Author's Note: Ahhhh, it's finally Friday. =) And since next week is my last week of school (with half days on BOTH Thursday and Friday), I'm not dreading it at all! =D
...But I'm still jealous of all of my friends that got out of school a week before me. =')
Hello everyone and welcome back to another chapter of "Sleepless Nights on Dragon's Edge!" =D There are only two more chapters in this story, which also means my poll will be closing in two days! =D So feel free to put in a vote if you haven't already. =)
With that, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! =D
Chapter Ten: Into the Battle
Heather arrived right when she said she would. The black-haired girl landed in front of the stables and slipped off of Windshear with the grace of a swan. A friendly smile was on her face as she walked up to Hiccup; the young viking greeted her with a grin. Toothless crooned happily.
"Heather! Thanks for coming," said Hiccup.
"No problem," Heather said as she walked up to the auburn-haired boy. Windshear walked over and she and Toothless nuzzled each other in greeting. The two began to warble and croon to each other as if they were having their own conversation. Perhaps they were, but Hiccup wasn't translating their Dragonese at the moment since he was busy talking to Heather.
Heather placed her hands on hips and looked around, a wistful expression on her face. "You know, I've really missed this place. I was planning on visiting some time, but things on Berserker Island are all over the place right now."
Hiccup nodded in understanding. Since Dagur and Heather had reunited, the two had been making a great effort in rebuilding Berserker Island. While the task was difficult, it wasn't impossible, and from the last time Heather had Terror Mailed, she said that things were going along rather well. But as she filled Hiccup in about the reconstruction of buildings and the overall reorganization of things, it seemed as if both Dagur and Heather had quite the workload at the moment.
"I managed to convince Dagur to let me come as long as I promised to return shortly afterward," said Heather with a small roll of her eyes. "I would never in a million years leave him hanging like that."
Heather, Hiccup, and their dragons began to walk to the Clubhouse. On their way there, Heather asked, "So, how are things going up here? I hear there's a situation with some eggs?"
Hiccup sighed, rubbing Toothless' head to ease his worry. "Things are kind of crazy at the moment," the young viking answered truthfully. Toothless warbled, affirming his statement. Hiccup explained everything on the way to the Clubhouse. He told Heather about his first encounter with the Dreamcatcher and all of the events leading up to that moment. Heather absorbed all the information like a sponge, and she didn't interrupt Hiccup as he went on with his thorough explanation. The green-eyed girl gave a nod every so often to let Hiccup know that she was still listening. Once Hiccup finished, Heather let out a long and slow whistle. Even Windshear seemed rather stunned.
"You guys have been through quite the heap of trouble," remarked Heather. "And a dragon that eats dreams? That's freaky."
"It is," agreed Hiccup. The group of four arrived at the Clubhouse entrance, where the rest of the Dragon Riders were waiting inside. "But a bit cool in a way. Midnight isn't as mean as she seems. She's pretty nice once you get to know her."
Heather and Hiccup entered the room, and Heather was immediately greeted by the other Riders inside. Heather arm bumped Astrid and even gave Tuffnut a high five when he lifted his hand for one. "I'm never washing this hand again!" he announced blithely.
"Have you tried putting fish oil in your hair?" asked Ruffnut. She had suggested her personal trick for treating hair to Heather the last time she had been at the Edge.
Heather shook her head. "I haven't. I think I'll stick with my usual treatment."
Ruffnut shrugged. "Suit yourself."
Snotlout sauntered up to Heather, and he flashed her a cocky grin. "So…where were we last time you were here, Heather?" He attempted to wrap an arm around her, but Heather reacted instantly, whacking Snotlout across the helmet before his hand could come within an inch of her.
"Nuh, uh," said Heather. She placed her hand on her hip. "I didn't come here to get all flirty."
Snotlout crossed his arms and smirked. "You don't know what you're missing," he said smugly. Heather rolled her eyes, but she was happy to see everyone again. Especially Fishlegs, whom she hadn't been able to communicate with much since she was so busy on Berserker Island. The two chatted for a bit as Hiccup went to grab Midnight's eggs from Toothless' saddle. The young viking then walked up to Heather, and opened the saddlebag, revealing the colorful, iridescent eggs that laid inside. Heather gasped.
"Oh my Thor, they're beautiful," said Heather in awe. She looked up at Hiccup and patted Windshear's side. "Windshear and I will make sure they stay safe until you guys return."
