Chapter Text
It had been six days since that awkward dinner. Six long, uneasy days where the memory of what had been said and left unsaid still lingered like smoke in the air. Mira had apologized the very next morning, confessing her feelings to Zoey and explaining the emotions that had overwhelmed her that night. To Zoey’s surprise, she had understood, and from then on, things had returned to something resembling normal—at least on the surface.
Normal, except for the bullying. Normal, except for the village’s hatred toward her, a human in a place she didn’t belong.
Zoey sat quietly at the edge of the training ground, hugging her knees as she watched. She couldn’t look away from Rumi and Mira sparring in the center of the arena. Rumi’s speed was breathtaking—her reflexes honed like the instincts of a wolf, every movement sharp and calculated. Mira, on the other hand, moved like a dancer in the night, her flexibility and precision giving her an almost untouchable grace. Together, they were a force unlike anything Zoey had ever seen: fluid, fierce, unstoppable.
Her lips curled into a small smile. They made it look effortless, like sparring was as natural to them as breathing. Meanwhile, she sat on the sidelines, too fragile, too breakable, too… human.
A sudden shove to the back of her head jolted her forward.
“Hey, freak.”
The mocking voice sent a chill down her spine. She didn’t even need to turn to know who it was. Her jaw tightened as the boy loomed behind her, smirking.
“Watching them again, huh? Who even are you to them?” His sneer dripped with venom. “You don’t belong here.”
Before she could react, he grabbed her roughly, dragging her away from the training ground. Her shoes scuffed against the dirt as she tried to keep her balance, her heart thudding in panic. He yanked her into a quieter clearing far from the others and threw her to the ground like discarded trash.
“Go back to where you belong, human!” he spat, laughing cruelly.
Zoey didn’t answer. Slowly, she forced herself upright, her jaw clenched so tightly it hurt. She barely had time to stand before his fist connected with her face.
Pain exploded across her cheek, and she stumbled back, gasping as she collapsed to the ground. For a moment, she couldn’t breathe. Warmth streamed from her nose. She raised a trembling hand and touched it, pulling back to see blood smeared across her fingers.
“Oooh~ does the human have a nosebleed? Weak!” He cackled, each laugh stabbing into her chest like a blade.
Zoey’s stomach twisted. She wanted to scream, to fight, to prove him wrong. But the truth was heavier than her voice. She didn’t belong here. Everyone knew it. Every hateful glance, every whisper behind her back reminded her of it. And no matter where she went, those looks followed.
Rustling from the forest broke the moment.
The boy snapped to attention, his smug grin fading. His body stiffened, sensing something wrong. Without a word, he bolted, leaving Zoey bleeding and alone.
Frozen, Zoey’s eyes darted toward the treeline. That was when she saw them—two piercing green eyes glowing in the shadows. Her breath hitched.
It wasn’t a vampire. Not a werewolf. Not even a demon. No… it was something far more primal.
The creature stepped into the fading light, its sleek form materialising before her. Scales as black as night, wings folding like a shadow, eyes glinting with intelligence.
Zoey’s eyes widened. She knew what it was instantly.
A dragon.
Her heart hammered against her ribs. But this wasn’t like any dragon from the books she had read. No, this was different—alive, present, staring at her as though she were the most curious thing in the world.
The dragon tilted its head, examining her closely. Zoey’s entire body screamed at her to stay still. Every muscle locked as the dragon leaned closer, and yet… it didn’t harm her. Its gaze wasn’t cruel or hungry—it was curious.
“Zoey!”
The shout startled her, and the dragon immediately tensed. With a powerful leap, it vanished back into the forest’s shadows, leaving only the sound of rustling leaves behind.
Zoey stood there, stunned, her breath shaky. She had just seen a dragon—an actual dragon.
A Night Fury.
Her thoughts spun wildly. This wasn’t supposed to exist. Not here. Not in this world.
“Zoey! Are you okay?”
The voice pulled her back to reality. Jinu rushed to her side, his face pale as he dropped to his knees beside her. “Shit—you’re nose is bleeding.”
Zoey blinked, dazed, still replaying the dragon in her mind. Finally, she managed to look at him. “I’m fine! Don’t worry about it.” She pushed herself up, wobbling slightly.
