Cousins Part 1

'You got everything you need son?' Stoick the Vast asked as Hiccup Haddock Horrendous III loaded Toothless', his best friend, saddles with provisions that could last for weeks.

Hiccup secured the last bag. 'Let see... Fish... Check! Water... Check! Medical herbs... Check! Yup! I'm pretty much done with everything.'

'Wait lad!' Gobber the Belch said, suddenly jumping forward on his stump: With a few sack clothes in his iron hook. 'You'll need these to collect the Mountain Ash.'

'Thanks Gobber.' Hiccup placed the sack clothes in one of his saddle pockets. 'What does Gothi intend to do with these herbs?'

Gobber just shrugged. 'Probably some Viking's rituals or her usual nasty concoctions, she didn't explain.'

'Whatever it is for', Stoick cut in. 'It may prove to be an effective potion that may have powerful medical properties. If Gothi says it's important, then you must find those herbs at all cost.'

'Got it.' Hiccup assured as Toothless swing his tail in impatience. 'You said it's near Snake's Eyes Isle?'

'Aye.' Gobber confirmed. 'Just fly on East and you will reach there in a day or two.'

'Hiccup!' Hiccup looked up as a blonde girl ran towards him, carrying a bag.

'What's up, Astrid?' Hiccup asked.

'Here', Astrid panted as she handed him the bag. Hiccup opened the bag and found bread, smoked beef and dried fruits in it. 'Extra provisions. A change to the usual fish.'

Hiccup smiled gratefully as he tied the bag to Toothless' saddle, receiving a reptilian grunt for the extra weight tied to Toothless. 'Thanks Astrid, this sure to fill us up. Will you be okay on taking over the academy while me and Toothless are gone?'

For answer, Astrid punched Hiccup on the arm. 'Why bother asking that question? You know Stormfly and I can take care of the academy. You and Toothless just get those herbs and come home safely.'

Hiccup rubbed his arm ruefully and nodded. He hugged his dad before getting on Toothless. Waving his goodbye, Toothless spread his wings and took to the sky. Toothless flew higher until he and Hiccup disappeared into the clouds.

*

Toothless and Hiccup had been flying for a day, only resting to eat and sleep on whatever shelter they can land on. There were many-deserted island in the north region so Hiccup and Toothless had no fears of enemies as they slept through the night. After crossing the massive sea, Hiccup and Toothless finally saw land. The land they encountered was lush with thick forests and high mountains. As they ventured more inland, they spotted a small lake.

'There Toothless!' Hiccup pointed. 'Let's rest there for a while.'

Toothless growled in agreement and closed his wings as he dived towards the ground. At the last minute, he opened his wings just as they were about to hit the tallest tree and hovered in the air. Just before they could lower to the ground, an arrow shot from the woods: in which Toothless dodged it at the last second. Toothless swerved to his right almost throwing Hiccup off him as another arrow fly towards them. This time it grazed the left side of Toothless. Toothless roared in pain as he fell towards the lake. Hiccup had no choice but to hold to Toothless and brace for impact. They hit the lake with a tremendous splash. The lake was not that deep so both Hiccup and Toothless managed to get out of the water unharmed.

'You okay bud?'

Toothless gave a friendly growl. Before they could do anything else, somebody was in front of them with a drawn bow and an arrow notched to it. Their attacker wore green dress and soft brown shoes. Besides the bow in her hands, there was a sword buckled around her waist.

'Don't try anything funny!' she ordered. 'I have my eyes on you and what manner of creature are you?'

Toothless growled at the girl but Hiccup stopped him. He raised his hands in surrender. 'We're just harmless travellers. My name is Hiccup and this is Toothless, my flying dog.'

Toothless gave a puzzled growl while the girl raised an eyebrow. 'Of all the tall tales I heard, yours' the tallest!'

'Really? Because I always thought that I'm not the tallest.' he tried to joke.

