ASHLING
My whole body felt it was thrown in front a monstrous nightmare when lit on fire. I could feel areas on my body that demanded my attention, by ignored it for the moment letting what I said sink into my consort and kin's minds. They had heard my past, now they have seen one of my people's main killer. Egil… meaning terror and awe. I couldn't help at snort at that meaning. It suits him well. Looking at my friends, I can see it finally sunk in.
"You mean… but… What's he doing there?!" Hiccup spat out. I gave a shrug. I had no clue what he was doing or where is other two lackeys are at… all I know is we got the most craziest, most insane person nearby and has a giant ass dragon! Well, sorta.
"Why is he alone? Didn't he want your people to do something big?" Tuffnut asked. Usually I would approve of Tuffnut's smartness, but at the moment I'm trying to figure out about Egil. Tuffnut was right, Egil wanted my people, and he did take some of my people alive from what I could remember what Stone had told me so many years ago. But where are they?
"I… I did not sense any others when we were there. But then again his magic was overpowering, blocking any other scenes that might be there." I said softly, trying to think if I saw anything else was there. Sadly, nothing came to mind or memory. Damn it all to hel! Where could they have gone? Did they escape? Are they somewhere else? Are they… are they all dead?
I didn't realize was crying until Tuffnut was at my side. He cupped my face into the palm of his hands and wiped away the tears with his thumbs. I remember seeing him do this with Ruffnut a few times when their father is being hard on them when they were younger. When he was being hard on them Ruffnut always ended up crying in frustration and Tuffnut was always there to calm her down and wipe away those frustrated tears. The only reason I knew he wiped away her tears was because I found them in their cave when I wanted to hide from the village. I left without them noticing I was even there in the first place.
Who knew he would be wiping my frustrated and sad tears now. I winced when some of my tear drops slid down to my neck. What the hel?
Pulling away from Tuffnut, I finally look down at myself and was surprised to see my arms, knuckles and some of my fingers bandage... What the? Wait, where did this dress come from? Shifting around I was even more confused when I felt more bandages around my biceps, ribs, knees and ankles. Usually I wouldn't be worried about being bandage since I do it now and then but I didn't feel wraps around my small breast nor did I feel any cover in my lower region.
I started shaking, oh my gods, what happen when I was out?!
"Ashling?" My head shot up, looking at Hiccup who was staring at me with worried. My eye started to twitch.
"What in Odin's name happen to me when I was out?" I hissed out.
Both the boys stiffen and look at each other, before they could say anything I threaten them.
"I will read your minds right now if you don't tell me why I am covered in bandages, missing my small clothes and why I am in a sleeping gown." I hissed out. Both flinched as this.
"You were wet and almost freezing so we undressed you, cleaned you up, bandage you up because of burns and got you dressed." Hiccup rushed out quickly almost making not catch was he said. But sadly, on their end, I understood what he said.
They… They undressed me? Cleaned me!? Wait… burns? What burns?
My anger forgotten momentarily and my curiosity of my injures grew larger. Carefully, I unwrapped my bandages on my arms, wincing when I felt the bandages loosen up against what supposedly might be my burns. When the bandages came off I felt immense pain when I looked at the burns. Odin… why does it hurt more when you look at it?
Shaking those thought away, I looked at the mysterious burns. They looked like any other burn you would get from a dragon or falling into a fire pit, but they felt off. Doing what most people shouldn't do when they get burns, I touched the edges where there is still flesh. I was waiting for the burning sensation when you get it when the skin is crazed when burned. But I didn't get the feeling. Instead I felt something else.
Confused, I brought my arm up to my face wanting a better look at it. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I think this has happen before but not to me.
"Ash?" I blinked several time realizing that my friend's are still here. Putting my arm down I look at Hiccup and Tuffnut.
"Is something wrong?" Hiccup continued. Sighing, I gave a shrug not knowing what to say.
"Do you think Hidla knows?" Tuffnut asked.
...Why didn't I think to ask?
Groaning, I dwelled deep within my-
'There magical burns, brat.'
'...Wow thanks for ruining that Hilda.'
'Shut it. Anyway, you over did it in your beast form. Since you forced magic to make yourself go faster to get away from Egil your burned yourself doing so.'
'That make no sense.'
