The Nightlights pt 2
Tom and the riders had reached the Ice Realm. Tom was very quiet the whole ride out. They were about to take off and head back to the sleep cave, but they suddenly heard frantic tiny roars. They looked to see Shadow in the entrance of the Ice Realm. He he had a desperate look on his face. He screeched and cooed.
"Shadow?" Tom said.
"He looks upset," said Jun.
"What's wrong little guy?" D'Angelo asked Shadow. The little Nightlight turned around and ran back into the tunnel. The riders took off and followed him. Tom was really hoping Thunder was all right. They had just entered the cave full of glowing mushrooms, when Edelweiss came flying up to them on Eclipse. None of the riders had met Black Widow's sister, but had heard all about her.
"Where's Shadow?" Edelweiss asked.
"Where's Thunder?" Tom asked at the same time. The baby Nightlight came fluttering up in front of Eclipse.
"There you are Shadow," Edelweiss said. "Your mother's worried about you."
"Where's Thunder?" Tom asked again. "Is he okay?" Edelweiss and Eclipse spoke to each other in dragontongue for a few minuets.
"Thunder's fine, I think," Edelweiss said. "Come on." She turned her dragon around and led the way back to the King's Realm.
When they got there, it was deadly quiet and there was a chill in the air that hadn't been there earlier. The riders headed up to the big cave at the top of the tower. The rocks were covered in a thin layer of frost.
"Where is everyone?" Jun asked.
"They were just here," said Edelweiss, sounding just as worried.
"What happened?" Tom asked.
"Just after you guys left," Edelweiss explained. "The Nightlights were attacked by a big snow dragon. Condor and Avalon fought to keep it at bay, while Silverback and Jewel Eyes got all their dragonets inside. But they lost track of Shadow, and I volunteered to come find him. I don't know how things ended up."
"I never should have left Thunder here," Tom shouted, glaring at the ground.
"Tom, this is his home," said Jun. "You didn't know something like this was going to happen." Tom let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. Shadow landed on Eclipse, trembling. He looked in the direction of the big cave.
"Come on Shadow, lets go find your mother," Edelweiss said. She led the way to the big cave. As they approached D'Angelo turned to the other dragons.
"You guys stay out here and watch our six," he said. The dragons stayed put. The riders headed inside.
It was very dark in the big cave. The farther in they all went, the harder it was to see. Tom suddenly walked right into something hard and flat. He felt around with his hands, the thing he'd run into felt like wood. Edelweiss reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a large flashlight. She turned it on and lit up the area. A large wooden table sat in the middle of a round chamber. On the table were papers, pieces of chalk, and a large mallet.
"What is this place?" Tom asked.
"It looks like an old hang out," said D'Angelo. "Like we have at the lair."
"Who lived here?" Jun asked. Tom spotted a large portrait painted on a large stone that towered over the table. The portrait showed a family of four people; a dark haired man, blond woman, and two young children. Behind them was a big dragon that sort of looked like Thunder, except he was solid black. The dragon was flashing a big toothless smile. Tom pulled off his pack and pulled out the Dragon Journal. He opened it to the picture of the first dragon riders. He looked from the shaggy haired man in that picture, to the man in the family portrait. They looked similar, except he looked older in the family portrait.
"So it was you," Tom said. Alex was looking at the stuff scattered around the table.
"Papers, pencils, mallet, all slandered stuff," she said. "But what's this?" She picked up a strange mechanism made of metal and wood. "Looks like some sort of shovel."
"Or it could be a giant spoon they used to stir their gruel," said Jun. She then noticed the amused look on Edelweiss's face. "Do you know what this is?" Edelweiss nodded. She silently shined her flashlight on the family portrait, then at the man's left leg; it matched.
"Do you know these people Edel?" Tom asked.
"Yes," said Edelweiss. "I don't remember the woman's name, but I remember the man and the dragon. Bare in mind I swear I didn't make up these names. That man's name was Hiccup Haddock, he was the very first dragon rider." Everyone snickered.
"Who names their kid Hiccup, that's such a dumb name," said Eugene.
"I agree," Edelweiss said. "But I never really asked why he was called that."
"Who's the dragon?" Tom asked. Edelweiss looked at the big black dragon with a look of reverence and respect on her face.
"That's Thunder's ancestor, the Great Alpha," she said, placing a hand on the dragon's head. "His name was Toothless, he had retractable teeth."
"Was he a Nightlight?" Jun asked.
