Rescue Mission

"Rescue Mission" is a [SEASON NUMBER] thread written on [IRL DATE].
==Summary==
[Write a summary of the thread's events here, including spoilers and important plot details. Check the Order of Threads to see if the thread you are placing already has a summary, to make less work for yourself.]
==Full Text==
Furi and Tael had noticed a large flock of Night Furies flying over them, and knowing exactly who it was, they'd decided to follow at a distance to see what The Indigo Phantom was up to.
They'd gotten to Haligan a few hours after Phantom had already left. The human's place was a mess. They could see it from where they stood at a distance.
@lbigreyhound13
Jan 27, 2020
“Were there any casualties?” Grey asked one of her men. 
“No one was hurt, Chief,” the man replied. “Just a few minor injuries, and your mother is seeing to them now. There were a few things that were reported stolen.”
“Okay, I want a full inventory of what was stolen,” Grey said with command in her voice. “Once we do that, we will begin reconstruction of the buildings that were damaged, and I want security doubled on the island. No one gets in or out without me or Brandt knowing.”
“Yes, Chief,” the man said as he and his comrade ran off to complete the tasks. 
Brandt couldn’t help but watch his wife with sadness. She had done this before. Grey always tended to busy herself when there was something bothering her. When Greg died...when they experienced the miscarriage...when King Haddock died...she always tried to busy herself with work until she was ready to talk about it, but there was something different. Grey was experiencing the same pain again. She had told him about Midgardsormr’s trial...and how Shadow was forced to leave her. Now...she was experiencing that pain all over again.
“Hey,” Brandt said as he walked up to her wrapping an arm around her as soon as they were alone, “it’s okay, my love. We’ll get her back.”
Grey looked at him with tears in her eyes. “How? They’re probably long gone by now,” she said. “At least Midgardsormr was trying to protect her...in a weird way. We don’t know what this guy will do to her...or what he wants.”
Jan 27, 2020
Furi glanced at Tael.
"I wonder why Phantom attacked this place? It's pretty far from his home."
"Only one reason I can think of." Tael told her. "Well, maybe two. But I'm betting there was a Fury here."
Furi clawed at the ground. "Well, let's help them." She told her brother, with a stern glance. "After all, Phantom is not a good person." Tael snorted and followed her down the hill towards the village.
"We could at least be stealthy, sis." He mumbled.
Jan 27, 2020
“I have a feeling that he didn’t want to hurt Shadow,” Brandt said as he hugged Grey close. “He had a whole herd of Night Furies with him, and they didn’t seem harmed.”
“Yeah, but he hypnotized her,” Grey said through her tears. “Why do that? What does he want with my dragon?”
Jan 27, 2020
Furi wandered through the damaged town, a frown on her face. Phantom had hurt these people. Once, she may have agreed with him. But she'd met humans who weren't so bad. She knew this was uncalled for.
Tael walked behind her, not looking quite as distraught. He'd seen this before. He'd caused this before. He wasn't a big fan of humans either, but he trusted his sister enough to stay with her.
Both Furies got some glances from the villagers, and kept low to look nonthreatening.
Jan 27, 2020
Sven, Dagny, and Kari watched from the side as their parents embraced each other while their mother cried over the loss of Shadow. Ingrid had sent them to find their parents to bring them to the hut, but they stopped short at the scene in front of them. It was then that they noticed something emerging toward their parents. It was...two Night Furies!
“Mom! Dad!” Sven said as they ran over. “Look!”
Grey and Brandt pulled away from each other and looked only to see...
“Furi?” Grey asked in disbelief as she walked toward the dragon. 
Jan 27, 2020
Furi squinted at the chief before recognizing her from that one other time they'd met. "Chief... uhhhhh... Grey?" She greeted the woman. "Been a while. Looks like you're having some trouble here."
Furi gestured with a wing to the village.
"Let me guess. Some weird guy with a flock of Furies?" She asked.
Jan 27, 2020
Grey widened her eyes. “Yes, that’s exactly it,” the Chief said as she knelt down in front of Furi so that they were eye-level. “They attacked the village, and when Shadow and I went to confront him, he somehow took control of Shadow...just like Midgardsormr and took off with her. Do you know him? Or where I can find him?”
Jan 27, 2020
Furi wasn't entirely surprised and growled softly.
"Well, I met him. It's complicated. He lives deep in a forest to the southeast. And I think we could help you."
Tael sniffed. "Indigo isn't gonna let a human take a Fury away from him. He's very protective of us."
"He let you go."
"Because of you, sis. He really, really doesn't like humans. In his head, he's doing Shadow a favor." Tael told her. "And I almost agree with him."
Furi shot him a glare. "We'll talk more about that later." She turned back to Grey. "We'll help. Both of us will."
Jan 28, 2020
“Thank you, thank you so much!” Grey said excitedly as relief washed over her. The last time this happened...she was forced to stay behind and wait until she had the right opportunity to get Shadow back. Not this time! She was going to get Shadow back tonight...whatever it took. “We’ll leave immediately.” She stopped realizing something. “Umm...since I can’t fly...I’m going to have to...” The Chief gave a nervous smile hoping that Furi would catch on. 
Jan 28, 2020
Furi nodded slowly. "I guess I can do that. You... need a saddle, don't you?" She asked. Furi supposed she could handle it. She'd still always be wild, but maybe just this once.
Tael looked unimpressed, but said nothing.
Jan 28, 2020
Grey gave a sad smile. She had forgotten that Furi was a wild dragon and never had a human ride her before, which meant she was not used to a saddle. She and Shadow had been flying together since they were young, so Shadow has time to grow accustomed to it.
“Don’t worry about it,” she said. “I’ve ridden Shadow a few times without a saddle. I can handle it for one day.”
Jan 28, 2020
Furi nodded again. "Alright. If you're good to go, we can head off." She turned so Grey could ride her.
She didn't really know how they'd get Shadow back, but they had to try.
Jan 28, 2020
Grey smiled and turned to her husband. “You’ll keep an eye on things?” she asked as she embraced him.
