"Nearly there."
Rocky rubs Niether on the neck as the dragons flight faulters slightly. Wyre island rests in the distance. Niether lets out a tired rumble, following a pained whine.
Rocky looks off to the side, seeing the setting sun in the distance. he lets out a sigh as he rubs some of the dirt from his face. He then looks down at himself, seeing his armor covered in dirt and grime, with small bits of blood.
He lets out a sigh as he rubs Niether's neck again. The two finally reach the island and Niether lands on the beach, before collapsing to the ground and letting out an exhausted sigh.
"My wings hurt so much from the crash landing on that island..." Niether lets out a tired warble.
Rocky slides off his back and walks around him, before kneeling in front of his head. "Coulda been worse."
"Oh hush."
Several thumps ring out to the side, and Rocky looks over to see the rest of the Patrol Group. They all chirp and roar as they walk over, questioning what happened.
"We got ambushed." Niether rumbles as he lets out an exhausted sigh.
"Crazy stuff happened, Niether almost got taken away. I almost got eaten by a massive white dragon... kinda crazy all around."
"Are you alright, Niether?" Raincutter questions with a chirp.
"Very tired, and my wings hurt so much."
Everyone glances at Rocky and he scratches his chin as he sweats. "Well, uh... we can chalk this up to a oppsie?"
All the dragons narrow their eyes at him, but Raincutter just chirps. Rocky sighs as he walks up to Raincutter as she lowers her head.
"Hey, think you can carry Niether up into our cave?" Rocky asks as Raincutter nods as she lowers herself.
Rocky climbs onto her back, and Raincutter flaps her wings and hovers into the air. She then grabs onto Rocky and flies up towards the cave. Mulic rumbles as he watches them fly off.
"Is it me, or have we been cutting it pretty close lately."
Spine chirps as he steps up beside him. "The Hunters are trying very hard to get us."
Leafwisp slithers between them. "But not hard enough~"
Snips flaps her wings as he watches Raincutter fly off with Niether and Rocky. "I hope Niether will be okay."
Raincutter flies just above the entrance to the cave, and gently sets Niether down. Before she lands beside him, then Rocky slides off her back. He pats her on the side.
"Thank you."
Raincutter purrs as she steps back, as Rocky walks up to Niether. The purple dragon slowly gets up and starts walking towards the cave, with Rocky beside him.
The human glances back at Raincutter, and waves. "Thank you, Raincutter, that'll be all. Se you tomorrow."
Raincutter nods before she takes off into the sky. Niether rumbles as he enters the cave with Rocky beside. Rocky helps guide the disorientated dragon to his stone slap.
Once he reaches the slap be plops down onto his stomach and lets out a long sigh. Rocky stands a few feet away as the dragon closes his eye.
"I think... I just gonna sleep now."
Niether lets out a soft rumble as he goes still, his wings spread out. Bruises and scraps cover his wings and chest. Rocky sighs as he walks over to the side and opens a few cabinets, pulling out some herbs.
Then he grabs a pestle and mortar, and drops the herbs in. He starts crushing them or grinding them. Then he grabs a waterskin and pours a little in the mortar, before he continues crushing and grinding.
A few moments later he walks over to Niether, and scoops some of the paste out of it. he starts rubbing the paste on the scraps and small wounds. He keeps applying the paste, before running out.
Which he had enough for all of Niether's wounds. Rocky lips purse as he looks over his dragon, before setting the pestle and mortar aside. He then reaches forward and rubs the dragon on the head as he softly rumbles in his sleep.
Rocky then stands up and looks over himself again. "I need to clean myself."
Rocky heads out of the cave and over to the small pond that turns into a large waterfall. He starts slowly taking off his armor as he grunts a few times. He takes off his bracers, revealing a few bruises on his wrists, before taking off the rest of his armor.
His back as several scrapes and bruises, as does his chest. He sets his armor to the side as he steps into the water, and sits down in the middle of the pond. Which the water goes up to his neck.
He lets out a shiver as he feels the cold water wash over his sore body. He then looks down as him self as he brings up his arms, looking over the few small scars littering his arms, mess up from training.
Then he flexes one of his arms and his muscles bulge. He brings a few times as he squishes his large muscles.
"Darn... My arms are now bigger then they were back in the... uh... modern world? Yeah, let's go with that."
Rocky starts washing his arms, before running his hands over his flat stomach. He feels up the large fresh scar, then a few fresh smaller ones he's gotten from training.
He then floats to the back of the pond and rests his back against it. He then closes his eyes as his sore muscles start relaxing in the cold pond water. He looks up to the orange sky and lets out a yawn.
