After a brief flight/race around the island and taking the Night Lights for a little tour around the village, the five of us all settled down on a cliff that serves as a vantage point. Twilight is lying down on the grass with me resting on her side, and Nuffink is having a blast with Dawn and Dusk.

Dawn has just tackled my brother to the ground and bats at him playfully while Dusk prances around them with his tail held high. Nuffink tries to fend off Dawn, who finishes his playful antics by collapsing on top of him.

"Oof! Hey, no fair!" my brother cries. "Let me up!" Dawn only snorts at him in reply. Twilight and I can't help but chuckle at that…

Dusk whines at Dawn, wanting a turn at playtime. As soon as Dawn stands up and Nuffink gets to his feet, Dusk wastes no time in charging right into him. Quickly regaining his footing, Nuffink retaliates by grabbing below Dusk's head.

"Oh, think you're a tough guy, huh? Well, have some of this!" he shouts, scratching at the Night Light's scales to search for a weak point. "Ha, ha! You think you got the upper hand with those wings and teeth of yours? Well, guess what? Because of my superior intelligence, victory will be soon within my… GYEEP!"

While Nuffink was bragging about his inevitable win in this struggle, he didn't notice Dusk hobbling over towards the edge of the cliff… and leaning over, threatening to drop him into the sea. Now recognizing the danger he's in, Nuffink clings desperately to Dusk's scales.

"Okay, okay, okay! You win!" he stammers in a panic. "You're definitely the smartest of us! You're the smartest!"

With a draconic rumble that sounds almost like laughter, Dusk flips himself onto his back and sends both him and Nuffink tumbling onto the grass. "That… was not… cool…" my brother breathes, with Dusk dismissing his words with a warble.

While the boys recollect themselves, Twilight and I turn to each other and smile. A small purr makes its way out of her throat and she gently wraps her tail around me like I was a young dragon. Placing my arms on the tail, I sigh happily.

"You know… ever since that day, I always wondered if we would see each other again," I tell her. "But I always think that as time went by… you would have forgotten about me." Twilight stares at me silently at those words, as if afraid she might forget me again.

"But I don't think you ever will now," I continue. "We're both older now, so… we shouldn't have any issues. I'm just… I'm just glad we're here now. When I never thought I'd see you again."

Twilight purrs again, gently nuzzling my hair. Not caring in the slightest if she messes it up, I scratch under her chin with two fingers. We close our eyes, savoring the little moment with our family…

…and a roar echoes through the sky.

Our eyes snap open and Twilight turns to the source of the sound. The other two Night Lights stop what they're doing in an instant. While Nuffink looks around in confusion, I turn towards the horizon and peer out towards the sun…

…which is now beginning to sink beneath the waves.

Frankly, it's no surprise I didn't notice earlier. After all, the weather on New Berk is a little warmer than Old Berk. But the sunset also brings back a reminder. A reminder… of what needs to happen before this day is done. To make sure all of us are safe.

Twilight knows it, too. I can feel it. Yet neither I nor she speaks a word of it. She rises to her feet and I do the same, with the boys looking towards the source of the sound… a rocky platform with grass on top.

"Was… was that Toothless?" Nuffink asks, and I wordlessly nod. "It's important," comes my response. "Very important."

But what's also important is where it's coming from. That cliff… it's where Dad knew what he had to do. He knew the cost, the internal pain… but most importantly, the worth of it all. What they needed when all he saw was what he wanted. What he dreamed of… but could never happen yet.

"Well, best not to keep him waiting, then." Nuffink sighs, moving over to Dawn. He doesn't have the faintest idea of what's about to happen. I can hear it in his voice. But me… I'm not sure if I'm ready.

I walk towards the cliff's edge as Twilight jumps off. The sky, now tinted with red-orange colors among the clouds, must be bringing back memories from my parents' generation. And now… it's gonna help make one of mine.

The toes of my boots barely hanging off the edge of the cliff, I close my eyes, gently inhale and spread open my arms like wings. Pausing to savor the gentle breeze on my skin, I let out the breath I'm holding… and step off.

