This is War
'A How To Train Your Dragon Fanfiction'
RATED – T – Contains: Strong Violence, War Themes, Blood and Gore, Mild Language, Mild Adult Themes.
GENRE - Dark themed – Fantasy / Adventure [Action]
SUMMARY – They thought he was dead. As the Scarlet Queen began her reign of terror, all seemed lost, the light sucked into the dark, freedom never to be felt again... But he's coming to end the fight. Darkness shall cower, as a dragon blacker than night, upon his back a man with wings, returns. And he cries out the warning, to the good and the evil... This is War.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own HttyD. Rights go to Respective Owners.
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NOTICES:
-Direct Questions in reviews will be answered on the forum, to the best of my ability and within my spoiler range, just a heads up.
-The Part Two Finale, Chapter 35, 'And The Battle Rages On' will be in two chapters! Get ready and hold onto your tails and scales, my lovely Dragonites!
-Keep your eyes peeled for a new TIW story! 'Just Like Fire' should be released soon! And I believe there are going to be quite a few who will be interested... Kinda answers some questions of yours, Pietersielie.
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SHOUTOUTS:
kbryson [Guest]- Thanks! I'm glad you feel that way! :) Thanks for the review!
The Shadow Fright Dragon- (C.36) Hehe, yeah, he lives in agony... Poor Hiccup. FREE HUGS! And now, I'm curious to see if that follows up, regarding the events in the next chapter... (C.37) Oh, and I wouldn't say quick... Very painful, indeed... And yes, I do think the Lycanwings are a nice touch... Sadly, they won't play a huge role in TIW, but they will in other stories set in the AU. Thx for the reviews!
Thearizona- Nope... But you'll have to read the next chappy to see who it was. ;) And yes, some serious battles. Thx for the review!
NeonArt1- (C.21) Hehe... I love my diggies. (C.26) Thanks! 'A New Beginning' took on a decently good kick-off for the story, raising some questions and keeping things in the dark to let people continue reafing to find out more... Thanks for the reviews!
Pietersielie- (Already did forum link stuff) Well, questions are answered on the forum. BUT, if you what to know directly... Read the third notice above. That should help. As for Hiccup snapping? Well... It's something that is similar, so to speak. More of a 'hidden mental instability' he fights past to stay strong. Thx for the review, and sincere apologies for being so late with this.
As always, thanks to every one of you- I love you all, and all your support and dedication is amazing!
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WARNING: Content ahead, mainly in the third section/after the third line break, is for Mature Audiences only. Viewer discrimination is advised. Strong violence, killing, blood and gore, as well as language is present. If you have a sensitive stomach or are a young reader below a suitable age, you should turn away. There are other nice, cheery fluffy fanfics.
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Chapter 33: Murder in the Moonlight
-North Forest, Raven Point, Berk, Barbaric Archipelago, Midgard. Sunset, Evening, 14years-5months-14days after Hiccup's death.
"Razorwind!" Alestaira walked through the bush, pushing past branches and leaves. Jumping over a log, she huffed. That pesky, annoying, but somehow still well-loved and amazing Deadly Nadder was messing with her, again.
After another hour of searching blindly, she heard a familiar, and long overdue squawk. Gathering up all her frustration and releasing it in a single heave, she turned around, and blinked.
Nothing.
"Razor?"
A chortle came from above her, and with a groan, she looked up, and there she was.
Razorwind's gorgeous scales, gleaming and shining in the setting sun, left a ray of colours beaming down on her, and the young woman had to squint.
The Deadly Nadder landed, her beauty, for the hundredth time since they first met, taking Alastaira's breath away. The Nadder had bright, warm orange-yellow eyes, her snout a soft blue as her head was more violet. Down the back of her neck, and running along her spine, it was a hue of dark blue and purple, that got lighter as it reached her pale blue underbelly. As they progressed down, her feet were a violet that transferred into a hot pink. Her claws were an unusual, creamy white, and the entire underside of her wings followed that. Her projectile spines were a pale green.