“How are you fine? I’m taking you to Rumi and Mira. They’ll kill me if I leave you alone like this.” Jinu groaned, looping an arm around her and dragging her despite her weak protests.
“I said I’m fine, Jinu! It’s not that bad.”
But he ignored her. By the time they reached the training ground, Mira and Rumi had already noticed. They abandoned their sparring instantly, rushing to her side.
“Zo? What happened?!” Rumi demanded, panic in her voice.
“I’m fine!” Zoey snapped, backing away. “Just go back to your training. I can handle this.”
“Zoey… please, let us help you,” Rumi begged softly, stepping closer.
“I am fine, Rumi.” Zoey’s words were sharp, like daggers thrown with trembling hands. Rumi froze mid-step.
Jinu hovered at her side, silent, just watching.
“Can’t you stop pretending that you like me?” Zoey’s voice rose, her hands curling into fists. “Can’t you stop acting like I’m some child?! I’m just a human! A normal one—I’m not a kid!”
“Zo… we’re not pretending—” Rumi started, her voice breaking.
“Yes, you are! The whole village does! I don’t belong here!”
Her voice cracked, but her anger drove her forward. Tears threatened, but she turned on her heel before anyone could see them fall.
“Leave me alone,” she whispered, and then she ran.
Jinu immediately chased after her, his pink mist flickering as he pushed his speed to match hers. Rumi stood frozen, Mira’s hand finding her shoulder.
“This is my fault.” Rumi’s voice was tight, her claws twitching before she forced them away.
“No, it isn’t,” Mira soothed, standing in front of her. “Give her space. She’ll come back. Trust me.”
Zoey stumbled through the trees, her breath ragged, when Jinu finally caught up.
“Zoey, wait!”
She turned, glaring through her tears. “Don’t follow me, Jinu.”
“No promise,” he said casually with a shrug. “Talk.”
Her brows furrowed. “You’re annoying. Leave me alone, Jinu.” She tried to walk off again.
“Nope. Tell me what happened, then you’re free to go.” He trailed after her relentlessly.
“Fine! Geez!” Zoey spun on her heel, tears burning in her eyes. “I agree with Mira and Rumi on how annoying you can be!”
Her voice broke, the weight of everything pouring out. “They bullied me again, Jinu. They shoved me, called me weak, said I’m useless because I’m just a human. And maybe… maybe they’re right. I can’t fight like you. I can’t protect like Rumi. I don’t even know why I’m still here. I yelled at her earlier, and now I’ve ruined everything. I don’t belong with you. With any of you.”
The words shattered inside her chest, raw and painful. Her arms wrapped tightly around herself as she shook, as though trying to make herself disappear.
Jinu’s jaw clenched, his fists tight at his sides. Anger flared—not at her, but at those who dared to hurt her. He forced his voice steady as he crouched down to meet her eyes.
“Zoey. Look at me.”
Slowly, she lifted her tear-streaked face.
“You’re wrong,” Jinu said, firm and unyielding. “Being human doesn’t make you weak. It makes you you. And those cowards? They don’t see the strength it takes to stand here, day after day, knowing you’re different and still staying with us. That takes more courage than claws or wings ever could.”
Her lips trembled. “But I’m always the one who breaks down. The one who slows everyone down. I yelled at Rumi because I was scared and tired, and she doesn’t deserve that. I don’t deserve her. Or you.”
Jinu’s hand rose, cupping her cheek gently. His thumb brushed away her tears. “Zoey, you’re allowed to break sometimes. You’re allowed to be scared. That doesn’t make you less—it makes you real. Do you think we don’t need you? You’re the one who reminds us what we’re fighting for. You’re the light when everything else is dark.”
She shook her head weakly, whispering, “But… what if it’s not enough?”
“Then I’ll remind you every single time,” Jinu whispered. His gaze held hers, unwavering. “You belong with us, Zoey. Not because of what you can do—but because you’re you. And that’s everything.”
Her walls crumbled. With a broken sob, Zoey collapsed into his arms, clinging to him desperately. Jinu held her tight, his jaw set, silently vowing that anyone who dared to break her again would face him first.
“Thank you…” Zoey murmured softly.
“You’re welcome,” Jinu said with a small smile, ruffling her hair. “Now, ready to go back and confront Ruru and Mimi?”
