Shadow rawks at me questioningly. "Yes, yes, we're almost there," I sigh, patting his head. "Not much closer than the last time you asked since it was only ten seconds ago."

We've been flying for an hour or two and let's just say I'm glad I'm in a saddle and not flying bareback. Shadow has been itching to get there, just like all my dragons do when we go to the small island that we're stopping at.

At long last I see it appearing in the distance and grin beneath my mask, which I haven't dared remove yet after the last time I attempted leaving Berk alone. Shadow rawks excitedly and dives towards it. Within a minute he's landing and I dismount, knowing what's about to come next.

He begins rolling around in the dragon nip growing all over the island, chirping and chirruping like he's still a hatchling. I chuckle and collect the stems of the drug-like plant, enjoying the peace and quiet. This island has always been a nice place to relax every once in a while, it's almost as if the dragon nip works on me as well.

I land around for a while, allowing Shadow to have some playtime to himself. Privacy is closer to a luxury at the sanctuary, something that is both a blessing and a curse to us. It means we can always know if one of us is missing or if something's bothering them, but on the times you want to be alone for whatever reason the island is packed with patrols, hunting, fishing and plenty of other activities.

It's always nice to get away for a while and I find my guard slowly slipping away from my grasp until it's hanging from a thread, only there because of the nagging reminder in my brain that someone could appear at any moment.

I was right to assume that.

Another Monstrous Nightmare joined Shadow and began rolling around in the dragon nip, rawking out happily. I quickly regained my wits at the visitors, the second being a certain boy on the Nightmare's back.

"Do you ever take a day off?" I huff. "Rest is for the weak!" Snotlout replies. Ugh, one of his father's sayings, apparently. "I always thought that rest was for the brave," I disagree. "It takes anyone to flee, but to return to the fight after regaining their strength even now they know exactly what they have to face? That shows bravery."

He seems surprised by my words, but quickly shakes it off. "So why did you need so much limestone? Are you giving a present to Fishface or something?"

"One of the Gronkle hatchlings back home need it. They're sick and limestone can help them recover," I reply snippily. "Everything I do is for my partners, so never question my motives."

"Then why do you wear that mask?" He attempts to catch me out. "How could you keeping your identity a secret possibly benefit your dragons?"

"If you knew who I was, you'd know my weaknesses and use them against me. Through that you would locate my island and get to all of my partners. You would capture or kill them mercilessly, which I can never allow." My voice comes out cold and emotionless. "Is that enough reason for you or do you have to continue trying to figure out who I am? Because so help me I will end your petty life before you even have the chance to be in theirs."

Clearly I'm giving him too many answers that he can't find fault with because he scowls. "Ugh, fine, I'll stop." "Will you really, though?" I cock an eyebrow. "Probably not," he admits with a shrug, causing me to sigh.

"Same story, different year," I mutter under my breath before looking to Shadow, who's happily playing with Hookfang. The pair seem to like each other. "What's gotten into Hookfang?" Snotlout asks. "He never acts like this."

"Dragon nip," I answer simply, gesturing to the ground. "Causes dragons to become playful and more docile." "I knew that," he grumbles, causing me to roll my eyes at him.

We stay there in silence for a while, watching our two dragons play. They seem blissful and carefree, as though they've known each other all their lives. It's wonderful to see Shadow getting along with a new friend so well, to be honest, even if it's under the influence of dragon nip.

"So why did you stop here if your hatchling is sick?" Snotlout asked after a few minutes. "The limestone ran out this morning when I gave her the last of it, as long as we get back for tomorrow she'll be fine," I reply, not shifting my gaze from the Nightmares.

"Hey, are there really all kinds of dragons on your island or is that just a part of the myth?"

"For every dragon I've ever come across, at least one is my partner," I confirm. "I doubt this will make up every dragon species in the world, though."

"So what are your plans for the place?" He asks. "Why are you asking so many questions?" I counter. "From what I've heard, you're the type to get what you want first and leave asking questions to someone else."

"Well if I cant find out who you really are I might as well get a few answers," he replied. I cock my head very slightly at the thought, but slowly nod. "Well to answer your question, my plans are to free all dragons from hunters and others who are set out to harm them in any way."

"That's it?"

"What else is there?"

"Being awesome like me?"

I laugh dryly. "I'd rather not be anything like you. You have little respect for Hookfang, for starters. He isn't a pet, he isn't your employee and he isn't lower than you, you know. He's your equal. By taking him in the first place you made a promise to him that you would treat him right, treat him as an equal. Where have you gone from there?"

He considers my words for a moment before smirking slightly. I realise what's coming and sidestep just in time to avoid him tearing my mask off, instead causing him to leap into the ocean. I chuckle at his misfortunes. "Not today, Snotlout. Not today."