HTTYD: The Dragon Crystals
Chapter 10: Dragon Love ( Part 2)
As the sun begins to set, I walk to the Great Hall for some dinner. I pass Snotlout, and he looks at me, an evil smile decorating his smug face.
"I can't wait to see how you do with that wild dragon," he says, right in my face. "I bet you'll lose and the dragon will win."
I growl under my breath and shove past him, stomping into the Great Hall, grabbing a bowl of soup, and sitting down, huffing angrily to myself.
My anger faces, and I put my head on my arms and sigh. Maybe Snotlout's right. Maybe the dragon will win.
A boy dressed in a brown shirt with light brown boots walks over to me. "Hi there," he says. "Are you saving a seat for anyone?" He sets his bowl down on the table and waits for my answer.
I look up at him and shake my head. "No, you can sit down," I say.
"My name is Fishlegs," he says as he takes his seat. "What's your name?"
"Jade," I reply. "I just moved here." I stir my soup as my mind goes back to the wild dragon.
As if reading my thoughts, Fishlegs says, "So, did you see that wild dragon earlier?"
I nod sadly. "Yeah," I say, "and it's Snotlout's fault I have to fight it tomorrow. But I don't want to. I mean, it's not a mean dragon, and I think it just needs a little love. That's all. I know I can make it love me."
Fishlegs nods and takes a sip of his soup. "Yeah, I know how you feel," he says. "It's the same way with me and my dragon. When you've bonded, anyway. I love her with all my heart, and she loves me back."
I smile.
We talk until we finish eating. Afterwards, we big each other goodbye and head off to our homes. Before I go home, I first head to where the wild dragon is caged. It's not moving, curled up in the corner.
"Hey, look," I say to the dragon, "I know you are wild, but I don't want to fight you. I know you're not a bad dragon, and I know you and I can be friends."
I walk back to my house afterwards, ignoring the dragon's low coo at me.
When I step inside my house, my Mom and Dad are talking. They turn to me in unison, their conversation coming to either an end or a pause.
"So, I guess you saw that wild dragon today," my Mom says.
I nod. "I think I'm old enough to own a dragon, Mom," I say. "I mean, all the other kids have one, and I'm the only one who doesn't."
My Dad looks at my Mom, and then back at me. "Well, I think you're ready, but they want you to kill a dragon," he says. "How are you doing to prove that you can take care of yourself if you cannot kill a dragon? They want you to."
"I'll think about it," I say. I stand up and hug both of my parents goodnight before heading up to my room. I flop backwards on my bed and look at the egg as I put the pillow over my head.
This is crazy.
After not being able to sleep, I head back outside, walking through the plaza. Shortly after I start, I bump into Hiccup's friend, Astrid. She looks me over.
"So, you're the dragon fighter," she says, and I nod. "You'll have to kill that dragon with everyone watching you?" Her tone sounds accusing.
"Look, I don't want to kill the dragon," I say as I turn to look at her. "It didn't harm anyone or anything. I just don't think it deserves death."
Astrid steps towards me slowly. "So, you're saying you want it to be your friend instead of killing it, right?" she asks.
"Yes, I want to make a friend out of the dragon, and not fight it," I say.
"Well, I wish you luck," she says, "because lots of these Vikings are looking for a fight." As she walks away, I do the same, going back to my own house and finally getting ready for bed.
I toss and turn, my mind drifting back to the dragon no matter how many times I try to forget it. At length, I throw off the covers, grab my boots, and head back to the dragon's cage.
The dragon is wide awake, looking at me, its eyes glowing brightly in the darkness.
"Well, hi there," I say. "I bet you can't get to sleep either then, huh?" I play with the hem of my nightgown nervously. "I want you as my dragon," I say. "That'll show Snotlout that I can be a good dragon trainer."
It continues to stare at me, and I continue to speak: "I really wish I didn't have to fight you, but I guess rules are rules." I sigh. "Well, I'd better get back home and try to get some rest."
This time, I can fall asleep with ease.
…
I wake up the next morning with the sun streaming through my bedroom window. I can see the arena from my house. Berkians are already gathering there.
I quickly get dressed and head downstairs. My Dad turns to me, sensing my panic and concern.
"Don't worry, Jade," he says. "You'll do the right thing."
I smile sadly, and then head towards the arena, my parents following me closely. As I step inside the Kill Ring, Hiccup waves to me, giving me a thumbs up.
He believes in me.
Gobber comes up from behind me, putting his one real hand on my shoulder. "Okay, lass," he says. "Be careful, and give it your all."
I nod as he leaves, shutting the gate behind me. I find Snotlout in the crowd of people. He's staring at me angrily.
"Come on!" he shouts. "Let's get the fight on already!"
The crowd begins to chant my name, and I can't help but blush. It dies quickly, though, when I remember my current situation.
The cage opens, and the dragon runs out. Almost instantly, it races towards me. I don't move. It stops its sprint directly in front of me, looking me over with confusion.
Why aren't you running? it seems to say.
"I don't want to fight you," I say. "I don't want to hurt you."
In response, the dragon roars, slapping me with its tail, sending me tumbling to the floor. I see Hiccup wince, and was sure I heard him shout my name.
I stand up, just to have the dragon grab me once more. I don't even flinch. I stare it right in the eyes, and it stares back at me in confusion. It's so confused, actually, that it sets me down once again.
Everyone gasps, and I hear someone (it sounds like Hiccup) mutter, "You go, Jade."
I put my hand out towards the dragon. "I am not scared of you," I say. "And no matter what you do, I will not back down."
The dragon looks at my hand, and then purrs slightly, pushing its nose into my hand. Everyone claps and cheers for me. Hiccup runs into the arena, approaching me as if he forgot the dragon was even here at all.
"You did great, Jade!" he says happily. "I knew you could do it!" I smile at him, but it fades when I see Snotlout approaching me as well.
"How could you not kill it?" he says.
"Maybe I just didn't want to kill her," I say. The dragon lifts her tail and puts it over Snotlout, pinning him to the ground.
"So," Hiccup says, "what are you going to name your dragon?"
My smile returns. "I think I'll name her Northwind," I say. "Yes, that sounds like a good name for her."
"Hookfang!" Snotlout cries. "Help me get out of here!" Instead of listening to his rider, Hookfang walks off in the opposite direction. Snotlout growls, and I giggle. "You!" he snaps. "Can you please tell it to get off me!?"
I shake my head.
Stoick then walks down with my father, smiling. "Well, looks like you have a dragon now," he says. "I don't want any trouble like the twins."
Hiccup and I both laugh. "Don't worry," I say. "We won't cause trouble." Northwind nuzzles me. "See?" I say. "I told you that we would be a good match."
"Now that you have your own dragon," Hiccup says, "the next step is flying on its back."
I nod and smile. "That sounds like fun."