It has been a few weeks since the Speed Stinger debacle and we thought we wouldn't see them again, so count me surprised when we found a couple of Shifter Speed Stingers running around the Edge's forests. According to Tyse, they were sent by their alpha to help us and become sentries. Tyse gladly accepted the help, since she was always worried that the Night Terrors would get overworked during both the day and night. So a plan was placed that in the day the Speed Stingers would be sentries and at night, the Night Terrors would become the sentries. I just wished they both weren't nocturnal, but luckily Shifter Stingers are more awake during the day.

Right now, we were doing a timed race. Racing through the sky along the island, dodging between trees. It was Hiccup's and Toothless's turn in the timed race. "Come on, Faster, bud!" I heard with my dragon hearing as me, the gang, the Shifters, and a few Speed Stinger shifters in their dragon forms, watched from the ground. "There they are!" Astrid pointed at Hiccup and Toothless. "Close the dome!" Fishlegs yelled to the Twins and Tyse, who were standing by the dome lever. "And so the drama begins…" Ruffnut says dramatically. "One man, one dragon, one leg, vs one rapidly closing dome." Tuffnut speaks theatrically as they begin switching the lever. "Will our great human leader beat the time or will they fail like so many!?" Tyse laughs as she helps switch the lever and the dome begins to close.

"No way he's making that." Snotlout boasted. "Crusher believes Hiccup make it." Crusher hummed. "He does have a Night Fury." Sharlene agrees emotionlessly. "Either way it will be close." I said as we watched, Hiccup and Toothless go through the many obstacles until finally hitting the waterfall under us. A second before the dome closes, Hiccup and Toothless make it out of the dome. "Yeah!" Astrid celebrates as Crusher claps loudly. "Human Hiccup win!" "What!?" Snotlout complains, believing that Hiccup wouldn't have made it. I laughed and walks over to Hiccup and Toothless. Toothless turns to me and licks my face happily. "Yuck! Don't do that!" I growled at the dragon as Toothless laughed. "That was fun! Just like when we raced when we were hatchlings!" I chuckled and rubbed his head. "Good job, Toothless." Hiccup says proudly as he scratches his head.

"Alright, we're up." Snotlout says as he mounts Hookfang. "Come on, nobody's able to beat the dome except Hiccup and Toothless." Me and Tyse cleared our throat as we stared at Fishlegs. He chuckles nervously. "Sorry, I mean Hiccup, Toothless, Matt, and Tyse." Fishlegs corrected as the two of us smiles at him. "I still don't understand how a Vulon Maar is faster than a Qah Viing." Sharlene says as she looks blankly at Tyse. "Years of experience, sister." Tyse cackled happily. "Annoying." Sharlene states, making Tyse pout cutely. "Well nobody 'til now." Snotlout says cockingly. "Guys, this was supposed to be a drill, do we have to turn it into a game?" Hiccup questioned everyone.

"Don't we always?" Astrid retorted as everyone nods with amusement. Thinking back with a raised eyebrow Hiccup realizes that they do. "Good point." "By turning everything into a game, it boosts morale and companionship." Tyse says with a grin. "Crusher like games." Crusher hops like a little girl causing everything to shake. "Please stop with the shaking!" I begged, almost losing my balance. Luckily Crusher stopped. "Crusher sorry."

"'Twas once a drill, then it became a game, now it is theater." Tuffnut spoke dramatically. "Let the drama unfold!" Ruffnut says theatrically. "Whatever it is, it's my turn." Snotlout says as Hookfang takes off and disappears into the forests. "I'll wager he loses an eye." Tuffnut says, still in his dramatic voice. "Haha! On the contrary, I predict act one, scene one will conclude with the loss of a gallbladder." Ruffnut says. "Or perhaps a leg, or an eye scar, what say you, young Hiccup and Matt?" "Ook…" Hiccup says weirdly as I simply laughed.

We are going to win this race! Those idiots will be impressed and Astrid will go out with me. And then I'll be the best Dragon Rider on the edge! My thoughts were interrupted when we heard a sudden roar and Hookfang began to go crazy and I'm knocked off the saddle and ended up upside down on his neck! "Stay focused, Hookfang." I ordered as I made him focus on race. The roar happens again and Hookfang made me crash into a bunch of tree branches. "Keep your head in the game. Hookfang!" I yelled in panic as I drove him back to the race.

We spot Hookfang and Snotlout exiting out of the forests. "He hath emerged from the forest!" Ruffnut called by the lever. "Add what of his gallbladder?" Tuffnut asked. "Impossible to say…" Tyse giggled as she pulls the lever and the dome began to close. "The tension continues to build." Tuffnut says with a smile before he slipped off the lever and fell .I narrowed my eyes as my improved vision looks at Hookfang expressions. "Is it me or does Hookfang seem disturbed by something?" I asked randomly as Sharlene narrowed her eyes emotionlessly. "No. I see it as well." We watch Hookfang and Snotlout do the obstacles. "And time runs out for our plucky little anti-hero." "I love a ticking sundial, don't you?" Ruffnut asked her brother. "Indeed!" "Guys, please." Hiccup groaned, already getting tired of how the Twins were speaking.

Snotlout and Hookfang enter the waterfall underneath us. We turned to the dome and see Hookfang and Snotlout come out of the hole and rushed out of the dome but the dome closes, cutting our sight and we heard a big bang. "Oooh. That's got to hurt." Tyse grimaces upon hearing the impact. "Open it!" I ordered as Tyse and the Twins turned the lever and we rushed to the dome and made sure Snotlout and Hookfang were alright. To our surprise only Snotlout was there on his bum and rubbing his head. "Snotlout, are you ok?" Hiccup questioned. "Ow." Snotlout grunts as he gets up. "Define ok." "He seems fine." Tyse quipped as I narrowed my eyes. "Where's Hookfang?" I questioned as Snotlout got up with an angry look. "That's what I'd like to know. I've got some words for that dragon!" Snotlout stomps off to look for his dragon.

I look at my friends with confusion. "Why would Hookfang leave Snotlout?" I was given confused look with the exception of Tyse, Sharlene and Crusher. "Doesn't he always?" Hiccup asked as I shook my head. "No, this is different." I said as I walked away. While it's true that Hookfang always leaves Snotlout because he annoys him, this was different. Suddenly disappearing elsewhere is an entire different matter. Not to mention he looked disturbed by something.

A few hours later in the evening, the dragons were being fed in the stables. That includes us. "Give me that!" I turned my head to the commotion. Tyse screeched as Sharlene holds a fish close to her chest. "I own this fish and I shall eat it. Get your own." She says coldly as her tail threatened to slice Tyse who pulled out her curved daggers. "I had my sight on that fish! I was going to take it before you stole it!" Tyse screeched. "Enough!" I yelled angrily as Tyse and Sharlene look at me. "But Nightshift-" "I said enough!" I growled, unknown to me that my eyes changed purple.

Sharlene and I looked at each other in worry, well more like I look at Sharlene in worry while she looks at me blankly but the same concern in her eyes. "Ok." We responded looking down. When we look back up, we were happy to see Nightshift's eyes back to its beautiful forest green. He sighs as he takes one of the fishes and gives it to me. I blushed and took it with a smile. Nightshift rolls his eyes and walks away to go feed himself. I felt a cold feeling and turned to see Sharlene coldly glaring at me. "What?" I asked with a growl. "Alpha will not choose you." She states as I harshly glare at her. "You don't get to decide that, Sharlene. We will be future mates." I declared with a whisper. "Alpha will want a strong mate. I will provide for him." Sharlene coldly glares as I glare right back. 'I will not lose to this female!' We both thought.

Unknown to us, Astrid was glaring at us upon overhearing our conversation. She was about to speak to us before suddenly Hookfang roared and started to fly and smash his head on the ceiling. Forgetting our argument, for the time being. Hiccup approached Snotlout while looking up at Hookfang. Snotlout turns his head to look and speaks. "If you're coming to tell me I'm crazy, save it." He says, not in the mood. "You know what, Snotlout? You're right." Snotlout looks back at Hiccup in confusion. "I am?" Nightshift approached. "No one knows your dragon like you do." He said as Hiccup continued. "If you think something's wrong, then lock him in a pen tonight so he doesn't hurt himself then we can see how he's doing in the morning."

