Chapter 21: Prudiise
One day after the Battle of Dragon Island
They were finally home. Five minutes out, Aaron and Myst could see the bridge platform of the Merit-class destroyer Defendant peeking out of the large seastacks scattered nearby. Laying directly to the south of the downed vessel on the snow-covered, hilly plain was the base, a clean stone plaza/landing site taking the center. The living shelters surrounded it in a medium sized ring, with another ring of walls and trenches past that. The small harbor rested peacefully on the edge, a very small number of ships docked or sailing out for fishing.
The Defendant's front half was buried into the side of a large plateau, and the two small engines stuck up at an angle. The top held a few training arenas, as did the base below. Inside the landmass was a maze of large tunnels and caverns, perfect for sheltering the dragons during rough storms. These tunnels also led down to the plain, allowing easy access. If they hadn't tried to do anymore salvaging of the ship's forward section, the decks could still be traversed. Anyways, it looked like some of the close-quarters guns had been removed. He didn't see them on the ground, so that meant they were probably inside somewhere.
WHOOSH! A large figure dive-bombed the two, throwing Myst off her course. "What the...?!" Aaron helped the Fury beneath him steady herself, then looked for the perpetrator. Said man came up alongside, riding an orange and red Monstrous Nightmare. "Oh, it's you. Figures," he said, rolling his eyes beneath his gray helmet.
"Hey, gotta watch your surroundings." The Nightmare's rider wore mottled brown armor with matching helmet and jetpack. A Hunter's gauntlet covered his lower right arm, and Aaron could see the large custom blade folded in its safety position. This commando had a wavering reputation within the Corps. Ryyk was an expert with his blades, but his ego and bragging attitude meant few actually wanted to work with him. "Otherwise, you could walk straight into an ambush."
"Then how come Firewing always knocks you on your rear?" Aaron retorted, glaring at his brother-in-arms.
Ryyk shrugged his shoulders, brushing off the comment. "Whatever. Come on, King." With that, the man jumped off the Nightmare's neck and dived towards the water. King quickly followed and caught his rider before they crashed, but the original duo didn't bother looking at the spectacle.
"I have got to find out how that moron became a Skyjumper." The soldier went through the possibilities in his head. The Skyjumpers were the new aerial force for the remnants, as the transport craft had to be used only when necessary. They had a strong bond with their dragons, often doing trust exercises while on the daily patrols, and struck their enemies hard and fast. They were one of the three divisions in the remnants, the others being the Juggernauts and regular infantry.
The Juggernauts were lead by Dmitri and his Dragons. They wore the heaviest armor out of the remnants and carried the biggest guns. Unfortunately, the suits' weight has forced them to either use the transports for moving between islands or ditch the suit and stick with the standard armor. Considering how a majority of them see the armor as a second skin, it's not a surprise they were practically stuck here or at the Southern Gateway with nothing to do.
The regular infantry consisted of everyone else. They worked with the heavy artillery pieces and the Juggernauts. Triton had them, as well as the other two, train in martial arts, melee combat, and archery in order for the Prudiise to better fit in with the southern Viking tribes. This has come in handy, as several commandos had begun to operate within the villages they visited. A lucky handful settled down and started families. Now, the remnants were their namesake.
Myst let out a greeting roar, clearing both her rider's mind and a spot in the plaza. As Aaron disembarked, a snow-white Fury came out of the street leading to the caves and approached the duo, the others moving out of the way. "Hello, Mom."
Aaron gave a respectful salute after taking off his helmet. "Ma'am."
"Welcome back, you two." With ocean blue eyes, she looked past her daughter for something. "Where's your brother, Myst? I know both of you are inseparable."
"Actually, Moonlight, we only stopped with Zeke and Fog last night. We got something very important to tell Triton."
"Well, you're in good luck. He and Nightrunner had just returned from their trip." The soldier shivered in fear at the Alpha's name. "Oh, don't worry, Aaron. He's just being the father he is. Come on, then." Moonlight turned around and led the two into the cave system.
Lights were attached to the cave walls and ceiling in a pattern that removed most of the shadows. They passed through some of the caverns, most filled with various species of dragons and their families. There were Nadders, Nightmares, Whispering Deaths, Zipplebacks, and a few Furies. Eventually, the trio came to the meeting center.
It was one of the largest caves, with a high ceiling and several tunnel openings at different heights. This spot was where important issues were discussed with both humans and dragons in attendance. Everyone had a voice and a right to let that voice be heard. A large fire pit and multiple torches covered in dragon scales provided light. On one of the walls was a raised platform that gave a perfect view of the floor, so each person could be clearly seen.
Part of the room was already filled with commandos and dragons, who were spread out and looking at one particular duo. The leader of the Shadow Corps remnants, General Triton, was on the platform. His pure black armor and dragon scale cloak almost sucked in the light around him, the silver dots on his right shoulder pad glistening like stars. He had his helmet off, which showed his intelligent and wise face, a small goatee on his chin.
The Night Fury by his side had similar features, asking for respect from both parties. His amber eyes shone from the pit's flames, captivating those not used to his species' spell. Nightrunner was sitting in a regal position, making sure that his words and those of his companion were heard.
