Here's chapter three! It may be shorter than the last one but it's here. I'll spare you the lecture. Hope y'all enjoy!


Marcy had never run so hard in her life. She did not know how or why, but apparently she is now faced with live a situation regarding life and death. From behind her, she could hear the sound of paws hitting the ground at a rapid pace. She turned her head back slightly, only to see a dark four-legged creature rushing through the trees after her. After noticing that her pursuer was right behind her, Marcy sped up.

Attempting to gain as much ground as she could. The girl's heart raced rapidly as she dodged everything from bushes, branches etc. She turned a corner in a attempt to lose her chaser, yet it proved to be persistent and continued to pursue her. At one point, she came across a fallen log and slid under it. Trying to see if she could lose it this time. Yet she could hear the sounds of growls from behind her as the creature leapt on top of the log and back down to chase her. She couldn't shake it.

Seeing that she was getting nowhere on the ground, she turned to the nearest tree and started climbing. Weaving through a small gap before running carefully running on the branches. Using the high ground to her advantage. As she ran alongside the treeline, she could hear the beast's tenacious snarls closing in soothingly upon her. Yet she resisted the urge not to look back and focused all her efforts on not slipping off. For it would mean sudden death if she did. Along the way she saw a gap between two branches with a vine hanging at the middle.

In quick thinking, she grabbed the vine with two hands and gracefully swung to the other side. Giving herself just enough time adjust her footing before continuing to take flight. As the chase continued, Marcy stumbled upon a huge tree. One that had many holes from the inside of it. Seeing that as the ticket to her escape, she squeezed into one of the holes and jumped to the other side of the tree without breaking a sweat.

Afterwards, she carefully ran atop a long branch from the other side of the tree. The girl smiled a bit seeing that she was close to being home free. But unfortunately for her, as she got to the edge of the branch, it broke with a single snap. Causing her to stumble and fall towards the ground. The girl squealed as she hit the ground hard. Rolling a few times before coming to a stop. The gamer expert groaned, holding the side of her head with her left hand as she slowly picked herself up.

Half a heartbeat later, there was a screech that would normally have scarred the living daylight out of a normal man as a fully grown black dragon burst through the underbrush. The geeky female barely had enough time to react as the creature pounced on her. Throwing her guard down with its claws and tackled her to the ground. Marcy shivered as the dragon pinned her arms down with its paws and snarled at her. Its teeth bared as the dragon growled at her profusely. The young girl closed her eyes, not wanting to see the beast rip her apart.

Yet instead of that, the mood of the creature changed and she was faced with the ultimate punishment of being bathed in the dragon's saliva as it started to lick her face playfully. This caused the girl to giggle a bit before deciding that she had enough.

"Okay, okay, you got me! Toothless, alright!" Marcy begged as she started pushing its head back. "You know this stuff is hard to wash off, right?"

After a few more licks the dragon relented. Allowing the girl to pick herself up and climb to her feet. Simultaneously brushing off the sticky saliva from the side of her face. The dragon gave her a smirk as she started scrapping off the saliva from her face. For one who knew so much about his own saliva, it did not seem to bother the Night Fury when one were to be covered in it.

For the King of Dragons it was a gesture of good will. A token of how much he cared about his companions. And it was also a way of showing her that he had no intentions of harming her. Because if it were anything but him that would jump her, the results would be deadly.

Once Marcy was done relieving herself from all the disgusting drool, the Night Fury motioned his head out of the woods and began to stroll through the bushes. With his human companion walking right beside him.

"So how did I do?" she asked.

Toothless then replied with a nod. Telling her that while she is improving in her speed and stamina, she was still too slow. He also noted that though crossing upwind and gaining higher ground was a good call, she still drew her guard down upon hitting the ground. Rendering her reaction time to the point where it would make her extremely vulnerable to surprise attacks in a real struggle. This left the resourceful nerd to let out a frustrated groan.

"Oh come on," Marcy complained. "If that branch hadn't broken off I totally would've made that."

The Night Fury crooned in response. Saying to her that while even if the branch didn't break, she should always keep her guard up at all times. He also commented that a wise fighter always keeps his or her guard up. Even in the most tense situations. Otherwise they'd end up being someone else's lunch. Or worse. This brought a cold chill up the girl's spine. Finding the Night Fury's remarks slightly offensive.

