This is it. Happy 10th chapter everyone! I am very close to 200 reviews. You guys all deserve something if I make it that far. So tell me, what would you all want? Just curious. Or a better question... Who will be number 200?
Anyways, on a sadder note... school is right around the corner. Blah! I refuse. I'm moving to Berk. Anyone wanna come?
Well, updates will still be there. I will update once every week maybe twice depending. Luckily my internet is back. I am still hoping to hear from all of you! I know that lack of updates can cause people to loose interest. I just hope that won't happen because I completely love you all for everything! :D
As of questions~
I actually already had for SkyClimber to become friends with one of the local dragons. You'll see who it is. That'll be more of next chapter, I think. Yep, I am organized. I have my chaps all planned out :) This will be my longest story.
Lastly, I see a lot of you liked Cloudjumper. He's a very fun character to write. So, here he is. Well... not exactly yet but.. Tah Dah~
Toothless watched over the Night Fury across from him. SkyClimber hid herself under her wings in her sleep. It transfixed Toothless the way she almost knocked out every night. Every night, it only took a minute before she was deep into sleep. Needless to say, it surprised him. It always took a while before he went to sleep; Toothless was a type of dragon that loved that night.
Admittedly, he could be a little too active... sometimes sneaking out, but that was besides the point. The point was that Toothless envied SkyClimber's sleeping habits. She wasn't restless, no, SkyClimber was completely still. Sleep came easily to her, and she never woke up through out the night... at least from what he noticed.
Toothless slept late and woke up early, still having sufficient energy to last all day. So, when he awoke early that morning, he didn't stop himself from becoming transfixed at her more tranquilized nature, while his tail still curled around her.
Toothless was still a bit shocked that SkyClimber had let him curl his tail around her. She hardly ever allowed contact. She usually shied away. Last night seemed different, because she allowed it without protest. Toothless wasn't complaining. He liked feeling that was caused when she was close to him. It reassured him. SkyClimber's scales were naturally cold, and although that fact, contact with her made him very warm.
He began to wonder if nights would usually be like that for the pair. Toothless hoped that SkyClimber would stay and get comfortable on Berk. They were unconsciously getting close to each other, and he knew it.
Even with that fact, Toothless was afraid that there could very well be a chance that SkyClimber would want to leave.
Maybe it wasn't soon, but he knew that SkyClimber was eventually going to learn much about the world, and get used to it. Knowing her, SkyClimber would rapidly progress, and she would no longer be the shy Night Fury he now knows. SkyClimber would no longer be so dependent. It was her decision whether or not she would leave.
SkyClimber would most likely turn into the type of Night Fury that was independent or liked to be more reclusive than the other species. She might not like the many dragons populated in one place... like Berk. He knew that it could overwhelm someone that wasn't used to it. Though, it would be some before before SkyClimber would like to assent from Berk...but Toothless couldn't help but ponder on it. Would she stay for me? Or would she go without looking back? Would she get used it here? Or would SkyClimber forget about me and move on to her journeys?
If the day did come, Toothless wouldn't stop her... Who was he to be an obstacle in the way of her happiness? He wouldn't want to drag her down. Night Furies should be free and happy. While Toothless felt free and happy in his home on Berk, SkyClimber could think otherwise. So, if that was what she wished, SkyClimber would be able to fly off... The only thing that would possibly make him stop her... was if he got too attached.
Toothless didn't want to mention or think about it any time soon, but something pulled him towards this pitch-black Night Fury. Of course he was attracted to her. She wasthe first Night Fury he has seen... ever. Yet, it wasn't that. It was far more than attraction. Toothless admitted that he cared about her. A different care than he felt for anyone. It was a different one than Hiccup's... and it was starting to worry Toothless. If he got attached to her... bad things could happen.
SkyClimber wouldn't be able to leave Berk. No, Toothless would make sure she had a reason to stay.
It wasn't only that. Toothless had never really harbored any sort of feelings for anyone. Feelings? Was that what they were? He wasn't experienced with how to react to them. What was he supposed to do with them? Could he make them go away? Or could he find a way to satisfy them somehow? Maybe if he kept on reminding himself of their friendship, they would go away. Maybe it was a sickness. Whatever it was, it made Toothless... protective over SkyClimber (and frankly, a little nauseous.) Yes, protective, not possessive, he convinced himself.