"Yeah. Maybe I'll do that." Snotlout agreed as we looked at Hookfang. "Perhaps we can speak to him and see what's got him going?" I suggested. "Or perhaps we should leave him alone and give him space for the time being." Sharlene interrupted as I glared at her. "You want to go, Kiir!? Let's go!" I take out my daggers and she sprouts out her blades and we were about to charge at one another before Nightshift got between us in rage. "I said enough!" He roared as we looked at him desperately. "But alpha-" "I SAID ENOUGH! LEAVE AND GO TO YOUR HOMES!" He roared in fury. I glared in sadistic rage at Sharlene as she coldly hissed in my direction before we walked away in opposite directions to do what Nightshift commanded. While leaving, I couldn't help but worry about Nightshift. I think the Black Flame is getting worse.

I breathed heavily as I did my best to calm myself. "Matt?" Astrid questioned, reaching out to me before I snapped. "I'm fine!" I yelled at her, causing her to step back in shock. The others were looking at me in shock and worry. Realizing what I did I apologized. "Sorry Astrid. I just need to rest." Before anyone could say anything, I shadow stepped and appeared in my hut. Alone. I hold my head as a massive migraine appeared and walked over to the water barrel and grabbed a mug. I put the mug under and turned the dial on the barrel and cool water poured into the mug. Once full, I turned it off and drank from the cool beverage. I sighed in relief as the migraine didn't hurt as much. Slightly anyway. I put the empty mug down and went over to my bed and layed down on it.

I don't know why I've been so aggressive about everything lately. I hoped it wasn't the Black Flame coursing through my soul because that will be a big problem. But what if it already is the reason? What if it's already starting to corrupt me? I shook my head rapidly, keeping the thoughts away. No. That won't happen. I won't let it. 'Wolf? Are you there?' I thought only to get silence. I sighed and close my eyes to sleep. It was a sleepless night.

I roared and threw my helmet at the wall of my hut. I growled in rage as I stomp over and reclaim it. "Daar Ni Kul, Vul Kiir." I coldly stated. 'I understand that she is a rival, but this is childish. The both of you are acting like hatchlings.' Shard growled as I coldly glare at her mentally. 'I refuse to lose to a Wuth hag.' 'Just because she is a few decades older than you doesn't mean she's a hag. Shifters aren't capable of losing their natural beauty.' Shard shakes her head to get back on track. 'Now enough with the fighting. Right now, Nightshift is in an unstable state and more fighting between the two of you isn't' going to solve it anytime soon.'

I growled lowly, but didn't disagree with her. I do not wish to even speak with that Sunvaar, but for the greater good for my alpha, I will be patient with Tyse, even if she's nothing but a— 'Sharlene…' Shard spoke sternly with a warning. '...Very well.' 'That's what I thought. Now get some sleep. I'm sure a little rest will cool the both of your tempers down.' I sighed in annoyance and went over to my bed. I shed myself of my armor. I placed the sheets over myself and closed my eyes. 'How humans deal with this lifestyle I will never know.' I drift off to sleep.

"Hookfang's gone! He broke out of his pen last night!" Snotlout told us as he ran up to us. "Then this might be more serious than we thought." Hiccup says with a hand on his chin. "What do you think the reason for that is? He did seem agitated about something." Toothless growled to me. I hold my head as another migraine appeared. "Whatever it is we'll find out." I growled as Snotlout continued. "Great. I accept your offer to help in the search." Snotlout then proceeded to mount Toothless and I narrowed my eyes.

"Come on, Toothless. Up bud. Fly bud. Do something, bud!" Snotlout demanded and pulling Toothless's reins, causing him to glare in annoyance. The other shifters glare at Snotlout for his disrespect. "Snotlout. You better watch your next set of actions before I-" "O-Okay, calm down, Snotlout and Matt. We'll help you look for Hookfang." Hiccup interjected before we could come to blows. "Oh yeah, you will." Snotlout says as he points at Hiccup. "It was your idea to leave him alone in his pen in the first place." Hiccup was about to retort only to realize that Snotlout had a point and simply nodded.

Crusher picked up his warhammer and sheathed it to his back. "Let find angry man's friend." "Hey I'm not angry!" Snotlout yelled with a glare as Tyse giggles. "I don't know. He seems like a angry man to me." "More like a loud mouth." Sharlene stated, causing Tyse to stop giggling and glanced at her blankly. She huffs and shifts into her swarm form and goes into the air. Sharlene shakes her head and shifts to her dragon form and goes into the air. Crusher looks at the scene in confusion and scratches his head. "What wrong with Scary and Shiny ladies?" He asked as I growled in annoyance at the two. "Are they still at each other's throats?" Astrid asked as she approached me. "Yes. I don't understand it though. They got along well with each other at first but then they are suddenly at each other's throats. What do you think that could be?"

I felt eyes on me and looked around to see everyone of my friends looking at me. "What?" I questioned, asking why everyone was staring at me like that. "Should we tell him?" Tuffnut asked his sister. "Poor thing. So clueless." What? "What? What is it? Why are you all staring at me like that?" I demanded everyone. "Does he truly not know?" Stormfly asked Toothless as he shrugged. "It would appear so." He said as I growled at the lack of answers. "What!? What don't I know!?" I yelled, sudden rage consuming me. I suddenly felt a gentle hand on my shoulder and looked back to see Astrid looking at me in concern. "Matt? Are you okay?"

I blinked before shrugging her off and walked away a bit. I felt terrible watching her feel hurt that I shrugged her off. "Let's just find Hookfang." I shifted into my dragon form and took to the skies. On the ground, my friends looked at each other in worry before mounting the dragons and took off after me.

We begin our search in the forests for any sign of Hookfang, mainly Snotlout calling on Toothless's back. "When is this idiot going to get off my back before I throw him into a tree?" Toothless screech in annoyance, causing Hiccup to pat his head. "Easy bud. The sooner we find Hookfang, the sooner we'll get Snotlout off your back." Hiccup comforted causing Toothless to look forward blankly. "Swell." "At least he's not on mine. I would have immediately dismounted him." I said underneath Toothless causing him to look down at me.

He then narrows his eyes when he notices something off. "Nightshift? Are you alright? Your flying is a bit off." I blinked a bit and shook the migraine off and readjusted to fly more steadily. "I'm fine." "Nightshift. I don't think you are-" "I said I'm fine!" I roared at him, causing his eyes to widen in shock. I ignored his reaction and flew off a bit. The rest of everyone looks at me before glancing at each other in worry. Snotlout took Hiccup's spy glass used it to look around. Suddenly we heard a dragon call. "That sound, we heard that before Hookfang weirded out." Snotlout then moved Hiccup and pointed in the direction. "Go that way!" "Would you…" Hiccup says in frustration before speaking more calmly. "Okay, Okay, let me fly the dragon." "That sounded like a Monstrous Nightmare." Astrid commented as Sharlene flies next to her and Stormfly. "That's not all. That was a distress call." Tyse's swarm flew next to us and one of the terror's spoke. "I know that call! That's Ember! She must be in trouble!"

Hearing that we immediately turned course and fly directly toward the direction where the distressed roar came from. Soon, we landed and me and the other Shifters shift back into our human forms. Hookfang was right in front of us in a defensive stance. "This place again?" Snotlout says in confusion. "This is where I found him last time." Snotlout then dismounts Toothless as Hookfang roars aggressively. But not at us. Tyse looks around in worry before running over to Hookfang. Hookfang growled at her but she growled something to him and he allowed her to run past without anything more. I looked at the other Shifters and they looked at me in confusion as well.

