The group soars above the clouds as they travel back to Wyre island. Stinger looks around as he shifts side to side on Niether's back. Snips and Spine fly side by side next to Niether's right. Mulic flies on his left, with Leafwisp beside him.
Raincutter flies above them, looking around at the sight. Windshear is behind Niether, but she flies forward as Mulic moves to the side.
"Is your mornings always so chaotic?" Heather calls out.
"For the most part, yeah." Rocky's teal eye looks over to her. "But, I normally don't have such good company." he then gets whipped by Niether's ear nub. "OW!"
Heather chuckles as Windshear flies slightly closer. "I don't know many people who have such close bonds to their dragons."
Rocky chuckles as he rubs Niether's back. "Yeah, the two of us are inseparable. But I would say the same for the other dragons here." He looks at the rest of his friends. "We may have not all started on the right foot, but we all have a mutual understanding."
The others let out soft rumbles, but Mulic who just huffs. Heather glances at all the dragons.
"I think you'd get along great with my friends at Berk."
"I tend to get along with people who are not trying to kill me." Rocky then grows lost in though. 'Berk? I wonder is she knows Hiccup and the others.'
Stinger lets out a grumble as his stomach rumbles. Rocky glances back and rubs his head.
"No worry, we're almost back."
The dragons speed up as the soon arrive back at Wyre Island. They land on the beach, and Rocky slides off Niether, before holding his hands out. Stinger jumps into his arms as he barks. Rocky chuckles as he sets him down, and he takes off running down the beach.
Rocky turns to Nieither. "Think you can get some fish?"
Niether rolls his eyes. "Can't believe I'm playing baby sitter."
Niether flies off, as Heather walks up to him.
"What's he off to do?" Heather puts a hand on her hip.
"Gotta get some food for Stinger." Rocky says as said dragons runs past him, and around Mulic.
Mulic roars at the Speed Stinger, making it run away. The Monstrous Nightmare takes off to the sky and flies further inland. Spine and Snips run inland, squawking. Leafwisp goes invisible as he slithers away.
Raincutter chirps as she walks over to Rocky and Heather. Rocky smiles as he holds his hands up and she lowers her head, allowing him to pet her. Heather looks over Raincutter, walking around the large dragon.
"I've never seen this kind of dragon before, what is she?" Heather asks as she runs a hand over the dragons wings.
Windshear walks over and sits beside Raincutter. Raincutter turns to the dragon and lets out a small roar. Windshear smiles as she roars in response.
"A Stormcutter." Rocky pats Raincutter on the chest, before taking a step back. "A powerful dragon, a fairly rare dragon. Only a few have ever been spotted in the Archipelago. I'm rather happy she decided to work with me."
Raincutter lets out a purr as she turns her head to him. Then she spins her head around, like an owl, and looks at Heather beside her. Heather tilts her head, and Raincutter mimics her.
Heather chuckles as she tilts her head the other way, and Raincutter mimics her again. Suddenly Niether lands beside them with a loud thud. He then drops several fish on the ground, and Stinger zips over and quickly starts eating.
Niether lets out a rumble as he shifts and pads at the ground, before sitting on his hunches. Heather walks around Raincutter and steps over to Windshear.
"So what are you gonna do now?" Heather questions as she rubs Windshear on the neck.
Rocky hums as he looks over to the sun, seeing it nearly at its high points. "Well, now is usually training time, but I think the others aren't up for it."
"So, you're gonna need some help?" Heather questions as she walks over to him.
"Well, if you're offering."
Rocky puts a hand on his sword and Heather gets ready to grab her axe. Stinger looks over and tilts his head.
A few minutes later, Rocky leans back as Heather's axe flies right above him. He quickly flips his sword up and blocks another attack. He then lunges forward as he swings his sword at Heather, and she spins her axe, parrying the attack.
Above them, Windshear fires a bright blue fire blast, and Niether flips around, avoiding the attack. He then fires a Power Shot, and Windshear dives down, avoiding it.
Stinger hops from foot to foot, roaring. While Raincutter sits beside him, calmly watching. A few moments later, Rocky lands on the ground with a hard thud. And he lets out a groan as he shifts, and slowly stands up.
"Well, you clearly have more experience then me." Rocky coughs a few times as sweat falls from his head.
Heather folds her axe and sets it on her back. "Well, I've been fighting for years. You know, for your build and looks, I expected you to be better." She motions to his slightly muscular arms and the scar over his closed left eye.
"Well, you shouldn't expect too much from me." Rocky sheathes his sword as he puts his hands on his side as he lets out a breath.
Suddenly Niether and Windshear land beside them, and the dragons walk up to their riders. Niether lightly pokes Rocky with a claw, and he nearly falls over.
"You look like a twig could push you over."