“Eugh. Don’t call them that. I’m the only one who can, stinky.” Zoey sniffled, managing a small laugh.
Together, they walked back.
When they finally returned to the training ground, Zoey spotted them immediately. Rumi stood off to the side, her posture stiff, claws half-formed as though her emotions had gotten the better of her. Mira lingered close, her hand resting comfortingly on Rumi’s shoulder, her dark wings draped protectively around her like a shield. Rumi’s gaze was fixed on the ground, shame carved into every line of her body.
Zoey slowed her steps. Guilt twisted in her chest at the sight.
“Go on,” Jinu whispered, nudging her forward with that ever-annoying grin. “You’ll do great.” He flashed her two enthusiastic thumbs up.
Zoey blinked at him, half-exasperated, half-nervous. She sucked in a deep breath before forcing her legs to move.
Mira noticed her first. “Zoey?” Her voice was soft, but there was no trace of anger—no disappointment, only concern.
Rumi’s head shot up at Mira’s tone. Her claws receded instantly, not wanting Zoey to see her in that frightening state.
“Zoey… look, I’m sorry for treating you like that—” Rumi began, her voice raw, breaking under the weight of guilt.
But Zoey shook her head quickly, cutting her off. “No—don’t. Please. I’m the one in the wrong here. I shouldn’t have yelled at you. All you do is protect me, and I… I snapped at you. I’m sorry.” Her voice trembled, and though she tried to hold it back, it was clear she was close to tears again.
Rumi’s chest ached at the words, like knives pressing against her lungs. She stepped closer, shaking her head firmly. “Zoey, no. You don’t get to say that. You don’t get to throw all the blame on yourself like that.”
Zoey’s lips quivered, her fists tightening at her sides. “But it’s true. You didn’t deserve that—none of it. I can’t even handle myself, Rumi. And then I hurt you on top of it.”
Rumi’s voice softened, but it cracked with emotion. “You didn’t hurt me, Zoey. What hurts is watching you hate yourself like this. What hurts is knowing you’re tearing yourself apart for something so small—when all I’ve ever wanted is to keep you safe.”
Zoey looked away quickly, blinking furiously. Her chest rose and fell unevenly as she choked out, “Safe? Then why does it feel like I’m the one everyone has to save? Like I’m a burden—to you, to all of you?”
Tears welled in Rumi’s eyes before she could stop them. “You’re not a burden. You’re the reason I fight so hard, Zoey. Don’t you see? It’s not about protecting you because you’re weak—it’s because I can’t stand the thought of a world without you in it.”
The silence that followed was suffocating, heavy with truths left unspoken for too long.
Mira’s brow arched in surprise. “Rumi?”
Zoey’s heart sank. She froze, panic surging. Had she ruined things again? “Wha—what?” Her voice cracked as she looked between them. “Rumi—what about—” Her words faltered when she caught Mira’s unreadable gaze.
Even Jinu, lurking not too far behind, was startled. “Rumi?” he echoed in disbelief.
Mira smirked faintly, shaking her head. “I thought we were going to say it together, Rumi.” She unfurled her wings, wrapping them possessively around Rumi and pulling her close.
Zoey’s brows furrowed. “Wait—what?” Confusion twisted inside her. Why wasn’t Mira mad? What was going on?
Rumi swallowed hard, forcing herself to speak. “Zoey… these past six days, Mira and I… we’ve been trying to tell you. We thought you’d notice, but you didn’t.”
Zoey blinked rapidly. “Notice what? You two have been acting strange—always hovering around me, dragging me away from people, never letting me go anywhere alone. I thought you were just… overprotective.”
Mira chuckled softly, though her gaze on Zoey was intense, unyielding. “It wasn’t just being overprotective, Zoey. It was us trying to keep you close. Away from anyone who might hurt you. Away from anyone who might steal you from us.”
Zoey’s breath caught in her throat. Her pulse raced in her ears. “W-What are you saying?”
Rumi’s hand trembled as she reached for her. “We both… love you, Zoey. I’ve carried it since we were kids, even if I never had the courage to say it. And when Mira met you, she felt it too. The same pull. The same need to protect you. To keep you only to ourselves.”
