"HI EVERYONE! I'll just get right to the point about what has happened to me during these moths of 2019, I've been doing having fun with my family and friends, I have seen lots of movies, including Avengers End Game NO SPOILERS, I saw Mamma mia 2 LOOOVED IT ! and I gone to the Comic Con IT WAS AWSOME!

Now I'm going to try to update the chapters a bit fast, but the only down side is that they won't be edited or prof read by my friend who is really busy with her job. So when the next chapter comes don't be surprise if you read something that off or a few errors. There always a catch people

I will like to say Welcome those who have Favs/Follow my story and Thank you to those who have stick with it this long"

Responses from Reviews

123princess

I haven't seen the 3rd movie yet, but i will soon

I was planning to write the series but like you said I'm not fast enough, so I'm only going to focues on the movies.

Guest #1

I'm soo glad that you love my story and Mericcup XD

DragonGirl

Thank you so much for your words, and I'm flattered that you love 'A Twist of Fate', and I promise you that this story will continue, so don't worry.

And thank you for being patient and understanding

I hope you enjoy this chapter

Alhena Sothis Black

Glad you like this fic, and I will never abandon it

Thanks for your patient

ACE

I'm glad that Velocirstar 239 has a best buddy like you Ace, and thank you so much for your kinds words. I really aprettiate it.

9ja4life

Hope you like this chapter. Enjoy

Velocirstar 239

Thank you very much Velocirstar 239 for your sweet, kind words and for being patient with my story.

And don't worry I will never change who I am

I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Mimmi-14

Well life always throwing something at you, and you have no choice but to face it and try to deal with it. And I know that the readers are curious about whether I will write the movies and the series, and don't be afriad to be frank with me. Just to let you know will only write the movies, it will take time but I will continue the story and the future ones that I will write as well.

Here's my answer

1. Don't worry he will very soon.

2. Not telling

3. They are not exactly friends. Iona only hangs out with them to keep an eye on them

4. Not telling

You are only saying the truth. And I rather you being honest with than lying. So thank you

Momijifan Low-Ki chapter 8 . Oct 24, 2018

If I could, I draw Merida being snuggled by dragons. So cute

I hope you like this chapter as well

Warlocktoungue

Is it yes or no? You decide

And I will never give up on this fic

Althea Sirius

I understad, but I'm sure there are some Platonic Mericcup stories out there, it's just a bit hard to find them.

Kilo8

Thanks Kilo8 for understanding, and I hope your doing well with your every day life.

Reaganrose1315

(Muushu's voice) I LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE!

Enjoy this chpater!

Chapter 8

Merida was going up and down the stairs of the house bringing and pouring bucket after bucket of water to fill in the large circular wooden tub that was in her room. After bringing two more buckets of water the tub was finally filled. Merida walked down the hard wood stairs and went out the door. She made her way to a flight plank of stairs that were connected to a big rock pillar, and began going up to reach the top. At the very top of the rock pillar stood a hut that belongs to the elder Gothi where she does all her work as the village healer.

When Merida finally arrive at the top she saw Gothi placing some herbs and a jar of oil inside a small box, the red hair girl knows that all of that stuff was for her bath. A soon as they got back from the arena Merida had made up a story to the elder of how she "accidently" fell on a field of the scented grass, and that now her clothes and she herself reek of the strong scent. Lucky for Merida the elder believe it without asking more questions, and both got everything ready for the bath.

"Anma th' tub is filled" said Merida as she grabbed the box "I'll tak' this"

Gothi nodded and grab her staff and began walking down the stairs with Merida following right behind her. They enter the house and made their way up to Merida's room, Gothi began throwing the herbs and the jar of oil in the tub that would help eliminate the stench and stirred it with her staff. Gothi turn to the girl and snap her fingers and pointed to her clothes, Merida nodded and began taking off her attire. She placed her clothes in a basket so that the elder could wash them later. Even when she took off her clothes the redhead teen can still smell the garlicky scent on her skin. She looks at the elder and sees her stirring the water with her staff as if it was a cauldron of stew, which got Merida thinking that Gothi almost look like a witch. Though she never seen one in real life but have heard of them.

