Disclaimer: How to Train Your Dragon does not belong to me, as does Star Wars or any other series or franchise. They are the rightful property of their rightful owners.
"Normal Speech"/ "Telepathic Speech"/ Thinking/ #Another Language#/ "Both Telepathic and Normal Speech"
Chronicle 1 in the
Chronicles of the Dragoniters:
Dawn of the Dragoniters
Chapter 7: Terrible Terrors and Thunderdrums
Published: 8.12.2017
Dawn came and with it the sun rose, pouring sunlight and warmth onto the world below. Feel the sunlight and warmth kiss her skin, Astrid slowly woke and sighed, snugging closer to the winged body in front of her, wrapping her arms tighter around the warm torso. She realized it was Aniu and Hiccup was behind her, his arms wrapped comfortably around her. Nava was in Aniu's arms and wings. The night before it had been Nava, Aniu, Hiccup and Astrid, last night had been Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava. They were again sleeping in the spot they had chosen for themselves with their Familiars and Soul-Dragons around them. Closest were Sorena and Caruso, both Barn Owls, sleeping in each other's wings, behind them, sheltering both smaller birds in their warmth and larger bodies were Stryker and Zena, both Golden Eagles were also sleeping in each other's wings. Edme and Artemis, Sprinter and Akira were sleeping close by, both Dire Wolves and both Reindeer were sleeping together.
Around them slept Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle, the four dragons choosing to sleep closest to their respective Soul-Riders. Raven had chosen to sleep close to Toothless while Darkfang, Lilith, Amaya, Ebony, Crowden and Aleron slept a short distance away. The six Night Furies huddled up close to their siblings in two groups of three. Wanting to sleep with their own breed, Nightus and Onyx chose to huddle up between the two trios of siblings. Spike, Magnus and Sashara were sleeping close to Stormfly. Bolt, Electra, Spark and Violet were sleeping close to the Night Furies, Elenia and Softmane were huddled together, the Griffin and Hippogriff snoozing peacefully. Lunastar was sleeping where the moonlight had been strongest and Solarfira was sleeping by the fire pit, as the sunlight grew brighter and the warmth hotter, everyone began to awake and gather breakfast. As everyone ate, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava conversed with Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave, Icicle, Sorena, Sprinter, Stryker, Akira, Caruso, Edme, Zena and Artemis.
Elenia, Solarfira, Lunastar and Softmane were in the midst of their own conversation as were Darkfang, Lilith, Amaya, Ebony, Crowden, Raven and Aleron. Spike, Magnus, Sashara, Spark, Electra and Bolt were also talking privately while Nightus, Onyx and Violet played nearby. "I have a feeling that Astrid, Aniu, Nava and I are going to meet four dragons we have a connection with, a Bond very similar to the ones we share with our Soul-Dragons." Hiccup told his Soul-Mates, his Soul-Dragon, their Soul-Dragons, his Familiars and their Familiars. "And it is most likely going to happen in the arena, I am guessing we are fighting the Terrible Terrors today if there are four of them. We only fight all the other dragons one at a time." Astrid added. "We still have our second but first time flying on Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle's saddled backs today. We cannot forget about those and I am so excited. The sooner we fly, the better." Aniu said. "If the four dragons we sense we share a Soul-Bond with are in the arena, we cannot help them escape or Soul-Bond with them until Dragon Combat Training is over." Nava said. "I trust you four will find a way to evade suspicion." Toothless said confidently, sending reassuring feelings to Hiccup through their Soul-Bond. "As much as it pains me, I agree with not freeing them until all classes are over."Stormfly murmured. "Those little guys will just have to hold on and not get killed." Heatwave said. "I am sure our Soul-Riders will not let anyone, dragon or human, get hurt through subtlety." Icicle said.
"Do not worry, we will avoid attracting too much attention to ourselves, will we not, guys?" Nava asked Hiccup, Astrid and Aniu who nodded in agreement. "What will we do if someone catches on to what we are doing?" Astrid inquired. "I am sure you will think of something, Astrid." Stormfly said. Pretty soon, breakfast was over and Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava packed up their saddle-making tools. As they were putting their hammers back in their satchels, the shiny, smooth metal caught a ray of sunlight and reflected it onto the ground, moving when and wherever the hammers moved. Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle's attentions were immediately caught and they began chasing the beam of light around, trying to catch it but failing when the ray of light shone of them instead. Everyone watched and either outright laughed, chuckled or simply smiled as the four dragons chased the beam of light, including Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava but they soon took mercy and tucked their hammers into their belts, cutting off the beams of light.
Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle snapped out of their trance and shook their heads. Then they realized what they had been doing and embarrassment swept through their Soul-Bonds. "Hey! What was that for?" Toothless exclaimed, glaring at Hiccup. "Sorry, bud but I just could not resist." Hiccup chortled. "Well, I will not be able to resist chasing you all over the Cove." Toothless muttered. "But that will not be fair on poor little me." Hiccup whined. "I do not care and once I catch you, I make sure you will regret it." Toothless threatened. Hiccup pouted, begging and whining with his quivering lower lip jutting out. Toothless snorted smoke in his face and Hiccup coughed. "Hiccup, you know that was a cruel thing to do. Would you have liked it if I had done that to you?" Sorena asked, pecking Hiccup's ear gently. "I am sorry, Sorena. I will apologize to him immediately." Hiccup apologized, petting the beautiful female Barn Owl's head feathers gently.
Sorena nodded her approval and Hiccup smiled, lowered his hand and approached his Night Fury Soul-Dragon. "Toothless, I really am sincerely sorry this time. It was cruel what I did but I did not know that was going to happen." He apologized as sincerely as he sounded. Toothless sighed. "It is all right, Hiccup, I forgive you although you could potentially use that light trick to help you in the arena and I have to admit, I fear for your safety and life every time you leave. Perhaps you could show me your memories of your classes in the arena. I am sure Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle will greatly appreciate it if Astrid, Aniu and Nava did the same but regardless of anything, I want you to tell everything that happens to you, what you see, hear, smell and notice every time you are away from here. I know I may sound possessive and controlling but still... I fear." He admitted.
Hiccup smiled and wrapped his arms around Toothless's neck. "I know, bud. Do not worry, I will do what you want me to. I love you already, Toothless." He said. Toothless smiled and wrapped his forepaws around Hiccup. "Thank you, Hiccup. I love you already too." He replied. A few seconds later, Hiccup and Toothless let go of each other and when Hiccup knelt down to finish packing up his tools, Sorena flew over and nuzzled him. Hiccup smiled and stroked her beautiful head feathers. Both of them smiled when Sprinter nuzzled Toothless who returned the nuzzle, being careful of his large rack of pointy antlers. "What a strange sight, a Reindeer nuzzling a Night Fury Dragon." Sorena noted. "Already, each of us have broken and defied traditional and cultural expectations and normalities." Hiccup replied. "Not everyone will be happy at first. The more traditional people struggle to adapt and live when their familiar traditions change or are outright stopped altogether." Sprinter said.
Close by, Astrid and Stormfly, Aniu and Heatwave, Nava and Icicle were having similar discussions. "Astrid, you know I like playing in open sunlight but that was mean." Stormfly told Astrid. "I am sorry, girl. I will not do it to you again unless you ask me too but I think I could use that trick on the dragons in the arena." Astrid replied, rubbing Stormfly's chin apologetically. "If it allows you to lock them back in their cages without hurting them, you or anyone else, go for it." The Deadly Nadder said. Perhaps I could try using my powers by focusing a beam of light on the ground from my hands and moving it around." Astrid suggested. "I do not think that is a good idea, Astrid. If people see you using magic, it will draw too much attention to you both good and bad." Stryker said. "So, for now, use normal means and if you do have to use magic, make it look like you are not." Akira added. "I will guys and I will not use my magic unless I absolutely have to or I am here. I swear it." Astrid promised.
"As much as I like playing, I do not like being lead around. How would you feel if I did it to you?" Heatwave asked Aniu who was feeling thoroughly guilty. "I am sorry, Heatwave. Laughing at you and not stopping what I was doing was cruel." Aniu apologised. "Thank you for your sincere apology, Aniu. I forgive you but please do not do that again." Heatwave accepted and nuzzled her. Aniu smiled and hugged him. "Next time, Aniu, find other ways to play with him and learn new tricks to use in the arena." Caruso said. "I believe Heatwave and the others will appreciate it. The dragons in the arena, not so much until they realize you four did it to keep them alive and safe." Edme said. "Better to have them angry, humiliated and or embarrassed instead or dead, maimed and or injured." Heatwave said. "Indeed, although angry and humiliated dragons will try to take revenge and attack you." Caruso mused. "I do not know how long each of those dragons have been caged in that arena but I am sure they are eager to escape and perhaps even kill Evregina and her Hags-Fiends." Edme said.
"Oh, I believe every single one of them will be eager for freedom, justice, peace and revenge." Icicle said, walking over to them. "Icicle has been fretting over Blizzard in her dreams. She hopes he is unharmed and okay." Nava said. "I am sure Heatwave has been fretting over Sunshine in his dreams and so has Stormfly for Arrow." Icicle replied harshly. Apparently, she had already forgiven Nava for making her chase after a beam of light. "Do not worry, Icicle, I am sure they are okay and waiting for us to free them." Zena soothed. "If Arrow, Sunshine and Blizzard are anything like Stormfly, Heatwave and you, I bet they would be plotting an escape." Artemis said confidently. Icicle nuzzled Artemis in thanks and the Dire Wolf nuzzled her back, causing the Winter Dragoness's lips to lift into a smile. "I will see if I can ask Gobber for a Dragon Combat Training Schedule and find out when Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and I will fight each dragon with the rest of our class." Nava promised.
