Chapter 9
Later that night the dragonets joined the Berkians on their last night on Dragon Island. Edelweiss sat beside Black Widow and they leaned on each other. Avalon looked over at Fishlegs.
"Dad told me about the Dramilion dragons," she said. "He told me about your encounter with them."
"What did he tell you?" Fishlegs asked.
"He said you taught them to free themselves," Avalon said. "It proves that we dragons are fast learners. It sounded really cool though."
"I wanted to make sure my ancestors hadn't driven them to extinction," said Fishlegs.
"Grandfather said no dragon truly goes extinct," said Apollo. "They just go somewhere else and don't tell anyone where they're going. He's an expert at hiding dragons from even the human gods."
"What were they like, the Darmillions?" asked Eider. And Fishlegs went off on every detail of his encounter with the Dramillions. Black Widow turned to Edelweiss.
"Can we go for some alone time?" she asked. Edelweiss smiled.
"I was hopping you'd ask that," she got to her feet, and Black Widow followed suit.
"Where are you going?" asked Valka.
"For a walk," said Edelweiss. "My feet are falling asleep."
"We'd also like some alone time," said Black Widow. The two of them left and headed up the beach.
They soon lost sight of the group, and all they heard was the ocean. Edelweiss stayed very close to her friend. They didn't say much for a while. Black Widow's eye glowed red in the darkness. They provided the only light, since it was a new moon tonight.
"This is actually really nice," said Edelweiss.
"I agree," said Black Widow. "We should do this every night, even at home."
"Good idea," said Edelweiss. She stroked Black Widow's neck. The dragon purred at her touch. "I really like this." They stopped walking for a moment. Edelweiss stepped as close as she could to Black Widow. The dragon pulled her even closer with her black wing. Edelweiss felt her heart pick up speed, and could feel Black Widow's heart do the same, as though they were beating as one. Black Widow reached her talon up and carefully touched Edelweiss's cheek.
"Now I understand why dragons love being petted," Edelweiss said, amused. "It feels so good."
"Most wild dragons don't know what they're missing," said Black Widow. She let go of Edelweiss and turned so she was standing right in front of her. Edelweiss gently cradled Black Widow's snout in her hands. Black Widow closed her eyes lazily and smiled.
"I love you Edelweiss," she said softly. "I love you so much, as much as my mother loves my father." Edelweiss smiled and rested her face against Black Widow's snout.
"I love you too Black Widow," she said. "I love you with all my heart." She nuzzled Black Widow's face. "Until we meet another male dragon, you're the only one for me."
"I like the sound of that," Black Widow said. She leaned her head into Edelweiss's chest. Edelweiss felt her stomach flip when Black Widow's scales touched her skin. She held the dragon's snout close to her body and leaned her scaly cheek on Black Widow's forehead.
They stood there for what felt like an eternity. Then Black Widow yawned.
"I think we should head to bed," she said.
"All right," said Edelweiss. "The Berkians are leaving tomorrow, but I'm staying here."
"I'll go let the others know," said Black Widow. She stood back, spread her wings, and took off. Edelweiss waited quietly, pacing up and down the small patch of beach they were on. Black Widow returned a few minuets later.
"They're heading to bed too," she said. Edelweiss mounted her and they flew towards their room.
They landed on the balcony and went through Serenity and Chris's room, to their room. Edelweiss undressed and climbed into bed. Black Widow climbed in next to her, and covered her with her wing. Edelweiss wriggled closer to Black Widow.
"Good night Edel," Black Widow said. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," said Edelweiss. They soon fell asleep.
The next morning the two friends woke up to pouring rain. They got out of bed and looked out the window. They couldn't see much since there was so much rain on the window.
"Let's go to the hideout," Black Widow said.
"Do you want until the rain stops?" asked Edelweiss.
"No, I don't care about the rain," said Black Widow. Edelweiss got dressed and mounted her dragon. They left the room and was about to go outside.
"Where are you two going?" asked Tenor. Black Widow spun around.
"Outside," said Edelweiss. They found Tenor and Windwalker coming out of their room.