"You know I can take care of myself, right?" she questioned, speeding up her pace in the process. "I was Chief Ranger of the Newtopian Knight Guard before I met you, and I was doing just fine by myself. There's no way this girl is gonna be someone's next meal."

Feeling the tension in her muscles, Toothless assured her that he was aware of her previous status and her overall capabilities as a fighter. But not before mentioning to her that he just wanted to make sure that she was careful.

"And I don't see the point of why we're doing this," Marcy fired back. "Isn't smashing bad guys considered good enough?"

The King of Dragons then went on saying that they do this kind of stuff as a way to test her skills. Adding that a warrior must always sharpen their skills if they are to prevail in the heat of battle.

"But I'm not a warrior boy," Marcy instigated. Feeling much more irritated than before. "I'm just a normal kid with normal problems."

Toothless then pressed on by asking if one of those problems resulted her being in the tank that he found her in. This prompted them both to stop in their tracks. With Marcy slightly ahead of the King of Dragons. At amiss, she spun around and faced the Night Fury, feeling the urge to go off on him had she not noticed the unsettled expression on his face. He seemed pretty worried for all she knew. Though his concerns were pretty clear when the Vanquisher of the Screaming Death let out a long sigh. As if he was about to make a confession.

He then moved closer to the 13 year old female and let out a soft warble. Explaining to her that they're up against odds that many would be considered impossible to resist. After getting in close enough range Toothless lifted his right paw up and touched Marcy's hair. Caressing her soft locks with the tip of his claws gently. Before letting out a croon, saying that he won't always be around to protect her, and that he needed to know that she will be safe should that day ever come.

By then he finally dropped his paw back down to the floor, noting to her that he didn't want to lose her. That if something were to happen to her and he wasn't aware of it, he wouldn't know what to do. And the last thing that he wanted was to see her suffer at the filthy hands of their enemies. Especially him.

This kinda sparked Marcy's heart up, knowing that the Night Fury actually cared about her. Then again, why would he? He literally risked his life for her more times than she could count. She gave him credit for that at the very least. Heck, he defied the ruler of all Amphibia to ensure her safety. And that was not something that she would expect from anyone.

His courage and loyalty to her was unwavering. And she could not argue with any of that. She was thinking of saying something to ensure that none of what he said would before she could speak a word, Toothless let out another warble. Saying to her that he was not asking much of her, but all he wanted was for her to be better than she was before. He then locked eyes with her while asking if she could do that for him.

Marcy in return did not answer him right away, taking a second or two before a sweet smile came across her face.

"Of course I will," she stated. "I promise."

Even though she was not very good with keeping such promises, the Night Fury trusted her enough to know that she'll uphold her end no matter what. As a result, the Alpha dragon nudged at her chest and gave her a quick hug before motioning his head towards the path before them. He then let out another warble, suggesting that they should get back to camp before sundown. Marcy nodded in agreement before watching the Night Fury saunter down the path that lead back to their treehouse.

It has been several hours since they returned to their island after their most recent expedition. Despite the fact that they found nothing that could help them in their search for the fourth temple, they were very successful in taking out various convoys sent by King Andrias to gather supplies and weapons to further fuel his growing army. In light of this, they decided to head home and continue to train for further battles. With the Night Fury making the ultimate choice of how they should train and what specific methods they should use. Ranging from ambush tactics, hand-to-hand combat, and even aerial assaults.

Marcy did not know how he came up with it, but it was clearly effective from his standards. Though she could not say the same for herself. Being a book person and all. For a while they've been doing this sort of thing. Spending once in a blue moon to hone their fighting skills and testing their battle prowess whenever they're not out on missions or tending to their side of the island. Though there was always room for improvement.

Though with each time they train, Marcy could feel something changing within her new companion. She did not know what it was, but somehow, she could feel something inside him growing. As if he was getting more powerful with each passing second. She couldn't properly explain it, nor could she fully understand it, but something is happening to him that she isn't aware of. And she was pretty sure that he didn't know either.

Though before she could proceed to follow the Night Fury, Toothless suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. As he did, his ears perked up and he started sniffing the Flipwart Champion became puzzled as she witnessed her dragon freeze before her. He looked in multiple directions, as if he had a feeling that something was wrong. After a moment, the King of Dragon gave off a growl. Indicating that something definitely was wrong.