“Of course, just focus on getting Shadow back,” Brandt replied. “And be careful.”
“I will,” she said before kissing him on the lips. She pulled away and gathered Sven, Dagny, and Kari into her arms. “Listen to your dad, okay? I’ll be back soon.”
“Okay, Mom,” they said in unison.
As soon as they pulled away, Grey turned to Furi and gently mounted the wild dragon. “Okay, Furi, ready when you are,” she said.
Jan 28, 2020
Furi took off, turning to follow where Phantom's flock had gone just hours before. Tael followed her, happy to be flying again.
"We should be able to get there in an hour or two." Furi told Grey. "Might have to stop once we get close though, I could use some sleep." She continued. It was still several hours till sunrise.
Jan 28, 2020
“Okay,” Grey said with her eyes still on the sky ahead of her. It made sense, they wouldn’t be able to take on Phantom if they were exhausted. “We’ll need to think of a plan to get Shadow back. You said you know this guy, so who is he? What does he want with Shadow?”
Jan 28, 2020
Tael cut in. "He rescues and takes care of Night Furies. He helps other dragons too, and does his best to stop humans from taking dragons."
Furi sighed. "He raids innocent villages as well, and isn't a very stable guy. He's a little nuts. He could take control of us if he wanted, and probably will attack you, so I'm not sure how we'll get Shadow back yet. We'll figure something out."
Jan 28, 2020
“But I didn’t take Shadow,” Grey replied as she turned to Tael. “We met when we were little 36 years ago. She chose to stay with me, and she was alone. Couldn’t he see that we were working together? How she tried to help me?”
Jan 28, 2020
Tael sniffed. "That doesn't matter to him. You're a human, and she's a dragon. As far as he's concerned, you're hurting her just being near her."
Furi glanced back at him. "Which means we have to do everything we can to get Shadow back to Grey, because Phantom is wrong."
Tael grumbled something under his breath, and avoided her glare.
Jan 28, 2020
“We just need to figure out how to do just that,” Grey said aloud. She bit her bottom lip and furrowed her eyebrows together in deep thought. “He was using some kind of mind control on Shadow...just like Midgardsormr. If we can somehow make him lose concentration...like distract him, he won’t be able to control Shadow, and I could sneak her away.”
Jan 28, 2020
"That might work?" Furi agreed. "Me and Tael could distract him while you sneak in. What do you think, brother? I have an idea what could distract him, and even keep him from taking control of us. Maybe."
Jan 28, 2020
“I’m listening,” Grey said urging the wild Night Fury to go on.
Jan 28, 2020
"I'm thinking Tael and I pretend we changed our mind and ask him to let us stay, and while we distract him as best we can, you get Shadow. If we're being his friend, theres less chance he'll force us." Furi explained.
Tael blinked. "Might actually work."
“Perfect,” the Chief said smiling, “and once Shadow and I are far enough from the camp, we can fly back to Haligan Island without any bloodshed.”
Jan 28, 2020
“Alright.” Furi stated. “We’ll do that.”
She glanced at Tael again, silently asking him if he’d follow her lead. Her brother just met her eyes, then stared straight ahead.
They stopped to rest a short while after that.
Jan 28, 2020
As soon as they landed, Grey dismounted Furi and surveyed the dense forest surrounding the area. 
“How far is the camp from here?” she asked the wild dragon siblings. 
Jan 28, 2020
“We’re not too far from it.” Furi explained. “I didn’t want to get too close.” She yawned and stretched. “I’m gonna get some sleep now. We’ll move out in the morning.”
Tael followed her lead, curling up to sleep. He was torn inside, and it took him a while to drift off.
Jan 29, 2020
Grey watched as the two dragons drifted to sleep and looked deep into the forest. She could feel that Shadow was close by…waiting to go home, and that was exactly what she was going to do…whatever it took. The Chief knew that they had a good plan to get her Night fury back, but it was a matter of time before that plan would be put into action. And she refused to let Shadow get hurt in any way, shape, or form. She was going to make sure her Night Fury was back under their room on Haligan Island.
With that thought in mind, Grey settled down against a tree and fell fast asleep.
Jan 29, 2020
Furi awoke some time after sunrise and stretched with a wide yawn. She looked aroind to see Grey and Tael still asleep. She figured that she’d be useful and get some food, as she was starving. She wandered off to find a place to hunt.
Jan 29, 2020
It wasn’t long after Furi woke up that the Chief followed her lead, and she felt rested. However, she knew that she wouldn’t be able to rest until she got Shadow back. Plus, it had been a very long since she essentially slept outdoors. She stood up and stretched. A part of her wanted to make a fire, but it would be too risky knowing that Phantom could be close by.
She looked around and saw that Tael was still sleeping, but Furi was gone. The Chief figured she went to find some food as there were no signs of struggle.
Jan 29, 2020
Tael blinked and lifted his head a bit later, rubbing his face with a paw. “What a night…” He mumbled to himself. He glanced at Grey and gave a half hearted greeting before stretching out.
Jan 30, 2020
Grey nodded in return to greet the other wild dragon as she continued to survey the area. 
“As soon as Furi gets back, we’ll have to move out soon,” Grey said as she paced back and forth. She was desperate to get Shadow back and to head home to their family as soon as possible. 
Jan 30, 2020
Tael just sat down and watched her, waiting for his sister. He didnt really have anything to add to her one person conversation.
Furi returned with a mouthful of fish and gave some to Tael, then nudged one towards Grey. “Oh right, you humans like your food burnt. I forgot.” Furi realized, then awkwardly began to wonder if she should try cooking it for Grey.
Jan 30, 2020
Grey chuckled as she picked up some wood and put it together for a small fire pit. “It’s alright, Furi,” the Chief said as she put one fish on stick. “If you fire a plasma blast, I can cook it over the fire for myself.”
Jan 30, 2020
Furi brightened slightly, and shot a small blast at the pile of wood. “I still don’t understand why you humans love burning perfectly fresh prey, though. Really weird.” She joined Tael in chowing down on their own fish.
