Author's Note: Yes. I know this took forever. I'm just trying my hardest to create quality chapters for you guys. I've already worked a bit on making the story easier to read. Please review! I'd like a little bit of feedback on the story!
Chapter 2: The Last Minute
Aisling
I couldn't sleep at all that night. All I could feel was guilt. I wasn't sure what to do. Clearly, Minden thought I was prepared to be a Dragon Rider; otherwise, she wouldn't have told me about it. I just couldn't shake the feeling that I should tell someone. No one would have any idea where I went; I'd just suddenly disappear! It felt wrong to abandon my home like this, but I'd spent my entire life believing I'd be an unappreciated Wingmaiden.
On the other hand, the opportunity felt so freeing. For years, everyone had dismissed my ideas and talked down to me. Going to Berk was my way off this island, and into a world where my inventions could be appreciated.
Whichever decision I made would be the catalyst for whatever happens for the rest of my life. Would I like to spend my life as a Wingmaiden or a Dragon Rider? As pained as I felt, I was pretty certain I already made my choice.
I woke up before the sun rose. I wasn't sure how much time I had, but I would've rushed either way. I needed to get on the boat before anyone realized it had even been there in the first place.
Quietly, I slipped out of my bed, rushing to find the bag I'd packed the night before. I tiptoed toward my window. Every one of my senses was intensified. Each creak of the floor terrified me to my core.
I starred out the window, the faintest hints of sunlight peeking over the horizon. Carefully, I gripped the bottom of the window frame, leaving the safety of my room. I'd misjudged the distance between my window and the ground, leaving me to dangle above the pathway. I struggled to hold in a scream. I allowed my fingers to stop clinging to my home, landing on the wooden path with a soft thud.
I began sneaking through the village. The sunlight revealed the outline of a ship on the horizon, causing panic to course through my veins. I didn't have the time to dawdle and reminisce. There was no room for mistakes right now.
I burst into the rookery, stepping on all sorts of leaves and twigs on the way, each one snapping under my weight. I prayed to the gods that none of the Razorwhips would wake up. That was the last thing I needed right now.
I made it to the coastline just as the ship approached. I slowed my pace, trying to steady my breathing. A couple beads of sweat glided down my face. I was sure I looked at least a little crazy, but who isn't?
It seemed that there was only a captain. I couldn't tell very much from a distance. All I knew was that his hair was messy, short, and dark brown.
"Um… Hello?" I greeted, unsure of what I should say. The man jumped, turning to face me. I was able to get a good look at the man's face. He had a square jaw, misty blue eyes, and a mustache that matched the color of his hair.
"I'm guessing you're here for the Dragon Rider tryouts," he assumed, clearly annoyed by my accidental surprise. I nodded. The man looked around. "Are you the only one?" he asked. Again, I nodded. He shrugged, gesturing for me to join him on the ship.
Instantly, I began mentally scolding myself. Clearly, I'd done something that made this man mad. It wasn't the first impression I'd hoped for at all. Growing up on Wingmaiden Island, we didn't get visitors very often. Introducing myself to others is something I don't get enough experience with. I refused to let the first person I met from another island hate me.
So… Um… What's…" I stammered, trying to make conversation. The man looked at me, seeming to sense my nervous energy.
"Yeah… Um… Sorry for acting the way I just did. I'm just disappointed that Minden couldn't convince at least a couple other people," he explained, fiddling with some ropes. Suddenly, the sail turned in the opposite direction. "Name's Snotlout Jorgenson," he added.
"I'm Aisling," I replied, holding out my hand. I waited for him to shake my hand, but he did no such thing. "So, you know Minden?" I inquired, trying to form a conversation.
Snotlout tied to ropes around the mast, walking in my direction. He was a couple inches taller than me. He had me sit down.
"Uh huh. You know, back when I was," he paused, quickly scanning my body.
"Fourteen. I'm fourteen. If that was what you were thinking about," I told him. He nodded.
"Okay. Thank you. When Minden and I were a little older than you, we were together," he boasted. I tilted my head, confused.
