Hello again. The events in this chapter happen in the span of a single day. From the loss of a life, the enslavement of one not born and the renewal of one old. This chapter posted 8-16-2014. Next chapter to be posted in 5-6 days. Thank you and please enjoy.

…

"Pathetic," Red Death snarled looking to the hatchery, laced with a measly forty-seven eggs. Due to the heightened demand on raids and increased eliminations of the weak, breeding was put to a hold, thusly the quantity of eggs were at their lowest. Turning over, he glared to the mothers, "Do you think I'm satisfied with this miserable batch! Worthless!"

The mother dragons lowered their heads in shame and humiliation. For many of them, this was their first nesting. During the breeding sessions, they endured forced copulation, were visibly humiliated by their warden's lascivious stare as he watched and ridiculed their every movement. The females would mourn silently, unable to cry and express their inner torment. The males felt degraded by their actions, many clawing at their own bodies as an act of repent. There was no love during the sessions, it was their obligatory duty to service their prince in anyway and in time that enforced burden would fall onto their young.

Angered, Red Death stomped his hind legs into the lava, the island trembling from the force and the fiery magma below splattered about. He did this till his temper subsided, taking several breaths to regain his royal composure. "This is to be expected from useless lizards, such as you, but I'm willing to be forgiving…" He moved three of his eyes on the left side to a Whispering Death and Gronckle and the other three to a Boneknapper and Nadder to the right. "Organize several battalions and fan out to nesting locations. Bring me eggs! The more you bring me, the less likely I am to eradicate you. Have I made my orders clear for you, scum?"

The captains nodded their heads in compliance. Calling out the troops, a swarm of dragons encircled the hollow volcano like a funnel before exiting to the darkness of night.

"First Battalion, take to the north!" the Nadder cried out.

Second to the west," the Boneknapper calmly added.

Third to south!" the Whispering Death called.

"The rest of you follow me to the east. We have our orders," the titan-winged Gronckle finished before the four groups spread out in search of eggs.

The task would be a challenging one. Mother dragons were highly ferocious, even more so when in a cluster. The males would also be a problem, but it wasn't as if this was their first egg snatching. During low birthing rates, scouts were sent in search of eggs, this was how the Boneknapper and Whispering Death came to serve their ruler. Many of them were from stolen nest, never learning of their heritage or life as their breed, all they knew was their first sight was Death and last.

…

In search to the east, the battalion came to the mainland, a long forgotten cliff side world with lush forest and starry grey skies. The evergreen gave off a haunting vibration as if they were being watched by something, something long past but never gone.

"Spread out," the Gronckle ordered and the battalions broke off into squads of eights, him going off on his own to smell out potential threats to their mission.

Silence covered the perimeter of the evergreen; the only remnants of civilization were tiny decayed villages near the coastline. The faunas it seemed were scarce. Occasionally as the Gronckle hovered down to the tree tops a hawk or sparrow would fly off, he did see several deer trotting about but for the most part the area seemed void of dragons. He didn't know much about the mainland, not many dragons did. It was once thought the land was a thriving community of dragons ranging from Timberjacks to Sea Shockers, now only time knows where they've gone off to. Some say hunters came and exterminated the dragon life, others that they simply vanished without a trace. Most likely they fled as humans began to colonize their homelands and once they left, the humans moved on to conquer more territory.

As the hours passed, the Gronckle trailed his vision to the tall snow drenched mountains, the full moon shining brightly behind it. There was something about that mountain, something that he couldn't quite explain but he knew he had to go search it.

Beating his titan wings, he soared towards the light and snow, the air becoming thinner and more rigid as he progressed up with every breath. Encircling the mountain from up high, he spotted an opening off the side of the rock formation. He cautiously lowered himself and proceeded into the darkness of the cave. The moonlight helped guide his vision but there wasn't much to see. Inside there were traces of black scales and deep claw marks on the cave walls.

This was a dragon's den.

As he pressed further, he noticed a single jet black egg nested on thick layers of grass and stone. He knew his duties and walked towards the egg, placing it between his teeth. Turning around the sound of mild aggression was by the exit as a dark silhouette of a slick dragon cast its shadow over him.

"Going somewhere?" the dragon snarled.

"I'm sorry to have to do this, but it must be done," the Gronckle said, placing the egg onto the ground.

The black dragon retraced his talons and bared his fangs. "You will die before you even think about taking my child. I've already lost my mate... I won't lose my young without a fight."

"I don't wish to fight you…" the Gronckle bared his own teeth, knowing in the end a fight was to happen.