"No actually," said Edelweiss. "He was a Night Fury, he was the father of the Nightligts. In the time of the Vikings the Night Fury was the most feared out off all the dragons, because they always attacked at night without warning. But Hiccup shot Toothless down one night, and permanently crippled him. But instead of killing him, Hiccup cut the ropes off him and the two of them became best friends."
"You think I could be related to Hiccup?" Tom asked.
"It does seem likely," Edelweiss said. "And if that is the case Tom, it seem their bond was reawakened when you met Thunder." Tom went silent, considering that.
"How'd he loose his leg?" Alex asked. Edelweiss was about to answer when there came a loud snarl from deeper in the cave. Everyone went still, expecting it to be Condor, but it was only Avalon. She walked into the light, and glanced around at the riders.
"Avalon, what happened with that snow dragon?" Edelweiss asked.
"We drove it off," said Avalon wearily. "For now." She looked around the room again. "Why are the riders back here?"
"Shadow went to find them," Edelweiss explained. Avalon looked intrigued at the little Nightlight.
"Is Thunder okay?" Tom asked anxiously.
"Calm down Tom, he's fine," said Avalon. She thought a moment, then sighed. "Right this way." She lead the way farther into the cave, and everyone followed with Edelweiss and Eclipse bringing up the rear.
They soon rounded the corner to find the Nightlights resting, looking worn out. They looked up when the riders entered. Thunder beamed at the sight of his friend. Tom ran to him, and Shadow ran to his mother. Avalon, Eclipse, and Edelweiss sat in the shadows.
"Where's Eider and the others?" Edelweiss asked.
"Black Widow and Apollo are outside as hidden sentries," said Avalon. "Eider's talking with Condor." She noticed the sad look on Edelweiss's face. "Condor's a great dragon Edel. Very kind and a very good listener. He's just stressed out over all that's happened today."
"I know," Edelweiss said. "I'm willing to give him a chance, I just don't want him to separate Tom and Thunder."
"Don't worry," said Avalon. "He'll come around." Just then Conor came into the room, and looked right at Tom. He growled and spat something at Tom's feet. It was a large three pronged tooth. Tom picked it up.
"Is that a Nightlight tooth?" Jun asked.
"No, it must be from the dragon that attacked them," said Tom. He looked up at Condor timidly. The Elder Nightlight glared and gnashed his teeth, indicating that it was time for the riders to go.
Condor, Silverback, and Jewel Eyes shooed the riders out of their cave. Once they were outside the adults stayed in the entrance. Thunder ran out looking worried.
"Back inside everyone," Condor ordered. "You too Thunder." The younger Nightlight looked reluctant. Tom watched helpless as his dragon was herded back inside by his parents. Condor glared at the riders as he too went back inside. Tom joined his friends.
"He blames me," he said quietly. Suddenly they were all blasted with a big ice bomb. The blast knocked out Plowhorn. The riders looked up to see a massive white snow dragon flying at them. It fired more ice bombs which made them all scatter. Tom hit the deck and as the snow dragon aimed a bomb at him. But it was shattered by a lightening blast. Tom looked up to see Thunder land between him and the snow dragon. Tom got to his feet as Thunder blasted the snow dragon again. It dodged the lightening and kept blasting ice bombs. Feathers cloaked herself and ran towards Alex, but the snow dragon still managed to hit her an ice bomb. Soon all the riders' dragons were knocked unconscious. The riders tried to run to their aid but the snow dragon landed in front of them, blocking them. It roared and flared its large wings. Suddenly blue lightening hit the big snow dragon, followed by a blue plasma blast. Condor hovered overhead, with Edelweiss and Eclipse. The snow dragon took off after them. Condor lead it away from the riders and their dragons, while Edelweiss and Eclipse got behind in its blind spot. Edelweiss used her staff to hit a soft spot in the snow dragon's left wing, causing it to loose all feeling in that wing. The snow dragon lost its balance and fell out of sight. Condor and Eclipse hovered next to each other.
"Nice shot Ms. Dragonborn," said Eclipse.
"Thank you sir," said Edelweiss. "What kind of dragon is that?"
"Snow Wraith," said Condor. "Very aggressive one." He glanced around. The riders and Thunder had taken the opportunity to run to safety. The other dragons were still laying dazed in front of the big cave. "Will you go find my grandson? I'll handle things here."
"Yes sir," said Edelweiss. She steered Eclipse after the riders.
Tom and the others had escaped to the cave with the booby traps. They all took a knee to catch their breath. Thunder was the only dragon that had escaped with them.
"We can't just leave our dragons back there," said Alex. "Did you see that thing? It had no mercy. And how did even see Feathers, she was invisible."
