I'd like to thank SANDMAN117 for helping me edit this chapter!

I know some of you feel the first chapter is too sad, but deal with it. MY story, MY rules. If you don't like it, find a different story!

There wasn't much I remembered of my younger years after that; probably from the trauma. I do know that Lucy became like the aunt that I never had. She cared for me as if I was her own hatchling.

Dawn however was less than thrilled about me at first, In fact if I remember correctly I think she ignored me for a whole week before even talking to me, only breaking the silence to tease me.

I was only a youngling, but I was able to hunt and take care of myself. I caught squirrels and mice most of the time, but I wasn't quite ready to go for the larger mammals.

No more than a month had passed when I had asked why they were separate from the clan. Lucy had tried to avoid the question at first, passing it off as if I had never asked about it in the first place.

It was years before she finally told me. By the time we were old enough to care for ourselves without her, she finally me. "Noctus… I know you already have an idea of why we aren't part of a clan."

I glanced at Dawn, who was basking in the sun, and then looked back to Lucy.

"Dawn was born without our black scales. She wouldn't be able to hunt for the clan, so they have no use for her."

I growled under my breath. "Just because she's different doesn't mean no one wants her." I stammered as rage and guilt built slowly as memories of what happened to my mother flashed by.

"Then protect her. Don't let her out of your sight."

The two of us left the day after she told me: But we never left each other after that, although, it was mostly because I followed her, but she didn't seem to mind. I thought about Lucy's words, echoing in my head, "Then protect her." and I intended to do just that.

Before I knew it, years had passed, and Dawn was no longer the same annoying lump of scales she was when I met her. As she grew into one of the most beautiful dragonesses I've seen; including my mother. I tried hard to pretend she was like my sister, but it was very difficult. I knew I wasn't related to her, but it felt very much like it. So when I would began to think of how our future hatchlings would look, I was scared.

I would remember the times that my mother told me about my father and how he was a rogue that lived alone, but I ignored the fact that we were both rogues, so it was okay.

I honestly thought the feeling was one-sided, until the day came when she asked me, "Noctus… have you… I mean, ever thought of our future together?"

I tensed then gave her a faked confused look. "O-of course I do! I mean we grew up together, didn't we?"

She shook her head. "I don't mean it like that. I meant more along of the lines of…."She left the words hanging there in the air for a brief moment

"Y-you mean as a m-mate?" I stuttered. When she didn't respond, I figured I was right with my guess. "Why are you asking me now? We've been living together now for years."

"I-I don't know… maybe, I've always felt as if you were more than a big brother." She sighed and refused to look me in the eye. I purred, and wrapped my neck around hers, giving her a small lick behind her ears. It was our version of a… ugh…what do humans call it… kiss? In other words, it's a sign of affection that is normal reserved for our mates.

"N-Noctus?"

I chuckled and pulled away. "Dawn, I've always felt the same since we left to live on our own. I'm surprised you actually feel the same."

Because of her white-colored scales, I saw her cheeks turn red. "I have had no way of knowing, why haven't you told me before?"

"Did I scare you away? I'd rather be your friend for the rest of our lives instead of never seeing you again."

Her purring became louder, and I felt a shock go through me as she pressed her head into my chin. "I-I could get used to it."

She laughed then 'kissed' me. I eagerly returned the 'kiss'. "We should sleep. It's nearly sunset."

I nodded,then padded back to the den by her side. As she lied down next to me, I couldn't help but feel like this was a mistake, but all the negative thoughts were blown away as she licked my chin. "Noctus." She whined. I gave her a small snort of agreement.

I'll spare the details for you, but we became mates that night. Human mates seem so confusing to me. Especially Hiccup's. As the two of them seem to bicker more than actually enjoy each other's company like normal mates do.

I was in paradise. Imagine a place where you feel you are complete; and where you'd feel as if there's nothing else to do. I felt like I could die, and felt like I reached my goal in life. The only regret I would have would be leaving Dawn alone, that is, of course, she dies before me. Then I would welcome death with open arms.

This heaven expanded even further as I realized she was expecting young. By the way she would give me confused glances when she would catch me staring at her, even she didn't even know. It surprised me sometimes how she didn't notice it before me. I didn't want to be the one to tell her. She's the one going to give birth, after all.

Her eating habits changed. She would refuse to eat any meat except fish, and then she began to sleep later more. I only connected the dots when I saw her regurgitating what little food she had eaten after a long day's hunt.

"Dawn, are you feeling alright?"

She shook her head. "No. I-I don't think I am." Before she could even take a step towards me, she fell to her side. Luckily, I was close enough so that my shoulder caught her.

I warbled with worry, and carefully got her onto my back. "No more hunting for you until you get better, alright." I said as I carried her back to the den.

She whined painfully, then winced. "N-Noctus-"

"Shh…" I soothed her, "Don't talk."

