Opening File: New Berk

Founded by the Vikings fleeing their home after its destruction by the Grimm New Berk is likely the last location in the entire world were Man and Dragon can co-exist in peace and in harmony. The island itself is elevated far from sea level, making it hard for non-dragon-riders or those without aerial ships to access. It contains fields, waterfalls, thick jungle-type forests, and beaches. It is considerably larger than the original Berk, seen as overcrowding did not seem to be a problem once the Berkians arrived there.

New Berk is an island northwest of Berk beyond the Barbaric Archipelago. This island is similar to Berk in its geography, which consists of cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and forests. The plant life that grows on New Berk is very diverse and consists of tropical-like vines and thick foliage, as well as various types of pine trees, such as giant sequoia. The climate of New Berk is much warmer compared to other places such as Berk, which can be seen in the plant life.

However, it is still cold enough to accommodate plants that prefer a colder environment. Known to only a handful of outsiders New Berk is safely hidden from the world, a monolith that hides the Viking tribes that live there now and the acts as a watchtower for the Dragons they protect. Vikings regularly patrol the skies around New Berk, always watching for raiders, pirates and Grimm that might wish to attack the island. Fortunately not only is New Berk impossible to reach except by air the Vikings are more than prepared to take up arms in defense of their home and the Dragons they have remained bonded with for millennia.

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Opening File: Lodin Alhberg

Current Chief of New Berk and father of Erika Alhberg, Lodin was groomed to become Chief at a young age by his father, the previous Chief. As a boy he bonded with a Monstrous Nightmare Dragon he named Fire Wing and the two soon became inseparable as partners. Eventually the duties of Chief fell to him and it was around this time he was married and soon enough his daughter, Erika was born. As Chief of New Berk Lodin carried a great many responsibilities that often kept him from being a father to his little girl, more than he would have liked.

He did his best to shower his beloved daughter with all the love he had for her before his duties pulled him away, even forcing him to leave New Berk on missions of trading with outsiders for food, supplies and equipment to ensure New Berk did not fall behind the rest of the world. One day, he and his crew arrived in the Himalayas and there he came across a boy around the same age as his daughter who had barely survived an avalanche while the rest of his family seemingly did not. Due to being a father and having a natural empathy for children who suffered the pain of being torn from their parents Lodin decided to save the boy named Doyle from living in a poor orphanage and brought him back to New Berk, going against Viking tradition of keeping outsiders from entering New Berk. Yet it was perhaps the greatest thing he had done for his daughter, who now had a friend her own age to share the joys of childhood with.

To this day Lodin considers it the best idea he ever had, especially when he saw how happy the two were together with Erika having someone to befriend and not treat her as simply the Chief's daughter and Doyle who had a new family to care for him.

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Xxx

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(Transmission Interrupted)

(GrimmFall Broadcast Still Active)

Xxx

Lodin Alhberg and his small party had arrived upon the village in the Himalayas for trade and brought their dragons in case of trouble but left some in their airship to avoid drawing too much attention, while wearing clothing for the climate and staying close to his Monstrous Nightmare, Fire Wing. They managed to sell some stock and ready to head back through the hidden passage.

"Right, think that should do us for now. Time we head pack up and head off." Lodin said to give the word.

"Yes, chief."

The Chief decided to take a last look around alongside his dragon, happy to see that not many seem bothered but dared not come close due to the dragon's teeth and claws, but also due to its body engulfed in fire purely to stay warm from the freezing snow. "If you don't like the snow, you should've stayed back in the ship with the other dragons. But can't blame ya for wanting to stretch them legs, we'll be back home and you can say-"

"Avalanche!" Someone cried out and villagers ran in panic to which he looked up and noticed it but so far was only a minor one fortunately but what caught his attention as something ahead of it.

It was a little boy sliding down from the mountain.

"Odin's beard. Come on!" Wasting no time he ran to help, followed by his loyal partner, arrived in time to find the small boy make a hard landing on the cages that had chickens in them, running about with their wings flapping.

