling, but failed.

"Giver some help Hiccup," said Astrid. Hiccup went over to Ruffnut.

"How's it going?" He asked.

"Isn't it obvious," said Ruffnut, still frustrated.

"Maybe you should try and be a bit more..." Hiccup was interrupted by Tuffnut, who came out from behind a tree and made a clucking sound. Wingnut instantly jumped to his feet and flew right to Ruffnut, knocking her over. Atali came over, again missing Tuffnut.

"Well, in all my years I've never heard a call quite like that," she said. "You're going to make a fine Wingmaiden Ruffnut." She then addressed all the Wingmaidens. "Tomorrow will be your first flight, so get some rest." Ruffnut looked really nervous now.

They all went back to the village. Serenity mounted Tenor and rode him back on the ground. Azymondias perched herself on Tenor's head. They got back to the healing hut and Serenity dismounted. She went inside and sat in her chair, Azymondias sat in her lap and Tenor laid down beside the chair.

"Are you getting homesick yet?" Tenor asked her.

"Yeah," said Serenity. "Somedays it's worse then others. But for me being homesick is more then missing home, it's missing my family as well." Tenor smiled. Serenity leaned back in her chair with a sigh. "What a day. I should get something to eat." She set Azymondias on the floor beside Tenor and got up. Tenor looked at the Razorwhip, who looked back at him.

"This one seems smaller than Scissors," he said.

"Well, she's younger than Scissors," said Serenity, rummaging through her food supply. Azymondias sniffed Tenor curiously. She soon found the lenses hiding in Tenor's saddlebags. He grabbed one before Tenor could stop her.

"Hey, that's not yours," he scolded. He tried to grab the lens but the dragonet dodged him. Serenity glanced up and saw Azymondias playing with the lens. She tossed her a toy, which distracted her. Tenor grabbed the lens and put it back in his saddlebags. "Thanks."

"Sure," said Serenity.

"If something happens to these lenses, we're all doomed," Tenor said.

"I know," said Serenity. "Azymondias meant no harm, she doesn't even know what they are." Tenor relaxed.

"Do they keep you guys up at night?" He asked.

"No, they tucker themselves out by the end of the day," Serenity said. Tenor laid his head down on his front paws and closed his eyes. Suddenly he felt Azymondias curl up next to him with her toy. Tenor sat up and looked down at her. She smiled up at him. Tenor gave in, and curled his tail around her and laid his head back down, dozing off again.

Meanwhile Ruffnut, with Wingnut on her shoulder, found Atali in her hut. Atali noticed that Ruffnut looked a bit crestfallen.

"I can't do it Atali," said Ruffnut. "I'm just not cut out to be a Wingmaiden. I don't have the same motherly stuff you all have."

"But you're doing great," Atali assured her. "A bit unorthodox maybe."

"That was Tuffnut," said Ruffnut. "He's the one who's been doing everything." Atali was a bit surprised to hear that.

"Ruffnut," she started.

"I'm sorry, I'm just not Wingmaiden material," Ruffnut went on, raising her voice. Atali gave her a small smile.

"Have a seat," she said, gesturing to the bed. Ruffnut sat down and Atali sat next to her. Wingnut occupied himself but gnawing on Ruff's helmet. "Bonding with a Razorwhip doesn't happen right away. That's why we do these exercises."

"But nothing I do seems to work," said Ruffnut. "You should just do it."

"This isn't about me," said Atali softly. "It's about the dragon. Nobody knows why a Razorwhip chooses a Wingmaiden. Is it instinct, a feeling, or something more mystical? Whatever the reason, this little guys chose you. Trust Wingnut, let him be your guide. The dragon is never wrong." Ruffnut thought about this, while looking down at Wingnut. She left the hut and headed back towards the other riders. She was deep in thought.

The next morning Tenor was still sound asleep with Azymondias next to him. The sun hadn't quite risen yet. The door to the healing hut opened and Hiccup stuck his head in. He saw Tenor sound asleep, his black scales blending in with the dark room.