'Okay, you were pushing you magic on the outer surface of your body. You basically putting some of your magic at certain joints of your body making yourself go faster when flying. When doing so, your magic was burning fast and hard. Kid, you overdid it with you magic. Thank Odin you didn't use telekinesis or brain shite. Because if you did while overdoing your magic you have damage your brain.'
I sat there in shock. Over doing magic can do that?
'Yes, usually it wouldn't be an issue since you have large supply of it. But since with today's events and shifting way too many times, was mind holding on consort and our kid, and used it to help with our speed along with or dragon friend. You used a lot of it at different times today. Brat you better be careful, not only will it tire you out, give you some magical injures like your burns, it could possibly kill you if you overdo it.'
"...Thor, I pray you shove your mighty hammer so far up Loki's -"
"Ashling!" Hiccup yelled in surprise.
"What? All these month have been nothing but a sick joke! And damn it, I bet Loki s getting a sick pleasure out of this!" I yelled out in anger. Both boys looked at me with worry and asked what Hilda had told me. I told them what Hilda had told me.
"You… you could have killed yourself?" Hiccup asked me ever so softly, worry crossing his face. Tuffnut just looked at me as though I would disappeared any moment now. Sighing I nodded. I shoved my hand into my hair and pushed back, trying my best to relax. But I froze when I saw my wrist. It looked as though someone had grabbed it and left a bruise. Odd… I haven't seen a bruise like that since… since I came to Berk.
I felt my eyes widen.
"Oh gods…" My voice was hoarse with fear. The boys looked at me with confusion. Ignored them, I stumbled to get up and pushed Tuffnut away when he tried to help me. I ran to my sister's room knowing she had a mirror. Without a care of the world I started to pull the nightgown up. I heard the boys stutter, trying to call my name or trying to say something at all. When I got to my sister room, some light started to come in through her open window. When I found her mirror in the corner of her room, I almost broke down in tears. I didn't care about how damage and ugly my body looked. I didn't care how fat and pudgy I was becoming again. What I did care about was that the hand prints on my neck, shoulders, elbow and wrist… the places Egil grabbed me when I was just a child. The day he had the attack on my people.
The hand prints on my wrist, elbow and shoulders were slightly faded as though they are a few weeks old. But the one on my neck was more pronounced. It was inky black and very painful to look at. Tears started to flow down harder when I realized what he tried to do when I younger. Breaking down to tears I fell down, letting sobs wrack through my body.
I almost wanted to scream for what that bastard was close to doing to me. Shakily I started to wrap my arms around myself. My right arm wrapped across my chest covering my tiny breasts and my left going above touching my right shoulder. I felt disgusting, that bastard… he tainted me!
I could hear Hilda in my head, trying to calm me down. But it didn't work. I think… I think I'm having a panic attack. My sobs were getting harder to control as well as my breathing. I think Hilda was calling for help… I couldn't tell.
The next thing I knew something was wrapped around me with a pair of arms wrapped around me. Then I felt something pushed against my neck… fingers I think. The finger rubbed into my pressure point making me freeze, then slowly, ever so slowly, I began to relax.
I slumped against whatever was holding me. Slowly I moved my head around, wanting to see who was holding me. To my surprise, I saw Hiccup right in front of my face with his hand on my neck. Wait… if he's front of me then….
Turning my head slightly I saw thick strands of blonde hair in my view. I shivered when I felt some warm air hit my neck. Tuffnut had buried his face into my neck. Confused, his helmet was gone. Must have fallen off…
"Ashling?" A concern voice interrupted my sluggish thinking. Looking up, Hiccup had let go of my neck.
"Yes, my kin?" I asked ever so softly. He looked at me in surprise. But I ignored it.
"Ash, what happen? Your panic attack was a lot worse than usual, what set you off?" Hiccup asked me. Tears kept falling down my face.
"He… he," my voice croaked, thick with tears, "he tri-tried to mark me!" I spat out. Hiccup looked at me with confusion. Shakily I moved my arm away from my body and Tuffnu's grip and wrapped my hand around my throat.
"E-egil… he tried… he tried to force his magic into me!" I sobbed out. "He tried to make me a dark mage! A pet! His slave!" I cried out.
