Chapter 8
Re was flying from Dragon Island to Berk with the thousands of glowing crystals Hiccup had ordered, along with blueprints of the mechanism that allowed one to turn the lights on and off. It had taken quite a while to mine up all the crystals, Hiccup had asked for thousands of them to replace all the torches in all the houses, Great Hall, blacksmith shop, dragon hanger, and arena. He carried all the crystals in two large bags that he clutched in his talons. They were quite heavy and comfortable to hold. But he soon saw Berk on the horizon and breathed a sigh of relief. He picked up speed and flew past the two statued that guarded Berk's harbor. He flew towards the plaza and landed next to the blacksmith. He set the bags down and took a few minuets to catch his breath. Hiccup and Toothless came out of their house and up to him.
"I have your order," Re said.
"Thanks Re," said Hiccup. He watched Re open one of the bags using his jaws and talons. In side each bag were thousands of large, white stones. At that moment the other riders came over.
"What did he bring?" asked Astrid.
"New light," Hiccup. They looked into the bags and saw the stones.
"Are those the glowing crystals?" asked Eret.
"They certainly are," said Re, flapping his wings to keep them from cramping up.
"How do they work?" asked Snotlout. He picked up one of the stones and looked closely at it.
"I'll show you," Re said. "But first we must go somewhere dark."
"The Great Hall is pretty dark," said Hiccup. "If we close the doors and don't light the torches." Suddenly Fishlegs looked scared.
"We have to go into the dark?" he whimpered. "I hate the dark."
"Why?" Re asked.
"Things happen in the dark," said Fishlegs. "People go missing." Re snorted. Then he stuck his nose into the closest bag and looked for the largest stone. He found it and pulled it out. It was slightly larger than Toothless's eye. Re clutched it in his talon.
"Anyone who wants to see the stone glow come up to the Great Hall," he said. He spread his wings and flew up the steps and into the Great Hall. The riders followed him on foot, their dragons following.
"I wonder what it's like to be a dragon," said Astrid. "It must be the most wonderful thing in the world."
"Only one way to find out," said Eret. "Ask one." They arrived at the Great Hall then. They went inside. Re was waiting for them. He had the stone under a piece of leather.
"Close the doors," he said.
"Do we have to?" Fishlegs wined. Re gave him a sour look. The Twins pushed the doors closed. They were all thrown into darkness. Everyone started to get uncomfortable.
"What is it about the dark that make you humans so nervous?" Re asked, he could smell their fear.
"Because we can't see anything," said Astrid. "We don't know if there's something right in front of us that we might fall or bump into. And then there's killers who use the darkness to their advantage."
"But most killers can't see anything either," Re pointed out. "So they can't really use it to their advantage."
"You dragons do," Fishlegs blurted out.
"That's why I said 'most'," Re said. "Anyway, here is your new light source." He removed the piece of leather. The stone lit the whole room in a bright light. It didn't reach the corners or the ceiling, but it lit up the middle of the room. The riders looked at it in awe.
"Whoa that is bright," said Snotlout.
"Hopefully I brought enough for all the buildings on Berk," Re said. "But if I didn't I can sent for more."
"Thanks Re, I think you brought plenty," said Hiccup.
"And you can keep the Bewilderbeast tusk," Re said. "I don't need it."
"Hey Re we were wondering what it's like to be a dragon," said Astrid changing the subject. "It must be really fun." The others murmured in agreement. Re laughed loudly.
"That's because you see us fly around and breathing fire," he said. "But being a dragon is not all fun and games."
"Why not?" asked Snotlout. "You breathe fire, can fly anywhere you want, eat all you want, and can win fights with any other animal."
"I wish we could be dragons," said Fishlegs. "At least for a day, just to see what it's like." Re sighed.
"Careful what you wish for," he said. He picked up the glowing stone and tossed it to Hiccup who caught it.
"Does your god have the power to change humans into dragons?" asked Eret.
