JenniferTjandrajana

"We've been searching them for days. There's nothing out here. Nothing!"

For the last two days, Ingrid and her friends had been flying far from Edon, searching for their missing companions.

Whenever their dragons got restless, they'd stop by at the nearest village to rest. Of course, there were villages that forbid strangers and dragons to stay.

So they'd end up stopping by on secluded islands to camp out for the night.

Being so far away from Edon made the teens, especially Ingrid homesick.

Her father must probably be worried of her disappearance.

But she wasn't going to give up until she finds Hiccup and Toothless.

In the horizon, the sun was beginning to set. Dusk was upon them, and it was probably time to rest for the night.

"If you don't stop complaining, I'll throw you off that dragon of yours," Runa retorted, exhausted of Gunner's complaints.

Gunner pouted, "It's getting late. I'm cold, starving and there's no sign of Hiccup or Toothless anywhere," he groaned, "Ugh this search is taking forever!"

Runa crossed her arms, grumbling to herself.

"If you can't handle the long journey, then you shouldn't have came," she steered Echo towards Ingrid and whispered,

"Remind me why we have to drag this guy. He's so insufferable. How are we supposed to have a pleasant journey with him complaining every second?"

"Hey! I am not insufferable," Gunner snapped.

Runa poked her tongue out.

"You can't even last being in the cold or being hungry for days,"

"That's because a warrior - a real warrior needs to eat," Gunner snapped, then glanced at the sunset, "and he needs to get his beauty sleep,"

Runa shook her head, "Oh no. We are not stopping. We've already made plenty of rest stops. We've got to suck it up and keep-"

"He's right," Ingrid interjected, facing the others, "It would be dark soon and we should rest for the night. We'll continue the search first thing in the morning," she glanced at the others' dragons, "Besides, our dragons have been flying for the whole day. They need to rest,"

Gunner's lips morphed to a smug grin, satisfied for being right.

Runa groaned, rolling her eyes.

"Well, if we're going to rest, where should we go? We're probably far from civilisation,"

Pulling out her map, Ingrid scrunched her brows in concentration, trying to make out their destination.

During their previous journeys, Ingrid kept a record of all the places they've been in the archipelago.

She crossed out some places they looked for their companions that had no signs of them.

"There must be an island close by," Ingrid murmured, turning the map sideways, "I'm so sure there is-"

"Wait! I see something down there," Gunner pointed something down below, "It's probably an island. Oh look! We're close,"

Ingrid glanced down, her eyes beaming brightly.

Down below the clouds, she spot a glimpse of an island with large rock formations jutting out of the sands.

"My gods, you're right!" She petted Arrow's head, "Take us down, girl,"

~

Once the teens landed, they immediately set up camp at a small clearing.

It was a nice little island, secluded from civilisation, but home to wild dragons and animals that lurked in the wilderness.

Pine surrounded the island with moss and vines scattered over rocks and tree trunks.

Shrubs huddled around the clearing.

Behind them stood a vast rocky wall with vines that snaked downwards. A barrier between the forest and whatever lies behind it.

The wind brushed through the trees, its cool breath swaying the gnarly finger-like branches.

A river stream filled with the most crystal clear water snaked from the high mountaintops towards the edge of the forest.

Down below, the rushing waterfall led downstream towards the valleys.

By now, it was already night fall.

The moon hung high, its luminous presence a guide to lost wanderers in the dark. Stars scattered across the ink night.

In the distance, wolves howled from the mountains.

Up on the treetops, the hooting of owls and squawking of terrible terrors echoed though the forest.

"I'm starving," Gunner moaned, rubbing his stomach, "I feel like we haven't eaten in days,"

The teens had finished setting up camp. They had their sleeping mats scattered around the bon fire, their dragons curled up beside them getting some rest from the long journey.

Flying long distances always seem to tire the dragons. They haven't stopped by to rest for a few hours, and their stomaches gnawed with hunger.

Thankfully, this island was not inhabited by humans. And that meant it was safe for the three young riders to set up camp.

"Ugh me too," Ingrid said, rubbing her stomach, "I thought we had packed enough food for the journey. But I guess we're a little short,"

Gunner stood up, unsheathing his sword.

A smug grin spread across his face.

"Well, I'm not gonna lie but I am the best fisher," he stepped over Fangs' tail, "My dad used to take us fishing when I was a boy. I can easily catch something for us,"

Runa went to sit beside her dragon. She gently stroke Echo's head, who simply purred in response.