"Seesh, I'm tired..." Rocky stretches out before diving under the water, and coming back up a moment later.
He runs a hand through his brown hair, and over the white streak. He then climbs out a moment later and grabs his armor and clothes, then starts cleaning them off.
He then looks off to the side as he sees several dragons flying about the island. He sees Mulic roaring at Leafwisp in anger, as the Changewing follows after him.
Snips and Spine fly together over the island, mouths full of fish. Raincutter herself is clutching to the side of a tree, as she watches Grovel burrow into the ground. Rocky then looks back at the pond and continues cleaning his armor.
Then a little while later, Rocky is hunched over his large table as moonlight shines into the cave. He uses the several candles to light the cave, the light flickers onto Niether's sleeping form.
Rocky draws several knew islands on his large map. He carefully draws several small details, before adding a small drawing of the Screaming Death next to one island.
He then sets down his pencil and rubs his temples. Then he takes a big breath in, then lets it out a moment later.
"I can't tell if this is more stressful then college or not..." Rocky mutters to himself.
He then takes a step back and looks over his map. Scanning the heavily detail southern Archipelago. But then his eyes trail up to the simple Northern section.
"I should travel to the north after all this... maybe visit Berk." Rocky rubs his chin in thought.
He then sighs as leans over his candles and blows them out. He walks over to his bed, and takes off some of his armor, and sets it beside the bed. Then he leans over to the end table, and blows out the last candle.
Morning soon arrives as Rocky kneels beside Niether, who's awake. Niether is curled up as he glances at Rocky, who's looking him over.
"How are you feeling today?"
"Sore all over, like that time after that bar fight we had."
"Ugh, we we're sore for days." Rocky rubs his cheek in memory of it.
"I feel like that, but nearly several times worse." Niether rumbles as he shifts.
"I feel bad for you."
Niether rolls his eye. "Pity is wasted on yourself."
Rocky rolls his eye as he pats the dragon on the back. "Just stay here today, get some rest."
Neither closes his eye as he uses his tail to cover his face. "Already planned on it."
Rocky shakes his head as he stands up. "I'll get someone to bring you some food, but I'm gonna head out for training."
"Have fun." Niether lets out a low rumble as he falls back asleep.
Rocky chuckles as he walks off to the side, and grabs his sword, and attaches it to his hip. Then he walks over to his large table and grabs his satchel, and slings it over his shoulder. Then rolls up his map, and stuffs in into his pack, before heading out of the cave.
Several hours later, Niether is awaken by something scurrying into his cave. He moves his tail from his face and opens his eye, and finds some fish on the ground in front of him.
He looks up to see Grovel hovering hover him. The Whispering Death hums as he slides back.
"Good, you're not dead."
"Grovel?" Niether rumbles as he moves his head up.
"Do you know any other Whispering Death's, dumb dumb?"
"I... guess not..."
Niether leans forward and grabs a fish by the tail, then swallows it whole. Grovel huffs as he turns to leave. But the purple dragon calls out to him.
"Uh, hey Grovel?"
The Whispering Death grumbles as he looks back. "What?"
"Do you... know anything about a massive White version of your species?"
Grovel is silent for a few moments. "What it like massive bigger? Bright white scales and deep red eyes. Loud Scream that make even the meanest of dragons worried?"
"Uh... yes?" Niether tilts his head.
"...Crap..." Grovel whispers as he looks to the side, before looking back at Niether. "Look, its best to stay away from him. He doesn't take kindly to those other then his siblings and his mother. While his Mother is an amazing dragon, he's.... kind rowdy."
Niether tilts his head the other way. "Uh, that sounded a little personal."
Grovel growls at Niether. "Stop reading into it, and eat your fish!"
Grovel quickly leaves the cave, leaving behind a confused Niether.
"Uh... okay?"
Niether then just leans forward and starts scarfing down the fish.
The afternoon sun shines down onto Rocky, as he sits on Raincutter's back. He looks off to the horizon as behind him the rest of the patrol group talks amongst themselves.
"Do you think Grovel was really the best person for the job?" Spine questions Snips.
"Of course, Grovel is." Snips squawks as she flies beside her brother. "He may seem like a meanie, but he's a very big sweetheart."
"Are you sure we're talking about the same dragon?"
Leafwisp hangs back and flies above the two. "From what I've seen, Grovel is a rather... angry dragon."
"You guys just haven't seen him on a good day!" Snips huffs at the two.
"Does he ever have a good day?" Mulic calls out to them.