"Thank you, Heather," said Hiccup with a smile. He handed the bag to the black-haired girl, and Heather handled it with care. Windshear cooed over the eggs, admiring them just as much as her rider was.
"What should I do if the eggs hatch?" Heather asked, looking up from the bundle of Dreamcatcher eggs.
"I don't think they will," said Fishlegs blatantly. When he received shocked stares for both the Dragon Riders and dragons, he quickly added, "N-No! I didn't mean it like that. I just mean not right now. Dreamcatcher eggs take a while to hatch from what I've read, so I'm sure we still have some time. Midnight's only been here for about a week."
"So we still have time," clarified Astrid with a hint of relief.
"But it doesn't hurt to be prepared," added Hiccup. He turned to Heather. "If the eggs do look like they're going to hatch, make sure they're comfortable. We'll try to hurry so Midnight can reunite with her eggs before they do."
Heather nodded, and she went off with Windshear to prepare to take care of the eggs while the Dragon Riders got ready to search for the Dragon Hunters. Hiccup was confident that he and the Riders would be able to defeat the Hunters and save Midnight. The young viking hoped that she was doing okay…She looked downright terrified when he had last seen her.
Since Midnight was still injured (and was now suffering a new injury on the same wounded leg thanks to the Dragon Hunters), Hiccup made sure to pack extra rolls of gauze and a helping of fish in case Midnight was hungry. She hadn't fed on any dreams since the night the Dragon Riders had found her, and she was probably beyond hungry at this point.
After a few more preparations and a second review over the plan, Hiccup and the Dragon Riders were set and ready to go. They met up in front of the Dragon Stables and began to make final adjustments to either what they were bringing with them, or silently refreshing the plan in their heads. Hiccup was adjusting one of the straps to Toothless' saddle—as it had come loose during the previous battle—when Astrid walked up to him, her favorite axe strapped to her back.
"You ready for this?" Astrid asked.
"Are you ready for this?" Hiccup rebounded the question. He stood up. "Is your leg still causing you trouble?"
Astrid shrugged casually and she moved her leg around. "It's a bit sore, but it stopped bleeding, so I removed the gauze," she replied. "We'll mostly be in the air anyway, so there isn't anything to worry about." Astrid's expression morphed into one of concern. "You on the other hand…"
The battle-ready Hofferson was referring to Hiccup's head injury, which he had partially recovered from. At least, so Hiccup thought. The sword slash on his forehead was still bleeding, but not like a fountain. A headache loomed in the back of his head, but Hiccup deemed that the pain was bearable. Besides, he wanted to save Midnight, and the Dragon Riders only had one chance to do so before the Dragon Hunters disappeared again.
"Astrid, I'm fine," reassured Hiccup. He touched his head, which was wrapped with a new roll of gauze. Yes, the wound's bleeding had slowed, but that still didn't mean Astrid was comfortable letting Hiccup fly into battle with an injured head.
"Shouldn't you rest for a little longer?" asked Astrid. "You aren't in pain or anything?"
Hiccup shook his head. "Not much," he replied. Astrid frowned and Hiccup sighed.
"Astrid, I'll be fine. If all goes well, this will be an in and out job," said Hiccup. "You and the others have my back, so I'm sure there's nothing to worry about." He took the Hofferson's hand in his. "We got this."
Astrid smiled softly and she leaned in. Hiccup leaned in as well; the two of them being pulled together as if they were magnets. Astrid's lips pressed against Hiccup's, and the two were locked in a kiss. The blissful moment ended too soon when they both pulled away, but Astrid's smile was still wide and bright. Brighter than the sun itself.
"Okay," Astrid said, her blue eyes shimmering. "I trust you."
Hiccup felt his heart soar like a dragon, and he could feel his confidence and strength boost from just those three words. Hiccup and Astrid mounted their dragons and headed out to the edge of the landing deck. Heather was standing in front of the door to the Dragon Stables with Windshear standing loyally beside her. She had placed the Dreamcatcher eggs inside and decided that she would watch them from there. Heather waved as the Dragon Riders got ready to depart.
"Good luck, you guys!" Heather called.
Hiccup smiled. "You too!" he hollered back. Then, the Dragon Riders were off.
…
The afternoon slipped away as evening began. The sun was slowly and subtly beginning to dip, but it still gave off its light as Hiccup and the Dragon Riders sailed over the vast blue ocean below. They kept their eyes and ears open for any sign of the Dragon Hunters. They had gone north like Snotlout had suggested, but so far, there was no sign of the Hunters. At least, not yet.