A sob wracked through my body. I felt Tuffnut stiffen and tighten his grip on me. "These… These bruises are his mark? His way of showing that you belong to him?" Hiccup asked, anger and disgusted laced into his voice. I flinched at my kin's tone. He…. Is he disgusted with me? Am I a disgrace in his eyes? I leaned forward, wanting nothing more to hide my face into the ground, better yet I just wanted to disappear. Consort will not allow it though. His arms crossed against my chest, his hand touching my shoulder pulling me back against his chest.
I looked at Hiccup, but he looked hazy with my tears in my eyes. I can tell he was looking at me, wanting the answer. I nodded at him. "Y-yes."
"But… why are the appearing now? They've been gone for years!" Hiccup asked outraged. I flinched once more. Hiccup had thrown his arms in the air, almost as though he was going to hit me.
"Hi-his magic is in my skin… it not strong though very weak… but it still there! Magic reacts to it user… me being near him gave a reaction." I said softly. Hiccup looked at me, anger flashing through his eyes.
"You said he tried, your saying he failed?" Hiccup asked. I nodded at this.
"I do not hear the demons calls or feel ill intent! A-and I can shape shift! People in the shifter clan cannot shape shift if they are in the dark arts!" I rasped out remembering what the journals told me. Tears continue to fall and fears started to flow. Is kin disgusted with me? Is consort disgusted with me as well?
"Is my kin and my consort disgusted with me?" I asked without thinking. I felt Tuffnut freeze and Hiccup stared at me with complete shock.
"Is my consort disgusted with me that I am a tainted? Is my kin upset with this as well?" I turned my head, wanting to see my consort's face.
Tuffnut lifted his head and looked me in the eye. What he did next surprise me more than anything. Now, you probably wondering what he did right? Well, ladies and gents! He kissed me! That's right! Tuffnut Thorston! The most insane adrenaline junki, pain loving weirdo was kissing me! And what's even more weird is that Hilda was freaking hooting in the back of my mind!
'That's our consort! Finally one of you made the move!'
'This is not the time to celebrate! We have dark magic imprinted in our skin damn it!'
'Oh please, like you are even pushing it! You are liking that kiss brat! And we will worry about the dark magic later. It's not affecting us, if anything it's just a stain, like most stains they can fade away or be removed. We can remove it when the time is right.'
I… wow, Hilda wise words of the day!
But she was right, this kiss was… well magical to me. It felt nice, comfortable and it somehow make me feel… whole. I wondering if he felt the same about this kiss?
It was Tuffnut who pulled away first. He laid his cheek on my shoulder and looked at me tiredly. I blinked several time at him and smiled softy.
"Idiot… if anyone I'm disgusted with it would be Ruffnut." Tuffnut mumbled out. I couldn't help but snort at this. This is so like him to make fun at his sister at a time like this. I turn to Hiccup with little hope. That little hope grew when I saw Hiccup look at me with soft eye and a gentle smile. Carefully as though it would startle me, he brought his hand up and slowly reached out for my hand. Knowing what he wanted I stretched out my arm to him. When out finger touched, he gently hooked his fingers with mine. I looked at him and smiled. In return he smiled back.
"I will never be disgusted with you Ash. If anything, I am disgusted with the thing we call a man." Hiccup said softly at first but ended sternly. I nod with agreement. This bastard ruined so many lives… it time it ended.
"What are we going to do?" I asked, feeling my mind coming together settling with determination. Hiccup looked up with a sheepish grin.
"Eh… don't know yet. I think we should get through the dragon test first?" Hiccup said which sounded like a question more than anything. My eyes widen. Shite, the test is today!
"You two out of my house! I need to get dress and you two should go home before you parents wonder where the hel you have been!" I gently untangled myself from Tuffnut's hold and held the blanket close to my body. Speaking of which…..
I slapped both Tuffnut and Hiccup. Both gave a yelp in pain.
"What the heck Ash!" Hiccup yelled at me. I glared at both of them.
"I was forgiving when you both walked at me at haven when I was bathing, but now I won't be so forgiving." I hissed out. Hiccup and Tuffnut flinched, realizing that I have not forgotten that they had bathed and dressed me. Oh I will give them some much shite for this, but right now I won't.
Both boys got up and started to leave. When I showed them to the door, I grabbed Hiccup hand and grasped it tightly.
