Nightfury- Others
"You ready?" Toothless asked. I stiffly nodded. He smiled before he leapt up onto the entrance. Basket and all. I gulped. He shot me another smile then disappeared.
"Guess that means it's my turn," I mumbled.
Body low to the ground, I pushed up with all my might. My claws caught the stone grooves. Kicking my back legs, I tried to pull myself up. My claws slipped out the grooves. I barely caught my breath as Toothless grabbed hold of my paws. He pulled me all the way up. I squeezed my eyes shut. Body stiffened. Preparing myself for the worst.
"Heh, same thing happened to me ages ago. This ledge is pretty hight."
I opened my eyes.
Soft sunlit eyes looked down on me. Toothless smiled. My whole body seemed to melt. I quickly shake my head and said, "yes, yes it is."
he turned away, wrapping the basket with his tail, leading me through the tunnel. A vast, luscious forest greeted us. The land rose as we began our walk. Never had I witnessed such a land.
"How curious?" I said.
Toothless side eyed me. He asked, "what's so curious?"
"This land! It rises and falls in such heights and depths too! It's like the forest is alive," I replied.
Toothless chuckled.
"What's so funny?" I asked.
"How you talk is different. We don't talk like that here," he replied.
I winced.
His expression turned into panic suddenly. He waves his paw. He said, "not that's a bad thing. It's different but good!"
a small laugh escaped me. He tilted his head.
"Thank you, I said. His mouth opened but he shut it. We continued to walk. My heartbeat raced faster and faster with each step.
My eyes traveled to his strong face down to his wings. Powerful. I bit my lip. Softly I said, "we could fly if it would be faster, Toothless." I tossed a glance at my own wings. Pathetic.
He let out a booming laugh.
I nearly lost my footing. He smiled wide; wide eyed too. Rolling his shoulders, he waves off the idea with his paw. "Nah! We don't gotta fly! Walking is good for ya! Besides I figured you'd be tired of flying. Yeah?"
A wave of relief washed over me. I nodded.
He held his head high.
"We'll also be there when everyone's already awake. They're gonna freak when they see you."
Again I nodded my head, but froze. There's a tremor in my voice as I asked, "everyone... do you mean humans?"
"Mhm! And our kind too!" Toothless murmured, eyes glistening like sunlit grass.
I swallowed down a scream. My feet grew heavy and slow as we walked. Eyes firmly on the ground. Our shadows had disappeared as the sun hung high in the sky. The silence was deafening. Pushing down another scream, I asked, "how much further?"
Soft smile. A knowing look. Before I could even utter a word, Toothless pushed aside a row of low hanging tree branches before us. My heart sank into my belly.
Human nests.
A lump formed in my throat as we made our way towards the nest. Large trees in unusual shapes surrounded us. Flashes of colors decorated them. Loud noises bellowed from them and down the dirt paths. I moved closer to Toothless. Strange noises echoed throughout several homes. The smell of fire burned my nostrils. That's when a familiar yet unfamiliar sound shakes the ground.
"GET DOWN!" someone yelled.
Massive shadows descended upon us. I peered up. Creatures flew over, in all various shapes, sizes, and colors. They chilled me to the bone. They had claws, scales, wings, and sounded like me. But they weren't like me. Not at all.
Of course I cowered like a hatchling. I crouched and followed Toothless who was more preoccupied with his own thoughts. I reached out for him. He stopped. He looked at me before giving me another sweet smile. Something stirred within me. With some force, I was able to stand tall and walk beside him. I stared straight ahead. In hopes it would keep the fear down.
My ears twitched.
Voices swirled around us, but it all became jumped with how many there were. The strange noises in the houses stopped. Humans froze in their places. Our "kind" as Toothless called them stopped dead in their tracks. Their eyes bore into my skull.
Shaky steps I followed Toothless up a winding path. There on a hill was a more grand house. And standing outside were more humans. One stuck out. His green eyes lit up when they saw Toothless. Then they landed on me. They grew wide. As did the rest standing next to him.
"My gods, Toothless!" the one called Hiccup yelled.