"Hey Tenor," Hiccup whispered as loud as he could without waking Serenity. "Tenor wake up." Tenor blinked his eyes open. He sat up and yawned.

"Yes Hiccup," he yawned.

"We need your help with something," said Hiccup. Tenor sighed and stretched.

"I'll be right out," he said. Hiccup left, and closing the door. Tenor carefully got to his feet, trying to not disturb Azymondias. He left the hut after Hiccup.

Later the Wingmaidens gathered on the cliffs over the sea with their Razorwhips. The little dragonets clung to their caretaker's back. They chirped excitedly.

"This is the leap of faith," Atali said, she was the only one present that didn't have a dragonet. "This is the moment when the bond with your dragon is complete." The Wingmaidens stood ready. Atali looked at them all, but then noticed someone was missing.

Ruffnut had talked Hiccup, Toothless and Tenor into helping her and Wingnut with flying. Ruffnut got on Tenor and Hiccup mounted Toothless. They took off and headed over the island. Wingnut stayed on Ruffnut's back.

"So you know I'm happy to give you some pointers," Hiccup said. "But isn't this cheating?"

"I may be a nut Hiccup," said Ruffnut. "But I aint crazy. If I'm going to take a leap of faith, I need to have faith that I'm not going to splatter on the ground."

"Okay fair enough," said Hiccup.

"Jumping off a cliff is how I learned to fly," Tenor said.

"Well, lets start with the basics," said Hiccup. "It's most important to master your balance." Toothless suddenly felt something moving under him. He looked to see Tuffnut clinging to his belly like a barnacle. He roared in surprise.

"This was better a thousand feet lower," said Tuffnut. Hiccup, Ruffnut, and Tenor now noticed him.

"Tuffnut?" Hiccup said.

"Slide forward I'm coming up," said Tuffnut. He climbed up and around, planting himself behind Hiccup.

"How did you not know he was there cousin?" Tenor asked, amused.

"I have no idea," Toothless said. "So weird."

"What are you doing here?" Ruff asked Tuff.

"I came to give your moral support," said Tuffnut.

"Thanks bro," said Ruffnut.

"Not you Ruff," Tuffnut clarified. "Wingnut." Hiccup looked back at Ruffnut.

"Okay, come on Ruff," said Hiccup. Ruffnut cautiously stood up on Tenor's saddle, while Hiccup pulled out his leather wings.

"We'll fly on either side of you," Tenor said. Wingnut readied himself as well. Then both she and Hiccup jumped off. Wingnut instantly opened his wings. Hiccup and Tenor flew on either side of Ruff. She held onto Hiccup with on hand, and Tenor's wing with the other. They glided over the trees. Wingnut watched Tenor fly, and imitated him. After a while Ruffnut relaxed.

"Okay, I think I got it," she said. She let go of Tenor's wing, and Hiccup let go of her hand. Ruffnut took off. Hiccup flew onto Tenor's back and they watched Ruffnut and Wingnut fly fast over the trees. They seemed to be enjoying themselves. Ruffnut looked all over the place. Tenor suddenly spotted a seagull heading in their direction.

"Ruff, watch where you're going!" Tenor called. But his warning came to late, and Ruffnut ran into the seagull. She and Wingnut headed for the ground. Tenor dove after her, Tuffnut and Toothless behind him. Hiccup held on for his life. Tenor caught Ruffnut, just as they collided with Serenity, Atali, and the other Wingmaidens. They all splashed into a lake. Toothless landed on the shore next to Atali. Tenor, Hiccup, Ruffnut, and the Wingmaidens came out of the water. Tenor shook the water off his scales.

"Sorry guys," Tenor said to the Wingmaidens, who were calming down their riled up Razorwhips. "Is everyone okay?"

"I think we're all fine," said a Wingmaiden.

"Are you okay Tenor?" Serenity asked.

