Wolf-Bound

   Whisper jumped at the claws being thrust through the cage and wheezed, falling over himself as he took a step backwards. The word mongrel echoed in his ears, making him very cross. His head felt about ready to explode, and his heart was bursting with anger. A spark flew from his nostril as he snorted. Mocking jests from the other dragons flew at him from all sides of the arena.

   "What's the matter wheezy, eel got yer fire?"

   "Come on scardy bird run back to your boy."

   "Look at him he's quivering with fright!"

   "Couldn't even face a Terror now could he?"

   Whisper lay his ears back, blocking out the teasing roars. It was true, he was afraid of these dragons. Not at the moment; they were all in their cages. He didn't understand why he was afraid of them; he just was. Ever since the incident, he feared for his very life whenever a fellow dragon approached. The memory of that fateful night was all a blur now, but he had a sinking feeling that he had been attacked. Now, whenever anything charged at him, his heart would squeeze in terror. Whisper shook his head. No time to reflect on that now- he just wanted to get out of here quickly. He looked at the new fury's cage through cattish eyes. "Why did you attack that human girl last night? What do you want here?"

     She snorted and thrashed against the wooden door.

 "I didn't attack her!" She growled. "I was just investigating! But noooooo, everyone thinks I have to attack everything around me! Well that's just dandy, they can think whatever the hell they WANT to think! I'll show them..."

 She mumbled a few things that Whisper couldn't hear before the door to the arena began to open. On the other side of the door was Luna, who was curious about the problematic night fury.

"I strongly suggest you don't go near that night fury." Hiccup said, unstrapping Toothless' saddle as he spoke. "He's a dangerous one."
 "But I don't think he's all that bad!" Luna complained, using arm motions to express her feelings more. "I mean, c'mon. Wouldn't that night fury have killed me last night? But he didn't. That HAS to count for something!"

 "Hey, I was only making a suggestion." Hiccup replied, shrugging. "A simple suggestion. You can take my word for it...or you can go see for yourself."

 Luna's frown slowly dissipated into a wide smile as she heard Hiccup's words. "Oh, thank you Hiccup!" She said joyfully, hugging the chief of the village before running off towards the arena. She had some things to do.

   Now that she was at the arena, she didn't know whether to be cautious or thrilled. It was exhilarating to see dragons in general, but was it safe?

   Whisper heard the door open and spun around, his heart stopping in his chest. There at the other end of the arena stood the girl from last night, her white hair gray in the shadows of the arena. Whisper's spirits sank. Great, terrific. The scarred fury was surrounded on all fronts by unfamiliar beings.

   The girl took a step and he growled lowly, and looked back at the cage that held the other fury. He snarled a warning. The girl took another step and he spun around again and took a step back, his ears down. His tail snaked around his body, his motions anxiously jerky. The girl came closer and that was it. Snorting, Whisper hissed and jumped, taking to the air. He landed on the meshing of the ceiling and held his body as close to the fencing as it would go. The jeers of the other dragons rose around him.

   "Ya that's right, get lost 'fraidy cat!"

   "Run home to your nest!"

   Whisper was done being angered by these taunts; all he wanted to do now was get out. Run away. Ya, that's what I'm trying to do! I don't want to be near her, or them, or anyone. They'll hurt me. They're.... They''ll........ Whisper's chest heaved up and down violently and he began to pant as he searched frantically for an exit. The girl got closer and he roared. Letting go of the net he flapped his wings and threw his body against the mess above the cages that lined the wall of the arena, where he crouched like a cornered animal. His heart rate was rapidly beating on his chest, and his wide eyes stared at the girl at the other end of the arena like a beaten cat.

     Luna watched as Whisper, startled out of his mind, ran away from her and desperately searched for an exit. She looked up at where he crouched panicked on the wire mesh. She walked towards the dragon slowly, her arms held out beside her. "It's alright. Don't be scared, I won't hurt you..."

   Whisper stopped to listen to this strange white-haired girl. He hadn't ever let anyone near him, but there was something mesmerizing about this girl. It seemed like- She just wanted him to let her near him. She looked so desperate....