"In this weather?" asked Windwalker. "You'll get washed out to sea." Both Black Widow and Edelweiss exchanged a glance. Just then a huge wave of seawater smacked into the stormproof doors.
"I guess we're not going to the hideout," said Edelweiss.
"Not for a while," said Tenor. "The Berkians are waiting for it to stop before they leave. We're all going to the great hall."
"Is that were our friends are?" asked Black Widow.
"Everyone's down there," said Windwalker. "Come on." They all followed her through the Whispering Death tunnels and into the great hall.
All the Draconians and Berkians were gathered under the ledge throne. They looked up when Edelweiss and the nightly dragons joined them.
"Good morning," said Re.
"Hi Grandfather," said Edelweiss. She dismounted and sat beside him. "When's the storm going to be over?"
"In an hour," said Aurora. "Not long, then you can go out and play." Black Widow sat between Edelweiss and Tenor.
"Is the academy meeting tomorrow?" Edelweiss asked.
"Yes it is," said Fishlegs. "But you will be starting privet lessons with Hiccup." Edelweiss smiled to herself.
"That'll be fun," she said. "It'll get me a break from everyone staring at my scales."
"Does it bother you?" asked Aurora.
"A little," said Edelweiss. "But I'm glad Draco warned me that they would."
"Humans can be very superstitious," said Valka.
"Dragons can be superstitious also," Aurora said. "That's one of the reasons poor Tenor was ridiculed for most of his life." Edelweiss put an arm around Black Widow's shoulders.
"How was your walk last night?" asked Apollo.
"It was very nice," said Black Widow. "We might to that every night right before bed."
"Well I'm not sitting here all day," said Avalon. "I'm going to find something do to inside." She jumped to her feet.
"We'll come too," said Black Widow. She, Apollo, Eider, and Edelweiss got to their feet and followed Avalon out of the great hall.
They wandered through the castle, listening to the storm outside. They soon came to a chamber that lead outside. Rain ran over the exit like a waterfall.
"So tell us more about last night," said Eider to Edelweiss. "What did you talk about?"
"How much we love each other," said Black Widow. "I want to be with Edelweiss until she finds a mate, and our team evens out."
"So, we should find another human," said Apollo.
"No," said all the dragonets at once.
"I like being the only human in the group," said Edel. "And I want to marry a dragon."
"Yeah I don't want two humans in this group either," said Avalon. "They can be very hard to control."
"So what else happened last night?" Eider asked Black Widow, eagerly. "Did you kiss?" His amber eyes went wide.
"And what if we did?" asked Black Widow, glaring at him. "What's it to you?"
"That would be awesome," said Eider.
"No we didn't," said Edelweiss. "But that's not a bad idea."
"You should totally do it next time," said Eider. "We've never had a same gender relationship."
"I'm pretty sure humans have those," said Apollo. "It's a little too wired for me."
"Besides, it's only a temporary relationship," said Black Widow. "Until we find another male dragon."
"Or another female for Apollo," said Eider.
"Hey! I like Apollo," said Black Widow. Apollo blushed and Black Widow smiled at him.
"What are your thoughts Avalon?" asked Edelweiss. Avalon sat on her haunches.
"I refuse to have anymore humans in this group," she said. "This type of relationship with same gender is wired for me too, unnatural even. But I won't judge. If you decide you want Edelweiss as your mate, Black Widow, I will give you my blessing. But we do need to find one more dragon regardless. I'd like to keep things even among us."
"How about Toothless?" asked Apollo. "He has no other Night Furies, we could add him to the group."
"He's kind of old for me though," said Edelweiss. "I prefer someone our age."
"Grandfather has things in mind for him anyway," said Avalon. "He told me himself."
"Maybe Toothless will have his own dragonet someday," said Eider.
"Perhaps," said Avalon. "And maybe Grandfather will bring us one more dragon himself." Eider looked back at Black Widow and Edelweiss.
"Well, you two being mates isn't wired to me at all," he said, happily. "Do you plan to do have the human mating ritual, or the dragon one?" Black Widow and Edelweiss decided to humor him.
