Lady-von-Bielefeld:I've been stuck in Cosmic Era 70 for a while. And no matter how hard I tried to get back to Berk, my mind keeps wandering off to Orb! And if that's not enough, the Conan Empire refuses to let me leave as well. *sweat drops* Darn these, fantastic alter universes!
This chapter is dedicated to Guest 1, Rayfe, Guest 2, Echos of the Midnight Falcon, Ulcaasi, sheppard741, supersandman86, Mia, LunnaValley23, Vanella the Titan, Guest 3, Anonymous Noob the 2nd, guest35, UnbreakableWarrior, Valhallalmighty, FAMEous21, Guest 4 and AsuCagaZala. :D Thank you for reading and reviewing!
To The Burning Pillar, welcome aboard to this *hopefully* adventurous thrilling voyage! :D Yattttaaaa!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own How To Train Your Dragon yet. (There's always that possibility that I will own it soon. Mwahaha)
Blossoming Daggers
By: Lady-von-Bielefeld
Chapter 4: Confronting Dragons
It had been three days and still, Astrid has yet to hear anything back from Almira. This worried her extremely. What was going on? Why weren't they responding? She was so certain that the situation she was in is a matter of grave importance to her kingdom, and most especially her family. She was so confident that they would have come for her right now, once they heard of the treacherous thing that she was mandated to be a part of. Psh, Dragon Queen! They would not stand for such an insult! They will not allow her to be forced into barbarism! They will come for her! She trusts they will. They love her that much! She was their jewel, their princess, their Astrid.
What is taking you so long, mother? Asmund? Athrun?
They should have been here by now or at least replied to her letters, yet still nothing. All five letters left unanswered. She gripped the letter she was holding, wondering would this sixth one be too?
Three days in the palace and she has already settled in a routine. Wake up, eat breakfast with Hiccup, join the meetings of the royal court, and eat Lunch with Ruffnut, Tuffnut, Snotlout and the rest of Berk at the Meade hall. After that, it's catch up on some Berk History with Fishlegs, practice fencing and swordplay with the twins (and occasionally Snotlout who she has easily pummeled to the ground countless times hah!), dinner and eventually retire to her room, enjoying her leisure in peace.
Thank God almighty that Hiccup had been busy these past couple of days. Too busy with affairs of state to dote and bother her. Although they see each other regularly in the morning to eat breakfast and have their usual confronting conversations, most likely about Astrid wanting to go back to Almira and Hiccup's disapproval, they never see each other outside those halls of the palace. He sure is as stubborn mule, she'll give him that. And awfully fast witted, unfortunately to her distress, frequently having a counter argument to anything she throws at him. Darn that smart mouth!
Astrid understood that King Hiccup is mostly occupied during the days and she makes sure that when he's not busy at night, she is. She'd either go out of the halls to look for anything to occupy her free time and only to return at the dead of night when she was sure that he was asleep. It worked for two nights straight, not wanting to have a repeat of her almost first kiss. She still felt her toes tingling at the recollection, at the warmth of his body against hers, at the glow of his emerald eyes... mesmerizing... hypnotizing her to an extent of confusion. And right then, she swore, she will not let him get that close again.
It worked, she has successfully evaded the king for two consecutive nights, except for this last one when she only realized that he was there when she heard him slowly coming towards the door. She froze at his footsteps and was thinking of running to the hallways but found it impossible to do so without him noticing. So, she did, what she thought was best to do at that moment. She pretended to sleep. (XD)
"Astrid?" Hiccup asked, opening the door gently. He didn't even bother to knock! That heathen! She snored for effect. It was unlike her to evade a situation, she has always confronted anything fearlessly, but something told her confronting Hiccup will result to feelings that she wishes not of. It's best to avoid it, to avoid him... for now.
"Oh." He blinked, coming closer to her and sitting on the edge of her bed. Her heart escalated when she felt the bed shifted because of his weight. Oh no! This is bad!