With that promise in mind, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava finished packing up their tools and materials, hoisted the backpacks containing them onto their backs, said goodbye to Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave, Icicle, Elenia, Solarfira, Lunastar, Softmane, Raven, Ebony, Crowden, Aleron, Darkfang, Lilith, Amaya, Spike, Magnus, Sera, Bolt, Electra, Spark, Violet, Nightus and Onyx and left the Cove with Sorena, Sprinter, Stryker, Akira, Caruso, Edme, Zena and Artemis, mounting the two Reindeer and Dire Wolves and continuing onwards to the arena. Within two hours, they joined Gobber, Camicazi, Thuggory, Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut outside the arena gate and they were led inside.
"You ten will be having a lot of time with these little monsters." Gobber chortled and opened a cage. Instead of the gigantic door opening, ten smaller ones opened instead and ten Terrible Terrors scuttled out, blinking up at the ten trainees. Five of them were males and five of them were females. The first male had emerald green scales, silver eyes and under-scales, reddish-brown wing membranes and spinal crests, black horns and claws. The first female had sapphire blue scales, golden eyes and under-scales, golden-blonde wing membranes and spinal crests, white horns and claws. The second male had golden scales, emerald green eyes and wing membranes, golden-brown spinal crests, white under-scales, horns and claws. The second female had silver scales and under-scales, sapphire blue eyes and wing membranes, silver-blonde spinal crests, black horns and claws. To Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava's surprise, they felt a strong, familiar connection with the first four Terrible Terrors and it was as if their souls were reaching out to them. The four Terrible Terrors had stopped and were staring curiously at them, as if they felt the same connection.
To avoid suspicion and people wondering why they and the four Terrible Terrors were staring at each other without doing anything, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava turned their attention to the other six Terrible Terrors and the first four Terrible Terrors turned to look at Camicazi, Thuggory, Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut. The third female Terrible Terror had violet scales, deep pink eyes, wing membranes and spinal crests and white under-scales. The third male had blue-green scales, ocean blue eyes, wing membranes and spinal crests and sea green under-scales. The fourth male had stone gray scales, earth brown eyes, wing membranes and spinal crests and light tan under-scales. The fifth and last male had deep red scales, deep orange eyes and wing membranes, yellow spinal crests and under-scales with black horns and claws. The last two females were sisters, noticeable by their resemblances, scents and closeness. The first one had orange scales, yellow eyes, wing membranes and spinal crests, white under-scales, horns and claws. The second one had yellow scales, orange eyes, wing membranes and spines, white under-scales, horns and claws.
The ten Terrible Terrors prowled closer to the ten trainees, obviously sizing them up and picking which teen they were going to attack. "Hah! Each of them is like the size of my...aaaahhhh!" Tuffnut laughed then screamed when before anyone could predict what would happen next, they lunged. The red male, the orange female and the yellow female pounced on Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, knocking them to the ground and pretending to maul them which certainly earned them quite a bit of terrified screaming from the three rather dim-witted Viking Teens. The grey male flew at Fishlegs, knocked him down before the terrified boy could do anything and proceeded to sniff and crawl all over him, sniffing as he went. "Ah! Help me!" Fishlegs screamed despite the fact that the gray Terrible Terror was not doing anything to hurt him besides accidently leaving scratches with his claws and putting his paws in the wrong places such as Fishlegs's face.
The blue-green male charged at Thuggory and ran away, only to do it over and over and over again, playfully snapping his jaws and trying to goad Thuggory into playing with him, even though the poor Viking teen was trying to hit him with his sword. Camicazi managed to swing her sword a few times until the violet female snatched it out of her grip and flew away with it. Camicazi yelled in anger and gave chase, which was what the violet female wanted. Knowing Aniu and Nava were Elf-Faes and along with Hiccup and Astrid, had some things special with them, the green male, the blue female, the golden male and the silver female cocked their heads and studied the four teens before them curiously. Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava returned the favour, their shields raised. "Guys, we better not touch them just in case we do share a Soul-Bond with them." Nava whispered in Hiccup, Astrid and Aniu's mind. "That could get quite difficult, considering they might jump on us." Aniu quipped.
"You three have your hammers, right? We could use the light trick like what we did with Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle." Hiccup suggested. "Great idea, Hiccup. The hardest bit will be getting ten Terrible Terrors fixated on just four lights." Astrid replied, mentally thanking the stars she and her Soul-Mates had thought to bring the hammers they had used to make their Soul-Dragons' saddles along with them. "We will fixate one Terrible Terror, lead it over to another Terrible Terrorm fixate it and keep going until we have all of them and then we lead them into their cage and ask Gobber to lock the doors." Nava planned. "Good thinking, Nava. That sounds like it could actually work as long as we do not get distracted." Hiccup said. "If anyone asks, we will just say we worked as a team and used a trick Nava and I learned on Elf-Fae Island." Aniu said. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let us do it!" Astrid exclaimed and pulled her hammer out of her belt.