The dragons sniffed the air for any trace of Midnight or the ships, but they couldn't catch a clear scent. Luckily, it wasn't long until the Dragon Hunter ships came into view. Upon seeing them, the Dragon Riders flew into the clouds to take cover.
The ships were moving at an incredibly slow pace, as if they were waiting for the Dragon Riders to come and attack. Perhaps they were still recovering from the battle that took place on Dragon's Edge. Hiccup hoped that it was the latter, but even if it wasn't, he and the Dragon Riders weren't backing down now.
"Okay, this is it," said Hiccup. He turned to the others. "Remember the plan, guys. Just keep on distracting them until Toothless and I free Midnight. Then, we're out of here."
The Dragon Riders nodded, showing that they understood. The Dragon Riders flew in the clouds for a few more moments until Hiccup gave the signal for them to dive. The Riders burst from the clouds above and dived toward the ships below, catching the Hunters completely off guard. The Dragon Riders then launched the first part of their attack.
The element of surprise—as always—proved to be useful to the Dragon Riders as they launched their fire on the ships below. The Hunters still hadn't completely recovered from their last attack on Dragon's Edge, giving the Riders the upper hand. Stormfly and Astrid fired down at many ships, disappling the several catapults and chain winches that lined the decks. Fishlegs and Meatlug poured burning hot magma over the wooden ships, which ate away at the wood in an instant. Snotlout and Hookfang burned the sails and masts of ships, and eventually burned at the wooden hulls to cause them to sink. Ruffnut and Tuffnut came barreling in with Barf and Belch, Zippleback explosions bursting in all directions again and again. Their battle tactic was so unpredictable, that the Dragon Hunters had trouble keeping up with them.
Ships burned and blazed away as the Riders continued to attack. It took the Dragon Hunters a while to reload after firing since they were low on ammo, but they didn't back down and put up a fight with the Dragon Riders, even though retreating seemed like the best way to go. Hiccup and Toothless soared over the burning ships, eventually spotting the one that they had both seen Midnight on last. Hiccup's heart nearly stopped beating in his chest when he realized that Midnight wasn't on the deck!
Belatedly, it then came to Hiccup that Midnight must have been moved below deck, so he and Toothless rocketed down to the deck of the ship, landing on it without fear of the several Hunters that surrounded them. Toothless knocked out most of the Dragon Hunters with his tail while Hiccup whipped out his shield and used it to block and deflect blows that were directed towards him. He also used it to send several Hunters unconscious as he and Toothless fought on. In a short moment's time, Dragon Hunters fell to the ground in heaps while others jumped off the edge of the boat, knowing that dealing with an upset viking and his Night Fury was something that they most definitely didn't want to do.
Hiccup and Toothless hurriedly made their way below deck, but made sure to keep their guards up for anything anomalous. It was dark and eerie under the ship, but the two didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Hiccup and Toothless soon arrived where the Dragon Cages were built in, and it didn't take them long to locate Midnight, who was the only dragon occupying a cage. The Dreamcatcher's feathers flared at the sight of the two of them, and she warbled happily. Hiccup and Toothless ran up to her, large smiles on their faces.
"Oh, thank Thor you're alright," Hiccup said in relief. Upon further examination, Hiccup noticed that the Dragon Hunters had taken the time to wrap Midnight's leg. Still, Hiccup wanted to get her out of the horrible conditions of that cage.
Using an extra dagger that he had brought with him, Hiccup managed to pick the lock off and Midnight was free. She nuzzled Hiccup and the young viking smiled, giving her an affectionate scratch.
"It's good to see you too, girl," said Hiccup. "Now, why don't we get out of here?"
"That won't be happening," said a new voice. One that Hiccup immediately recognized and wished that he could unhear. Hiccup clutched his shield as he turned around to spot Viggo Grimborn standing in the entrance and exit of the chamber of cages. The man crossed his arms.
"You won't be leaving here any time soon," Viggo said cruelly. "None of you."
And just like that, Hiccup's feeling of victory burned out like a finished flame.
Author's Note: Darn you Viggo. =/ Why do you always have to come in and ruin everything...?!
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter (and I also hope I got Heather's characterization right...I think I did pretty well for a first timer X)), and I'll see ya in the next one. =D
Until the next chapter!
~BeyondTheMoon1203