"I guess, I was late tonight too huh." He laughed sheepishly to himself. He winced uncomfortably, lowering his voice as to not disturb her slumber. He sighed. "I'm sorry I've been busy. I… the preparations… and peace treaties... and Lord Mildew's protests to everything we have to say.. and well." She could almost see him moving his shoulders, a habit she has noticed whenever he was at a loss for words. What was he getting so worked up about?! She felt him lie down beside her, gently stroking her bangs away from her eyes. NOW what is he doing?!
He lied there just looking at her, as Astrid struggled to keep up a steady breathing rhythm. She mustn't let him know that she's awake. Or there will be hell to pay. He shouldn't even be here in her room! What right does he have to just barge in here without as much of a knock? Oh… He's the king, right. That title alone gives him easy access to anything. Astrid mentally rolled her eyes… Well, not her!
"I… I promise I'll make it up to you. I won't be this busy all the time. I'll make time for. I'll always make time for you." I don't want your time! She mentally screamed. I don't even want to be here! But she felt her heart waver at the sound of his sincerity. How can a stranger mean so much to him? He really was a dork!
It felt like an eternity before he moved again, but when it did, it was only to come closer. She could feel his breath inches from hers... slowly and slowly... and she swore, at that moment, she froze. "Good night, milady." He whispered, kissing her head and walking back to his room.
She could still feel the brush of his lips on her head from last night; she was appalled at the thought of liking it that she opted to have breakfast that day at the Meade hall together with Ruffnut, Tuffnut, Snotlout and the rest of Berk just to avoid him. Her hands had turn into fist at her weakness. She can't even stand seeing him for a minute. It was crazy! Could she be that afraid of him?
In her defense, it wasn't Hiccup particularly that she was afraid of. She knew by now that the king was kind and wouldn't dare touch her without her consent. No it wasn't him she was afraid of but the perplexing feeling she'd get around him. She has never felt this confused before, and all because of a man! And the dragon king at that! She shook her head as she continued to play with the food on her plate, not even bothering to scowl at Snotlout who was looking at her incredulously.
She had to evade Hiccup, no more of all this feelings! She would have to… if it were not for the blasted letter she had to send. She had to give it to him.
She gripped the envelope she was holding tighter.
"Ruffnut, are you sure you can't give it to him?"
"Hmmmm. Let me think…. Uh no."
"Come on!"
"Why should I give it? It's not my letter to give."
"Wait! It's not?" Tuffnut asked from his bowl. "I thought it was your letter. You know for Eret." He snickered earning a WHACK from his twin.
"No, you muttonhead! It's the princess' letter for Hiccup." She wiggled her brow.
"Ohhhh! Love on a paper!" Tuffnut teased causing a glare from the princess. "Better you than Ruffnut." He defended.
"I don't do love letters!" Ruffnut interjected. "Besides, Eret and I don't need letters! We have an understanding." She said in confidence earning a laugh from the entire table.
"Keep telling yourself that, sis!" Tuffnut laughed wholeheartedly, she never gives up does she!
"I'm telling you that we have an understanding." She said, grabbing Tuffnut by the collar.
"And I'm telling you, you don't!"
"We do!"
"Don't!"
"Do!"
"Snotlout, tell her!"
"Sure you do." Snotlout shrugged sarcastically. "And I'm the king of Berk."
"HAH! See!" Tuffnut and Snotlout high-fived, causing Astrid to shake her head
"Why I atta-" WHACK!
"That was my face!"
"Yeah, well I aimed for it!"
"Do it again! Harder!" Tuffnut grinned in excitement.
"You ask for it!"
WHACK! WHACK! WHACK!
"Owwwwwww! I am hurt! I am very much hurt!"
"You muttonhead!"
"You're the muttonhead!"
"You really need to take sides?" Astrid glared at Snotlout, agitated at the sound of the twins bickering nonsensically. "And you're not king of anything!"
Snotlout replied adjusting his helmet. "Hey! I can be you know, if Hiccup decides to die." He flexed his muscles at Astrid who rolled her eyes in return. "What do you say we get out of here and you can teach me your moves with the axe?"
Astrid's fist hit the table causing food to spill and the three Berkians to look baffled.
"Okay! I am drawing an intervention!" She said her voice deadly.
