When I woke up the next morning Hiccup told me that dragon training was in the afternoon. So I went and got the basket that Thane had and pulled my sword and knives out to carry with me. Now that I know that things are after Hiccup I want to keep myself armed.
After working all day now I'm walking across the bridge to the arena "Welcome to dragon training!" I heard Gobber say up head lifting the gate. The teens went on their rant "Ya, only fun if you get a scar out of it." I looked at Hiccup knowingly "Yep pain, LOVE IT."
I couldn't help but let out a little laugh "I think I'm good, you can have all the pain." I said to him. He just rolled his eyes "Oh great who let them in? Can I transfer to the class with cool vikings." Snotlout said walking further in with the twins snickering.
Gobber went alongside Hiccup "Ahh don't worry about it, they'll see you as sick or insane and go for the more viking like teens instead." He said pushing him into line. Gobber started to talk but I wasn't listening to him, no I was listening to the dragons.
"Oh no, who do you suppose is going out today?" I looked around and realized that it was literally the dragons that I'm hearing "I don't know so will you all shut up already!" I looked over and knew that the last comment came from the nightmare. The bickering went on for a minute until I heard "I believe in learning on the job!"
My eyes narrowed as the gronckle came out at full speed hitting the wall eating rocks as it landed "Ohh, so good." I backed away feeling freaked out "Quick what's the first thing you need?" Gobber shouted out.
"A doctor?"
"Plus five speed?"
"A shield!"
"That's right. A shield, if you ever have the choice between a sword or a shield take the shield." He said putting the shield into Hiccup's hand. I didn't pick one up though, a shield would only slow me down and I learned that speed is key, for me. The twins were hit and Gobber called them out.
"Those shields are good for another thing too, noise. Make lots of it, it throws off a dragon's aim." My vision started to blur and I realized that my eyes changed 'Bad Dave, you're gonna get yourself killed.' I scolded turning them back. Vision was fine, for the most part, once I did.
"Now how many shots does a gronckle have?" He asked us "Five?" "NO SIX!" Fishlegs called over Snotlout "That's right six, one for each of ya… err most of ya." He said rubbing his chin. Fishlegs got hit and quickly ran out of the arena.
"Hey I was wondering if you work out, you look like you work out AHHH…" The gronckle blasted Snotlout to the ground and Astrid ran over by Hiccup. But the dragon turned to me "Dave…" I heard Gobber try to warn me. My entire body tensed up waiting for a shot.
It came too, I brought my legs out from under me and fell under the blast. Once it passed I pushed myself back to my feet and readied for another shot. The gronckle moved on though to the other two "So just us then eh?" I heard him try.
"Nope just you." She said before rolling out of the way. Hiccup's shield was ripped out of his arms from the gronckle ramming into him and I cringed watching him spin "HICCUP!" The gronckle cornered him and I was about to do something until Gobber passed me with lightning speed that I didn't know was possible for a man with one leg.
He pulled the gronckle up at the last second "And that's six. Go back to bed you overgrown sausage." He said throwing the gronckle back in it's cage. He walked over to Hiccup "Remember a dragon will always… always go for the kill." He said looking Hiccup in the eye.
"Class dismissed." Gobber said walking out of the arena "Do everyone a favor and get hit by it next time." Snotlout said passing by us following Gobber. I growled a little but stopped feeling a hand on my shoulder, it was Hiccup and he was shaking his head "Don't let him get to you." I looked back over at Snotlout and nodded.
Then he walked around me staring in the direction of the forest. I followed him for a few seconds until he turned around with his mouth open before closing it and shutting his mouth "What is it?" I asked him. He took a deep breath and turned around "Can you keep a secret?" I nodded "Unless you were to say otherwise, yes."
He looked around and rubbed the back of his head "That night fury I hit, it went down in the forest… and it did get away… after I cut the ropes." He said looking around. He must really trust me to be telling me something that could get him killed… guess I've left an impression.
"What happened?" I asked trying to be curious "That's the thing, Gobber told us that dragons always go for the kill… it didn't." I looked in the direction of the forest as well "Well… maybe there's more to it than we think." His eyes widened "Y-you're not surprised, I was half expecting you to run off to tell someone."
"Well, you told me to keep it secret and I'm not a lier. Plus it's not like anyone would believe me anyway." He nodded his head "Follow me, I want to go back… unless you don't want to?" He said turning back around "No no, I'll come." I said beginning to follow him. His shoulders relaxed in what I assume to be a relief.