Whatever he felt, Toothless had to occult them. SkyClimber didn't have to know that he cared a little too much about her. She saw him as an Alpha... unfortunately. It bothered him too much. SkyClimber saw him as an authority to be respected, while Toothless wanted her to speak to him as an equal. That's how he wanted everyone to see him as; hence the reason why he didn't like to be called Alpha.
Toothless wanted her to him as more... or less? He was her friend. While, SkyClimber saw him as a friend, she most likely didn't care about him as much as he did about her. That was fine to him. She could spend more time around him, eventually warming up to him.
That was good. The only thing that could think more about the situation was Cloudjumper.
Cloudjumper
He was Toothless's most trusted dragon in the village. Toothless knew that he could trust Cloudjumper with this information... but he knew that the Stormcutter would indirectly give out hints. He was sneaky that way.
Other than that, Cloudjumper was good company. Toothless often teased and mocked him a lot, but that was how their friendship went. Cloudjumper would purposely ignore him while Toothless tried to gain his attention. Toothless found out that if he teased enough, he found that Cloudjumper would react.
Other days, he was a good friend to be around. Him and Stormfly were friends, but it was nice having a male to speak with. Not that conversations with Stormfly weren't spectacular. Toothless found that Cloudjumper was a dragon, just as intelligent as him to converse with. (Not that Stormfly wasn't.) Plus, the male Stormcutter was his second in command. If there was something that put the dragons or the village in danger, he was the first dragon Toothless would turn to.
But, Cloudjumper was too observant for his liking. He had eyesight just as keen as his. Cloudjumper, being wiser than him, could see almost everything. That Stormcutter was sure to notice something. What is there notice? I like her... but I don't... well... really l-. Toothless vigorously shook his head. What was he thinking at?! What was he assuming?
He glanced at her sternly.
The most he wanted to be was friends. That was it. Toothless would be satisfied with just that. Love was an emotion that was expressed towards those in a friendly way. Besides, he knew nothing about the concept. For all he knew, the emotions he had were because he was happy she was safe on Berk.
Maybe, instead of assuming extreme things like that, he should just assume that him and SkyClimber were going to continue and become good friends and she would like and stay on Berk. Hopefully Cloudjumper would be able see that and keep his mouth shut.
It was true, Cloudjumper didn't talk much to others, but SkyClimber just happened to be an exception. Maybe Cloudjumper was getting back at him for the day he smugly remarked at Cloudjumper when he had met a female Stormcutter. That was an enjoyable experience (at least on his end) and it was comical seeing his friend get so embarrassed.
Sure, he had to apologize when Cloudjumper wouldn't talk to him for a while, but it was all worth it to see his reaction. Maybe Cloudjumper didn't completely forgive and forget about that occasion.
Toothless cringed and turned towards the window. He needed something else to distract him from his thoughts.
He noticed the dark blue of the was beginning to fade into a lighter one as the sun continued to rise. He would have to leave soon. Unfortunately, like he told SkyClimber before, he wouldn't have the same amount of time he previously had. Toothless had Alpha duties to attend to with Hiccup. He would still have time... usually at the end of the day. That was when Hiccup went to spend time with Astrid, but Toothless would now go to SkyClimber.
He knew that SkyClimber wouldn't like his sudden absence, because she had been attached to him these last couple of days. He was the first one she had really seen in who-knows how long.
Now, SkyClimber had to make her own friends while he was out. Toothless only hoped that she or the dragons wouldn't... cause too much attention. His goal was to make SkyClimber stay, and a crowd or dragons could literally frighten that chance.
Toothless felt his tail shift under something. His ears raised in alert, but they quickly lowered once he saw why it had moved from the previous spot. SkyClimber had moved for the first time since she had fallen asleep, and she had unconsciously used her paw to bring his tail closer to her. SkyClimber now cuddled his tail, and Toothless almost felt bad for having to remove it. She didn't even seem to mind the small spines.
Yet, if he left it there, knowing SkyClimber, she would feel very embarrassed about it. While it would most definitely amuse him, Toothless had to get moving. Retracting his spines, he cautiously slid his tail out, pausing slightly when she showed signs of waking up.
When he fully had his tail back, Toothless stood up. Throwing SkyClimber one last glance, he jumped out the window. He was rewarded by the sights of the village. Dragons lazily beginning to awaken, their only encouragement was the smell of fish.
The sun was only on the brink of the horizon. The streaks of sun illuminating the sky with a light blue. This was a sight Toothless always enjoyed waking up to. It produced a calm atmosphere that always managed to reassure him.
