New friends could come from any place and at any time. That was what the Defender queen and Berserker chief realized. It had been a little while since the Riders had taken the Dragon Eye to Wingmaiden Island. Ever since then, the two leaders had been spending time together. Neither really expected the twins to be skilled at mediation, but their tasks had worked wonders for them. Though the Vikings had not necessarily disliked each other in the beginning, they disagreed so strongly that they doubted they would ever see eye to eye on even the simplest matters. Suddenly, they no longer felt that way. In fact, they agreed on many things like how fun it was to take out hunters together. The chief and queen were out again, riding on Sleuther's back and looking for any dragon hunters unlucky enough to be in their general vicinity.

"Found one," Dagur pointed out happily, gesturing down to an island.

A hunter ship was docked on the coast. Mala sat behind the young man with her arms on his shoulders. She peeked down at the ship, then looked around.

"This island seems far too large to have only one ship of hunters."

"Agreed. They probably have at least one on the other side that we can't see. Strykie, let's check."

Obliging the request, the Triple Stryke began flying to see if their guess was accurate. Proudly, the two Vikings saw that it was.

"Aren't we a brilliant pair?" Dagur asked, puffing up.

"I must concur."

"Since there are less hunters on the other ship, want to take them out first?"

When Mala nodded, they flew to the other side of the island. A dozen hunters were on the vessel. Sleuther wasted no time in blasting fire at them. One went to jump into the sea but was hit by a stinger, injecting him with poison. The man still fell into the water, but he did not resurface. Another hunter shot an arrow at Sleuther, but Dagur caught it and Mala sliced a different one in half with her sword. The Berserker took one of his many daggers and threw it into the hunter's forehead. Instinctively, he glanced back at the queen afterwards. The Berkians did not like for him to kill while they were around him, but Mala did not mind. She was just as ruthless as he was. The queen liked how good his aim was and how he did not hesitate to take down a foe. For a moment, she felt strange, but she pushed down these thoughts and refocused. When they flew close to the ground and two more hunters, she drew her sword again and slit their throats. Dagur watched with intrigue, liking the sight of her with that bloodstained weapon.

"Cool," he awed.

"Your kill was too," she complimented.

He grinned at that and they quickly got rid of the rest of the hunters. They did not know how many were on the island, but they knew that the other ship was larger.

"Want to fight in the air or on the ground?" Dagur asked.

"Maybe we should have our battle on the ground this time. Since there are so many hunters, it could be difficult to ensure Sleuther does not get shot with an arrow."

"Good point. All right. You heard the queen, Strykie. Let's land. I'll call for you if we need some help."

The Triple Stryke made a small roar of understanding and let the two riders off his back, then hid. They excitedly entered the forest. Mala kept glancing at Dagur. He was not like the Berkians. When they had entered Caldera Cay, it was simple to find them. He was not even like his sister. It had been easy to find her as well. They all lacked stealth skills. Stealth was something that had been part of Defender training and lifestyle for longer than Mala had been alive. It caused a unique feeling in the queen to be able to hide in the trees and travel the land with someone outside of the kingdom who could keep up with her. She found herself wondering if her warriors would have spotted Dagur had he been there that day. Maybe she would ask him to sneak onto the island out of sheer curiosity.

When the first hunters were seen, Mala moved quickly. They barely had time to register the danger they were in before their entrails were spilled with a clean slice. Dagur's breaths became deeper as he observed her actions. He felt frozen in place, watching the queen's lethal grace. Then, he joined her with a smirk on his face.

"I thought we were doing this together?"

"There are more hunters," Mala said, a mischievous look in her eyes. "Of course, I might attack them first as well."

Dagur let out a quieter version of his usual laugh and shook his head. "Nope. I'm going to get them. You just watch. It's a competition now and I don't like losing."

Mala smiled as he disappeared into the forest. He snuck around, following footprints that the hunters left. When he spotted someone, he came up from behind and snapped his neck. The hunter lacked time to call out for help. His comrades did not even know that he was dead. They were not made aware of that fact before a knife was dug into the backs of their necks, digging deeply and going to the front to let them bleed out.

The Berserker loved doing that. Some of him was concerned he would do that when his new friends could see, but it felt great to have this with Mala. Finally, someone he could kill with and not be deemed scary or evil. The leaders continued their competition until the last hunters were in the middle of the island. This is where the duo met again. Mala plunged her sword into a hunter's heart and Dagur gutted one with his ax. Without any more enemies, the pair walked towards each other.