He ran down the jagged rocks with the others following him. Hiccup grinned at me. I stayed quiet. Then I witnessed the strangest thing. Hiccup hugged Toothless. And Toothless hugged him back.
I watched the two head bump each other and watched Toothless get his chin scratched. Hiccup turned his sights on me. He takes a step towards me. I stepped back. It was then I saw him reaching out towards me. Fear kicked in. I growled before I closing my eyes. Waiting.
Hushed whispers all around me.
I waited still.
Nothing.
One eye opened and I peeked. Hiccup's hand is out towards me while he gives me a sincere look. Both eyes open now I looked around. Everyone was staring. Several of our "kind" stared me down, some even wore scowls. I focused my attention on Hiccup and Toothless. The latter motioned to me. He moved his head forward. I didn't understand. So I lowered my head and away. Hiccup lowered his hand and done a small nod. More whispers began to circulate around me. Then another human walked up. From her different form she must be a female. She laid her hand on Hiccup's shoulder.
"Hiccup," she said.
Hands on his hips, Hiccup said, "well should've figured it wasn't going to be that easy. Still she's here!"
More humans started to crowd. Several small ones pointed out me smiling. Bigger ones looked me up and down before whispering to each other. A small one stepped forward. Arms crossed and nose upturned the little one barked out, "this is the Nightfury?" His voice, albeit more annoying, still held a rougher tone. Like Hiccup. So humans can come in small sizes it seems.
Two more humans came forward. They looked the same?"Yeah, aren't they supposed to be like big?" "Maybe it's a baby!" Their voices meshed together so well. Had no idea who said what.
"Don't be like that guys! This is an incredible discovery! We can learn so much from her!" Another human cried. A large human he was. He had something in his hand and was messing around with it. I tilted my head.
The tiny human let out a huff and said, "you and Hiccup both keep saying it's a girl. What if it's not?"
I'm a girl.
"She's a girl, Snoutlout" Hiccup said, crossing his own arms, "I mean look at her. It's obvious she's a girl."
The Snoutlout rolled his eyes again. He jabbed an accusing finger at Hiccup then at a round and brown dragon. He said, "yea and we thought Meatlug was a boy."
Tension became thick and heavy between the two. Suddenly a man with strange limbs hobbled over and clocked the two upside the head.
"Aight that's enough both of ya!" This man said. He wagged a finger at Hiccup and added, "and that's no way for a chief to behave. Actin' like children. You're vikings!" Then the man turned to me, squinting his eyes at me. Hobbling over, he leaned over to look under and said, "let's settle this then shall we?"
Muscles tensed I was ready to growl when he shot up. And yelled. My ears started to ring. Everyone else covered their ears in unison. He yelled again, "VALKA GET OVER HERE!"
The crow stepped aside to give a clear path. A tall woman comes through. She looked similar to Hiccup as if she were his— "Hey mom," Hiccup said.
His mother walked over to me. I began to back up when I stopped. There was something bout her that calmed me. In such grace she bent down to me a warmth radiating in her eyes. Her hands glided under my chin. I was still. Her eyes bore into mine. My soul bare for her all to see. She dipped her head down peeking beneath my belly. She slipped from my head down my body. Her hands grazed my wings. She held out her hand to me. We locked eyes. I gave her my paw and she inspected it. There was a twitch in her eyes though. Fingers grazed my chest. She pulled away standing tall. Without a word she gave me a smile then turned to face her son and the crowd.
"Hiccup is right. This is a female."
There were ohs and ahs. The crowd came closer to me hands reaching out and eyes wide with excitement. The dragons seemed to mirror them. Big heads attached to long necks peered at me. Small dragons hovered. There was so much heat. I couldn't breath. I immediately curled into myself. There was shouting but my ears were still ringing. I heard a much louder Hiccup and possibly the female next to him.
Someone let out a roar.
The world all stands still. Humans and dragons turned to the source. I peeked through my wings and saw Toothless. An angry Toothless. And an angrier Hiccup. And the angriest woman I had ever seen. Before Toothless or Hiccup could move, she stepped forward. The crowd stepped back. In a firm yet harsh tone she spoke, "we're done here. Go back to what you were doing and act like nothing has changed. Understand."