The world seemed to tilt around Zoey. Her chest constricted as memories flooded her—Rumi’s hand always grabbing her wrist to stop her from wandering too far, Mira’s body instinctively shielding her whenever anyone approached, the way both of them looked at her like she was something fragile, precious. She had always thought it was just friendship. Just worry.
“You… you can’t mean that,” Zoey whispered, her voice breaking. “Both of you? At the same time?”
Mira stepped closer, her wings curving protectively, almost caging Zoey in. “Yes. Both of us. That’s why we gave you hints. Why we never let you slip away. Because we can’t stand the thought of you belonging to anyone else but us.”
Zoey’s heart pounded wildly, her voice trembling. “That’s why you’ve been acting like that…”
Rumi’s expression softened, guilt and longing etched into her face. “We weren’t trying to scare you. We just—couldn’t help it. You’re too important, Zoey. To both of us.”
Zoey’s mind spun. Three days of hints, three days of overprotection—and she had brushed them off as nothing. She felt foolish. How could she not have realized sooner?
Rumi’s voice trembled with nervous hope. “What do you say, Zo?”
Zoey’s lips parted, a shaky laugh breaking free. “God… I’m so stupid for not noticing sooner. The truth is… I’ve always felt it too. I just didn’t think—not for one second—that either of you could ever look at me that way.”
Her hands trembled as she reached out, brushing Rumi’s fingers, then Mira’s. “But if what you’re saying is real… if you both really mean it—then my answer is yes. Yes, I want this. I want… you. Both of you.”
Rumi’s eyes lit up with relief, Mira’s gaze softened, and before she knew it, Zoey was pulled into Rumi’s arms. She buried herself in the warmth of Rumi’s embrace, only for Mira to join, wrapping her wings around them both in a protective cocoon.
“Wow, I thought this was supposed to be a normal apology,” Jinu clapped, wearing his ever-infuriating smirk.
Mira shot him a glare sharp enough to kill. “Fuck off, twink.”
“Okay, okay, I’ll go, you lovebirds,” Jinu chuckled, raising his hands before vanishing in a puff of pink mist.
Zoey giggled into Rumi’s shoulder, warmth blooming in her chest. For the first time in a long time, she felt at home. “Love you both.”
“Zo…” Rumi’s cheeks flushed scarlet when Zoey leaned back, studying them with a suspicious look.
“You two don’t do anything… you know, right?”
Mira raised a brow, while Rumi nearly choked.
“Zo! We’re still minors! Of course not!” Rumi squeaked, her voice hitting a high pitch.
Zoey burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. “I know, I know! I’m just joking.”
Both of them glared at her with identical unimpressed looks until Zoey softened, chuckling. “Uhh—come here and kiss me already.”
She leaned in, arms wrapping around Rumi’s neck as their lips met softly. Her heart pounded, warmth flooding through her. Pulling back, she turned her head and kissed Mira just as gently, completing the circle of affection.
She felt safe.
The next morning, Zoey sat cross-legged in her room, sketching furiously. The memory of last night’s confession lingered in her chest like a glowing ember, but her pencil was capturing something else—the dragon she had seen in the forest.
Its sleek body, those haunting green eyes, the way it studied her without malice. She couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Then it hit her.
She had to find it again.
Grinning, she stuffed her sketchbook into her bag, slung it over her shoulder, and whispered, “Zoey Adventure time.”
Sneaking past Jinu was surprisingly easy. He was supposed to be watching her, but Zoey had grown good at slipping away unnoticed. She darted into the forest, following her instincts toward the dragon lands.
The world grew quieter the deeper she went. Strange—she had expected dragons everywhere, but the skies were empty. Maybe they were sleeping.
Then, just as she thought she had come too far, she froze. A group of dragons soared together in the distance, their massive wings illuminated by the fiery sunset. Zoey’s jaw dropped in awe.
“They’re beautiful…” she whispered. Just like Rumi and Mira on the training grounds—but this beauty was untamed, raw, breathtaking.
A low growl snapped her out of her trance. She turned, and her heart nearly stopped.
The same dragon. The Night Fury.
Its glowing green eyes locked on her.
“H-hi?” Zoey squeaked, raising a hand in a nervous wave as she instinctively backed away.