"He has the power to do anything he wants," Re said. "But he normally doesn't use his power on humans." He led the way outside. They went down into the plaza where Re had left the bags.
"Out of curiosity," Re said. "What kind of dragons would you want to be?"
"I would want to be a Deadly Nadder," said Astrid.
"Whispering Death," said Tuffnut.
"Typhoomerang," said Ruffnut.
"Rumblehorn," said Eret.
"Gronkle," said Fishlegs.
"Changewing," said Snotlout. They all looked at Hiccup. He thought through all the dragons he'd seen and/or read about. They all had their advantages and disadvantages.
"I bet if I were a dragon I would only have tree legs," he said, looking down at his metal leg. "But I if I were a dragon I would want to be a Nightfang like Tenor and Black Widow."
"Ah, Tenor would love to see that," Re chuckled. "Well those are all fine choices."
"Well we'll get these crystals into the houses," Hiccup said. "Thanks again Re." The Dragon King nodded. The riders took the bags and took them away. The dragons came up to Re, who was looking amused.
"Are they serious about being dragons?" asked Hookfang. "It's not easy."
"Well some parts of it is," said Skullcrusher. "But they would have a lot to get used to."
"But maybe it will help them understand our kind better," said Toothless, trying to be optimistic. "Would Lord Draco actually turn them into dragons?"
"I think he just might," Re said. "Both for the reason you just said and to show them that the Dragonnip isn't always greener on the other side."
"That will be interesting," said Stormfly. They all murmured in agreement.
"Well I should be getting back," Re said. He opened is wings to take off.
"Hey will you bring Serenity tomorrow?" asked Meatlug. "We really miss her."
"Yeah, we'll keep Snotlout and Fishlegs under control," said Hookfang. "You have our word." Re considered.
"Alright," he said. "Since she's in a better mood now, I guess I could bring her." With that he spread his wings and flew back to Dragon Island. The riders took the bags of glowing crystals into the blacksmith. Hiccup found the blueprints in one of the bags and brought them up to his house. The riders finished up the last of their chores and went to bed.
Up in the Dragon Heaven, Lord Draco had heard the riders' wishes and thought it would be a good idea to turn them into dragons. It would help them understand the dragon species, not to mention it would be fun to watch. He lit the skies over Berk with borealis lights, casting his spell.
The sun rose the following morning. The Vikings and dragons woke up and began their daily activities. Inside Hiccup's house the chief woke up on the floor of his room. He felt very different. His vision was normal, but his hearing had increased. He could hear every conversation coming from the people outside. He found it irritating and tried to cover his ears. But his hands couldn't reach his head for some reason. He sat up and looked around. What caught his eye was that he could see his back, which was all black and scaly. A pair of sleek black wings were tucked neatly to his side. Then a long, black tail swung into view, it ended in a pair of black tail fins. Hiccup got to his feet and saw that his hands had turned into black paws with sharp looking talons on the ends. He looked around the room. Toothless was still asleep on his stone.
"Toothless what just happened to me?" Hiccup asked him out loud. The dragon woke up and looked over at his rider. His green eyes popped.
"Whoa you're a dragon," he said, and Hiccup actually understood what he said.
"I'm a what?" Hiccup asked shocked.
"You look just like Tenor," Toothless said. "Only with darker green eyes and only three legs." Hiccup looked back at his hind legs, his right one was still there but he was missing part of his left one.
"It seems Lord Draco gave you exactly what you wanted," Toothless said as he got to his feet. "We should go outside, you'll be more comfortable." He jumped down to the lower level. Hiccup hobbled over to the top of the stairs. He looked at them not sure how to get down. Toothless appeared at the bottom.
"You can't use the stairs silly," he chuckled. "You have to jump down."
"Jump? Are you crazy?" said Hiccup. "It's a very big drop."
"You'll be fine," Toothless said. "I made it." Hiccup looked at the big drop again. He took a deep breath and leapt from the ledge and landed hard on the floor. He fell over due to his missing leg. He slowly got back up and shook himself. He walked up to the door which was closed. He stared at the nob trying to figure out how he was going to get the door open. He looked at Toothless for help.