Toothless glanced up at the ceiling of the house. There was no noise that attracted his attention, rather a certain presence felt.
"Cloudjumper," he greeted. The four-winged dragon didn't take long to appear. His looming silhouette now becoming much more visible to Toothless.
"Alpha," the male Stormcutter greeted. With a leap, the large dragon was seated next to his darker-scaled friend.
"Are you always on the ceiling?" he asked, not turning to face him.
"No. I am currently on the ground." Cloudjumper responded. Toothless rolled his eyes. Shifting slightly, he decided to ask Cloudjumper a question that has been swimming around his thoughts recently.
"You aren't vengeful type of dragon, are you?" Toothless asked. Cloudjumper's frills raised. He narrowed his eyes slightly, becoming perturbed at the sudden question. It wasn't completely unusual for the Night Fury to ask sudden questions like this, but it still managed to puzzle the reason behind it.
"What bothers you?" the Stormcutter asked, tilting his head to look at Toothless.
"You told SkyClimber I was possessive, didn't you?" he asked bluntly. Cloudjumper's puzzled features turned into ones of amusement. It could have easily passed off as something else, his attitude always being impassive, but Toothless did not fail to notice the glint in his golden eyes.
"Not necessarily directly." he said, tuning his head away from his Alpha.
"But, you did." Toothless claimed, beginning to shake on of Cloudjumper's wings to emphasize his point. The Stormcutter was not alarmed, rather disregarded the Night Fury.
"And, it matters to you what she opines of you?" Cloudjumper asked. Toothless stopped, but didn't step off his wing. Narrowing his eyes slightly, Toothless took a moment before answering. He knew that this was a trick question, not completely surprising him, but catching him off guard.
"I don't want her to get the wrong idea of me, right?" he asked, stepping off the larger dragon's wings. Cloudjumper chuckled.
"Certainly not," he coyly mocked. However, Toothless was too attentive to miss the tone. He carelessly swung his tail at the larger dragon. Cloudjumper easily dodged it. Toothless knew he would, and his intention was not to hit him in the first place. Toothless blew a small fire ball at him, to which Cloudjumper became alarmed.
His frills were raised, and he turned to Toothless with a bewildered expression. Toothless chortled a slight laugh. Cloudjumper used his large wing to thump Toothless on the back, successfully making him trip forward. When Toothless turned to look at him, Cloudjumper glanced away, acting innocent.
"You're too observant, sometimes," the Night Fury said accusingly.
"Why do you say that?" Cloudjumper half smiled.
"You hint at things that others don't really notice." Toothless stated.
"I'm assuming you're referring to SkyClimber," he said. Toothless slightly tensed up at his assumption.
"Not necessarily directly," he shot back, using the Stormcutter's words against him. Said dragon, began to hum in interest.
"Yet you are," Cloudjumper responded, "Why does she fascinate you so, Alpha?"
"W-what? Fasin- What are talking about?" Toothless asked, looking taken aback. Cloudjumper chuckled, appearing as if he knew something Toothless didn't. The Night Fury, in exchange narrowed his eyes in obvious displeasure.
"Your curiosity tends to expand with more time. Granted, you might not have been with SkyClimber for much time, but your curiosity towards her seems to be growing." Cloudjumper said.
Toothless immediately showed more displeasure at his assumption. He shook his head frantically, beginning to feel a wave of embarrassment wash over him.
"What does that have to do with what we were talking about?- I knew it! You are vengeful."
"No, I do not hold trivial grudges against one. Perhaps it is your own thoughts that seem to reflect on the words I say." Cloudjumper wisely said.
"Stop speaking in riddles. Just admit you're still mad at me." Toothless scowled, in a good-natured manner.
"Perhaps a little."
"What?!"
Cloudjumper chuckled at the young Night Fury. His Alpha had yet to learn much about his afflictions. While he tried, Cloudjumper knew that he would not always be able to aid Toothless with his problems. Some are meant to solve by oneself, which is how wisdom is earned. Though, while never admitting this aloud, Toothless did amuse him.
"You're over-thinking this, Alpha. While interesting as this topic may be, I do not wish to further...irritate you," he spoke. Toothless hesitantly nodded in agreement.
"Actually, now that we're on the topic... there is something I'd like you to do for me." Toothless said.
"What is it?" Cloudjumper asked formally, readying himself for any command.