   Suddenly Whisper noticed how close the girl had gotten. She spread her arms and he growled. He wanted to be accepted, he wanted to be able to get close to people; but this was too close. His scales along his spine stood up, and his body bristled. He raised his wings and bared his teeth. He 'roared' at the girl and flew over her head out of the arena, the taunting roars of the ferals ringing after him.

  "I wish you wouldn't run away from me." Luna replied, a frown settling on her face as she watched the dragon fly away. She looked down at the night fury. "And I wish you wouldn't attack people and dragons so willingly..."

 She put her hands up against the door and let the night fury roar in rage and slash her claws at the girl's face. Once she had gotten good and tired of slashing at her, the fury stood back and pounded on the door with the force of her body.

 "...I think you need some help." Luna finally responded. Her hands shifted and went towards the lock, opening it and letting it slide down from her hands to the floor. Slowly, the door lifted. The dragon was stunned, but she didn't take any chances. She sprang when the door had fully opened and pounced on Luna. Her body slammed into the ground before her and she got a loud, angsty roar in her face. She raised her arm to slash her face out, but Luna reached and took the claw in her arms. Surprised, the night fury stopped and watched as the girl traced the scales on the enormous paw. After a while, she scooted out from under the night fury and gazed at the dragon with her bright, lavender eyes. The dragon scoffed and attempted to back off, but Luna caught her head in her hands and gently brought the dragon over so she could nuzzle the dragon's soft head scales. She wanted to get out of Luna's arms, but no matter how much she thrashed her tail or growled or violently moved her head around, the white haired girl just didn't let go.

 "It's okay..." She said, pressing her forehead against the dragon's forehead. "You're safe now....Macha. (might change name later)"

   Whisper lay on the branch of the tree where he had often seen Shu lying under. He watched the birds flit over his head and snorted; they knew he wouldn't hurt them. Aren't you happy. You two have each other. He hung his head. But I only have myself.....

   "Whispeeer....."

   Whisper raised his head and looked around, hearing his name being called.

   "WHISPER!!....."

   Shu suddenly came into sight beneath the tree. The young boy sighed and flopped down onto the grass next to the trunk, exhasted. Whisper lay his head on his paws contently as he watched his friend lean against the bark. Shu sighed again, quieter this time. "Where can he be? What if something has happened to him?"

   Whisper unfolded his wings and let go of the branch, enjoying watching Shu try to escape from his rain of twigs from his descent towards his friend. Maybe I'm not that alone after all....

   Kiba was walking leisurely past the training area when he saw the night fury from the other day fly out of the arena. As it flew away in a panicked flurry he strained to see it's injured wing muscle, but stared in shock. A huge scar spread from the underside of it's bodice, around it's chest to the wing, and up to it's throat. Kiba watched it go in horror. No wonder it's roar it messed up. I bet that accident with my nightmare really hurt it. Kiba ducked his head in shame. But I wonder- what could've done that to a nightfury?? Suddenly he heard a loud roar from the arena. Immedeatly concerned, he ran to see what the problem was.

   As Kiba neared the arena he heard that roar again, louder this time; along with the sound of a lock clicking. With what sounded like doors blasting open, a flurry of roaring and snarling. Kiba finally ended up at the arena, and stopped in his tracks. Grabbing the mesh in his hands frantically, he screamed. "LUNA!!"

   Kiba ran to the entrance to the arena and slid down the entrance tunnel. Coming out into the arena, he landed on all fours and stood up quickly, racing towards his sister, who was now pinned down by the feral dragon. "Luna, I'm coming!!"

     Luna broke out of her trance when Kiba came storming in. Macha's ear flaps shot straight up at the new voice. She growled and got low to the ground immediately, assuming a defensive position just in case that human did anything it wasn't supposed to. The white haired girl stood up quickly and ushered the dragon to go back in her cage, but Macha immediately began to act as she did before. She roared menacingly and thrashed about, attempting to hurt Luna as she did so. But, she couldn't. Why couldn't she hurt this girl? Finally, after a few long-lasting minutes, Luna was able to push the dragon back into the cage and seal it shut. She looked back, her white hair falling onto her shoulders.

 "Hi brother," She said, putting her hands behind her back and smiling. "What's up?"