Moonlight and Myst flew over to the platform and landed in front of the Shadow Island Alpha. Everyone smiled at the reunion, knowing how long the family was apart during Nightrunner's trips. Aaron pushed his way to the front and climbed the steps.
Triton saw the scout and went over to meet him at the top. "Good to see you again, Aaron. What news do you have?"
"How did you-?"
"I remember the orders I gave, and since you're in a week earlier than you should be, what you have to say must be of great importance." He smiled at the scout's hesitance.
The man regained himself. "Yes, sir. Yesterday, the Viking village of Berk assaulted Dragon Island and ended up releasing the Queen there. A group of teenage dragon riders came in and managed to kill the thing. I left as soon as we confirmed her death."
Triton took in every word thoughtfully. "Thank you, Aaron. Go and get something to eat. I'll have your full report tomorrow."
"Yes sir. Oh, there was another thing I believe you should know about."
"Go on."
"He was there, too. Javelin."
Triton smiled at the news. "Thank you, private. You're dismissed," he said and saluted.
"Sir," Aaron returned, then left towards the mess hall.
The leader walked back to his original spot and asked, "Myst? Your rider just gave me the news. Can you confirm it?"
"I can. The island was attacked, which brought out the Queen. She was taken down by two Furies and their riders."
"Thank you." He turned towards the mass of beings before him. "Everyone, please quiet down! Thank you. I have just been given news about a successful attack on Dragon Island to the far southwest. Fortunately, none of the dragons down there were seriously injured. Aaron and Myst here have confirmed that the Queen residing there has been slain!"
Whatever mixed feelings were brought on about hearing of an attack on that island were replaced with joy. Everyone cheered and celebrated, especially the dragons.
"Settle down, everybody! Settle down! The beast was taken out by a group of dragon riders, two of whom riding Night Furies." Some whistled at that. Furies weren't known to travel that far south. Then again, the area was mostly hostile to dragons, so the more secretive species did tend to avoid it. "And from what was seen, Javelin was there among them."
A few of the more... intolerant squads grumbled at this. To them, Javelin was a traitor to the Corps, but then again, so was Commander Areun. Others saw the Crimson Commando as a rogue that required frequent surveillance. The third group felt that his action of bringing an actual traitor to justice redeemed him. The mixed feelings from earlier returned to the crowd as a whole.
"I would like someone to volunteer and bring these news to our brothers at the Southern Gateway."
A well known voice shouted "I will," followed by a raised arm. The man climbed the steps with some difficulty. Another commando bearing red lightning on black ran to help him.
"Lucks, are you sure? Your injury..." Triton asked worriedly.
"Is mostly healed. A little flying won't hurt." The young man winced in pain, but shook it off. Lucks had navy blue stripes running his suit and helmet, which was currently strapped on his belt. He noticed his brother still hovering behind him. "Fire, I'm fine."
"Doesn't matter. We aren't losing you to something as small as a coughing fit," the soldier grumbled. Lucks had been in an accident from trying to salvage the Defendant. A sudden shift made him lose his grip and fall, which wouldn't have happened if he had worn a jetpack or harness. He was impaled through a lung, but medical personnel got to him in time. He underwent surgery and was still recovering.
Firewing, being the "tough guy" on Death Squad, had only admitted to Triton and few other close friends that he was scared. He, Triton, and Lucks had lost Samson on an early mission. He wouldn't lose the brother that kept the trio together. He was relieved that Lucks was no longer in danger, but the head medic had warned the squad that he couldn't handle the exhilaration of dogfights for quite a while.
Lucks looked at Triton for help, and the man relented. "Alright. But no tricks during the flight. Am I understood?"
"Loud and clear."
"I'll tell Skyheart and Forge," Firewing said. He walked off to find the Nadder and Nightmare.
Triton returned to the slowly dispersing crowd. "Dismissed, everyone." The remnants returned to their daily duties, some walking out, others getting on their dragons. Lone spectators who had perched themselves on the higher openings disappeared with no evidence of their being there. Soon enough, it was just the two leaders and a few stragglers. "What are your thoughts on Dragon Island, Night?"
The Night Fury shrugged. "I am glad that that tyrant is gone. But these new dragon riders? I don't know. I'd have to see them and those two Furies myself."
Triton nodded at the dragon's words. "I think I can arrange something in the future. Go ahead and be with your mate and daughter. I'll cover your jobs as best I can."
"Alright. Thank you." Nightrunner flew off to find Moonlight and Myst.
Triton stood still on the platform, wandering through his mind. His last thoughts before finally leaving the cavern were of the events on Dragon Island and Javelin.
"A new future begins..."
(AN) - Boom! This chapter is the official end of The Crimson Rider... for HTTYD 1 anyway. I'll still do Boneknapper and GotNF, of course, but I don't know when they'll get finished. Feel free to leave a review or comment, guys. I appreciate it. Also, don't forget to vote in my poll about GotNF.
As always, thank you Adipose. I'm glad I kept you interested every step of the way.
Until next time, everyone.