The 'Dragon Defender'

Between Two Worlds

As much as I enjoyed seeing the eager curiosity written all over Adriana's face today, I was glad to return to the hut for some much needed rest. I think it's been a stressful day on us both. We could do with sleeping it all off.

"Berk is amazing," Adriana is saying as she settles down for the night. "I didn't realise that humans could be so welcoming when they think you're one of them."

"Mm, these guys are alright," I hum in agreement. "Wouldn't wanna pick curtains, though." "What do you mean?" Adriana frowns, looking over to me.

"I mean that it wouldn't hurt to keep our guards up; Hiccup is the most stubborn person I've ever met, and the most curious. He'll stop at nothing to see this whole Morphwing situation to the end."

"What would he want with Morphwings, though?" Adriana asks, hugging her knees to her chest. "Knowing Hiccup, he'd probably want to bring them back out of hiding," I shrug. "Bring them to Berk, create some kind of dragon-viking utopia. His intentions are pure, I can promise you that. They're just not practical."

"It sounds really nice," Adriana notes. "A lot of impractical things do," I agree. "But that doesn't make them safe. Morphwings are safest keeping their distance from the human world. If that means staying in hiding, so be it."

"... I wish we didn't have to hide..."

"I know. I wish you didn't, either."

"You've been actively trying to hide. Do you actually want to?"

"All I want is to keep my pack safe. If that involves us staying hidden, I'm willing to make that sacrifice."

"And what about your pack?"

I'm silent for a long time due to this question. "... I haven't forced anything onto them. They're welcome to leave at any time, should they choose to live more wildly. Some have left. Those who stay do so by choice."

"That's good. That's good... I'm sorry, it was rude of me to ask..."

"No, it's fine," I assure her. "I've, I'm... I've had my doubts about that... but I make sure the others know that they're completely free to leave."

"That's really nice of you, Indigo. Your pack are very lucky to have you."

"Thank you."

We sit in silence for a minute. Nothing more needs to be said. Adriana lays down on her bed, yawning, while I head to mine. It's a change from sleeping in a nest, that's for sure.

"... If only there was a place where humans couldn't get to," Adriana hummed eventually. "Then us Morphwings would be safe to fly around as much as we wanted."

"Yeah, that would be perfect," I agree. "And if we ever found a place like that, we could relocate your pack there. They could lead lives free from the humans."

"I don't think relocating a super territorial pack will be so easy," Adriana smiles. "But it would be amazing. And besides, us Morphwings have the best chance at bringing us all together."

"What do you mean by that?" I ask in confusion. "I mean that Morphwings, since we're effectively part human and part dragon, act like a bridge between both worlds," Adriana explains, reciting this as if it were something from a nursery rhyme. "We can communicate with humans and dragons and we can blend in with both. The only reason we can't trust humans is because they care more about hunting our dragon sides than speaking with our human sides."

"Then they can kiss our back sides," I remark, making Adriana giggle. "Trust me, Addie, I would never let anything happen to you or any of the other Morphwings."

"I know you wouldn't," Adriana smiles. "We all know you wouldn't. You're the Dragon Defender, after all."

"Mm. I think I like that better than 'Dragon Master'," I hum. "We should get to sleep now, okay? Good night."

"Good night, Indigo."

~•~

Last night was pretty rough. I couldn't sleep and, when she did, Addie kept herself up with nightmares. She's worried for Asher. I promised her that we'd go check in on him in the morning, which was the only thing that convinced her to try and sleep again.

So now we're up bright and early to visit my brother. I have a hand on Adriana's shoulder to try and comfort her, but done in a way that may be perceived as me directing her so onlookers won't get overly excited about me acting friendly toward someone. I know it won't exactly matter, but it's just annoying to be crowded like that.

Eventually we finish our climb up to Gothi's hut, seeing the old woman tending to Asher. He's already looking a lot better than he was before; the hastily ripped and bloodstained cloth I'd used for him was replaced by clean white bandages wrapped carefully around his wounds. Seeing him in this much more stable-appearing condition gives me assurance that he'll be okay.

"Asher!" Adriana grins, hurrying over to her mate. Gothi looks up when she hears her, then holds a hand up purposefully, causing Adriana to pause, looking a little upset.

"She's been worried about him," I note to Gothi, approaching to stand by Adriana and reassure her. "But I can see you're doing a good job."

At this, Gothi nods in agreement and steps aside, allowing us to see Asher. He looks peaceful. If I hadn't known better, I'd have assumed he was simply sleeping. I'm glad he isn't in any distress.

Adriana gently cups Asher's cheek in her palm, looking down at him with fresh tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

"Asher..."

I crouch beside Adriana and set my hand on her shoulder again. She looks at me for a moment, then suddenly tackles me in a hug, hiding her face in my shoulder. I'm startled - though not exactly surprised - by the action, but slowly hug her back.

"He's doing good," I hear Adriana assure herself under her breath. "He's doing good."

"He is," I agree, then look to Gothi. "Will he be okay?"

Gothi offers a firm, resolute nod, seeming very confident in her answer.

"See? I told you he'd be fine, Addie."