"You seriously need to stop with all the flirting or the next time you bat your eyelashes at me, I swear you'll wake up without any." She warned Snotlout who gulped and nodded.
"You badly need to stop obsessing about the man in front of us and just bother him, will ya! Jeez!" She grunted at Ruffnut!
"And you!" She pointed at Tuffnut. "Just… just…. I don't even have the words for you!"
"No one does." Tuffnut snickered causing the princess to let out a sigh of frustration.
"UGGGGHHHH! What a muttonhead!"
"Agreed." Snotlout nodded.
"YOU!" Ruffnut smiled wickedly, pointing at Astrid.
"What do you mean me?"
"You obviously need to stop hidding and give the blasted letter to Hiccup!" She smirked earning a groan from the princess. Oh no!
"I hate you!" Astrid spat, standing up, letter in hand.
"You know you don't!" Ruffnut called after Astrid's retreating figure. She has to face him sometime.
Astrid gripped the letter to her chest as she faced the adjoining door from her room to Hiccup's. The envelope was white with blue ink embellished in the middle, showing the royal stamp of The Hoffersons, together with the crest of the kingdom Almira.
She held her breath and barged in towards the door. Astrid heaved a heavy sigh of relief when she found the room bare of any people. Hiccup was not there, he may be far busier than she had thought. Not like she was expecting to see him, she wasn't. She didn't want to, at least she told herself. She didn't know why but she felt just as surreally empty as the room.
She walked along the King's chambers, through the halls, stopping every now and then to admire the tapestries that hung on the walls. She went straight to his studies; surely she could leave her letter there. That is, after all, where the king does all his work. All corners except the south part contained shelves and shelves of books. The South wall hanged two swords crossed together, a ring placed on each tip. She came closer for a better look and was proven that the sword was indeed real and not merely for adornment. What an odd thing to use for decoration. She mused, running her fingers on the rings, all gold with emerald embellishments.
Right in the middle of the room was Hiccup's royal table. There she saw dozens and dozens of scrolls and sketches she could not decipher.
Hiccup will not be able to find her letter in that mess! She rolled her eyes, coming closer to the table and sitting on the chair provided for it. She started arranging the papers, scrolls with scrolls, blank sheets with blank sheets and drawing with drawings. Each paper either contained a draft of a contraption of some sort, or a drawing of a particular black dragon.
She blinked, sorting the sketches. She had soon discovered the king has the ability to invent things (well, conceptualize them at least) and she wondered what brought along this hobby of his and what exactly were all these inventions for? They were very innovative, as these were things she has never seen before. They look ridiculous and yet impressive at the same time. Could these really work?
She shook her head moving on to compile the drafts of a dragon. She looked and stopped at one drawing in particular of the dragon looking animatedly cute…What?! She did a double take and noticed big green eyes looking curiously at her from the paper, the dragon was jovial, and his lips turned up like a human. It really did look astonishing, almost tame...almost meek. She found herself curiously smiling. Almost... but not entirely! She frowned. It couldn't possibly look like that! There's no way a dragon can look that calm... that cute. Never.
She gathered those drawings together and shoved them under the sketches of inventions, determined not to be swayed by mere pictures. The table was as clean and as organized as it could be; she took her letter and placed it in the middle of the desk, only now noticing a medium sized leather book at the edge.
She eyed it inquisitively, adjusting it so it won't be too close to the rim. She traced her fingers on the gold ornaments of the book and wondered if it would be alright to look into it?
She hesitated for a moment, realizing it should be private but then again, who would notice? No one was there! No one would bear witness to her snooping. And besides, whatever was in it, if the king didn't want others to see then he should have hidden it properly! That's right; it wasn't her fault that he didn't know any better.
So without a second thought, and mostly out of curiosity, she opened the book. Her eyes widened as she turned the pages, there was nothing in here but sketches and sketches of her. There was no doubt in her mind that that is indeed her. She felt her heart escalating. What in the world?