"Well, some of us aren't a muscular dragon." Rocky flicks him in the nose.
"So." Heather walks over with Windshear right behind her. "I want to ask, if Niether here some kind of Night Fury? He looks so much like one of seen, just, about double the size and purple."
"Well, from what I've been told, he sorta like a Night Fury." Rocky scratches Niether's chin and his hind leg start hitting the ground. "But you know, not so stealthy, but just as powerful."
Rocky stops scratching Niether, making him grumble. Suddenly Stinger shoots up towards him and roars. Rocky kneels down and pats the dragon on the head.
Then a loud growl rings out and everyone looks to Heather, and she slightly blushes. She hugs her stomach as she gives a nervous smile.
"So... what's for lunch?"
Rocky looks at Niether, who rolls his head with a grumble.
A little bit later, Heather, Rocky, Niether and Windshear are on the beach. Heather and Rocky sit at a purple and blue campfire, as they hand some fish over the fire. Off to the side Windshear and Niether eat at a pile of fish.
A few seconds later Stinger runs past them, roaring. Then Raincutter runs past chasing after him.
"This child has too much energy!" Raincutter complains as she roars.
Heather watches the two dragons pass, then looks up as she sees several Nadders fly above them.
"This place is very lively." Heather comments as she spins her fish.
"You haven't seen the half of it." Rocky then motions out to Mutton and Poultry islands. "Those two are part of the Dragon Isle chain, and they have lots of dragons as well. Besides, there are more dragons here you haven't seen on Wyre island. Like Hobblegrunts, Scauldrons, a few Raincutters, a Thunderdrum and a Whispering Death."
"You tamed a Whispering Death?" Heather looks at him in surpise.
"Tame is rather a big word for him, more like he tolerates us. Until we make too much noise, and then he chases us across the island."
"You live an interesting life." Heather removes her fish from the fire and brings it to her mouth, and takes a large bit. She then hums as she munches on it.
"I... I guess I do." Rocky smiles as he starts eating his fish.
Heather then gives him a side glance. "So, what did you do before coming here?"
Rocky thinks for a moment. "I don't... exactly remember."
Heather hums in question, and Rocky continues.
"Well, funny enough, me and Niether there actually tried killing each other, that's how we got our scars. But I hit my head so hard, that I don't exactly remember much."
"Wait, you two tried to kill each other?" Heather asks in shock.
"Surprised huh. I don't know why I was, but right now. We are just two best friends living our best life."
Rocky continues eating with a smile.
"Do you plan to leave the Dragon isles?" Heather asks.
Rocky glances at her with a raised eyebrow. "You ask a lot of questions."
"Sorry, you're just a very mysterious person."
"Well, maybe I want to be mysterious."
Heather smirks at him. "Good, I like people who are mysterious."
Rocky stops mid-bite and grows a small blush. He then clears his throat.
"Well, I can't leave the dragon Isles right now, not with Sigewuld around." Rocky takes a bite of his fish. "But how long do you plan to stay around?"
Heather thinks for a moment. "Probably a few days, I want to give Windshear some rest from the long trips. We've been traveling all over the Archipelago over the past year."
"What for?" Rocky finishes eating his fish.
"To find the man that killed my parents." Heather growls in anger.
Rocky blinks a few times, and clears his throat. "Anyways, if you're staying, would you mind help with patrols?"
Heather glances at him, then smiles. "Yeah, that sounds nice."
A few hours later, the two are flying on the dragons, just below the clouds. The two fly in silence as the setting sun casts its warm glow over the sea, making it look like a orange jewel. The only sound is the flapping of Windshear's wings.
"This is really beautiful." Heather looks out to the ocean.
Rocky looks to the side and sees the sun casting a glow on Heather, giving her an ethereal look. Rocky's eye shine as he stare at her, awe struck. She then looks over to him and he quickly looks away.
"I can definitely see why you cherish this place."
"Yeah, its uh-" Rocky coughs into his hand as he looks back over to Heather. "-very nice."
Heather chuckles as his awkwardness. Windshear and Niether look up at their riders, before looking at each other.
"Humans, right." Niether lets out a rumble.
"Indeed." Windshear nods.
Rocky light taps Niether on the head. "Be nice."
Niether rills his eyes, before suddenly tucking his wings in, and takes a nose dive towards the ocean. Rocky screams as they fall at high speeds.
"Niether! NIETHER!" Rocky screams as he tries to pull up on Niether's neck.
Niether then throws his wings out right before they hit the ocean, and they soar back up high into the sky. Rocky lays against Niether's back, his soul practically leaving his body. Heather chuckles as she leans down to Windshear and whispers.
"They are unique, aren't they."
Windshear lets out a soft roar in agreement. Rocky then shoots up and yells at Niether.