Snotlout began to approach Hookfang before we suddenly see Tyse helping a woman with purple scales and horns on her head. With a very pregnant belly. "That's a Shifter." Hiccup says in awe. "Her horns… Those are Monstrous Nightmare horns." Astrid added. "And she's pregnant. She looks like she could give birth any day now." I said as Hookfang turns to Tyse and the pregnant female Shifter and growls. The woman communicates back with a small smile before turning her head to look at us cautiously. Tyse gets her attention and speaks to her. I couldn't hear them due to the migraine but I saw that she looked back in our direction, specifically at me with a look of wonder and hope. "Now it makes sense. My dragon has the way with the ladies. Must have picked up a few pointers from his master." Snotlout says as Astrid facepalms. "I doubt it. She's not dry heaving. "And she's due. Hookfang is not the father." Sharlene says logically. "Okay, shush." Snotlout told them. "Hookfang, time's up. Let's go." Me and the other Shifters widen our eyes when we see Snotlout approaching the three. "Snotlout, you might want to tread lightly. He's looking a wee bit territorial." Hiccup says. "Forget Hookfang! You do not want to approach that female, Snotlout! I read that pregnant Shifters are highly dangerous due to their unborn offspring! They are highly aggressive if you approach without permission!" I called. Snotlout however merey ignored our warnings and mocks us. "Bit territorial. Pregnant Shifters.' Thanks for the advice, Hiccup and Matt. But like you said, nobody knows my dragon like I do. So when it comes to Hookfang, I handle my own business." Snotlout says confidently before he approaches the three. "Hookfang? Girl Hookfang? What's—"

We covered our eyes and look away as Hookfang blasts him with fire causing Snotlout to scream in pain before we widen our eyes when we see the pregnant shifter rushed at Snotlout with fists and kicks and bites that normally a pregnant woman couldn't do, causing him to scream more. We watch as the pregnant shifter puts her fist down before uppercutting Snotlout and knocking him toward us, which we dodge away and Snotlout lands with a loud thump. We looked at him and he weakly lifts his head up with a pained smile. "Yeah, he's busy right now." Then he faints. We looked back up to see the pregnant shifter roar in victory before strolling back to Hookfang and Tyse. Tyse looks at me and I give her a look and she shrugs. What was she supposed to do? I look at the others and they shook their heads as well. I rolled my eyes before looking back at the unconscious and slightly burned Snotlout. "So… who should carry him back?"

We were back at base near the club house, surrounding a depressed Snotlout. "Snotlout, it's not that bad. It could have been a lot worse." Astrid says, trying to cheer him up. "I fear not fair maiden." Tuffnut stated, causing me to sigh. "Hookfang clearly made a decisive choice in that moment and, thus, acted upon it." He finished a fist to his hand. "Mm. Showing, not telling. The number one rule in theater. And what better way to achieve that than by setting one aflame!" Ruffnut says dramatically causing Snotlout to snap. "Kid all you want, I know that dragon. I know what's in his heart and I know what's in his head. He'll come back to me, he always does." Fishlegs started to stutter and look guilty. "Oh what?" Snotlout says annoyed. "You're gonna tell me he's never coming back?" Fishlegs looks away while twiddling his fingers and hesitantly tries to tell him. "Fishlegs?" Hiccup questioned. "Spit it out, Fishlegs." I said with a annoyed huff. I noticed Astrid glancing at me and the other shifters except Tyse, who wasn't here.

"Hookfang wouldn't follow his training, he wouldn't eat, he ran away twice, he picked another dragon over you." Fishlegs listed. "Shifter but yes." Sharlene says. "Don't forget the fire." Tuffnut added. "Right. He pushed you away. All the symptoms are there." We looked at Fishlegs in confusion while the Shifters looked at each other in confusion. "Symptoms of what?" Snotlout exclaimed. "I think Hookfang is going feral." Everyone gasps except for me, Crusher and Sharlene. "No, not going feral?" Tuffnut says. "The cruelest turn of events… wait what's going feral mean?" Ruffnut questioned in confusion. "I have no idea." Tuffnut admitted. "It means that meeting this female Monstrous Nightmare has reawakened his primal instincts and he's returning to the wild."

They looked at Snotlout but then looked at me when I started laughing suddenly. "Hahahahahahahahahaha… Fishlegs, no offense but you may know dragons but you truly don't know their nature. Not like us Shifters do." I deadpan after laughing loudly. "He is right." Sharlene agreed with me. "We dragons are always feral. Your companions are always feral. Hookfang just shows it more openly." "And Hookfang alert. Defensive." Crusher added. "Crusher's right. Even before we got there, Hookfang was high on alert and ready for action. As if he was expecting something. And let's not forget the roar the female shifter made just before Hookfang started acting strange. It was a distress call." I logically explained. "If we put those facts together, we can conclude that Hookfang wasn't acting that way for the female for a bond, but to protect her. But from what we don't know." Sharlene added. Our friends looked at each other and thought about our reasoning before realizing that we were right. "Maybe I may have overlooked the possibility that Hookfang was going feral." Fishlegs stuttered, ashamed of himself for thinking that. "See? I told you Hookfang wasn't going feral. He's just protecting the lady…" Snotlout paused. "What was he protecting her from?" "Another dragon?" Astrid guessed. "It is possible. Like dragons, we shifters do fight for the honor to mate, but since the female is heavily pregnant and due soon, the dragon might be a rival of her mate and wishes to slaughter the hatchlings before forcing himself on the female so that she can carry his hatchlings." Sharlene says coldly, cold fury in her voice. "Shifters do that?" Hiccup asked, horrified by the information along with everyone else. "Only those that follow such disgusting sins. Noctis abhor and forbids rape and killing of children but many shifters with evil in their hearts ignore her teaching to follow their dark desires." Sharlene says coldly. "Crusher hate kin doing abomination things!" Crusher roared. "Wait so these are dark shifters?" Tuffnut asked. "No, they are not corrupted shifters, but that doesn't mean there is still evil inside of them. Like all living creatures there will be good and evil on each side." Sharlene explained. "Whatever the case may be, Hookfang is protecting the Shifter. We should do the same thing." "I'm glad you think that."

We turned around and see Tyse approaching us with a serious expression. "Tyse. We're glad you came back." Hiccup says with a smile. "I'm glad you're happy, but now I need to tell you something." She says as we listen. "Long ago, there were two brothers. Sparker and his older brother, Flamemonger. They were both Monstrous Nightmare pureblood Shifters and the both of them were interested in a female Shifter by the name of Ember. They both wooed her but she did not share any interest. They gave her gifts, yet she refused them. They performed great feats, but she was unimpressed. Sparker gave up and walked away depressed. A few days later, Sparker explored the island he was on and heard a distress call and ran towards it. It was Ember and she was surrounded by hostile dragons who wished to force themselves unto her. Sparker was enraged and attacked the dragons, sustaining many wounds that would need days to heal. He grew victorious and the dragons flew away in terror from the ferocious shifter. Sparker turned to Ember and asked her if she was alright. Ember could not speak, for she saw this young brother put himself in harm's way, something that could have gotten him killed, to protect her. Her heart beat fast and her cheeks flushed. Ember thanked Sparker and performed the Dance of Mates. Sparker's heart was thrilled in happiness and he repeated the dance back to her. The two soon mated under the beautiful night sky and stars shine brightly upon them. As well as one of Noctis's star constellations in the sky, shining beautifully. Noctis was pleased with this union. It was a great and happy ending. Or so it should be…" Tyse paused as we focused our attention to her, awed by the story and wary of the next part.

"It was later revealed that Flamemonger hired those dragons so that he could be the savior and 'protect' Ember, making her fall in love with him. Only for Sparker to get in the way before he could act. Enraged that his plan failed, Flamemonger forcefully challenged his younger brother for the claim of Ember. Sparker refused saying that Noctis blessed both him and Ember's union, a blessing that cannot be challenged. Flamemonger did not care and attacked the two mated pair. Sparker and Ember defended themselves but Flamemonger was bigger and stronger and he had the upper hand when he knocked Sparker unconscious and pinned Ember underneath him to mount her. Before he could, a screech was heard and he looked up to find a black figure pounce on him, off of Ember and giving her a chance to check on her mate. Flamemonger roared and slashed at the figure, but they jumped off and landed a few feet away. Curved blades in hand and yellow eyes glowing in fury… My curved blades and yellow eyes staring directly as his evil ones." Tyse revealed, causing us to gasp. "I witnessed both Sparker's and Ember's union and saw the love they share with one another. And when I saw Flamemonger forcing himself on Ember, I was in fury and attacked him. To rape on my island? I think not. The two of us charged at each other, anger in both of our eyes, wanting each other's death. He slashed, punched and kicked, but I was faster than him and easily avoided those blows and returned with skillful slashes and strikes, wounding him. Seeing how he can easily die, he transformed into his dragon form and flew away. I chased after him until he was entirely off of my island before returning to the two. They thanked me and I said that as long as they are on my island, they will be under my protection. That was over fifty years ago."