"I'll have to fly off soon. I'm leaving you to look after SkyClimber. Once she wakes up, take her around the village to sight-see. With you around her, she might not feel as... overwhelmed with all of dragons and humans," Toothless explained.
"Is it because she accustomed to being solitary? I have taken the time to notice her overly-reclusive nature, but maybe you know the reason?" Cloudjumper questioned.
"SkyClimber came from the Bewilderbeast's army." Toothless stated. Cloudjumper's frills expanded and he stiffened at the name. He realized that he had not taken the time to think of reasonable explanations because of her nature... nor did he expect her to come from... there. Cloudjumper began to grow alert.
"How do you know?" he asked.
"I freed her from the Bewilderbeast's control," he replied quickly. It was clear that Toothless was not completely comfortable speaking about the topic. Cloudjumper could clearly see that, although, the new information was starting to cause more questions to arise. A new threat was being discovered, and Cloudjumper wanted to help terminate it.
"She is not used to a lot of things yet. That's why you have to watch her while I'm gone." Toothless continued. Cloudjumper quickly pondered on the subject.
"I will, but do you think that Drago or the Bewilderbeast will notice that the disappearance of a Night Fury? Night Furies, being a rare species, could be be valuable to them, therefor it being obvious that she has not returned."
"I'm not sure Drago is still there, but I know the Bewilderbeast is. We can only hope that he's not noticed. I will take a party of dragons, and we will be on surveillance until I'm sure that there are no signs of them."
Where was his Night Fury?!
The Night Fury should have been back with a new group of dragons. As much as he detested the Night Fury, she was part of his revenge. He desperately needed better excuses of dragons.
He had specifically told her to return with more dragons in two days worth of time. That time had been overdue. If there was something the Bewilderbeast resented more, was those not completing his orders.
He was Alpha. They would all obey to him!
Not only would that Night Fury bring him more dragons, she would fight in his army. She would fight against that other insignificant Night Fury that stole his title of remaining undefeated. The Bewilderbeast would be evenly matched with him now. He would have the same power, and all odds would become even.
In the end, both Night Furies would succumb. There would be no more of that species to stop him. There would be no more obstacles. There would no more pests in the way of his goal.
If he lost his Night Fury, he lost that chance. Night Furies, much to his pleasure and slight dismay, were extremely difficult to acquire. The Bewilderbeast would not be finding another one of them soon.
Although, his army was beginning to advance from pathetic to at the very least, presentable. That was nothing to gloat about, for his army still lacked sufficient strength and experience. Not to mention it was low in numbers.
He needed more!
The Bewilderbeast wasn't stupid. Knowledge of that male Night Fury wasn't beyond him. He heard how many more dragons had sought the unspeakable island for refuge or a new home. He heard about the large amount of populated dragons taking up the forests and seas, of all species, clustering the island with a peaceful treaty among the inferior humans. It disgusted him.
Either way, that's all he would know. The Bewilderbeast was too far from the dragon-populated island to know more, and he would never go near... not until the time came. With the amount of dragons that Night Fury had, he was sure to be dead the moment he was scented in the water. Lucky for him, Terrors were easily great spies. Even if some didn't make it back with life. He could care less. The Bewilderbeast would never actually care for other dragons that weren't himself.
Yes. That's why you're doing this? It's all for yourself!
Even then, he didn't completely care about part of himself. His arguments with himself had only gotten worse these last couple of sunsets. He was becoming hostile because of how infuriated he was.
How ironic it was that the Bewilderbeast had it in his power to control anyone... but himself.
If you would see the sense of this situation, you could regain your sanity.
The dark dragon angrily puffed up a breath of ice. He didn't want his sanity. He wanted the everybody underneath him!
He would once again be an unrivaled dragon. It was in his blood. It was in this cold blood that he was a powerful dragon. His species was a mighty one! They existed since before humans decided to appear.
His size grew to be largest, claws that stomped and carelessly tossed aside any lower dragon. He towered over islands and gave a menacing shadow. His scales were unnaturally dark, and said to be as tough as islands. His tusks had certain dull point that caused even more harm and pain when stabbed through. They were hard slabs that couldn't be broken.
That's what you once thought.
His icy breathe was said to be colder than the high heavens himself. The snow and cold that froze many and caused blistering cold, was said to look pathetic towards what he had. The name, Bewilderbeast, had made everyone freeze. It made cold seize their warm hearts. The hottest fire couldn't melt through his thickest ice.