There was a sketch of her coming off a great boat, another with an ax in hand ready to fight, another while she was at the royal court, another in the king's private gardens, another in a Berkian outfit…. The sketches went on and on. There was a close up of her face; fierce and strong. Some events she remembered vividly like from a distant memory. How did he? Some she could not decipher at all, like it was drew out from a dream, like it never really happened. The sketches were exquisite, with more spirit in a drawing that she has ever seen! Has Hiccup done this?
She looked at herself from Hiccup's perspective, she saw herself in a light that only the naïve king sees in her. All of her drawings looked radiant, calm, collected and strong. Perfect.
She sighed. "No wonder he won't let me go. He thinks I'm perfect!" She snorted, wanting to burn the book into ashes. She's not. She's given up on that ideal perfection years ago, when nothing good ever came out of it. Being perfect….no, pretending to be perfect only hurt her before and left her with a scar so deep, that has not yet been healed by time. She doubt that it will ever get healed, but hey... it's only fun if you get a scar out of it. Isn't that her philosophy! It is... But one can only take so much pain. And evidently, if she gets hurt… Again, she doesn't know if she can take it anymore.
A Hofferson is perfect and no less! She's not even close to the perfection he sees! She's not even close to the perfection he or her kingdom or even her family deserves. She's not cut-out for this. They deserve better.
She instantly grabbed the edges of the book, threatening to rip it into shreds; the image the mocks her so, the perfection that she will never be able to attain, when she heard a strange rustling noise from above her head. Her heart beat quickened, holding the book closely for defense. She circled the room, eyes wandering everywhere for the noise. Nothing! The ceiling was far too high and too dark in this particular room. Why is that?
She sprinted towards the wall where the swords hanged and with no hesitations, she pulled one out of its hinges, causing the other to fall on the floor. And as if on cue, she saw a figure of black descending down from a makeshift iron pole that she has never noticed before.
The creature jumped down on her level and she felt her throat dry at the sight of the large beast with jet black scales that covered its body, bright green eyes into slits, and a stance that's ready to pounce at any given moment.
"Stay back!" Astrid warned, gesturing to her hands but it trembled all the same.
The dragon sneered, sharp teeth coming out.
"I said stay back!" She yelled throwing off the leather book, hitting the dragon's head on point.
It screeched a scream that was loud, powerful and excruciating, far greater than anything Astrid has ever heard before, terrifying her to an extent of stillness.
She held the sword tight around her fist, pointing at the dragon mercilessly. If this would be her final battle, she will not go down without a fight.
"Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!" She screamed as she charged towards it, arms at the ready, summoning all of the strength she can muster.
The dragon did not hesitate either. He lounged forward, ready to take down this violent stranger when…
"Whoa!" Hiccup intervene, tackling Astrid to the ground and pushing off the sword from her hands.
"Are you all right?" He asked, hair dripping wet, his upper body topless looking as if he just got out of a bath.
Astrid tried not to blush at the sight of just a piece of cloth covering his lower body, but failed miserably.
"Get off me!" She hissed both embarrassed and angry.
"S-sorry!" He stammered, getting on his feet to help her up. She slapped his hands begrudgingly. Toothless screeched at the action.
"It's okay…it's okay!" Hiccup came forward, putting himself between the two. Astrid stood up with a scowl on her face.
"She's a friend." Hiccup explained, trying his best to calm the beast down.
"What?!" Astrid asked in bewilderment. She was obviously upset.
"She's your friend. She's my uh….mate." Hiccup corrected, tapping the dragon's nose.
"That's not what I meant!" She sneered but Hiccup just shrugged.
"It's okay. You just scared him, that's all." Hiccup said, looking at her and at Toothless, obviously torn between the two.
"I scared him?" She asked menacingly. "Who is him?"
"Astrid… this is Toothless." He gestured to the giant reptile. "Toothless…. Astrid."
She glared at the beast who sneered at her in return, revealing a set of sharp teeth, pointing out that he was not, in any way toothless.
"It's okay. He's not going to hurt you." He assured her, as he scratched a spot just under his chin, calming the beast immediately. Toothless purred in return. " See? He's harmless." He smiled his lopsided smiled. "Aren't you, big baby boo?"