“Agreed.” Tael stated. “Makes it all dry and takes all the freshness out. Gross. I much prefer nice and juicy. Especially if it’s wiggling a little.” He smacked at one of the fish idly with a paw.
Jan 31, 2020
“Well, humans and half-breeds can’t eat many things raw,” the Chief explained as she cooked the fish. “Sometimes, raw food tends to make us sick. So we cook the food to make it easier to eat.”
Jan 31, 2020
Furi tilted her head curiously and lifted an earfin. “Oh, that makes sense.” She muttered. Tael just snorted and shook his head before grabbing another fish and munching on it.
“I guess.” He mumbled around it. After he’d eaten it, he rolled over and stared at the trees.
Jan 31, 2020
As Grey finished cooking and eating her fish, she found herself looking around the trees. Ever since they landed last night, she had felt this ache in her chest…wanting nothing more than to find Shadow. It was there when Shadow was forced to leave because of Midgardsormr, and it was all-too familiar. 
The Chief sighed aloud. She could feel that her dragon was close by. 
Jan 31, 2020
Furi stood and nudged Tael with a wing. “Alright, get up. We’d better get going.” Tael moaned and rolled back over, looking tired.
“Okay, yeah.” He mumbled.
Furi led the way until she decided they were at a reasonable point, then turned to Grey.
“The entrance is over there beyond that hill. It’s a small hole in some rocks that leads into a big cave system. Me and Tael will get Phantom’s attention, and when I give you a signal, sneak in and find Shadow. We’ll back you up as best we can.” She whispered.
Feb 1, 2020
The Chief nodded as she ducked behind some foliage to wait for the signal. “Okay, good luck,” she began, “and come back out as soon as you can.”
Feb 1, 2020
Furi nodded to her brother and they walked together to the entrance of the cave. Furi sniffed at the entrance and hoped someone would come out. After a moment, no one did.
“Hello, Phantom? It’s Furi! Me and Tael wish to speak with you!” She called into the shadows.
There was no immediate response, but another Fury poked a head out a minute later. “Oh, it’s you two. What do you want?” He snorted.
“We want to speak with Phantom. Is he around?” Furi asked.
The other Night Fury shook his head. “Phantom is not available right now. He is tired and resting. But I can pass on a message.” 
“Oh.” Furi murmured, surprised and unsure. Tael stepped forward a bit.
“We were thinking, and changed our mind. We want to join Phantom’s cause.” 
Furi nodded in agreement. The other Fury was about to turn to pass on the message when The Phantom himself came out. He was crouched and looked somewhat tired.
Feb 1, 2020
Grey remained crouched down waiting for the signal from Furi to get Shadow and trying to stay quiet. The last thing she needed was another Night Fury seeing her and giving her away, but she could see Phantom coming out of the cave to speak with Furi and Tael. It took everything in her power not to attack Phantom.
Feb 2, 2020
Furi studied the Phantom. He stared at them behind his mask, and leaned slightly on the Night Fury beside him, who gently nudged him. Indigo gave some sort of silent signal, then turned to Furi and Tael.
“I heard you want to join again, hmm? Well I’d love to welcome you back with op-” He almost fell over. He was exhausted, Furi could tell. “Open arms. I… I always welcome one of my Fury friends. Please,c-c- in.”
Tael stepped forward and gently nudged Phantom, who backed away slightly, but rubbed the dragon’s nose with a gloved hand. “Are you okay, Indigo?” Tael asked, sounding somewhat concerned. Furi inwardly moaned, frustrated at her brother.
The Phantom shook his head with a sigh. “It’s our latest rescue. She’s been… difficult. I’m practically at my wits end. Sharp and Scoot are watching her, and she keeps trying to go back to her human captors. It’s frustrating that she won’t listen, and…” He shifted with a large growl. “I just want to help the poor little lady, and still…”
Furi stepped forward and stared up at the Phantom. “How about we go for a little walk? It’s been a long flight, and I feel without a Shadow of a doubt that we all could use some fresh air and relaxation! I have a lot to ask you, Phantom!”
Phantom hesitated, but nodded. He motioned for the Fury next to him to follow, and the four of them would find a place to relax. Furi glanced back into the trees to see if Grey heard her. Hopefully she’d understand the hint.
Feb 2, 2020
As Furi and Tael spoke to Phantom, the Chief realized how tired and exhausted he looked, and she couldn’t help but wonder why. Was it the mind control on Shadow? She smiled to herself when Phantom talked about the latest Night Fury he “rescued” and how resistant she was and trying to return to her “human captors.” Shadow...That had to be Shadow! 
“...feel without a Shadow of a doubt...”
Grey perked. That was the signal. They were going to distract Phantom and that other Night Fury...Indigo. As soon as they were far enough from the cave, she could run right in and get Shadow out of there. The Chief made sure to stay hidden and waited until they moved out of earshot, and as soon as she was sure they were far enough, Grey slowly moved from her hiding spot and made her way toward the cave. With that, she slowly walked toward the entrance and peeked inside.
Furi and Tael walked out a little ways and sat down, with the other Night Fury and Indigo Phantom following. The exhausted Phantom sat down on the grass and sighed softly.
"Thank you for suggesting a break, I suppose I really needed it. Storm, would you mind..." He mumbled. The other Fury curled up next to Phantom, giving him something to lean against. "Thanks, my friend. Now, what brought you back here?" Phantom asked, curious.
Meanwhile, in the dark cave, most of the Furies were in one end, and none of them had noticed the human sneaking around yet.
Feb 2, 2020
Grey peeked into the cave and noticed most of the Furies on one end of the cave far from the entrance, and not one of them seem to notice her coming in. She took a deep breath and crept into the cave trying not to disturb them.
“Come on, Shadow,” she whispered. “Where are you?”
Feb 2, 2020
Shadow was being guarded, kept in one of the caves by Sharp and Scoot, a couple of the stronger Furies.
Sharp had an eye on Shadow, and Scoot kept glancing at her, upset.