Desperate to keep it calm, she fumbled into her bag and pulled out a fish she had stolen from Rumi’s kitchen. “Hold on! I—I got you this. I don’t know what kind of food you like, but… here.” She held it out with shaking hands.
The dragon sniffed the air before stepping closer. Its maw opened, waiting. Zoey tilted her head.
“…Didn’t you have teeth yesterday?”
In an instant, razor-sharp teeth snapped into place. Zoey yelped as it snatched the fish, chomping it down in one bite.
“Okay, that’s… terrifying,” Zoey muttered, but the dragon wasn’t hostile. After finishing, it glanced back at her, growled low, and darted into the woods—only to stop, glancing back as if beckoning her.
Zoey’s lips curled into a smile. “You want me to follow, huh?”
And so she did.
Later that night, Mira stormed into Jinu’s space, fury blazing. She grabbed him by the collar and lifted him off the ground with surprising strength.
“Where the fuck is Zoey?”
Jinu flailed. “I don’t know! She was in her room earlier! She didn’t tell me anything!”
Mira dropped him with a growl.
Meanwhile, Rumi stood outside Zoey’s empty room, worry written all over her face. “Did she sneak out? Is she trying to—”
“Rumi!” Mira snapped, her voice sharp with frustration. “Next time, don’t let this twink watch her.”
Before they could continue, the door creaked open. Both turned sharply—Zoey stood there, blinking innocently.
“Uh… hi?”
Mira rushed to her, hugging her tightly. “Where the heck did you go?! We were worried! Did Jinu hurt you? Did he do something?” She pulled back, holding Zoey’s shoulders.
Jinu narrowed his eyes, confused. “Okay, what?”
“No, actually—I was just getting fresh air. I went to the lake.” Zoey lied smoothly, forcing a small smile. “Sorry.”
“Stop apologizing. None of this is your fault,” Rumi murmured, stepping beside Mira.
“Well, it’s Jinu’s fault,” Mira added flatly.
“I’m out of here,” Jinu muttered, crossing his arms before disappearing in a puff of mist.
“Let’s go eat dinner, yeah?” Rumi placed her hands on both of their shoulders. “Plus, we’ve got chicken.”
“LET’S GO!” Zoey and Mira shouted in unison, racing to the kitchen.
Zoey’s lips curved as she thought of her new secret. Toothless.
Over the next few days, Zoey earned the Night Fury’s trust. She named him Toothless, smirking proudly at her cleverness.
Toothless lay curled in his nest, his green eyes following her every move.
“Okay, Toothless. That’s your name from now on,” Zoey declared, placing her hands on her hips.
He growled low, unimpressed, making her laugh nervously.
Tentatively, she raised her hand, closing her eyes as she stretched it toward him. For a moment, nothing. Then—warm scales pressed against her palm. Zoey opened her eyes slowly, tears prickling.
“You trust me…” she whispered, smiling.
From then, they explored together, Zoey learning about dragons and Toothless learning about her. Their bond grew.
Until the accident.
One afternoon, Toothless chased after a sheep with a group of dragons. Zoey ran after them, struggling to keep up. They were too fast, their wings cutting through the sky with terrifying speed.
Just as Toothless was about to snatch the sheep, another dragon slammed into him midair. With a sharp cry, he plummeted toward the cliff.
“No!” Zoey screamed, her heart dropping.
She scrambled down the rocky slope, her hands scraped raw, her chest burning. Finally, she reached the bottom.
Toothless lay there, groaning, his body bruised but alive. But when Zoey’s eyes dropped to his tail, her stomach twisted.
The left tail fin was gone. Torn.
Toothless tried to stand, but he stumbled, wings flaring uselessly. His eyes dimmed, filled with pain and despair.
Zoey’s chest ached watching him. He wasn’t just hurt. He was broken.
She bit her lip, whispering desperately to herself. “Think, think!”
An idea sparked. She looked at him, determination igniting in her eyes. “What if I can…” She gasped, her lips curling into a grin. “You’re right, Toothless! I can help you. I’ll build something to fix your tail fin. I’ll ride you. The first human to ever ride a dragon!”
She waved quickly. “See you tomorrow, Toothless!” Then she ran into the night, her heart pounding with excitement.
Toothless tilted his head, confused. But as he watched her disappear into the dark, he let out a soft growl.
For the first time since his fall… he had hope.