Hey everyone. Sorry for the late update, school has been dumping all sorts of physiological strain on my crazy mind. I dont really like this chapter very much, its just a place filler so we can progress to the next section of the story. but yeh, I dont know when I will update next, but I will try to update within a week or on weekends. oh, and just so you know, the more reviews I get, the more inclined I feel to write. So if I keep getting reviews then I will write faster. I also need to know how to improve my writing because I am considering doing a creative writing degree in uni, so I need to know if I actually have something that is worthwhile in pursuing. Please review :)

The next day was a drastic change for Hiccup and Shadow. Whereas the night before had been just about them, now they were discussing new information with the entire counsel. During the escape, Shadow managed to swipe the mysterious cylindrical device right out of Dagur's hand without him noticing. The object in question, the newly named Dragon Eye, was the focus of the meeting. After Shadow got a good look at it, she was able to tell them what it was and what it did.

"I have only heard stories about it, but this device was created by the oldest members of the Black Moon Dragon Society, to allow humans to see through the eyes of dragons, just like they could. It contains the secrets of many different dragons from all over the world, except for the Black Moon's themselves." She said.

"As each section is unlocked and understood, new things can be discovered. From dragon's secret abilities, to undiscovered islands where they dwell." She continued. The counsel were intrigued. Stoick asked her to demonstrate how to use the device, and Shadow directed Toothless to hold a plasma blast in his mouth. The resulting light shone a projection onto the wall in the great hall, in languages they couldn't read and with symbols they didn't recognise.

Hiccup was ecstatic. There was so much untapped knowledge to understand here. He now understood why Shadow used to continue on from place to place, there was so many new things to learn. He wanted to go, go out and learn all these new things. This was exactly what he was longing for in the past two years.

The more he thought, the better this idea looked: With Dagur out of prison, they needed to track him down and lock him up again. He longed to explore new lands and new dragons. The other dragon riders missed the old days where danger lurked at every turn. And Shadow had told him that she was thinking of going back to her mission because she wasn't needed on Berk.

The Dragon Eye could be the key to them exploring the world, getting back into adventures, and staying together. He was giddy with excitement.

Once he made his case to his father, he agreed to let them all go and explore outside the storm barrier. He couldn't help himself, and jumped for joy once it was approved. Hiccup, Toothless and Shadow ran outside to tell the others and prepare for the long journey.

They had planned to leave in a few days, and once they had travelled far enough, they would find a suitable island to set up their own base. But before they would leave, they got a chance to pack and celebrate with their families. Hiccup was by far the busiest person. He had spent hours packing and preparing, and now he was working on another project.

He was in Gobber's forge, working as quickly and efficiently as he could on a harness for Shadow. With this, she could help carry extra supplies, and if the need ever comes up again, one of the riders could fly on her back without the threat of falling off.

So far, it could be improved a lot, but it would serve its purpose. Now he just needed was to get Shadow to try it on to see if it fit. So when she walked by the forge, he called her over. After handing her the leather harness, and explained to her what it was and what it was for, she handed it back to him and transformed.

Once again, he was awestruck watching the transformation. He was fascinated by how her body reshaped itself at will into the lean and strong form of a dragon. Her wings and tail grew in size to match her growing body, and her face morphed into that of the Black Moon dragon. Even after she had finished the transformation, and her scales finished covering her entire form, he couldn't help but stare. It didn't matter what form she was in, she was beautiful in all of them. Human, dragon, or hybrid.

She caught him staring at her with large, black pupils. The black dragon smirked. After Hiccup caught himself and coughed awkwardly, he grabbed the large pile of leather and straps, and helped her put it on. It did seriously need some work, but it fit perfectly. Situated around her neck was a leather collar, while a large, saddle-like piece of leather was strapped on her back and down her spine. The back piece went from the base of her neck, connected to the collar, to the base of her tail behind her wings. Lots of straps and buckles wound themselves around her chest and stomach to secure it in place. The harness fit her slim form well, and made her look more tamed.

Finally, Hiccup had one more thing to add. Running back into the forge, he grabbed a few long pieces of leather connected to iron rings. When he came back, Shadow sniffed at it, but let him put it on. Hiccup wasn't sure how she would react, but slowly moved to put it in place. He instructed her to lower her head so he could reach her horns.

Taking the two largest rings in his hands, he secured them around her two largest ivory horns, with the large strip of leather laying slack around her neck. Then he took the next two rings and did the same with the next two horns, and then again with the other rings.

The bridal rested against the back of her neck, its braided leather pieces for added grip. Shadow didn't like the idea of someone on her back, someone controlling her. The idea reminded her of her rough past, where others had attempted to tame her. But if it meant that she could help keep her friends safe, then she would endure it. For the dragon riders, and for Hiccup.

A few days later they were prepared to leave. Everyone's packs were filled with clothing and personal items, while their saddles carried their personal camping gear. Shadow, with her new harness, carried enough food and extra supplies to last them weeks, along with empty books to catalogue new information and as many charts and maps as they needed. Saddlebags and packs were clipped, strapped and tied to the leather harness perfectly and wouldn't hinder her flight. Even despite the fact that Shadow wasn't entirely happy about being a pack animal, she was eager to help with their massive, ground-breaking journey.

They assembled at the academy once dawn broke over the island, where Stoick and Gobber waited for them with well wishes and pats on the back. Eagerly they waited for the due time to embark on their journey while Hiccup quickly rechecked their last minute supplies.

Finally, they were ready to depart, and after they were farewelled by their parents, with Hiccup almost getting crushed by his father's bear-hug, they mounted their dragons and took to the skies.

Hiccup and Toothless flew in front, with Shadow on his right and Astrid and Stormfly on his left. Snotlout and Hookfang took up the rear, and kept an eye on the twins and their zippleback, and Fishlegs and Meatlug held the middle position.

They flew together towards the Northern most point they had ever been before, and towards the storm barrier that defined their section of the world. The further they flew, the more excited they became. And finally, when the giant wall of cloud barred their path to new lands, they steeled their resolved and pushed on against the strength of Mother Nature.

Above the thunderous booms of lightning and the roar of the sea, Shadow roared in defiance to the world's power. "Into the great beyond!"