Alestaira sighed in what could be described as disappointment, mixed in with amusement that she ever thought I'd be any different. "Oh, girl, you know, every time I see you, I lose my breath..." She stroked the dragon's head.
"Honestly, what would I do without you?"
She got a hum in response, as her dragon eagerly stepped forward and pushed a scaly head into her beloved rider's arms.
The dragon gave her a soft growl, that almost translated into, 'You'd be missing your other half, that's what.'
They embraced again, enveloping one another's warmth and love.
Alestaira swung onto her dragon's back clipping herself onto the white, smart saddle, and peering up at the darkening skies. "What do you think, girl?" She asked, petting the dragon's neck as the Nadder spread her wings and released body weight into her strong legs.
"Wanna go for some quick laps around the island before we head home? Danas and Geldar won't be back for another hour, they're on patrol."
Alestaira grinned, smirking as she added the last part. "Without a single boy in sight." Razorwind chirped happily in response, leaping into the crisp afternoon skies, pounding her magnificent wings against the strong breeze that guided them on their supposed merry way...
...To the fateful, and once thought ended, dangers that were ahead of them.
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-North Forest, Raven Point, Berk, Barbaric Archipelago, Midgard. Night-time, 14years-5months-14days after Hiccup's death.
"Come on, girl, it's getting late..." Alestaira groaned, seriously starting to get cross.
Her dragon had taken her to the forest, dropped her in a tree, and promptly prevented her from leaving; something that really pissed the young woman off. "Ugh, just let me go already!"
Razorwind shook her head, instead peering out into the dark forest yet again. Chirruping, the Nadder flinched slightly, and that was when Alestaira noticed the worry in her partner's eyes, noises and pose. Silenced, she looked down. Razorwind was just trying to protect her...
From what, she had no idea. Wild boars? A hostile dragon? Enemies? Honestly, she had no clue, nor idea.
But, judging by her dragon's absurd behaviour, it couldn't be good.
"I don't get a single bit of insight on this, do I...?" She muttered, sighing when the dragoness bobbed her head a little to answer. "Thought so... Typical..."
It must have been at least an hour or so, by the time Razorwind finally began to loosen up. While she was still veering on the edge of caution, her demeanour had generally returned to normal, and the Nadder had let her rider get up and into the saddle.
Sighing, Alestaira looked around. Nothing.
"See, girl?" She said to her dragon, patting her long neck. "Nothing to worry about."
Razorwind snorted in disbelief and arrogance, the spines on her tail ejecting slightly in annoyance and hesitance, her rider gesturing for her to take flight into the night skies. She didn't trust this world any more; it was a dark time, the Ancient Prophecy of the DragonBorn had apparently taken flight, now a very real thing.
Yet, nothing good was happening. The 'Scarlet Queen' was on the move and working her evil acts of terror and death, but the legendary Shur'tugalar, their Skulblakas, and the Gods? They were doing nothing to stop it!
"Whoa... Calm down, Razor! What's up with you today...?" She murmured the last part to herself, unaware of the approaching threat, hidden in the thick cover of the trees. Its strong limbs crushing twigs and foliage under its claws, yet making no sound whatsoever. Its deadly, vice-like jaws, filled with razor sharp teeth. Its fire, ready to incinerate; and she- more precisely, them- were completely oblivious to it.
And the Exterminators pounced, talons ready to tear them apart and excited to hear some much-wanted screams.
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-North Forest, Raven Point, Berk, Barbaric Archipelago, Midgard. Dawn, Morning, 14years-5months-15days after Hiccup's death.
"RAZOR, ALEX!" She called out upon Stormfly's back, cupping her hands around her mouth as she shouted.
Sighing, she slumped forward in the saddle, mumbling to herself. "Where are you two..."
Her dragon trilled, nudging her a bit with her head, brought around to face her. Astrid smiled weakly, stroking her beautiful, stunning blue and yellow Nadder's jaw.