"Thank you though… for staying and keeping an eye on me my kin.." I twitched when I realized what i just called Hiccup out loud. Damn, Hilda has influenced me a lot. Hiccup just smiled and grasped my hand back. When I let go he slipped out the door and closed right behind him leaving Tuffnut behind.
"My consort…" I whispered. Tuffnut was about to leave as well. But Hilda and I will not, not yet. Tuffnut froze at the sound my voice. Keeping the blanket close to my body I wrapped my free arm around Tuffnut. I was behind him, my forehead resting on his back and my hand grasping his front tunic.
"We, will have to talk about that kiss later, but for now I am yours. Do you understand my consort?" Hilda slipped out, showing no argument. I was shock, she just summited to someone! Oh shite! No griffin summits! Their pride is too big for such a thing! The only time they will summit is to either their alpha (which is Stone) or their mate- Oh you gotta be kidding me.
My eye twitched. Tuffnut… is my mate? Is that what consort even means!?
'Yep." Hilda snickered in the back of my mind confirming my answer.
'Why didn't you tell me damn it!?'
'Eh, been to lazy to tell you and it has been fun watching you struggle.'
'...I hate you.'
'Love you too, brat.'
I felt Tuffnut shiver. I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment. Oh god what have I caused?
'Oh shut it brat. He clearly likes you if he kissed you!'
...Well shite, she is right!
I couldn't help but giggle. I released Tuffnut and pulled him down, almost making him stagger to floor. He gave a small yelp and began to glare at me. But was surprised when I pecked him at the corner of his mouth. When I released him I smiled brightly at him.
"See ya at the arena, my consort." Tuffnut just gave a goofy smirk and nodded. I shook my head and watched as he left.
Who knew he like me?
(x)
I stood with Hiccup (who had a helmet on), Tuffnut and Astrid at the entrance of the ring. I wore a long sleeve tunic that went down to my knuckles, covering my bandages and bruises along with my poncho with my hood up with my choker placed back around my neck. I didn't not want to be here, but Hiccup needs me.
The grounds have transformed to once something boring looking into something of excitement. There were banners everywhere flapping in the bright morning sun. People of Berk surrounded the ring with much excitement. Everyone had come to this event.
I glanced up at the ring and saw Stoick stand proudly at everyone.
"Well, I can show my face in public again." Stoick joked. I gave inhuman snarl at the messed up joke, I even glowed harder when everyone laughed and applauded at this. Both Tuffnut and Hiccup grabbed my shoulders on either side calming me down. AT the corner of my eye I saw Astrid finch at my beast side. Taking a few deep breaths I continue to listen.
Stoick was grinning widely, having such pride in his eyes. When he spoke his voice started at playfully, making me even more angry.
"If someone had told me that in just a few short months, Hiccup would go from being, well… Hiccup, to placing first in dragon training…. I would've tied him to a mast and shipped him off for fear he'd gone mad!"
At the corner of my eye I saw Hiccup flinch at his father's word. My heart broke out to even more for the next words that came from Stoick's lips.
"But here we are. And no one's more surprise or more proud than I am. Today, my boy becomes a viking! Today he becomes one of us!"
Hiccup looked down, most likely feeling shame for these lies. I gently patted his back knowing how he felt. Astrid was at his side as well.
"Be careful with that dragon." Astrid said with a small smile. Eh, I give her props for trying to cheer my friend, but damn it was weak.
Hiccup looked up at the cheering crowd, keeping an eye as Stoick moved through the crowd getting to his seat that was placed for him.
"It's not the dragon I'm worried about." Hiccup said truthfully. I took a glance at Tuffnut, he seemed excited about this. Normally he would have been cheering on with the crowd like his sister is doing along side with Snotlout and Fishlegs. I can tell he wanted to join, but stayed at my side for the worried of my friend. Tuffnut understood that dragon can be our friend but… This is Tuffnut Thorston we are talking about. The boy who loves explosion and restrictions. The guy who loves a good fight no matter who it comes from.
I couldn't help but give a tiny grin at this, at least not a lot has changed.
"What are going to do?" Astrid asked, worry lacing her voice.
Tuffnut and I turned to look at Hiccup, wondering what his plan is. When I come out of my house and went to the hall Astrid and come to me wondering how I was and what our plan was. I was surprise that she actually cared about my whelm being and told her I was fine. But I told her I had no clue about what plans we need to have. But after a short awkward walk to the food hall I had told her about Egil after seeing the burning curiosity in her eyes. Hel, her mind wouldn't even shut up about the questions she wanted answer to, so I told her my side of the story.