"Remember the name, Night Fury, as I rip out your wings, Gronckle!" After stating that, the Night Fury pounced forward, lunging himself onto the Gronckle.

Both dragons were soon locked in combat, clawing and biting away at each other. Each attack only fueling their drive to continue on till the very end. Amidst the battle, the Gronckle thought as to how powerful and agile his opponent was. If Red Death came into possession of this, a Night Fury egg, he'd be near unstoppable. Was he ready willing to allow such power fall to his malevolent overlord? And what of its father? His sole egg was all he had left in the world. His thoughts were soon cut off as the Night Fury dove onto his back, his vice-like jaws over his neck

The Night Fury began to claw at the Gronckle's back, aiming to trap away at his wings, but the Gronckle had other plans and hovered himself with great force up to the roof of the cave. The impact was enough to loosen the Night Fury from his back and neck. As the Night Fury fell to the hard floor, panting heavily, the Gronckle did the same. They were both quickly running out of energy from their intense battle and just glared at each other for the longest time.

"You don't have to do this," the Gronckle managed mid pant. "If you're willing to serve my prince, I can assure you and your egg will be safe."

The Night Fury tried to lift his wings, but it was of no use, they were too sore to open. "Night Furies bow to no dragon other than an Alpha or Queen! I will never serve your prince, and he will never have my child!" Enraged, the Night Fury attacked once more, the force of his blow sending the Gronckle back several feet. The tail end of the Gronckle collided with the egg, sending it on a downward slope towards the exit.

As the Night Fury pinned the Gronckle down he readied his plasma blast till the sound of the egg captured his attention. His breathing hitched as he released the Gronckle and leapt towards the egg just as it rolled over the exit and down the mountain side. He raced out and dove down towards the accelerating egg, streamlining his body to get to it before it was too late. Once he was close enough, he reached out for it as the snow line ended. Trying to open his wings once more, he couldn't find the energy to spread them. Looking down, he knew he only had a less than a thousand feet before he collided with the solid rock of a ledge.

He didn't have much time.

He looked to his egg, his little warrior, as they sped downward. He smiled brightly with love and prayed for hope that his young would live, grow strong and independent but above all never give up. A single tear flew out of his eye as he closed them to the strong pressure around them. Turning his back to the earth, he cradled his unborn child safely in his paws and fell to his death as he drew his final breath.

…

It took a moment for the Gronckle to regain himself after his battle, that Night Fury was a resilient fighter. When he got to his feet, he walked out the cave and looked down to the image that shocked his core. The Night Fury, lying in a pool of his own blood on the grey mountain ledge. Hovering down to investigate, he was certain he was gone. A sting of guilt ran through his heart as he realized the father was shielding his young, the egg completely unharmed.

He took a breath and weighted his options. If he left the egg, the baby Night Fury would surely die without a parent. If he took it with him, whatever came out would become Red Death's property. He couldn't allow this dragon to simply perish.

Nudging away the dead Night Fury's paws, he took the jet egg and made a silent vow.

I'll see to it your child grows strong and make it high in the ranks. It'll be a difficult life, but I'll protect this infant with mine. Forgive me, Night Fury.

With the Night Fury egg in paw, he called out his squads to regroup and as the faint shimmers of sunlight came to cover the lonesome evergreen, the battalion made their way back with a single dark egg.

…

Sailing across the Northern waters, a traveling merchant ship makes it way to its last stop of the Archipelagoes. Aboard the vessel are two drifters of sea, Trader Jaune and his young son, Johann. For years he had taken his lad to the furthest reaches of the globe, sailed the most treacherous of sea and confronted many a dreadful warrior and beast but through it all young Johann never cracked a smile or spoke. He had seen everything. From the great mountains to the East with their delicate cherry blossom petals scattering in the wind to the majestic bison roaming the Plains of the West being herded by the native tribes people dressed in noble blues, eagle feathers and dragon fangs. He listened as wise philosopher of Greece and Rome spoke of vast knowledge and heard the beautiful songs of prayer in the marble synagogues and yet he was never truly content. Johann would mostly just stare blankly into the ocean waters and sigh apathetically, but this was behavior common to most adolescents bored with the wonders of the world.

"We're almost there, Johann, just a few more nauts and Berk should be within sight," Jaune rustled his son's loosely tied dark hair before looking out to the sky to guide his path.

The stars were beginning to fade as the light of day came but he knew these waters well and continued forward.

"Dad…" Johann managed looking towards the horizon where a flock of dragons came soaring past. Jaune turned to the sight of dozens of dragons heading westward, not minding them any business. They both watched in silence as they sped by.