"What is it boy?" she asked, though was not given an answer. "What's wrong?"

She waited for him to respond to her, yet the dragon neglected to give the geeky girl an answer. Instead, he was more focused on sniffing the air. Simultaneously dipping his head down to the ground as he felt the earth beneath his paws. Finally after another brief moment of silence, the Night Fury finally responded. Giving off a quick warble, saying that he senses something familiar going on. Too familiar in fact.

He then told the girl that he could not explain why, but he could definitely feel a familiar presence somewhere nearby. A presence that he was not able to feel for a long time. As if he was experiencing deja vu. Marcy attempted to further ask what it was, but the Night Fury then brushed it off. Claiming that it was probably an old feeling and that it was really nothing. Marcy could tell that he was hiding something from her, but it was best to let him be and not press him to tell her about it.

Afterwards he urged her the hop on his back and that they should probably go now. The resourceful chick responded by climbing on top of his back as they both ascended up into the sky and to the direction of their treehouse. Though as they continued to head home, Toothless continued to have a feeling that something was going on that they were not aware of. A feeling that they might have company within the next few days. And hoped that whatever it was that will play out, it will be something that they both will be able to handle in the future.


Meanwhile...

It did not take them long to reach Amity's camp. Which was seemingly located at a nearby cave that overlooked the plains before them. It was late in the afternoon and the sun seemed to be setting. They were unfortunately unable to find any other survivors that Amity mentioned earlier. But were able to spot a convoy taking prisoners. From what they observed, they were somewhat not human. Instead taking the forms of some kind of amphibian-like creatures.

Which did not make sense to the perennial child. How could frogs obtain a human-like intelligence? That's impossible. Then again, if it can happen to dogs, than it wouldn't surprise her even further to see a frog walking like a human. And if there was one thing that she learned within these last seven months, it was that life never really makes any sense. Especially when it comes to personal matters.

As they sat fondly at a campfire, Tulip noticed that her new friend Amity seemed to be awfully quiet. She didn't know if it was because she was thinking of something currently, or something entirely different. But either way, it was best for the game coding genius to respect her privacy. In hindsight, both girls were suddenly interrupted when a large explosion sounded off. They looked to the direction of where it came from and saw an entire village burning from a distance.

"There's so many of them," Tulip commented.

"Too many," Amity added. "It's been going on for a while. Something's happening to this place. I don't know what or why but its happening. And people are getting hurt because of it."

"How long have you been here?" Tulip asked.

The purple haired girl relented on answering the perennial game coder, taking a moment to think before finally replying.

"Like...two days maybe," she said. "When I first warped in here I got caught in crossfire between a local village like that one and those..machines. I was lucky to escape with my life. Ever since then I've spent hiding in the woods. Searching for anyone who could help find an answer to all of this."

"You and me both," Tulip agreed. "So did you find anyone else could make some sort of sense about all this?"

"No," She answered. "I've been on my own for a while. I heard rumors from the machines about others spawning in multiple areas, but I was never able to reach them on time without being ambushed. That's until I found you."

Tulip took a moment to process all of this. A hint of frustration flowed through her thoughts as she tried to find a logical explanation to all of this. Yet still came up with nothing. in return.

"This doesn't make any sense," she groaned. "How is this happening all of a sudden? Why is this happening all of a sudden? And why are those robots out there attacking us?"

She let out another groan before burying her face in the palm of her hands. None of this was making sense to the perennial child. Nor did it make any sense to her newly found friend over here. Truth be told she just wanted to go home. She really wanted that. But she couldn't do that without finding a means to get home. Which makes the situation much more complicated than it has to be. She has literally hit rock bottom. That was until the witch opened her mouth to speak her mind.

"There's something else," Amity admitted. "During the two days I was trapped here, I heard rumors of something..or rather someone responding to these attacks."

Tulip looked up in surprise.

"What do you mean?" she questioned.

"It's not much. Only ghost stories," the witch responded. "But the people who told them spoke of a rogue vigilante who rode a legendary beast made of lightning and death. Whose fire burns so hot that it melts the very bones off a regular human. They said that this hero was once a servant to the one who apparently rules this world. But betrayed him and scarred him in the face before escaping. And since then have been leading attacks against his forces at the cover of darkness. Moving like a ghost and fighting like a demon."