'Enough!' the girl said, aiming her bow at Hiccup. 'The fact that you're cute and funny is the reason you're still alive. Plus, I didn't want to enrage... Your dog!' Toothless growled at her. 'But I had enough of you two! I think I will let by father decide! On your dog and walk slowly!
I will be behind you the entire time and if I see any signs of escape, I shoot. Got it?'

Hiccup nodded but said, 'Can I at least check Toothless is okay? That arrow of yours may have hurt him.'

The girl hesitated before nodding. 'Go ahead.'

Hiccup nodded his thanks and knelt to where the arrow struck Toothless. It was only a graze and the wound was almost healed. To make sure Toothless did not catch any disease, Hiccup took out a flask from one of Toothless saddles and applied a healing balm to his wound. After rubbing for a few minutes, Hiccup stepped back and Toothless gave a growl of contentment. The girl, who was standing there the whole time, asked.

'Are you done?'

Hiccup nodded. 'Yes.' He got onto Toothless and nudged his knee. Toothless walked in front of the girl, dragging his tail. Hiccup looked over his shoulders at the girl. 'By the way, where are we?'

The girl stated at him with wide eyes. 'Are you daft or something? You're in Dunbroch.'

*

Dunbroch. Hiccup thought. I heard that name before but from whom?

Hiccup and Toothless had been forced marched by the girl through the forest for hours until they reached a fortified city made from ancient stones and the strongest wood. The walls looked like it was 20 meters wide and 100 feet tall with watchtowers at every 50 meters. As they passed through the gates, the residents of the city who were following their daily routine, looked up in astonishment at the new arrival: a foreign boy with a metal prosthetic attached to his left limb while riding a winged reptile. They were not the only ones gaping, Hiccup and Toothless were looking around the city with amazement. They were used to their village that was built with what wood the island's forest had to offer and they relied on the natural landscapes like the mountains and the sea to keep the enemies at bay. An entire population of people surrounded by a wall was new to them.

'Keep moving!' the girl barked as she drew her bow. Hiccup and Toothless obeyed and continued on until they reached a massive wooden door guarded by two guards who were wearing what looked like skirts. Hiccup managed to stop a giggle from escaping his mouth but Toothless sniggered loudly: earning glares from the guards.

'Open the gates!' the girl ordered.

The guards bowed slightly and threw the massive door opened. Hiccup and Toothless were herded into a massive throne room made from stones, clothed in red carpets and banners and decorated with weaponry and stuffed bears. At the end of the hall were four wooden but majestic thrones. On the biggest throne sat a big, buff man with long, ginger hair and beard. He wore green tunic with cape made of bear fur attached to it. He wore a great sword at his waist and, like Hiccup, had a wooden peg attached to his left leg. Sitting beside him in a slightly smaller throne was a woman with long, raven brown hair with streak of white in the middle. She wore a green regal gown and a gold crown on her head. Unlike the man next to her, she carried a nobler aura than him. On the woman's right was a throne shaped like a box with three boys sitting on it. They looked alike in every aspect and wore exactly the same clothes. On the man's left was a throne smaller than the man's and the woman's. To the surprise or Hiccup and Toothless, the girl walked past them and hugged the man and woman.

'Mom, dad! I'm home!'

The girl's father smiled and hugged her back. 'How was your ride through the forest lass?'

'It was fantastic dad! Angus was fast as the wind and scored another set.'

'Sometimes I wish you spent more times inside the castle then outside.' the girl's mother commented.

'Now Elinor dear', the man patted on his wife's shoulders. 'You once had a taste of Merida's experience and you accepted her choice.'

Elinor smiled. 'I'm only jesting, Fergus.' Then she frowned at her daughter. 'Who did you bring home with you?'

While Merida was greeting her family, both Hiccup and Toothless were gaping at her. A princess captured them!

Now you don't see that everyday. Toothless' looks told Hiccup.

Tell me about it! Hiccup's looks replied.

'I caught this boy and his... Flying dog trespassing on our territory so I brought them here for you to judge them.' Merida replied.