Scoot eventually spoke up. "I still don't get why you keep trying to escape." She said, pointing with a paw to the old scar on her face that took up most of her nose and around her left eye. "Humans just hurt you. You're safer here!" 
"Yes, agreed. It's much better here." Sharp murmured, scratching an itch behind his ear with a leg. He was an older Fury, and he'd seen many battles. "I'm lucky to have lived as old as I have because met Phantom. He's dedicated to helping dragons. You're lucky too, little one."
Feb 2, 2020
Shadow growled at the two Furies guarding her. She wasn’t restrained, but whenever she made any attempt to escape the whole night, they were always there to stop her. It was getting tiresome, but she refused to give up. She had to get home to Grey! They belonged together. The Father himself saw this.
She was 46 in human years just like Grey, but she knew not to comment on that as Sharp was indeed older than her. “Some humans hurt us...I know,” she growled to them. “I lost my parents when I was very young to bounty hunters, but my human sister, Grey is different. She and I found each other when we were young. It was my choice to stay with her and her parents. She and I had been through everything together. And her parents...her mate...her hatchlings,” she thought of Sven, Dagny, and Kari and how much she missed them, “they’re all good humans. Grey and I are sisters! We belong together! She would never do anything to hurt me. If you let me pass, I can take you to her and show you.”
Feb 2, 2020
Scoot sighed and shook her head. "There you go again with that." She met eyes with Sharp, and turned back to Shadow. Scoot pinned back her ears with a small growl. "I've never met one good human. They're all the same. Selfish, greedy, sometimes murderous humans. I'm glad we got that old bunch of human stuff of your back, and I wish you'd come to your senses!" 
Sharp nudged her with his tail. "Easy, Scoot. Don't yell at her. Gentleness first." He glanced at Shadow, and gave her a small smile. "It'll be okay. Perhaps all this is a little overwhelming for now. Maybe rest a bit? We could get you some food." 
Feb 2, 2020
Shadow growled and huffed in annoyance. She had never met any dragon so stubborn. She didn’t remember her parents being this predjudiced against the humans. They always taught her to be wary of them, and even after Grey became her sister, she still stayed true to that...mostly to protect Grey.
Hearing Sharp mention getting food for her, Shadow perked when she realized something. If both of them were gone, maybe she could find a way to escape. She also couldn’t help but notice a familiar scent...an all-too familiar scent in the cave. Perhaps, this was a chance.
“Uhhh...” Shadow crooned, “actually, I can use some food. Thank you.”
Feb 2, 2020
Sharp gave her a warm smile and nodded. "I'll find someone to hunt for you, then!" He stood and stretched, a little sore from sitting in one spot. He walked slowly out of the cave, off towards the others.
Scoot didn't move. Her nose twitched. "Yeah, I could use a fish myself." She stated, flexing her paws with a small yawn. "Or maybe something bigger, like a chicken. What's your favorite kind of prey? Or do you eat human food?" She seemed genuinely curious, but couldn't keep a tiny sneer out of her tone. Scoot figured Shadow ate out of a bowl or something.
Feb 2, 2020
Shadow silently huffed to herself as Scoot didn’t move. Ever since she got here, she wanted nothing more than to pounce on Scoot. However, she restrained herself.
“My human gave me raw fish like any other dragon,” Shadow growled.
Meanwhile, Grey quickly moved behind a stone as a Fury passed her making his way out of the cave. Once she was sure he wasn’t going to see her, the Chief moved on further down the cave. She couldn’t call out without these dragons hearing her, so she had to move on in silence.
Feb 2, 2020
Scoot sniffed and moved to scratch an itch on her tail. "I see." She sniffed. "You mentioned your parents were taken by poachers. Don't you hate them for that?" She asked, pupils wide. "I never even got to meet mine, and I can't even see properly because of them."
She turned her head away a little. "I would never trust a human. Sure, some play nice, but they all turn out to be the same."
Feb 2, 2020
“Of course, I do,” Shadow snarled at the memory of that tragic day. “I hate those humans for what they did, but Grey is not like them. She had nothing to do with it. You can’t lump them all together when you don’t know them. I’m sorry you had a bad experience with them, I am, but if you let me show you what Grey is like, you will see what I’m talking about. She sacrificed her life to save mine a long time ago.”
The Chief stopped when she heard a noise...a dragon crooning...and her brown eyes widened. “That’s got to be Shadow,” she whispered.
Feb 2, 2020
Scoot hesitated for the first time. "Are you... are you sure she really cares about you? I haven't even met a human like that." She stared down at her paws. "They took everything from me. You... you're crazy." She muttered.
She sniffed and stiffened. "I... that smells like..." She looked horrified. "I know that smell!"
Feb 2, 2020
Shadow widened her eyes as the scent reached her nose yet again. She had hoped to distract Scoot from the scent long enough. “Is that really...?” Shadow growled as she took a step forward.
Feb 2, 2020
"It's..." Scoot looked panicked, her pupils thin and her teeth unsheathed. "HUMAN! It's a human!" The shriek echoed down the caves, and there were some distant noises of the other confused Furies.
Scoot backed up from the doorway, looking like she'd pass out. "I can't do this again... There's one here!" She whimpered.
In the large room, many of the Furies were looking around, having heard the panicked yelp from Scoot. They began looking around their home, alarmed.
Feb 2, 2020
“Oh no...if that’s Grey...” Shadow growled to herself. “GREY!” she roared aloud hoping that the Chief could hear her running away from Scoot. If Scoot saw Grey before Shadow could get to her...that would surely not end well. “GREY! WHERE ARE YOU?”
The Chief had ducked into the shadows upon hearing the panicked shrieks of a Night Fury. That definitely didn’t sound like the one she had grown up with, but then she heard another Night Fury...an all-too familiar roar...and rapid footsteps. “Shadow!” Grey shouted. “Shadow, is that you? Girl, where are you?”
Feb 2, 2020
Sharp came around the corner, noticing Shadow run past him. He could also smell the human. He peeked in to see Scoot, practically having a panic attack.