Astrid seemed to calm down at the dragon's meek state, until Hiccup felt a bump on the dragon's forehead causing him to snarl in pain. Astrid winced.
"What's this? Did you hit your head or something, bud?" Toothless snorted, tapping the leather book on his feet.
"What? How did this…?" He asked, picking up the book and looking at Astrid wide eyed, a blush creeping on his face. She saw this? Oh! This is embarrassing! She's going to think I'm a psycho-obsessed stalker! He sort of was.
"I threw it." Astrid stated, hiding her embarrassment at being caught. "It was the nearest thing I had at the time."
"So…. You were looking at it?"
"No!"
"It's alright, I -I don't mind. It's a bit thwarting, but I don't mind."
"I wasn't looking at it!"
"Right. Sure you weren't." She could sense a scowl brewing from the way his eyebrows twitched at Toothless's bump. "But you didn't have to hit Toothless. He wouldn't have killed you." He gestured to the reptile who was now lying on the floor, looking at them curiously.
"Right. Sure it won't."
"He won't. Trust me, he wouldn't have." Hiccup defended, loyal as ever. "You two just got off on a bad start. Give it time; I'm sure you'll warm up to him."
"You mean like how I warm up to you? Oh what joy!" Astrid smiled, sarcasm palpable in her too sweet voice.
"You and I get along more than you think." He smiled determined. They do. Sometimes. "I mean if we didn't, you wouldn't be barging into my room like you own the place. Which you will soon."
I didn't want to be here! "The only reason why I'm here is to make sure you deliver my letter to Almira!" She pointed at the letter in the middle of his table.
"Another one?" He asked, picking it up. "This is your-"
"Sixth! Yes, it is. And I have yet to receive a reply from anyone back home." She crossed her arms to her chest. "Tell me, your majesty, are you really sending my letters? Or are you keeping it somewhere in this blasted kingdom? Oh no! Wait! Maybe you did send them but your so called special delivery dragons aren't as reliable as you think they are!" She huffed annoyed. For someone who prides himself in getting things done, I'm surprised that nothing has happened yet." She glared, suspicious and angry.
"For someone who prides herself in being the jewel of her kingdom, I'm surpirsed no one has even bothered to write back yet." He said defiantly, refusing to let her have the last say.
Touché! Astrid was taken aback. They stared at each other for a while. Silence deafening in the already quiet room.
Hiccup sighed, realizing he might have gone too far. Great! Way to go, Hiccup! She definitely likes you now! "I did send them out. You need not worry about it. I'm sure a reply will come along soon."
"Right." She clenched her hands into fist. There was no point in staying here with him. "Thank you, your majesty." She curtsied begrudgingly, heading towards the door when a hand grabbed her.
"Wait." Hiccup said nervous. "I was actually going to look for you after my bath."
Astrid looked from his face to his chest and averted her eyes immediately. Right. He was still topless! How crude! She glared at the floor, her face heating up.
"I asked Fishlegs to take over the kingdom today, so if you may... I… I'd like to take you somewhere, show you something." He smiled genuinely excited that she couldn't find it in herself to tell him no, no matter how wrong she felt this is.
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see."
The journey to the dragon's square took longer than he thought. And as much as Hiccup wanted to take Astrid on a ride on Toothless, he couldn't. The princess was as stubborn as ever, drawing the line that she could travel with the night fury but not on it. Not on any dragon, ever! And although Hiccup knew himself to be pretty persuasive, he didn't push Astrid this time. There would be plenty of time for that, but for now, he opted on a more placid approach. Both for her sake and his.
He watched with indisputable admiration as the princess tried to keep up with him and Toothless. She was a fast rider, even with just a horse, how much more if she were to ride a dragon? He might have really met his match. He smiled inwardly to himself; deep in his heart he knew she was the one. From the first moment he saw her, walking down the ship, from the first moment she set foot on his kingdom, he knew, right then he knew that she was the one.
They arrived at the foot of a huge mountain, making a right turn into a pathway that only Hiccup and a few selected members of the royal court knew of. Usually they would fly over it, but there was no convincing Astrid to, that's why this particular passage was made; for stubborn foreigners who wouldn't fly dragons. That and one other thing.