"Did they give a name?"

"No, but they only referred this mysterious hero to as, 'The Nightwalker.'"

This seemed to catch Tulip's interest. The very name gave her quite a shiver to the spine. But these were still mere stories. Folktales that these people may have probably made up to scare their children. How could they be sure that this vigilante was actually real without being provided with evidence to support it.

"Well, while as fascinating as they are," she stated. "I don't think a few stories are gonna get us home. Did they say anything else about this 'Nightwalker', that could help us."

"Not really," Amity admitted. "But they did mention something about an island not far from here. Could be where they're hiding."

A good start. But she was probably going to need more information than that. One of them being how they would be able to reach this 'island' and get this hero to help them find a way home.

"Well, there's no point in just sitting here," she said as she rose to her feet. "Any ideas on how to find this so called 'Nightwalker?"

Amity did not respond automatically. Not entirely sure if there was a way that they could reach the island to begin with. Even with her magic, she did not think that she could be able to teleport the two of them to the island without experiencing side effects. And that's the last thing that they both needed right now. To reach it, they'll need a ship. A fast one at that.

With enough room to fit the two of them in. And she did not spot a single one so far. She thought really hard for a solution. That was, until a recent thought came in mind. Something that she noticed not too long ago.

"There is a port not far from here," she said as she pointed towards the ocean. "I stumbled upon it before meeting you. But it's heavily guarded with more machines. We'll need an army if we're gonna get past them."

Tulip relented. Amity did have a point. There was no way that they could get past them without a fight. And they were heavily outnumbered. A game coding genius and a witch against an entire army. It's practically suicide. Then again, maybe it isn't. As Tulip thought long and hard, she came up with something that could do the trick. But it was a bit risky. It would be a miracle if they actually pulled this off.

"I think I might have an idea for that."


Two hours later...

It was almost dusk at the port of which ships had docked. While not very popular, this sight was said to be a trading ground for most sailors. Being ones to sail the high seas around Amphibia's large oceans in search for delicious fish, or enormous game. Now it was being monitored by many robots under the command of King Andrias. Nobody knew why he would give such an order, but it seemed that the newt ruler had already lost his mind and is now taking steps of becoming a tyrant. Which was not really new considering what has happened within the past month.

Yet no harm came to anyone at the port as long as they agreed to King Andrias's terms. Of course not everyone would agree to those terms, but the fear of seeing their ships and people being annihilated before their very eyes kept them from questioning him any further. A rather horrible tactic in his behalf. But considering what he was as a ruler, it was clearly effective.

Two robots were seen patrolling the beach side to the right of the port. Finding nothing in return. Though as they went alongside the beach, they passed what seemed to be a capsized boat that looked to be abandoned. One of the robots stopped to scan the boat for any potential lifeforms. Yet found nothing in return. But as soon as they left, two pairs a legs stood up and began heading towards the water. Revealing to be the two girls inside as part of their plan to commandeer one of the ships.

They made their way across the bottom of the ocean with the small boat over their heads to keep them from drowning. The purple haired witch was not very comfortable with this sort of thing as she felt her pants being soaked with sea water, but she couldn't help but admit that this was a pretty good idea.

"This is either seriously stupid," Amity commented. "Or entirely genius."

"It's funny how often those two things correlate perfectly," Tulip replied as she tried to concentrate at the same time.

The rest of the way went silent as the two focused their efforts on getting to the ship. Though nobody said that it was gonna be easy. At one point, Amity felt a large object entangle around her foot. She tried to shake it off but the water pressure kept her from doing so. Luckily for her, she was able to free herself from it just before reaching one of the farther ships. Upon reaching the anchor of that ship Tulip and Amity quickly threw the boat off themselves and started climbing the steal line that connected the anchor to said ship.

As quiet as a pair of mice, they broke the waterline and climbed to the back of the ship until they reached the top. From there they could see various creatures running around as they maintained the ships. With the captain being at the ship's wheel barking orders to said crew. To Tulip's eyes, they seemed to be toad-like, just like the frogs that Amity mentioned earlier. Though they were much bigger than the latter. Carrying a mean look in their eyes as their demeanor seemed to be that of barbaric warriors.