Gothi looked back at the girl and gave a stern look towards her, Merida was confuse at the elder's expression until she used the staff and pointed at her chest. Merida's eyes drew down and sees that the staff was pointing at her underclothes, which consisted of a sleeveless white shirt with a low neckline that shows the binds that held her chest and her underwear "Do Ah really have tae?" She asked with a grimace look.

It wouldn't be the first time that the elder had seen the red hair girl in the nude before, but that didn't stop Merida for feeling a bit timid.

Gothi replied by nodding her head and made a motion with her hand to get on with it. Merida gave a sigh before rolling her eyes out as she reluctantly took of her underclothes, when she drop them in the basket she began taking off the binds around her chest. As soon as the binds were off Merida was completely naked, she made a sigh of relief for she was able to breathe easier without feeling constricted on her chest. She heard a cough sound and sees Gothi pointing her staff at the tub indicating that it's ready and made a motion with her head telling the girl to get in.

"Wait" Merida grabbed a cloth from her bed and used it to wrap her hair up so it wouldn't get wet. Usually she would wash her hair too but today was not the day to do it. When she was done she made her way to the tub, she touch the water with her hand and no surprise it was cold, she didn't have time to heat up the water since Gothi told her that the sooner they get rid of the scented grass the better it'll be for her. Not wanting to waste any more time she got into the tub and she sat down slowly.

Merida shivered from the cold sensation of the water that reach above her chest but her body slowly began getting used to the temperature. The scent that the water had was strange but it did smell a bit better than the garlicky grass. Gothi put her staff down and grab a white rag, she got close to the teen Viking girl and started washing her.

Merida would have been fine washing herself but Gothi insisted that she do it because she knew the right way to do it. The teen redhead could have argued about it but after finding out that the grass has an effect on dragons, she worried of the chances of walking around Berk with the grass scent will cause any of those scaly beasts to come flying out of nowhere to cuddle with her. So whether she liked it or not she will gladly let Gothi who is an expert and knowledgeable about these sorts of things to wash the scent away.

The elder was rubbing the rag on the girl's arm and Merida made a hiss sound from how hard the elder was scrubbing the cloth on her skin "Anma if ye keep washin' me 'at hard, th' scent willnae be th' only thing comin' off" she said.

Gothi merely rolled her eyes and continued, Merida muttered something but not loud enough for the elder to hear.

When Gothi finished with both arms she moved to wash the girl's back, she rubs the rag at the neck, then on her back and then moved the rag down to the girl's sides. Merida jolted a bit from the sudden contact but didn't dare to make a sound. As the elder rub the rag on the teen girl's side she still kept quiet but that didn't stop her body from trembling, Gothi didn't pay any mind to the girl's shivering as she continued washing her back. This is one of the many reasons why Merida didn't like to be wash by Gothi, whenever the elder washed on her ribs or her sides it always made her laugh because it tickles. It was always like that ever since she was little.

Merida felt the rag on her side which made her jolt again but she kept her lips shut, not wanting to let out a single noise. The teen girl turn her head and was about to say something until her eyes saw the smirk across the elders face, meaning that she was doing it on purpose.

"Yoo're enjoyin' this aren't ye?" Said Merida as a statement then a question.

Gothi replied by rubbing on the girl's sides which cause Merida to let out a small yelp and quickly use her hands to her cover her mouth. The elder laughed at hearing the teen girl make such a cute sound and Merida face turned red from embarrassment, but she got her revenge by surprising the old woman by splashing water at her face.

"Oops" Merida snickered but Gothi's face wasn't amused at all.

~0~

Hiccup was at the cove to have another test flight with the Night Fury, after being at the forge earlier and made a harness that will help him stay connected to the saddle better, he couldn't wait to try it on and test it. As soon as he got the saddle and fin on the black dragon, Hiccup got on Toothless and they were both off the ground.

Even with the small human on his back Toothless was having no trouble flying, granted that both he and the small boy are still figuring out how to stay on the air without crashing but it's still better than staying on the ground all day.