In one swift motion, they all dispersed.
Toothless walked over and laid down next to me. I unfurled my wings. Footsteps close in on us and I looked up. Hiccup dropped down. He shot me an apologetic look then patted Toothless. He looked up at the woman standing next to him. Hand on her hip, she patted his shoulder.
"Thanks Astrid," he said.
Astrid bent down kissing Hiccup's forehead. My heart fluttered. I looked over to Toothless who watches happily. More fluttering. Toothless looked to me. I looked away bashfully. Hiccup hopped to his feet. Dusting his hands together, he motioned towards the hill house. I gazed up, confusion washing over me.
"You're a guest of Berk tonight. I'd be honored if you had dinner with us," Hiccup said. Toothless swatted his arm grumbling at him. I raised a brow. Again I looked to Toothless.
Leaning in close, I asked, "why is he being so kind?" "
"It's our way of showing respect. Only important folk get to dine with the chief."
"O-Oh, really? I never thought of myself as impor—" I cut myself off before changing my words, "should...should I say yes?"
Toothless leaned in and replied, "yeah! You don't have to though. It's up to you."
"I have a choice?" I asked.
"Of course ya do. Just want ya to be comfortable," Toothless replied.
I sat there quietly then said, "I'd love to."
Toothless smiled the biggest smile I had seen of him yet. He even revealed his teeth! He jumped to his feet. He nodded his head to Hiccup who grinned. He beamed down at Astrid. She playfully rolled her eyes. Hiccup once more motioned towards his home. Arms linked together, Hiccup and Astrid walked ahead of us. Toothless trotted after them. And I followed.
At the top of the hill, I looked back. We stood above this small village filled with humans and dragons living together. My thoughts turned to my mother. What she would think of this? Her words started off as a whisper. They began to grow loud. Before they could scream, Toothless comes into view. Her words died.
"You're in for a treat," he said. My stomach knotted up. I followed him inside. A quaint little wooden cave. A roaring fire in the middle with wood leading up top. With slow steps I made my way in. Hiccup closed the door behind us. Stoking the fire was Valka who gave us a smile.
"Ah Hiccup, you've come home. Dinner is done so I'll see myself out."
Hiccup waved it off. Astrid takes a gentle hold of Valka's arm.
"Mom, you should stay. We have a guest with us tonight."
Valka chuckled. She looked past Hiccup to me. In a soft tone, she said, "I think it'd be best for her to not have so many people here, Hiccup," she held her hand out to him, "I know you're excited. Trust me."
Sighing, Hiccup nodded. He stepped to the side letting his mother out. Astrid walked after Valka. Not before giving Hiccup another kiss. She whispered in his ear though. The door closed shut behind them. Hiccup shakes his head. His sight turns onto the black rock hanging above the fire. He stirred it once. He leaves it be and goes to a basket.
"Come on!" Toothless said. I followed him to Hiccup. Hiccup grinned as he turned around arms holding up piles of fish! My jaw dropped. Toothless smirked. I felt a sliver of drool drip out of my mouth. Hiccup laughed. He walked over with the plates. Setting them down between us, he fished himself food out of the black rock.
Toothless dove in happily. Licking my lips, I opened my mouth wide but stopped. Speaking through chews, Toothless asked, "hey what's wrong?"
"I can't eat this..." I said.
"What why?!" he yelled, flinging bits of food everywhere.
I looked down.
"There's not enough for both of us. I can't take food from you," I answered.
He swallowed hard. Toothless wiggled his nose at me and said, "that's your fish. And there's plenty to eat."
Hiccup must have heard us since he leaned in. He shot Toothless a look. Swallowing, Hiccup set his plate down. He said, "you two alright?"
Toothless pointed at the fish, at me, then at the basket. Hiccup arched a brow. He looked over at me. Then at the fish. His eyes softened and lips curved into a smile. He picked up a fish. He held out to me and said, "go on. You can have as much as you want."