"I want to do the dragon way," Edel said. "I don't want to do everything my mother did."
"You should kiss her now," Eider said to Black Widow, excitedly.
"Seriously Eider?" Black Widow said, annoyed. "You're getting a little over excited. I will kiss her, but not right now." Eider calmed himself down.
"I do think we should keep our relationship from the humans, and the adults," said Edelweiss. "At least until we find our sixth member."
"Agreed," said Black Widow. The other dragonets agreed as well. Avalon looked outside, it was still raining.
"Let's play Hide 'n Hunt," she said. "Until the rain stops."
"Okay," said Eider. "But I want to see you kiss her at least once Black Widow, I get so excited about seeing things I've never seen before." Black Widow and Edelweiss exchanged a glance.
"All right Eider," said Black Widow. "Just not today." And the matter was dropped.
They played Hide 'n Hunt throughout the castle until the ran finally stopped. They finished their game and headed back to the great hall. The Berkians were just making ready to leave.
"Hey will you guys fly them back to their island?" Aurora asked.
"I think they know the way Mother," said Avalon.
"Just incase they meet wild dragons," said Re "They're all out at sea."
"All right," said Avalon. The dragonets joined the Berkians outside. The sea was calm now and the sky was clearing. The Berkians mounted their dragons and Edelweiss mounted Black Widow. They took off and headed for Berk.
They soon landed in the plaza, and all the campers went home. The dragonets then turned around and headed back to Dragon Island. They sang songs the whole way back. They flew to their hideout and landed in front of it. They opened the jaws and went inside. Luckily it remained undamaged after the storm. They played around the jungle gym and chased each other. It took up the whole day, and Black Widow's relationship with Edelweiss wasn't brought up again. But it was still on everyone's mind.
High on the cliffs above the hideout, a pack of Sentinel Dragons listened to the dragonets play. Draco had used his power to guide them from Vanahiem to Dragon Island so they could pick Edelweiss up.
"I hear the Dragonborn child," said the Elder Sentinel.
"We should grab her now," said one of the other Sentinels. "The Master Dragon is waiting."
"No, not now," said the Elder. "I don't want to alarm her friends. We'll wait until she's alone. The Master Dragon said they would be an opportunity." The Sentinels fell silent.
The dragonets played in their hideout until the sun began to set. They gathered on top of the skull to cool off and talk.
"What a fun day," said Avalon.
"It's almost time for our alone time again," said Black Widow. Eider opened his mouth but shut it again. "Yes I might kiss her tonight Eider. But you won't see it." Eider said nothing.
"Why don't you go now?" asked Apollo. "You're get a few more minuets."
"You sure?" Edelweiss asked.
"I can tell you want to," said Apollo. "I know how to be patient." Black Widow got to her feet and Edelweiss mounted her. They took off and headed to a quieter part of the beach, there was not a soul in sight. Black Widow landed and Edelweiss dismounted. They turned to face each other.
"We should be careful with this relationship," Black Widow said. "Dragons don't do this type of thing. Folks will object."
"I don't care about them," said Edelweiss. "Do you even like Apollo?" Black Widow sighed.
"Not in that way," she said. "He's very sweet, but I have no strong feelings for him. That may change though." Edelweiss looked Black Widow
"What are you thinking?" she asked.
"Eider really wants me to kiss you, like your parents do."
"You think you'll do it, just for him?" asked Edelweiss. Black Widow considered.
"In a little bit," she said. "I want to keep talking more, work my nerves up to it." Edelweiss nodded.
"You ready to train with Hiccup tomorrow?" she asked.
"Yeah I am," said Black Widow. "I'm sure glad we don't have to deal with those other trainees."
"It should be fun, and no one will be staring at my scales," said Edelweiss. "I hope that witch doesn't do anything to me."
"I won't let her get near you," said Black Widow. "Maybe the others can come too, for extra security."
"No, let's wait and see," said Edelweiss. "We'll just be on guard." Black Widow nodded. She sat on her haunches and looked Edelweiss in the face. Edelweiss could tell she was nervous.