We walked back out to the spot and when we got there he instantly grabbed one of the bolas "But not you…" He muttered before looking up and walking forward. I followed him silently and blindly wondering if I should have accepted to come out here. In my own thoughts, I ran into him.
"Sorry." I mumbled getting my head back in its proper place. He didn't say anything but instead leaned over and picked something up. It was a night fury scale. I looked just in time to see Toothless's attempt to fly out. Hiccup jumped back into me in surprise.
I let out a grunt keeping us from falling over. He didn't say anything but instead went over to the cliff and looked over it. I stayed my distance but looked over his shoulder to see him drawing Toothless and erase the left tail fin. I cringed as he dropped the charcoal pencil.
Toothless looked up at us and turned his head. Hiccup copied him turning his head as well. I could hear the purr from where I was standing behind him. I didn't dare move a muscle as the two looked at each other. Only when the thunder crackled did the two look away from each other.
"C-come on Dave… it's going to rain and get dark soon." He mumbled taking one last peek at Toothless. I didn't say anything but just followed him silently. After a minute of walking back he looked at me "Please say something, I want to know what you're thinking." He said.
I gulped "Well… I… my views are changed how about that." I said not wanting to make him not go back "Nothing else? The night fury looked at us and didn't kill us… it seemed curious like us." He said going into thought. I continued to stay silent the entire way back. But of course the rain hit us halfway… it sucked.
When we entered the hall we were soaked and getting a lot of stares from the teens. Hiccup grabbed his plate and Snotlout moved making no space for him. I grabbed my food and followed him "Now where did Hiccup go wrong today?" I could see the cringe on his face before it even started.
"Uh he showed up?"
"He didn't get eaten?"
"He's never where he should be."
"Very good, and what about you Astrid?" He asked her "I mistimed my somersault which threw off my balance." She said with no emotion… it was kind of creepy "No no that was soo… Astrid." I looked at Hiccup and put my finger in my mouth in a puking gesture. He giggled until Gobber looked back over.
"And what about Dave where did he go wrong?" He asked. It was silent for a few seconds "He didn't grab a shield like you said." Astrid said looking at me with a look of… I really can't tell what she thinks "Ahh, but what if I wasn't going for a shield?" I countered.
"Gobber's the teacher, we do as he says." She said back. I can't believe I'm arguing with Astrid about combat "True, but everyone has a fighting style. Mine just so happens to be speed and I know I can dodge better than using a shield." Gobber chuckled "Aye that is true, everyone does have their own style. I can only give you what I know but that doesn't mean you need to stick to only that." Astrid looked back at her plate and I felt my cheeks heat up as I saw nearby tables listening in.
"Either way, you need to live and breathe this stuff. The dragon manual, everything we know about dragons is in this book." He said putting it on the table. All of a sudden he looked up at the sound of thunder "No attacks tonight study up I'm off to bed." He said before walking away.
"Read… while we're still alive?!" Tuffnut said sounding disgusted "Oh, I've read it several times there's this one dragon that buries itself for weeks, and another that sprays boiling water…" Tuffnut cut him off "There was a chance I was going to read that…" He looked at his sister "But now?" She finished.
"You guys read while I go kill stuff." Snotlout said getting up and walking away. Everyone else followed "Soo wanna share?" Hiccup said looking at Astrid "Read it." She said rudely pushing it towards him "Oh wow all to myself I'll see you…" The doors closed "...tomorrow."
He let out a defeated sigh and looked over at me "You wanna read it with me at least?" I nodded "Sure." I pulled up a chair and sat closer to him. He got up and went over to a table to grab a candle. Everyone else left about the same time the teens did.
We read over the book and everyone knows how it goes "Bla bla bla Kill on sight, bla bla bla extremely dangerous bla bla bla." He flipped to the last page and took in a breath "The night fury, the unholy offspring of lightning and death itself. Your only hope is to hide and pray that it doesn't find you…" He tossed the drawing on the book.
"Well I lived to tell the tail… something's not right about all of this." He mumbled before turning to me "If dragons always went for the kill I'd either be eaten or fried but I'm neither… I don't get it." He said staring back at the drawing.
I stood up and patted him on the shoulder "You can figure out more tomorrow, for now we need sleep." He nodded and pulled out his drawing and closing the book "There is something I can feel it in my gut… and I will figure it out." I nodded with a smile knowing where this determination would lead. I followed him back to the house and we both got some well needed rest.
oOo
The next day I worked in the smithy once more until it was time for dragon training. I'm currently standing in front of Gobber who was pushing down on a lever "Today is the deadly nadder. It's quick and light on its feet. You need to be quicker and lighter." I heard a scream from Fishlegs "I really question your teaching methods!"