Even after all these years, the duo was still incredibly fit and athletic, as gorgeous as ever with that young look. Although, to be honest, that seemed to be the case with all the riders. Even Stoick and Valka, now nearing their sixties in age, could still perform aerial stunts with their dragons and held a not-so-old stance.
It truly was a mystery- as was the fact that Mildew and Gothi were still alive. Now, THAT had them confused- and, respectively, on Mildew's part, absolutely infuriated.
"Come on, Stormy." She mumbled quietly, "We have to find them... We already lost Silus..." She frowned. "Of who we have no idea what really happened, other than Mildew's ridicules shit about another Night Fury."
The Tracker Class dragoness chortled, flapping strong against the chilly morning air.
Suddenly, Astrid's keen eye caught sight of something, that she found a little... Odd. She steered her dragon down towards the cliff, eyes widening and a gasp escaping them as it became more clear. Shocked and scared out of their minds, they merely landed, taking in the murder scene around them.
Blood, guts, and mangled limbs.
They returned to Berk silent that night, unable to bring it up to anyone, and instead just giving the blunt explanation of, 'they're dead, killed by a dragon', which most certainly wasn't wrong, and not much of a lie.
They doubted they would ever forget that day...
Although they found that it was a good thing they did. Because years and years later, it would come back... With a vengeance, and Death's End [1].
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-Queen Scarlet's Fortress, Valley of Echoes, Midgard. Night-time, 14years-5months-18days after Hiccup's death.
Silus groaned, and face-palmed. Typical of Hiccup and Toothless to literally smash through a window to get to the single-most dangerous and evil dragon in all existence. With absolutely no hind or foresight, very little regard for their own safety, or reservations.
It wasn't out-of-character in the slightest, in full honesty, but still, being one of the best Captains among the Draconians and the Shur'tugalar, most would expect more from them.
Oh well. Too late now. He had a fight to attend to.
Aurora growled beneath him. The dragoness stared at the Fort, obviously worried and nervous. Silus rested a gloved hand on her thick neck, staring into her eyes.
Contact was broken, as loud explosions sounded, and three Hideous Zipplebacks emerged from where they had strategically hidden as guards and spies. They sprayed gas everywhere, igniting it with resonating booms as screams and roars filled the air. Swords and weapons were slicing through the skies, heading straight for the Draconians and Asgardians. Cursing as a black Limb Mangler [2] blade streaked past his dragon's wing, he kicked Aurora's side to get her moving, but she was one take-off ahead of her beloved rider.
He listened to the war cries of both sides, taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart as they descended upon the unsuspecting guards below. They were attempting to kill off the panicked, terrified slaves in that segment. With a growl of fury, Aurora opened her jaws wide, and fired at the massacre.
Silus watched, face emotionless and expression blank as they burned to death in his partner's bright green flames, tinted with blue in the centre.
He locked himself into the same pattern he'd been drilled into; push aside his feelings in the fight.
So, that's just what he did. Jumping off the Skulblaka's back, he dove towards the Rotation, screeching a Night Fury's cry before he slammed up, striking an armoured Snafflefang square in the chest, mid-taking flight.
The dragon screamed, bones shattering as it was smashed into the ground, its hind leg ripping off in a bloody, snapped mess at the sheer drive and force. It died quickly from the bleeding.
He looked up, just in time to see the attacking Firewing, heading straight at the Shur'tugal. He back-flipped swiftly, and lashed out with a foot, striking it across the chest. It crashed where he previously was with a resounding thud, watching with horror and fear as Silus jumped over it, bashing its skull brutally with his tail while he moved elegantly with danger. Blood escaping the fatal, instant-kill wound, he touched down as light as a feather.
He grunted, staring at the dead beast, and whipped around to fend off against two approaching men.
