The newcomers seemed shocked at my form, but Valka reassured them of my connections. Her son, Hiccup, still seemed suspicious, "Well, that's what we're trying to figure out. Bewilderbeasts can't really control babies, so maybe we could fly on those? It seems a little far-fetched, though, and what if Drago's bewilderbeast is able to turn them against us?"
It was a good plan, but Hiccup was right: the risk was too great. Snotlout, the partner of Hookfang, suggested a direct attack against the Bewilderbeast. They still had some anti-dragon weapons at Berk, and many could be crafted in a couple days. Unfortunately, these would have little to no effect on Hashim. The twin parterns of Barf-Belch wanted to blast Hashim with the babies' fire, but they were still too unpredictable. The others contributed increasingly wild and impractical suggestions until I had had enough. I walked away for a few minutes and, after helping a few hatchling thunderdrums find their way back to the ocean, I thought of something. I ran glided back to the humans and suggested, "What if I distract Hashim? That would open up Hiccup to get Toothless back while Valka oversees the battle for Berk and the others help keep the new alpha distracted." Everyone seemed to agree on this, so I called the Scuttleclaws to us and scattered my thoughts to better tell them how we wanted to take revenge on the deathers, as babies call them. As usual, they were over-excited and could barely wait for the yearlings and Valka to get on them. I opted to maintain my half-form to decrease the chance of Hashim being able to overtake my mind again.
I laughed as the babies tried to get used to the extra weight, and, in response, many of them bumped into me on purpose or flew into ice walls to be even more amusing. Valka kept hers under control, and I flew ahead to make sure the way was clear. I sent out warnings to as many dragons as I could to stay away from the Dreamworks Islands, or Barbaric Archipelago as the humans called it. No one knew where our name came from, but it was in all of the pieces of the creation story we had been gathering. There were other, strange islands to the South filled with metal moving human-like beings, a strange species of viking with magic. I scouted to Berk, only to find Hashim had already taken control of the dragons there. I sent the message back to the scuttleclaws and told them to fly faster. I circled back to the group, who weren't far away now and explained the situation.
"Oh, great! Now we have to fight a Bewilderbeast emAND/em our dragons. You should have done something!" Snotlout accused. I snorted and ignored him. He was just upset about losing Ruffnut... and his dragon. I sped back to Berk to start distracting Hashim and get the babies away from where the main battle would take place. Well, I suppose you know the rest. Hiccup was able to reconnect with Emerald, Emerald became the new alpha, and Valka and most of the other sanctuary dragons came to live on Berk.
What you don't know is the chaos that ensued. It was unheard of for such a young night fury to become alpha, and many of the dragons who would have been higher up on the succession chain were too outraged to consider a duone's role in their safety. As usual, I prepared to leave, knowing that once the battle for true succession died down, the pureblood dragons who now knew I was a duone would hunt me down and destroy everyone connected to me. A few weeks after Emerlad had taken control, he and Hiccup came to see me in the small cave I lived in a few miles south of the main village.
Why are you getting ready to leave? Emerlad and Hiccup asked, shocked.
It's what is done. Purebloods attack duones, plain and simple. They will destroy everyone I care about and cause both of us much grief if I stay. I had a pot of tea with Hiccup, explaining things in a similar manner.
Well, I'm Alpha now and can take care of -
I snorted, bursting out in laughter. You're a 20-year old night fury! They barely even acknowledge your authority at this point. Turning more serious, I added, If you make a move like that, one of the dragons who was in line long before you will kill you.
Emerald pondered this for a moment, pacing outside the cave. Hiccup looked concerned, but I just explained what was happening. Suddenly, Emerald stopped. What if I don't "pardon" just you... What would happen then?
What do you mean?
Well, if I proclaim it to be against laws to attack advisers and close friends of the Alpha, that might be a start. I pondered this for several minutes. It just might work. If dragons objected, they would be seen as trying to harm the Alpha's close friends. I doubted many would willingly accept this decree at first, but perhaps...
Wait... advisers? Emerald grinned - that stupid human expression.
I know absolutely nothing about being Alpha, and you've been a huge help since the battle. I could really use your help in the coming months.
Well, you've got that first part right, I countered, wondering if this was what my brother had thought of. Hmm... my brother gave me all the knowledge I would need as a bewilderbeast and alpha, so I suppose I could start to show you what you need to do and know.
And then, once I have the influence and respect, I can pardon all duones! I laughed.
Well, maybe eventually, but for now let's just stick with Alpha lessons. I quickly brought Hiccup up to date.
"That sounds amazing! When do we start?" Hiccup asked eagerly.
"Actually... for the first several lessons, I'm just going to be with Em-Toothless." Hiccup seemed confused, but I knew it was for the best. The only way for Emerald to gain respect among the dragons is if he could learn to operate without Hiccup. The need for a human made him appear weak. Of course, I only told Hiccup that there were secrets that emno one/em was privy to except alphas. Turning to Emerald, I said in a verbal version of dragontongue, "Meet me on top of the sunrise sea stack at the hard hour." He looked confused, but it was an ancient tradition. "Oh, and show up without Hiccup or don't show up at all." Emerald growled, but consented. I told Hiccup that Toothless would be leaving unexpectedly for training when he figured out the riddle.