"I'm fine," Tenor said. He looked over at Ruffnut. "What about you guys?" Ruffnut glanced around at the Wingmaidens soothing their Razorwhips.

"I'm okay," she said. "But for Wingnut's sake, I don't deserve to be a Wingmaiden." She handed Wingnut to Atali. "I guess the dragon was wrong." She then turned and walked off in tears. Azymondias flew over and perched on Tenor's saddle.

"Hey little princess," Tenor cooed. Azymondias chirped happily and nuzzled his neck.

"Nice catch anyway Tenor," said Atali.

"Thanks," said Tenor modestly.

"What happened?" Serenity asked him.

"I don't know," Tenor said. "Things were going great. Then Ruffnut ran into a seagull, and lost control." Azymondias chirped over at Wingnut, who answered. He flew over and joined Azymondias on Tenor's back. They all headed back towards the village.

The Riders were again prepping to leave just outside Serenity's healing hut. Serenity was there to see them off, with Azymondias sitting on her shoulder.

"I feel bad for Ruffnut," said Astrid.

"Me too," said Hiccup, tightening Toothless's saddle straps. "She gave it her best shot."

"I just hope Wingnut finds a new Wingmaiden before it's too late," said Fishlegs.

"I'm sure he will," said Serenity. She stroked Tenor's neck. "Atali can take care of him."

"Where's the Twins?" Snotlout asked. They looked around and noticed that neither the Twins or their Zippleback were in sight.

"I'll go find them," Tenor said. He took off and headed over the island. He made sure the lenses were still in his saddle bag. He suddenly heard the rattle of Singtails, and that only meant one thing. Tenor quickly turned around and flew back to the Riders. He circled overhead.

"Guys, the Flyers have arrived," he said. The Riders instantly mounted their dragons and followed Tenor towards the sound of the Flyers.

They found the Flyers and the hunters attacking the Wingmaidens. Krogan and a few Flyers were circling the entrance to the shrine.

"Tenor, you still have the lenses?" Hiccup asked.

"Yes I do," said Tenor.

"Guard them with your life," Hiccup said. Tenor nodded and dove at the Flyers. He blasted left and right. Hiccup steered Toothless over to Krogan, and held up an empty saddle bag.

"Looking for these?" He called to Krogan. Krogan sneered and charged at Hiccup and Toothless. They started firing at each other. Astrid and the other Riders took on the rest of the Flyers. Fishlegs and Meatlug fleshed out Flyers that had flown down into the shrine. Tenor managed to free Singetail after Singetail. The Twins spotted several hunters chasing Atali and Wingnut. Suddenly a Flyer dove out of the sky and blasted fire at Atali. She fell to the ground, dropping Wingnunt. Tenor attacked the Flyer, and freed the Singetail. The hunters surrounded Wingnut. Ruffnut saw him, and used Tuffnut's call to summon him. Wingnut flew up and attached himself to her back, they took off and attacked the hunters and Flyers.

Hiccup and Toothless were still fighting Krogan. It was going nowhere.

"I've had enough of this," Hiccup said. "How about you bud?" Toothless snarled in agreement. Hiccup pulled out his special shield. Toothless shot at the titan Singetail, then Hiccup fired a bola that wrapped tight around the bigger dragon's snout. The Singetail went wild trying to get it off. Hiccup turned to the other Riders.

"Okay, finish them off," he ordered. "Then we'll double back to Krogan."

"But Hiccup," Astrid protested.

"I know," said Hiccup. "Keep fighting, we can't leave the Wingmaidens."

Atali was still running from the hunters and Flyers. She was rapidly running out of places to run. Ruffnut was quick to notice.

"Atali's in trouble," she said. A Singetail blasted Atali, knocking her off a cliff. Ruffnut and Wingnut dove after her. Tuffnut, Barf, and Belch watched them all go over the cliff, and waited. But a few minuets later, Ruffnut flew back above the cliff with Atali. Everyone cheered as Ruffnut set Atali onto the Zippleback. Ruffnut landed back into Barf's saddle.