"Don't look at me I can't get it open either," Toothless said. "I ususally wait for you to do it." Hiccup turned back to the door. He reached for it with one paw, but almost fell over due to lack of balance and put his paw down again. He then clamped the handle in his jaws and backed up awkwardly. The door opened slowly. Out side it was very cloudy, summer was starting to draw to a close. Hiccup and Toothless went out and looked around. Then six other dragons came up to them: a sandy colored Rumblehorn, a stormy grey Scauldron, a red Nadder, a black and green Changewing, a lead grey Whispering Death, and a light brown Gronkle. Somehow Hiccup already knew who these dragons were. It seemed the Dragon God had heard their conversation the day before and granted their wish.
"Whoa you got changed into a dragon too?" said the Whispering Death, which was Tuffnut. "This is so cool, and strange at the same time."
"What happened exactly?" asked the Nadder, which was Astrid.
"The Dragon God gave us what we wanted," Hiccup said. "We get to see what it's like to be a dragon."
"I didn't think it would be so hard," said Fishlegs. "I had a hard time just getting out of my house." They all murmured in agreement. Then the Scauldron, which was Ruffnut, began panting.
"I think I need a drink," she said.
"You're a tidal class dragon you need more water than the rest of us," said Fishlegs. At that moment Re and the other Draconians arrived with Serenity mounted on Tenor and Edelweiss in her special seat. Hiccup and the other human-turned dragons ran awkwardly up to them. They all looked quite surprised. Toothless and his friends ran over as Serenity dismounted.
"Hey good to see you again Serenity," Stormfly said. She lowered her head and Serenity stroked her beak.
"Sorry about that," Serenity said. "Re wanted to be sure nothing bad was going to happen to me."
"Hey we can understand what she's saying now," said Astrid. "Usually all I can hear is dragon sounds."
"Yeah you're in our world now you can understand Dragontongue," Re said. "So how are finding this experience?"
"Very different that we expected," said Snotlout.
"Not what you expected is it?" said Aurora.
"How do you breath fire?" Eret asked.
"Take a deep breath through the nose," Tenor said. All the human-dragons did as he said. They inhaled sharply and held it.
"Now let it all out at once," said Aurora. "Be careful though." The human-dragons let out a gust of air, and out came the fire. One of the blasts knocked Serenity's hat off.
"Wow that really burns your mouth," said Astrid. "like I just bit into chili peppers."
"Not to mention it tasted revolting," said Tuffnut. "How do you guys handle it?" Re looked up at the sky and blew out a jet of fire, he didn't even flinch.
"We've been dragons our hole lives," said Aurora. "We're used to it."
"I bet flying's more fun," said Snotlout. The Draconians rolled their eyes.
"Come we'll go to Dragon Island, it's a great distance for beginners," said Tenor.
"Without breakfast?" asked Ruffnut.
"Breakfast will be provided," said Aurora. She then turned to Toothless and his friends. "Care to join us?"
"Sure," said Hookfang. "I'm enjoying myself. But how is Toothless going to get there without a rider?" They all looked at the Night Fury who was looking at his tail fin.
"There's a lever on the side that holds the tail open," Hiccup said. Serenity went over to Toothless and pulled the lever, opening the tail. She then remounted Tenor.
"They're about to find out that flying isn't as fun as they think," she whispered to the dragon. Tenor giggled. They all took off and flew in circles, waiting for the human-dragons to lift off. They spread their wings and lifted off the ground. They followed Re and the other dragons over the ocean. Re and Aurora flew on either side of Toothless to keep him from falling out of the sky. Tenor flew behind the human-dragons to be sure they didn't get left behind. They had just lost sight of Berk, and already they were getting sore and achy.
"Are we nearly there?" Fishlegs wined.