The four Terrible Terrors in front of them, hissed and advanced faster towards them. Following Astrid's lead, Hiccup, Aniu and Nava pulled their hammers out of their belts and Astrid subtly manipulated four rays of sunlight to reflect off the metal and onto the ground, instantly catching the attentions of the four Terrible Terrors and fixating them. Whenever Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava moved the beams of the light, the four Terrible Terrors followed and the four Soul-Mates used that to lead them over to the other six Terrible Terrors and entrance them as well. It was quite difficult getting each Terrible Terror to notice the lights, stop chasing or attacking Camicazi, Thuggory, Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, get them to chase after the lights and lead them back into their cage without losing a single one but eventually they managed, much to the amazement and jealousy of their fellow trainees who had managed to regain their weapons, their wits and their bearings.
"Gobber, close the doors and lock them!" Hiccup said, voice strained. Gobber managed to shake off his shock and closed the doors, locking them with the locking mechanism. Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava lowered their hammers and sighed in relief, slumping in exhaustion. "You kids all right?" Gobber asked, concerned. "We are okay, Dad." Camicazi muttered, wiping sweat off her forehead. "I swear I had no idea what little bastard even wanted." Thuggory scowled. "I thought I was going to die but that Terrible Terror did not even try to kill me!" Fishlegs gasped. "How do you think I felt, Fishface?" Snotlout snapped. "I do not know about you but that was…adrenalizing!" Tuffnut grinned crazily. "I do not think those four lovebirds had any trouble!" Ruffnut huffed, pointing at Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava who tried their best to look innocent but failed.
Knowing he was the only one who knew that Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava were the ones responsible for luring the ten Terrible Terrors back into their cage as Camicazi, Thuggory, Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut had been…..sufficiently distracted….Gobber stared at the four Soul-Mates, wondering how….just how in the world they had lured ten vicious, feisty Terrible Terrors back into their cage using only four beams of…light. Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava fidgeted under Gobber's intense gaze. "Um, is it time to leave now?" Aniu asked, voice high pitched and slightly squeaky. "Not until we know how you four did…that!" Gobber said, gesturing at the locked Terrible Terror cage door. "Weeeelllll, we are not too sure how WE did THAT either." Hiccup said rather unconvincingly. "Who knew Terrible Terrors were dumb enough to fall for that?" Astrid laughed weakly, hoping and praying Stormfly would not find out what she implied and that Gobber and her fellow trainees would believe her.
Fortunately, Nava came up with a mostly believable half-lie excuse. "We worked as a team and used a trick Aniu and I learned on Elf-Fae Island. We taught Hiccup and Astrid how to do it in case we needed to do it in here." He said. Hiccup, Astrid and Aniu quietly sighed and deflated in relief, thanking the stars and making mental promises to give Nava big kisses when they went to the Cove and speaking of the Cove…Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava waited impatiently for Gobber to do what he usually did by praising them for what they did right, telling them what they did wrong and making suggestions on how they could improve. When Gobber finished, the four Soul-Mates almost literally dashed to the gate and out of the arena. Astrid ran over to her parents and younger brothers with Stryker and Akira while Hiccup, Aniu and Nava ran over to Fengo, Namara, Arin, Theodore, Nala and Mira with Sorena, Sprinter, Caruso, Edme, Zena and Artemis.
"There you guys are." Namara trilled, walking over to them, bending down with difficulty because of her swollen belly and kissing Hiccup, Aniu and Nava on their foreheads. "Hey, Mum." Aniu smiled and hugged her pregnant mother. "Hello, darling." Namara replied, hugging her daughter the best she could. "That was some work you and your Soul-Mates did in the arena." Fengo said when they let go and Aniu let Arin hug her. "I swear I could not stop laughing." Her little brother said. "Yes, it was quite amusing, dear." Namara said, a slight smile on her lips. "How have you, Arin and Dad been, Mum?" Aniu asked. "We have been splendid, darling." Fengo smiled, gently squeezing Aniu's shoulder. "It has been different without you, Caruso and Edme." Arin said. "Goodness me, Caruso, we ought to visit more." Edme exclaimed. "Fear not, Edme, we will get more chances." Caruso consoled her. A few feet away from them, Nava was talking to his own family with Mira clinging to him.