"Really? She's never mentioned you." I told him. He looked as if I'd punched him in the stomach.
"Are you serious? I'm going to have to have a serious talk with that lady next time I see her! Well, Aisling, you're in for quite to story. I'm going to tell you about the greatest adventurers that ever graced this world!" He exclaimed.
Maybe this wasn't such a bad decision after all. I'm already meeting new people and hearing new stories. This is only a small margin compared to what else I'll experience. This is going to be better than I expected!
Dahlia
I woke up bright and early the next morning, eager to start the next chapter in my life. Don't get me wrong, I love my mom, she just doesn't understand me the way I need her to.
I'm sure my excitement would surprise some people. I've never been the type of person to overhype things. If I'm honest, most of the people my age would say I'm a pessimist.
Though I wasn't sure what time it was, I knew I'd woken up well before sunrise. The world around me was dark and silent.
I tossed and turned in my bed, impatient for the world to wake up. I'd anticipated an opportunity like this for years. Finally, I'll be able to do some good for the world!
After what felt like an eternity, I tiptoed out of my bed, careful not to wake my mother. Every slight creak of the floor sent fear through my body. Silently, I grabbed my bag and began opening my bedroom door. It squeaked, causing me to wince, the inability to leave suffocating me. With some work, I was able to slip out of my room. I crept through the hallway; the kitchen and a door were the only things in between me and freedom.
I probably should have taken my time. Who knows how long it will be until I come back home? Most people would've reminisced over all the fond memories they repressed, loathe to leave. I felt like I was going to explode if I didn't get out of my house. Every fiber of my being itched to put my plan into action.
Firmly, I shut the door behind me. Closing one door would open another one. The streets were surprisingly empty. You would think more people would be eager to attempt becoming a Dragon Rider.
I slung my bag over my shoulder, sprinting towards to volcano. There was someone I needed to say goodbye to before I left. The incline was exhausting, especially considering that it was before sunrise and I'd only been moving for a matter of minutes.
I was out of breath by the time I reached the top of the volcano. Carefully, I made my way to the edge, peering at the orange lava. I knew exactly who I was looking for, I just needed to find him. Finally, I spotted the Great Protector.
"Hopefully, the next time I see you, you'll be free. I'm doing this for dragons like you!" I declared. The Eruptodon looked at me, slightly confused. He may not understand yet, but I'm doing this for him. I'm doing this for all captive dragons.
Torren
"I still think you're wrong, Torren," Dad told me, offhandedly. He sat down at the table to join me for breakfast, instantly noticing the look I was giving him. Same back at you it countered. He looked away, giving a tiny chuckle.
"Are you two still having your little squabble? I told you. We have enough yak milk as it is! You just love having pointless debates," Mom reminded us. My smile grew a little bit wider.
"If you aren't careful, I'll get into an argument with you. I'm very persuasive," I joked. Mom sighed, shaking her head. Stop acting like you're mad. I know you aren't.
"I told you we should've had daughters! Sons go around looking for trouble. A daughter would at least listen to my point," Dad teased. I gave him another look, shaking my head.
"Debate number two: Would it be easier to have a daughter or a son? I say that it's pretty even," I began. I could hear my mom mumble something to herself.
"Torren, you know how this will end. Please don't start this," Dad exhaled.
"The modern woman isn't always a pushover. You're just following outdated stereotypes. If you aren't careful, you'll probably offend someone," I continued. My parents remained silent. I didn't like having to go on by myself, so I stayed quiet, too.
During the silence, I remembered something extremely important. The Dragon Rider tryouts! They're today! How am I supposed to tell them?
As annoying as I could be, my parents adored me. I've grown up as an only child, meaning I'm the favorite by default. Though, that also means that I'm the least favorite by default. We don't usually bring up that part. My parents would be heartbroken if I left, even more so if I died, which is a very plausible scenario.
"I...Um… I'm going to Berk today," I mentioned, trying to sound nonchalant. Both of my parents gaped at me, clearly flustered.