He seemed a little bruised until a village found him and yanked him off the ground, not looking happy about the mess but Lodin decided to step in for the boy's aide.

"Wait! The boy just was just lucky to survive the avalanche, this wasn't his fault." Lodin explained after being a witness.

The man spoke in his native language and sounded angry, possibly due to the cages broke by the red haired child who was held by his hood. He glared at him and walked towards him, easily towering over him with a menacing glare to silence him.

Reaching into his pocket the Chief gave him a small bag with coins in it. "That should be enough to get some new cages. I will take the boy if you so kindly let go of, before I decide to change my mind of being nice."

He nodded and accepted the offer, pushed the boy forward and not dared to stick around while gathering his chickens. With him gone, Lodin turned his focus to the boy he just helped, noticing the scared and nervous look on his face until he smiled and chuckled. "Now then laddie, what were you doing up on the slopes like that?"

The red haired child was quiet for a bit and spoke in stutter. "I-I… my parents…. They… they…"

Looking up and was more sadden which Lodin now realized what happened, feeling pity if his parents may have perished. Sighing he put his large hand on the boy's shoulder for comfort. "No need to worry, I'll have a look if they are ok. But first let's get you out of this snow, Fire Wing."

The boy didn't know it until now when he heard a strange sound of a large creature, but standing before the large stranger was a scary looking monster with curled horns and its body instantly burning with fire without harming it. Spooked by its appearance the boy ran behind Lodin for cover and protection, causing the Viking to chuckle.

"What did I tell ya about scaring people? This 'ere be Fire Wing, he's a dragon now you see one for the first time." Lodin said and looked to see him peaking from the side, now became curious.

"A dragon?" He spoke and looking close as it came forward and no longer on fire when the man stroked his hand on its snout.

"Yep, magnificent beasts they are. Now come along, we'll get you warmed up and I'll find your parents." Lodin picked him up and decided to let him ride on Fire Wing's back to give a ride.

The boy now smiled and was having fun, but hoping to find his family before they leave. Back at the ship, the crew was surprised to find him with a boy who he learned was named Doyle but all he can remember and not much, explaining he was separated from his family upon the mountains, but what he later learnt about was some sort of monster that attacked his family. The Dragon Riders came back after returning from their search, climbs off his dragon to bring grave news that no child should hear.

"So any luck?" One of them asked him but can tell it was not good.

The ginger haired Viking sighed. "No. I could not find their remains; clearly they had been attacked by something but no Grimm, which means something else did it."

"So… what will we do with the laddie?" Turned to see the boy surprisingly getting along with their dragons such as a Gronkle being petted like a domestic dog with its tongue hanging out and giving it a rock to eat, and even a Deadly Nadder beside him no longer scary to him. They were surprised how quickly he had gotten over his initial fear of the majestic beasts but that was what dragons did.

They brought people together.

"We'll take him with us."

They turned to him as if he were grew another head. Vikings have always lived in limited contact with the world and the only country outside their territory few countries like Scotland.

"Wha? Chief, no offense but we never allow outsiders to our island for good reason."

"He's just a boy who lost his family and doesn't remember but his name. We can't just leave a child in that Odin's forsaken place they call an orphanage." Ludin made up his mind and knew it be the right thing to at least do something noble.

"Aye, he's right about that. And look how he's easily bonded with the dragons." A female Viking agreed and saw him getting along with them. "Besides we have children his age and you have a daughter who could use a friend."

Xxx

It was a long few hours to reach the Barbaric Archipelago, using the maps and careful navigations to avoid other tribes that inhabit the seas as it has been home to the strong and savage warriors born from here. But to those such as Erika, it was home and what the majority of the world did not know, is the place is home to legendary beasts once considered myths and legends: Dragons.

"Should be at New Berk shortly. It's not often we bring outsiders to seas other than Scotland and traditional events." Erika said to the young heroes while steering her ship through the clouds before turning her head to North who was looking at the radars to keep a look out while Yara was doing some work on their gadgets and weapons. "North, any sign of ships or riders about?"