I feel weightless yet again, not even opening my eyes as I fall. I focus only on the wind: both the feeling of it rushing against me and the howling of it in my ears. The only time my sky-blue eyes show themselves to the world again is when Twilight snatches me up in her talons, throws me into the air and spins around to catch me on her back. With a small boost of speed, she speeds off towards the cliff with our brothers right behind her.

When we land, I immediately notice a crowd of both humans and dragons assembled there. Suppressing the rising anxiety inside me with all my strength, I dismount from Twilight and head towards my father while she does the same.

He's addressing Mom right now, but when his forest green eyes turn to me, he stands at full attention. And, even though I try to hide it as best I can… he knows I'm nervous. And he should understand it well… he's been through this before. But I don't think he ever expected this to happen again with his own daughter and son.

(A/N: As Long As He's Safe (1:57 onward) – HTTYD: THW score)

Dad hesitates before he speaks to me. "You… you know what needs to be done… right?"

I nod silently, something tugging at my heartstrings. "I do."

"So do I," he replies. "I… Zephyr, sometimes I… dream. Dream about the first time… before you were born. After we won. Your mother and I… we realized what we needed to do if… if we were to be truly safe. And it…" he sighs. "…it was hard on both of us."

"You still see his face," I whisper, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"He didn't want to leave either," he says sadly. "That glimpse of… of sadness in his eyes. Yet he knew it was the right thing to do. What his kind needed. And if it was hard for me on that day… it'll be hard for you."

I know what he means all too well. I can already feel my eyes growing moist as I look around. My friends all realize one by one that they must do what their parents did nineteen years ago.

We need to let the dragons go.

…

Twilight's POV

Father's eyes never leave me as I approach him. He looks… conflicted. He doesn't need to tell me why.

"Dart…" he begins. "Do you still remember the story?"

"Yes."

"Then you understand what we must do now. I know that… that you and your brothers might want to stay here. But that can't happen. Even after you've seen them after all this time."

Wordlessly, I turn to see Zephyr speaking with her own father. Like my own, he's saddened about what's to come. I know that, after reuniting with his own friend who's been by his side for six years, he doesn't want him to leave so easily.

But Zephyr… Nuffink… and my brothers… we have something different. Instead of being together for several years, we saw each other only once. And if I said we would see each other twice… I would be lying. I do want to see them… to see her… again. But that must be for some other time.

"Your heart is conflicting with your mind, young one," Mother whispers to me calmly. "But you have not been the first to feel such emotions. Nor will you be the last."

She's right. My brothers just glance at each other silently, without even play-fighting with each other like they used to. By his mother, Nuffink tries to hide his own sadness… while Zephyr's eyes start to twinkle from something within…

…a clear liquid.

…

Zephyr's POV

Eguala and Feliciana watch from nearby while Adrian and Avicia link hands with each other. Toki glances down to the ground with a sigh, and Arni pats his brother's shoulder in reassurance. Osvif only crosses his arms and never draws his gaze away from Toothless.

Each of the original Dragon Riders bid their farewells to their old comrades… and among them, I hear the voices of my friends.

"So long, Clawtooth," Spikelout says, patting the side of his rumbling Nightmare's face. "I'm gonna miss ya."

"Fire," Snuffnut mutters with a quivering lip, scratching the left head of his Zippleback with a sniffle. "Ice," Bluffnut whispers to the right head, rubbing its horn. "Try not to kill each other down there, okay?"

"Oh, Pebble," Ingrid moans, draping herself over her Gronckle. "It… it was fun while it lasted. G…goodbye."

The sound of approaching dragons brings my attention back to the front. Toothless, Stormfly and the Light Fury face my parents, with the Night Fury looking right at my dad's face.

"So…" he whispers. "Here we are again… You never expected this, did you?"

Dad only shakes his head. "Never, bud. Do… do you still think back to that day?"

"Ever since, yes. To be honest with you, Hiccup… it ate away at me for days. It must have done the same to you, but… I found something that got me through it all. I found something that made me move on."

"And… what is that, exactly?"

Toothless turns to the Light Fury with a smile. "Family."