"You don't have to kiss me if you don't want too," she said. "We are a bit too young anyway."
"That's true," said Black Widow. "So, I will do it once then wait a few years, until you're at least 13 years old." Edelweiss held her snout in her hands and gave her a quick kiss on the mouth. Black Widow exhaled.
"Let's get to bed," said Edelweiss. Black Widow rested her muzzle against her forehead and stayed there for a moment. Then Edelweiss mounted her and they flew off to their room and to bed.
The next day the two of them suited up for the training with Hiccup. Edelweiss strapped on her sword, bow, and quiver of arrows. Then saddled up Black Widow. She mounted up and headed for Berk. They sang in their usual fashion and passed all the wild dragons out fishing. Little did they know that the Sentinel Dragons were following them from a distance, still guided by Draco's power.
Edelweiss and Black Widow arrived at Berk and landed in the plaza and dismounted. Hiccup and Toothless came out of the great hall.
"Hello Edelweiss," said Hiccup.
"Hi Hiccup," said Edelweiss. "Hi Toothless." But then she clapped a hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry, I forgot, no talking to dragons."
"I'm not as bothered by that as everyone else is," Hiccup said. "If you want to talk to dragons, I won't stop you."
"It's good to see you two," Toothless said. Edelweiss scratched him behind his ears.
"Let's get started," Hiccup said. "You won't need the sword this time, or the bow and arrows." Edelweiss took the items off and set them down near the blacksmith. Hiccup mounted Toothless and Edelweiss mounted Black Widow. They took off and flew over the forest. Soon Hiccup pulled Toothless to a stop over the trees. Edelweiss pulled Black Widow along side them.
"I want to see how well you two maneuver through trees," Hiccup said. "Me and my riders did this exercise several years ago."
"Is that when you found the Typhoomerang?" asked Edelweiss.
"Yes," said Hiccup. "Back in the good old days. Anyways, Toothless and I will go first and you two try to keep. Don't blast any trees, I don't want the forest going up in flames." With that he clicked the stirrup and Toothless dove into the trees. Edelweiss steered Black Widow after them.
At first they did okay. Black Widow wove through the trees, following the red tail fin in front of her. But then the trees got denser and Black Widow had to really weave. She pulled parallel with Toothless. Suddenly they were heading for a large tree with low branches. Toothless managed to go around it, but Black Widow took a wrong turn and smacked into a fat branch. Winded they fell and hit the ground hard. Edelweiss landed on her back. Her tough skin prevented any bruises, but it still hurt. Black Widow got to her feet, and shook herself.
"You okay?" she asked her friend.
"I'm fine," Edelweiss said. "Just winded." Black Widow helped her up and they looked around.
"I guess this isn't like flying through sea stacks," said Edelweiss.
"Trees have branches, sea stacks don't," said Black Widow. "Let's get back up before Hiccup comes looking for us." Edelweiss mounted her. Black Widow climbed up the tree like her spider, to a high branch. They took off and Black Widow used her sonar to find Hiccup. Another sonar signal came right back at them. Black Widow followed it and they soon found Hiccup and Toothless in a clearing near the Cove.
"We crashed," said Edelweiss, blushing in shame.
"It's perfectly natural in training," said Hiccup. "Maneuvering through trees is very tricky, especially at high speed. If you need to slow down at times, that's fine. We'll try again on the return trip. I'll give you pointers this time." They took off back through the trees. Edelweiss steered Black Widow after them.
They went at a slower pace. Hiccup gave her instruction, while expertly dodging the trees. Things went smoother on the return trip. Edelweiss found Hiccup to be a much nicer teacher than Fishlegs. Black Widow kept up with Toothless easily and they got along very well too.
"Did your father teach you to communicate using sonar?" Toothless asked.
"No, he planned to though," said Black Widow. "He just showed me how to find things with sonar."
"I'll show you how to do it sometime, if you want to," said Toothless.
"All right, that would be fun," said Black Widow. She did a fancy corkscrew to avoid a branch.
They soon came out of the trees and the village was in sight. They flew back and landed in front of Hiccup's house.