"Well, if you're an expert, go catch us something. We need something to eat quick,"

Knowing Runa was still giving him cold feet, Gunner heaved a sigh.

Guilt rippled through him, realising he had got his friends into this mess, and weren't going to accept an apology anytime soon.

But he was willing whatever it takes to make it up to them.

"I'll be back," he called over to his dragon, "Fangs, boy! We're going fishing. I promise we'll get you a nice salmon!"

Fangs peeked one eye, groaned, then shifted comfortably in his place before going back to sleep.

Gunner rolled his eyes, and muttered,

"Ugh, lazy dragon. Fine! Go have your precious beauty sleep. I'll go alone," he glanced at the girls, "Anyone want to come with?"

"Nah, I'm comfortable here," Runa grabbed a rock and began sharpening her sword's blade.

The sound of the grinding of rock against metal bounced off into the silent forest.

Runa avoided eye contact with Gunner, who stared at her with guilt and confusion.

Ingrid had been quiet ever since they set up camp. Her mind was flooded with thoughts about Hiccup and Toothless' whereabouts, and more importantly, their safety.

Fearing what Horas was capable of, Ingrid felt an anxious lump in her throat.

Dinner wasn't on her mind right now; though her rumbling stomach thought otherwise.

Yet, going for an evening stroll would probably help clear her head. Besides, she didn't want Gunner to be all by himself.

He needed backup if he enounters a wild creature or something. Not that he wasn't capable to defend himself.

But Ingrid was looking out for a friend.

"I'll come along," Ingrid said, standing up, "Besides, I feel like going for a walk. And I'm kinda feeling hungry,"

Ingrid glanced over at Runa, who was too preoccupied with sharpening her weapon to bother with anything else.

Echo was curled beside her, purring against her rider's touch.

"We'll be back, Runa," she called before following Gunner through the woods.

The two riders followed a rocky trail in silence.

Hoping it would lead to a river stream, they continued walking, while keeping their eyes out for any wild animals that might think they were threats.

Once they made it to a river stream, Gunner finally spoke.

"Do you think this is all my fault? Will Runa and Hiccup ever forgive me?"

The river stream snaked to the mountains with the most freshest water.

Rocks huddled close to the bank covered with some patches of moss.

Back at the camp site, Ingrid had seen the cold look Runa gave Gunner.

They were close friends since birth, but ever since Hiccup's disappearance, Runa would lash off and blame Gunner for causing this mess they got themselves in.

It was partly true; Gunner did started this by accidentally revealing Hiccup's background when he didn't want anyone to.

But Ingrid knew Gunner would never intentionally hurt anyone.

Accidents do happen.

Yet, it was Hiccup who Ingrid was worried about.

Last time she saw him, he filled with rage and frustration after Chief Arvin banished him.

Ingrid could still recall the coldness in Hiccup's forest green eyes.

"Well, partly," Ingrid exhaled deeply, "But you can't blame Hiccup for being upset with you. This isn't the first time he got banished," she crouched by the stream, pulled out a flask, and filled it with water.

"He was banished in his home for befriending a dragon. At least his father and his village unbanished him now. But now since Chief Arvin banished both him and his mother...I can understand it must have been humiliating for him. He's struggling to live as an outcast, Gunner. For once, he found a place to belong, and now it's all stripped away,"

Gunner nodded,

"I get that. But I didn't mean to spill out his secret," he drew a breath, "But I regret for not keeping my mouth shut.

I tried convincing my dad to banish him, but he has trust issues with outsiders, especially ones who come from a land of dragon killers,"

Ingrid nodded gravely, "I know. But we all know Hiccup would never harm dragons. He rides a Night Fury. What proof does he need?"

Gunner picked up a rock, angrily tossing it across the river bank.

"This is all my fault! If I didn't get Hiccup banished, we wouldn't be out here.

We'd all be in Edon. We'd be racing each other in dragon racers. We'd all be safe, probably thinking of strategies to kick Horas' butt if he does attack Edon," he exhaled deeply, composing himself,

"If anyone should be banished, it's that Megadon guy. There's something weird and suspicious about him,"

Ingrid lifted a perplexed brow, "What do you mean?"

Gunner glanced around, hoping they were the ones out here.

He then lowered his voice, a grave look suddenly appeared on his face.

"I caught him sneaking off a boat near the docks a few weeks ago,"

Ingrid furrowed her brows, "What was he doing?"