"What's your count?" the chief asked.

"Twelve. Yours?"

"Twelve."

"You are being dishonest," the queen said, trying to not let a smile reveal how she was teasing.

"I think you're just upset that you didn't win," he retorted, grinning happily.

"You did not win either."

"That just depends on your definition of winning. I got to kill bad guys with you. That's a win in my book."

Mala stepped over to him, a curious expression on her face. "Why is my involvement specified?"

"Because you're fun."

"I am?"

"Extremely."

"I would say you are as well. I like how you fight."

"You've got some nice moves too."

The two of them got closer to each other, then they stopped. There was that odd feeling again. Mala's heart was fluttering and she could feel heat in her cheeks. Dagur felt the same in his face and they both turned away from each other simultaneously. The Berserker tried to think of something to say, but he could not. It was so rare that he was speechless, but there was something about the Defender which could make him be at a loss for words. The only other time this had happened to him was right after he caught her in the trust fall. He did not understand why.

"Want to head back?" he wound up asking.

"That would be fine."

Dagur whistled to signal the Triple Strike, and the dragon appeared. The duo got on his back again, flying towards Defenders of the Wing Island. They flew in silence for a few minutes. Suddenly, Sleuther sped up his pace and began flying upwards. Mala's eyes widened, feeling how she was starting to slide. Before she got far, a hand reached back to her waist and pulled her forward.

"You okay?" Dagur asked, looking over his shoulder.

Mala nodded. "Yes, thank you."

"No problem." The Berserker frowned at the dragon. "What was that for, Strykie? She could've fallen. Why would–"

Dagur stopped talking as Mala wrapped her arms around him. This was a far more secure way of sitting than having her hands on his shoulders. It also was a little nice.

"Would you mind if I rode like this?" she asked.

Her voice seemed shy, something Dagur would not normally associate with the queen. He wanted to offer her some comfort and quickly assure her that there was no reason to be bashful.

"N-not at all," he answered, silently cursing himself for the stammer. He cleared his throat and tried talking again. "You're okay. I don't mind. I prefer it…since it's safer," he added quickly.

The Berserker gave her a nervous smile, then turned his head to face where they were headed again. He could have sworn he heard Sleuther chuckling. Mental note: he would have to make the dragon do extra training for this. Mala had a small smile on her face and thought that she saw red on his ears. Having a feeling that she could see, Dagur tried to draw her attention to something else.

"So, being a queen…like it?"

"Most of the time."

"When don't you?"

"It can be stressful to be the one who always needs to have the answer. Everyone relies on me. If I do not know what to do, their well-being could be compromised."

"I can help you come up with ideas when you're struggling to think up some."

Mala looked at him curiously. "You would?"

"Sure! I love coming up with stuff. I get how it is to have Vikings rely on you."

"That is true, so I can return your question to you. What do you think of being chief?"

"I love it," he responded immediately.

"I did not expect such conviction."

Dagur laughed at the surprise he heard. "What can I say, it's what I've always wanted. Ever since I learned what being a chief was, I couldn't wait until I was one."

"Have you been chief for a while?"

"It's almost been four years now."

"Only three?"

"Well, I wasn't supposed to be one as soon as I was."

"Was the coronation nice?"

"Not really. It wasn't so much a coronation as it was me getting my tattoos and barking orders at everyone. I wasn't sure what I'd think of the look, but I've gotten used to it now."

"I think it is handsome."

Mala felt herself blushing again. Why had she said that? It was true that she did, but she had no intention of admitting that. She just hoped that she had said it quieter than the wind so that Dagur did not hear her.

"Thanks!"

So much for not being heard, but his smile made her feel less embarrassed.

"What about you? How long have you been queen?"

"It has been almost nine years now."

Dagur's eyes widened. "Woah. You've got a lot more experience in it than I do then. That's cool. I might ask you for some ideas too if you're cool with it."

"It would be my pleasure." Mala paused, thinking of the duration of their reigns. "I hope this question is not too personal, but how old were you when you received the throne?"

"I don't think it is. Eighteen. What about you?"

"I was twenty. It is customary for rulers of my home to be crowned then since they are no longer viewed as adolescents."

A devious smile crossed Dagur's face and Mala could see it from behind him.

"Am I going to regret telling you that?" she asked, half-concerned and half-intrigued.

"Not at all. I just was thinking that if you were twenty almost nine years ago, I know what I'll get you for your next birthday. A walking stick. You'll be needing it soon."