I chuckled in agreement but stopped and pushed myself up against a wall when the nadder came round. Slowly but surely I crawled my way over to where Hiccup was standing in front of Gobber. I could hear the twins being attacked just before I got there "I know I know, but hypothetically." I let out a grunt as Snotlout and Astrid pushed their way past me.
"Hiccup…" I watched Astrid bring her and to the ground. He got the memo because he joined us in our crouch. I watched Astrid roll then Snotlout then… oh boy. I cringed as he stopped midway and the nadder turned towards us "Viking!"
Well I can say that the nadder had us running for the hills. We split off a few seconds later and it decided that I was a better target than Hiccup "Oh come on." I groaned twisting and turning through the maze. But I hit a dead end.
I turned to see the nadder closing in fast and glanced up 'These walls aren't too tall.' I took a quick breath before running up the wall, jumping to the other side and pulling myself over . Once I was on the other side my legs started running again but this time the nadder went for someone else.
I kept myself hidden until I heard it, the maze was falling and I'm still in it "Shit…" I sprinted around the corners until I could see the outside. Of course I was just a second too late and one of the walls landed on my right leg "Ahhhh…!" Using some "Non-human strength" I lifted it enough for me to get my leg out.
"Very well done Astrid." I looked over and instantly felt pity knowing "Is this some kind of joke to you!? Our parents war is about to become ours, figure out what side you're on." She said putting the axe in his face before leaving muttering to herself.
I walked over and pulled him up. He had a tear in his eye but quickly wiped it away "Let's get out of here, I have an idea for that dragon." He said leading me out. I internally panicked, I could not be around for this one. Too much bonding for another person to be around.
"About that Hiccup… I think you should go alone." He stopped and stared at me "Why? You're gonna let me go alone?" I nodded "I feel like this is something you need to do on your own. Plus I haven't checked up on Thane… he might be a little cranky." I said realizing that we haven't talked in awhile.
He nodded slowly "Ok… but if I'm not back tonight… assume the worst and stay away." Wow, he's very optimistic "It'll go fine, if not I'll bring you back to life so I can go with ya next time. Sound good?" He let out a little laugh before shaking his head "I suppose… see you tonight then."
I nodded and he walked towards the docks while I went to Gothi's hut. When I arrived I could hear him before entering "Hey OW… that's my hair lady. Gods I'm gonna kill Da…" I pushed open the door to see Gothi examining Thane.
He stared at me "Please tell me that you're here to get me out… please?" I chuckled and looked over at Gothi "Is he alright to leave?" She nodded yes and Thane was out of the bed faster than a lightning bolt "Good let's go!" He said going for the door just to fall. I caught him so he didn't smash his face into the door.
"Hey, take it slow." I said putting my arm around his for support "Ya ya whatever let's go." I turned to Gothi with amusement clear on my face "Thank you Gothi." She nodded and I brought Thane out of the hut "Never thought I'd be so happy to see the sun in my life."
I rolled my eyes "You're such a dramaqueen." He looked at me "What's that?" I couldn't help but laugh while shaking my head "Don't worry about it." I said amused. He started to look around "So this is what we were searching for… doesn't seem like much." He said mumbling the last part.
"Not yet but motions are in play and the story has already begun. That boy I told you about is, as we speak, befriending a night fury." I told him as we got off the ramp "Hmm… never seen another night fury before." I chuckled "How do you think I feel?"
We walked for a little bit before coming up on the smithy "This is where I work now." He started to sniff the air "Smells like you when you came home." I rose an eye "You can smell that?" He nodded "Well… ya. Kinda comes with being a drag…. Oh… right." He said stopping half way.
"Either way yes, this is the same line of work as last time. But, now we have to find you a job." I said before he stared at me "I can't even walk… how am I supposed to work?" That was a good point "Well, you practice walking and I'll search for you. Here, let me show you where we're sleeping for now." I said heading in the direction of the house.
"Bigger than your house." He muttered as we got close "Oh haha. This is the chief's house so of course it's bigger." He let out a snicker and I punched him in the shoulder "Shut up. Also, I need to get a few things done in the smithy so you're coming with." I said turning us back around to the smithy.