"Hm, must be a migration?" Jaune said with slight intrigue. He was no stranger to dragons. Having being a sailor, he'd seen his fair share of Tidal dragons and others on the mainlands and islands of the Earth. As for his attitude towards them, he held no malice to them. He's grandfather would tell stories of times of his great grandfather, when during his time dragons and humans lived in what could be seen as harmony. To Jaune, dragons were no different than the phoenix of the Empires and the kirin of the East, they were to be respected and left alone.

Turning to his son, Johann was making his way below deck until they reached shore, he knew what he was going to see, knowing that it was the sole comfort to the boy on the briny deep.

…

The four battalions returned to the mountain as the sun was coming up, Red Death examining the many eggs brought to him.

First battalion, led by the Nadder recovered seventy-three; second, eighty-five and third with the most at one hundred twenty-six. Red Death was pleased with his sum of three hundred thirty-one, but it was the three hundred thirty-second that disappointed him.

The Gronckle had managed to retrieve one egg.

"You've proven yourself resourceful, Whispering Death," he said looking to her catch.

"It was an honor, my liege," she bowed her head.

"You, on the other hand, Gronckle, have disappointed me. Give me a good reason why I shouldn't chew on your body slowly," he leaned down to see the black egg by the Gronckle's feet. With his six eyes he looked to the battered Gronckle, covered in scratches and bite marks.

"This, my liege, is a Night Fury. Its father fought like a demon till his death, I'm sure it will be of significant use in the future."

Red Death's demeanor lightened to this news. The hive began to whisper at the possibility. No dragon had seen a Night Fury in centuries, if this was true they were in sight of a legend. They're scales were the color of night and they were wild flyers, not to mention highly intelligent. A crooked smile twisted onto Red Death's face as he gazed upon the dark egg.

"I stand corrected... You've brought me something far more valuable than the others, well done." When the time was right, he'd use this dragon, train it to be his prized solider. He knew the capabilities of the Night Fury from stories passed on by other dragons over the centuries and now that he possessed one, he'd be unstoppable.

He looked to the Gronckle closely. "I leave it in your care, for now. Make sure nothing happens to my Night Fury."

"Understood," the Gronckle took hold of the egg and until the day of hatching, he'd watch over the little one and defend it till the end.

…

"Trader Jaune's here! Trader Jaune's here!" Bucket excitingly called out made his way towards the docks as a ship came to port.

All around the good citizens of Berk emerged from their home to the pier where Jaune's ship was, certain he brought with him ancient treasures and exotic gifts from the far corners of the globe.

Stoick climbed aboard the ship and immediately walked up to Jaune. "Ah, Master Stoick, a pleasure to see you again," Jaune greeted the chief with a warm smile and an arm.

"It's good to have you here again, Trader Jaune. Did you find any documents regarding the Mad Man?" Stoick said with cheer at first then coldness.

"A few maps, but other than that no, sorry," Jaune pointed out to a few rolls of parchment.

"That will do. Here's a copy of that book you asked for last time," Stoick handed him a green hardcover to which he took eagerly.

"Thank you, Master Stoick. I know a young man in the East waiting for this volume."

With that Stoick went over to gather his documents. It had been nearly four years since that tragic day; the screams of his former chieftains still haunted him from time to time. He did all he could to prepare his people from both Drago and the dragons and so far he was managing well. He just hoped they would all be ready for any kind of invasion.

…

Valka stepped onto the boat. Whenever Jaune came to Berk with his father as a boy and now his son as a man, she'd often head for the book section. Today however, she felt adventurous, wanting to browse the items onboard. She walked past the weapons section filled with spears and swords, the spice bag with their aromatic scents of nutmeg and coriander. While all these things were amazing in their own right, she wanted to see something…mystical.

Picking up a papaya, she could hear a faint whisper in the wind. She looked over to the direction of the sound, facing the opening that led to the lower deck. The air smelled sweet, a different kind of sweetness as opposed to the scent of fruits and spice. A hint of grass, rain and soil; the smell of life. It was as if something was luring her.

"Jaune, is it alright if I look below?" she asked tilting her head as she looked to the opening.

"Of course, if you find something of interest just call and we'll discuss a trade," he motioned to her to proceed and she wasted no time going down.

The undercarriage was dark but not without visibility. Boxes and barrels were piled high along with treasure of the likes she'd never seen before. As she ventured further, there was a faint hum, almost like a heartbeat. The further sent went to the source, the louder the sound and scent of nature became stronger till she turned her head to the left to see a crystal figurine.