Mala gave him a light shove, making him laugh again. This time, she laughed as well.

"You've got a really pretty laugh," he complimented, grinning.

The Berserker's eyes widened as he saw her surprised expression. He hoped that he had not made her feel weird.

"Thank you," she told him.

Dagur began grinning once more. They started talking again and did not stop until they reached the island. Once there, Mala dismounted. She sadly looked towards the kingdom, then back at Dagur. She could see sadness in his eyes as well.

"Would you like a tour of the island? Last time, you came here only to discuss the Dragon Eye. I would love to show you more of my home."

Eagerly, Dagur got off Sleuther's back. "I'd love a tour!"

The two of them began walking through the island. Dagur saw the dragon healing center and the area for the warriors to train.

"What are those for?" the guest inquired, pointing to some coals on the ground.

"They are part of the Defenders of the Wing king trials."

"I think I've heard a little about those. So, you have the guy walk on coals to prove he can lead? He might just be a muttonhead."

"True, but it is less to prove him capable of leading than it is to prove that he has a determined spirit. Our trials require wit in other areas."

"That's cool then." Dagur's eyes moved towards the center of the island. "That volcano's still freaking me out if I'm being honest."

"As accustomed to it as I am, I cannot say that I do not understand your hesitation," Mala admitted, chuckling before she paused. "Maybe I could visit your home one day."

"That day could be soon. Really soon. Want to go tomorrow?"

"I would enjoy that a lot."

"Cool! I'll come pick you up in the morning."

Mala smiled again as her friend hopped onto Sleuther's back and flew to Berserker Island. The queen had not ventured far from her home, so she was excited to see the new land. When Dagur arrived the next day, Mala was waiting excitedly. The chief got down from the dragon to greet her.

"Ready, Malapoo?"

She was about to confirm that she was when she raised an eyebrow. "Is that your nickname for me?"

"I thought it was fun. I don't have to use it."

"No, I also like it. Please, continue."

"Great!"

Without considering what he was doing, Dagur picked up the Defender and set her down on the dragon. After she was there, he realized what he had done.

"My bad. I just…uh, off to Berserker Island then?" he asked, laughing anxiously.

Mala calmed him with a hand on his arm. It sent a little chill down his spine and he took a deep breath. They took to the sky and like before, began talking.

"You're a lot more violent than the Berkians, but I think it's fun that you are," Dagur mentioned. "Do you kill a lot of people?"

"I do not if I do not have to…or if I do not want to. I will admit that I was planning on killing Hiccup Haddock prior to our alliance."

"Me too!" the chief exclaimed. "I really didn't think that'd be something we'd have in common. Neat. I wonder why he didn't mention it. Were you going to kill the others too?"

Mala became pensive. "I suppose if it had been revealed that they all were plotting against my home."

"Yeah, you're definitely cut from the same ruthless cloth I was. I like that about you. I can't kill when the Riders are around. They get squeamish on me. Mostly my brother and Fishlegs, but Astrid gives me some weird looks too. I think if I went on a mission with just Snotlout–don't let him know I said his name the right way–and the twins, they'd be cool with more brutality. I wonder why you're different."

"It is just part of my culture. We do not believe in leaving enemies to return stronger than before. It does not make sense. If you have the chance to take out your opponent, take it."

"Exactly! We're actually a lot alike." He hesitated. "I hope you don't take that as an insult. I don't mean it as one."

"I do not."

Dagur smiled brightly at her, making a warmth in her chest grow. She found that sensation to be odd, but they kept talking until landing by the stables. Dagur managed to restrain himself from picking up the queen again. She noticed his hesitation and offered her hand for him to take. Cheerfully, he did and helped her get off the dragon.

"Where will you take me first?" she asked.

"The armory! Gotta start with weapons. If you see something you like, you can take it back with you."

Still holding Mala's hand, Dagur hurriedly led the Defender to the location. She found his excitement uncommon, but she also found it equally fun. As he laughed, she could not stop herself from doing the same. The Berserker was contagious. His laughter, his smile, his excitement–it all spread to the queen and that was something she had never experienced. Dagur proudly showed off the weapons they had before taking her to the libraries and by the huts. When this was done, they went to the training area.

"I think this is just about everything. The rest isn't too fun. It's just the docks."

"I really enjoyed the tour," Mala told him.

"I was hoping you would."

Dagur tilted his head as he heard a new sound. Some Berserkers were playing music. It was a slow song. He would not have expected the usually calm people to play anything else unless prompted, but the chief had to admit that it was pretty.