   Kiba came up to his sister and scoffed, totally and completely at a loss for words. "L-You- WHAT DO YOU MEAN "WHAT'S UP"?!!" He pointed at the cage. "That feral just got out and attacked you!! Weren't you at all concerned?!!" He looked at the cage with scorn. "They should have better locks on these damn things!! They're supposed to keep the ferals in; not sick 'em on your sister!! I'm gonna have a word with someone on this!!" He turned around and began to storm out of the arena.

     "Kiba, wait!" Luna said quickly, grabbing his shirt and getting in front of him. "You've got this all wrong! Sure, he attacked me but that's beside the point! Dragons can't get past these master locks-but humans can. I unlocked the door, brother. I wanted to see Macha! He has something.... off, about his figure. It's not right-caging up a feral like that. He doesn't deserve it! No, I'm not concerned. For all you know, he may not know any better!"

 She looked at the caged in night fury, who stared back at her intently as she focused her purple eyes on the pale white hair upon her head.

 "Please, onii-chan." She pleaded calmly. "Don't tell anyone."

   Kiba scratched his head. "W-Well.........." He didn't see why his sister let out the feral dragon- It was DANGEROUS!! It attacked her didn't it?? Of course he did trust Luna, but that was a totally different story. If I tell someone though, she'll probably hate me for very very long time. Of course, Sis doesn't interact well with dragons, and that worries me too! Of course it was a fury that started it.

   Now Kiba felt torn between his sister and his instincts. He could tell someone about the locks, but then the fury would just be kept under even tighter surveilance, and even put down. A lot of people, himself included, thought it was better to simply relocate the feral, but that would take a lot of time and effort. Most would rather have it put down; his mother included. The less he said, the better it would be.

   Kiba sighed and shrugged his shoulders in defeat. "Okay Luna, you win. I won't tell anyone." He became suddenly serious again. "But you have to keep it locked up. Don't let it out again! What if you got hurt? I wouldn't forgive myself." He crossed his arms. "Also, if you insist on coming to see it, I'm coming with you. Deal?"

     Luna gasped and her eyes smiled. "Thank you thank you thank you THANK YOU, big brother~~~!" She said, hugging him tightly. "I owe you BIG time!"

 She was so extatic, she could barely contain her excitement. So, she skipped all the way home. She was just super happy that her big brother actually kept her secret. Maybe, in time, we can be friends. She thought happily, thinking of the dark night fury that she had met just the other night.

   Kiba watched his sister run out of the arena in a whirl of joy. Boy, what made her so hyper huh? He shrugged and headed out of the arena. Oh well, whatever floats your boat I guess...

   The next morning Jet was up in his gear and ready to go. He raised his fist. "ALRIIIIGHT! LET'S KICK SOME FERAL A$$!!"

   Kiba yawned next to him. "Why are you this awake in the morning...................;;" He was out in his clothes which he loosely threw on, a sheild dangling from his arm and his hat on sideways. His dirty blond hair was a ratty mess; as usual. His eyes were shut from sleep, and he looked a LOT Less excited about training than his friend did.

   Jet looked over at the blond haired boy. "Kiba, you're not a morning person are you?" He looked up and smirked, suddenly perky. "Hey it's that Shu kid. HEY STABLE BOY, HOW'RE THE DRAGON'S TODAY??"

   Shu looked over and saw Jet waving at him. Then he saw his eyes; his snooty grin. Shu turned and walked away, Jet's taunting words calling after him. He didn't blame them; he would act the same way if he were them. Everyone looks down on me. It's not my fault; I can't change that. It's just- I wish.......... He started running, leaving his lance and spear on the ground behind him. Tears fell from his eyes falling onto his shoulders when the wind brushed them behind him. I wish I'd never been born!!

   Kiba looked over to his friend and frowned. "Was that really necissary? He seemed pretty upset this time.."

   Jet's head bristled. "YES THAT WAS NECISSARY!! It's Nothing NEW OR ANYTHING. He's just got something on his mine THAT'S All!! Come on, let's Go." Jet turned around abruptly and headed towards the arena with his iron chain hung around his shoulder. He scowled. Why is it always him? He's always there at the edge of the group, and he's the worst at everything, yet someone's always defending him. Why does he always HAVE to make me LOOK BAD?!! He gripped his sheild harder so that the wood bit his skin; though he wouldn't admit it, Jet was more mad at himself than at Shu. Damnit what's wrong with me? Why do I always say something, then get ridiculed for it?? Kiba may be right; am just an idiot.

