Chapter 10: Changewing

Fishlegs was beyond nervous. When he insisted on being the one to pick up Rayne and bring her to Changewing Island he hadn't realized that the group would be splitting off and that he and Rayne would be partnered during this trip. In all honesty Fishlegs blamed Snotlout and Tuffnut for this awkward situation. The two had been snickering as they suggested the group pair off to lay the trap for the Changewing.

Hiccup had a feeling that the boys were up to something so he made Tuffnut go with Kara and Snotlout go with Ruffnut, much to their dismay and Fishlegs' pleasure. However, Snotlout and Tuffnut's discomfort did little to ease Fishleg's own. He and Rayne were currently walking through the forest, Meatlug hovering just behind them.

"S-So, uh, what made you pick a Changewing?" Fishlegs asked, trying to make conversation. Rayne frowned, talking was going to expose them, but then she remembered what her mother said about 'being nice' so Rayne answered him.

"I figured one would be good to hunt with."

Fishlegs, excited that she answered him, started speaking really fast. "Wellinallhonestlythatwouldbetruebeausetheyhavetheabilitytoblend-"

Rayne cut him off by putting a finger to his lips. "Shhh…" She said gesturing with her other hand to a Changewing laying down in a field ahead of them. Fishlegs' eyes went wide and Rayne removed her finger.

"Quiet now." She whispered.

Fishlegs nodded his face going red. Rayne gave him half a smile and turned back to continue walking. The two stopped a few feet back and ducked behind a bush.

"This is strange," Fishlegs said

"How?" Rayne asked

"Normally Changewings travel and live in packs. But this one's all alone."

Rayne sighed "We need the others here." She leaned over to Meatlug and pulled a small bag of fish from her saddle. She started walking toward the lone Changewing.

"What are you doing?!" Fishlegs exclaimed grabbing her shoulder to stop her.

Rayne shook off his hand "Don't touch me. Go get the others."

Fishlegs nodded weakly and walked as quietly as possible to get the others. When he returned with the others, they were all shocked by what they saw. Rayne sat on a rock in the clearing, her eyes closed. Below her the lone Changewing stalked toward her.

Back in the village Ingrid was walking around getting to know the place she and Rayne would be living out their days…hopefully. "Miss Borresen!" Ingrid stopped and looked around finally seeing Erika Ingerman walking toward her. The woman's face was flushed red as she caught her breath.

"Mrs. Ingerman are you alright?" Ingrid asked

"Oh yes, I'm fine. I saw you through my window and I wanted to catch you but you walk so fast!"

Ingrid gave a small sheepish smile "Sorry about that. What did you need?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to join me and some of the women, we're preparing for your wedding and doing a bit of sewing and what not that need to be done.

"M-My wedding?!" Ingrid was highly confused "I haven't completed all the tasks yet…"

Erika tutted at her "Please, everyone knows that you're getting married regardless. Stoick is a very stubborn man."

Ingird smiled, this woman had such faith. "Thank you…I do need to make Rayne a dress for the day. I will join you."

Erika pulled her into a bone crushing hug. "Oh wonderful! We're going to Mrs. Jorgenson's…Alva's house. She's got an amazing loom."

Erika smiled when she saw Ingrid's eyes brighten at the mention of a loom. "I…I need to go get my things from Gothi's. C-Can I meet you in the Mead Hall and we can walk over together?" Ingrid was shaking with excitement. She was just itching to make some new clothes for her daughter. She could even make something for Stoick, as a wedding gift.

Erika laughed "Of course. I need to get my materials as well."

"Alright then. See you in a few." The two women parted ways a smile on both their faces.

Fishlegs watched in horror as the Changewing crept up on Rayne. "Is this okay? I don't think this is okay." Kara said quietly. Fishlegs nodded vigorously.

"This is the same this I did with Toothless. If it looks like it's gonna attack her then we step in." Hiccup said

"So you're both the same kind of crazy." Astrid said with a roll of her eyes.

"Something's happening!" Ruffnut shushed them and pointed to Rayne. She had opened her eyes and was staring the dragon in its eyes.

"I think this is the closest anyone's gotten to a Changewing and not gotten killed." Fishlegs murmured. The Changewing sniffed at Rayne but stayed where it was, a mere three feet away. Moving slowly Rayne began to stand up, keeping her hands flat and in a submissive position.

"It's okay. I'm just like you." The Changewing tilted its head and inched closer. Fishlegs left like he would pee his pants the situation was so tense. Rayne held out an open palm which the Changewing sniffed. "It's alright. We're alike, you and I." She said softly. "Both abandoned, and alone." The Changewing put its head against her palm.

"See, now we're not alone anymore."

Happy New Year!