Fergus frowned and stood at his imposing height. Hiccup, although used to giants, took a step back. Fergus was the size of his father! Buffer though. Fergus walked around Hiccup and Toothless, studying them, with his red, bushy brows raised. He stopped himself in front of them and rumbled. 'This is no dog! This is a dragon! I thought I never live to see this day! And there is something familiar about this lad!' He leaned closer towards Hiccup. 'Do you know who Stoick the Vast, boy?'

Hiccup stared back in surprise. 'He's my dad. Why? Do you know...'

Before Hiccup could finish his sentence, Fergus scooped him in a massive bear hug: threatening to crush his ribcage and cutting his air short.

'Know him?' Fergus cried joyously. 'He's my cousin twice removed! You must be my nephew, Hiccup! The letters from your father told me so much about you!'

Now Hiccup remembered where he heard Dunbroch before. 'Dad told me about Dunbroch and the Bear King!'

Fergus chuckled. 'No need for titles Hiccup. Just call me uncle Fergus.' He then turned to his wife and children. 'Elinor, Merida, boys! Come say hello to your cousin Hiccup!'

As Elinor and the triplets came forward to greet Hiccup, only Merida hovered back behind them: slightly embarrassed and awkward. Elinor held up her hands and shook hands with Hiccup. 'It's a pleasure to finally meet the nephew that Fergus keep talking about. What brings you here to Dunbroch?'

'Toothless and I were looking for a herb called Mountain Ash on Snake Eyes Isle.' Hiccup answered. 'We were about to take a night somewhere in the forest when', Hiccup gave the nervous Merida a quick glance before continuing. 'I made a mistake in judging the timing and we accidentally hit a tree. Toothless just glazed his leg and ... Ow!'

Toothless hit Hiccup slightly with his tail. Hey! You're not the one shot at! Toothless' face told him.

Just bear with it. Hiccup silently told him back. He saw Merida breathe a sigh of relief and eyed him gratefully and curiously. Fergus and Elinor did not notice the exchange and Fergus asked:

'Are you sure both of you are unharmed?'

Hiccup nodded. 'It just that Toothless won't be able to fly for a few days with that leg.' Then he quickly added. 'If Merida hadn't found us, we probably would have a tougher time to recuperate.'

Fergus nodded, satisfied, and turned to grin at his daughter. 'It was a good thing that she always like to roam the forest.'

Merida could only nod and said humbly, 'If you're looking for Mountain Ash, there are some growing on top of the Fire Falls.'

'The Fire Falls?' Hiccup asked, even Toothless cocked his head in curiosity.

Fergus smiled at Hiccup. 'Legends says that only the legendary kings and queens can drink from the waters. Merida here prove to be an exception.'

It was Hiccup's turn to eyed Merida with interest. This girl, no, his cousin was really made out of something. He focused his attention back to Fergus, 'Can Merida take me to this fall?'

Fergus laughed and slapped Hiccup's back, almost sending him stumbling. 'What's the hurry lad? You and Toothless must be exhausted from your journey and accident. Why not rest for the night and tomorrow you can go for that herb.'

'Yes Hiccup.' Elinor agreed. 'You're welcome to stay here as long as you like. Merida', she turned to her daughter. 'Show Hiccup and Toothless to one of our guest rooms and make him feel welcome. Ask Maddie to bring him a bathing tub and a brush and some clean clothes.'

'Yes mom.' Merida said.

Elinor nodded and smiled at Hiccup. 'Once you're freshen up, join us for dinner. You must regale us with tales of Berk.'

'Especially about your Dragon Academy and how you defeat Alvin the Treacherous and Dagur the Deranged.' Fergus grinned.

'Please dear', Elinor rolled her eyes. 'The triplets have enough stories of gore and blood, especially from all the stories of Mor'du.'

'But this is different.' Fergus protested. 'These are tales of fire-breathing dragons and how their cousin, Hiccup, tamed them!' He smiled at the triplets. 'What do you say boys?'

The triplets cheered and Fergus' grin widened. He then turned to Hiccup. 'Looks like you're going to be the story teller tonight, Hiccup.'