"Maybe this snow dragon doesn't see things the way we do," said D'Angelo. "Some dragons use echolocation like bats and dolphins, or maybe just our body heat." Just then they heard wing beats heading their way. Edelweiss flew in on Eclipse and they landed.
"What was that snow dragon?" Jun asked her.
"Snow Wraith," said Edelweiss. "Apparently the older dragons are familiar with it, but I've never met one."
"What's it doing in the King's Realm?" Alex asked. Edelweiss and Eclipse exchanged an uncomfortable look.
"Um, it's hunting," said Edelweiss. "Some dragons prey on eggs or hatchlings. It's after the Nightlight babies." Thunder crooned with worry.
"It came from the Ice Realm," said Tom gloomily. "Which is why Condor blames me. I couldn't have just let Thunder and Shadow go home alone, I had to come and bring everyone along. We must have looked like a huge buffet to that Snow Wraith, and it followed us. It's all my fault." He hung his head sadly. Thunder nudged him kindly, and D'Angelo placed a hand on his shoulder.
"It might very well be your fault," he said strongly. "Or it might be my fault, or Jun's or Alex's. The point it it doesn't matter who's fault it is. What matters it what we do next."
"And if we're going to save our dragons, and Thunder's family, we can't sit here feeling sorry for ourselves," said Jun. "We have to find a way to drive the Snow Wraith back to the Ice Realm."
"And we have to do it without dragons," said Alex.
"Or an army," Eugene added. Tom suddenly felt the lightbulb in his brain light up. He looked over at the old Viking chest, ideas flooded his mind. He pulled out the Snow Wraith tooth.
"You know when we tripped those Viking traps," he said. "It sure felt like we were under attack from an army didn't it?"
"So you want to lead it through the traps?" Jun said. "But those weren't designed for dragons."
"I know," Tom agreed. "But I think I have a way around that." He turned out his dragon and hugged him. "Don't worry pal, I'm going to fix this." Thunder purred and smiled. They all put their heads together to get the plan into motion, all under the gaze of Condor who'd been watching them whole time.
Later the riders were back in the King's Realm. They were a good distance away and the Snow Wraith hadn't seen them. D'Angelo pulled out his binoculars and looked up at the downed dragons. The Nightlights were looking out from the big cave anxiously.
"How's Feathers?" Alex asked.
"And Webbs?" Said Eugene.
"The dragons are ice blasted and can't really move," said D'Angelo. "But they're alive. The Snow Wraith only seems to be interested in the Nightlights."
"Like I said, it's after the babies," Edelweiss said. Just then Tom flew by on Thunder.
"Okay, everything's set up," Tom said. "We'll draw the Snow Wraith away then you guys get to your dragons."
"Be careful Tom," said Jun.
"I'm always careful," Tom said casually. Thunder growled and glared at him. Tom just shrugged. "Come on pal, lets go pick a fight." He steered Thunder towards the Snow Wraith. Thunder roared to get the Snow Wraith's attention. It roared angrily and took off after them. Thunder turned and flew off as fast as he could. The Snow Wraith gave chase. They all headed out of the King's Realm.
Tom and Thunder led the Snow Wraith into the cave with the traps. Thunder landed on the opposite side of a tight rope and Tom dismounted. The Snow Wraith came at them, but then stopped. It looked down at Tom and Thunder suspiciously. It growled.
"Come on, we're right here!" Tom shouted waving his arms. The Snow Wraith still didn't move. Suddenly it fired an ice bomb. Thunder pulled Tom out of the way. Then, he shot the rope with a lightening blast. The Snow Wraith tooth flew out of nowhere and stabbed the Snow Wraith in the wing. The snow dragon looked taken aback, he flopped his wing which had gone numb. He tried to fly, but ended up crashing into a limp heap. Tom and Thunder beamed at their handy work.
"Yes, it worked!" Tom said excitedly. Thunder gave a happy roar.
Little did they know that Condor was still watching them. He was getting more and more interested in Tom. He and Thunder seemed to work so well together.
Tom and Thunder smiled proudly at each other.
"Now we just wait for the others to get here, then we can lift this guy back to the Ice Realm," Tom said. He heard a roar from behind them. "That'll be them now." He turned around and was expecting to see his friends. However, another Snow Wraith towered over them. Before Tom or Thunder could do anything, the second Snow Wraith blasted Tom, causing him to hit the ground unconscious. Thunder ran to him and nudged him desperately, but Tom didn't stir. Then the Snow Wraith hit him with an ice bomb, knocking him unconscious as well. The Snow Wraith then helped its fellow to its feet and they headed for the King's Realm.