They walked through the passage and into a dark tunnel that only seems to get darker by the minute. Astrid held on to her horse tight as she followed Hiccup and Tootless until they arrived on the other side.
They reached the dragon's square in the late afternoon, their hands blistering cold from the almost winter breeze. Astrid blinked away the darkness, as her vision adjusted to the light.
Her eyes grew in astonishment, wonder and maybe, just maybe a hint of fear.
"This is Berk." Hiccup said, stretching out his hand, gesturing to the place; the dragon square. "The best kept secret this side of, well, anywhere. Granted it may not look like much, but this wet heap of rock packs more than a few surprises." He smiled, reaching out his hand to help the princess off her horse. She jumped on her own accord, not even bothering to acknowledge the gesture. The princess continued to look around.
She has never seen so many dragons in her life! All dragons she has ever known and some she didn't recognize at all were here sharing this sanctuary inside a mountain. They have made a haven for dragons everywhere!
"Life here is amazing. And these creatures right here are the sole reason it is. See, where most folks enjoy hobbies like whittling or needlepoint, we Berkians prefer a little something we call…. Dragon training…And breeding…and racing…and flying… and anything you can think of!" His smile deepened as a pack of terrible terrors lounge their way towards Toothless, engulfing him in a tight embrace. Toothless gurgled in protest which caused Hiccup to laugh. Poor Toothless!
Astrid jumped at the sight, unintentionally coming closer to Hiccup, gripping his arm in the process.
She swallowed hard at the sight of not one, not two but thousands and thousands of these beasts, flying, eating, running, sleeping, and breathing! They were everywhere! Only, unlike she imagined, they lived in somewhat houses built especially for them. It was a magnificent sight but Astrid felt her resolve shrinking.
"Is this all of them?" She asked in a whisper. Are these all the beasts?
"Not even half." His smile was unfaltering. "Mom takes care of the rest at the dragon sanctuary up North. When we have the time, we'll visit. It's bigger then what we have here... and more dragons than you can imagine, species you have yet to meet."
There are more of them! She panicked but the only thing she was able to say was. "Your mother is alive?!"
"Very much. What made you think otherwise?"
"Oh I don't know, I've never actually seen or heard of her." And the fact that you lack manners!
"Like I said, she handles the operations out North. Don't worry, you'll meet her soon. She'll love you!" He smiled enigmatically, continuing his way.
"Everything a dragon needs is right here in Berk. We have custom stables, all-you-can-eat feeding stations, a full service dragon wash, even top-of-the-line fire prevention, If I do say so myself." He continued pointing at each complex structure and explaining it in detail. "Life for dragons and for people who loves dragons here is perfect. And maybe … no, I do hope you'll fit in here perfectly too." He said so hopeful, so sure she felt her heart constricting.
Her hands started shaking, her breath getting rigid. She could hear faint whispers in the hollows of her mind. She could hear them, hushed but deadly, quiet and real.
"A Hofferson is perfect and no less!"
"Dragons are vicious creatures"
"They always go for the kill."
"Barbaric heathens!"
"You didn't kill it that's why it killed him!"
"I hope your conscience will let you sleep tonight, Astrid. After you let the boy be eaten by those monsters."
"You should have been stronger!"
"You should have protected, Aspen!"
"You're not a Hofferson!"
"A Hofferson is perfect and no less!"
"Astrid?" Hiccup asked shaking her from her thoughts. "Are you alright?"
"Why wouldn't I be?!" She snapped. Her heart thudded in her ears, her eyes shining with premature tears. I couldn't save them!
"You're as pale as a ghost." He observed, together with her trembling fingers and her grief stricken face.
"You don't have to be afraid of them. They're harmless." Hiccup assured her noting her rapacious stance.
"I am not afraid of them." She clenched her fist into balls. It's their fault. These creatures are to blame! She glared daggers at them. It's their fault! It's her fault too.
"Right and that look you're giving is really reassuring."