Yet that did not seem to concern Tulip that much. Or at least to a point where she did not overestimate them. She glanced over at the pointy eared magic user, silently asking if she was ready. Amity in return gave her a nod before looking back at the crew. They paused for a quick second before as one, they left over the haul of the low balustrade that as aligned with the ship's upper deck. From there they went up to the back before taking the time to announce their presence.

"Everyone calm down!" Amity shouted, taking out her wand and pointing at the ship's captain. "We're taking over this ship!"

"Aye! Avast!" Tulip added. Receiving an odd look from Amity in confusion. "What? That's what all pirates say before taking a ship, right?"

The crewmen paused for a brief second before bursting into laughter. Even the captain himself found this somewhat amusing. To think a few mere creatures to have the gull to demand control over his ship. It was hilarious. Their instant outburst made Tulip blush in embarrassment. Yet Amity stood firm. Going by her request as she glared hatefully at the captain.

"And just how are you gonna do that, little human?" the captain questioned.

Amity responded by fiercely raising her wand at the captain's next. Merely seconds away from blowing his head off with a single spell. The crew members watched as the captain's behavior suddenly changed from standing proud, to now quivering in fear of his own life. As for the witch herself, Amity gave him a cold glare. Almost running out of patience to deal with the captain's arrogance.

"Wanna find out?" she challenged.

Then, like a flock of wild geese, the crew scrambled to ready the lifeboats and began to load themselves into them before either girl could ask them twice. Once they were all loaded up Tulip swiftly cut the ropes and waved them a goodbye before detaching the lifeboat from said ship. They then watched the former captain and crew row themselves to shore, shouting at the nearby robots that were at the port's edge.

They then watched as several robots ascended to the sky and made their way to the ship with ghastly haste. Accompanying them was a much smaller ship compared to the ones they were on. Probably another trade ship looking to come to the aid of their toad friends.

"Here they come," Amity said. "What now?"

Tulip looked over her shoulder and smirked. It seems that everything was going exactly as she planned.

"Follow me," she told her witch companion.

By then, the other ship was able to reach their position before they could make for open water. And within seconds, hooks were being thrown and the crew of the other ship, as well as the robots that accompanied them began to board the ship. As the commotion took place, none of them seemed to notice the two girls swinging over to the smaller ship. Upon landing on the deck Tulip went straight for the wheel while Amity began cutting the ropes with her staff. After several swings they became loose, and the two ships began to separate.

It took mere moments for the robots and crew members to finally notice that they've been fooled. Some attempted to swing back over to the ship, but it was too late. The robots attempted to fly back to the ship and punish the girls for their insolence, yet before they could do so, Tulip tossed a small device onto the deck of the other ship. And within seconds, an electrical shock engulfed the entire deck. Disabling the robots before they could be given a chance to react.

With the ship in their possession and their enemies incapacitated, Tulip began to laugh in victory.

"Thank you boys for helping us make way," she teased. "We would've had a hard time doing it by ourselves."

The crew members responded by firing crossbow arrows at the other ships. Though they were well out of range for it to be much of a concern. As they did, the two girls watched as the captain ordered his men to turn the ship around in a attempt to pursue them. Only for him to realize that the rudder chain had been sabotaged, locking the ship in place and disabling their ability to turn back around.

They then observed the captain cursing himself for being so foolish before proceeding to shout and curse at them. Swearing that he would get them for this. Whatever that meant. After a quick series of maliciously waving goodbyes and making faces. The two girls shared a laugh in their apparent victory before chartering a course to the open sea.

"Nice work back there," Amity complimented. "I didn't think that would work."

"Neither did I," Tulip admitted. She then went over to the wheel and rolled it until they were headed north. Which was the apparent direction of the island that Amity claimed to be in. "Now, let's go find ourselves a ghost."

After that the two girls overlooked the view of the sea as they chartered a course to the horizon in search of this 'legendary hero'. And perhaps find a solution to the mess that they are currently in.


Meanwhile...

There was a long period of silence within the walls of King Andrias's quarters. Apparently the mad amphibian spend most of the day staring at a hologram that stood before him. The images and light within being isolated so that he was the only one that could see it. He breathed heavily as he concentrated all of his efforts into studying whatever it was that he was looking at. He went many hours without food or sleep. None of his servants have dared to check up on him as he cut himself off from all of his daily duties.