We were in shock of such a story told by Tyse. About the brothers, Ember, Sparker's heroic rescue, the love between Sparker and Ember, Flamemongers betrayal, Tyse's intervention. All of it. "Bravo! Bravissiomo! Encore!" Tuffnut yells dramatically, clapping his hands. "Ah, what theater!" "Yes, and what a cliffhanger!" Ruffnut agreed. Tyse giggled at their humor. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. Now I believe Flamemonger has returned." She told us, causing us to frown. "How do you know?" Hiccup asked. "Ember. She was approached by Flamemonger and sent out the distress Hookfang heard. He told her that she will be his soon before leaving. He came back at night and approached her again with ill intentions only to be stopped by Hookfang which he didn't expect. Flamemonger didn't see Hookfang as a threat, but he left saying he'll come back soon, to end Hookfang's life before destroying Sparker's children and raping Ember and to have her bear his children." She then remembered something. "Oh yeah, he also told her he was going to rape me too and bear his children for humiliating him in the past." That's not going to happen. He won't get you" I said with a rageful growl, wanting a piece of Flamemonger. "It's not just me. He knows about the rest of you here. He wants to rape Astrid, Ruffnut, Sharlene, Stormfly, Meatlug and kill the rest of the males here." She says with frown.

I growled in rage, as well as every dragon and Shifter. Toothless was growling loudly and shaking in rage, even Hiccup's eyes were in fury. "He will never touch Hiccup nor my brother!" Astrid and Ruffnut balled their fists and grind their teeth together. "He's going to regret laying eyes on me and thinking he can just rape me." Astrid growled. "You got that right, sister. I'm going to cut his eyes out!" Ruffnut says in anger. "It's one thing for me, but he'll never touch my rider! I won't allow it!" Stormfly squawked in rage "Don't forget us!" "Yeah!" Barf and Belch roared in unison. "Don't worry Meatlug. That mean dragon won't touch you… Not if I will allow it." Fishlegs comforted Meatlug while adding a low threat at the end. "I will protect you my rider!" Meatlug roared. "He will die by my blade." Sharlene growled, her voice dead cold. "CRUSHER CRUSH FLAMEMONGER!" Crusher roared slamming his hammer on the ground, making a hole on the floor. "The drama! The rage! This is theater!" Tuffnut yells dramatically before angrily replying. "When can I hurt him and fill his innards with molten rocks and metal?" "That guy wants to go kill Hookfang? Let me at him and show him how a viking kills!" Snotlout yells.

The rage I was feeling was too much and I exploded in anger. I roared in fury as my eyes changed a complete dark purple and my back burst out in black flames. Everyone steps back in fear and horror. Sharlene aimed her wrist blades at me, Crusher lifted his hammer above his head for a slam and Tyse had her daggers out in caution. I growled deeply before speaking. "He will not touch Any of you." My voice was dark, demonic. "He will die before That happens." I glanced around and noticed the horrified and scared look and the weapons pointing at me. "What?" I questioned, confused. Everyone glanced at each other hesitantly, trying to figure out what they should say to me. "I thought Dark Shifters are evil beings who slaughter everything around them?" Tuffnut suddenly asked out loud in confusion as everyone snapped at him. "TUFFNUT!" I blinked and wondered why Tuffnut would suddenly say that while looking at m-. I completely interrupted my thought when I realized what he was implying. I snapped my head back and see the black flames burning on my back. I began to shake in horror before pouring Yolsilnah from my back and looked at my reflection. I had dark purple eyes staring instead of my beautiful forest green. I dropped it out of shock and horror, causing it to clatter to the ground and step back in agonizing horror. "No… No no no no no no no…" I said as I looked at my hands in fear. I'm a dark shifter!? "Matt?" I looked back up to see my friends staring at me in concern. I had to get away. Now! Without a word, I turned around and ran, leaping off of the platform and shifting into my dragon form, which it too had been corrupted with black flames. "Matt!" "Nightshift!" I heard them call out my name as I flew away as fast as I can. Away from my friends. So I won't be able to hurt them.

We watched in concern and worry as Nightshift rapidly flew away. I closed my eyes in shame. The fear in his eyes upon his realization. "Well that's not good." Hiccup broke the silence. "You think!? Nightshift is now a dark shifter! It's more than not good! It's bad! Apocalyptic even!" Tyse snapped at him in both rage and sadness. "Crusher don't want crush Nightshift." Crusher says sadly as he looks at his hammer. "No." I opened my eyes. "Nightshift isn't a dark shifter. Not fully. Right now he is just scared. His reaction in leaving is both proof that he's still him. He's in a dark place. We just need to get him back." "On it." Tyse speaks as a piece of her shoulder separates and forms a Night Terror and flies after Nightshift.

"Sooooo… what now?" Tuffnut asked as Hiccup frowns. "For now we can't do anything. We can only hope Tyse's clone finds him. For now we need to figure out how to prepare for Flamemonger." "Yeah, a bit of a problem. How am I supposed to prepare against a shifter when I don't even have anything to defend myself!?" Snotlout yells. I turned to Snotlout with a cold frown. "For now you will have to replace Hookfang temporarily. Luckily, I know a few dragons that can be his replacement." Snotlout frowns and I could tell that replacing Hookfang makes him uncomfortable but I don't pay him no mind as I turn around to leave.

Only to stop when Tyse quickly strolls in front of me with a frown. I scowl at her. What does she want? "And how exactly do you know where these dragons are?" She said with a frown as I coldly glare at her. "Because I have been exploring the island and marking important locations." She chuckles, sounding mockingly which irritated me. "So you explored my island without even telling me." "It is not your island-" She quickly interrupted me and I found a dagger at my throat with her looking madly at me with a grin. "I think you forget yourself, Sharlene. Let me remind you. This island is mine. All of it is mine. I have lived here for over 200 years. 200! The dragons here are under my protection and I will not have some Krah Sil Pahlok Dovah Kiir telling me what is and isn't mine." "And what of them?" I challenged her, tilting my head to the dragon riders who looked at us in worry and concern. She smiles happily. "I gave them permission." She loses her smile and sneers as I feel the blade touched my scaled neck. "You, however, I have not." She then pulled the dagger away from my throat and sheathed it behind back and began walking. "You want to be treated like an ally and friend? Start by changing that cold attitude of yours and learn your place here." I crushed my hand, my claws unsheathing and drawing blood out of my palm. My teeth grinding together as I harshly rebuttal. "And what of you!? You think yourself better than me but you're not! You are a psychopath and sadist! I keep my emotions in check while you, on the other hand, are unpredictable! It's no wonder Nightshift exploded with you around!" She suddenly snapped back and quickly walks over to me. I expected a dagger to skewer me and I prepared myself only for her to do the complete opposite and slapped me with a loud smack.

Time seem to freeze as I couldn't help but look at her slowly in shock. She showed no emotion but I could see the anger in her eyes. "Listen and listen closely." She spoke calmly, but I sense no calmness. "You can insult me, hurt me and perhaps even, though impossible, break me." She leans forward with a low growl and I lean backwards, suddenly intimidated. "What you will not do, is bring Nightshift into our argument when it has nothing to do with him. And need I remind you that you are the one who put Nightshift in danger in the first place?" I look down ashamed, remembering how I asked and convinced him to help Heather. Tyse sighs as I look back up. "I understand that we are rivals for Nightshift's affections. But I want us to try to be friends and work together. There is a dangerous threat out there and we can't have our anger distract us or it lead to us and our friends death. Do you want that?" I shook my head. "Then let us put our rivalry aside." She puts her hand out and I looked at it silently before I took it and shake it firmly. We nod to each other and leave together to gather some dragons for Snotlout.

