Hello and welcome to the middle of the story.
Have you ever watched HTTYD-2 and wondered why Hiccup was so shocked when Drago Bludvist took his false arm off? I would have thought Hiccup would be like "Oh big deal; you've lost an arm and I've lost a leg. Gobbers lost both and I too have watched my village burn many times. It's doesn't mean you're justified in what you're doing, it only means you are nothing but a whiney baby who wants everyone to do what he tells them too."
It probably would not have helped but Drago needed to hear it.
Beware the Wrath of the Nadder Rider
Chapter 3
Although he was still a little tired after a week of feasting and dancing, Hiccup did at least have a clear head, unlike a majority of the village population. Life on Berk had been particularly easy over the past year, but Hiccup felt sure he and his friends would need to stay alert if they wanted it to stay that way.
"Breakfast time Toothless" he called out as he put down a large basket of fish.
The weary Night Fury looked like a small black hill as it slept curled up in a tight ball, but as it unfurled itself for a good morning stretch, its long tail flicked out and sent the basket flying.
"It's okay Toothless" Hiccup comforted the guilty looking dragon as he removed the mackerel from his face and righted the basket again "I guess I shouldn't have put it down so close."
Flying fish would no longer be a problem for Hiccup as the whole basketful soon disappeared down the hungry dragon's throat. As the friendly beast ate, the future chief of Berk washed the fish smell from his face.
"Okay then, nice and clean again. Let's see how long I can stay that way, hmmm?"
Toothless purred in agreement as Hiccup scratched the dragon under his chin.
"A quick patrol around the island to see if there is anything out of the ordinary and then I think we will be able to enjoy an easy day of messing with gadgets for me, and more sleeping in the sun for you."
"I wouldn't count on it" Hiccup was surprised by the reply.
Hiccup looked as his dragon, but Toothless just stared back with a look that said 'Don't blame me, I can't talk'.
"What are talking about Tuffnut?" Hiccup asked when he realised who it was causing the confusion.
"I don't know what you have to look forward to Hiccup, but I know it won't be an easy day" Tuffnut declared inscrutably.
"And what makes you say that, oh wise and powerful sage?" Hiccup asked sarcastically.
"Wise and powerful sage" Tuffnut thought "I like that; I think I'll have some business cards made up."
"Tuffnut..."
"Or maybe on a sign over my bed."
"Can you hear me Tuffnut?"
"No wait, over the door of my house, or perhaps the Great Hall; it could become my temple and people could come from far and wide to seek my wise council."
"TUFFNUT! When you've finished turning into the Guru of Berk, perhaps you would be so kind as to tell me WHAT ON EARTH YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!"
A distant voice instructed Hiccup to speak quietly, lest he soon find a battleaxe lodged deep in his chest.
"As I said before Hiccup, what will happen I can't say for sure, but I know... you're in trouble" Tuffnut sang the last words.
"With who?" Hiccup asked.
"That's with whom, surely."
"Alright then" the frustrated young man replied "with whom?"
"Not sure I should tell you, but maybe with the right incentive."
Hiccup shook his head in disbelief as Tuffnut turned around so Hiccup could see the hand with its palm facing up. Looking around his feet, Hiccup noticed a round black Night Fury scale and he was pleased it was the shedding season. Without even looking at what he had been given, Tuffnut thrust the scale into his pocket before turning back to face Hiccup again.
"Okay; you didn't hear it from me..."
"But I'm hoping too eventually" Hiccup sighed.
"...a certain young blonde Nadder rider has been manipulating your day since sunrise."
"Astrid?" Hiccup asked in surprise.
"You guessed already" Tuffnut declared, wide eyed. "You're smarter than I would have given you credit for."
"It wasn't difficult since of all the Nadder riders on Berk, Astrid is the only one who is both young and blonde."
"What about Little Freya?" Tuffnut offered.
"Little Freya?"
"Yes!"
"Little Freya with the reddish auburn hair" Hiccup crossed his arms.
"...oh yeah."
"So what is Astrid up to Tuff?"
"That's for me to know and you to find out" Tuffnut declared smugly.
"So you do know then?"
"Well err... actually... no, not as such. Umm... Hiccup... why are you advancing on me in a menacing manor?"
"Don't worry Tuffnut; this won't hurt a bit" Hiccup lied.
Yes friends, even Hiccup can be pushed too far. Happy trails partners and remember this; no matter what happens in world politics, we still have cats to cuddle and dragon stories to read.