He let out a loud wordless roar to the others, letting them know it wasn't a false alarm, and moved to comfort Scoot.
Zipshot and a handful other Night furies were still wandering the tunnels, looking for the human. One yelled to get Phantom. Another noticed Shadow making a run for it.
One saw Grey.
Feb 2, 2020
“Oh no...they probably know I’m here,” Grey whispered to herself. “I need to find Shadow quick.” She completely forgot about hiding. If they knew she was here, there was no point now, especially when they could smell her. All she needed to do was find Shadow, and then they could make a run for it. 
“Shadow! Shadow! Where are you?!” Grey shouted again. 
Shadow kept running through the cave, and sure enough, as she followed Grey’s scent, there stood...in front of her making her way deeper into the cave. 
“GREY!” Shadow roared in excitement as she ran faster toward the human. 
Grey froze as she heard another familiar roar, and then she looked down the tunnel squinting in the darkness. It wasn’t hard to see the green eyes and the big smile on the dragon’s face coming toward her, and a huge smile splashed onto her face. “SHADOW!!” she shouted as she ran toward the dragon. “SHADOW!! I’M HERE!” 
Human and dragon met in the middle as Grey wrapped her arms around Shadow’s neck as the Night Fury nuzzled the Chief. “Aw, Shadow,” she said with tears in her eyes, “you’re okay...my good girl, you’re okay...”
“Grey...” Shadow crooned wrapping a foreleg around Grey. “I knew you would come for me...”
Feb 2, 2020
At the same time, the Night Furies had grouped up, and had them basically surrounded. About ten Furies had the cave closed off for them, and they looked ticked.
"A human, in my home?" An angry voice echoed through the caverns. "An uninvited intruder!" The Phantom moved through the group of Furies, Storm on his heels. "How DARE you intrude my home!" He pointed a finger at Grey.
"How-" He paused and turned to Furi and Tael, who had followed. "How could you? Why would you betray me like this?" He asked, sounding distraught, and still exhausted.
Furi didn't answer, instead she snarled at the Phantom, inches from leaping at him. Tael's face was unreadable. "Let Grey and Shadow go, old friend." He told Phantom. "They're not worth the trouble. Domesticated ones rarely are. You know that"
The Furies around them began muttering to themselves, reluctantly agreeing. They'd gone through so much trouble, and were getting tired of holding them there. Phantom buried his head in his hands, growling softly.
"And submit to the will of a human and leave the poor dragon she made her pet..." He murmured, sounding about to cry.
Tael walked forward and gently nuzzled Phantom. "Not worth the struggle. You're tired, they're tired. Let them go." Phantom said nothing, but he must have signaled the Furies somehow, because they all backed off, moving back.
He'd relented.
Feb 3, 2020
The Chief and her Night Fury eyed Phantom and his Night Furies suspiciously. Sure, Furi and Tael vouched for them, but was Phantom really letting them go?
“You’re really letting us go?” Grey asked. “No strings attached?”
Shadow growled as she stood in front of Grey in a defensive stance just in case.
Feb 3, 2020
Phantom gestured to the way out, looking defeated and exhausted. "Go." He told them with a small sigh. "I... Tael is right, it is not worth the fight. You have convinced this Fury that she needs you, and I am tired. Take her and go." He turned and began retreating into the cavern, followed by his confused flock.
Furi grinned at Grey and Shadow. "Let's go before the loon changes his mind." She told them, turning toward the exit.
Feb 3, 2020
“She didn’t convince me of anything,” Shadow growled as she took a step toward Phantom as he walked away.
Grey glared at the Phantom one more time. She didn’t need to say anything though based on Shadow growling at him, which said plenty. They both knew that Grey didn’t use any means to convince Shadow that she needed Grey. It was their choice. Both of them were alone and found each other one day when they were young and decided that they were destined to be together. They were meant to be best friends forever...sisters forever. That was all, and it was the truth.
“You’re right, Furi,” she finally said. As Shadow turned to look at her, she gave her best friend a warm smile. “What do you say, girl? Should we get out of here and head home?”
Shadow smiled and nuzzled Grey’s cheek. “I would love that more than anything, Grey,” she crooned.
Feb 3, 2020
Furi smiled and lead them to the surface, clearly relieved that they could leave now. As soon as the sunlight hit her scales, she couldn't wait to be out of there. She turned and noticed Tael hesitating at the cavern entrance.
"C'mon bro, let's leave mr. crazy behind and get on with life." She told him. "Maybe we can stay on Haligan for a while."
Tael sniffed, still hesitant. He seemed unable to leave.
"Don't tell me you want to go back to that nutcase, Tael." Furi mumbled. "Let's go."
Feb 3, 2020
Grey and Shadow both turned and saw the two siblings behind them at the cave entrance and that Tael wasn’t leaving.
“You heard your sister,” Shadow crooned to Tael. “Let’s go. We can leave and go home.”
Feb 3, 2020
Tael sighed. "I kind of miss them." He told the others. "Zipshot, Storm, Bouncy... Scoot, Song, Sharp... all of them, they're my friends. Even Indigo. I... I don't want to leave them again." He turned and looked at his sister.
Furi began to look distraught. "Tael... you..." She shook her head. "You can't leave me! I've been through so much to find you! We just got back together! I..."
Feb 3, 2020
Both the Chief and her Night Fury’s faces fell as they looked at each other and then back at the siblings. This wasn’t how Grey imagined this at all. She thought they would just come to get Shadow back, and then they could all head home together and not have to deal with Phantom ever again.
“What would you like to do, Tael?” Grey asked gently as she took a step forward. She knew how hard it was to leave friends behind. She did the same thing 25 years ago when she left her parents to join the Rebellion and 3 years later when the Rebellion was allowed to disperse. It was not easy, but it had to be done.
Feb 3, 2020
"I..." Tael stuttered. "I... want to stay here. And you can too, Furi!"
Furi growled. "He's got you brainwashed again!"
"No, he doesn't." Tael told her icily. "He's my friend, and neither of you will understand. He wants to help dragons. He only controls as a last resort, he doesn't like doing it!" He snapped. "But just because of one bad meeting, you refuse to even give him a chance!"