"Yeah," said Re. "In about fifteen minuets." They all groaned. They pumped their wings harder just to keep up. They were flying into a huge head wind, which didn't help. The other dragons didn't seem faltered by the wind at all. To the human-dragons felt like the journey took years rather than minuets. They all breathed a heavy sigh of relief when the island came into view.
By the time the dragons began their decent the human-dragons were panting. They approached the ivory doors and stone pier. The human-dragons all but crashed onto the beach. They watched as the other dragons landed gracefully
"I don't remember Dragon Island being to far," said Hiccup.
"That's because you always came here on dragonback," Re said. "You're dragons have been flying all there lives, it's nothing to them. This was your first time." Serenity dismounted and took Edelweiss out of her seat. They went inside where the four young dragons were playing happily.
"Why aren't you guys playing outside like you normally?" Re asked.
"Too cold," said Avalon.
"Ah, yes winter is rapidly approaching," Re said.
"I would have thought you all would be ready to fly back to Draconia by now," said Astrid.
"I said it was approaching I didn't say it was here," Re said. "At the first sign of frost we will head south." Suddenly Edelweiss reached towards Toothless.
"D'agon," she said. "B'ack d'agon." Toothless went over and let Edelweiss pet him. He purred and gave her a gummy grin. Edelweiss giggled and put her little hand into the dragon's mouth. Toothless very gently closed his mouth around her hand, still keeping his teeth at bay. Then he let her hand go before she panicked. Serenity scratched Toothless behind his ears.
"She's really comfortable around dragons," said Astrid. "A bit too comfortable."
"She'll be learning to ride one in a few short years," Serenity said. "When she's five years old."
"That seems a bit young," said Fishlegs. "Dragon Riding is very dangerous."
"Chris and I both learned to ride at age five," Serenity said. "On the same dragon." She looked over at Re who was sitting on his haunches waiting patiently. Suddenly Ruffnut's stomach rumbled.
"Can we have breakfast now?" she asked.
"Sure," said Aurora. "The ocean is full of fish, we can head out immediately."
"We have to catch our own food?" asked Eret.
"Yes, we are predators, we work for our food," said Aurora. Serenity put Edelweiss down beside Toothless and unsaddled Tenor.
"Aren't you coming?" Fishlegs asked Serenity.
"No, this event is for dragons only," she said. "I'll cook my own breakfast."
"I'll stay here too," said Toothless. "I'll just slow you all down if I go out."
"You sure?" Re asked. "We can wait up for you, that's what friends do."
"No, I insist your majesty," Toothless said. "I'll stay here and keep Serenity and Edelweiss company." Re and Aurora exchanged a glance.
"Alright, we'll bring you back something," said the Queen. With that all the dragons, the hatchlings included, flew off. Serenity, Edelweiss, and Toothless watched them go. When they were out of sight, Toothless followed the mother and child back into the throne room. Serenity sat in her chair and Toothless sat beside her. Edelweiss kept trying to climb on the dragon's back.
"Up," she said. "Up on dagon." Serenity lifted her child onto Toothless's saddle. Toothless made sure she didn't fall off.
"I wonder how Chris and Windwalker are adjusting to their new life," Toothless said. Serenity stroked his head.
"So do I," she said. "It's only been four months and yet I feel like it's been four years."
"Why hasn't he written yet?" asked Toothless.
"Those parents of his must keep him too busy to write," Serenity said. "You think he's happy where he is?"
"I don't think so," Toothless said. "Those two maybe he birth parents, but doesn't mean he has to spend the rest of his life with them." Serenity murmured in agreement. She scratched his neck, and listened to his purrs of affection.
Out at sea the other dragons had landed on a sea stack in the middle of the ocean. The human-dragons were way exhausted. Re and Aurora were out looking for fish to herd towards the other dragons. Aurora was using her magic to bring them towards her. She and Re were talking in amusement about the riders' discovery on the real life of a dragon.
"I bet they're just begging to be turned back into humans," Aurora said.
