Strike Back

Destiny

Instead of flying up into the sky and becoming one of the stars like all dragons did when they died, Toothless found himself in a small cove that somehow felt very familiar. Alarmed by how un-celestial everything looked, he checked his chest for the arrow and found that it was not there. It was like he'd never been shot in the first place.

What the—where am I? What's going on? Why am I not in the sky? Did I do something wrong? Toothless' mind spun wildly with questions and he stared hard at his reflection in the pond, as if it would provide the answers he craved.

Son.

Toothless whirled around blindly toward the voice, that wonderful, loving, wise, deep, rumbly voice. Father! he yelped joyfully. The older Night Fury landed in front of him, his huge wings sending ripples shooting across the pond. Toothless bounded up to him, ducking his head in respect, then snuggled under Septimus' wing like he used to as a hatchling. Septimus did not appear to mind one bit. After all, it had been a decade since they'd seen each other last. I missed you so much! Toothless purred. He felt warm dragon breath on his face, making his eyes water a little. And I missed you. I see that these past years have been kind to you, Septimus observed approvingly, reclining by the pond.

How's Mother? Toothless asked, laying down next to him. Is she well?

She is quite well. She recently laid our third clutch. And still just as beautiful as the day I met her. His father's eyes took on a clouded, dreamy quality.

Toothless churred in laughter. Father, you would say that even if she was a sparkless Elder!

Septimus roared with laughter. Aye, that I would! And I'd mean it, too, of course!

Toothless chuckled a little, but his thoughts darkened as his original dilemma returned to the forefront of his mind. Father, am I dead?

The older Night Fury frowned at his son. Why in the name of all the stars would you ask such a thing?

I took an arrow to the heart, father! Toothless explained. By all accounts, I should be in the sky by now!

Septimus' face smoothed in understanding. Ah, I see. Well, in answer to your question, no, you are not dead. Rather, you have succumbed to the Long Sleep, like the Skrills do when they are frozen. It was the only way you'd have survived such a wound.

But now I'm . . . not asleep? Toothless guessed, and Septimus nodded. In a way, yes. You are still asleep in the sense that you are resting, but you are no longer under the thrall of the Long Sleep.

How long was I under for? Toothless asked. Do you know?

A little under two years, is all, Septimus replied nonchalantly.

Toothless' eyes nearly popped out of his head. TWO YEARS?! he roared in disbelief, springing to his feet. I'VE BEEN DEAD FOR TWO YEARS?! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!

Turn it down a notch and I'll tell you, Septimus said, covering his ears with his wings. Shocked, Toothless sat down in front of his father as he explained. Septimus sighed. After you succumbed to the Long Sleep, and the humans had left, a old sage came and rescued you. She took you into her home and began nursing you back to health. Now that you are strong again, you can finally become what you were always meant to be. The Alpha.

Toothless sucked in a sharp breath. To become the Alpha was the highest of honors known to dragonkind. He would be king of the herd, his word indisputable. If he accepted this destiny, he might very well become the most powerful dragon in the Archipelago. The Alpha? he echoed. I don't understand. What of?