For one, he snapped the neck, a quick kill, but the other suffered a sharp contrast, as Silus ripped his waist off and below with a lethally fast slice from a wing-claw, and then kicked him strong in the stomach. The man hurled up his guts, blood flowing out in one massive swig; the sight left a bitter taste on his tongue, and he thoughtfully pushed it aside. Silus could have just ripped his throat out manually, with his teeth alone, and that was much worse.
Spreading his wings, he took to the darkened skies, launching upwards to survey the fight.
It was going well in their favour, Scarlet's forces completely unprepared for the ambush. He let a faint, almost savage smile tug at his lips. That was good, very good indeed...
He tilted his flight, heading in a bee-line for his dragon, who was fighting off about three Lycanwings in pretty panicked motions, and struggling. Upon sighting the beasts, his eyes widened. Since when did Scarlet have Lycanwings in her possession?!
Well, don't just HOVER in place! Aurora snapped, casting a glance at her rider in the sky.
He snarled, launching himself at one of the strange beasts. Silus would openly admit it; he had never fought a Lycanwing before. Not a lot had... They were supposed to be extinct, killed off one way or another- the variable seemed to be different from every perspective. Regardless, the stories were true about one thing, at least...
They. Were. Terrifying. And fuck, were they a challenge to beat.
He could barely remember much of the brief fight; he could recall kicking and punching some, biting and snapping, not using his sword a lot.
Then it slammed his head to the ground, and everything just became a dizzy whirl of colours.
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-Queen Scarlet's Fortress, Valley of Echoes, Midgard. Dawn, 14years-5months-18days after Hiccup's death.
Sheesh... Crimseara growled, lashing out at another guard who was so foolish to try and cut her rider out the air with a arrow. What is with these soldiers and attacking my legs?
Roaring, karma- and the guard's sword- slashed her ankle, and she reached down, easily biting his head off. She snorted, blood filling her mouth and fountaining from the man's neck as the corpse collapsed. Growling, the dragon spat out the head, and gathered fire from her maw to burn some passing dragon's flank and thigh in the sky.
It immediately got rid of the taste, and she snorted, rearing up on her hind legs as a couple of soldiers swooped down to attack her.
Blasting one half with flames to the mouths, igniting the gas and killing them from the inside, and tearing the others apart in her jaws, she held back the urge to assist her soul-mate. Aloysius was struggling to fight off two menacing Lycanwings. They were ganging up on him, with the advantage of numbers, striking hard and furiously with no remorse.
She let loose a side torrent of flame his way, striking one of the winged men. Snarling and attention off, it gave Aloysius just the right opportunity to snap its neck, before locking into a brutal tumble with the other.
Crimseara sucked in her breath. This wasn't going to be pretty.
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Next Chapter:
Chapter 34: Born to Fight and Die
A/N: Well, I'll keep this short. I want to apologise for the recent lack of updates on TIW- I just couldn't find the words to type up in this one, and in the end, I added two more sections, just so it had a reasonable chunk of content. Violent and gory content, but content none the less... Oh. And the next chapter is basically finished, should be up quite soon, either in a couple of hours, or tomorrow. Depends, no promises gang.
As for why I haven't just generally beenaround, other than reviewing/reading things on the archive, well, it's kinda consisting of two factors; one, I'm having general complications in life, particularly friendships. Two; I've got this effing cold that's driving me insane. -_-
Dragonites Unite! LESS THAN A WEEK UNTIL RTTE S3 ARRIVES! WHOOOOOO HOOO! JUMP ABOARD THE HYPE TRAIN, FOLKS!
-Crystallion12.
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-References-
[1]- Death's End- The name of the 'This Is War' Sequel, the Second Book in 'The DragonBorn' Series, set in the TIW AU. It will be followed up by 'Ragnarok' (TBC).
[2]- Limb Mangler- A horrific, shiny and black weapon, about the size of a average sized plate. It was created by an Ancient, Humanblaka & Dragon hating civilisation centuries ago- it consists of three dangerously sharp blades that split apart mid-air at blinding speeds, cutting through anything and everything; it is specialised and specifically designed to decimate limbs, as its name implies.