She seemed to take everything so well. I was surprised by this but felt happy that I can actually say Astrid was becoming a friend of mine now. We have an understanding now.
We tried to find Hiccup that morning and ask about his plan but he was nowhere to be found.
Looking at Hiccup right now, I could see he was nervous and scared. But I can also see he was determined and stubborn to back down.
"I'm putting an end to all of this." The runt of a boy said.
Astrid looked at him with some doubt in her eyes. To be honest, I couldn't help but agree with her. I mean, these are freaking bonafide stubborn vikings! But my friend doesn't need that. Hiccup saw how we looked at him, he gave a determined look making us back down from our thoughts.
"I have to try…"
"Yeah, well good luck with that my friend." Tuffnut said with a wide crazed grin. Hiccup gave one of his cute crooked grins. I smiled at this, at least my boys are getting along now.
"Ashling… Astrid… I can't believe I'm going to say this and Tuffnut. If anything goes wrong… just make sure they don't find Toothless. And Tuffnut, hold Ashling back if anything does go wrong." Hiccup said with much seriousness that it frightened me a bit. I prayed to Frigg for the protection of my friend.
"I will. Just promise me it won't go wrong." Astrid said, her tone almost grim. Without thinking I brought my long time friend into an embrace. I hid my face into his chest and held him close.
"Oh goddess above, I pray to you Frigg, to keep my friend, my kin, safe. I beg of the, please let him come out unharmed." I whispered out. Hiccup wrapped his arms around me holding me back. I didn't see how Tuffnut replied, but I believed it was a positive thing for Hiccup because I felt him tense. When I pulled away, I look at Hiccup dead in the eye.
'I promise… but if anything does go wrong I am holding that dragon back as much as possible with my magic. Got it?'
Hiccup gave me a stern look.
'Don't you dare Ashling. You are still recovering from you magical burns. I don't want you waiting your magic on me when you still need recover from over doing it.'
I glared at him.
'My magic is half full. And I said if anything goes wrong is when I will use it.' Okay, that was a lie. My magic wasn't all the way full but third full. But he didn't need to know that
Both of glared at each other. Tuffnut groaned at this.
"Gods, I hate when they do this." My consort groaned out. I almost smirked at this when I saw Astrid over Hiccup's shoulder looking at us with confusion and at Tuffnut. Before anyone could say anything Gobber came over.
I pulled away from Hiccup and went to Tuffnut's side. Gobber gave a proud smile at Hiccup and gently patted his shoulder.
"it's time, Hiccup! Knock them dead." Gobber said with much encouragement. Hiccup patted his helmet on his head and took a breath. He slowly let it out when he entered the ring.
Gobber than closed the entrance, making Astrid, Tuffnut and I lean against the wooden gate.
"Show'em how it done, my man!" Tuffnut cheered out. I couldn't help but chuckle at the encouragement coming from Tuffnut. I turned my attention back at Hiccup. Now, all we had to do it wait.
(x)
NO POV.
Everyone looked at Hiccup with much excitement, they waited in bated breath as he looked around in the arena and looked up at his father. Stoick nods at him with a grin. Hiccup returned one of his half smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he walks over to the weapons and hoist one of the shield up to his arm and selects his weapon. His weapon of choice; a small dagger.
Ashling groan, realizing he hadn't gotten another weapon made for his size again.
Stoick leaned onto his arm rest and muttered to Gobber, who had walked back to his long time friend and said , "I would've gone for the hammer." Gobber nodded in agreement.
When Hiccup situated himself and turned to the heavy bolted door; the door to the monstrous nightmare.
"I'm ready." Hiccup said loud and clear.
Gobber nodded and began to rise the bolted door. The crowd went eerily quiet, waiting. The dead silence ended when the doors blasted open with a stream of monstrous nightmare fires going everywhere. Followed by the flames came a monstrous nightmare himself, coated in flames. The crowd roars with excitement seeing the creature. The Monstrous Nightmare began climbing widely on the walls and chains as though it were a bat, hissing at the crowd. It even blasted at the vikings.