It appeared to be a type of wolf pup, but not truly one. The structure was similar but there was this certain look to its face. In a typical wolf, the muzzle end would have a hairless snout but this one's muzzle appeared fully furred with two small openings on either side. Its paws as well, the claws looked thicker and blunter than those of a wolf but it was the tail that was truly strange as it was long and was curled around the pup's body nearly reaching the other end.

Valka could only stare at the small crystal figure, no bigger than a small fox. From it she could hear a mellow drum and the odor of mist seemed to permeate outward. She wasn't too sure what this creature was, all she knew was that it brought her down here. Off to the far side of the room, a bottle fell, breaking Valka's trance on the statue. She spun to face the noise, seeing young Johann watching her from the corner of a crate.

"Oh, hello there, Johann. Do you know what this is?" she smiled to him as she pointed to the figure.

He nodded his head.

"Could you tell me what it is?" she continued.

Silently he shook his head in refusal.

"It's a dragon," Jaune answered as he made his way towards Valka.

She looked to the crystal sculpture closely. "A dragon?"

"Yes. My ancestor found the little one nearly three hundred years ago on the mainland where your people once lived. He was passing by and noticed it on a log, almost as if left by the gods themselves. This was most likely a memorial to their existence. He called it a Mist Runner." Jaune smiled brightly, opening a small window to the side to allow in light and air.

"I've never seen or heard of one before," Valka slowly traced her eyes up the Mist Runner, memorizing every detail.

"I'd be amazed if you did. They're an extinct species."

"What happened to them?" there was genuine concern in her voice.

"Poaching. My grandfather would tell me stories passed down over the years, tales of how they were hunted down from their coats and tears; one of the few dragon species who had such qualities. They were said to be guardians, but this was during a time when man and dragon weren't at war. Legends say they'd led lost travelers out of forests with bright lights and trails of mist," he chuckled at the thought. "Yes, she's been with our family for a long time," Jaune slowly placed his palm over the statutes head.

Valka gave him a curious look. "She?"

Jaune placed his hands to his waist, staring at the little Runner. "My ancestor was convinced the pup was female. When he found her, he said she looked lost and promised to find her a home. As he traveled the world, many a rich emperor and collector wished to purchase her but every time he'd refuse. No, he never found her a home so it became the duty of the Trader family to finish what he started long ago." Looking to Valka, he saw how she never took her eyes off of the Runner, looking to it with wonder and amazement. "Tell me, Madam Valka… What does home mean to you?" Jaune asked kindly.

"Hmm," Valka thought to all she experience in her young life. "Well, Berk has been my only home. It's the place where I've cried and laughed, I've had some good times along with the bad. My happiest and saddest memories happened on this island but I wouldn't trade them for all the riches in the world. Those moments have made me strong, given me strength and I'll cherish them forever."

Jaune chortled, "Ha-ha, I believe my ancestor would have enjoyed your answer."

The light from the outside shined onto the Mist Runner, a soft hint of wind passed by as well as the faintest of a rhythmic soul. "You could almost hear her heartbeat," Valka whispered to herself but Jaune had excellent hearing.

"That's exactly what my ancestor would say. I've personally never heard her heart, but I do know Johann is rather fond of her. She keeps him company," he glanced over to his son, still hiding behind the crate.

Valka turned over to Johann, a smile on her face. "May I pet her?"

Johann thought for a while. He wasn't really one to share or let people know what he thought but Mrs. Haddock was always nice to him, he was just really shy. After some consideration, he nodded his head, giving her his approval.

With the okay, Valka slowly led her palm to the cheek of the figurine. She flinched before making first contact but soon allowed her fingers and palm to cup the small face. To her surprise, it was warm, the feeling of a pulse ran thought her skin.

From where her palm and the crystal made contact, a faint glow embodied the Mist Runner. Jaune, Johann and Valka watched as the light shined brighter, thumping like a heart. They all stood still and silent as the eyes to the statue shot open, a white spark to them and without warning it stopped. The eyes were still open, bright as the moonlight and from the contact point of Valka and the Runner, a beam of energy snaked thought the crystal and up out to her palm and up her arm. The light traveled to her heart, were another bright flash escaped her body and she fell to the floor unconscious.

Jaune and Johann ran to her side before seeing the Mist Runner statue shatter into crystalized dust and then a puff of mist, disappearing in physical form.

…

Valka awoke atop the ship's deck, Stoick and Alvin standing by her side. Her body felt heavy but weightless all at once, like she was a pebble floating over a cloud. "What? What happened?" she asked in confusion as she held her forehead.

