A/N: This is a short chapter, I'm aware. But I needed it to be written. Also, I didn't make this clear before, but this is NOT a one-shot story. It's more like an infinity-shot story :) A.K.A. I have so many ideas knocking around in this brain of mine that this story will probably never end.

Disclaimer: Do I want to own it? Yes. Do I actually own it? NO.

VALKA'S POV

After a lot of internal debate, I decided to give the Stormcutter a name. I wasn't sure about it at first. The last thing I wanted was to humanize a dragon that could still very well kill me. But so far it had been perfectly docile, and I had already gotten pretty sick of calling it 'dragon'. So...

"How do you feel about the name Cloudjumper?" I ask, glancing up to meet its golden eyes. It was curled up a few feet away, clearly exhausted from the long flight. We were still in the same spot as before, since I wasn't really sure where to go from here. The island had appeared to be uninhabited from what I could see on the way in, so there was no hope of a rescue. My only plan at the moment was to find a way to survive in this glorified ice cave.

The Stormcutter's nose flaps fluttered, and it warbled lightly.

"I'll take that to mean you like the name." I said with a shrug. "Oh, by the way, are you a male or female? I feel like it's an important distinction. Uh...blink twice if you're male." I tell it, feeling kind of ridiculous. I would soon go crazy with these one-sided conversations. Cloudjumper blinked twice as instructed.

"Well, Cloudjumper, my name is Valka. This is my son, Hiccup." I introduced, leaning down to place a kiss on Hiccup's forehead. The blanket that had been wrapped around him had loosened, allowing him to bring his foot to his mouth as a chew toy. His eyes were wandering all over the place, taking in all the new sights and sounds. "You, my dear, are way too calm about this," I muttered sarcastically. He babbled in response, making me chuckle at his adorableness.

I stood to my feet, cradling him to my chest again, then shuffled over near the cliff edge. I made sure to keep my distance from Cloudjumper. His head turned all the way around, just like an owl's, so he could follow my movements. I ignored him, taking a closer look at my new environment.

It was beautiful, I had to admit. The crisp air was refreshing in here compared to the frigid temperature of outside. In fact, I was tempted to take off a layer of clothing. The nest had an almost tropical vibe to it. The squawks and roars of the dragons didn't strike fear into me as they sometimes did on Berk. It was just...peaceful.

My gaze fell to Hiccup, and shame suddenly filled my entire being. I shouldn't like anything about this place. It was my prison. I belonged back on Berk, with Stoick, with my people. Hiccup belonged with his father. He was just a baby! He couldn't survive out here. Not here...with these dragons. They were the enemy...right?

No. A firm voice whispered in my mind. No, they weren't the enemy. Vikings kill dragons, dragons kill vikings. It all just seemed so pointless. Cloudjumper might've taken me away from Berk, but he hasn't harmed a hair on my head, or Hiccup's. And all the dragons in this nest were just...living.

Berk was chaotic. Dangerous. Kill or be killed.

This place was calm. Serene. And perhaps even safe...

I ran a finger over Hiccup's cheek. Maybe Cloudjumper had taken us for a reason. Maybe there was a better future for Hiccup here. There would be no Dragon War, no tough expectations to live up to. Hiccup could be free.

I have to do what's best for my son, I thought fiercely, and I knew without a doubt I had made up my mind. We were staying. I took in a deep breath, looking over my shoulder. Cloudjumper clambered to his feet, moving as close to me as he dared. "Promise me you did the right thing." I demand, turning around to face him. "Promise me I'm supposed to be here." My tone became slightly desperate towards the end of my sentence, but I didn't care.

Cloudjumper's chest rumbled and he bowed his head low to the ground. I gulped, readjusting my grip on Hiccup, and took a small step forward. This is the right decision. Another step. Berk is a war zone. Hiccup isn't safe there. I lifted my hand, taking two more steps. Please, Stoick, forgive me...

My fingers touched warm scales, and I let out the breath I'd been holding. Cloudjumper purred, closing his eyes and leaning further into my hand. I smiled in amazement, petting along the crown of his head. "Hiccup, are you seeing this?" I murmured, and Cloud raised his head just enough to peer at my son curiously. There wasn't a single part of me that felt the need to pull away. Hiccup extended his own hands, making grabby gestures at the large dragon. I leaned forward so he could reach, while Cloudjumper cooed encouragingly. Hiccup lightly patted the dragon's snout, not really grasping the idea of a soft caress, but doing his own version of one. He squealed in excitement, his eyes and nose scrunching up. My boy, the dragon whisperer...Who would've thought?