On the other side of the island, Nightshift roughly lands and rolls on the ground before stopping. I painfull groan as he wobbly stands up. I glance at my back and grimaces as the black flames respond to my emotions and grow in size. I breathed heavily as I closed my eyes and forced myself to calm down, but I couldn't help but fear for my future as the flames continued to grow. 'Wolf! Wolf! I need your help!' I called mentally as Wolf appeared in front of my mind only for me to gasp in shock. "W-Wolf? What happened to you!?" Wolf was covered in wounds, bruises and blood. Half of his face was covered in dark crystals, sparking between each other once and twice. Wolf coughs loudly. I couldn't help but grimace on how wrong it sounded. "What do you think?" He coughs. "It's growing stronger, Nighthshift. The Black Flame is spreading everywhere throughout your soul. I am doing my best to stop it but it doesn't help that your always getting angry and losing control!" He yelled, causing me to flinch and looked down.

I looked at him in worry as he coughed again. "Wolf? How much time?" I whispered as he shakes his head. "I don't know. It's spreading so fast. Maybe a month. Maybe more if we're lucky." I breathed heavily before laying down and put my head to the ground. "It's my fault. If I dodged that beam, none of this would of happen." I said, whimpering. "It wasn't your fault. We had no idea they had that… monstrosity of a weapon." Wolf attempted to comfort me only for me to continue to whimper in fear. "Hey there's no reason to cry. We can still fix this-" "HOW!?" I roared as I stand up angrily. "HOW CAN WE FIX THIS!? LOOK AT ME! I'M A DARK SHIFTER NOW!" I cried as the flames grew. Only for it to suddenly freeze in place and slowly shrink. I looked at my back in confusion. "W-What?" "The Black Flame may be a parasitic soul devourer…" I gasp and looked to see Noctis standing a few feet away in all her holy glory. "But it fears the light that erases its darkness." "N-Noctis?" I asked, hoping my eyes weren't deceiving me. "Yes. It is me, my child." Noctis says with a smile. I looked away in shame and hid myself. "Please Noctis. Don't look at me. I become a terrible monster." I cried. Noctis shakes her head sadly and approaches me and wraps her wings around me. I flinch from the contact before I found myself soothed and calm from her godly aura. Noctis smiles and gently lifts my head up to look at her. "Oh Nightshift. I am sorry that I didn't come sooner. I thought you would be fine but because of my foolishness, the darkness continues to grow inside you, faster than I anticipated. Let me help you." Noctis put her paw on my chest and a bright light appeared and I felt every dark thought and anger dispel and I see Wolf healed of his injuries, but half of his face was scarred from the crystals once growing on his scales. The black flames on my back completely recede and disappear. "There. I captured every piece of the Black Flame and stored it into stasis." I sighed in relief and joy only to become silent on her next words. "However it is only temporary. This Black Flame in particular is different from the others that infect my children. It was modified." I looked at her in shock. "Dagur was capable of modifying the Black Flame?" Noctis shakes her head. "No, but someone else did. Cronyx." I paled as Noctis nodded sadly. "Yes. It appears my brother is aware of you now. Well he is always aware of every dragon that holds a piece of his essence, however after you became infected by it, his sight is now on you. He knows you are the alpha shifter and he knows that your corruption will bring an end to the world. This cannot happen." I nod in agreement. "What do you want me to do?" Noctis shakes her head. "There is nothing you can do, my precious child. I've sealed the corruption so there shouldn't be any more complications. However you must continue to control your emotions, by doing so the Black Flame won't feed off it and break quickly out of the sealment."

I nod as Noctis continues speaking. "Now that the worst has passed, you still have Flamemonger to deal with." For the first time in my life, Noctis's eyes narrowed and her pupils became slits as her aura darkens, making me shiver in fear. "This is the rage of a goddess." Wolf whispered in fear as I nod shakily. I can definitely agree with that. She's terrifying. Noctis lowers her aura and sighs. "Forgive me, my child. I have lost my temper. Flamemonger has committed many sins and will not stop. And now he wishes to rape and kill again. I believe it's time that he be judged. Will you bring me his spirit?" Noctis asks kindly, but the meaning was clear. "Yes. I'll make sure he never harms anyone again. Even if I search for him myself." I soon took to the air and went up to the sky with Noctis watching. "I rather you work with your friends… but it seems you are still hurting from your dark outburst." Noctis says before fading into light particles back to her realm.

We stayed up all night, finding Monstrous Nightmares to replace Hookfang. Well the others did, I instead went to check on Ember. Luckily she didn't encounter Flamemonger, thank Noctis, although I wouldn't mind seeing him again. How else am I supposed to cut him open and make him suffer? Hehehehe! Now… as for Nightshift… my clone wasn't able to find him, and surprisingly his dark aura disappeared. It's not like he left the island but he somehow sealed the Black Flame back within himself. I do not know how he did this, except for one reason… Noctis intervened. It's known that the goddess would help her chosen champions in their time of need and with Nightshift being the Alpha Shifter, I wouldn't be surprised if it was so. At least we don't have to worry about Nightshift anymore. Well I'm still worried for him but at least he's not a dark shifter.

It was now morning and were now in front of Snotlout with three Monstrous Nightmare dragons. "We stayed up all night wrangling some new dragons. We figured, maybe with Hookfang going through protecting uh…" Hiccup pauses. "Ember." I said helping. "Yes. Protecting Ember from Flamemonger, this might help." "Guys, I don't know what to say." Snotlout says. "Thank Thor." Astrid sighed in relief as Crusher yawns. It had been a long night. "Except that you wasted your time." Snotlout continued, crossing his arms. The others looked at Snotlout in shock before Crusher yawns again and falls on his back, causing a small crack, snoring. I giggled as Sharlene spoke. "Come Snotlout. Without Hookfang, you are vulnerable to Flamemonger, which I shall remind you, can easily rip you in half." Snotlout still wasn't convinced though. "As awesome as Hookfire, Fangmaster and Hook Blazefang are…" Me and Sharlene, excluding Crusher tilts our heads. 'He already named them?' 'It appears so.' Reghi purred. "Yes, I named them already." Snotlout says seeing our looks before looking away in sadness as he continues. "I can't look at them without thinking of Hookfang."

I and Sharlene glanced at each other in silent agreement. We understand what he was feeling. Long ago, I had many sisters who was also Night Terrors and we both were there for each other. Before I left that is… Now when I'm in my swarm form or with Smidvarg, I can't help but think about them. As for Sharlene, I'm sure if she sees another Razorwhip it would remind her of her bond sister, Windshear.

The moment was ruined however by Tuffnut who was holding the reins on the dragons. "Another cruel twist. Snotlout rejects the new suitors. Begone, pretenders, and never return! I hast forsookenst thou." I couldn't help but giggle at the hilariousness of Tuffnut as he shoos the dragons we capture all night for.. What a silly human. "Snotlout, I know your hurting, but we need you up there with us." Hiccup says as Astrid speaks next. "Dagur's out there looking for us. We can't be down a rider." "And we can't afford to be further weakened when Flamemonger is still out there. We already lost Nightshift. We can't lose another." Sharlene points out as I nod in agreement. Flamemonger is a powerful dragon and who knows how stronger he is now.