"That was very good Edel," said Hiccup. "Tomorrow we'll try it a little faster."
"Toothless wants to teach Black Widow how to communicate with sonar," said Edelweiss.
"All in good time," said Hiccup. "You're dismissed for the day."
"Thank you Hiccup, Toothless," said Edelweiss. She hugged them both, then mounted Black Widow. They took off and flew high over the village.
"Lets go swimming in the Cove before heading back," Black Widow suggested. "Just the two of us."
"Okay," said Edelweiss. She steered Black Widow back they way they'd come.
They landed at the Cove next to the pavilion of tree roots. Edelweiss dismounted and removed Black Widow's saddle and reins. Then she removed her own boots and jacket. Then the two friends ran into the lake. Edelweiss had greatly improved at swimming over the years. She could keep up with Black Widow and stay underwater for just as long. They explored the bottom of the lake, but didn't find much, just fish. Black Widow caught a few and ate them.
They played in the water for a good hour and a half. Then they crawled onto the rocks and sat there for a while.
"That was so fun," said Black Widow.
"Yeah, it kind of wired not having the others here," said Edelweiss. "But that's not much of a problem." She leaned on Black Widow's shoulder.
"I agree," said Black Widow. She put her head in her rider's lap. Edelweiss stroked her face. "I like being here with you, without the others for a while."
"Maybe we can spend the night here," said Edelweiss. "I'll send a Hermes Dragon to our parents." Black Widow considered.
"As long as we're careful," she said. "This place is packed with dragons that are bigger and meaner then us." Edelweiss called a Hermes Dragon and soon one landed on Black Widow's back.
"Will you please fly to Dragon Island and let our family know we want to spend the night here?" Black Widow asked nicely.
"Certainly," said the Hermes Dragon. He spread his wings and took off.
"Now we wait," said Black Widow. She yawned and curled around Edelweiss.
A few minuets later the Hermes Dragon returned and landed in front of them.
"His majesty says you may stay only one night," he said.
"Thank you, you're dismissed," said Edelweiss. The Hermes Dragon flew away. Black Widow and Edelweiss got down from the rocks and over to the pavilion. They settled down between the roots and snuggled close to each other. The sun began to set and the stars were appearing.
"Hiccup and Toothless must have some great memories of this Cove," said Edelweiss.
"Indeed," said Black Widow. She yawned. "I feels as sacred as Vanahiem itself." She turned her head around and licked Edelweiss's face. Edelweiss smiled and kissed her cheek. It felt very cozy in the pavilion, under the stars. Draco's Stars watched over the two of them, and made them feel safe. They fell asleep in the soft grass.
Edelweiss woke up several hours later, feeling thirsty. She got up, being careful to not wake Black Widow. She went over to the lake with her canteen. She bent down to fill it with water. Suddenly she heard strong beating wings fly into the Cove. Edelweiss was surrounded by five enormous statue-like dragons, with foggy eyes. They circled her, sniffing the air.
"Alone at last," said the biggest one.
"Who are you?" Edelweiss asked him.
"We are the Sentinels of Vanahiem, I am the Elder Sentinel" said the big dragon. "The Master Dragon sent us to bring you to him."
"Sentinels?" said Edelweiss. "I thought you never left Vanahiem."
"We're on a special assignment," said the Elder. "The Master Dragon wishes to see you, alone, away from the humans. We must go now."
"What about Black Widow?" Edelweiss asked. "I can't just leave her here, she'll freak when she finds me gone."
"You don't need to worry about her," said the Elder Sentinel. "The Master Dragon has it all under control. Come." He lowered himself to the floor. One of the other Sentinels boosted Edelweiss onto the Elder's back. The Sentinels then spread their wings and took off. Edelweiss held onto the Elder's horns. She looked over her shoulder at her vanishing friend. But soon she was long gone.
"Where are we going?" Edelweiss asked.
"Don't be afraid Dragonborn," said the Elder. "You're perfectly safe, you'll be back before Black Widow wakes up." The Sentinels picked up speed and left Berk far behind.