Both boy and dragon were flying around the cove, the flight was going well so far but it takes a lot of concentration for Hiccup to keep the prosthetic fin from closing, especially when he needs to move his foot in a way that will keep it that way. And right on cue the fin closed and that cause the Viking boy and the black dragon to fall but fortunately, they manage to crash land better than before and not in the water again.

"You alright bud?" Hiccup asked as he check the harness that was still intact. Toothless simply shook his head but still made a toothless smile, Hiccup was glad that the dragon was alright and was also happy that the harness was working too. "Want to try again?" The Night Fury answer the small boy by flying off without warning "A simple 'yes' would have been fine!" He said sarcastically as he maneuver his foot to keep the fin open. Hiccup and Toothless kept flying around the cove and manage to stay air born for more than a minute but as always they kept falling but surprisingly doing better at crash landing without getting hurt badly.

It may be hard keeping the fin open but Hiccup would be lying if he said he wasn't having a good time, it's still hard to believe that he's actually flying and riding a Night Fury of all dragons, the chances of it are impossible and yet here he is in the air far from the ground with the deadliest dragon of all time.

Once again the Viking boy and the Night Fury were off balance and crash landed, Toothless got up and can safely say that he was not the least bit hurt from the fall. The dragon turn his head towards the small boy and felt relief to see him not fall out of his back and unharmed. Never in his existence did the Night Fury thought he would worry over a human, after all his experience with them he couldn't understand why he was willing to let this boy be even this close to him. But the black dragon couldn't help but be concerned over this particular small human as if he was a baby hatchling in which he kinda is in human terms but had a lot of skills for such a young one. Toothless was quite impress that he and the boy are doing well working together to fly, and though the dragon has always known how to fly ever since he could remember, it almost feels like the first time for him and especially for the small human. The Night Fury was brought out of his thoughts when he felt a small hand on his head, his green acid eyes connected with the boy's forest green eyes that held concern and warmth to them. Toothless has notice that the small human seem to always worry about his wellbeing, he appreciate the boy's concerns over him but the dragon can handle a few hits just fine, if anything should the small human be worry about is himself.

"Want to go again Toothless?"

The Night Fury still found it strange that the boy calls him by that name but oddly enough he didn't mind, he kinda likes it. Toothless spread his wings and took off from the ground without warning, much to the Viking boy's dislike in which made the dragon smirk.

After flying for what felt like hours Hiccup left foot was starting to get strain from moving it and keeping it steady for all that time.

"I think that's enough flying for today" said Hiccup to Toothless "Let's head down"

Toothless could go on flying some more but understood that the small human was getting tired, so he nodded and they flew back to the ground. When they found a good spot in the cove Hiccup and Toothless successfully manage to land without trouble, the Viking boy unhook the harness from the saddle and got off.

"Well I say that was one of our best landings yet" said Hiccup with confidence but the Night Fury gave him a deadpan look to what he just said which got the teenage boy to give a nervous laugh "Alright. Alright our first proper landing without crashing" Toothless made a satisfied expression and went to the spring to get a drink.

Hiccup decided to lay down on the ground looking at nothing but the sky, he started to wonder if he and Toothless would ever manage to go high enough to reach all the way up there. They're getting good at flying, that is to say they're able to be on the air long enough to fly but not enough to stay longer without falling. Hiccup knew that he had to do something to keep the fin open and figure out how to keep it steady, since he notice that whenever he move his foot just a little will change the fins direction. Obviously the Viking boy will have to build something for that to work but he's having trouble on what exactly he has to make, he gave a sigh and place both his hands on his face to cover his eyes and made a distress moan.

'Who would have thought it be this hard to help a dragon to fly instead of killing it' thought Hiccup.

Hiccup ears heard the sounds of movement and grumbles, he move his left hand away and his left eye sees that the Night Fury seems to be distress about something. The Viking teen use both his hands to sit up and he sees that Toothless was moving his front paws to the back of his ears to apparently scratch a spot that was itchy to the dragon. But it seems that he couldn't reach the exact spot, Hiccup lips made a small smile then stood up from the ground and made his way towards the dragon.

"Want me to give you a scratch bud?" Hiccup ask and was glad that the Night fury replied by giving him a nod.