Tom came around a few minuets later. He was winded, but he moved his arms and legs and nothing was broken. He got to his feet and ran to Thunder who was still down. Tom shook him, but he didn't move. Just then Tom heard growling behind him. He turned to see Condor approaching him. Tom was somewhat relieved that it wasn't the Snow Wraiths.
"Oh great the boss dragon," Tom said angrily. "You know we really could have used your help earlier." Condor growled, annoyed. But then his face softened. He crooned and growled, though he knew Tom couldn't understand him. He spotted the lightening sword, which had fallen out of Tom's backpack. Condor sighed and pushed the sword towards Tom, and its blade gleaming in the faint light. Tom looked down at the sword, then up at Condor. The big Nightlight grunted and crooned like he was saying: 'are you with me?' Tom smiled as though he understood, and picked up the sword.
Thunder's head throbbed and he heard a ringing in his ears. Every part of his body hurt. He blinked his eyes open, his vision was blurry. He saw large black paws coming towards him. He looked up expecting to see his grandfather, but it wasn't. This dragon was as black as the shadows, and at least twice the size of Condor. Thunder looked lifted his head and met a pair of glowing, grass green eyes. Thunder had never met this dragon, but knew exactly who he was.
"Great Alpha," he moaned, but kept his tone respectful.
"You must get up young Thunder," Toothless said. His voice was kind, but urgent. "Our family needs you." He pushed Thunder onto his feet. When he was standing, the Great Alpha smiled warmly.
"I wish you could fly with us," Thunder said weakly. "You're the greatest dragon hero that ever lived." Toothless blushed.
"Well, you've turned out to be a pretty good hero yourself," he said. "You're starting out where I did, sort of." He looked down at his tail, and Thunder saw that one of his tail fins was mechanical.
"So it is true, you lost part of your tail," Thunder said.
"Yes, when I was just your age," Toothless said. "And that led me to meet my rider and best friend, Hiccup." He took a deep breath. "When you fly with Tom, just imagine me and Hiccup flying next to you." He turned around to walk off.
"Wait, what about after these Snow Wraiths are defeated?" He asked. "Do I stay with my family now that I've finally found them, or leave them and go with Tom?" Toothless paused and looked back over his wing.
"You're the only one who has the right to make that decision Thunder," he said. With that he turned and melted into the shadows. Thunder closed his eyes and shook head. When he opened his eyes again, the Great Alpha was gone. Suddenly loud roars could be heard coming from the King's Realm. Thunder spread his wings and took off.
In the King's Realm; the riders' dragons had recovered, only to find themselves cornered by both Snow Wraiths. They were dead set on getting those Nightlight hatchlings. But Tom came riding to the rescue on Condor, wielding his lightening sword. Condor shot his lightening blast into the sword's blade, the sword enhanced it, and Tom shot the lightening at the Snow Wraiths. They roared in outrage and took off after them. They shot more ice bombs. But Condor did all sorts of fancy flips and loops to avoid getting hit, and with the help of Tom's sword they could shoot lightening behind them at the perusing Snow Wraiths. This all worked out fine for a bit, but then one of the Snow Wraiths shot an ice bomb and it hit Condor, causing him to crash. Tom fell off and hit the ground hard, dropping his sword. The Snow Wraiths landed in front of him, snarling. With Condor stunned, Tom had no escape. He jumped to his feet and ran. The Snow Wraiths blasted him, but Tom dodged them. He could feel their ice breath on his heels. But then Thunder flew in and scooped him up.
"Perfect timing pal," Tom said, patting Thunder's neck. They sped up as the Snow Wraiths took off after them. They shot more ice bombs. Thunder wasn't as fancy a flyer as Condor, and just barely managed to doge the ice bombs. But one of them hit Tom, knocking him off. Thankfully Condor caught him. The Snow Wraiths kept blasting them, and managed to knock Tom off again but he fell back onto Thunder. The two Nightlights flew next to each other.
"I hope you guys have any ideas," Tom said. "I'm just about out." Shadow then flew in out of nowhere holding the lightening sword. He tossed it to Tom who caught it. Shadow flew back to his parents. With the lightening sword back in play; Tom, Thunder, and Condor flew back into the battle as the Snow Wraiths came at them. Tom held out the sword out and the two Nightlights shot as much of their lightening into it as they could. When it was powered up, Tom directed all the lightening towards the Snow Wraiths. The lightening hit both of them, and knocked them out of the air. They crashed to the top of the tower near the other riders and dragons. Thunder and Condor landed between their friends and the Snow Wraiths. The two snow dragons got to their feet and looked around at all the humans and dragons now standing against them, they were badly outnumbered. They growled at each other, then turned and flew away. When they were out of sight, everyone relaxed. The Draconians and the rest of the Nightlights came out of hiding. Avalon looked at her group.