"Because he's crazy! And he hurts people! Both dragons and humans! Just because he means well doesn't mean what he's doing is right!" Furi yelped, getting desperate. "Please, just... stay with me!"
“Tael, listen to m—” Grey took a step forward only Shadow to stop her with her wing.
“Let me handle this, Grey,” Shadow crooned.
Even though Grey couldn’t understand her, she knew exactly what Shadow was telling her and smiled as she gestured for her dragon to have a chance to speak.
“Tael, I know from first-hand experience that that’s not the case,” Shadow crooned as she walked over to the male Night Fury. “Phantom didn’t use his mind control as a last resort with me. He didn’t even try to talk to me and Grey. He attacked Haligan Island, and forced me to come with him. He didn’t give me a choice as he brought me. He didn’t listen when I explained to him that Grey is my best friend. He used this mind control thing to take me away. That’s not rescue, that’s kidnapping.”
Feb 3, 2020
Tael shook his head. "You don't know him like I do. He saved my life. It's more complicated than that. He probably just wanted to get you away from Grey first. I..." He sighed. "I don't have to listen to this." He turned to Furi. "Bye, sis. Visit whenever." He mumbled.
Furi watched, frozen with shock and building sadness as her brother turned and left her, tail disappearing into the darkness. She started shaking, unable to move or speak. She couldn't believe Tael cared for some crazy man and his flock more than his own sister.
Feb 3, 2020
Grey and Shadow stared at Tael’s retreating form in complete shock and then at each other completely unsure of what to do. They knew they couldn’t force Tael to do something he didn’t want to do, but...to abandon his sister for a madman...that was so cold. 
They both walked over to Furi with Grey a few steps ahead. “Furi?” she said softly to get the dragon’s assistant. 
Feb 3, 2020
Furi didn't know what to say, but drooped. "Fine. If he doesn't care about me, I don't care about him." She snapped bitterly, still shaking. "After I spent all that time grieving, and looking for him, and... I almost made a deal with a demon!"
Her claws tightened in the soil. "And he cares more about that cave dwelling mind controlling creep than me! Well, I don't care!" She yelled, becoming more hysterical. "He can stay in this dumb place forever! I-" She whimpered. "I don't care!" 
Feb 3, 2020
Shadow crooned sadly as she walked over to Furi gently nudging her with her head. “It’s okay, Furi,” she crooned. “If he doesn’t want to come, then...that’s his choice. Maybe one day, he’ll come around and come back to you.”
Feb 3, 2020
Furi flopped on her stomach, crying. Her brother didn't even care enough about her to stay. She was back to square one, with no family.
Another Fury head peeked out of the cavern and looked around, seeing the three of them and staring, unsure. It was Scoot, having heard most of what happened. She saw Shadow trying to comfort a miserable Furi, and Grey.
"H... hi, I heard what happened, and uh..." She whispered to them. "Is that your human, Shadow? Not as scary as I thought she'd be. Is... is this a bad time to... uh..."
Feb 3, 2020
Shadow perked as soon as Scoot spoke, and she knew immediately what to do.
“No, no, not at all!” Shadow crooned happily to Scoot. “Wait right there! You’re going to love her!” She turned to Grey, who was gently rubbing Furi’s head to soothe her. “Grey!”
The Chief perked as she looked up at Shadow, who was looking at her with a smile on her face. “W-What is it, Shadow?” Grey asked furrowing her eyebrows together.
“There’s someone I want you to meet,” Shadow crooned as she nudged Grey to her feet making her stand up and pushed her back toward the cave. “Come on! Come on!”
“My gods, Shadow!” Grey said laughing the whole time. “What’s gotten into you? Have you gone mad?” Shadow continued to nudge her to the cave. “What are you trying—?” She stopped when she saw Scoot at the entrance. “Oh...” Her eyes widened at the sight of another Night Fury as a small smile etched onto her face. “Is...this what you wanted to show me?” she asked Shadow.
Shadow crooned and nodded quickly bounding in between them gesturing toward Scoot.
“You...want me to meet her...him?” Grey said. She wasn’t sure of the gender of the other Night Fury, but when she saw how nervous Scoot looked, the Chief slowly knelt to the ground remembering that Phantom did in fact rescue some of these dragons from humans. There was no telling how traumatized Scoot was. She gave a warm smile. “Hi there.”
Shadow turned to Scoot. “Scoot, this is Grey, my sister,” she said.
Feb 3, 2020
Scoot stared up at the human, nervous. Last time she'd met a human, they'd been twice her size and holding a weapon. She managed to move forward a little, and stared up at Grey.
"H-hi? You're smaller than I thought you'd be, and..." She blinked slowly. "This isn't so bad, actually." 
Furi watched another dragon make a friend, still in agony, but she did make a small smile. If her and this other Fury could learn to trust humans, maybe her brother could. Not that she felt like being in his company anymore.
She wasn't sure she could have someone close to her again.
Feb 3, 2020
Shadow watched with anticipation the moment between her human sister and fellow Night Fury. Grey slowly but surely detached the sword from her waist, and Shadow swiftly kicked it behind Grey to show Scoot that she was not an enemy. 
“You’re beautiful,” said Grey. However, her smile fell when she got a good look at Scoot’s face. There was a scar over the left side of her face. “Oh...you poor thing,” she said gently reaching a hand out slowly with her palm facing up letting Scoot come to her if she wished. “Who did that to you?”
“It’s okay, Scoot,” Shadow gently crooned. “She won’t hurt you.”
Feb 3, 2020
Scoot stared at the hand, pupils widened. After a moment, her curiosity for this seemingly gentle human became stronger than her fear and she gently nudged the small hand.
"It's so soft! And- and small!" She blinked up at Grey, still a tad nervous, but she had to admit Shadow had been right. This human was okay. She noticed the human was looking at her scar, and she scooched a little to try and hide it. "You really aren't gonna hurt me. Huh." 
Feb 3, 2020
“I told you,” Shadow crooned. 