Hiccup was stunned for a moment before he awkwardly smiled, 'I... I be honored, uncle Fergus and aunt Elinor.'

Fergus nodded, satisfied, and allowed Merida to lead Hiccup and Toothless deeper into the castle. Hiccup followed Merida while Toothless followed behind, dragging his scaly tail over the cold, marble steps. As they walked through the hallways, Hiccup took in everything he will never see in Berk. Tapestries of royal families or landscapes that surrounded Dunbroch, ancient chests made from wood from rare and old trees, suits of armor with pikes and the occasional stuffed bears. A home befitting a king of bears.

Finally they reached a door on one of the top floors but before Merida opener it, she looked around to make sure no one else was in hearing range before whispering to Hiccup, 'Thanks for not telling my parents about me shooting you and sorry about that. Sometimes I do things without thinking.'

'It's all right.' Hiccup said immediately. 'You must have thought that we must've been enemies spies or something.'

'Actually', Merida blushed. 'I thought you were a giant eagle.'

Hiccup raised an eyebrow. 'Okay... Well. No harm done.' He felt a nudge behind him and corrected himself. 'Besides, that arrow grazed Toothless.'

Merida knelt down to Toothless' level. Toothless growled at her.

'Sorry about shooting at you and mistaking you for an eagle too, Toothless.' Merida apologized sincerely. 'I hope we can be friends.'

Toothless snorted at her and Hiccup placed a hand on his head. 'Be nice.'

Toothless gave a dragon-like shrug and Merida stood up, a bit crestfallen. Merida just smiled however and opened the door to the guest room. She led Hiccup and Toothless into the room. The room was furnished with a soft bed supported by a fine wood frame, a cupboard probably made from the same materials as the bed, a wooden chest and a desk with a mirror. A window covered in a wooden frame was now opened, showing a descending sunset in the horizon. On the walls were tapestries and decorative shields while the floor was covered with a bear skin rug.

'Well, what do you think of Dunbroch's hospitality?' she inquired, grinning.

'Wow.' Hiccup looked around the room in amazement. 'I have to admit that we don't get all this on Berk. What do you think bud?'

For answer, Toothless sniffed at the bearskin rug, circled around it before curling into a ball: giving a reptilian purr. Hiccup smiled back at Merida.

'He's satisfied.'

'I'm glad he is.' Merida smiled back. 'Just now in the forest, why did you call him a dog?'

Hiccup shrugged. 'Just being sarcastic. I mean it should be obvious that this is a flying reptile and not a flying dog.'

Merida giggled while Toothless growled in his paws. 'You're funny, just like how your dad describe you in his letters. I heard so much from the great dragon rider.'

'Same here.' Hiccup replied back. 'He always spoke of a certain niece that is an excellent archer. He must have meant you.'

Merida smiled. 'I can't wait to hear about the Dragon Academy and all the battles you had. See you at dinner.'

She left Hiccup and Toothless in the room. Hiccup took a last look around the room before falling face-first into the bed. 'Quite an adventure, eh bud?'

Toothless grunted before having a quick nap.

*

The next morning, Hiccup woke up as he heard the rooster making it morning cry. Hiccup moaned widely and rubbed the sand out of his eyes. He got out of bed and made his way to the water basin provided. He spent last night feasting with his relatives and telling tales of his training of dragons and the battles against Alvin the Treacherous and Dagur the Deranged. As he regaled with his interested hosts, Toothless was stuffing his face with fish and lamb. It was almost midnight until the triplets were satisfied with the tales and he was allowed to excuse himself from the table. In an instant, he was asleep just as he fell on the bed.

Hiccup dried his face with a towel and nudged Toothless with a foot. 'Come on buddy, time to wake up.'

Toothless gave him a sleepy growl and dug deeper into the rug.

'Hey, you're not the one telling the stories last night so you have no excuse.'

Toothless growled and rose from the rug. He yawned and stretched all his limbs. He stood up and licked his lips. Hiccup opened the door and let his friend go out first. They headed to the dining hall where the rest of the castle's guards and residents of Dunbroch were breakfasting on bread, cold ham and mild ale.