The creature finally took notice of the lone viking within the cage. Dropping down from the chains it leered at Hiccup and began to lick it lips. The dragon approached at its prey. The crowd once again goes silent, waiting for the big fight to come. But to their surprise and horror, it never came.
The Monstrous Nightmare approached Hiccup, who only backed away slowly, dropping his weapon and shield.
Ashling grabbed Tuffnut arm holding it close. Her heart beat going a mile a minute.
The dragon paused at such a notion, confusion flashing in it eyes. Stoick as well watched with much confusion.
"What is he doing…?" The chief whispered.
The dragon presses closer, snorting, thinking this as a trick.
"Stick of boy, a fool. Will not be tricked!" The dragon hissed.
Hiccup only held his back straight and extends his open hand at the dragon who only snarled at him.
"It's okay. It's okay." Hiccup whispered softly in dragonese. The dragon pauses momentarily, startled that a human even knew his language or could even speak it! It shakes it head and continue to pace of to Hiccup. The dragon focused on the boy, but not fully on him, mostly on his helmet, showing him as a viking.
Hiccup now understood this. He stopped backing away from the dragon and slowly reached for his helmet and when he finally grasped it he removed his from his head.
"I am not one of them." He said loudly in dragons's making Ashling freeze up as well as others. Everyone looked at confusion, what the hel did he say? Stoick froze on the spot, as though he was surprised by something. Hiccup turn to the people and threw the helmet down on to the ground.
"I am not one of them." He repeated, but this time in norse. Gasp went through the crowd. All eyes went to Stoick, who's shock slowly went down but his face began to red with embarrassment and shame. Hiccup avoids Stoick stare, who glared at his son. Hiccup slowly approached the dragon who seemed to calm down.
"Not on of them…" the dragon crooned out.
"Stop the fight." Stoick demanded, not wanting this embarrassment to go any further.
"No! You all need to see this." Hiccup said with determination and stubbornness. Ashling was becoming jittery along with Astrid. Tuffnut was practically jumping around with excitement. They were not the only ones becoming restless, the crow as well was getting restless for what is happening.
"They're not what we think they are. We don't have to kill them." Everyone gasped, remembering hearing such words coming from a certain O'meara. Red face with anger, Stoick grabbed his hammer from his belt and walked up the iron caged top and slammed his hammer down on it making a dent.
"I SAID STOP THE FIGHT!" Stoick roared out. His biggest mistake.
Hiccup's hand was above the snout, almost close to touching the creature. When the hammer slammed down making a ringing noise the creature was now on high alert. The monstrous nightmare made a move and snapped down at Hiccup, almost taking his hand. Hiccup yelps and jumps back.
"LIES!" The monstrous nightmare roar out spitting fire at Hiccup who barely dives out of reach of the flames. Hiccup screams when the creature spits out more fire at him.
"HICCUP!" Ashling screamed out in fear for her friend. Both did not know, sending out screams of distress caused their companions back in the cove to send into a panic.
Hiccup scrambled around the ring trying to get a shield and avoid the creature at all cost. The flamed up dragon pursued it prey climbing all over the walls. Stoick pushes through the crowd, rushing to the doorway of the ring.
Astrid grabbed her axe off her back and wedges under the arena gate, letting Ashling and Tuffnut squeeze through.
Back at the cove, Feather's was clawing deep into the Toothless scaly back as the dragon bounds wall. Clawing at them trying to get above to his friends. It seemed as a failure as he kept slipping back down. But when he heard another scream, a scream from his friend, with much effort his claws grasped the upper area of the cove.
At the arena nothing was getting better. Hiccup avoid nearly being shot at a stream of fire. Quickly as possible Hiccup attempts to go to the weapon wrack to arm himself for protection. But sadly luck was not on his side, the dragon had quickly destroyed the weapons wrack. Ashling had tackled Hiccup down when the beast fired at her friend. Both tumbled down a different direction from the blast. Quickly as possible both scrambled up to go to their exit. Tuffnut had found mace that had flown to a different from the blast and threw it at the monstrous nightmare to get the attention of his friends.
With Toothless and Feathers, Toothless was tearing down through the woods with Feather clawing down on his for dear life. Toothless bounded through the forest quickly as possible sometime even taking to the air in short burst.