I peered up at me. My stomach growled. Again I licked my lips and snatched the fish from his hand. He flexed his fingers. Hadn't realized humans had good reflexes. I scooped up more fish swallowing them whole. In a flash, the plate was empty. I licked my lips. My gaze lingered on Toothless' plate. My stomach whined, but my head told me no. I pushed down my hunger.
Hiccup, chewing, got up from his seat and back to the basket. With a groan he lifted it up. He dropped it between us. And a waterfall of fish came rushing out. Once more my jaw dropped. Toothless let out a guttural chuckle.
"Eat till you're full!" Hiccup said. He gave Toothless a pat before going back to his meal. Toothless finished off his plate. I dove again into the pile. Filling up my belly the first time in ages. Toothless joined me and we ate like alphas. Soon there was only one fish left. I reached for it.
So did Toothless.
Our noses touched. I pulled away looking at him sheepishly. He blinked. He nudged the fish to me. I simply stared in awe. Lifting my gaze I caught Toothless staring. Nothing was said between us. I felt it again. A flutter in my belly. I ate the last fish.
"Enjoy your meal?" he asked.
"Oh yes very much. Thank you for inviting me," I replied.
Damn he smiled again. He's done it so much since we've met. And I don't understand why he does. Still it made me happy.
Toothless led me up the strange tree to the top of the cave. He swept his wing across the room. There laid two nests. One feather and one stone. Across the way was a wooden slab with thin leaves decorating it. Drawings! I let out a squeal of delight. I rushed over peering over them. Toothless sat next to me.
"Incredible! Are these yours?" I asked looking at him.
He shakes his head. "Nah I wish! Hiccup did these. Great huh? Though I think taught him a thing or two." He stuck his tongue out.
I laughed. I honest to the stars above I laughed.
Toothless trotted over to the stone nest. Hopping onto it, he said, "this is my bed. Tonight though it's your bed too."
I had to do a double take. I switched between the bed and Toothless. My wings twitched as they began to curl around me. Covering my eyes, I squeaked, "n-no! I couldn't...I can't!"
"Sorry!" he said. I peeked through my claws. He gave me a sheepish look. Toothless said, "that was a stupid idea. You can have the bed all to yourself! You're the guest."
I quickly shake my head.
He tilted his head at me eyes raised.
"If you're worried bout where I'm gonna sleep, don't. I'll crash with Hiccup. Done it before so—"
"I can't stay."
Toothless looked as if I had hit him. He hung his head. His wings drooped next to him as the light from his eyes flicked away. He began to nod before sighing. He said, "right...you probably wanna go home huh?"
Home. I hadn't thought much of it. Only time I had was due to Mother's words echoing. Even still that faded fast. Like the tide, my vow came rushing in. To bring Toothless back. Avoid my brother. To earn my mother's favor.
My attention rested on Toothless. Hiccup moved below us, whistling a tune. The fire crackled and popped mixing with the voices of those outside. Dragons roared and bellowed. Happiness crashed through the air like the ocean's waves. Toothless' gaze caught mine. Soft. So warm. He smiled again. Another flutter in my belly and the words came tumbling out.
"No, it's not that," Toothless perked up,"I am just not ready to stay among humans. Yet." I smiled back.
The light in his eyes nearly blinded me. He hopped over to me. That smile of his. It could rival the sun and moon combined! He motioned for me to follow him. Moment we reached the bottom, Hiccup waved. His smile faltered when we moved to the door. He looked at Toothless. Toothless looked at him. A nod. Hiccup opened the door for us.
I began to walk down the jagged rocks. Toothless stepped in front of me and I give him a look. He pointed with his wing. He slipped away so I follow. Around the corner was a wooden canopy. Beneath was a spot weathered down and dark. Without a word, Toothless warmed it up before he patted the spot. Stars began to twinkle as the night rolled in. I whispered a thank you and laid down.
"Get some sleep, I'm gonna show you around tomorrow. Sweet dreams!" Toothless said then disappeared.
I let out a yawn. Body curling into a tight ball, I relaxed into the warmth of my bed. Sweet dreams indeed.
Got the illustration done for this chapter, so now I can post it and start writing rest of the story lol
Thanks for all your patience and for reading!