Their conversation passed nearly the same way theirs had and a few minutes later, Nava said goodbye to his parents and sister, hugged them and walked back over to Hiccup and Aniu with Astrid approaching from another direction. "We better get going. Bye, Mum. Bye, Dad. Bye, Arin." Aniu said and hugged her parents again, kissing her younger brother on the forehead and hugging him as well. Walking away from them, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava mounted Sprinter, Akira, Edme and Artemis and rode into the forest with Sorena, Stryker, Caruso and Zena as Fengo, Namara, Arin, Theodore, Nala, Mira, Arthur, Ingrid, Finnely and Erikin watched them go. The trip back to the Cove could not have lasted longer and they made their way down into the valley exuberantly. Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle greeted them at the edge of the camp enthusiastically with Elenia, Solarfira, Lunastar and Softmane waiting beside them and Darkfang, Raven, Sera and Bolt standing behind them.
Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava dismounted from their Reindeer and Dire Wolves almost before they stopped and Sorena, Stryker, Caruso and Zena took their places on their backs. The four Soul-Mates and four Soul-Dragons walked closer to each other and stopped right in front of their respective Soul Dragon/ Rider. Elenia, Solarfira, Lunastar and Softmane walked over them, Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle's saddles clutched in their beaks/ mouths. They put them down on the ground between Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu, Nava and Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle then stood back to make a speech. "This afternoon marks a special occasion and rite of passage of eight young Soul-Bonded Dragons and their Riders." Elenia began. "Today, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava will saddle their Soul-Dragons and ride on their backs for the second time as they fly high into the sky." Solarfira sang.
"Dragons are beings of magic, the elements, the sky, the earth and the sea. They are known for their strong, powerful and mystical connection to Nature and Magic. Today, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava will again experience what it is like to fly on their Soul-Dragon's backs." Lunastar said. "Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava, please saddle Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle and once that is done and the saddle is secure, please mount your Soul-Dragons." Softmane concluded. Smiling, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava picked up the newly completed saddles, laid them on Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle's backs and began fastening the straps and buckles, all the while trembling in excitement flowing through each of their Soul-Bonds. Finally, the saddles had been properly fastened and secured, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava stood back to admire their work and looked at Elenia, Solarfira, Lunastar and Softmane who nodded at them. Taking deep breaths, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava mounted Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle, settling into the saddles and tightening the loops around their legs.
Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle shifted to get comfortable. "Now, you may fly high into the sky as Soul-Bonded Dragons and Riders. May the blessings of Draco and your gods be with you." The Griffon, Phoenix, Alicorn and Hippogriff and with their blessing, Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle raised their wings and with a powerful down flap, lifted into the sky, ascending higher and higher with every wing beat. Before long, they were hovering above the Cove. "Any idea of what we can do now?" Hiccup asked. "I have a few ideas." Toothless grinned and shot forward, drawing a startled gasp from Hiccup. Astrid, Stormfly, Aniu, Heatwave, Nava and Icicle hastened to catch up as Toothless gained speed.
Once they caught up, the four dragons flew through the air, streaking through the sky like differently coloured comets, their Soul-Riders whooping and cheering. They turned, rolled, flipped, dove, spun, spiralled and performed every trick they could think of and do. Oh, they had the most wonderful time together in the sky, just them and no one else, just Soul-Mates and their Soul-Dragons. "Hey, guys! Let us have some fun!" Astrid suddenly yelled and raised her hands from which balls of light flew upwards into the sky and exploded. In the brief time they flashed, the explosions of light looked light miniature suns. Following the balls of light were multi-coloured streams of light that snaked and streaked through the air like rainbows. "That is so beautiful, Astrid! What else can you do?" Aniu exclaimed. "Look what else I can do!" Astrid crowed and an orb of sapphire blue energy grew out from her hands, increasing in size until she and Stormfly and were completely surrounded it. "I have just made a Force Field and watch this!" Astrid exclaimed!
Her Force Field vanished and Astrid closed her eyes, bowing her head in concentration. As Hiccup, Toothless, Aniu, Heatwave, Nava and Icicle watched, Astrid's body began to shimmer and fade out of sight, slowly but steadily until she was completely invisible, drawing gasps of awe and concern from her Soul-Mates and their Soul-Dragons. "It is all right, I can still feel her on my back!" Stormfly assured them. "Peek-a-boo, I see you, my loves!" Astrid's voice sang and with a shimmer of light, she reappeared, beaming. Hiccup, Toothless, Aniu, Heatwave, Nava and Icicle were absolutely awed and then they wanted to demonstrate what they could do with their powers. "Not so fast, folks, let me go next." Hiccup said and the others moved away from him so he could have some empty space. Hiccup took a deep breath and raised his hands, looking to the sky. Almost instantly, shadows seeped out of his hands, down his arms and up to the sky where they spiralled and spread until they were all surrounded by swirling tendrils of shadow which brushed against and caressed them affectionately and lovingly.