Hiccup took his seat and nodded his thanks as he was being served his breakfast along with a wooden plate of fish. Hiccup tossed the fish to Toothless who ate it in one gulp as he started with his own breakfast. He was washing the bread and ham with the ale, wincing slightly at the sweet then bitter taste, when a smiling Merida walked up towards him.

'Good morning Mr. Storyteller.' she greeted. 'Last night was a great success: the triplets preferred your story over dad's any day.'

Hiccup gave a small belch, not used to the ale. 'I hope Fergus doesn't feel outshine in tales regaling.'

Merida shrugged. 'Dad will pout and make a fuss about it but I'm sure he is in awe with your stories as much as the triplets.' Then she grinned. 'Come cousin, I thought we walk off breakfast with a run to the Fire Falls.'

Despite having a full stomach, Hiccup stood up and nodded. 'Sure, that be great.' he turned to Toothless. 'Ready for a run buddy?'

Toothless belched, agreeing with the run to the Fire Falls. Hiccup smiled and placed his hand on Toothless' head and told Merida, 'He says yes.'

'Wonderful.' Merida said and led them out of the dining hall and to the stable. Merida entered one of the stables and when she came out, a big, black horse followed her from behind.

'Angus, these are Hiccup and Toothless.' Merida introduced. 'Hiccup, Toothless, this here's Angus.'

Like any dragons, Hiccup placed his hand between Angus head: just above the nostrils and below the eyes. 'Hi there.'

Angus neighed in greeting and gave a horse's version of a nod to Toothless who also approached him. Once the introduction was done, Merida jumped on Angus' back.

'How's Toothless' side doing?'

'Getting better.' Hiccup replies. 'Why?'

Merida smirked. 'Race ya!'

Before Hiccup could even respond, Merida kneed Angus' sides. Angus stood on his rear legs and galloped out of the city gates. Hiccup just stood there once they exited the city before jumping onto Toothless, hooking his metallic limb to the saddle.

'Come on bud!' Hiccup leaned closer to Toothless' head. 'We're not going to lose to a girl on a horse in a race are we?'

Toothless growled in agreement and sped towards the gate. Dunbroch's citizens, who were used with seeing their princess riding off into the woods alone, were quite surprised when a giant lizard with wings with a boy ran through them at lightning speed. Hiccup and Toothless were out of the city and into the forest within seconds: following a path that cut through the forest.

While running, Toothless sniffed the air and sped up: catching Merida and Angus' scent. Soon, they caught sight of Merida and Angus. Toothless' speed accelerated and they were running alongside with Angus: making Merida gave them a look of surprise.

'That was a bit unfair of you.' Hiccup told Merida through the wind. 'Taking off like that without giving us a warning. Also, you and Angus have the advantage of geography of this area!'

Merida just grinned. 'I wanted to see whether or not Toothless' speed is as fast as your dad says in his letter. Looks like Toothless matched his reputation. And the Fire Falls is the highest waterfall in the area so it is not hard to miss!'

Hiccup scanned through his memories after what Merida said about the Fire Falls. Before Toothless was shot down, he remembered seeing a massive waterfall in the color of red due to the reflections of the sun. Just in front of it was a tall rock pillar with what looks like greenery on top of it. Hiccup took out his compass from his pocket so he could tell which directions they were heading. Merida caught sight of it and looked intrigued.

'What is that device?'

'It's called a compass!' Hiccup answered back as he studied the compass. 'It tells you which directions is north and help with navigation. If my memory served me well, the Fire Falls should be around...' He trailed off and then found the directions he wanted. 'Toothless! That way!'

Toothless swerved to his right and galloped off, leaving Merida and Angus behind. Surprised and being outrun, Merida and Angus doubled their efforts until they were next to Hiccup and Toothless.

'Not fair! Now you're cheating!' Merida shouted.