"Oh- Wh- Y- R- Re- Really? Wh- Wh- H- Wh- What for?" my mom stammered.
"Umm… Well, you know how I was called to the arena yesterday? It was an announcement that Berk's holding try-outs to find a new team of Dragon Riders. I'm going," I explained. My parents shot glances at each other, shocked by my new interest. I wasn't surprised. This was a sporadic decision to both of us, but what was the harm in trying? Well, besides the possibility of dying.
"If that's what you want, I'll support your decision. Just don't get hurt," Mom finally said, meekly. She refused to look me in the eyes.
"I- If- I'll-" I began.
"I know what you're going to say. If this is what you want, then go ahead," Mom interrupted. My dad still seemed to be in shock. He just looked between Mom and me.
"Are you sure? I don't have to go. I'm not even sure if this is something I really want to do," I told them. Dad shook his head.
"You know we'd never ask that of you, Torren. You have the right to do what you want. It just comes as a surprise to us," he explained. I nodded, standing up and walking to my room. I still needed to pack for the trip. Maybe this will be more serious than I thought.
Eric
The next morning, I woke up before dawn. Downstairs, I could hear a hushed conversation. I was certain my parents were already awake. They probably didn't sleep at all.
Quietly, I got out of my bed. I tiptoed toward the door, hoping whoever this was wouldn't realize I'm awake. I cracked my door open, yearning to hear what was happening. At first, all I could hear was incoherent mumbles. I willed myself to open my door. When that didn't help, I shoved my body through the small crack I'd created. Just as I assumed, my parents' bedroom door was open. I tiptoed toward the stairs, crouching in a spot where they wouldn't see me unless they came up.
"Come on, babe. You're so busy leading Berk that you don't have time for the Riders. That's how it's become for all of us," my mom reasoned.
"I know, Astrid. I'm just worried that I'll make a horrible decision. What if one of the people we choose turns out to be evil?" my dad worried.
"What if the people we select go on to save the world?"
"I just don't want someone to get hurt because of my poor decisions."
"You're not the only one picking the team. It'll be everyone's' fault if someone gets through the cracks."
"But we've been fooled before. Remember Johann? He hid among us for years!"
"He was just one out of hundreds! Not everyone has a hidden agenda."
"It's… It's just worrying, having all these lives relying on me."
"You're the chief of Berk, and you have been for years!"
"This is about more than Berk!"
"And if something does go wrong, you have the Allies."
Suddenly, the conversation died. Patiently, I waited to make sure they were finished. I didn't want to miss pieces of a conversation that concerned my future. Once I sure that any conversation was over, I made my way downstairs.
"What are you doing up this early, Eric?" My dad asked, surprised.
"Oh. I was just hoping to do a bit of last-minute practicing with Arbeider," I explained, hoping neither of them knew that I'd been eavesdropping.
"Sounds like a pretty good idea. Just remember to be at the arena this afternoon," my mother responded.
"I would never forget!" I exclaimed, subtly rolling my eyes. "I'll see you guys later! I love you!" I burst out the front door before either of them could say anything else. I wanted to spend the next few hours doing some solid practice.
I scanned the area, looking for the blue Stormcutter. He enjoyed hiding from me sometimes, despite knowing how much I disliked it. Not today! Of all the days you could mess around, you choose today! We need this last practice! I sighed.
Just calm down. This is just the gods giving you a little practice in tolerance. The people on the team could be crazy. You might have to get used to this.
"Arbeider! Come out, Arbeider! We need to go practice!" I called, walking through the village. The was not how I'd planned on spending my morning. "Arbeider! You can't do this to me today! We have to be ready! Stop goofing around!"
I started walking into the woods, hoping he might have just chased after some livestock. The sun was rising. There were only a few hours before tryouts began. I wanted to make sure there was no doubt that I deserved to lead the Riders.
This was somewhat worrying. Arbeider never strays far from home. I'd been walking at least ten minutes. There was absolutely no sign of him! Oh, Thor! I hope he isn't hurt! I started running. I needed to cover ground faster. He has to be around here somewhere!