Then the shadows flew higher into the sky, spreading and connecting until they formed a cloud of darkness above them all. Hiccup raised his hands again and bolts of lightning flew out of them. They were instantly absorbed by the cloud of shadows which flickered and sparked with electricity. To end the show, Hiccup dispersed the shadows and lightning and for the finale, smiled at his Soul-Mates and their Soul-Dragons and shadows began to cover his body, if Hiccup was in a dark places, he would have rendered invisible by the shadows. Finally, the shadows vanished and Hiccup reappeared to applause and whoops, he smiled and bowed as low as he could on Toothless's back. Next up was Aniu who instantly by raising her hands and manipulating streams of fire to dance and spiral and swirl around in the sky. At first she used her Fire Element to do all of the work but then she only used her Fire Element to sustain the fire while she used her Air Element to manipulate gusts and breezes to blow the fire around and shape it.
Last of all was Nava and the first thing he was form a ball of Water Elemental Magic in one hand and a ball of Ice Elemental Magic in the other. When they finished forming, he tossed them both up high into the sky where they exploded and rained and snowed down on them. Next, Nava froze the water droplets into tiny tear-drop shaped ice crystals and turned the snow into rain. After that, the snow and rain vanished. "What should we do now?" Astrid asked. "We should go back to the Cove. We have been gone for hours and they will be wondering where we are and if we are in trouble." Hiccup said. "Agreed. Let us go before they send a search party." Aniu said.
"I think the Cove is this way and it is starting to get dark so let us hurry up." Nava said. Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle turned around and flew in the direction Nava had pointed out, hoping it did indeed lead back to the Cove and was the shortest way. They made progress as they neared the Cove but as they flew along a cliff way, Astrid smelled something strong, sweet and nice and so did Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle. As if hypnotized, the four dragons flew up to a cliff edge where the smell came from and landed. Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava barely had time to dismount before their Soul-Dragons rushed forward into a field of a tall, green grass-like plant that was the source of the smell. Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle rushed forward and threw themselves down into the grass, rolling over and over in it and purring. No matter how loud or often their Soul-Riders called them back, saying they had to go home, Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle would not respond and it did not seem they could either, so caught up were they in some kind of a trance nothing else mattered.
"What is wrong with them?" Astrid asked. "It must this...grassy plant." Hiccup said, curiously picking up a handful and cautiously sniffing up, the strong aroma quickly made him feel a lot calmer. "Whatever it is, it must be like catnip but for dragons so let us call it...Dragon Nip." Aniu said. "Hey, we could use this on the dragons in the arena if it is working on them." Nava pointed at where Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle were still rolling and purring around in the grass. "You know, Nava, that is a really good idea so let us grab as much as we can but how do we carry it back to the Cove without it affecting our dragons?" Hiccup inquired. "I could crystallize it using my Light Magic, that way it would freeze if Nava froze it." Astrid said. "All right, let us do it. Grab as much as we can, folks." Aniu said and so they did. Knowing they could always come back to get more if they needed to and remembered where it was, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava gathered as much as they could carry and Astrid crystallized bushels of Dragon Nip.
When that was done and they had enough bushels of Dragon Nip, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava turned to Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle who were still under the influence. "How are we going to get them out of here and back to the Cove?" Hiccup asked. "I have a few ideas that include Aniu forming bubbles of clear air that will negate the effects of the Dragon Nip and she can use them to lead them out of there." Nava said. "Great plan, Nava, I will do it right now." Aniu said and used her Air Magic to form bubbles of clear, fresh air around Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle's heads and filter the smell and effects of the Dragon Nip out. The four dragons shook their heads in an effort to clear them. "What happened to us?" Heatwave asked. "You fell under the influence of the Dragon Nip and now it is time for us to go back to the Cove." Aniu told him. Within minutes, Toothless, Stormfly, heatwave and Icicle were clear of the effects of the Dragon Nip and let Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava mount them again with the crystallized bushels of Dragon Nip tied to their backs.
They flew back up into the sky and resumed their journey back to the Cove. When they landed, they were instantly swarmed by the concerned Cove Campers. Darkfang, Lilith, Amaya, Spike, Magnus and Sera fussed over Toothless and Stormfly. Raven darted over to give Toothless a concerned and relieved nuzzle, as did Nightus, Onyx and Violet. "Where have you been?"/ "What took you guys so long?" Were just two of the questions thrown at them and so Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, Stormfly, Aniu, Heatwave, Nava and Icicle began to tell them as they ate dinner with everyone congratulating them on their second flights and making comments about that and the Dragon Nip. After that was bed as it was quite late and everyone was rather exhausted.