You would still like to think that, wouldn't you?!
The waters were said to shutter when his kind swam through them. Bewilderbeasts had steel minds, built to be leader. A control that couldn't be broken by the most noble and willful dragons.
You're no leader, and it pains you that you know it.
Ha! No one breaking free? The dragon of the purist hearts were able to get past your cruel control.
He was a different dragon, one no one has ever encountered before. One that unmatched. He was a threatening presence. The Red Deaths were hopeless to him. They were lazy and their strength couldn't match his. They even lacked to his height!
The Bewilderbeast's were also known to be one of the most peaceful and kind dragons. They were once a high pride noble species, considering itself an equal to all.
Those fools couldn't see the potential. Especially that "pure" white one. He was quite the opponent. He was almost enough to bring him down.
How could he? Not after what you did to him. You brag about your kin, yet you bring them down yourself. Why? You lost your kin that day... See the wrong of the action!
No. He would not let regret or shame leak through his heart. His good side could supplicate all he wanted to, the Bewilderbeast had his mind set out. He would not... no... he couldn't feel for his kin... then again... he used to deeply cared for his own kind. His species did matter... wasn't that the reason why he-..
No. His good side would not win this internal war. The Bewilderbeast need to make sure to keep his good side in check. This was an act of insubordination of himself. He shook his head, coming to close to crashing it with the iced mountain. His good side stood silent again.
Even being on of the oldest species, he knew the great tale of the species the followed after his. The species that apparently rivaled his. From the tales he heard, even long ago, Night Furies were very rare. Yet, their rareness gave them a reputation of attacking those who caught a glimpse of them.
Night Furies were said to be the unholy offspring of lightning and death itself. Such a small species rewarded with a title like such! He would have almost laughed with contempt... if he hadn't encountered one. Before, the Bewilderbeast had heard legends of them. Legends that seemed to awe more than his own species's.
Granted, the legends did come from since before he was hatched, but that didn't any less irking. In fact, it made it more! All those dragons had no proof of Night Furies that could complete such tasks and live up to such a title. Night Furies were hardly even seen! For all they knew, they didn't even exist.
That's what you thought before you actually met one.
Yes... before he actually met one. Curiously enough, the Bewilderbeast had met the female before the unspeakable male. While Drago was in charge of all dragons, the Bewilderbeast did manage to fit in some of his command. He never did take it completely, Drago usually completed that task. The human thought he knew what he was doing.
That was before the steel grudge was wedged in.
Drago disappeared from him, leaving behind unused dragons. That was when it all clicked. He, would control the dragons alone. He, would succeed in what Drago had failed at. He would perfect all the flaws Drago had committed.
The Bewilderbeast's plan was to take the island out of surprise. He would encounter the Alpha. With both Alpha's fighting for control, dragons from each side would be forced to fight until one of the Alpha retreated... or dropped. When that happened, all of the dragons would be his. He knew the Night Fury wouldn't drop as easily. That would be when a little intervention of his Night Fury would be intact.
His plan couldn't fail! Not when he also had the element of surprise.
Who would've thought that his army would be able to accomplish that? Long ago, when the Bewilderbeast had first returned, still wounded, he took the army all in.
It wasn't that hard given that it was pathetically small.
Hopelessness had begun to over come him... Though,that was before he realized that there was a Night Fury. Out of a stroke of luck, a Night Fury no less! He couldn't believe that he had forgotten about the despicable thing. That would most likely be because he never interacted with her. She was always hidden, only bought out by Drago. It was as if she was being hidden... It constantly puzzled him how he was able to miss such a small yet important detail.
For the Bewilderbeast to realize that she had still been in the army, had to mean something. It had to mean that he was destined to win the next battle.
Immediately, he put the Night Fury through a more harsher environment. The Night Fury would grow to serve him and no less! Obscurity had told him that she had been bought in from a young age, and she had been taught be Drago to submit.
At first, the Bewilderbeast had been pleased with the notification. His satisfaction didn't last for long though. It was quickly shattered when the female began demonstrating acts of insubordination. The female thought she was safe without Drago being there. He made sure to quickly rectify that.
He could not get the female to obey him without fully placing her under his control. While, he did like that, it was also risking something. That meant that whenever the female was out of his control, there was a high chance that she would betray him. That would not go good with the plan. That's why he would show her who was the Alpha, and make her respect it.
And where is she now?
Where was she?..
Probably dead from what you caused her.