"Only some, but as long as we carry the emblem of your tribe they'll back off."

This was a relief to Artemis who had been thinking of fighting actual Vikings in an airship. "Glad to hear it, but I never would have thought your people would have ships in the sky. Don't they have some on the sea?"

"As you know, our tribe and allies have sworn to protect the Sanctuary from enemies and Grimm and with the world changing we had to follow or be left behind. Slowly we became a coalition of tribes and even some of the former Outcasts who share a common goal of survival." She spoke of them with a bitter tone, but the others noticed the way she was speaking and something to do with what that Pearl character told her must have thrown her off.

"Hey, you alright?" Superboy asked her.

"I'm fine. We just need to focus and warn the villagers as soon as possible." She sighed.

"Something's up with her." Superboy whispered to Artemis who could tell she was half truthful of the way she replied so fast.

"I don't think it's our business, maybe it's something to do with this… Dragon Sanctuary that's worried her." The archer told him. She was little skeptical if there were real dragons unless she sees them but reminded herself they are in another reality.

"Don't you worry about Erika, she's a warrior and will tell when the time is right." North assured them after hearing what they say. "When in battle or mission Erika keeps herself focus then let anything distract her."

"Uh, sorry, I shouldn't have… well I sometimes know what it's like to have some personal issues myself." Superboy said, scratching the back of his head and not so comfortable to reveal his origins to others outside the League.

North understood and respected his wish not to share if needed. He turned to the view and didn't need a radar to tell him they had arrived.

"There it is." He smiled softly and knew the two be in for a surprise.

Large was not the right word for it, it looked like a great big… monolith that could cast a huge shadow over the seas and high as the heavens. Neither Artemis nor Superboy realized that their jaws were hanging and looked awestruck. This didn't escape the two members of REYN who found it amusing.

"Always have that effect on the first timers. Welcome to New Berk, my home." Erika welcomed them with pride in her voice.

Xxx

"I don't believe it. An island this tall and yet they managed to settle here." Artemis couldn't believe it, but dared not look down from the edge or from the ship while walking towards the docks built for the airships to make their way to the village.

Ross chuckled and knowing the feeling of it. "I know how you feel, first time I came here, I told myself 'don't look down!'. Yara couldn't help but gawk when we saw the most incredible thing."

He didn't want to bring up the part where she try to take a snapshot of him almost jumpy when close to the heights for Sam to see, she would never stop laughing for days to see him like this.

"Until I see these dragons, then I'll definitely believe it." She replied.

Yara grins excitedly and knowing they be in for a surprise. "Oh you'll see them about here and there."

Erika smiled and felt so good to be home again, passing by a few who recognized her and welcomed her and her team back and children who knew her smiled at her.

"Hey, it's Erika!"

"Good to see ya, lass!"

"Beautiful as ever!"

"Hey, North up for another round of wrestle?"

"Good to see you all again! Looks like a good day of sun this time around." She waved to them and turned to the group. "You guys are going to love it, despite that we Vikings are warriors that doesn't mean we have cultures that others enjoy: the races, food, music, arts and festivals to enjoy the time of peace. My people are kind and friendly to each other."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY ABOUT MY FISH!?"

However it seems the gods of the universe who enjoy a sense of humor decided to spoil the moment when the sound of people exchanging their fists at each other, wood breaking and hammers swung broke out. Some just passed by while others ran straight into the growing brawl in excitement and joy. What was even bizarre was when Artemis and Connor saw a large fella using a fish as a weapon.

"I SAID IT'S SO ROTTEN NOT EVEN A ZIPPLEBACK WOULD EAT IT!" A male voice could be heard arguing back to the person who asked a question.

Artemis and Superboy looked at the scene with grown men and some being women jumping on each other with fists and feet, one was even sent flying a few feet in the air by a hammer.

"Yep, kind and friendly to each other as you said." Yara said as if it were normal to her. "You guys should see what it was like in Christmas and in Scotland."

