UPDATE 3/2019: Author's notes of prior will remain unchanged, but please note as of this date the entry below has been edited and expanded! With not only the nearing of the Two Worlds Collide series end but also the recent release of HTTYD3, there are many things that needed to be added into several of these entries, and as they will also be getting uploaded to my DA account (under same penname, link in profile) they're being rebooted here. So, hope you enjoy the revamped Night Fury Entry!

A/N- The first entry into the Two Worlds Collide: Book of Dragons. Take note there are things that I stand at odds with compared to DreamWorks in my opinions and classifications of the dragons, and there will also be species restricted only to the world of the Two Worlds Collide series. As always, let me know what you think, and to my readers goes the next question: what dragon do you want to see next? Vote in your reviews.

Night Fury-Draco nigra

Class: Strike

Size: Can reach nearly 30 feet in length, wingspan to 50 feet.

Appearance: Slender but powerfully built pantherine torso with a broad chest, supported by four stocky, powerful legs and paws tipped in dexterous claws capable of flexing and grasping. The legs are also lined along the outer edge by flap-like scales. The thick, muscular tail is equal to or greater in length than the rest of the body and head put together, ending with a broad pair of flexible tailfins and lined ahead of the fins with stabilizing flaps similar to those on the legs. The neck is thick but flexible, and supports a very large, rounded to ovular and semi-flattened head. Unlike most species the jaws close together with little overbite, and the serrated triangular teeth can be retracted or extended at will but fully hidden when the mouth is closed. Eyes are large, broadly ovular and set under a thick brow, and a small row of curved triangular crests runs down the center of the forehead. A pair of large, fleshy and moveable ears extend from the back of the head, between and on either side of which are similar fleshy sensory appendages. Below the lowest appendages small scaly flaps (number varying depending on age) line the back of the jaw. A series of rear-angled triangular crests run down the back from the neck to just at the start of the tailfin attachment, in pairs but often seen folded into a single row. Main wings are broad and bat-like, lacking adornments and sleek, with an additional pair of small triangular secondary wings situated just above the hind legs. Color is nearly solid black though can be tinged with shades of blue, violet, green, or gray, with faint mottled markings visible under strong light. Eyes are luminescent chartreuse green (typically, though some forms may also be blue or deeper green), sometimes edged in various colors.

Fire: Acetylene-laced plasma charges designed to explode on impact, burning a brilliant indigo-violet amongst more familiar orange. Night Furies can control their fire to an extreme extent, able to release small, steady streams to produce coal beds or individual charges. Firepower is extreme, with up to three or four dozen small charges possible, each with the explosive capacity of a land mine. Full-power charges may number a dozen, and can level a four-story building in one blast. Unless targets are moving extremely quickly, this species is also famous for uncanny accuracy, never missing their target. Their fire is also electro-reactive, exponentially increasing in power if combined with static or other sources of electricity such that a charged full-power shot can crater the earth.

Flight: fastest naturally occurring dragon species, able to exceed the speed of sound in short bursts and can fly long distances without stopping at speeds in excess of 300 mph. Under high speed or diving conditions, the ridges of the back and wing alignment create a signature shriek famously noted during nighttime attacks.

Night Furies are extremely rare dragons, not only elusive but also due to the fear mankind has woven around them having been hunted nearly to extinction. They tend to be solitary creatures, though once paired with a mate bond powerfully for life and are rarely far from their partner. Nocturnal typically, the Night Fury is a silent hunter, successful and rarely seen if it doesn't want to be. They are extremely loyal, protecting those they see as family with their lives, and are one of the only small species that can take on the traditional alpha dragons for their position through the power of their natural fire and the drive of that loyal streak. The ridges on their back and surrounding scales will fluoresce bright sapphire or violet when the dragon issues a challenge, or deems it necessary to intimidate threats, and can often also signal the building of a shot or other energy in preparation for a fight.

Naturally curious and creative, Night Furies are also considered to be one of the most intelligent dragon species in existence. Excellent nocturnal vision and a unique control of sound are also notable, with the dragon able to release high-pitched screams that can incapacitate enemies, and high frequencies are used to echolocate, with their acute hearing able to pick up extreme detail even in tight spaces or long distance. Another trait of this species (more commonly seen in some forms than others, as discussed below) is the capacity to manipulate the outer surface of their scales into highly reflective, light-bending instruments, rendering them nigh invisible to the naked eye. The trigger for this varies from form to form, but typically requires some high input of energy.

These dragons know their capabilities as well, and don't hesitate to use them wherever necessary. Unfortunately the knowledge of their strength and flexible skills also lend to some individual Night Furies developing arrogant streaks; like people, they have their own personalities and enjoy boasting, or using their fame to get what they want without working for it themselves; commonly, this is seen in very young individuals, and it is typically weeded out by their parents, but if parents are not present other familial influences can also prevent similar behaviors.

The Night Fury as a species is also unique in that within it are several different subspecies, each with a highly unique appearance all its own. The type subspecies (D. nigra nigra) is the dark form that gave the species its overall title, and sometimes referred to as "Offspring of Lightning and Death." Fitting in some ways, as the trigger for this subspecies' stealth ability is a buildup of electricity, either within the dragon itself or from a direct lightning strike. As the dragon can manipulate this charge at will, it also makes the nominal Night Fury one of the most dangerous creatures alive if angered or threatened as they can on their own produce charged blasts of their electro-reactive fire.

The second subspecies (D. nigra contradicta) is sometimes referred to as the Light Fury or Moon Fury. This form possesses a more "soft" build, with a singular fin-like crest running down the back rather than triangular pairs, a longer and more tapered set of secondary wings and tailfins, and typically lacking in the smaller stabilizing flaps on the legs and around the jaws seen in the typical Night Fury. The faint patterns in its scales are painted in shades of white, cream, and light pink with pearlescent tones over top. Their scales are more reactive and easier to convert to their reflective state, and so this subspecies often dives into its own flames to heat up its scales and disappear.

Thirdly is the Wind Fury (D. nigra venta), a form unique to the gifted therianthrope guardians that is similar in appearance to an intermediate between the Light and Night Fury: triangular spinal crests but white color, and more slender overall. This subspecies also possesses a pair of small horns between the ears rather than sensory nubs, and as name suggests is famous for its incredible speed; Wind Furies can exceed the speed of sound for extended lengths of time, sometimes multiples of the speed of sound. Additionally, unlike the other two subspecies they do not possess explosive plasma fire, but a unique ethereal "flame" sometimes described as a physical exhalation of life. A catalyst for hyper-reconstruction and rejuvenation, those touched by a Wind Fury's flames can heal wounds in seconds, restore lost limbs, or even be brought back from the brink of death. This is a highly costly gift however, so those capable of wielding it rarely use it; a Wind Fury that has breathed fire may be rendered exhausted, unable to fly, or even knocked unconscious for several days depending on how long ago the gift was last utilized.

A/N-So here's the first installment of the Two Worlds Collide Book of Dragons. As you can see, there's a few things I take differently from DreamWorks. Anyway, if you like it, leave a review to let me know! And you vote: which dragon should be next up?