At the ring Ashling was practically dragging Hiccup with her to the exit. A scream stopped her from going further though. Her head whipped around seeing Tuffnut hit the stone walls from the monstrous nightmare flamed up tail.
"Tuffnut!" Ashling screamed in fear of consort. Letting go of Hiccup she grabbed a hunk of wood from the destroyed weapon wrack and threw it at the beast. The wood hit it directly at the head. Ashling gave one of her griffin screeches and got in a defensive pose.
Stoick finally reach the entrance of the arena and wrenched open the gate door with his bare hand and walked in. Astrid was now in the arena was well running over to Hiccup.
"Hiccup! Ashling!" The viking girl grabbed a discarded hammer and hurls at the Monstrous Nightmare. Ashling had been dodging flames making her doge but she kept throwing broken pieces of weapons at the creature. When the hammer hit the head of the dragon it attention was now on Astrid.
The dragon now pursued it new prey. With the attention now not on Ashling, the said girl ran to her consort was badly burned on stomach. Carefully, but quickly Ashling grabbed his arm and threw it over her shoulder and began to hurriedly drag him out of the arena. Stoick saw this and raised the gate and waved her forward.
"Come on!" Stoick yelled with worried. Ashling made it through along with Astrid who ran back. Hiccup close to making only to have blast cutting him off. Ashling dropped Tuffnut next to the wall and run back out, with Stoick yelling at her to come back.
But then, a terrible piercing roar cut through the air.
"Nightfury! Get down!" Someone yelled out.
Toothless bound over the crowd and blast a hole through the chains with Feather still on his back now clawing onto the flies through disappearing within the smoke that started to arise from the monstrous nightmare. Toothless tackles the monstrous nightmare biting and kicking. Feathers dropped down, wanting to find his mother and uncle. Ashling was at Hiccup's side, staring at the scene in front of them with horror. Toothless then kick the in flamed dragon and pushed back standing as a shield for Hiccup and I.
"Mine! My talking stick! My herb lady! No harm!" Toothless roared out at his opponent. The monstrous nightmare snarls, circling them. But Toothless wouldn't have it, he lunged forward and gave a frightening roar making the monstrous nightmare relent and back down.
Hiccup and Ashling ran over to Toothless, Hiccup grabbing him protectively and Ashling looking remembering she saw Feathers with Toothless.
"Alright, Toothless, go! Get of here!" Hiccup said hurriedly, fear lacing in his voice as he tried to push Toothless to go. Only for Toothless look at him in worry seeing if their was any injuries.
"Night Fury!" Many of the vikings scream out. Viking started to drop down in the arena making Ashling and Hiccup worry with fear.
"A griffin of old!" A gruffy voice screamed out. Ashling's blood went cold. Her eyes flashing dangerously as she saw Mildew holding Feather's by his throat. The baby griffin cried in fear and pain, the old man pushing his thumb into the griffin neck. All humanity left Ashling, her beastly instincts kicked in and took over.
A griffin screech, louder that ever made everyone pause and look glance at their seer, only the cry out in fear. Ashling, poncho and tunic ripped to shreds at her wings and talons coming in to view. Her hybrid form was out along with some of secrets.
Ashling, no, Hilda look dead set on the old man name Mildew. She thrust her talons out letting her magic go with it.
Mildew screamed out in fear as he slammed again the stone walls of the arena, dropping the baby griffin. Hilda then pounced on all fours grabbing her baby in her mouth, getting him by the scruff. Hilda then saw Toothless was now muzzled and Astrid holding Hiccup back. As he cried for them to stop.
"Ashling!" The girl lion years perk at this, she glanced to see it was Tuffnut who was being held back by Ruffnut.
"That's… that's Ashling O'meara!?" Someone screamed out. Hilda then dropped Feathers down, who cowered under his mother stomach as she got on all fours, waiting to pounce. She glanced back and forward, seeing that viking were surrounding her. Snarling out, she let her magic pulse out hitting every viking who threaten her and her who got hit slammed against the stone walls knocking them out.
"Ashling, stop this!" Hiccup cried. But Ashling never came out, Hilda stayed and screeched at any opposing figures.
"Ashling! Remember you vow! Your vow to always protect the people of berk! Does this look like you're protecting them! You're breaking you damn vow!" It was Tuffnut who yelled out. Hilda froze.