Fortunately, the den wasn't a far walk away. I placed her gingerly onto the floor of the den, and lied down behind her, using my wing as a blanket.

"I-I don't understand. I felt fine this morning." She moaned.

I gave her neck a soft lick, before bringing her closer to my side. "Just sleep, Dawn. Maybe you'll feel better by tomorrow." I honestly hoped I was right, but I knew little to nothing about expecting mothers.

It was no more than an hour before I felt her heart rate slow to a steady beat. Knowing she was sleeping, I got up from my spot, and padded out of the den.

It was a crisp, clear, night; perfect for flying. I unfurled my wings, and took off. The humans may never understand what it feels like to use wings. The only exception would be Hiccup. The other humans know what it's like to fly, but they don't have wings. The feeling of the air blowing against them is unimaginable.

I made my way across the forests, and rivers. Before sunrise, I reached my destination. The trees were denser than the last time I had remembered them, but I knew it was the same place.

I landed in the small clearing, and called, "Lucente! Are you here?"

At first, there was no response, but close-by, I heard the bushes rustle. I spun around, ready to defend myself, but relaxed immediately when I saw familiar red eyes.

"Noctus!" She exclaimed. "What?-" She glanced behind me, probably looking for Dawn. "Why are you here?"

I laughed. "What? No hello for your son-in-law?"

Again, her eyes flickered behind me. But when she analyzed my words, her eyes widened in surprise. "Son-in-law?"

I licked her forehead. "Don't tell me you didn't see it coming?" Her ears tilted down in embarrassment.

"Where is she, anyway?"

"She's back at our den. She isn't feeling well, and I-"

"You left her alone when she's sick!?"

I swallowed hard, and stuttered, "W-well, not sick, really. She's p-pregnant."

Lucy's eyes glistened with joy.

"And I need to know what to expect for the next few months. That's why I came to you."

She purred "First of all, it'll be longer than a few months. Closer to a year, actually." I gulped. "A y-year!?"

"Don't worry, Noctus. She'll be sleeping most of the time. The only things that'll really change are her eating habits… and, of course, her size."

I avoided her gaze, and pawed at the ground.

"W-when they're strong enough to fly… I'll be sure to bring them here."

She shrunk away suddenly. "Don't." She hissed. "It's not safe!"

"What!? Why not?"

I didn't get an answer. "Go back, Noctus. And don't come back! I don't have time to explain it to you! Just go!" She turned and ran away. She left me standing alone in the clearing. I didn't know how to react. She was so happy to see me, but the thought of bringing the young here scared her to death…

I was suddenly brought out of my thoughts when something jumped onto my back. By instinct, I flung them off. I spun to face them.

It was another Fury. And not only that, it was Raven. I'd remember those yellow eyes anywhere. "Intruder! Get out of here! We don't need any more rogues wandering through our land!"

I felt my hatred for her bubble within me. "Do you always accuse others before knowing their intentions?"

She growled and pounced, but being younger and stronger, I easily side-stepped her. "I'm going to assume you treated your own sister with the same way."

At the words, she hissed beyond words, and jumped for me again. This time, I tackled her to the ground, and pinned her down.

"What does some rogue know about Moonlight!? You never even knew her!"

"Knew her!?" I repeated with venom. "I saw you kill her!"

Raven seemed confused, but quickly connected the dots. "You're that little brat! The one who got away!"

I leaned closer to her face. "Yes. And you should be very afraid right now."

It only lasted a second, but I saw fear flicker in her eyes. But it was immediately replaced with anger. She snorted, and chuckled, "You should be the one who's afraid."

I raised my paw to deliver the killing blow, but a larger mass rammed into me, knocking me into a nearby tree. My back twitched in pain, but I managed to get to my feet, and see my attacker. He was male, and at least twice my age. He had glistening, amber eyes. Clearly, he'd seen his fair share of battles. The scars across his neck and face proved it.

"Who are you?" I muttered.

"Onyx, leader of the Eastern Fury Clan. And you, rogue, don't have any business here. Get. Out."

Raven stumbled to stand next to him and began arguing, "Don't, Onyx! I want to kill him personally!"

Onyx held her back. "You are no match for him, now get back to the camp." She refused to move.

"NOW!" He bellowed.

Stiffly, she flew into the air and away from us.

"Who are you?" He said more calmly. "Raven only disobeys me like that when things get personal."

I tried to relax, but I couldn't. His muscled body told me he was much stronger, and that I wouldn't last long in a fight with him.

"Noctus."

He didn't seem to remember the name, and continued, "And you are a rogue?"

I dropped my ears. "Yes… But I didn't know this was the clan's land. I haven't traveled this far from home since I was a youngling."

"Times have changed. The Fury clan has grown, and so have our borders. So if you have no further business here, go back home."

"Yes-sir." I took off with a powerful thrust of my wings, and bolted home, glad to be alive.