Hiccup did not reply back but smirked as he and Toothless continue running. Infuriated, Merida nudges Angus in his side: making the horse jumped over Toothless. Hiccup looked over his shoulders just in time to see Angus making the jump. Hiccup lowered his head as Angus jumped over them. Hiccup could have sworn that one of Angus' hooves touched his hair. Angus landed with a heavy thud on the ground: taking the lead.

'Hey, you almost took my head off!' Hiccup shouted at Merida.

'But I didn't so stop your whining!'

'Is that how you want to play?' Hiccup muttered under his breath. He and Toothless sped fasted until they were overtaking Merida and Angus by a hair breath. At Hiccup's touch, Toothless unfolded his wings: his right wing blocking Merida's view. Merida gave a shriek and when Toothless folded his wings back, Merida a low branch heading toward her. Instinctually, Merida lowered her body backwards and the branch went past her.

Merida sat back up and shouted at Hiccup. 'You almost killed me back there!'

Hiccup laughed and Merida joined in, enjoying their race. Clutching her ribs and wiping a tear of mirth away and she suddenly pointed out. 'Look Hiccup, there's the Fire Falls up ahead!' a giant pillar of rock was fast approaching them. Behind the pillar was a waterfall, the one that Hiccup recalled when he and Toothless first arrived in Dunbroch. 'First one to reach that pillar wins!'

Hiccup nodded and both he and Merida urges their mounts faster. Toothless and Angus accelerated towards the pillar and as soon as they were near the pillar, they skidded towards the pillar. They skidded sideways and Hiccup and Merida hold their hands, their palms opened. Toothless and Angus stopped and they opened their eyes: both Hiccup and Merida touched the pillar at the same time.

'Wow!' Merida gasped as she and Hiccup let go of the pillar. 'I never thought to almost losing a race like that. Is Toothless really that fast?'

'Not really.' Hiccup admitted as he stepped down from Toothless. 'Everyday, the more we train, the more stronger and faster a dragon become.'

'That's so awesome! It must be fun being a dragon rider.'

Hiccup demurred before answering. 'Yeah it is. But it takes a lot of discipline and determination to bond with your dragons. It means knowing everything about them, to take care of them, to spend time together, teaching each other new moves and new things, feeding them and to treat them not as slaves but as friends.' Then he grimaced. 'Also, you have to live with their dirty habits like belching... Ouch!'

Toothless swatted Hiccup with his tail when Hiccup added about dragons' hygiene.

'Toothless!' Hiccup exclaimed as he rubbed his head. Toothless sniggered while Merida giggled along with him. Despite himself, Hiccup laughed along with them. After some time, Merida wiped a tear from her eyes and chortled.

'You're so funny, Hiccup!'

Hiccup grinned as he rubbed the back of his head. 'Glad someone appreciate my humor.'

Merida grinned. 'Race you to the top?'

Hiccup took one look at the top of the pillar and at his prosthetic leg. 'No way I'm beating you in this race. I have a better idea.' He went to Toothless' sides and unhooked his shield from the saddle. He raised his shield towards the top of the pillar and pulled on a trigger, firing a grappling hook. The grappling hook lodged between rocks that were on top of the pillar: securing it. Hiccup tested the strength of the grappling hook before turning to the amazed Merida.

'Grabbed onto something.'

Merida stopped gaping and hugged Hiccup from behind. Trying to hide his surprise, Hiccup merely asked, 'You have never seen a grappling hook before?'

Merida shook her head. 'I never seen grappling hook use in such a way.'

'Well, hang on!' Hiccup pulled another trigger and both he and Merida flew upwards towards the top at a tremendous speed: screaming away. They landed on their feet, facing the Fire Falls. It was Hiccup's turn to be amazed. The water were indeed fiery red: due to the sunlight. At their feet sticking out from two rocks was the Mountain Ash: the base in healthy green and ash grey in color.

'There it is.' Hiccup said as he gently plucked it from the rocks. He pulled out the sackcloth that Gobber gave him from his belt. He carefully put the herbs inside the sackcloth and secured it onto his belt. Hiccup stood up and admired the Fire Falls.