"What if you tried a different kind of dragon?" Fishlegs suggested. "I don't know. Maybe." Snotlout says unsure. "Yeah. There you go. How about a Nadder? Uh, Astrid?" Hiccup asked causing Astrid to look nervous. "Oh he doesn't want to ride Stormfly again. He's already-" Snotlout interrupts her as he points out to every dragon. "Too small." Pointing at Stormfly, causing her to glare. "Too slow." He points at Meatlug who look down sadly, with Fishlegs comforting her. "Two heads." Pointing finally at Barf and Belch who look at each other in confusion. "Ok, you don't like any of these dragons." Hiccup says, trying to figure something out. "So maybe we try some new ones." He begins listing down some dragons which I think were pretty good. "A Thunderdrum or a Timberjack? Or how about-" "Listen guys." Snotlout stops Hiccup holding his hands out to a stop motion. "I don't want to come off as thankful or anything, but you taught me a lesson today by offering me your inferior dragons." "Can I spike him?" Stormfly squawks her spines out in agitation. "No. He's in pain right now." I growled to her in dragon. "What are you saying?" Hiccup questioned. "I'm saying that if I can't fly Hookfang, I don't want to fly any dragon." Snotlout answered sadly. "How can you be a dragon rider and not ride a dragon?" Astrid questioned. "You were always the smart one, Astrid." Snotlout says with a small smile. I froze up, instantly realizing what he's implying. "Snotlout, are you saying that your-" "Quitting, that's right." Snotlout answers my unfinished question. "I shall be a dragon rider no more."

"What?" Astrid says in shock as we looked at him in disbelief. Crusher wakes up and looks around in confusion. "What Crusher missed?" "Time to call in the understudy." Tuffnut says to his sister as I looked at him in confusion. 'What's an understudy?' 'No clue.' "Hey, Fishelgs, how's your Snotlout." Ruffnut asked Fishelgs who gives her a blank approached Snotlout. "Snotlout, I understand that you are hurting, but are you sure you wish to take this course of action?" Hiccup was about to intervene but I stopped him by placing my hand on his shoulder. He looked at me and shook my head silently. "Yes. My mind is made up. I'm going to say goodbye to Hookfang, and then sail back to Berk for good. It's over." Snotlout says dejectedly as he begins walks away. Sharlene follows him. "Allow me to escort you. Flamemonger is out there." Snotlout was going to argue but then he thinks about it and reluctantly nods. "Okay, but I want to be with Hookfang in private to say my goodbye." "I understand." Sharlene agree solemnly as the two walk away.

Hiccup put his hand out to stop Snotlout but he pulls back in sadness. We all looked at each other, wondering what we are supposed to do now. Crusher continues to look around in confusion. "Crusher confused. Why Snotlout leaving?" He asked as I softly smile at Crusher, even if the smile was strained. "I'll explain later, Crusher. I just… need to think for a bit." I walked away to gather my thoughts on what just happened.

I brushed some of bushes away to get pass to find Hookfang to say my goodbyes. Sharlene left me as I asked her which I was thankful for. Who knew a cold gaze scary woman like her would be understanding. She did told me that she is staying close enough to intervene in case that Flamemonger shows up. Man, hearing what Tyse said on what he's going to do to the others made me want to hit something in rage. I mean, I'm not the best man as much as I make myself to be, but I wouldn't dare consort or even relate to a monster that would rape.

"Hello, Hookfang? Ember? I've come to say goodbye." I called out as I reached the cave where the two are, looking around before gasping seeing Hookfang injured. "Hookfang?" I yelled in concern, running up to him. He was covered in blood and scrach marks all over him. Suddenly Ember comes out of the cave in worry as she holds her stomach. I angrily glared at her about to accuse her of her hurting Hookfang before remembering about Flamemonger. I ran past her, causing her to glare slightly, but upon seeing my worry for Hookfang, it lightens and she follows me to Hookfang. Just as I reached him, I heard a large roar and looked up as Ember growls, snarling as the dragon lands. "A Titan Wing Monstrous Nightmare?" Recognizing the dragon. It was large and had red and black scales. "Come on! Could this get any worse?" We were in trouble. Hookfang weakly stands up and gets in a fighting stance. The Titan Wing roared loudly as I backed away in fear. "Whoa. I'd stay away from that guy."

Hookfang roars back and charges causing me to run up next to Ember who growls. "Hookfang! What are you doing!?" I see the Titan Wing smirk and suddenly transforms into a large fit man and grabs Hookfang's horns and tosses him away into the ground. The Shifter turns to me and Ember and smirks evilly. "Flamemonger." I said in worry, backing up. This guy must be him. Flamemonger chuckles. "So you heard of me, human? I am flattered. I suppose Tyse told you all about me? And you must be Snotlout, correct?" I glanced around in worry. Where is Sharlene?! "No answer? Well it doesn't matter who you are. You'll be dead anyway. Once I kill you and this pathetic excuse of a dragon, I'll kill Sparker's hatchlings then I'll give her some new ones. Then I will kill your other friends and go after your female companions. Tyse was always a looker and that Sharlene female had that chilly atmosphere about her. I can't wait to change their expressions into ones of pleasure, begging me to breed them over and over again. And the female humans will be a delicious experience, especially that Astrid girl. I never broke and bred a human before. First time for everything, right?" He laughs darkly as I glared at him in rage and disgust as he describes what he's going to do to my friends. I pulled out my sword and aimed it at him. "You got to get past me first!" I yelled in anger as he laughs. "You? What are you going to do? You know what I am right?" He says arrogantly. "Yeah, I do! And I'm going to stick this right up where the sun doesn't shine!" I yelled as I charged.

Flamemonger smirks and casually swings his arm but I ducked and swings at his side, only for him to grab my blade and snap it in half. I look at my now useless sword before he grabs my throat and lifts me up to his face as I struggle to get out his grip. "Oh look at you. Such a cute expression. Choking and running out of breath. It would have been even better if you were a female." He mocks in laughter as I begin to lose consciousness.

Suddenly Flamemonger roars in pain, forcing him to let me go. I fell and land in Ember's arms as she hops back. She looks at me in concern before I noticed the blood on her claws and looked at Flamemonger. Flamemonger was looking at his side where a large bloody gash is beginning to heal. He looks at us in rage, more specifically at Ember. "You… YOU DIRTY LITTLE BREEDING EEL-EATER! I WAS GOING TO BE GENTLE TO YOU BUT NOW YOU EARNED YOURSELF AS BREEDING SLAVE ALONG WITH THE REST!" Flamemonger roars and charges at us causing me to scream in fear and hold Ember tightly before he suddenly tripped and roared in pain. I then noticed the familiar silver barbs in his legs. I know those barbs! Sharlene suddenly bursts out of the trees, a wrist blade out to stab into the Titan Shifter. I cheered for her before Flamemonger rolls away from the attack and rips the barbs out of his legs and pulls out a spear.

Flamemonger looks at Sharlene and slowly licks his lips in lust as Sharlene coldly stares at him with her wrists blades out. "Mmm. Sharlene Sharp. Seeing you up close is a better treat than afar. And that gaze of yours. Hehehehe. I can't wait to break you and turn you into my breeding slave." He growls lustfully. "You shame our holy mother with your disgusting desires. I am honored to take your life and leave your soul to the Realm of Curses where all evil dragons go for their eternal punishment." Sharlene coldly growled as Flamemonger roars and rushes at Sharlene. He swings his spear horizontally but Sharlene ducks underneath the attack on all fours and with a click, her tail separates from her back and swings it, sharpened spines spread out from her. I watch as the tail slices at the Titan Wing Shifter's chest, causing him to roar in pain before he thrusts his spear multiple times at Sharlene.

Sharlene dodges and blocks the weapon but one attack goes through her defenses and slices at her armored head, the contact sparking. The attack disordinate her, causing Flamemonger to used the blunt end of his spear to hit her in the gut causing her to gasp in pain. Flamemonger then grabs her armored helmet and slams her to the ground. Flamemonger laughs before screaming in pain as Sharlene lifts her wrists blades and shoots them at his shoulders. Still having a grip on Sharlene, Flamemonger glared in hatred and was about to slam her head into the ground again, only to feel the metal barbs in his shoulders to forcefully pull him away and slam him into the trees. Flamemonger continues to roar in pain as the barbs continue to move him and forcefully pull them out. Once out and in his hands, he roars in anger and pain as the barbs suddenly spiked up through his claws. He throws the barbs away only for the barbs to stop midair and come flying back! I turned to Sharlene and can see her moving her arms, directing the movement of the barbs. 'Didn't Matt say that Sharlene is capable of manipulating metal? That must be it!'