Eyes lighting up in realization, Dad only smiles at his friend. "I found it, too. All because of a love you helped give me."

"No, Hiccup," Toothless replies. "I never gave you anything. All you needed in life didn't come from me… but within you. Those six years? You didn't grow into the next chief and a hero because of me. All I really did was-"

"Make things easier," Dad finishes for him. "I know that now… thank you, Toothless. For everything."

The Night Fury smiles. "Likewise."

Stormfly steps forward to Mom and Nuffink, gazing at both of them. "Just as you followed him before… will you follow him now?"

Mom nods while Nuffink only remains silent. "I always have, so I always will. And… it wasn't easy for me last time."

"Me neither. It… it was good catching up with you and reminiscing the good times we had, old friend. I'll certainly miss them." The blue dragon turns to Nuffink expectantly.

My brother only cracks a smile and holds up a hand. "See you around, Storm."

The Deadly Nadder pauses to savor the nickname. "You will be just as great as your mother. I guarantee this… just as long as you keep moving forward and never let anything hold you back."

Nuffink smiles, already feeling proud of himself. A low coo fills my ears, and I turn to see the Light Fury standing before me. I sniffle, hiding any tears that threaten to break through.

"My mate has told me the tales of your father and how great he was," she tells me. "How he changed both of our races. When I laid my eyes on you, little Zephyr, I knew that you could be just as great as your legend of a father. But now I see… that you are more."

"M-more how?" I ask, my voice starting to crack.

"Your heart. Your bravery. Your courage. Your refusal to let your beliefs die and your desire to protect all that you love. The product of two great people, a heroic leader and an honorable warrior, has now become something greater than both of them. You have your father's mind and your mother's instinct. His heart and her courage. His will… and her love. Your father was so very wise to hand down the task of protecting the dragons to you. And for this…" she lowers her head to the ground as if bowing to her Alpha. "…I thank you with all my soul, my Savior."

I sigh breathlessly, unable to find any words. I wipe my face with one arm, my sky-blue eyes starting to sting a little.

"But there is also another concern I must attend to," she says, rising to a standing position. "Long ago, you and your brother have referred to my offspring as terms that suit them well. And over a decade ago, your father did the same to my mate."

I gasp. "You… you want me to name you?"

She nods. "It seems only necessary."

"Oh… wow." I whisper. "Okay, um…" I take an anxious breath and pay close attention to the Light Fury's form. The pure shade of white on her scales. The sapphire glow of her eyes. Her graceful appearance.

A smile creeps onto my face and I move my hand away from my chin. "How about…?"

"She doesn't need one."

Toothless' voice catches both me and the Light Fury off-guard. For what seems like the first time, I see shock in her calm eyes. "Are… are you certain of this?"

"I am," Toothless confirms before resting his eyes upon me. "When I first met my mate, she was like a call. A call back to my natural instincts. A call back… home. But as I was drawn to her, I knew I would sometime answer that call and shed away my previous life among the humans. I had grown so attached to Hiccup that I couldn't bear to just leave him behind and start anew. But it turns out… that was just what all the dragons needed."

"So, you're saying…"

"A bonding name isn't necessary. She's fine with what she has."

"And… what does she have?" I ask, cocking my head to the side in curiosity. Realizing my question, Toothless only turns to his mate with a smile… and he backs off. The Light Fury, reading his expression, stares down upon me with a calm, loving smile. She gives out a gentle purr.

"Luna."

And, without giving me a chance to react, she turns and heads off towards the edge of the cliff.

Dad clears his throat as Toothless stands in front of him once more. "So… this feels oddly familiar…"

The Night Fury snorts in amusement. "Why is it always this way for you?"

"I'm just trying to lighten the mood, bud. It's just… I don't think I can go through this again."

"You made it the first time, didn't you?"

"Heh. Alright, you got me there, Toothless. And again… thank you."

Toothless draws back after Dad touches him on the snout one last time. The very action yanks at my heart and I have to suppress a sob. I can't just lose control now…

"Remember, old friend… together from afar."

"Together from afar."