'It's beautiful...'

Merida nodded in agreement. 'Do you want to have a drink from the falls cousin?'

'You sure I can?' Hiccup asked. 'I thought only kings could only drink from it.'

Merida shrugged. 'I'm a princess and I drank from it. You being the son of a Viking's chieftain should qualify you to drink.'

Hiccup looked at the Fire Falls and walked closer towards it. He cupped his hands and placed it under the falls: collecting the water in his hands. He lifted his hands and put it to his mouth: drinking the content. Surprisingly, it was just... Normal.

Merida looked closely at him. 'What do you think?'

Hiccup gave Merida a quizzical look. 'Am I suppose to be tasting something else besides normal water?'

Merida chortled. 'Of course not, silly! You're suppose to feel that you accomplished something after climbing to the top of that pillar and drinking from the highest waterfall in all of Dunbroch!'

'Huh!' Hiccup mused. 'I thought I be sprouting wings or something.'

'If that so then half the countryside would be swarming with flying men right now.' then she faced the horizon. 'This is one of my favorite spot.'

Hiccup turned to face Merida who was viewing the whole of Dunbroch and joined her. Just overlooking the forest and the lake was breathtaking enough with the castle in plain view. The breeze gently blow on him and even though it was chilly, it soothed him for some reason. The sun was welcoming both of them with it radiant rays.

'I can see why.' Hiccup commented. 'Do you come here a lot of times?'

Merida shrugged. 'So many times that I lost count.' She smiled. 'Want to come down now? I'll show you that ruin where I face off against Mor' Du.'

'That demon bear Fergus been talking about?' Hiccup's interest piqued. 'That's sound great. Toothless, let's...' he looked around for the dragon but was surprise that Toothless wasn't in sight. Hiccup was wondering where Toothless was when he heard Merida giggling behind him. She was starting to climb down.

'Silly, we went up with that contraption of yours and left poor Toothless and Angus down there. I meet you down.' Merida's head disappeared from Hiccup's sight as she started to descend.

Hiccup had placed his shield on the ground and face palmed himself for forgetting about it. He picked it up and pressed a trigger: the grappling hook sliding it out. He secured the hook into the rocks and hanged onto his shield. Then he jumped off the pillar and with the shield, he started his descend down.

*

Merida was standing just above the river with her bow strung and fired three arrows consecutively into the moving water, impaling three salmons into the riverbed. She walked into the water and pulled out the twitching salmons along with the bows, tossing them at Hiccup who was sitting in front of a fire with Toothless: pulling the arrows from their scaly bodies. Hiccup tossed a salmon towards Toothless who snapped at it in one gulp while Hiccup impaled the other two salmons from the head all the way to the tail with two sharpened sticks: placing them just above the fire. Merida joined him and sat besides him, Hiccup giving her back the arrows she used and Merida drying them with a cloth. Angus were behind them, chewing grass.

'I never see anyone catching fish in such a way.' Hiccup commented. 'You do know there's something call fishing nets.'

Merida chortled. 'I do but I prefer this way. It gives me extra target practice and get lunch at the same time.'

'I do admit that's interesting.' Hiccup said as he gave her a cooked salmon.

'Thanks.' Merida said and took a bite on the salmon. Both of them ate their salmon slowly. Merida had finished half of the salmon when she broke the silence. 'So will you and Toothless be leaving soon?'

Hiccup nodded as he slowly chewed. 'As soon as Toothless get better, we will be leaving soon. We need to get the Mountain Ash back to Berk as soon as possible and I'm a bit worried about leaving the Dragon Academy for so long.'

Merida nodded slowly. 'Yeah…'

Hiccup noticed that there was a sorrowful note in Merida's voice but before he could ask her about it, Toothless looked up to the sky and growled. Frowning, Hiccup looked at the sky and Merida joined him: surprise on their faces. In the sky was something black with a head, tail and wings: blocking the sun and flying through the sky.

In disbelief, Hiccup saw what look like a dragon: roaring and flying across the sky.