The next morning, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava woke up cuddled together, although in a different order and facing a different Soul-Mate than the two mornings before. They said their good mornings and the Cove Campers got breakfast ready. As they ate, conversations began. And during Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, Stormfly, Aniu, Heatwave, Nava and Icicle's conversation with Elenia, Solarfira, Lunastar and Softmane, the Griffin, Phoenix, Alicorn and Hippogriff revealed new information on an aspect of their Dragon/ Rider Soul-Bond. "Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, Stormfly, Aniu, Heatwave, Nava and Icicle, there is something else we have never told you about your Dragons and Riders Soul-Bond so listen carefully. This may shock you. " Elenia said. "What is it, Elenia?" They asked. "You eight know that a humanoid Soul-Bonded to a dragon can shape-shift into the same form as their Soul-Dragon but with distinguishing characteristics." Solarfira said. "Yes, we do but what does this have to do with that?" Hiccup asked.
"Instead of only the Rider gaining the Form of their Soul-Dragon, the dragon can also gain the Form of their Soul-Rider." Lunastar revealed. "That means if a dragon's Soul-Rider is a pure-blooded human, the dragon will be able to shape-shift into the Form of a pure-blooded human. The same goes with Elf-Faes." Softmane added. "That ability is gained when the Soul-Bonded dragon and Rider activate their Soul-Bond and the Soul-Rider's Dragon Form is revealed when the Soul-Bonded Dragon and Rider first fly together." Elenia said. "But a Soul-Rider can only gain the ability to shape-shift and use the respective abilities of their Dragon Form at will if they and their Soul-Dragon meditate together, focusing only on each other." Solarfira said. "Soul-Mates also meditate together this way but only when they are ready to consummate their Soul-Bond." Lunastar said. "But Soul-Bonded dragons and their Riders do it pretty early on in their Bond. Do not worry, it does not involve copulation." Softmane added, smiling at the embarrassed= blushes spreading across their faces. "After meditation, Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle will shape-shift into their Human and Elf-Fae Forms for the first time and...you four will be naked so Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava will have to bring you four clothes." Elenia concluded.
"I have to admit, it will be interesting to see you as an Elf-Fae, Heatwave." Aniu said, scratching her Summer Dragon under the chin. He purred in bliss and Aniu stopped. "I can definitely say the same for you, Stormfly even though your Form will be a Human." Astrid said to Stormfly who smiled and purred when Astrid scratched her under the chin. "Do not worry, Icicle, I will teach you how to be an Elf-Fae." Nava said and Icicle smiled. "Dragon Training starts in two hours. We better leave now. Do not worry, we will bring some clothes for you." Nava said. The four Soul-Mates packed up their gear, adjusted their Children of Sunheela Pendants, strapped their Battle-Sticks to their backs and clipped their daggers and Phoenix Tears to their belts, hiding bushels of Dragon Nip in their pockets. "I will see you later, bud. We will be back soon." Hiccup said, rubbing Toothless's snout. "Goodbye for now, Hiccup. Stay safe, be careful and may the blessings of Draco be with you." Toothless replied. Astrid, Aniu and Nava also said their goodbyes to Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle before they left the Cove with their Familiars.
As he watched Hiccup depart with his Soul-Mates and Familiars, Toothless sighed and lay down on a patch of grass which he usually did whenever his Soul-Rider left. Every day was nearly the same for him, always wondering if Hiccup was all right, if he had been hurt, if he was safe, if anyone was suspicious about his regular disappearances after and his performances during Dragon Training, if there had been another Dragon Raid or worse...a Hags-Fiend attack. He cared greatly about Astrid, Aniu, Nava and their Familiars but Hiccup, Sorena and Sprinter were always his greatest concerns. Toothless was so embroiled in his own thoughts that he did not notice a familiar dragoness approaching until she spoke. "Hey." A soft voice interrupted him from his brooding. Toothless looked and saw Raven approaching, a beautiful, kind smile on her face. "Hey." He replied, trying his best to ignore the fluttery, hot feeling in his belly that always happened whenever Raven was around, which was often. "I know about you are worried about Hiccup but he will be fine. He is smart, brave, loyal, fast, sneaky and he has Sorena, Sprinter, Astrid, Aniu and Nava to help him." Raven said.
Toothless smiled, somehow Raven always knew how to make him feel better, even when they were hiding from Evregina and her Hags-Fiends, never knowing what atrocities and horrors the next hour or day would bring. "Thank you, Raven. You always make me feel better." He said gratefully. Raven smiled and lay down beside him. When Toothless lifted one wing, she cuddled up to him and let Toothless lower it. "So how do you feel about getting a Human Form?" She asked him curiously. "I do not really know, it is both exciting and nerve-wracking. I only ever had one Form in my life and it is this one, the Form I was hatched with." Toothless gestured at himself and sighed. Raven gave him a comforting nuzzle. "I am sure you will be very handsome in your Human Form. I cannot wait to see it and neither can your siblings from what I can tell." She said. "Yeah, although you guys might not be able to recognize me and learning how to be a human might be quite difficult for one who has been a Night Fury dragon all his life until he Bonded with his Human Soul-Rider." Toothless replied. "I think we will learn to recognize you pretty quick. And Toothless..." She trailed off, looking at the ground nervously. "Will you like to flying with me? Just you and me?" Raven asked nervously. Toothless lay one paw on hers. "I will love too. Although we will have to see what Elenia says." He said, smiling. Raven smiled back and they both got up to request Elenia's permission.
Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava walked inside the arena with Gobber, Camicazi, Thuggory, Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut. Gobber quickly handed out earplugs and instructed the trainees to put them in their ears. "I warn you, kids, this one is pretty loud." Gobber warned as he lay his remaining hand on a lever. "Bring it on, Dad, we are ready. Bog Burglars and Berkians love a good challenge." Camicazi grinned. "I bet I know which dragon it is. Hint: it is a Tidal Class dragon." Thuggory whispered, nudging Camicazi gently with his elbow. "Good guess, son." Gobber said and opened the cage. A male Thunderdrum with deep blue scales, light blue under-scales, dark blue and white spots all over his body and yellow eyes came charging out of his cage. "Run! Scatter!" Hiccup yelled and everyone else hastened to obey.
Unsure of whom to charge at and chase, the Thunderdrum stopped and growled as the trainees took up defensive positions, raising their weapons and shields. Instead of choosing one person to attack, the Thunderdrum growled, lifted off the ground to hover in the air, breathing in and opening his mouth. Nava quickly realized what the Thunderdrum was about to do. "Take cover! Duck behind your shields!" He yelled. Everyone raised their shields and ducked behind them just in time as Thunderdrum inhaled and let loose a sonic blast, spinning around and sending everyone flying with the force and intensity of it. There were yells, grunts, cries and yelps of pain as everyone crashed to the ground. They staggered to their feet as the Thunderdrum went after Thuggory who ran to avoid the angry sea dragon but despite how fast he ran, the Thunderdrum was quickly gaining on him until Camicazi shot an arrow at his side, drawing a roar of pain and s spurt of blood as the arrow found its mark. "Hey! Over here, fat arse!" Camicazi yelled and ran as the now furious Thunderdrum chased after him.
Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut did their best to help their two friends by throwing spears, hammers and maces at the Thunderdrum who managed to avoid most of the weapons but had to knock some of them away with his wings, tail and sonic blasts. Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava watched as their classmates struggled to bring down the Thunderdrum, unsure of how to help them and incapacitate the Thunderdrum without anyone, including the dragon, getting hurt. "Any ideas because we sure do need them." Astrid asked, holding her shield in one hand a Battle Stick in the other. "We have our Dragon Nip, do we not?" Aniu inquired. "We can use those to incapacitate the Thunderdrum!" Nava said. "We will have to distract him and get him to target us first." Hiccup said. "Leave that to me. Get your Dragon Nip out. I already de-crystallized it." Astrid said and stepped forward. Hiccup, Aniu and Nava quickly pulled their bushels of Dragon Nip out of their pockets.
"Hey! Dumb and ugly! Over here! Come and get me!" She yelled, banging her Battle Stick on her shield. Hearing the insults and challenge, the Thunderdrum turned at growled at her before charging at Astrid who raised her shield and Battle Stick. She waited until the Thunderdrum was close enough then leapt aside. "Now!" She yelled. Unable to stop in time, the Thunderdrum nearly careened into Hiccup, Aniu and Nava but they quickly held out their bushels of Dragon Nip. The Thunderdrum instantly stopped and calmed rapidly down as the Dragon Nip worked its magic on him. Thinking fast, Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava immobilised him with chain and stone bolas, tying him up. Gobber, Camicazi, Thuggory, Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut watched on in shock, awe and wonder before Gobber regained his senses and called for a team of Vikings to move the Thunderdrum back into his cage. They closed the doors behind him after removing the chain and stone bolas.
Hiccup, Astrid, Aniu and Nava ran out of the arena straight after Gobber gave his usual lecture and dismissed the class. "Well, that class was fun and dangerous." Hiccup quipped. "Remember, we have to get clothes for Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle after we talk to our families." Nava reminded them. They had a quick chat with Fengo, Namara, Arin, Theodore, Nala, Mira, Arthur, Ingrid, Finnley and Erikin before saying goodbye, mounting Sprinter, Akira, Edme and Artemis and quickly riding to their homes where they grabbed a couple sets of their clothes for their Soul-Dragons before riding back to the Cove where Toothless, Stormfly, Heatwave and Icicle were waiting for them. The four dragons stared at them expectantly when they arrived. "Shall we begin?" Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, Stormfly, Aniu, Heatwave, Nava and Icicle asked each other.
Author's Note/ Warnings: This chapter would have been published about two weeks earlier if it was not for the file getting corrupted which seriously pissed me off. It was such a pain in the butt rewriting the chapter using only my memory, notes and plans. I sure hope this chapter is good enough.