Not even Lady Olivia spared a moment to check on the well being of her king. For she knew that it would only set off his undying fury she even thought about interrupting him. But even the proud lady of Newtopia was completely aware that the king himself was slowly descending into madness. His constant thirst for revenge against the dragon has driven him to the point where he could not think straight. Once a proud ruler, now driven to a crazed dictator, the honor that he had once received was now nothing more than glass. And the creature's defiance has made him feel like the same hopeless coward he was before. Weak and powerless.

He knew this. That is why he focused all of his efforts into catching this agitator. To punish him for his insolence when he does and take back what is rightfully his. Yet even then there was no way he could catch him. For he was too fast and too quick for his robots to entrap. And with Marcy by his side, the very knowledge of Amphibia and all its secrets are within its filthy paws. Making it impossible for him to come up with a proper counterattack.

He just hoped that his new plan will tip the balance of power back into his favor. And he specifically hoped that his new friend would be able to help him accomplish that plan. It has to work if he is to keep his rule in Amphibia. And it especially has to work if he is to expand further out into the far reaches of the multiverse. For that was what he originally planned to do with the Calamity Box within his possession. But there was this loose end that he has to deal with. Not only that, but he also had to deal with the potential threat of Anne Boonchuy's return.

Which will further complicate things without the aid of the Core. A fatal courtesy from the wretched beast. Then there was also the threat of more humans appearing in Amphibia too. Will they rally behind this new hero and stage a rebellion against his forces? If so than that will definitely weaken his grip on this world? Thus ending his reign. This was his greatest fear. But it will not happen. It cannot. For he was the king of all Amphibia. It was his right. And none should deny him it. Not even this unsung hero.

Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted when he got an incoming transmission from one of his frobot commanders. The old king groaned, not being in the mood for hearing bad news. He paused for a second before irritably answering the transmission.

"What is it?!" he questioned.

"My lord," the commander spoke. "The survivors are being rounded up as you commanded. We're bringing them to you at your request."

The king sighed. At least there was one thing that didn't go horribly wrong.

"Good work commander," he complimented. "You've done well."

"But there was a small setback you should be aware of," he added.

King Andrias relented. He was probably not going to like what he was about to hear.

"Explain!" he said impatiently.

"Two humans were seen stealing a cargo ship and headed out to sea," the commander stated.

"And you let them get away!" the king shouted.

"The units stationed there were disabled before they could pursue them."

King Andrias wanted to scream in fury just from hearing this. But before he could he thought if it was really worth it. After all, it was two mere humans. And if he knew the oceans of Amphibia very well, they won't get far. After careful consideration, he thought of this to be a temporary slip up. One that will definitely not be enough to shatter his entire plans.

"No matter," he scoffed. "Let them go. The beasts of the ocean will deal with them. In the meantime, bring the rest to me!"

"Yes sir," the commander said before cutting off further communications.

As he sat in his quarters, King Andrias thought of the situation briefly. With the threat of humans slowly rising, there had to be a way where he can turn the tide. Yet he knew that it would only be a matter of time before they would get word of this. And perhaps use it to their own benefits in their struggle against him. After all, he hated to see Marcy leading a human army at his doorstep. With that infernal creature destroying everything that he worked so hard to build.

But now that he thought about it, maybe there was a way to bring the odds back to his favor. Maybe, there was a way to keep Marcy and her malicious attack dog at bay as he finishes the final steps to his genius plan. And then, as he looked over and saw a small picture of him with Lady Olivian, Captain Yunan, and Marcy Wu in the courtyard of his kingdom, an idea came across his mind. One that was so brilliant, so evil, so diabolically great that it will definitely win his favor.

"Perhaps I can use this to my advantage," he said to himself as he gave off an evil grin.

He then gave off an evil laugh as the hologram from which he was staring at finally came into view. Revealing an image of a massive dragon overlooking its presumed to be loyal subjects in an underground magma layer as it flared its wings out and unleashed a thunderous roar.


And that's the end of this chapter. Sorry if the dialogue seems a bit off, but I'll get to editing it pretty soon. Anyway, If you have any questions, comments, concerns or anything in particular about this chapter, story, or anything in general please click on the review box down bellow and start typing. And if you have any thoughts or ideas for this story please do not hesitate to let me know ahead of time.