"It's only easy if you've been at it your whole life," Re agreed. At that moment the two dragons spotted a huge school of mackerel. They flew low over the water and used their fire to push the mackerel towards the ambush. The fish swam as fast as they could towards the sea stack. Occasionally a fish would jump out of the water and one of the two dragons would snatch it up and swallow it. Tenor and the other professional dragons took off and skimmed the surface. They swallowed huge mouthfuls of fish. A pod of Pilot Whales and Common Dolphins joined the dragons in the feast, soon followed by flocks of sea birds. Tenor swallowed another fish, then saw the amateurs just watching on the sea stack. He flew over and landed next to them.
"Hey you lot just going to sit there all day?" he said. "Come out, these fish aren't going be there much longer."
"What do we do?" asked Ruffnut.
"You should dive right into the water," Tenor told her. "You're a sea dragon. And as for the rest of you just follow my lead."
"Who knew being a dragon was such hard work," said Snotlout.
"Don't worry by tomorrow this will all blow over," Tenor said. "Now come on." He took off agin, and the others followed him. Ruffnut dove into the water and joined the dolphins and whales. The rest of them hovered in the air and watched Tenor dive in and out of the water snagging fish after fish. Eventually they tried to catch fish themselves. Hiccup and Astrid managed to catch a few, but the others would either miss or have what little the did catch snatched from them by an obnoxious sea bird. Ruffnut was having the most luck as she was on the same level as the prey.
After a while the fish grew scarce and the dragons became satified with their catches. The human-dragons eventually manage to catch fish like the others. Their wings were very sore by now. They headed back towards Dragon Island. Aurora brought up the rear this time. She secretly used her magic to give them a strong tail wind. When they finally went in for landing on Dragon Island. The human-dragons tried landing as gracefully as the Draconians, but still stumbled.
"Uh, I don't know about the rest of you guys but I'm about ready to go back to my easy, human life," said Tuffnut. They all murmured in agreement.
"It makes no sense," Fishlegs said to Re. "You're a king, you shouldn't have to hunt your own food, you should have servants who do it for you."
"I've said this before and I'll say it again," Re said. "I'm not the Red Death; I'm a dragon first and a king second. I was catching my own food long before I was crowned."
"Hey do you guys hear that?" said Stormfly. They all stopped talking and listened. They could hear someone singing. It was coming from the throne room, and it sounded beautiful.
"That's Serenity," said Aurora. "I'd know that angelic voice anywhere." They all ran into the throne room where they found Serenity sitting in her chair with a guitar on her lap, Toothless laid beside her chair with Edelweiss still on his saddle. She finished her song and then acknowledged them.
"Oh, don't stop that was very pretty," said Hookfang.
"Well that's the end of that song," Serenity said.
"Sing it again," said Toothless. "I like this one, it talks about being free." All the dragons gathered around her chair to hear the song. Serenity plucked a few strings on her guitar, then began singing.
Chorus:
On the loose to climb a mountain, On the loose where I am free,
On the loose to live my life the way I think my life should be.
For I only have a moment, and a whole world yet to see.
I'll be looking for tomorrow on the loose.
Have you ever seen the sunrise turn the sky completely red?
Have you slept beneath the moon and stars, a pine bough for your bed?
Have you sat and talked with friends, though a word was never said?
Then you're just like me and you've been on the loose.
- Chorus
There's a trail that I'll be hiking just to see where it might go,
Many places yet to visit, many people yet to know.
But in following my dreams, I will live and I will grow,
In a world that's waiting out there on the loose.
- Chorus
So in search of love and laughter, I am traveling across this land.
Never sure of where I'm going, for I haven't any plans.
Anytime when you are ready, come and join me take my hand.
And together we'll share life out on the loose.
- Chorus
As I sit and watch the sunset and the daylight slowly fades,
I am thinking of tomorrow, and the friendships I have made.
I will treasure them for always, and I hope that you will too.
And forever we'll share life out on the loose.
Chorus
As Serenity finished the song everyone had dreamy, far away looks on their faces. As though they were picturing what she was singing about. Serenity stroked the last few notes on the guitar and put in rest position.