The Viking boy first unstrap the saddle and took it off the dragon, as soon as he place the saddle down Hiccup began to scratch Toothless behind the ears with his hands. He scratch on the part that he thought was itchy to the dragon and got his answer as he heard Toothless growling with rapture. The Night Fury was very thankful for the boy's assistance on the irritating spot that's been bordering him, the boy's hands may be small and not as sharp as his claws but the dragon was happily enjoying the way the small human was scratching his neck.

Hiccup found it a bit funny that the Night Fury enjoys being scratch on 'Gobber would think I lost my mind if he sees me scratching a Night Fury as if it was a pet' he thought. Toothless lifted his head up not helping himself as he wanted the boy to keep scratching. The Viking boy kept scratching the dragon's neck but then he move his left hand down so he could scratch under the chin, as soon as Hiccup gave just three scratches Toothless eyes instantly widen, his whole body went limp and collapse to the ground.

Hiccup stayed still when he saw Toothless suddenly fall down, his hands were in the same position they were when he was scratching the dragon, but was still feeling surprise from what just happened. Obviously Toothless wasn't in any sort of pain judging by his relax body language and the serene expression on his face. But that still doesn't explain why the dragon became like that.

Hiccup looked at his hands and replayed what he did over his head and was amaze to what he discovered. He was able to take down the fiercest dragon in all of Berk with just a scratch under the neck, an act so small but super effective that makes the dragon weep on its knees. The Viking boy lips spread into a smile as he got the idea to use this new found discovery for the next dragon training.

The Night Fury decided to take the opportunity of his relax posture to take a nice long nap. Hiccup decides not to disturb Toothless and takes the opportunity to leave and get more fish for the sleepy dragon, who will be hungry by the time he wakes up.

As he left the cove and started walking his way towards the village Hiccup started to wonder why Merida hadn't arrive at the cove during the hours he was there. Hiccup didn't let himself worry too much, since his figure that something must have come up that she couldn't make it.

~0~

After what felt like forever Merida was finally scrub from head to toe, literally, then Gothi left the room for a couple of minutes and then came back with two buckets filled with water. Gothi instructed Merida to rinse herself off while she will clean the girl's clothes. Merida stood up from the tub and her body started to shiver from the cold air, she grabbed the bucket and pour all the water to her body, she did the same thing with the second bucket and got out of the wooden tub. She grab a towel from her bed and began drying herself before she got any more cold, she sniff her hand and arm and was relief to know that she no longer smell any trace of the garlicky scent on her. Which mean she didn't have to worry for any dragon flying out of nowhere to tackle her.

At the end of her bed was a large wooden chest, with interesting designs of an animal that she couldn't remember what it was, she opened it and inside were a bundle of clothes, cloth and lots of other stuff that she didn't bother to organize. Merida rummage through the wooden chest until she found what she was look for.

She began wrapping the binds around her chest and making sure that it's not too tight, once she was done and move her upper body to feel she wasn't constricted, she put on her extra underclothes and began to dress herself. She put on a big brown shirt that could look like a dress since it reach above her knees, then over the shirt she put on a dark blue shirt that was sleeveless that made it look like an apron, and then she put on a leather belt to finish the look.

Merida look at herself and was fine with the clothes she chose then she remove the cloth from her head and let loose her wild curls. As much as she would have love to keep it loose, she knew she had to tie it up, so grabbing a brush and a comb from the wooden chest and began working.

Gothi was down stairs near the fireplace stirring a cauldron with her staff, the elder used her staff to move the cauldron away from the fire, and she smelled it and then added more oil and herbs to it. She stirred it up for a second then place a lid on it and used her staff to move the cauldron back to the fire, the elder heard footsteps and turns to see that the Viking girl walking down the stairs while wrapping her hair with a thin cloth.

Merida finished tying a knot at the end of her hair and then move it behind her back, she look at the elder and shrug her shoulders "Nae exactly battle armur but it'll do right?"

Gothi nodded her head agreeing to what the teen girl said and then turn back to the cauldron, Merida notice the big pot in the fireplace and got curious. She got close to Anma and sees her taking the lid off and out came a smoke that smell really weird, Merida cough and use her hand to clear away the stench then her eyes notice that her clothes were in the big pot. Gothi used her staff and stirred it again.