As he takes one last look at my father, Toothless notices the Light Fury by his side. She nods to him and he returns the gesture… before rearing his head to the sky.

RRROOOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR!

The sound echoes across all of New Berk as all the dragons, his family among them, join in. From behind me, the amazing creatures rise from the ground and flap their wings, flying away from the island. With one last glance, Stormfly, Hookfang, Barf and Belch, Meatlug, Cloudjumper, Grump and Skullcrusher all take off to join the flock.

Someone whistles from the right, and I turn to see all my allies. Jerek and Nott are both aboard Windshear, and Heather's son gives me a two-fingered salute while Nott waves to me. Without even thinking, I raise a hand in reply as Nuffink waves back.

Toothless barks something to the rest of the dragons belonging to the Outcasts, Berserkers, Defenders of the Wing and the Wingmaidens. Each of them all takes off and fly back to each tribe's respective island, where they would part their own ways and return to the Hidden World once finished.

My parents also wave goodbye to their own friends as they depart from New Berk's shores. My brother and I join in… but I stop when I turn back to the edge of the cliff.

By now, only three dragons remain on the island. The rest of the flock gathers close by while the Alpha and his queen hover in the air, waiting for them.

Twilight slowly walks towards the edge of the cliff. She crouches down, spreads her wings as her brothers prepare to follow…

…but she stops.

She lowers her wings, her brother looking on in confusion. Neither of them makes a move after their parents. Twilight sadly huffs, a draconic version of a sigh if I had to guess. Before Dawn or Dusk can say anything, Twilight steps back…

…and turns to me.

I can feel my eyes growing moist and my heart getting heavy. Why was she still standing here?

"Well?!" I call out, partially shocked at how my cracked voice sounds. "What are you waiting for?! Go!" That last word sends a pang through my body, and I lower my outstretched arm. My head hangs low. "G-go…"

"But you don't want me to."

I open my mouth to object, and I want to say otherwise. That our time together is over and she should just get out of here. But I can't… I can't bring myself to say it.

So instead… I listen to my heart.

"I… I… I-I don't."

My voice is barely a whisper and something wet rolls down my cheek. My body trembles and I want to tell her to stay. Cracks tear across my heart and the dam in my squeezed-shut eyes starts to give away. But this time… I don't fight it.

(song ends)

(A/N: Stoick Saves Hiccup – HTTYD 2 score)

I don't hear the sound of my running footsteps. I don't feel myself collide with Twilight's torso and wrap my arms around her scales. I don't hear my howls, my sobs and my pleas for her to not go. I let my mind slip away and allow my body to take over.

As the tears spill down my face and my throat is wracked with sobs… Twilight does nothing. The world around me completely falls apart, and all I can feel is the rise and fall of her chest.

And then… I feel both of her front feet place themselves on my shoulders in the best hug she can give me. I don't stop… I can't stop.

I let it all out. There's no use holding it back anymore.

I just got her back. I… I can't let her leave again. I just can't.

"I love you, Zephyr," she whispers. "I really do. But I want what's best for us. I understand why you cry… why you're sad… but it's something I can't ever do. I don't like this either… but this is the only way." She slightly pulls away and my arms drop back down to my sides.

My vision is blurry from my tears, but I can make out Nuffink on his knees and wrapping his arms around Dawn's head. Dusk sadly warbles and nuzzles him from behind. Trying to keep my breathing in check, I sniffle and wipe my eyes with my arm.

"O-our dads… our dads had something special," I whimper. "They… ever since they changed the world, they were best friends. Almost like family. For… for six whole years. Twilight… Dart… we were never like that."

The Night Light doesn't respond. She only watches me as I speak.

"You and I… we only laid eyes on each other once. Only once." I sob. "After that day, we never saw each other… until today. T…Twilight… having your best friend leave you after six years is one thing… having your best friend leave after you've seen them for the first time in nine years? That's… that's something else entirely. I… I don't know if I can live with this."

"Your father felt the same way last time," she says. "Now look at him. If he can make it, so can you."

"B-b-but… I can't… I don't…" I sniff and another sob escapes my throat, which can hardly find the words now.

