The Gift of the Princess (HTTYD)

New Beginnings

Chapter 60: New Beginnings

"Let's get this battle started!" Snotlout shouted as soon as he and Ingrid led a group of new dragon riders from various villages out of the Hidden World and onto Night Fury Island.

"Looks like it's started without us," Ingrid said, quickly scanning the scene. She could not spot Grimmel, but his men were already engaged with Berk and their allies. Some of the dragons, such as the Deathgrippers, joined in, but the riders refused to harm the dragons. "Snotlout, lead these new recruits. I'm going to help Drago."

"Of course you are. Good luck!"

"You too!" Ingrid and Shadowwhisper flew to the Bewilderbeast, where Drago and Shattermaster hovered, attempting to engage with him. If they had not made progress yet, though, they needed a new tactic. "Hey, forget about him for now!"

"But he's still controlling some dragons," Drago said.

"You've done enough." Shattermaster appeared just fine, and if the Bewilderbeast wanted to kill Drago, he could have done so within seconds. The giant dragon's curiosity had been piqued. "You need to help Duskscales. Look!" Ingrid pointed to the ground where Duskscales was being harassed by the other Night Furies.

Drago's expression hardened. "I'm on it." He zoomed towards the scene.

"Wait, we need those dragons on our side!" In the midst of pursuing him, she passed by Eira and Hiccup. She paused and said, "Night Furies, now!" She continued onward without waiting for a response.

Shattermaster landed before the Night Furies, and Drago hopped off his back. "Hey, leave her alone!" All eyes were on him as he withdrew his sword and took a step forward.

Ingrid instructed Shadowwhisper to calm the other dragons as she landed beside Shattermaster. "Hello there," she said cautiously. "We come in peace." She looked at Drago. "Put your weapon away."

Drago did not move. "I want my dragon back." Duskscales called to him in response.

Fortunately, Toothless and Luna landed by the Night Furies. "She's right," Hiccup said. "We're on the same side."

"We want to protect dragons too," said Eira. "Listen to your friend." Luna slowly approached the Night Furies, who eyed her suspiciously. The other dragons did allow Duskscales to slip through, and the two females stood nose-to-nose, staring at each other. Then Luna lowered her head and nudged Duskscales' shoulder. The gray dragon responded in kind. Luna looked back at Toothless and called out to him.

Toothless glowed alpha blue as he approached the dragons. He roared at the Night Furies, and then his color faded. He sniffed Duskscales before touching her shoulder. The other dragons exchanged looks. Toothless then walked straight through the group, forging a path of Duskscales to follow. He stopped right in front of Drago, regarding him intently.

Drago finally returned his sword to its scabbard and instead lifted his hand out to Toothless. "Hello, alpha." Toothless allowed him to touch his head, and then he stepped aside so Duskscales could greet him. Drago smiled as he rubbed the young dragon's head. "It's good to see you again."

"See?" Ingrid said to the watching dragons. "We're allies. We need to fight together against Grimmel. He's only using you for power and control."

The large male dragon, presumably the leader, strode towards Luna, stopping in front of her. He stared at her for a moment before lowering his head. Luna mimicked him allowing their foreheads to touch. "He's accepting you back into the flock," Eira said. "This is great!"

"Maybe he'll let you touch him now," said Hiccup.

The leader watched Eira calmly as she stretched out her hand. He lowered his head again and allowed her to place her hand on top. She smiled. "Thank you."