Thanks to all who watched/ favorited! You guys are the best! Also, Hiccup is about 21 I think during SoD, just as a minor note. Ok on with the fic!
"Depends on what you mean by 'it'" Hiccup clarified. "If by 'It' you mean safety, then yes, you definitely made it."
"So...I'm at the Academy?"
Valka shook her head "No, I'm afraid you're one island over, young viking."
The teen groaned, then his eyes snapped open "Flecktalon?! Where's...oh good, there you are, big guy. Thought they left you behind." He reached out his hand to the Sand Wraith, who put his nose in it and then proceeded to lick his face happily. The boy laughed while weakly shoving his dragon off "All right already! Ew...dragon wash! We have to get to the academy, I'll miss orientation!"
Hiccup chuckled and held up both hands "Woah there stranger! This storm has set everything on its head. The school won't actually resume until everything is back to normal, and the facility has been cleaned up. What's your name? I can check the roster and send a Terror Mail telling the Headmaster you're on your way, you'll just be a few days late."
The young teen looked eagerly at the one-legged Viking, before actually registering who it was he was talking to. His brown eyes went wide, and he smiled "I feel honored. The very first Dragon Rider wants to know my name. Pardon my rudeness, Dragon Conqueror. My Name is Ruetoff the Runt, and that's my partner, Flecktalon."
Hiccup bashfully rubbed the back of his neck "Well, I can't say I'm used to being—wait, Dragon Conqueror? You must have been with the Outcasts recently. That explains the leathers. How is Alvin anyway? Haven't seen him in a while, not since he left Berk on good terms."
"Alvin the Treacherous? He's still chief. A little too manic for my tastes though. I was only there a few weeks, trying to get my bearings after...well after stuff...happened."
Hiccup sensed a deep regret in those words, but decided not to pry. They'd just met after all. Besides, Ruetoff needed his rest, and Hiccup needed to send that Terror Mail to the Headmaster before too long. Any and all new students were welcome at the Academy, and the young chief felt that Ruetoff would fit in well at the school. There was one thing he wanted to know though.
"How'd you and Flecktalon meet? You two seem real close."
The young viking frowned with a scowl in his voice "Trappers liked his coloring. They chased him until he was exhausted then threw a barbed net on him. I rescued him in the middle of a raid, and we've been together ever since."
Hiccup smiled and looked at his Mom before turning his full attention to the teen,
"Well, Ruetoff, I can definitely tell that you'll fit right in at the Academy. I just need an age and an island of origin, then your application will be complete."
"I'm 18 years old. And…." he hesitated, then held his head low.
"I'm from Berk."
Hiccup raised an eyebrow, clearly curious "Ok, more on that when you're healed up. Aaaaand...all done! Ok Ruetoff, consider yourself registered! Once you and Flecktalon are ready to fly again, you can head over to the School of Dragons and begin your lessons!"
The boy smiled weakly, releived that the Chief was not going to grill him at the moment, if at all, although the Dragon Conqueror was clearly itching to find out more about him. Ruetoff counted himself lucky he landed on Berk, but he was still a lot nervous. The last time he was here...but no. He would not dwell on that, not now at least.
Flecktalon sensed his partner's distress and inched closer, purhumming comfortingly. Toothless cocked his head and flicked his tail, licking his lips and gurgling at the injured dragon, cautioning him to take it easy. Flecktalon growled back, his teeth exposed, which made Toothless bear up and spread his wings in a dominance display, growling with head down and eyes slitted in warning. He was the Alpha, and he would be respected as such!
The black and speckled dragon immediately regretted his agression, and dropped his gaze.. The Alpha accepted his apology and went into neutral mode again, head tilted slightly to the side and scales relaxed as he sat on his haunches and watched the other dragon gently comfort his human. Hiccup smiled softly at the two's interaction, and stood next to his own partner.
"Well, I think these two can heal on their own, Bud. Let's go check on the others hmm?"