"Do you dance?" he suddenly asked before he could stop himself.

"What type of dance?"

"Any, but I guess I'm wondering if you'd be able to dance to this song with me."

The redhead decided that he had already asked, so he might as well continue. The worst answer he would receive was a no. It would just mean that he would not dance with her which was already what would have been the outcome without the question. Mala glanced at the training area, then the Berserker.

"I would."

Smiling, Dagur went over to her, holding her right hand. She put her left hand on his shoulder and his other hand went to her waist. With the music, they began stepping from side-to-side. Then, Mala walked backwards with Dagur as he went forward and they switched direction. Their movements were curious and meek, trying to get used to the feeling of dancing as a pair. It was a unique experience. Mala had seen her parents do this, so she knew what to do, but she had never done it personally. Dagur had seen some Berserkers do it, but he also had no experience. So, they learned together. They were conscious of each other and did not step on the other Viking's feet. After a little bit, they relaxed. It was no longer feeling so odd.

Mala got bolder and stepped closer to Dagur as she danced. He got the hint and pulled her more to him. The sides of their faces were touching and they noticed that the music was getting faster. That was fine because they could adjust. They made circles as they waltzed, then Dagur twirled Mala before bringing her back over to him. For a moment, their hands separated. When they did, the blonde stepped on the beat around the Berserker, trailing her right hand along his shoulders. She stopped and her feet were soon no longer on the ground. He had lifted her again, this time in a bridal position as the music continued to build. The pair did another turn, then Dagur dipped Mala just as the music came to an end. Her left leg was slightly in the air, making the dip more graceful and the Berserker's arms were around her. Mala looked up at him, taking deep breaths for reasons beyond just having done the exercise. Their faces were close and they looked into each other's eyes.

The queen's gaze trailed along the Berserker's expression and features. Her breath kept becoming faster even though it should have begun to calm down. Shocked, she felt warmth and a pulsating sensation between her legs. Still, she was not yet ready to end this embrace as those muscular arms were holding her. Dagur was looking at her too and lifted a hand to move a strand of hair out of her face. His heartbeat was quickening. He did not want to end the embrace either, but he suddenly turned bright red. Mala felt something pressing against her leg and Dagur pulled her upright before spinning around, cursing under his breath.

"Sorry!" he apologized, not daring to look at her again.

Their dance had been nice. It had been more than that. It had been arousing to hold the queen so close to him.

"I guess I shouldn't dance too much," the Berserker said, forcing a laugh to cover up his embarrassment. "Of course, it's not like this happens every time…and I'm making it worse by saying more. Can we forget this happened?"

Mala was quiet for a moment, then spoke. "I liked our dance. I am glad that you did as well."

Dagur half-turned to her. "Not as much as I like you." His eyes widened and he facepalmed. "Gods, why can't I stop talking?! Okay, well since silence clearly isn't working, let me just lean into it," he said, angry with himself.

The Berserker paced, still unsure if he was going to say more or not. He had said too much already. What harm would more do? The damage had been done.

"I like you, Mala," he admitted. "I've never been into anyone before, but I really like you. You're so cool and ruthless and smart and fearless and classy. And sexy. Thor, you're sexy."

A dreamy smile was on his face, but it faded as he thought more of what he had said.

"I've been feeling this way for a little while now, but I didn't want to make things weird…which I just did, so I can definitely understand if you don't want to hang out anymore. I just hope you know how much I've enjoyed our time hanging out together even if today was the last one we'll have."

Mala blinked at him, registering what he had said. Gradually, she began to smile.

"I have been feeling the same way about you," she divulged, causing the chief's jaw to drop.

"Really?"

"Really," she answered, chuckling a little as she felt her face heat up. "I like how unique you are with your mind and personality, you are extremely fun to be around, I respect the positive changes you are making in your life, and…I find you incredibly sexy as well. Like you, I was worried what would happen if I acted on these feelings."

A smile grew on Dagur's face. "So, since we like each other…a lot, want to go on a date this week?"

Mala had an intrigued look on her face. "Where would you like to go?"

"With you, anywhere, but since we need a destination, how about exploring some new areas for dragons? We can try to see if any of them need our help."

"I love the sound of that."

"I hoped you would! Then, it's a date."

"That it is."

They embraced and Mala could feel that pulsing again while Dagur could feel blood flowing away from his face. They ended the hug sheepishly. That would still take some getting used to, but they knew they would have time to get familiar with these feelings.