"Zephyr… sister… look at me."

I force my eyes open again… and I collapse to my knees. Twilight approaches me, and I cup her chin in my hands.

"What you say is true." She whispers, her blue eyes staring into my own. "Our fathers have been together for six years, while we haven't seen each other for nine after your visit. I can tell you've hardly stopped thinking about me and my brothers… but it saddens me to say that, until today, my memories as a hatchling have dwindled down to almost nothing… including my memories of you."

"I don't WANT you to forget me!" I bawl. "Not again! Y-you PROMISED me! And you still-!"

"Yes. I did. But that is my own fault. If it weren't for you and your actions, the choices you made and how your allies and brother inspired you… I would still be the same dragon I once was. If all of that didn't happen, I probably would've killed you without realizing who you were."

Silently, I reach out and stroke a hand over her face. "Y…You can't forget me again, Twilight. I don't want you to."

"And I never will. Tell me, Zephyr… do you remember what you said all those years ago? When we were only children?" She looks at me expectantly… but my mind draws a blank.

Noticing I'm taking too long to answer, Twilight crouches down and stares me right in the eye. "Ever since you brought those memories back to me, I've never forgotten those words… so I'll never forget you. It's just as you said, Zephyr… I'm not really leaving."

"Y-you're not?"

"No. I'm only leaving physically… but I'll always be with you in truth. Keeping each other close from different places."

Twilight purrs lovingly at me. "I'll always be with you, Zephyr…"

She raises her front foot and points it… right at my heart.

"…in here."

The memory of it all suddenly comes back, when I had said those exact same words to a younger Twilight. The immense weight begins to lift itself from my heart. My eyes and cheeks still sting from my tears, but all traces of misery and despair begin to fade away. She notices, and she smiles.

"Together…"

"…from afar." I finish, one last tear trickling down. Placing both hands on her face, I lean in close…

…and plant a tiny kiss right above her snout. A return to what she did all the way back then.

"Goodbye, Twilight," I whisper, stroking her head soothingly and touching my forehead against hers. "I'll miss you… and your brothers… so very much."

"I'll miss you too, Zephyr… but maybe we'll see each other again one day. Keep that in mind."

"I… I will. Thank you."

"And thank you. For everything."

We rise to our feet, and the boys approach us. Dusk immediately nuzzles my chest and Nuffink scratches Twilight under her chin. Dawn purrs and gives me a lick on the cheek. For once… I don't wipe it away.

Twilight turns back to the horizon, where the dragons and her parents still patiently wait. Dawn and Dusk take a good look at us and, feeling satisfied with themselves, turn to their eldest sister. With a bark, she orders them to take flight… and they do so.

Dawn and Dusk don't stray too far, as they wait for Twilight to join them. She walks up to the edge of the rocky cliff… and turns her head back.

She looks at us. At me, at Nuffink, and at my parents. Her eyes shining with hope, she looks right at me. At the person who made her who she was today. If she could do so, I can almost hear her sigh happily.

"Together from afar."

With those words echoing in my ears, I watch as Twilight… my sister… spreads her wings, shoots off into the air and, with a mighty roar as great as the Night Furies before her, flies off to where her brothers… no, our brothers… and her parents await her. Until she's back where she belongs.

Neither of them looks back… and my brother and I don't look away. The flock of dragons flies off into the sunset… and we can make out six winged silhouettes, one standing out from the family of five.

Footsteps approach us, and I glance to my right. Our parents come in from between us, with Dad next to me and Mom next to Nuffink. Grandma also comes in from my left and places a hand on my shoulder, while the other Riders approach from behind us with their own children.

And even though he's not here… I feel that he is. He's watching us… watching me… from his place in Valhalla.

Grandpa… I hope you're proud of me. I've done it. I've done what Dad asked of me all those years ago. I've finally fulfilled my destiny. The dragons… and the tribe… are finally safe. I feel pleased with myself… so I hope you are, too.

(song ends)

We all watch until the dragons are out of sight. One by one, the villagers all head back to their homes. Then, my friends depart… and then the Riders… and then Grandma… and then Mom and Nuffink.