"Wow, that is pretty," said Astrid.
"Yeah, that's one of my favorites," said Aurora. "It's perfect for song for traveling and camping."
"It pretty much sums up my life with dragons," Serenity said. "Traveling around the world every summer and camping in uncharted lands." Then Hiccup yawned.
"We should be heading home," said Astrid. "Hey Aurora, will Draco turn us back into humans?"
"You've had enough of being dragons haven't you?" Aurora said, she sounded amused.
"Yeah," said all the human-dragons. Re and Aurora both chuckled. Then Aurora let out a loud call, secretly using her magic to ask her father to turn them back. Suddenly there came a loud roar from outside, and Lord Draco himself flew into the throne room. He was wearing his usual armor. He landed on the floor of the cave and folded his mighty blue wings.
"Well you lot have had quite a day," he said to the human dragons.
"Can you change us back sir?" Astrid asked. Draco looked down at them.
"I will on one condition," he said. "If Snotlout and Fishlegs leave Serenity alone." They all turned to Snotlout and Fishlegs.
"Okay we promise," said Snotlout.
"Yeah you have our word," said Fishlegs.
"If you fall back to old ways I have the liberty to do what I like," Draco warned. With that he shot his golden fire at the human-dragons, burning the spell way. When the fire cleared the human-dragons were turned back to humans. They all looked down at themselves for a minuet.
"Thanks Draco," said Hiccup. "I have one question though."
"And what would that be?" Draco asked.
"You have the power to do whatever you want, then why don't you regrow Toothless's left tail fin?" Hiccup asked.
"He doesn't want me to," Draco said. "He values you more than freedom." Toothless went over to his rider, Edelweiss giggled, enjoying the ride. Hiccup stroked his dragon's head.
"How do you know that?" asked Astrid, now standing next to Stormfly.
"It's my job to know that," said Draco. "Any other questions?"
"I have just one more," said Hiccup. "Do Dragon Riders get to join their dragons in the Dragon Heaven?" Draco considered.
"Well I suppose I could make a few exceptions," he said. "I'll be monitoring you all for the rest your lives, and if I think you are worthy I'll let you in." Then Hiccup yawned again.
"You should go home, you've been through quite an experience," Re said. Hiccup lifted Edelweiss off Toothless and handed her to Serenity. Then the riders mounted their dragons.
"Ah, the saddle never felt so good," said Snotlout with a sigh.
"Couldn't have said it better myself," said Hiccup. They all took off and headed home. The Draconians watched them fly away.
"They have learned today that the Dragonnip is not always greener on the other side," Draco said wisely, then he turned to Re and Aurora. "Your son has learned this as well."
"He's not our son," Aurora said glumly.
"Would you like him to be?" Draco asked. "Your heart tells me you want him back in your life, I'm I right."
"Yes," said Aurora, knowing there was no point lying to Lord Draco.
"And you shall have him back, before you know it," Draco said. Then the turned to Re and let out a long, warm breath. Re recognized the feeling of a spell.
"What's the spell for?" he asked.
"Spoilers," Draco said with a sneer. Then he looked over at Serenity, who had remained quiet ever since Draco arrived.
"Why so quiet my child?" he asked her.
"I'm sorry my lord," Serenity said. "I haven't had much to say recently."
"You are still sad," Draco said. "You miss your husband. But you don't have to be sad anymore, he is thinking of you every minuet. The reason he hasn't returned yet is because he is going to save all your lives and he won't be able to do so if he was here now." Before anyone could ask him what he meant Draco spread his wings and took off, heading back to the Dragon Heaven.
"What did he mean?" asked Serenity.
"We will have to wait and see," said Aurora. "Maybe it has to do with my vision of the Phoenix." She turned and flew onto the ledge. The others followed her. Re lit the fire pit and they all sat around it. Avalon and Apollo laid beside their parents, Eider left to find Ruby and Harmony who had their own room in the castle, and Black Widow sat next to Tenor. They all soon fell asleep, exhausted by the day's events.