Rocky glances back at the dragons. 'Kinda sucks not have Niether here... cause It's so weird not having anyone to talk to.'
Rocky looks down to the large cloud cover below him and the dragons. He then lets out a sigh as he runs a hand through his hair. Raincutter lets out a rumble as she glance back at him, by turning her head all the way around.
Rocky smiles as he pats her head. "I'm fine, just worrying about Niether."
"Niether is a strong dragon, he'll be fine." Raincutter chirps at Rocky.
"...I wish I understood you guys..." Rocky sighs as he leans back on Raincutter's back, and looks up to the afternoon sky.
Then after a few moments he sits up and looks back at the rest of the group.
"Alright guys!" Rocky yells out as the dragons look to him. "We've gone out father then we normal do, so lets head back for now. It'll be night by the time we get back home."
Everyone lets out a roar in agreement. They go to turn around, but Raincutter lets out a roar as her eyes go slit. She looks to the clouds below her as they continue flying forward.
All the grounds let out a roar of question. But then Spine and Snips' nose pick up a scent and they growl in alert. Leafwisp goes invisible as Mulic sets himself on fire as he growls.
Rocky leans forward on Raincutter as he looks around. "What is it girl?"
Suddenly another Stormcutter flies up in front of them, making the group stop. Raincutter's wings separate as she hovers in the air. The other Stormcutter flies around the group as Rocky looks towards it, and his eyes widen.
He spots a figure standing on the large dragons back. The Stormcutter flies around the group, before stopping and hovering in front of Raincutter. She lets out a menacing growl and the other dragon returns it with his own.
Rocky stares at the figure in shock, as they points a strange staff at him. Rocky holds out his hands.
"Hey, I-I don't want any trouble okay."
The figure then points her stand down to their side. Rocky follows where the staff is pointing, and sees a small plain island with just a few trees. Rocky looks back up at the figure, and he just nods.
He then lowers to Raincutter and whispers to her. "Let's just do as they say, let's head down."
Raincutter glances at him, and huffs. Then follows his command. The other dragons let out questioning roars, before following.
A few moments later, Raincutter lands on the island as the other dragons land behind her. Rocky slides off her back as the other Stormcutter lands a little aways away, and the figure jumps off his back.
Rocky looks towards the figure, keeping a hand held back. Ready to pull his sword if needed. But the armored figure slowly creeps forward, her shield held up and her staff held back.
But as she growls near, the other dragons growl in warning as they circle around Rocky. The other Stormcutter tilts his head as he watches. The figure stops, before lowering their staff and shield to the ground.
They keeps low as they slowly approaches, and the dragons stop growling and watch in awe at their weird movements. They stop in front of Raincutter and hold their hand out.
Raincutter narrows her eyes in suspicion, but leans forward and sniffs their hand. After a few moments, Raincutter purrs and steps to the side, letting them walk past.
Rocky stays on guard as he keeps an eye on the figure as they slowly approach. The other dragons keep a close eye on them. Rocky notices a shimmer to the side, and sees the invisible figure of Leafwisp moving between Raincutter and Mulic.
Rocky then glances at the figure as they start crouch walking around Rocky, looking at him from every angle.
"Your no normal Viking." A muffled female voice comes from the figure.
"Uh... I would say the same for you." Rocky points out as she stops a few feet in front of him. "You're... no Dragon Hunter."
"Far from it, child." The figure waves a hand in the air, and the Stormcutter behind her chirps and walks over.
Raincutter keeps an eye on the male Stormcutter, growing a defensive stance as he passes her. The male dragon then drops her shield and staff beside her, and she picks them up.
She places the shield on her back, as she glances over at the other dragons. She slowly walks up to Mulic as he growls at her as he catches on fire. The women waves a hand through the air, which seems to make the Monstrous Nightmare calm down, and unlit himself.
She looks over Miluc, before moving over to Snips and Spine. With Snips sniffing at her while Spine grows defensive. She then moves over to Raincutter, before suddenly Leafwisp appears beside her, and she grasps in surprise, before quickly looking over the Changewing.
"Are all these dragons your allies?" The Dragon Lady asks as she runs a hand over Leafwisps scales.
"Eh, we're more like friends." Rocky lowers his hand from his sword, and Mulic grumbles at him. "Okay, fine Mulic, we're acquaintances."
The Dragon Lady chuckles as she rubs Leafwisps face, and the Changewing lets out a happy growl.
"I've never been so close to a Changewing before, how'd you befriend him?" The Dragon Lady looks back at Rocky.