Nonsense! That female couldn't have died! Night Furies were too arrogant for that.
Something was preventing her from returning! He refused to believe that she was dead. Humans couldn't have gotten to her. They were too ignorant to be able to so such a task. They would only succeed in getting themselves killed. If she was dead, he needed proof. And if she was, he wouldn't take it lightly.
There was a sudden thud. Different smells began to enter his nostrils. His attention was suddenly averted. There were new dragons arriving. That meant Obscurity was back.
SkyClimber woke up to the sun resting on her eyes. It wasn't something that she felt pleasant. She opened her silver orbs immediately. Blinking a couple times, SkyClimber instinctively turned her head, becoming aware of her surroundings. She found that she was alone. Toothless wasn't there, and by his faint scent, it seemed that he had left a while ago.
SkyClimber would have been lying if she said she didn't feel a little dismayed that he was gone. She wasn't completely surprised about it. Although, it did pain her a little that he had left without telling her. What a best friend, right?
SkyClimber would have even accepted the occasional lick. Not that she would ever say that out loud. Deep in her mind, she wished that she didn't have to share Toothless with all the other dragons. Only, that would be selfish. Toothless was needed on Berk! Not to mention, all these dragons had known Toothless before she did. SkyClimber quickly dismissed the thought.
She looked outside of the opening where the sun shined. SkyClimber was a bit skeptical of leaving the safety of the shelter. She was safe in there... right? Besides, SkyClimber was comfortable. Well... not really.
She thought about if she risked stepping out. SkyClimber didn't have the courage to roar out like Toothless had. He could do it because he was respected... if she did it... nothing good would come of it.
SkyClimber had the excuse of being new to such a strange place. It was a good excuse... but she didn't want to spend her day in the shelter. She had done enough of that in her previous home.
There was much that made her curious, and she couldn't occult that she was excited to discover. SkyClimber had this desire to rediscover everything again! The only thing that held her back was herself. As much as she hated to say it, SkyClimber knew she was frightened too easily. The thought of the dragons, at least talking to her, made her nervous. It was not something she enjoyed. It was not a favorable trait either. It was beginning to make herself irritated.
SkyClimber thought she looked a bit foolish always recoiling at such small was there that made her so anxious? The dragons of Berk already seemed to accept her... maybe a little too much.
SkyClimber wanted to pursue the things that always intrigued her. She couldn't just keep frightening away like a mere hatchling. Perhaps, she didn't have to completely act like Toothless, but it was time to lock her fear away. That would be hard... seeing as being timid was a lot easier to be.
SkyClimber decided that she would try. She would try to live up to her species name... just like Toothless. It was easier said than done, especially for her. SkyClimber would take hatchling steps.
She began to slowly creep out of the window, hoping not to catch any attention. SkyClimber landed on the ground with a thud. No dragon had noticed her or paid her any heed. That was good. So long as SkyClimber didn't catch any attention, she would be fine. Hatchling steps..
"I see you're awake, young Night Fury." a voice called. SkyClimber froze in her tracks, afraid of who the voice could be.
Here she was; thinking she was stealthy. SkyClimber made a mental note to improve that later.
SkyClimber visibly relaxed when she saw that it was only Cloudjumper. He jumped down from top of the shelter, nothing short of graceful. SkyClimber blinked at him as her ears slightly raised. Cloudjumper was still confusing, at least in her eyes he was. It's either him or the other dragons. SkyClimber took a deep breathe.
"Where is Valka?" she asked.
"Lady Valka is busy at the moment. We will meet up with her later." Cloudjumper said. He began to walk forward, beckoning SkyClimber to follow. She did so, without protest.
As SkyClimber walked beside the peach-colored dragon, she noticed the dragons enjoying themselves similarly like the day before. They all seemed to have a contagious happy mood that seemed to be spreading rapidly.
While today, she still did manage to gain some stares and provoke some murmurs, fortunately, no one approached her. SkyClimber was beginning to feel a little more comfortable at the fact. Yet, that didn't mean that the feeling of being foreign was gone. Maybe if they stopped looking at her in such a way, SkyClimber would feel a little less different.
"Do the stares bother you?" Cloudjumper asked. She slightly jumped at the sudden voice. SkyClimber sheepishly smiled and turned away.
"They do... but I could quickly get used to them!" she replied.
"It's alright. Not every dragon likes to get holes bored into to them." Cloudjumper stated. She awkwardly nodded in agreement.