"Apollo, Black Widow, will you two make sure those Snow Wraiths get all the way back to the Ice Realm," she said. Apollo and Black Widow nodded then took off after the Snow Wraiths.
Things quieted down at last. Silverback and Jewel Eyes checked all their dragonets, Thunder included. Tom meanwhile approached Condor, placing the tip of his sword into the ground like he'd seen knights do in films and pictures. He looked up at Condor, who looked back at him.
"Thank you," Tom said respectfully. Condor smiled and nodded. Then Thunder came over, beaming. Tom dropped the sword as his dragon came running up to him. They both hugged each other, relieved that they'd survived. Tom figured they'd have to leave again, it was definitely passed time to head home. He stroked Thunder's head. "I'm going to miss you pal." Thunder frowned sadly as Tom got to his feet. The three baby Nightlights ran to the riders, who each hugged them good bye. The adult Nightlights watched with the Draconians, Edelweiss stayed mounted on Eclipse. They watched as the riders finished saying their good byes to the babies, and Tom finished saying his good byes to Thunder. Then he turned and headed towards Wu and Wei. Thunder was going to follow, but caught his grandfather staring at him and stayed put. Condor came up beside him. He saw the sad looks on Tom's and Thunder's faces, they wouldn't stop looking at each other. They'd worked so well together in defending the King's Realm, like the Great Alpha himself had done with his rider. Condor nudged Thunder.
"Go on Grandson," he said encouragingly. Thunder looked at him surprised.
"What?" He said.
"Go on," said Condor. "I can't stand that look of longing on your face any longer."
"But I've spent so long looking for you," said Thunder.
"And you've found us," said Condor. "You know where we are, you can find us again. But now Tom need you, and our world needs you both." Thunder smiled and looked back at his rider. Tom seemed to guess what Condor was saying, and his face lit up. Thunder let out a happy roar.
"Thank you Grandfather," he said, as he ran to Tom. Condor smiled warmly as Tom and Thunder hugged each other.
"Looks like you're coming with me," Tom said enthusiastically. Thunder purred and licked Tom's face. Condor turned to the Draconians as Tom found his saddle.
"You know, I like this new band of dragon riders better than the last one," said Edelweiss said. "They're not so violent and battle hungry." The dragons all chuckled then turned serious.
"They might be our best hope for when the rest of the humans find us," said Eider. Avalon turned to Edelweiss.
"You go back with them Edel," she said. "We'll bring your stuff over from the Crystal Realm."
"Yes ma'am," Edelweiss said. "You going to stick around Eclipse?"
"This is where all the action is," said Eclipse. "So yeah, I'll stick around." She tossed her head excitedly. Edelweiss hugged her from behind. By then Thunder was back in his saddle. The riders mounted up and they all headed out of the King's Realm. The Draconians and Nightlights watched them all go.
"You think these riders will be able to keep the other humans from capturing us and destroying our worlds?" Jewel Eyes asked.
"Well," Avalon said knowingly. "I think we're about to find out."
Outside in the fissure; night had fallen. Thunder smiled, happy to be back with Tom and the others. As he flew passed the lava falls he pictured the Great Alpha flying beside him with his rider. D'Angelo looked up at the moon and stars.
"We're way passed curfew," he said.
"Come on pal," Tom said, patting Thunder's neck. "Let's show them how we make up the time." But the words were barely out of his mouth when Eclipse suddenly shot forwards with a loud whistling like a missile from a fighter plane. Tom urged Thunder after her. Both dragons sped through the fissure. Thunder pulled ahead of Eclipse slightly as they headed into the sleep cave. He landed just seconds before Eclipse did.
"Ha! we totally won," Tom exclaimed, jumping off Thunder's back.
"You win," Edelweiss said humbly. "But I wasn't really racing, I'm not the competitive type. I just like flying fast." Eclipse snorted in agreement. Tom turned around, and came face to face with his mother. Everyone froze. Edelweiss clutched her staff.
"Tom!" Olivia said, shocked.
"Mom?" Tom answered, just as shocked. Olivia saw Tom, and Thunder, then she saw Edelweiss and Eclipse.
"We're doomed," Edelweiss said nervously.