'This is normal?' Which both heroes be thinking about, turned to Erika who slumped her head down with embarrassment and having a hand to her face, shaking her head upon seeing such a scene.

"Well… so much for that. Unfortunately this usually happens it feels like a tradition for them, now to find my father and maybe he can stop this."

"A fight! HAHA! Nut 'em!" A man bellowed out with a thick accent before running out of the large house, revealing him to be a tall and slightly overweight Viking but also muscular with a thick reddish beard and hair, wearing a helmet and a black fur coat with light armor.

If Erika wasn't embarrassed before she definitely was now as she watched her own father jump into the brawl, laughing like a complete maniac as he grabbed a large fish and proceeded to slap the Viking he stole it from across the face. Yara could not help but laugh while Ross adjusted his glasses, hiding the snicker trying to escape his lips while North kept a calm facade even as a smile broke across his face. In the meantime Superboy and Artemis were speechless from watching everyone simply pile into the fight or simply watch while cheering, making wagers or simply breaking out drinks as if they were spectators watching a sport event.

"FATHER!" Finally having enough Erika shouted loudly enough that the whole tribe froze and looked at her.

Lodin's face broke into a happy smile with sparkling eyes when he saw his beloved daughter. "ERIKA! My sweet little dragon princess!"

He rushed over to scoop her into a hug but was stopped when Erika slugged him in the stomach, making him double over.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU! FIRST TIME I HAVE BEEN HOME IN OVER A YEAR AND WITH MY TEAM AND GUESTS AND YOU LET A HUGE FIGHT BREAK OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MARKET! AFTER I JUST SAID WE ARE MORE THERE WAS MORE TO OUR CULTURE THAN JUST FIGHTING! " Erika scolded; her face now red with embarrassment and anger. "AS CHIEF YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SET AN EXAMPLE AND BREAK UP THESE STUPID FIGHTS OR TELL THEM TO FIGHT IN THE ARENA! NOT FIGHT OUT ON THE STREETS LIKE A COMMON THUG!"

The surrounding Vikings could not but snicker as they watched their very own chief get scolded by his own daughter but stopped when she looked at them with a furious look.

"AND THAT GOES FOR THE REST OF YOU! WE HAVE GUESTS HERE AND THIS IS HOW YOU GREET THEM?! NOW ACT LIKE REAL VIKINGS AND TAKE THE FIGHTS TO THE ARENA OR OUTSIDE!"

"We'd fall off the docks if we went outside to fight." One Viking timidly pointed out and gulped when Erika glared at them.

"Then learn to fly without dragons!" Erika barked before her father stood up, laughing as he patted her on the back.

"That's my girl! Real chief's daughter!" Lodin laughed even more as he pulled his daughter in for a big hug. "Fiercest woman in the tribe like her mother."

Erika grunted with the sour look on her face fading before she sighed and hugged her father back.

"And it's happy family reunion after all." Yana commented with a smile.

Artemis and Connor shared a glance, wondering what mad house they had just stepped into.

Xxx

"So, Doyle is working with this Van Rook who has found a possible lead on the Sanctuary."

Once everyone had calmed down Lodin had lead everyone into the large house that was actually his home and the place Erika had been raised in. Erika had spent the last half hour regaling her father of what had happened during the time she had spent a year away on missions with her team.

"Do you believe that he gave this lead to Van Rook himself by pointing him to Bertha the Barbarian?" Lodin asked, taking a sip of his drink. "No doubt Bertha herself would have payed greatly to know where we are so she could finish what her ancestors started."

"Absolutely not. Doyle would never betray us or the tribe. I doubt he would even risk speaking with someone like Bertha who would sooner kill anyone associated with our tribe. I know that the Outcast tribe itself considered Bertha the Barbarian to be an extremist, even by their standards. If she knew Doyle was raised here she would have likely tortured anything he knew out of him." Erika shook her head. "We grew up together here, in this very house. Father I do not know why he is working for that money obsessed scum but Doyle would never sell out anyone he considers a friend or family."