Flamemonger roars as he spews a large amount of flames, melting the barbs before they can touch him, before glaring in rage at Sharlene who puts a arm up and a coming motion. Flamemonger roars and shoots out his arm and unleashes a large wave of flames at Sharlene. Seeing this, Sharlene jumps into the air, above the flames only for Flamemonger to jump from the flames and smacks Sharlene away into the cliff, causing a large craft. She coughs out blood from her mask before Flamemonger slams into Sharlene and grabs her face and slams it into the wall.

"I am tired of this. Time to break you!" Flamemonger reaches out to Sharlene's armor who weakly glares at him. Flamemonger smiles lustfully before he here's a roar and turns and meets a multiple plasma blasts into his chest and pushes him away from Sharlene. He looks up in anger, just in time to see Hiccup and Toothless fly past. He growls in anger before he feels multiple spines hit his back and winces before he turns to see Astrid and Stormfly glaring at him. He smiles lustfully once seeing the females, before green smoke appears in his vision and he turns just to see Belch spark Barf's gas, causing an explosion to knock him away as the Twins laugh. Flamemonger growls and gets up before he gets hit by one of Meatlug's fire balls, burning him slightly. "Good job, Meatlug!" Fishlegs says proudly as Flamemonger seethes in pain and turns to kill the two before he hears a familiar screech and screams as his back is rapidly attacked by multiple slashes from Tyse's daggers and smacks her away, who lands her feet on the tree and launches herself back to Flamemonger.

Flamemonger thrust his spear at Tyse, but she suddenly dodges and slides underneath his legs. Flamemonger turns to attack only to meet Crusher's large hammer, who proceeded to launch him away. Flamemonger roars as his back meets a tree and he gets up to glare at the surrounding dragons and humans.

"Uh, took you long enough!" I complained as Ember helps Sharlene off the cliff and help support her up. Flamemonger looks around, glaring before he shifts into his dragon form and flies into the air. We watch as he disappears into the sky. "Well he won't be back for awhile." Astrid says as they dismount. "No, he will. He is only waiting to strike. He took a tactical retreat, seeing we surprised him." Tyse says as she walks over to Sharlene concerned. "Are you alright?"

Sharlene groans but nods, already healing from the damages Flamemonger inflicted upon her. "So we made Flamemonger back off. What now?" Snotlout asked. "We need to try to assert dominance over Flamemonger, that way he will leave Ember and the rest of us alone." Hiccup says but Tyse shakes her head. "I'm sorry, Hiccup. But Flamemonger is more likely to die than just leave us alone. He's a rapist and murderer. He needs to pay." "Indeed. I respect your pactism, Hiccup, but his living will only bring suffering to others if he fails against us." Sharlene says as cracks an arm back in place. "Come on you two, he's still a living being-" "Who will pay for his crimes, Hiccup. End of discussion." Sharlene growls coldly to Hiccup as Sharlene crosses her arms with a frown.

Fishlegs looks up and becomes nervous. "Uh, Tyse?" "Yes?" Tyse questioned, wondering what he want. "Remember when you said about Flamemonger coming back?" "Yes." Fishelg points up with a whimper as we look up and see Flamemonger flying above. We see his head look down at us and growled in anger. Hookfang and Ember growls in anger as the Shifters prepare their weapons. "Hookfang won't be able to take him out alone." Hiccup says as I look down in thought before I get an idea and mount Hookfang. "He won't be alone." I said as Astrid speaks. "Neither will you." "She is right. You and Hookfang won't be able to match Flamemonger's strength." Sharlene says as Crusher roars at Flamemonger. "We gotta do this ourselves." "Absolutely not! He will tear you up riders." Tyse says as I look at her. "You heard Hiccup. We need to assert dominance and the only way to do that is with Hookfang." "Angry man be crushed." Crusher crooned in worry. " He may be a shifter but he doesn't know that I have a plan to stop him." I said as I look up in determination.

"You cannot win. Not without help." I look to the side and see Ember approaching me and holding two capsule of somesort. I then noticed the slash on her wrist which the others noticed, the shifters and dragons widening their eyes. Tyse gasps, looking at Ember. "Are you sure, Ember?" "I am sure, Tyse. He cannot win without the blood." "Uh what is she talking about?" Tuffnut asked, confused. "Shifter Blood." Crusher says. "Once drunk, the blood will give Snotlout and Hookfang the power they need to defeat Flamemonger." Sharlene explains, her eyes never leaving Flamemonger's flying form above. "What power?" Fishelgs asked, excited about what the blood does. "Snotlout and Hookfang will become stronger and faster." "Stronger and faster? Let's go then!" I said, reaching for the capsules but Ember pulls back. "Oh what now?" I said, annoyed. "Shifter Blood is sacred to us. It is not about the power it holds, but the bond between human and dragon. You showed me that you are a friend of dragons. So please show my blood with respect." Ember says before handing the capsules to me and goes to the cave. "I will watch over her. May Noctis be with you, Snotlout." Tyse says before following Ember into the cave.

I looked at the capsules in determination before popping the two corks and put it over mine and Hookfang's mouths. "Let's do this." I poured the blood and we drank it before turning to my friends. "Whatever happens to us, promise me you'll protect those babies." "We will." Hiccup says as I nod and take off with Hookfang to fight Flamemonger. "What's this? Are you seriously attacking me without your friends." Flamemonger growls as I smirk. "Yep." Flamemonger growls in anger before spewing out flames. I turned Hookfang to the left to dodge the flames as Hookfang fires a ball of flames. Unexpectedly it impacts and launches Flamemonger away. "Whoa! Was that you Hookster?" I asked before noticing that I felt more focused and stronger. This must be the blood's doing!

Flamemonger roars and fires another flame but we dodged and I striked him in the face while we passed him. He roars in pain before it was interrupted by Hookfang's flames. I smirk as we dodged another flame. "You know for someone so big, you are so slow!" I mocked. "I'LL KILL YOU!" Flamemonger roared, swinging his tail. I screamed as the tail hit us and make us fall, but luckily we stop the descent and we look up to see Flamemonger diving at us. "This is going to hurt." I said nervously.

Suddenly a plasma blast hits Flamemonger and he spins from the impact and adjusted and looks. I look as well and gasp to see Matt flying in his dragon form! "Yeah! Way to go, Matt!" I cheered.

"So your Flamemonger? I have to say that I'm very ticked off that you would try to rape and kill my friends." I said with a glare as Flamemonger growls in anger. "I am going to kill you!" "Please, you're not the first nor last to try." I retorted just as Hookfang shoots a flame at Flamemonger's unprotected back. He roars in pain and turns to attack Snotlout and Hookfang but I dived at him and slashed him. He roars and attacks me but I dodged and slap him with my tail. He flames up, with the biggest flames I have seen on a Monstrous Nightmare as his anger grew. "Matt!" I turned to Snotlout who smiles at me." "Time to play Beat the Dome!"

I blinked in surprise before smirking. "Good idea!" I said, before dodging Flamemonger and hit him with a plasma blast and follow Snotlout. Watching us leave, Flamemonger widens his eyes in rage and fury. "GET BACK HERE!" He roars and chases after us. We go through the path where we usually race with Flamemonger following us. "All right, keeping coming, keep coming, keep coming." Snotlout whispers to himself, making sure Flamemonger was right behind us. I turned my head to him and blew a raspberry. "You too slow! You too slow!" I laughed as he blows a flame at me but I teleported away a few feet from where I was.

Flamemonger blows a flame at us but we dived into a waterfall where we know where a cave is. We took a short breath before looking at each other and nod before we burst out of the waterfall. "Woo-hoo!" "Yeah!" We cheered as Flamemonger roared in fury and continue chasing us. We took a tight turn between the cliff and we turned to see Flamemonger fail the turn. "You couldn't make that turn?" Snotlout mocked as I laugh.* "You're gonna hate this." I said as we dived into the trees with Flamemonger following. We weaved through the trees perfectly while Flamemonger couldn't help but roar in rage as he couldn't maneuver past the trees without hitting him. "STOP RUNNING AND DIE!"

