Enjoy the next entry!
Entry 75
I have officially stepped into an alternate Archipelago.
Today, I had to make up an excuse to escape the other teens. That's not unusual, but the reason sure was.
Just for experimental purposes, I took some of the grass Toothless loves and brought it to Training. Turns out, just like with the eels, it has the same effect on any dragon, not just Toothless. I was able to calm a charging Gronckle with just a few blades of the stuff… And for some reason, that made me rather… popular.
Everyone, Fishlegs, the twins, even Snotlout, followed me out of the Kill Ring, bombarding me with praise. It was so bizarre, I had no clue how to react… I ended up saying something about leaving my (nonexistent) axe in the Ring, and ran off.
How do I handle this, on top of everything else? I can't remember the last time they were all so… friendly. It's unnerving, makes me feel uncomfortable. Which is just sad, now that I think about it; I'm so used to being made fun of that I don't even know how to feel about praise.
What changed? I'm no different than I was before… I don't like that THIS is what made them notice me. Just because I'm doing "good" in Dragon Training, doesn't mean they need to appease me.
Ugh, I need to get away for a bit. I'm gonna go visit Toothless… I need to get his saddle off anyway, so I can work on the modifications. I even made a new vest for myself, to hook our tether to. I wonder if he'll notice.
…
Toothless definitely noticed. He made a gesture to my outfit first thing when I got to the Cove. I told him about my plan to modify his saddle, and he let me take it off no problem. He even crooned a couple times, seemingly joining me in my conversation. Man, I wish I could understand just what he's saying… I'm sure I'll start to get the gist the more time I spend with him.
Content again, I gave him a scratch behind the ear. He leaned right into the touch, purring. "You like that?" I asked, and he purred louder in response. "Well, how 'bout this?" I started scratching him all over his neck and jaw, and he even started flapping his tail in pure happiness. But, when I got to a spot under his jaw, he collapsed entirely. I stared in horror, thinking I'd hurt him, only to hear a blissful coo come from his relaxed form.
I guess there's some kind of pressure point on his jaw, and I unknowingly triggered it. Just one more thing I need to test during Training…
I've created quite the double life, haven't I?
Until next time…
-H