The Chief chuckled as Scoot nudged her hand and seemed astounded by it, but it was quickly faded when she noticed that she tried to hide. “Oh, it’s okay,” she said gently. “I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to take a closer look. I’m a friend, it’s okay.”
Feb 3, 2020
Scoot sniffed again and turned her head so Grey could get a good look at the scar. She couldn't even see through that eye, so it made her a little nervous.
Furi had managed to get herself to her feet again, and joined the others. She figured she could at least be of help with translating for them, even if she didn't really feel like it. Hopefully Phantom didn't pop back out, because she might have tried to kill him.
Feb 3, 2020
“Oh gods...” Grey said as she brushed her fingertips on Scoot’s face so as to not scare the poor dragon. In the midst of this, she barely noticed Furi coming up to join them, and she was the only Night Fury who could speak with humans. “Furi...what can you tell me about this dragon?”
Feb 3, 2020
Furi shifted. "Well, from what I heard, her name is Scoot, she's pretty scared of humans, is kind of warming up to you specifically, and uh..." She turned to Scoot. "I can tell her stuff you wanna say, if you want." She whispered.
"Oh, like Tael can! You're making those same little noises the human is! Yeah, uh, some horrible hunter hurt me when I was little and... this is the first human I've met since then, really." Scoot told her, then winced. "Oh, sorry about your brother. If I was him, I'd rather be with family. I can talk to him if you want." 
Furi ignored that part and just relayed what Scoot had told her to Grey about her scar, trying not to think about her brother. "Some hunter gave her that. She was probably a hatchling or around that young. You're the first human she's met since then."
Feb 3, 2020
“Oh...you poor girl...” Grey said sadly looking at Scoot. “I’m sorry that happened to you, Scoot. Shadow lost her parents because of some hunters when she was little, and that was before we found each other in the woods.”
Shadow looked to Scoot and nodded verifying what Grey said about their past. 
Feb 4, 2020
Scoot tilted her head curiously to one side, and turned to Furi, who translated.
"Oh, yeah. Shadow told me about that. I know the feeling." She hummed softly.
"Me too." Furi mumbled.
Scoot's ears popped up as she realized something. "Oh, the others will be missing me, I should go soon!"
Feb 4, 2020
“What is it, girl?” Grey asked the young Night Fury. “What’s wrong?”
“Wait, why don’t you come with us?” Shadow quickly asked.
Feb 4, 2020
Scoot hesitated. "This is still my home, I don't know..." She glanced back at the cave behind her, unsure. Furi just turned to Grey and told her what Scoot had said.
Scoot shifted nervously, not sure. "I don't know if I want to leave this place, it's all I've known for so long..."
Feb 4, 2020
Grey gave Scoot another warm smile and gently placed hand on the dragon’s head. “It’s up to you,” she said. “I know Shadow would love to have another Night Fury around, but we also understand if you decide to stay. As much as I’m not Phantom’s fan, I understand why you wouldn’t want to leave.”
“She’s right,” Shadow crooned.
Feb 4, 2020
Furi translated back for Scoot, who still looked unsure, but nodded. "I... I guess so..." She glanced back into the cave. "It'd be interesting, and... and new... and scary..." She hesitated still, dancing from foot to foot. After a minute of glancing between the cave and the forest, she seemed to make a decision.
"Okay! Show me your world, Shadow! I'll come with you!" 
Furi smiled slightly. "She's decided to go with you."
Feb 4, 2020
Shadow crooned and smiled hearing Scoot agreeing to come with them. She was so young, she needed to see what the world and good humans like Grey had to offer. “Yes, you’re going to love it!” she crooned.
As soon as Furi translated for Grey, the Chief smiled herself. “We’d love to have you, Scoot,” she said. “You’re going to love Haligan Island.”
Feb 4, 2020
Scoot grinned, teeth retracted, and came out of the cave entrance all the way, wiggling with excitement. "Let's go!" She yelped, hopping around.
"I guess she'll follow you there." Furi explained. "Phantom won't be happy about this, you'd probably better get going." She told them.
Feb 4, 2020
Grey furrowed her eyebrows together as Shadow hopped around with Scoot behind her. “I-I don’t...w-what are you going to do?” she asked the talking Night Fury.
Feb 4, 2020
Furi drooped, defeated. "I don't know." She murmured. "I..."
She glanced at Shadow, who was hopping and playing with the smaller Scoot, who was jumping around excitedly, trying to catch Shadow's tail.
Her throat tightened and she lay down again, looking ready to cry. "I don't know anymore. I'm... I'm lost, and... I don't think I can do this anymore."
Feb 4, 2020
Shadow crooned happily as Scoot tried to catch her tail. She couldn’t help but be reminded of when Sven, Dagny, and Kari were young and the times they played around with her tail. She happily moved her tail allowing Scoot to play. She couldn’t wait to show this young Night Fury the world.
“Do what?” Grey asked as she knelt down gently stroking Furi’s head.
Feb 4, 2020
Scoot let out happy noises as she chased the tail, batting at it. She pounced, grinning, unable to be upset. She was going on an adventure. She couldn't help but be bubbly. Maybe there were even more nice humans and dragons she could meet.
Furi sniffed sadly, letting Grey rub her head. "Love. Live. Something, I don't know anymore. I feel so broken, everyone I've loved is just... leaving me behind. And nothing can ever go back to the way it was, and I miss the way it was. I want to go back, and... I'm stuck here, in this horribleness, where my own br- ...Tael doesn't even want to stay with me." She left furrows in the dirt with her claws, frustrated.
He wasn't her brother anymore. He was just yet another person who didn't care about her. She wanted to disappear into the ground.
Shadow let out what sounded like a laugh as she watched Scoot continue to play with her tail. She seemed like she would quickly adjust to a new life, just as she adjusted to her new life with Grey after they found each other in the woods that day. Although it was a distraction to let Grey comfort Furi, it was a lot of fun to entertain the young dragon. 