"Should Ah tak' it that we're havin' mah clothes for dinner?" Asked Merida with a playful smile on her face.

Gothi made a blank expression for not finding it funny to what the teen girl said and walked towards the corner of the room that had dirt on the floor. With her staff Gothi began writing and Merida look down and read what the elder was trying to tell her.

After few seconds of deciphering what it said Merida gave a nod "Ah know. Ah know. I'll empty th' tub" she was about to go but then gave a small smirk "Want me tae fetch mah socks for th' stew?" She got her answer by dodging a swing from Gothi's staff, Merida gave a small giggle and went upstairs to empty out the wooden tub. Gothi shook her head and then went back stirring the clothes.

Meanwhile…

Hiccup was at his house filling up the basket of fish again, he was lucky that his father kept a good stock of them for the coming winter. The Viking boy just hopes that when Stoick comes back from the search, he doesn't notice the reduce amount of the fish. Which also made Hiccup wonder what he'll do once he can't take any more fish to feed Toothless, but he shrugged it off and thought that he'll figure something out.

Suddenly the Viking boy hears a loud knock on the door making him wonder who it could be "Hiccup are ye in there?" And with that he got his answer.

Hiccup made a groan sound and then spoke "J-Just a minute Gobber!"

He quickly hid the basket and tried his best not to show any suspicious about himself. He opened the door to find Goobber standing there "Hi Gobber. What uh brings you here?"

"Well for one thing keeping an eye on you so you don't do anything stupid" answered the Blacksmith Viking.

'Too late for that' thought Hiccup since he already done something stupid regarding the Night Fury.

"And second to tell you that we are going to have another group briefing at the Great Hall about our fight at the ring" said Gobber as his mouth formed a sneaky smile "I'm itching to hear how you improve in a matter of just two days"

"Y-Yeah me too" said Hiccup sounding less excited.

Gobber clearly not paying much attention to the teen boy's reply, he simply smile and turn around "Good. We meet after sun down. Don't be late" he warned as he walk away from the house.

As soon as Hiccup closed the door he leaned his back on it, made a big sigh and slid down slowly until his rear end made contact with the floor. The Viking boy was beginning to question if his luck was getting good or bad, how he was supposed to explain to Gobber and the other Viking teens of how he was able to take down the dragon when he couldn't reveal anything that will involve exposing Toothless. The only upside to this problem was that he had Merida there to help him if anything happens.

With that in mind Hiccup got up from the floor, grab the basket and left the house through the back door.

Along the way to the cove Hiccup was going through his head thinking over ideas on how to improve the prosthetic tail fin, but so far he was not having much luck on what to do. Maybe if he goes to the forge to his small room he might be able to come up with something.

Hiccup arrives at the entrance to the cove and goes in, once he is through he sees Toothless was still sleeping but as soon as he made his way down the black dragon's ears stood up and his eyes open. Toothless sees the boy coming and sees the big basket he's carrying meaning that he brought food for him again. The Night Fury got up, stretched his body and then went towards the small human. Hiccup place the basket down, gladly opened it and spilled all the fish into a pile.

Not wasting any second Toothless immediately dig in on the fish with much delight.

"Enjoy your meal bud. Wish I can stay longer but I have to go back" said Hiccup "I'll come back again tomorrow"

With a fish still in his mouth Toothless look up to the Viking boy, nodded his head at him and went back to eating.

Hiccup mouth formed a smile and then made his way out of the cove.

~0~

The sun has set and night has fallen on the island of Berk, some of the Vikings started to head back to their house to rest while some still remain up, and others were patrolling.

Merida was on her way to the Great Hall with Gothi next to her, obviously there were going to eat but also because Merida had to be with the other recruits to have a another talk on how they perform at dragon training. As they were passing through the village a few of the Vikings that were around notice them, they would nod their heads to pay respect to the elder Gothi but when their eyes caught sight of the red hair Viking girl they look away. Merida eyes would glance for only a second to catch those who were looking at her and the faint of their whispers when they think she couldn't hear them. She merely ignore them and just kept walking and with her eyes forward.