"I have no idea," Gunner replied, "but he was talking with a cloaked figure. I was out flying with Fangs that night, and I think I saw the boat had dozens of cages full of dragons,"

Ingrid's eyes widened like saucers.

"Dragons in cages? That seems suspicious," she let out a gasp, "Do you think...do you think that cloaked figure is Horas?

If it is him, how does he know Megadon and the Isle of Edon?"

Ingrid felt goosebumps trailed across her skin, just thinking about it. A cold chill rushed through her.

"I don't know, but my gut tells me it might be him," Gunner gave a shudder, "I knew there was something off about Megadon.

I wouldn't be surprised if he works for Horas. They both go well together, honestly,"

Gunner pulled out his bow and aimed his arrow into the water.

He waited until the right moment and fired his arrow at a mackerel, then pulled out his catch from the water.

A satisfied grin appeared on his face.

"I mean, they both hate dragons, especially Night Furies. I have no idea why. What has those guys done to them?"

Gunner continued firing at the water, catching three more mackarel.

"You know, I think Megadon encountered Night Furies before," he went on, "That explains the claw marks on his neck.

I don't think they attacked him without reason.

I think he did something to provoke them,"

Ingrid raised a brow, "Like what?"

Gunner shrugged, "No idea. But maybe he believed in that 'black curse' superstition. Maybe when he saw one, he got so scared and attacked, which probably angered them, you know?"

Silence hung over them for a moment until Ingrid spoke.

"What if...what if Horas has already..." Ingrid's words trailed off, not wanting to finish her sentence.

The next thing she would say would leave her body trembling in fear.

"Killed them?" Gunner prompted, "I don't know...If I know Horas, he would probably want to use Toothless for his 'world domination' plan while making Hiccup his slave. He probably won't kill them until he gets what he wants,"

Ingrid frowned, "I hope we're not too late," she paused, fiddling with a strand of grass, "I just hope Horas hasn't done anything ruthless to them. I'm worried about them, Gunner,"

"Ingrid," Gunner let out a yawn, "We all know Horas is a sick, crazy bastard who wants to enslave Hiccup to make him tame dragons, so he can control the dragons to kill humankind.

But we know nothing Horas does will knock Hiccup down. He always find a way to get out of danger. He's a fighter afterall,"

Ingrid smiled dreamily. Hiccup's bravery, detemination and craziness were some of the qualities she loved about him.

For a while, Ingrid has developed strong feelings for him. Yet, opening up the truth to him was something she did struggle with.

When the time comes, she needed to tell Hiccup how she feels.

Ingrid broke out of her thoughts when she heard rustling from the shrubs.

"Do you hear that, Gunner?"

Gunner furrowed his brows in confusion. He slowly stood up, fingers trembling as he adjusted his arrow through his bow string.

Ingrid unsheathed her sword, eyes locked to the shivering shrubs.

The two riders positioned themselves into a fight stance, ready to tackle whatever wild creature would emerge from the shrubs.

As the sound intensified, Ingrid felt her heart raced heavily against her chest.

Her fingers trembled as she tried to firmly hold her sword.

Closing her eyes, she muttered a silent prayer to the Norse gods, and inhaled sharply.

"Careful," Gunner whispered, "We don't know what's behind those shrubs,"

Anticipating a wild animal to emerge from the shrubs, they were shocked to find an amber-orange Gronkle with bloodied scars emerged from the shrubs.

The two teens shuffled backwards as the Gronkle collapsed on the ground, moaning in pain.

Chains bound around its body, restraining it from moving freely.

Ingrid stared at the injured Gronkle in horror. She clenched her fists, her blood boiling at the one responsible for harming the dragon.

Gunner, startled by the injured dragon, glanced around frantically, sensing another presence was with them.

Sinister laughter echoed from the shrubs.

Ingrid and Horas stood their ground, put on their brave faces, and grasped firmly to their weapons; their only defenses against the intruder.

The laughter continued as two dark silhouette moved through the trees.

They stopped in front of the Gronkle, pulled up their hoods to reveal two of Horas' henchmen with wicked smirks on their faces.

The first henchman stepped forward, towering over the young riders, who tried to keep their brave faces.

Yet, inside they were trembing with fear of what is yet to come.

"Well, well, look who we found. Master Horas will be pleased. We can't keep him waiting. Afterall, he is a very impatient man,"