Grey sighed. “I know it’s hard, Furi,” she said gently as she continued to rub her head. “But I promise that it will get better. I know he made his choice, and whether it’s wrong or not, he will see the end results soon enough. Whether or not it was the best choice, I don’t know, but…now you have to make a choice. You can either spend your days alone…or you can start a new life with people who do care about you.”
Feb 4, 2020
Scoot flopped down, winded, and rolled onto her back. “That was kind of cool. You’re not so bad. And pretty fun for a dragon who likes wearing leather and metal.” She stated. “I guess if I’m gonna see where you live, I- …am I gonna have to wear that stuff too? Do you have to wear it to live with humans? I hope not.” 
Furi sighed deeply. “I don’t want to be alone. I hate being alone. I want friends, family, but… no one wants to stay with me.” She whimpered, shaking. “Everyone leaves.” She was crying, paws over her eyes. “Maybe I’m s'p-posed to be alone f-forever.”
Feb 5, 2020
“You’re not so bad too,” Shadow crooned as she stared down at Scoot. She stopped when she realized that Scoot was referring to her saddle, which they took off her back when Phantom brought her here. “You mean my saddle? Oh, no, you don’t have to. I only wear it when Grey and I go flying together. If we’re on the ground, then usually she takes it off. Sometimes, we forget. The saddle allows her to sit on my back comfortably…and so she has something to hold onto and doesn’t fall. If you meet a human who you want to keep around, they may need one, but you don’t have to wear one.”
“We want to stay with you, Furi,” Grey said. “You came to me wanting to help the Rebellion, and you can still do that. We want to have you around. I promise, come to Haligan Island with us. You won’t be alone.”
Feb 5, 2020
Scoot sighed with relief. “Thank the stars. That thing looked itchy.” She told Shadow. She glanced over at Grey and Furi. “Were we gonna get going? Is she okay?” She chirped.
Furi sighed, deflating a bit. “Okay. I’ll go with you bunch. Honestly, I don’t know where else I’d even go, so I might as well.” She got to her feet and nudged Grey gently. “Thanks.”
Feb 5, 2020
“I think she’s still upset over her brother,” Shadow crooned in reply. “But it looks like she’s coming with us.”
“You’re welcome, Furi,” Grey said gently hugging her in return. She gave her one last pat on the head before turning to Shadow. “What do you say, girl?” She placed her hands on Shadow’s face. “You ready to fly home?”
“Definitely, Grey,” Shadow crooned in reply nuzzling her and lowering herself allowing her rider to get on her back.
Grey then moved to get on but stopped when she noticed something. “Hey, where’s your saddle?” she asked. She could’ve sworn that she put it on Shadow when Phantom came to the island and took her.
Feb 5, 2020
Furi walked over, still a little shaky but ready enough for a flight. She wanted to get out of there. She did sense another pair of eyes in the shadowy entrance though, and turned. She could just make out the silent, lithe figure of the Phantom watching them.
She didn’t need to see under the mask to feel the hatred and frustration directed at the group. He was angry. She didn’t know how long he’d been there, or if anyone else had noticed him. She decided not to bring their attention to him.
She had a grudge against him she’d settle some day, she was sure.
“They probably took the saddle. I’d imagine they didn’t want it on her. If you can manage riding Shadow without it, then good, because honestly I don’t want to spend another second here.” She told them.
Feb 5, 2020
“Sorry, Grey,” Shadow crooned sadly with her earflaps flat against her head. “I tried to stop them, but they didn’t listen.”
Even though Grey didn’t understand what Shadow was saying, she could read her easily and smiled warmly. “Aw, don’t worry, Shadow,” Grey said patting her on the hand. “We’ll make a new one when we get home! I have our old plans in the house. The blacksmith can replace it…but I can’t replace you.” She hugged Shadow around her neck. “I’m just glad to have you back.” 
Shadow crooned as she wrapped an arm around Grey again. “Me too, Grey,” she replied. 
“Alright, girls,” Grey said as she pulled away and mounted Shadow. “Let’s head home. Furi, Scoot, stay close.”
Feb 5, 2020
Furi nodded and stretched, getting ready to fly. Scoot opened her wings, a little nervous.
“I haven’t flown in a while, this’ll be fun!” She said with a grin.
“You’ll do fine.” Furi told her. “I’ll keep an eye on you.” She nodded to Grey. “Ready whenever you are.”
The Indigo Phantom watched them getting ready to leave from the darkness, holding himself back from doing something he’d regret. Tael had returned to him, he was relieved the Fury was safe.
But not only was he losing Shadow, he was also losing Scoot. He felt anger toward the human, and deep sadness as he watched the adventurous little one eyed Fury leave.
Please, don’t leave me… stay here, I’ll keep you safe… 
Feb 5, 2020
Shadow perked hearing the distant voice of Phantom in her mind, but she quickly shook it off. That was over, and he was letting her go home to Haligan Island with her sister…where she belonged. Phantom was wrong about Grey, and she managed to prove that Scoot. Perhaps, one day, they could prove it to Tael and the others as well, but for now, it was time to head home. 
“Ready, girl?” Grey asked. 
“Always, Grey,” Shadow crooned. With that said, Shadow crouched down and leapt into the sky. “Scoot, Furi, come on!”
Feb 5, 2020
Furi gently nudged Scoot, who took off with a small squeak. Furi followed, giving the cavern entrance a last sad glance before turning away. She wasn't going back. Ever.
Scoot flew alongside Shadow, keeping up well. She was still nervous, but excited.
Indigo watched them disappear into the northwest, trying to keep calm. He'd lost a lot today, and it was getting to him. He slipped back into the cave, starting to lose what little composure he'd held.
I should have fought more. I should have killed that blasted human! Now Scoot is lost too! What a fool I was. Letting them go so easily. Blast it all.
Flames flickered around him, licking his armor and cape.
I should wipe their miserable species from the earth and be done with it. 
And soon.
Category:BOTGD 2
Category:Events
Category:Act I
Category:Scoot
Category:Furi
Category:Grey Bergman
Category:Shadow
Category:Indigo Phantom