"M-my vows…" Hilda spoke softy.
"One by soul and blood!" Tuffnut yelled out, clutching onto his sister had side began to throb out in pain.
We of the remaining shifters give our blood and soul to the tribe of Berk, to protect the people with our life. With our wisdom, with our strength, and with our magic. We are your healers, we are your shields, we our your weapon, let it be known we will be loyal to the very end. No matter what we will be your protectors. Permissum is exsisto notus. Nos es hic vobis….
"Let it be known. We are here for you…." Hilda was back into the mindscape and Ashling shakily on all fours with Feathers under stomach.
Everyone watched in fear as they saw the fur and feather began to fall off her body, her talons becoming flesh and hands once more. When Ashling was back in her human form she began to throw up blood, still not recover from her magical adventure yesterday. The girl crumbled down holding her griffin close to her chest.
"You… you are a devil!" Mildew coughed up and pointed directly right at her. Instead fearing this like most had thought or deny it, she barked out laughing. Blood escaped her lips as she laughed. Everyone flinched.
"Me? A devil child? You are very stupid you old fool!" Ashling said menacing, still angered for what he tried to do.
Standing up, shakily bringing the baby griffin with her. She looked around her with a sneer.
"I am no devil! I am a mage! A child of magic! A daughter of the shifter clan! Great granddaughter of Heiđrún The Pirate Queen And I am bloody proud to be who I am!" She screeched out.
Hiccup and Astrid stared at her in shock. Why, why would she do this to herself? She was digging her own grave! Ruffnut had dropped Tuffnut in surprise, not believing this one bit. The girl that had capture Tuffnut's affection is a witch?
Ashling stood proudly now, not showing an announced of fear or regret. She strode up to Stoick who glared at her menacingly. When Ashling was a foot in front of him and looked at him with a hard look, which startle him. Yes, he had seen her give him glares in the past but this look was something else.
Stoick was about to say something only for Spitelout tried to grab Ashling so he may pin her down and chain her. But when he tried to touch her, her magic lashed out and pin him down. Ashling eyes flashed, her green eye turn into an amber color..
"You have no right to touch me fool! You are not worthy to touch a griffin!" Hilda came out snarling at the man. Turning her attention back to Stoick the young girl did not waver under his hard glare.
"Which cage do you wish me at Stoick the Vast?" Ashling spoke loud and clearly with her head held high. If Stoick was surprised he didn't show it, instead he turned and waved at one of the viking's who held heavy chains with shackles. They had brought them out a weapon at first but now were glad they brought human size shackles. The viking came forward and was about to chain the girl only for the chains to fly out of his hand. Ashling placed Feather's on her shoulder and held out her arms. The shackles closes around her wrist tightly and around her neck and ankles. When they were on nice and tight, Ashling then look at Stoick for further instruction.
"Gobber, take her to the center of the town and hammer down her chains to the ground. I was this punishment out in the open." Ashling did not look anyone in the eye but Stoick. When Gobber was at her side, he gently to her chain and made her follow him. The man didn't have the heart to treat her poorly, she was daughter he never had.
People sneered and glared at her, some even threw things at her. And the strange part was, she took it all in. Even let stones and broken weapons be thrown at her. The only time she stopped a weapon was when it got to close to Feathers. She would not let them hurt her innocent baby.
When they got to the center of the town, only stopping once to grab a large metal nail for the chains. When they were in the center of the place Ashling got on her knees and let Gobber grab the chain and nailed down into the earth.
The seer closed her eyes and waited for her punishment.
AN: That took forever to type down! My goodness my back hurts for sitting in this chair for to long. Anyway! It is 12: 40 a.m when I post this! So it is pretty damn late. So now Ashling know's about what consort means! Yay! Sadly, Tuffnut does not! Booo! And know everyone knows about Ashling be a mage! Well that sucks for her! On to the reviews!
MMM: …Yeah Ashling is cooking up some revenge, it will have to be later on though xD
thearizona:Lol! Glad that I made ya happy and I'm so sorry for not updating sooner! Hope this chapter answers about the injuries! Sorry for not saying who the red death is! I was going to… but I got side tracked and decided to wait for that. I also hope this chapter didn't take too long!
Anyway, I'm off to bed. Night guys! Review, face, follow!
~Maddening