"Where are we going to?" SkyClimber asked.
"Do you have a preference?" the male Stormcutter asked. She shrugged, appearing unsure.
"I do not think I've bee here long enough to know where I would like to go." SkyClimber said.
"Then, the destination does not matter to you?" Cloudjumper asked. SkyClimber hesitated again, becoming perplexed at his question. She wasn't sure if he was asking in general or just about the village.
"It matters if it's a place I do not like." she responded.
"What if the destination is one you do not expect? If you do not know where you go, how will you know if you like it?" he asked. SkyClimber was increasingly becoming puzzled at the sudden questions. She did not like pondering about questions she did know the answers to. Trying not to become flabbergasted, she responded.
"I-I don't really know... Cloudjumper." her slight nervousness was evident in her tone of voice. SkyClimber hoped that by her simple statement, Cloudjumper wouldn't arise with with more trick questions.
Much to her surprise, he chuckled. He's... laughing?
SkyClimber wasn't oblivious; she knew that it was the type of laugh that was caused because of her innocent statements. Toothless had given her quite a few of those. SkyClimber flickered her ear to show her irritation, that is, if her narrowed eyes didn't already show it. She didn't particularly enjoy the fact that he was amused by her. When Cloudjumper had turned to look at her, SkyClimber skilfully ducked her head before he could see her reaction.
Cloudjumper was too keen not to notice it. Out of the corner of his golden eyes, he had been able to see the slight flicker of her ear. Hopefully, this was a sign that she was beginning to become a little more comfortable around him.
"Forgive me, SkyClimber. Your honest answers are refreshing to hear." he reassured. SkyClimber relaxed at that.
"That's fine! You did not seem to mean any offense by it." she blurted, not wanting Cloudjumper to feel bad.
"Good. Now that we are more on speaking terms, I can lead you around the village and towards were Lady Valka is," he offered. SkyClimber shyly nodded.
"U-uh, Cloudjumper... do you know where Toothless is?" she asked.
"He is off tending to his usual duties as protector of Berk. He told me to apologize for him for his abrupt leave," the Stormcutter added. SkyClimber couldn't help but deflate. So, Toothless was the "defender" of Berk? Sounds important... No wonder he had to leave.
Cloudjumper noticed her new behavior.
"Do not be sad, SkyClimber. Toothless will have enough time for you... or so he's told me." Cloudjumper baited. That was enough for SkyClimber to perk up and look at him. Her wide eyes made it obvious that questions were beginning to bubble up in her mind. This was the reaction Cloudjumper was aiming to get.
"Really?" SkyClimber asked, her voice renewed with excitement. She must have realized this, for she ducked her head in embarrassment. "Did Toothless say something else about me?" she asked, her voice a bit muffled as she kept her eyes trained to the ground.
Cloudjumper inwardly smirked. It was amazing how alike yet different these two Night Furies were. He decided to ask her the same question he had asked Toothless.
"Do you care about what he says about you?" he asked just as coyly as he did before. SkyClimber's ears raised, and she lowered her head more in embarrassment. She choked on her words.
"I-I... well.. um.. H-he.. Y-yes..- No! Yes... No!..?" she felt like she was asking more than responding.
"I can see you are conflicted about it." Cloudjumper hummed.
"He is my only friend..." she confessed.
"And I am not your friend?" he asked. He was not at all offended. Cloudjumper was more amused at the refreshing personality of her. It grew once he saw that she had grown flustered. She was an interesting creature by the way she reacted quite bashfully. He knew that this must have been caused by the many years of isolation. Not that he was calling her anti-social... but he wasn't saying she gregarious either.
"You are! I guess you are...- If you want to be- but if you don't... than it's fine," SkyClimber stuttered.
"I am only teasing. You remind me so much of Toothless," he remarked.
"Really? How?"
"Both of you tend to over-think things."
All Obscurity wanted was to rest.
But because he was just so "lucky," his, "Alpha Bewilderbeast" still wanted something done. Another command, just what he needed to make his night. He already gave the large dragon the dragons he requested. What else could he want?! Satisfaction was not known to the Bewilderbeast, and it couldn't have infuriated Obscurity more.
He would have to keep playing his loyal act, because it was the only on he had. Besides, Obscurity was certainly not in the mood for getting under the Bewilderbeast's control. No, no! Best stay submissive for now... it'll all be worth it in the end. Obscurity briefly flashed back to some time before.
