When Lightning Strikes: A HTTYD Hybrid's Story

Chapter 8: Beyond

Art is by me! Hope you enjoy!

He was getting tired. No doubt about that. Storm had been flying for about 2 whole days now, and his wings were finally starting to cramp and sore. He needed to find land, and fast. Storm hadn't know the Sanctuary was this far away from everything else. In fact, he hadn't even seen any other dragons, well besides the pod of Seashockers just below the waves. Otherwise, the world was all but silent, except for the soft whistling of the wind and the lap of the waves.

Now, night was approaching, and Storm had to find shelter. He flew for another hour or so, until a dark spot in the distance caught his eye. What was that? Could it be... Yes! Land! Filled with renewed energy, Storm shot forward. It took him several minutes to reach it, but the island turned out to be a small stretch of land only about 4 miles wide and covered in a thick forest, but it would do. Storm scouted the land quickly for any possible danger, but the island appeared to be empty. In the middle of the island there was a tall jungle tree with profound branches that seemed to be wider than he was around. It would do. Storm dove towards it, and selected one of the thinner branches near the top. Upon landing, he flipped his tail over the top and carefully lowered the rest of his body off the branch, so he was now hanging upside down with his wings wrapped around him like a blanket. Tonight he would get a good rest, and then continue on his journey in the morning.

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Storm awoke to the warm rays of the sun prickling his face. Yawning, he stretched his wings and slowly pulled himself up onto the branch. It had been a while since he had a good sleep like that, and it obviously did him some good, as he felt fresh and ready to go. But first and foremost was breakfast. Storm leapt off his tree and glided to the ocean. He could see brightly colored fish glimmering beneath the surface of the water, and he licked his lips. But maybe he should take a bath first. After all, the grime and dust from the other day still clung to his scales, and a good bath would do no harm. Not to mention the beautiful cove on this end of the island was also full of fish. Storm changed direction mid-flight and dove headfirst into the salty water.

SPLASH!

Storm felt the cool, salty water enclose around his body as he sunk under the waves. Opening his eyes, he realized that the water was indeed very clear, even enough to see those brightly colored fish he spotted near the reef earlier. Propelling himself forward with his wings, Storm snatched a fish in his jaws. It didn't taste exactly like the fish from the Sanctuary, but was good nonetheless. He ate several more until he was full. Finishing up with his bath, Storm climbed onto the sandy shore. The hot sand felt good on his muscles and the sun dried his back. Achira and mom would love this place... Storm's eyes popped open. Hot tears began to stream down his muzzle and his heart clenched painfully at the memory of his mother and... What happened to Achira? I didn't see her after the battle. Did she... die? Storm instantly regretted not looking for Achira. She was probably dead because of him, too. And now he was starting to regret leaving the Sanctuary. Should I go back?

No. Achira was most likely alive, and she could handle herself. Plus, she probably never wanted to see Storm again after what he pulled off. With a sigh, Storm watched the afternoon sun sink behind a cloud. He would relax for the rest of the day, and then leave tomorrow morning. Hopefully his journey would pay off.