They stayed in an uncanny silence as they watched the sun beginning to set. Astrid watched in apprehension as a giant beast stood up and approached them. She made her way to Astrid's space, earning a shriek from the princess. The dragon that looked like a bird sqwaked at her, her head bobbing up and down in greeting. Where was her blasted sword when she needed one?
"Get it off me!"
"Not afraid, she says." Hiccup mumbled to Toothless, earning a laugh from the beast.
"Your majesty, I swear if you're not going to get this thing off, I'm going to-"
"Here! Hold her." Hiccup prompted her hand towards the deadly nadder's face. The dragon opened and closed its eyes, looking at her curiously. It was a beautiful creature, its scales are hues of yellows and blues. Her favorite colors. It tilted its head to the side, as if asking to be held.
"No!"
"I told you, there's nothing to be afraid of."
"And I told you, I'm not afraid! I just hate them!" She spat earning a grunt from the nadder who squawked sadly.
"Awwww! You hurt her feelings." Hiccup sulked at the nadder. "It's okay, girl. I'm sure it's just a phase… she'll love you eventually… and me." He whispered the last part but she heard.
"What was that?!"She snapped, eyes dangerous.
"Oh nothing, nothing. Not a thing." He faked a coughed earning a laugh from the night fury. "Jeez, thanks bud. I really feel your support." He rolled his eyes as the dragon continued laughing.
"Lets give it another shot, shall we?" Hiccup mused, rubbing the beautiful creature below her chin. She squawked approvingly before making its way towards the princess again. "I think she likes you. Just stand still and let her sniff you."
"Your majesty, no!" Her hands grew colder as Hiccup smiled, slowly backing away.
Astrid didn't knew what came over her, a lot of things jumbling in her mind, but at that exact moment, when the dragon was inches away from her, her initial reflexes took over and with a swift movement of her legs, she kicked the dragon's beak sideways, causing the reptile to move backwards in sheer distress.
It squawked menacingly, flapping her wings towards the princess, threatening to scratch her instantaneously. Hiccup intervene, calming the reptile down before turning cold, angry eyes at the princess.
"What the hell was that for?!"
"It was attacking me!"
"She was befriending you!"
"I don't want to be its friend! I don't want anything to do with these monsters!" She spat, pointing at the reptiles.
"Why do you hate them?"
"Why do I have to explain anything to you?! I just do!"
"That's not an answer! Tell me why you hate them!"
"Why do you want to know?!"
Hiccup sighed, feeling his anger disperse. "Because I know, for sure that dragons are just misunderstood creatures. They're really docile and kind and loyal to you 'till the end. This right here." He pointed at Toothless. "He's my best friend and I want to understand why you'd hate him just because he's a dragon."
"Because…. They're monsters, waiting to transform. Demons, ready to kill at the ready."
He frowned. "Dragon's aren't monsters. They're intelligent gentle creatures."
"If they are then why did they kill your father? Why did they kill Aspen?! Why did they eat…." Her voice broke, eyes filling with actual tears. She shook her head at the memory. "I saw them, two ginormous beast, when I was younger. They killed my brother…. They ate that boy!" Her stomach twisted in knots at the memory of flesh and blood and a boy being taken off to God knows where.
"Dragons don't eat people, Astrid. They don't. And as much as my father's concerned, it wasn't their fault." He tried to calm her down, panicking at the sight of her tears.
"Well, I saw them, with my own two eyes! Merciless creatures!" She sneered at Toothless. "They…. They killed Aspen. I couldn't save him. I ... I couldn't save him! They killed that boy too and took his remains. Blood thirsty beasts!" She shouted to the heavens, breaths increasing at her agitation.
He stayed silent.
"Maybe it was just-"
"No! Do you understand how traumatizing for a ten year old child would that be to witness an abduction, a murder before her eyes? Dragons aren't gentle creatures, your majesty. They are but devils, waiting for a chance to kill!"
"That's not true, Astrid." He shook his head. Dragons aren't that. He knows they aren't.
"Didn't you hear what I just said?"
"Even if that's the case… I'm sure it's not their fault."
"Why are you patronizing them?!" She'd pull all her hair out if she could. It was enough that she was revealing this side of her to him, he had to contradict her! God damned that smart mouth! Always wanting to have the last say!