Until finally, only Dad and I remain. The two of us are silent… until I break it.

"I understand now. If you love something… you need to let it go. It all makes sense to me. The sacrifice you made that day."

"You think they'll come back, like all the things you love do? I mean, Toothless came back during Snoggletog."

"No, Dad," I reply. "I know they'll come back. Neither of us knows when, but… Twilight doesn't want to forget me again. She'll make sure of it."

"I'm glad she will," he says, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "After all… it's what Toothless would want, too."

I smile at him. "One day, Dad… One day, all of this will be over. One day, we'll all figure out how to get along. Even if that day doesn't come for centuries… maybe even a thousand years."

"But it will come, Zephyr. Count on it."

"I have hope it'll come, Dad. Now that I've finally done what you've asked me to do… I have hope."

"Good… because we'll all need it to protect the secret."

We both smile before turning back to the horizon… and both father and daughter watch as the sun starts to dip beneath the waves.

…

You thought you could escape me? You thought you could hide me away?

Your time with the beasts… how they uncovered your past, led me back to you.

It's no use dragging your father, your mother, and that wimp of a brother into this. This is just between you and me.

You should have listened to the words in that book, just as I did. Your father is a fool. You should have embraced what your people- what our people- have been for the past three hundred years.

Try to run all you can, Zephyr. I'll always find you. I see through your eyes. I hear your every word and thought. Those traps not only should have stayed but should have also been expanded upon.

Just think of what you could've accomplished! You could've been a master weapons crafter and an expert in wielding them! And there's absolutely no one to hold you back… because you get rid of them.

Like I said before, you should never be afraid of who you really are. Embrace the Hairy Hooligans' true nature! Shove aside all those idiotic and revolting claims that Hiccup the Useless tried to spread! Because if you don't… well, you've seen how I painted my armor with the blood of dragons.

And I won't hesitate to add your own to it.

…

THUMP!

"OOMF!"

A boot slams into my chest, jerking me back to an awake state. With a moan, I blink several times to regain my vision…

…and see Nuffink standing above me with arms crossed.

"Wha? F-Finky?" I groan, rubbing my forehead and sitting upright. "W…what are you…?"

"About time you woke up, sis," he greets me. "Good morning, by the way."

"Yeah, thanks…" I dismiss… before my eyes snap open and all grogginess leaves me. "M-morning?!" I whirl around to the horizon…

…and see the sky is a clear blue, the sun rising steadily into the heavens. Based on the position, it's already nearing midday.

Holy mother of Thor… "I… I've been out here all night?"

"Apparently. Dad actually came home earlier, so he must have been with you. Were you two… thinking about the dragons?"

"Uh… yeah." With a grunt, I stand up and brush dirt and grass off my clothes. "The Night Lights… they're not gonna forget us anytime soon. I promise."

My brother smiles at that. "Good… you know, there's something I need to ask you."

"And that would be…?"

"You know how Mom tried to join the Berk Guard when she was younger?"

"Yeah, why?"

He smirks. "I think I might want to pick up where she left off."

After pausing to let that sink in, I playfully sock him in the shoulder. "Before you ask, that was for not asking sooner. Now go tell them the good news, baby brother!"

With a chuckle, he runs off back home. As soon as he's gone, I turn back towards the open water… just like I did before my troubles with the Shieldbreaker started. My eyes glance out as far as they can see… and I sigh happily.

"Twilight…" I whisper. "You'll always be with me… and I'll always be with you. Take care, sister."

I turn around and make my way back towards the village, a calm feeling flowing through me. But even though one of my greatest battles had been won…

…there was still one aspect of my past I would have to face.

(A/N: I would be lying if I said I was crying while I wrote this, particularly when Zephyr hugged Twilight. But I suppose all good things must come to an end, and what goes up really must come down.

So, all that's left is a quick interlude, and finally the epilogue and the end of this story! Personally, I'm glad that my dream of the next generation of Vikings and dragons is nearing its end because I've been pouring my heart and soul into it. And I'm happy that all of you have been with me. Thank you all.

Next: facing a fear)