"I hope this makes us friends," I tease the Stormcutter, and he steps back with an amused chuff. "Think you could take me down there?" I ask, walking back to the edge of the cliff and gesturing in the direction of the caves not far below us. Cloudjumper crooned in agreement, then leaned down and extended his wing. I stared at him blankly. After a pointed look from the dragon from me to his back, I laughed a little too forcefully. "You're not serious! Are you serious?..." I balk for what seems like the thousandth time today. He wants me to ride on his back?

His deadpan stare said it all. Just get on.

I shook my head, rushing forward before I could change my mind. "I must be going mad," I mutter under my breath as I climb up his wing. It's difficult to do with Hiccup in one arm, but I manage well enough. When I'm in a position where I won't fall off, he opens his wings and walks right off the cliff, catching the breeze instantly. We glide softly downward. He has to make a wide circle to avoid dipping too much and sending me and Hiccup flying off his back.

It's a strange, yet pleasant feeling to ride on a dragon. Before, when he'd been carrying us in his talons, my only thoughts were about survival—mine and Hiccup's. Now, I could just sit and enjoy the feeling of freedom being airborne brought me. The warm wind brushed against my face, bringing with it the smell of fresh flowers and clean ice. Is this what it is to be a dragon? If so, I could definitely get used to it.

We landed all too soon, and I slid down Cloudjumper's wing with a grin. When my feet hit the ground, I tossed Hiccup into the air playfully, making him giggle. "Flying isn't so bad after all, is it darling?" I cooed, giving him a kiss on the nose. "We should definitely do that again." I declared to Cloudjumper, who simply tilted his head. I rolled my eyes, looking past him towards one of the tunnel entrances.

First things first, I needed some sort of shelter. My best chance was to search these cave systems. I walked over hesitantly, wishing I had a candle. Cloudjumper ambled up behind me, and as if reading my mind, shot a single fireball down the dark tunnel. I jumped in surprise at the unexpected flame. For the instant it illuminated the path, I could see that the tunnel was empty and curved a little ways down. Cloudjumper couldn't fit, so I would have to explore on my own. Hopefully there weren't any dangers lurking in the darkness, otherwise Hiccup and I were both screwed.

"If I don't come back for a long time, send out the search party." I order Cloudjumper sarcastically, stepping away from him and into the chilly tunnel. He snorted at my comment, laying down at the entrance to wait for me.

In a matter of minutes, I'm completely blind and lost. I have my hand sliding along the wall as a guide, but I have no idea where I'm going. I can only hope I don't fall into an abyss. Hiccup is silent in my arms, and I briefly wonder if he's dozed off due to the lack of light. I can hear the faint drip of water on rock, but otherwise there are no signs of life in these stupid tunnels.

After about ten more minutes of walking (mostly stumbling, really), I find myself in an open cavern. The roof is made of the same thick ice as the outside, allowing light to flow into the small space. Well, not small, per se—it was larger than my house on Berk. There was a steady stream of water coming off a large piece of ice that hung from the ceiling, and I quickly walked over to it, drinking a few mouthfuls. It was the best water I'd ever tasted. I raised Hiccup so he could have some—turns out he was still awake. He swallowed a bit, then resorted to spitting out the rest playfully, swatting at the water with happy giggles.

I look over the space with approval. I could form a makeshift bed with some of the larger leaves from outside, and there was a constant source of water. It was safe from the elements—we wouldn't get rained on in the middle of the night. It was a good place to start.

"What do you think, Hiccup? Does it meet your standards?" I question, holding him up so we were eye to eye. He stuck his fist in his mouth and gnawed on it quietly. "Perfect! Glad we agree." I smile. "Come on, let's get back to Cloudjumper before he starts to worry." I say, marching back the way we came.

It was odd how attached I already felt to the Stormcutter, seeing as how he kidnapped me, but there was just something about him that I was drawn to; it was the same feeling I had last night during the raid. He was intelligent, and certainly was a great listener. Plus, having a dragon as a friend would be a necessity here. I wouldn't be able to get anywhere unless Cloudjumper gave me a ride.

The walk back was much quicker, and Cloud purred when I appeared around the curve. "Success!" I boasted. He leaned down, and I subconsciously scratched his chin. "Although it kind of sucks that I can't see a thing in there most of the time, I'll take what I can get. Now, how about we get to work on the improvements?" I suggested.