     Luna skipped around the house, happy as can be.

 "What are you so excited about?" Her mother asked from her book-reading on the couch. "I've never seen you so... jumpy."

 "Oh, nothing mom~" Luna replied, rough housing with Big Boy a little bit before going outside. "I'll be back later-I'll pick up Kiba on my way home, 'kay?"
 "Alright. Don't stay out too late! A-And don't stray too far into the forest!!!" Her mother called before the white haired girl was able to slam the door shut.

 "I'll pretend I didn't hear that, he he." She giggled quietly, skipping off towards the edge of the village. It was a quiet start to the day-a few of the dragons were up, but a lot of them were only half-awake. She ran around for a bit before spotting a boy running around as well. Who was he? She'd seen him around before, but she never knew his name and he never talked to anyone. Well, except for that one night fury of course. She watched as he ran away from the arena, obviously upset about something that had happened. Curious, she followed him and hid behind the houses so she wouldn't be noticed. Did he even want to be followed? Oh well. He was going to be followed whether he liked it or not.

   Shu ran straight past the barn and into the forest. Going deeper and deeper into the trees, he finally stopped above the hollow where Hiccup had first found his partner. Standing on the edge of the hollow, he yelled. Picking up a stick, he threw it down into the lake below where it landed with a splash.

   Shu threw everything he could find; stones, sticks, grass, mushrooms, you name it, until the boy stood in a clear circle of dirt. Finally after he was panting from exhaustion, he collapsed onto his knees. Staring down into the lake he saw his reflection, small against the trees and sky surrounding the hollow. Shu didn't expect anything less; he wasn't that important after all. No one ever noticed him. He grabbed a handful of dirt and threw it down into the water, where it sprayed across the surface, distorting the image. Tears stung his eyes and he swung his feet over the side into the empty air below. I'm just a traitor's son of course. The village would be better off if I weren't around.

     Luna watched as Shu threw all sorts of things at the water. Is he mad or something? She wondered, slowly walking towards him out of curiosity. I wonder what would happen if I made him jump. She silently crept up to him and put her hands behind her back.

 "Hey," She greeted him, hoping he'd answer positively. "What chu up to way out here? He he he!"

   "Hey"

   Shu jumped at the sudden noise, turning around. "W-WHAT TH-" While turning around his foot slipped on the slippery surface created by the waterfall. His arms flailed in midair as he tried to regain his balance, but he was already falling, his other leg unable to hold his weight over the ledge. A moment later he was falling towards the ground below.

   Shu braced for the impact, waiting for the inevitable splash that came with plummeting fourty feet into the bank of the pond; but it never came. Shu heard two loud wingbeats and suddenly he was raising in the air over the water. He looked up and smiled. "Whisper."

   Whisper hurred and swerved down low over the water. Beating his wings, he alighted on the bank, setting his boy down on the warm sand. He looked at Shu worriedly.

   Shu pet the fury's head. "I'm okay Whisper. It's fine." He suddenly remembered the person who scared him and looked up. On the ridge he saw the white hair of Luna, Kiba's twin sister. Oh, it's her. I wonder why she's out here. Shouldn't she be in training as well??

     "Well?" She asked, completely in awe of the night fury's dashing rescue. "Are you gonna answer my question? Or do you just want me to leave? If you want me to leave, just say so and I will."

   Shu looked at her weirdly. "Wait Wha- Oh." He shrugged. "Nothing I guess. I'm just out here is all."

   Whisper looked up at the girl with his ears perked. The scar on his neck rippled as he hummed lowly.

     "Mind if I join ya?" She asked, skillfully hopping down the large rocks of the entrance. Once on the ground, she skipped over to him and tilted her head. "You seem kind of lonely; except for this big guy."
 She grinned at Whisper and stepped forward, hoping he wouldn't run away this time. "Why'd you run yesterday?" She asked happily.