The 'Dragon Defender'

Berserker Honour

I make sure Fishlegs stays with me until we can get out of here. I can't run the risk of him telling anybody. He insisted he came alone to find out what was going on. Good. I don't need more memories erased.

We join the others, though Atali has left. "Where were you guys?" Snotlout questioned. "Just sorting a few things out," I reply calmly. "Did we miss anything?"

"Only that we're sticking around," Heather answered. "Hey, Fishlegs, is something wrong?"

All eyes darted to Fishlegs, who indeed looked nervous. "I made a joke. He took it seriously," I lie. "This is why I don't bother making jokes."

This caused people to laugh, so I work with it and sigh. "People only laugh when I'm not trying to be funny."

While I'm busy earning more laughter at my 'expense', Atali walks over to me. "I must ask which accommodations you would prefer," she says. I know she's asking whether I'd prefer to sleep with the dragons or get a room a human would stay in.

"Thank you for the offer, but I cannot stay," I say, choosing my words carefully. "It wasn't an offer," Atali raises her head. I chuckle when I realise she's trying the more animalistic version of the old tactic known as asserting dominance. "I am not one to submit unless I deem one worthy of my loyalty," I say to her. "Your attempts are amusing yet pointless, I'm afraid."

She narrows her eyes. "I have my pack to return to," I continue before she can get a word in edgeways. "When I am not with them, they are at risk. It would be selfish of me to stay here."

"If... that is what you wish," Atali gives in. "But... how will you get back without a dragon?"

Ugh. I've decided that I don't like this woman much. "You know very well how I shall get back," I say with all the politeness I can muster. "I can give you a ride, if you want," Hiccup offers. I nod in agreement and thank him.

"We'll handle her, Atali," Hiccup says. "Thanks for your help." "Not a problem," Atali replies with a small smile. "I'm glad I could be of service. It was interesting to meet a Morphwing in person. Does Mala know?"

"No, not yet," Hiccup shook his head. "We might take Nightling to meet Mala when we next see her."

"If we see her," Astrid pointed out. "Though she does have the habit of popping up lately." "She's naturally elusive," I add. "Her kind remain hidden for a reason. For all we know, there are more out there, they just keep hidden well enough that we don't see them."

"Actually... there are more out there," Fishlegs said. "Hiccup, remember that dragon with black scales? The one Nightling stopped from firing at us?"

"That's right," Hiccup nodded, then looked to me. "There's another one. A male. At least if they're the last of their kind they can breed."

I hold back a snort of laughter at the suggestion that Plasma and I should mate. "I suppose so. What's this other dragon like?"

"We don't know much about him, but he listens to Nightling," Heather says. "She protected us. I think we're safe."

"Hm..." I don't bother to argue. "As long as everybody is safe, I suppose..."

"Let's get going, then," Hiccup suggests, mounting Toothless and offering his hand to me. "Woah woah woah!" Snotlout interjected before I could accept. "Why should Hiccup get to take Artemis? He's already engaged to Astrid! My Astrid!"

Astrid hit him on the head with her axe as she walked passed to get to Stormfly. "I'm not yours."

While the twins snickered and Snotlout groaned in pain, Hiccup sighed. "I guess that settles it. Any other objections?"

"Why don't... I take Artemis?" Fishlegs offered. All eyes turned to him. "Fishlegs?" Heather asked. "I just think it... would be good... to... to ask her more about her dragon knowledge! Yeah!" He came up with a badly executed lie, but it seemed to play off quite well. Wow, guess I don't need to step up my game after all. I thought I was losing my touch, but clearly anything will pass these days.

I know the real reason for his offer, but I doubt we'd both fit on poor Meatlug. I voice this issue and he looks greatly relieved. "She can ride with me, if she wants," Heather offered, sounding exceptionally sweet. I looked at her, knowing she was up to something. "Artemis, it's up to you," Hiccup shrugs.

I think over it for a moment. To be honest, I'm curious as to what she wants. "I'll go with Heather if Windshear allows it," I say. "Hop on," Windshear grins, moving her head down so I can climb on. "Thank you, girl." I climb on carefully and pet her once I'm in a sitting position, causing her to purr happily.

"I thank you again, Atali," I say. "It was an honour, Dragon Defender," Atali replied, smiling innocently. The others looked confused by my nickname, but the dragons all looked at me with knowing smirks.

We were off quite fast after that. Heather was seemingly all too eager to reach the skies. Once we were up there, she looked around at me. "What's up with Fishlegs? Something happened, I'm sure of it."

Oh. That's what she wanted. "I will be trusting him not to say," I reply. "He knows too much. Pressure him to speak and I will not be best pleased."

Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "He knows too much, I presume?" "Correct," I nod. "I can sort everything out soon, but not right now. Heather, I know you don't trust me much and you have every reason not to. But please. Don't push him for answers. It's safer for everyone if you just leave him be. He won't remember for much longer anyway."

She slowly nods. "Okay, I won't. On my Berserker honour."