When we entered Gobber was working on a sword. He wiped the sweat from his brow as he turned around "Ah you must be Thane. Your brother's a good worker here." He said putting out his hand. Thane looked at me and I gestured to his hand. He got the memo and grabbed it.
"Good to hear that uh…" He turned to me "Gobber." I said to which he nodded "Well Gobber nice to meet you too." He said shaking the smith's hand. I coughed "Uh Gobber Thane is still having problems with his legs so is that alright if he sticks with us in here while I work?" He nodded "I don't see why not. Also, have you seen Hiccup?"
I nodded "Ya I have. He went for a long walk after the whole… Astrid thing." Recognition went across of his face "Oh… ok." I picked up a sword and tossed it in the forge "She was too harsh on him." I said pushing on the bellow.
"Aye she was but that's just how she is." He said pounding on the sword. After about ten minutes the smithy was filled with the sounds of hammers on metal. It wasn't until I glanced up did I see the look on Thane's face "Are you feeling ok?" I asked setting down the hammer.
"It's nothing just… everything's a little blurry." He said shaking his head. I quickly understood and glanced at Gobber "It's your dragon side. Try to think… human." I said making sure I wasn't heard "Easy for you to say. I've been human for almost three days now… I can't handle it."
I let out a short sigh "Ok ok… I can solve this." I walked over to Gobber "Hey Gobber… would you mind if I try to get my brother's legs working again?" He nodded "Sure, not much here anyways." He said before turning back to his sword. I grabbed Thane and went in the direction of the forest.
I brought him far in not wanting anyone to find us. Once I felt we were out far enough I let go of him "Ok change." He was a dragon within seconds."Oh soooo much better." He said stretching his wings out. I leaned up against a tree "You're gonna have to get used to being human because I don't have any other way."
He nodded while stretching "Ya ya I know just… let me enjoy having wings again." He said before taking off and circling the trees above me "You wanna go for a flight?" He said landing. I looked up and figured we had another hour or two before dark "Sure, but we stay on the far side of the island. And no going in that direction." I said pointing towards the cove.
"Ya ya whatever let's go!" I rolled my eyes and got on "Ok you needy lizard." I said gripping onto the saddle. Good thing too because he shot straight up like a bullet "WOOOHOOO!" I shouted squeezing my legs tight and waving my hands in the air.
oOo
Once it got dark Thane turned back human and followed me back to town all on his own. I went for the house but ran into Hiccup literally. It was more like me knocking him over but I grabbed him before he hit the ground again "S-sorry abou… Dave." He said realizing who I was.
"So far the one and only." He glanced at Thane before grabbing me and pulling me away from him. For how small he was he did have a little strength. He made sure that Thane couldn't hear "The night fury I… he… we're friends now I think." He said keeping an eye on Thane who was leaning on a building "So… how did that happen?" I asked trying to be curious.
He told me the entire story and it all checked out the same way that it should "Are you two done with your secret meeting or am I going to sleep right here?" Thane said impatiently. I looked over at him and sighed "Fine I'll get you ready for bed." I muttered.
"Um Dave, Gobber said that those in training are to go to the catapult." I sighed and nodded "Ok I'll be there just… let me get him to bed." He nodded before walking off. I turned to Thane annoyed "You couldn't keep quiet?" He just shrugged "I'm tired, changing forms is tiring, you should know that." I shook my head slowly before leading him inside and showing him where to sleep.
Once I did that I quickly ran to the catapult. When I arrived Gobber was talking about how he lost his limbs "...that another one took my leg. You're a bit late." He said looking at me. I shrugged and sat next to Hiccup "I swear I'm so angry right now. I'll avenge your beautiful arm and leg by chopping them off of every dragon I see… with my face."
Gobber swallowed a piece of chicken "Mmm, no it's the wings and tails you wanna go for. A downed dragon is a dead dragon." Hiccup shot up from next to me and quickly ran down the catapult. I glanced at Gobber before following him down. I passed Astrid who was standing by the exit.
I quickly ran up beside Hiccup who was speed walking "What's up?" I said slowing down "I downed him… I downed the dragon by tearing off his tail fin." He said before walking into the smithy "Now I plan on fixing it… by making a new one." He said while starting up the forge.
"Ok… need any help?" I asked looking around "No…. actually yes. Start taking those metal bits off of that broken shield." He said pointing over to it. I went over and started to pull them off "So… you have this fin planned out?" I said grunting "All in here." He said pointing to his head. I continued to help him with it all night until it was done.