"He left around the same time you did and has not kept in contact as much as you have. Things might have changed." Lodin pointed out.

"If you thought that was possible you would never have brought him home with you." Erika pointed out. "As Chief of our tribe you are charged with our protection against any enemies out there. Doyle became our responsibility when he was brought here."

"You mean my responsibility." Lodin replied.

"No. I mean our responsibility." Erika gestured to herself. "He was my best friend growing up here. I know him better than anyone."

"Then what do you suggest?" Lodin asked.

"The lead Bertha gave Van Rook is pointing to the original Berk. If he's found the original home of the tribe he can use it as a staging ground to track our home and the Sanctuary from there. I was also informed that there may be…something on the island that can lead him here." Erika explained, taking a deep breath for what she was about to say. "Possibly a recording engraved of Berk's history and what had happened when it fell along with possible clues as to where the tribe fled."

Lodin narrowed his eyes as he lowered his drink. "How is that possible? All original records have been destroyed or removed. There was nothing left there."

"That's where things get complicated. You see…" Erika began to explain.

Xxx

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"WHAT?!" Lodin yelled so loudly the entire island heard and jumped at the sound of his voice.

"Wow. The Chief sounds mad."

"Maybe someone proposed to Erika."

"Feel sorry for the poor fool that tried."

"Unless it was that Doyle kid. He might get away with it."

Xxx

The Chief of New Berk was now pacing around the room, muttering to himself as his daughter, Team RYN and the two heroes look on with intense silence.

"So, let me get this straight…" Lodin took a deep breath. "The hammer of Thor has found a new wielder."

"Yes."

"A new wielder who is more or less an idiot."

"Yes."

"And Odin himself tested said idiot and sent him back with the Valkyrie, Rossweisse to train him."

"Yes."

"And said Valkyrie gave him a series a tests with the first one possibly in old Berk."

"Yes."

"And in old Berk, there is a lava golem who happens to be a man trapped inside it, having been cursed to be trapped inside it for all eternity by the Fallen."

"Yes."

"And this man is in fact the very chief who united Vikings and Dragons himself."

"Yes."

Lodin took a deep breath…and then fell back onto his chair. "By Odin's beard…"

Erika had rarely seen her father look so burned out but she honestly couldn't blame him for it. She had almost a similar reaction but she had time to adjust between each surprise while her father had been told everything upfront.

"So this all happened in just the last couple of weeks." Lodin rubbed his head. "I haven't felt a headache this bad in a while."

"Father, I know it all sounds too much but it's the truth." Erika started but stopped as her father held up a hand.

"I am not saying I don't believe you. I just need to catch my breath." Lodin said as he sat up. "So…What's the plan?"

"Go to old Berk, find Doyle, stop Van Rook and then…free our Chief." Erika explained. "If it truly is him we owe to set him free so he can take his place in Valhalla."

"And what if it is a trap left behind to draw us out?" Lodin asked. "You know many have searched for us since New Berk was founded, including the Fallen."

"I know…But the person who told me about this lava golem was being truthful. I could see it in her eyes. The son of Chief Stoic the Vast is alive and he's in pain." Erika stated as she stood up. "As descendants of his clan our duty is clear."

"Aye…It is." Lodin nodded. "Very well, Erika. As the daughter of the chief I charge you to find our lost brother and set him free."

Erika nodded. "I will not fail you, Father."

"Now…Let's celebrate your return for the night!" Lodin said, adopting his happy demeanor from before as he pulled his daughter in for another hug. "Drinks, songs and showing our new friends our dragons! Let's show them just how we party here in New Berk!"

Erika rolled her eyes but smiled all the same.

It was good to be home.

I know everyone was expecting the new part of the Elemental Rescue Arc and its coming but this chapter was primarily made by scenes submitted by GREAT CELESTIAL DRAGON who I like thank for the scenes. When I added them into the story they grew as I worked and thus showed what was happening on Team REYN's front. We'll get back to the fights on the Gem Homeworld next and pop back in with the Team REYN along the way.