"Well, from what I know, he just finds me interesting." Rocky rubs the back of his head as he watches the Dragon Lady.
"Fascinating." She looks back Raincutter. "I haven't seen another Stormcuter in a very long time. Where'd you find her?" She walks back over to the female Stormcutter.
"On a dragon Hunter ship, sailing for Sigewulf's main fleet."
The Dragon Lady huffs in anger. "Sigewulf's a despicable man. He's the main suppplier of weapons and ships to Drago Bludvist."
Rocky's brows furrow. 'Drago Bludvist... never heard of him.'
The Dragon Lady turns to Rocky and walks up to him. "You must be careful child, Sigewulf is not a man to underestimate."
"Oh, I know." Rocky smirks smugly. "I've been burning down his ships, and destroying his toys."
"Your the one taking him head on?" The Dragon Lady tilts her head.
"He's tried to kill me several times, and has been trying to take over my home. Of course I'm taking him head on." Rocky puts his hands on his hips. "I could use the help if you're willing."
The Dragon Lady shakes her head. "I would love too, but I have a Nest to take care of." She walks over to her Stormcutter and climbs onto its back. "This was a meeting, to see if you were an ally, or someone to take out."
Rocky nervously chuckles. "I hoped I passed?"
"You're still standing child, are you not?" The Dragon Lady tilts her head.
She then shakes her staff and her Stormcutter takes to the air. The dragon hovers above the group, and Rocky calls out to her.
"May I at least know the name of the lady that might've killed me?"
"If you survive your battle, Child, we will meet again." The Dragon Lady calls out. "I wish I could assist, but I must keep the Dragon Hunters away from my own home. We both have much too lose to leave one place for another."
The Dragon Lady shakes her staff again, and her Stormcutter lets out a roar, before flying off. Raincutter watches them leave, and lets out a huff. Rocky scratches his head as he watches the Dragon Lady and her dragon disappear into the clouds.
"...I keep meeting weird people... Is there anyone normal in this world?"
Leafwisp slithers around Rocky, and lets out a chirp. The human sighs as he rubs the Changewings head.
"Let's head back home... and probably wonder who that was for years to come."
Rocky walks over to Raincutter and pats her side. The dragon lowers to the ground, and Rocky climbs onto her back. He then pats her neck and she takes off to the sky, with the other quickly following.
The reach high up in the sky, as the evening sun hangs in the horizon. Rocky lets out a long sigh as he lays back on the dragons back.
"Honestly, I hate this place sometimes." Rocky rubs his hands down his face. "I keep meeting odd people.... why couldn't Heather stay, she was like the most normal."
"He's going off about that female human again." Spine points out.
"Oh leave him along, he's in looooove!!" Snips cheers with a squawk.
"I think it's more like he misses having a companion of the same species." Mulic points out.
"Stop ruining my fun!"
Rocky glances at the talking dragons behind them, then back up to the sky. He then closes his eyes as the flapping of wings and roaring echo around him.
A few hours later, Raincutter lands outside the cave. Rocky slides off her back, and pats her side. Moonlight shines down onto them.
"Thank you." Rocky smiles at the dragon. "Have a good night."
Raincutter chirps, before she takes off to the sky. Rocky rolls his shoulders as he enters the cave. Niether lifts up his head as the human enters.
"You're later then usual." Niether points out.
"Well, had a very interesting encounter today." Rocky takes his satchel off and puts it on his table.
"Encounter, oh, do tell me." Niether rumbles as his ear nubs perk up.
Rocky takes his sword off his hip, as he places it on its rack near his bed. "Well, I meet another human. But she wasn't a Hunter, another sort of ride."
Niether tilts his head. "Really?"
"Yeah, she also wore a strange armor, and rode a Stormcutter." Rocky sits on his bed as he looks to his dragon. "Wasn't a long encounter, but we've decided neither of us are enemies."
"So an ally of sorts?"
Rocky undoes some of the straps on his armor, loosening it. "Yeah, but unfortunately, she won't help us. She says she's gotta protect her own area from other Hunters."
"But we do know of another Rider somewhere nearby."
"I guess." Rocky lays down as he takes off his bracers, and sets them on his end table. "Still wasn't a normal person."
"I don't think you'll find a normal person this far back in time." Niether points out as he lays back down.
"Heather was normal." Rocky glances over to his dragon.
"If you say so." Niether closes his eye as he rumbles. "Now go to sleep, you interrupted a nice dream I was having."
Rocky shakes his head, before rolling onto his side, and closes his eye. Letting sleep quickly take him away.
3600 words
7-13-2026