"You did it," said Atali happily. Ruffnut and Wingnut exchanged a smile and a head butt. They took off to go help the other Riders.

They flew at the Flyers, the rest of the Wingmaidens joined them. They made sure the sun was behind them so they were harder to see. They dive bombed the Flyers.

"Hey Dragon Flyers," taunted Ruffnut. "Remember the Wingmaidens?" The Wingmaidens took out the Flyers. Krogan growled in frustration. He spotted Hiccup looking at him.

"Come on Krogan," Hiccup shouted. "Let's finish this." Krogan glared at him, and saw that he was defeated.

"Next time Hiccup Haddock," he said. He turned his Singetail around, and flew off with the last of his Flyers. The Riders and Wingmaidens cheered as they headed back towards the village.

Serenity and Azymondias were waiting for them. She smiled when they all landed. She hugged Tenor, who hugged her back.

"You doing okay?" Tenor asked her.

"I'm fine now," said Serenity. "But I can't wait for this war to be over." Tenor nuzzled her.

"We all want it to be over," he said. "Someday it will be. Wars don't last forever." Serenity turned to watch the Riders and Wingmaidens congratulating Ruffnut.

"Ruffnut Throston for saving the life of Wingnut and for your uncommon valor in battle," said Atali. "You are a fully-fledged Wingmaiden." They all cheered again. "You trusted your Razorwhip and the dragon unlocked your heart."

"Okay, so that's it?" Ruffnut said. "Lets head back the Edge. I hope Wingnut likes chicken." She got on Barf. Suddenly all the baby Razorwhips cried out in protest.

"Oh no," said Atali. "You can't leave Ruffnut. This is Wingnut's home. You're a Wingmaiden now."

"I may be a Wingmaiden," said Ruffnut. "But I'm also a Dragon Rider."

"I know," said Atali. "But these are Wingnut's siblings, he must stay with them until he is released back to the flock."

"And Tuffnut's my brother, I need to stay with him because he's never returned to the flock," said Ruffnut.

"No problem I'll just stay here," said Tuffnut, getting down from Belch. "I am the best Wingmaiden on this island, I think I've proven that pretty decisively."

"But you're not a Wingmaiden," said Atali. "And as you know men cannot live on this island." Tuffnut scowled.

"Isn't that convenient?" He said. "I do all the work around here, then you guys ditch me to go have your fun. Well, maybe I'll just start my own club, on my own island, where people aren't allowed. How about that?" Wingnut glanced from Ruffnut and Atali, then he seemed to make up his mind. He nuzzled Ruffnut, chirping happily.

"Aww, he's nuzzling me," said Ruffnut. "Obviously means something, but I don't know what." Then Wingnut flew from Ruffnut to Atali, and landed on her shoulder.

"What's going on?" Tuffnut asked.

"Wingnut made his own choice," said Serenity. Wingnut nuzzled Atali, who stroked him. She seemed pleasantly surprised.

"Razorwhips are mysterious creatures," she said.

"As are most dragons," Tenor said.

The Riders got on their dragons. Atali and the Wingmaidens smiled at them.

"Dragon Riders, you will always be welcome here," said Atali.

"And we're always ready to fight by you're side," said Hiccup. Tenor turned to Serenity, who looked close to tears. She threw her arms around him again. Tenor hugged her back.

"I guess you're leaving for real this time," she said.

"Yeah," said Tenor softly. "But we'll certainly be back. Perhaps the next time we come, we'll be coming to take you home. But for now, you're safe here." Serenity let go of him. Azymondias licked Tenor's face. "Yeah, I'll miss you too little princess." He chuckled. He went to join the Riders and Serenity went back to the Wingmaidens. Tenor checked the lenses one last time. Then he followed the Riders as they took off from the island. The Wingmaidens waved them goodbye as they headed back to the Edge.