"What the heck was that?!"
Niether lets out a rumble as he doesn't respond. Rocky lets out an annoyed sound.
"Thank you for nothing, you useless reptile."
Heather chuckles off to the side, and Rocky glances over to her. Rocky then lets off a slight chuckle, before laughing as well.
The two then fly in silence as their dragons take fly off into the distance.
A few hours later, the group is back at Wyre island, Heather and Rocky are sitting outside the cave with a campfire in front of them. Rocky has his new map on the ground as he draws on it, while explaining stuff on it. Off to the side Windshear and Niether sit together as they watch the two.
As Rocky explains, he suddenly sees Heather drawing at the top of the map, drawing several islands in great detail. Then she writes the names next to the islands. She drew Berk, Outcast Island, Berserker Island; along with several other islands.
Rocky smiles as he and Heather continue filling out the map. Niether just heads into the cave and goes to his slab. Windshear lays down near the campfire and tries to sleep.
The next morning, Rocky is showing Heather some foraging tips for herbs. Then she shows him how to properly hunt a boar without a dragon. Then when the afternoon arrives, the two are training with the dragons.
Rocky ends up getting stung by Stinger, paralyzing his bottom half and causing him to faceplant the ground. The other dragons panic as Stinger panics as well. Heather sighs as she shakes her head.
That night Heather and Rocky are on patrol again, just the two of them. Then when night arrives, they're back at updating Rocky's large map.
Meanwhile at the Vanquish Fleet. Several ships dock at the island, carrying large stacks of lumber. Half the island is under construction, as Julvig walks through it all. Before walking into a large tent.
Inside Sigewulf leans over Rocky's old map, as he places pieces of Maces and Talons on it. The Accomplice and Dragon are on Wyre island, as usual. Sigeuwlf hums as he moves some Hunter pieces around, before shaking his head and moving them back.
"Sir." Julvig stands at attention.
Sigewuld glances up as he smirks. "Ah, Julvig, how can I help you?"
"Uh, sir, your brother has sent a letter, requesting a response on our operations."
Sigewulf's smirk faulters, before he puts his hands behind his back. "Just tell them, things are moving as expected, just some minor complications."
Julvig then gulps. "He also wants to know why you haven't dealt with the boy and his dragon."
Sigewulf clenches his hands behind his back. "I'm getting to it. Tell him to have the patience he claims he has!"
Julvig nods as he turns around and exits the tent. Sigewulf slams his hands on the table as he growls in anger.
"Can't Viggo just let me work in piece, I'm doing more then he has in the past years!" Sigewulf glances to the side in anger, but then he gets an idea.
He smirks as he turns back to the back and grabs a few Hunter pieces. He then places a couple Hunter Pieces in the ocean near the edge of the large circle around the dragon Isles. He smirks evilly as he chuckles.
"Set the bait, and he'll trigger the trap." Sigewulf rubs his chin as he looks down at Rocky's old map. "How will you react to this, Young Dragon Rider..."
Sigewulf chuckles as he leans over the table, his eyes hold a glint of greed.
The next morning, Rocky and Heather are eating some roasted chicken. While Niether, Windshear and Snips run around chasing each other in the background. Rocky moans in delight.
"Oh, I love chicken."
"I just wish we had some seasoning." Heather lightly complains as he bites into it.
"Ugh, I haven't had something that wasn't plain in forever!" Rocky bites into the chicken again. "I wish I had some spices, that would be amazing."
"You could fly to Berk, and buy some spices."
Rocky shakes his head. "That would take days to get there, and there is no guarantee that I could even afford the spices. I can't leave these Islands for too long, not with the Hunters roaming about."
"I guess that's fair."
Suddenly a red Terrible Terror flies in and lands beside them.
"Sven?" Rocky questions.
"Hunters! Hunters spotted at a Relic isle!"
Rocky glances over to Niether who bounds over, and quickly explains.
"Hunters?" Heather questions.
Rocky stands up as he nods and bites into his chicken one last time. Before he throws it to the side, and Stringer zips in and catches it out of the air. Rocky and Heather climb onto their dragons, before Rocky gives out a low pitched whistle, that then goes high.
Niether and Windshear fly up into the sky, as Mulic, Spine, Snips, Mulic and Leafwisp all gather up.
"What's it this time?" Mulic complains.
"Hunters at the Relic Isle." Rocky calls out.
"Really, that's a resting grounds!" Spine growls in anger.
"I'm gonna burn all their ships to ash!" Mulic growls loudly.
"They don't see very happy." Heather points out.
"Relic Isle is a resting place for the dragons of Dragon Isles." Rocky informs.
"That's a new low." Heather frowns.
"Yeah, let's get moving!"
The dragons speed off into the distance.