Obscurity finally reached land after numerous hours of flying. He hoped that his "Alpha" was pleased because he had gathered a number of dragons.
The Bewilderbeast was taking his time, his strong control slowly making the dragons succumb. Obscurity, in the meantime, patiently waited to be dismissed. The Smothering Smokebreathe believed that he deserved a break. He did not want to be disturbed, and he hoped that the Night Fury was back so the Bewilderbeast could command her instead of him.
The dragons he bought were quickly dispersed into the others. Obscurity watched unfazed as cold blue eyes regarded him.
Much to his dismay, he wasn't quickly dismissed like he had first hoped.
"Obscurity, I need you for something else." the Bewilderbeast did not waste any time, and immediately cut to the point. Obscurity was certainly in a foul mood for this. Although, he didn't voice his opinion out loud, instead remained calm on the outside.
"What ever could you need? Where is that Night Fury of yours? Can't you just tell her to do it?" he asked, hiding the sharp tone he desperately wanted to use.
"She has not returned from the mission," the Bewilderbeast responded.
"What a shame, really. Lets just hope she will in due time," he said mockingly. The Bewilderbeast snorted at him.
"I need you to fetch her. Bring her back alive, or search for her if she's dead. I want her back," the dark colored dragon demanded. Obscurity began to get irked at the larger dragon's commands.
"You want me to fetch her...? Where is she?!" he asked, hiding his slight interest on the female.
"I don't know. That is why you'll gladly find her." he said.
"You want me to find her... out of all of the lands and seas?! I am no miracle maker, dear Alpha. This is a task I cannot do," Obscurity remarked, quickly loosing his patience. If he wasn't careful, another one of his paws would be frozen.
"That is exactly what I expect of you, Obscurity. Call upon Terrors or other species, but you will bring her to me. If you do not find her, a punishment will be session." the large dragon threatened. The Smothering Smokebreathe began to angrily dig his claws into the ice below him.
"How long do I have?" he asked, sighing, knowing he had no other choice.
"You bring her back soon." the Bewilderbeast said. With a forced bow, the Smothering Smokebreath disappeared with a cloud of smoke. His silhouette disappearing with it.
Needless to say, the Smokebreathe wasn't the happiest dragon around. Of course he would complete the task for Alpha for two reasons only. Only two reasons.
One, he couldn't leave without taking the army. The Smothering Smokebreathe planned to take his army and replace the leader with someone more adequate. A dragon with more mental stability. Him. It was his army.
Obscurity wanted to be in control. He wanted his species to rise. The Bewilderbeast had already had his go and failed. It was time he let someone else succeed. Obscurity would be that someone else.
That male Night Fury managed to do it, so why not him? Soon, him and his species would rise up from the smokes. The other Smokebreathes seemed to agree with him. Obviously no dragon liked to be under a tyrant like such.
That was good, because for his current mission, Obscurity needed help. Locating a Night Fury was not an easy thing to do by yourself. Fortunately, they all obliged. Though, a lot of them did remark about not wanting to waste their time searching for some Night Fury. Fortunately, Obscurity managed to convince them that it would not be for nothing. He himself, did not want to risk his much needed sleep for the occasion either.
The second reason why he was doing this, was because of that Night Fury. He knew her way before. SkyClimber was her name... She was the Bewilderbeast's little Second in Command. Not that he minded. Obscurity knew he only referred to her as that because out of everybody, she was commanded the most. He hadn't fully interacted with her in some time... and maybe he should. Obscurity would bring her back himself. Maybe even torment her.
After all, he was the first ever to have had the joy of meeting her.
That last statement will means something. You'll just have to see! I feel happy with this chapter. There are more thoughts than dialogue, but I like going into a little detail. Now you have an idea of the thoughts.
As you can see, Toothless is in a state of denial. Poor him.
And now you all know the clear intentions of Obscurity, if it wasn't clear enough. I'm still iffy on who the main villain of this story will be. This chapter also lets you see about the thoughts of the Bewilderbeast. It will also be a while before I get back to him. Obscurity should reappear soon, but that's all I will say.
I hope you enjoyed Cloudjumper because I sure did! As much as I like writing him, it's time for other characters to come in and interact.
Thank you so much for all of the compliments. To be called a great writer makes me feel very ecstatic! It's almost like a privilege. For my writing to be classified as something wonderful... it makes me feel like I've done something great. :) Okay, I'll stop mushing over here.
Tell me what you think about numero 10!