"Because I know what they are….we know what they are. We have the answers here in Berk."He has to show her. He has to prove it to her.
She shook her head in rage. She clenched her fist tightly, the past haunting her like a plague. He doesn't understand what she went through! He doesn't understand anything!
"You don't know what it's like to carry such a burden at a young age. To have to go over your head, again and again how you couldn't save your brother. To watch him die a thousand times and not being able to do something. I couldn't save Aspen." She shook her head. He doesn't understand anything!"And that boy. I couldn't save him too. Do you know what it feels like to dream of a screaming boy every night, crying out for help, asking you to save him…. But you can't…. because you didn't… because you couldn't."
Tears started cascading down her beautifully ashen face. She swore then that she won't let anyone get hurt, because of these creatures again. She trained hard to protect herself… to protect the kingdom of Almira. She has trained so hard… but even then, even when she was the strongest, fastest and smartest warrior of her age, her father has never forgiven her, even at the hour of his death for that one moment of weakness. For that one moment of imperfection. But she couldn't blame her father for detesting her. Her imperfection caused them Aspen's life. It was her fault. Because of her, Aspen was dead. Because she wasn't strong enough. Because she wasn't perfect enough. Even I can't forgive myself. Her body started shaking, she let out a loud cry of pain.
"Astrid…. It's not your fault." Hiccup started towards her in an effort of comfort.
She held out a hand at his direction. "You're right…. It's not all my fault. It's these monsters' fault for existing in the first place! And it's Berk's fault for breeding such demons!" She spat with all the hatred in the world.
"Astrid, if you only let me-"
"No, Hiccup. I know what you're doing…. You're trying to convert me into one of you. You're trying to alter my beliefs…. But I'm telling you now, you're wasting your time! I'll never love these dragons…. And I'll never love you." She whispered, running to her horse and leaving Hiccup behind, his heart shattered in pieces.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
And a bomb at the end! BOOM! Soooo. It might be a while, before Astrid actually starts liking dragons. More of her troubled past as the story progresses. And a bit of Hiccup's past as well. :D
Let me just say, that I was laughing like crazy at the reviews on Eretsrid! SERIOSLY! There had been riots! (LOL) Everybody needs to relax and know that this is a HICCSTRID story, but just because it is….it doesn't mean you can't have a little shipping every now and then for….story development (possible character development as well)! But I do love the HICCSTRID enthusiasm! Y'all loyal like that! Woooohhh!
To The Awesome Guest Reviewers: (Because I answer to all the reviews even the random Yahooooooos)
(*) Guest 1: Eret is not stupid. He's cocky definitely but not at all stupid. :D I do see your point, but even two Vikings are different from the other. And Snotlout and Eret, although have a lot of similar traits, they still are not each other. Love the Hiccstrid love though! ;)
(*) Rayfe: You might not be that hyped with this kind of interaction with dragons. But rest assured, I'm working on a better one soon. It is after all, nearing Snoggletog! :) Oh and yes, such an adorkable Viking, he is.
(*) Guest 2: Thank you! Most definitely, Hiccstrid! :D
(*) Mia: Astrid is not the only one who's more into unassuming heroic dragon rider types. XD I'll absolutely fall in line for that piece of man candy. :D
(*) Guest 3: I understand, completely! :D But I'm not planning to make this too much of a tragedy for any pairing….so trust me? :)
(*) guest35: This was late, but thank you for waiting! ;)
(*) Valhallalmighty: THANK YOU SO MUCH! That means a lot more than you think! Thank you for trusting my insights and writing skills! I do hope I'll be able to pull this through! *keep your fingers crossed*
(*)AsuCagaZala: Believe it or not, I do think it's for the greater good. ;D Thank you! See you on the next chapter!
I usually do my review replies after I post a new chapter. So expect a landslide of review replies to the accounts who did review. :D Ohhhh and I regularly do updates once a week. Let's hope I can keep it up despite these holidays buzz.
Don't forget to leave me something to work with! :D
Lots of Love,
Lady-von-Bielefeld