I finally stumbled across him in a clearing. He was eating something I couldn't see. Slowly, I stepped towards him, hoping to catch a glimpse of his snack. He looked up and turned to look at me.
"It's about time I find you! I was getting worried," I exhaled. "Can I see what you've got there?" Arbeider picked the food up in his mouth and dropped it at my feet. Though half-eaten, I had a pretty good idea of what it was.
"Is this sagefruit? Where did you get this from?" I asked Arbeider. The fruit is native to Caldera Cay, meaning someone had to have brought it here. I looked around, searching for signs of people. Not very far was a burned-out fire. Someone was here… Someone's hiding on the island. Of course, they choose today to leave traces behind!
I'd need to keep my eyes open later. From the looks of it, someone may have come to try and compromise today's events. They'd clearly left in a hurry if they left their fire intact, meaning they couldn't have gotten far. Either I could try to search for them or practice.
Swiftly, I climbed onto Arbeider's back, hoping we could still get some good practice in.
"Wings up, Arbeider!" I exclaimed. He understood right away, rising into the air quickly.
I felt a little uneasy letting the mystery camper continue on, but there were other things to focus on. I'd come back later. I knew with absolute certainty that I'd find them soon.
Lina
When I woke up the sun had just risen. I should have left already! I need to get out of here before anyone asks any questions. The sound of rustling leaves yanked me from my thoughts. Instantly, I stood up and drew a dagger from my belt. I didn't dare move. This was not how I'd planned the morning to go.
The sound came closer. There was a loud, powerful exhale from the same direction. Dragon! Quickly, I rushed to my bag, rifling through it until I found what I needed. The dragon made its way from behind the trees, revealing itself to me.
The dragon was a blue and teal Stormcutter. It clearly wasn't hurting anything. The Stormcutter just decided to wander around when it found me. I hoped it was friendly. So far, it didn't show signs of hostility.
Silently, I set the sagefruit in front of the dragon. It pawed and sniffed the food curiously. Yes. Please try it. I wanted to say. After close inspection, the Stormcutter took a small bite.
I took this as a sign to run. Swiftly, I grabbed my bag and ran in the opposite direction that the dragon came from. At least it wasn't a Tracker class. This could've been worse.
I lost any track of time. Every second I ran felt like an hour. My lungs burned, but I kept going. I know that they'd laugh if they heard a dragon killed me. I refused to give them that satisfaction.
I didn't stop until I reached the edge of the island. There didn't seem to be any sounds following me, so I assumed I wasn't followed. I wasn't sure how far I was from my campsite; I just hoped no one found the fire I didn't have time to dismantle.
I needed a new plan of action. I was certain that most of the town would be completing their daily tasks. Maybe I could slip out right under their noses. As long as everyone stays busy, they won't ask any questions.
Now that I had a plan, I just needed to follow through. Silently, I began walking in the direction I came. Hopefully, I'd be out off this island in less than an hour.
Oliver
I stood in the harbor, patiently waiting to catch a glimpse of the first ship. I hoped to meet some of the travelers, make some friends.
People surged around me, busy completing their daily chores. Everyone seemed a little bit more energetic. The sun shined the slightest bit brighter. The grass looked greener. It felt as if the entire world knew what today was, putting on its best show for the visitors.
My parents didn't seem surprised by my interest in dragons. After spending years hanging around Eric and Arbeider, I've grown curious about the creatures.
Another ship appeared on the horizon. I stood up and walked to the edge of the dock. From the distance, I could vaguely make out the crest of Berk on the sail. This is it. The beginning of a new life. A new life for everyone.
Author's Note: I know I said I'm trying to make quality chapters. I also know the Lina and Oliver have extremely short parts in this chapter. It's just tough to write for them at this point in the story. Both of them need character interaction for me to be able to truly flesh out their characters. Again, please review the story. I'd love some constructive criticism. (Just saying my writing sucks won't help me improve!)