As we continue flying I glance down and see Hiccup and the other, excluding Fishlegs and Tyse looking at us. I nod in confirmation at Hiccup to close the dome before slowing down and slap Flamemonger with my tail to keep his attention on us. "Come on! Are you so slow that your a Gronckle!?" I laughed as he roared and flame up, chasing us with new fury. "Yes, they got it!" Snotlout says, noticing the closing dome before looking to the side to see Flamemonger gaining on us. "Oh no." He says before we dived toward the columns of rocks, before entering the cave underneath the dome. We quickly flew up just as Flamemonger slams into the wall, pausing to get his bearings before following us up with a roar. He shoots his flame at us as we exit and dodged the flames. We land on the dome just as it was about to shut and smirk.

Flaemonger soons comes out with a growl before noticing that we weren't around. He looks around before he heard something wooshed by and looks where the sound came from only to find nothing. "WHERE ARE YOU!?" He roars in fury, rising up and makes a very loud roar. Hookfang crawled behind him on the walls and Snotlout smirked. "Got you! Ha!" He cheered as Hookfang blows fire at Flamemonger's back, causing him to roar in pain and turned only to find Snotlout and Hookfang gone. He roars in pain again as Hookfang blast another wave of flames at Flamemonger. "Great shot, Hookfang." Snotlout complimented as the two crawl away. Flamemonger roars in fury, shifting into his normal form and puts his hands out fire flames everywhere, but Hookfang and Snotlout dodged these attempts. Flamemonger was about to fire more flames, but was interrupted when I slashed at his back from behind.

He roars and turns to slash at me with his spear, but I deflected it right into the dome with Yolsilnah before breaking it in half with another slash. He looks at his spear in rage before tossing it aside and charges at me but I easily dodge underneath him and kicked his legs, making him slam into the dome. He roars in pain, covering his nose, before I hop on his back and stab his shoulder with my blade. He screams in pain and fury, flaming up but my scales protected me from the flames as I pushed deeper into his shoulder. He roars and grabs my arms and slams me into the dome. I yelped in pain before Snotlout suddenly appears by my side and slams his fist into Flamemonger's arm.

A loud crack was heard as I was dropped and Flamemonger holds his limb in pain. "AHHHHH! YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!" Flamemonger roared as he slams his other fist at Snotlout but he dodged to the side and lifts his leg and swings it right into Flamemogner's side, causing his ribs to break. Flamemonger backs off in pain before he gets struck from behind by Hookfang's fire. I rushed at Flamemonger and stabbed my sword into his leg, pinning him in place as he screams in fury. He attempts to remove it but stops with widen and panic eyes when he sees me and Snotlout running up at him with my right fist raised and Snotlout's left fist raised. "Sayonara big boy!" "Have a safe trip to la la land!" Snotlout and I yelled before we swung with all our might and our fists impacts his face and launch him into the dome with a large slam.

"Quick! Open the dome!" We heard Hiccup yell as the dome begins to open. The first they see is the unconscious body of Flamemonger with me, Snotlout and Hookfang right on top of him. "Now, that's what I call domination! Boom!" Snotlout says cockily as Hookfang roars. "Boom!" "You tell him, Fangster." Snotlout says proudly. I smiled before approaching the others with guilty frown. "Guys? I-I'm… I'm so sorry. I…" I was interrupted when Astrid hugs me. "It's okay, Matt. We forgive you." She says as Sharlene approaches. "We are glad that you safe and not corrupted." She says with a small smile. I looked at the others and see them nodding in agreement. I couldn't help but tear up before the groans of Flamemonger waking up, caused us to ready ourselves. He slowly gets up and looks around before growling at us and stands up, wobbly. "I… I am going to…" He coughs some blood out. "Going to what? You're not even capable of standing." I said with a smirk as he glares. "It's over, Flamemonger. Lay your head down and a quick painless death will be given unto you." Sharlene says coldly.

Flamemonger glances around before focusing on Astrid and smirked evilly. Seeing this we tensed as he speaks. "If I can't have any of you females, THEN I'LL KILL THIS ONE!" He roars, pouncing at Astrid as I jumped to protect her. Only for a chain made out of ethereal darkness suddenly wraps around Flamemonger and stops him in his tracks. We look up to see a black cloaked figure. We couldn't tell if it was a man or a woman, but we did know that he was a dragon of some sort with blacken scales. Next to him was a black portal which I couldn't help but back away a bit from the portal in instinct. This was copied by my friends. 'It's one of Noctis's wardens and judges. The Death Elite. They live in the Realm of Curses.' Wolf explained as I relayed the information to my friends.

"Flamemonger." The figure spoke in a raspy yet strong voice. It was dragonic but my human friends were able to understand them. "You have sinned against our most holy because of your dark desire. Now you shall be punished and shall suffer eternally in the Realm of Curses." More ethereal chains bursts out of the dark portal and wraps around Flamemonger, slowly pulling him as he claws the ground in panic. "No NO NO NO! PLEASE! I'M SORRY I'M SORRY! I PROMISE I WON'T DO IT AGAIN! JUST DON'T BRING ME THERE OF ALL PLACES!" Flamemonger begged, tears flowing down his face as he was already half dragged into the portal. The figure does not move nor show emotion, mainly because the face is only but a black void where the head was supposed to be. "You have been judged and must pay for your actions against our goddess and her children. May you forever suffer for your crimes." Flamemonger screams as his body is halfway into the portal and looks at us in panic and puts a hand up. "PLEASE HELP ME! I BEG OF YOU!

Neither did we help him nor say anything to him. We knew this is what he deserved. He eyes widen, realizing that we weren't going to help him. He screams one last time before he disappears into the Realm of Curses. The figure looks upon where Flamemonger once was before turning to us. I couldn't help but freeze when his gaze is on me. "You have done well in helping punishing Flamemonger. We will do the rest of it." He turns to the portal and was about to disappear into it before turning to us again. "Do not allow the Black Flame to win, Alpha Shifter. We would hate for you to spend in eternity in the Realm of Curses." He then turns to Snotlout who pales. "You have done well as well, human. A boon shall be given unto you by my goddess. You should feel honored." He tosses something to Snotlout who catches it before stepping into the portal and disappears, soon after the portal closes as well.

We stayed silent for a moment before looking at each other. "Well that wasn't creepy at all." Hiccup says sarcastically. "Well I think it was awesome!" "What a thrilling conclusion it was!" The Twins headbutted each other. Snotlout was looking at the item he was given and I took a look to see before smiling and put a hand on his shoulder. "You deserved it." I said with a smile before walking away. He smiles in thanks before putting the item away as the riders mount the dragon and me and the other shifters transform and head to where the others are.

We soon arrived at the cave, and upon seeing us, Fishlegs runs out with a excite smile. "Guys, look. They been born!" Everyone quickly rushed inside to see the babies besides me and Snotlout. "And to think I saved them." Snotlout says proudly with a smile before Hookfang glares at him and flames up in intimidation. "You mean 'WE', right!?" "Okay okay! We saved them. We saved them." Contented with that, Hookfang takes to the air and spins and flies around. "Snotlout, Hookfang! Oi! Oi! Oi!" He chants as I chuckle before going inside. I see everyone surrounding Ember who was holding three sleeping babies in her arms. I couldn't help but smile at the scene before noticing the Tuffnut and Ruffnut crying. "What's wrong with you two?" Hiccup asked. "Nothing." Ruffnut sniffles. "You just don't see enough happy endings these days." Tuffnut says, crying before cheering for Snotlout. "Snotlout! Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi!"

Ember looks at me with a smile. "Thank you, Alpha saved me and my children's life." I nod with a goofy grin. "Just doing what's right. And please, call me Nightshift." Ember smiles before looking at her sleeping children who are dreaming peacefully. "I shall name them after you, Nightshift As well as Snotlout and Hookfang. Our heroes." I couldn't help but touch my chest in emotional happiness. "I will be honored." "You sure, you want to name one of them after Snotlout?" Astrid joked, causing us to laugh. Yeah, things may have gone bad but in the end, we were victorious.

Almost an entire year since the last chapter was published. Jeez, my life is busy. It's a bit hard to write when you are tired from working and just trying to survive the weak. It doesn't help that my drive is low but I am determined to get through this series and the movies. Hope you enjoyed this chapter! NightshifttheDragonShifter out!