An hour later they arrive at a tall island, that slopes on one side. A massive waterfall hangs from the edge of the tall slope.
The gang notices that there are no ships.
"Where are they?" Rocky questions.
"Maybe on the other side of the island." Heather calls out.
Rocky hums before looking at his dragons. "Alight everyone, we're splitting up. Heater, Snips and I will go around the right side. Mulic, Spine and Raincutter go around the left. Leafwisp go over it. If there are Hunter ships, we'll hit them from all sides!"
The dragons all roar, and everyone flies off to their designated targets. Snips squawks as she flies right behind Heather and Niether.
"I'm rather angry, this is a place for peace. It may not be Vanaheim, but it's still a resting place!" Snips growls in anger.
"I know your angry, Snips, you have the right to be, but keep your head level." Rocky calls out.
The three grow near the island as they swerve towards the right side.
"Let's destroy these ships, and head back." Rocky calls out.
"Simple plan, I like it." Heather laughs. "But I wonder how many ships-"
The three turn around the side of the island, and come across ten Hunter ships lying in wait.
"-THEIR ARE!" Heather yells in shock. "Windshear climb!"
"Niether, Snips, CLIMB!" Rocky yells.
Arrows fly at them as rocks from catapults get launched. The dragons dive towards the air as they avoid the arrows and rocks.
"That's a lot of ships!" Rocky exclaims.
"This is very dangerous." Heather points out.
"Let's get 'em! Let's get 'em!" Snips roars.
Suddenly a loud explosion echoes from the other side of the fleet, as the other team begins their attack.
"Crap, Heater we can't let the other's get capture!" Rocky shouts as he looks to her.
"I'm with you." Heather looks at her dragon. "You ready, girl?"
Windshear lets out a determined nod. All three dragons then dive out of the air. A low pitched but loud rumbling fills the air, as Niether fires several Power Shots down at the ships.
The bows of several ships blow up, and the ships start sinking. Archers around the rest of the ships prepare to fire at them, but the two Nadders use their spines to take them out. Windshear speeds forward and she cuts through the masts of several ships, causing them to fall over.
A catapult prepares to fire up at Mulic, who breathes a large stream of fire down at the ships. But the Hunter operating it is suddenly lifted up, as Leafwisp appears beside him. The Hunter screams in panic as Leafwisp roars at him.
Raincutter roars as she grabs onto the mast of a ship, and crushes it with her claws. Then she breathes fire down at the ship. Mulic soars past her, one fire as he slams onto the deck of a ship and roars loudly. He swings his tail, knocking several under off the ship.
Snips and Spine fly past several ships as they fire their spines at several Archers they run onto the deck. Then a low pitched but loud rumbling fills the air as a pair of Power Shots fly out and strike the side of a pair of ships, causing them to list and take on water.
Niether then takes a wide turn as Rocky pats him on the neck.
"One last shot, make it count." Rocky informs him.
Niether gives him low rumbling as he speeds across the water. Arrows streak past them, but they continue on course for the burning fleet.
Niether then fires off a Power Beam, hitting the bottom of a ship, causing it to tip to the side and ramp against the side of another ship. Rocky chuckles as they zip past. Niether smacks his lips as they take a long turn.
"Alright, Niether, we gotta do hit and run tactics now." Rocky pats his dragon on the neck. "There's only a couple ships left, so we got this."
Niether lets out a low rumble as they speed back towards the ships. They shot past a ship, with Niether hitting a few Hunters in the head with his paws. Rocky laughs as he points back at the ship.
"Dumb dumbs!"
On one of the remaining ships, an injured Archer grabs his bow and a regular arrow. He grunts as he pulls the arrow back and aims it up at Niether and Rocky as they pass. He then takes a breath and lets the arrow fly.
The arrow streaks through the air towards the laughing Rocky. Then a loud thump rings out in the field. Niether lets out a worried roar as he looks back, and his eye goes slit.
Rocky lets out a breath as he looks down at his right side, and sees the arrow sticking out of him. It went in deep with only half of it sticking out of him. He lets out a cough as he shakily grabs Niether's saddle.
"Rocky!" Heather yells out from from the other side of the fleet.
All the dragons roar in anger as they attack with more ferocity.
"Get us... outta here..." Rocky says through gritted teeth.
Niether lets out a worried rumble, but he takes off towards the sky. The other dragons quickly follow, giving worried calls. Rocky grits his teeth in pain. Windshear speeds up beside Niether.
"Rocky! Rocky! Are you okay?!" Heather calls out in worry.
Rocky puts a hand near the arrow, feeling a bit of wetness. "I'm fine, let's just get back quickly!"
Everyone swiftly flies off, leaving the sinking fleet behind.
6-29-2026
3600 words