"Val! You're alright!" Stoick reached out and held her close.

"Ya had us worried sick. Jaune brought ya up when ya fainted. Are ya alright?" Alvin asked placing his hand over her forehead.

"I'm fine. I remember being below deck, and there was the statue…" She turned over to Jaune, loosening herself from Stoick slightly. "What happened to the Mist Runner?"

He looked over to her with a big smile, "Turned to dust and mist."

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry, Jaune. Name your price and I'll…" she frantically motioned her arms out to him till he stopped her panic with laughter.

"That's quite alright, Madam Valka. I believe she has finally found herself a home, and as for a trade, you've giving Johann something just as priceless." He motioned over to the other end of the ship to where Johann was lively chatting with the people of Berk.

The flash of light sparked something within him, he no longer felt uninterested in the world. He wanted to share his words, his experiences, everything. Ever since he was a child, his only comfort in life was the Mist Runner statue. She was a lot like him, trapped. Her by crystal and him by the sea. Now that she was freed, he felt so as well.

"I'm glad he's finally talking to others. You've given my son his voice. I am forever in your debt, Madam Valka. Thank you," Jaune bowed his head to Valka in respect, her orbs glowed a faint shade of green over blue.

…

Far off to the most northern and coldest reaches of the globe, a giant haven of ice stood proudly under the late afternoon sun. Within its icy walls, an adult Strom Cutter shivered awake from his nap. There was a feeling in the air, something so familiar but new all at once. Lifting himself he listened carefully to the tune of faint humming, howling almost. He had never heard such a beautiful cry but inside he could feel his inner most instincts telling him whatever it was, was calling out to him.

He walked forward till his body was by a drop by a waterfall as the blades of fresh grass and moss tickling the tips of his four wings.

"You feel it as well, don't you, Storm Cutter?" a sturdy voice rang out to him. A massive white dragon lying in a large body of water rose up and lifted his head high.

"I don't know what it is, but I'm drawn to it," the Storm Cutter answered. "What is this?"

"I remembered when this sensation had left the world, I never thought I would live to this day to feel this energy again. It seems, a dragon of old, has awakened. A Mist Runner, has returned," the Bewilderbeast smiled, a breath of hope filling the air.

"Mist Runner…" the Storm Cutter froze at the thought. His ancestors had told tales of the Runners, their kin long gone by end of mankind. After their extinction, the Storm Cutters roamed the earth, his forbearers finally meeting with a kind Alpha, the Bewilderbeast. He heard their moaning and offered them a home and family in the Sanctuary where they lived for generations. He was the sole remaining Cutter descendent of the clan whom served and shared life with the Runner and now that one had returned, he had a family once more.

"I'm gonna have a little brother or sister," he was excited.

His father had told him great things about Mist Runners, how their paths intertwined and the eternal bond they shared. They were wingless dragons but that never stopped them from reaching for the skies. He wanted to go see his kin, but a thought ran through his mind. "Why now? What could have possibly awakened a Runner?"

"I have no definitive answer to those questions. What I do know it that its soul has been released. Whatever it attaches to, shall be its physical shape till it learns to change to its natural form. It will need help to remember its path. Are you willing to be its guide, Storm Cutter?"

Looking to his Alpha, the Storm Cutter bowed his head. "That and more…"

For now, he'd wait for the right moment to find his lost brother or sister. Until then, he'd dream of his new world, one with a Cutter and Runner side by side as siblings once more.

…

By the time Stoick and Valka returned home with a bill of good health from Gothi, the full moon shined brightly over Berk as they sat on their bed.

"Stoick," Valka calmly called out.

"Yes, dear?"

"Today on the ship, seeing Jaune and Johann together happy, it got me thinking," she unbraided her long auburn hair as she turned to him. "What do you say we start ourselves a family?"

Stoick looked to his wife, a certain sparkle in her eyes made his heart skip a beat. He had spent years in search of dragons nest, fighting them that he never stopped to think of starting a family. The idea sank in for a while. He thought of how his father had raised him, to be strong and how Valka's grandfather raised her to never give up. Those were some good qualities he'd like to pass on to his next in line. Their child would most definitely be stubborn and get into his/her fair share of trouble, but as long as they were together for that child, nothing could go wrong.

He reached out for her cheeks, caressing it slowly before moving in for a kiss. That night, under a full moon, they joined as one in loving passion.

The glow within her heart made its way to a new host, forming life once again after nearly three hundred years of darkness.