Merida and Gothi began walk up the stone stairs that lead to the Great Hall, which impresses the teen girl on how the elder isn't getting tired from all climbing every time. Then again the elder's hut is at the top of a rock pillar, for her this might as well be her mourning routine.

Once they arrive at the top they entered and see that the hall was mostly full, Merida spotted the other Viking teens already at a table but she didn't see a certain auburn hair boy among them. The red hair looked around the hall but he wasn't at any of the tables, she started to wonder where he could be and worries that he was doing something dangerous without her being there to help. Merida was about to go and find him but not before bumping into a big familiar figure with blond hair, a hammer for a hand and a peg leg.

"Where you off to lass? The food is on the other direction?" asked Gobber.

"Weel Ah was uh… Ah was gonnae umm…" Merida was stammering which is something that doesn't happen often.

As the Blacksmith Viking waited for the red hair teen to answer he took a look at the table where the recruits are and wasn't at all surprise that his apprentice was not there or anywhere in the hall. Gobber made a big sigh and shook his head "Go on" he said which made Merida to look up at him "Get that boy here and tell him that he will get a mouthful out of me when he gets here"

Merida nodded and began making her way down the stone steps, as both elder and blacksmith watch the girl leave Gothi look at the two missing limbs Viking with a questionable expression. "What? I ask her to fetch Hiccup, it's not any different from fetching a basket of fish" the elder gave him a stare as if she knew that he was up to something "Oh relax you old bat I'm not up to anything"

That earn him a good hit in the head from her staff "Ow! Sorry, sorry. Poor choice of words".

Merida was heading to the forge since it was one of the few places she knew where the Viking boy would be, figuring that he could be there working on something and if he's not then her next guess was the cove. As she got close Merida saw that the forge was empty but was going to look anyway to make sure he was there or not, once she got close she notice the light that was coming from the small room. Merida entered and saw Hiccup on his desk drawing away on a paper but from the looks of his frustrated expression and the crumple up papers on the floor he was not having much luck on whatever it is he's trying to draw.

The red hair teen didn't want to interrupt him when he's in one of his creative mode but they had to go to the Great Hall where Gobber was waiting for them. So seeing as the teen boy has not even realize she was there, Merida quietly entered the small room and place her hands behind her back and leaned a bit close to him "Hiccup"

Her voice brought him out of his thoughts that cause him to jump out of surprise almost falling out of the chair but luckily he quickly grab on to the wooden desk before he could fall. When Hiccup sat down he let out an air he was holding and look to the person who almost made him fall.

Merida merely tilted her head a bit and pretended to look innocent "Am Ah interruptin' somethin' ?"

"Oh no. I was just here concentrating on what to draw" replied Hiccup sarcastically.

Merida rolled her eyes and smirked "Well mister artist put down the charcoal pen and get up. We're going to the Great Hall"

Hiccup was about to ask her why until realization click on his head which got him to sigh "Do I really have to go?" He asked but already knows the answer.

Before Merida could say anything a low growling sound was heard, she look towards Hiccup who looked as surprise as the red hair girl. Another growling sound was made and both of them knew that the sound was coming from the boy's stomach, which made Hiccup's face to turn a little red.

"Hungry aren't we?" asked Merida as she held in a laugh.

Hiccup was about to say something but was interrupted by another growl from his stomach, and this time Merida let out a small chuckle which got the Viking boy to wrap both arms around his stomach as if doing it will make it stop and look away from the redhead so she wouldn't see the increase blush on his face.

After getting over his little embarrassment Hiccup and Merida left the smithy and were making their way to the Great Hall.

"How is Toothless daein' ?" Merida asked after making sure there were no one around to hear them "Did th' two of ye had anither flight test?"

Hiccup nodded "Yeah. We manage to stay air born more than a minute but I'm having a bit of trouble keeping the fin open"

"So that means ye been crash landin' all day?"

"N-No. We actually had a couple of few good landings"

Merida stopped walking and gave a look towards the Viking boy that clearly says 'I don't believe you'.

Hiccup had a nervous expression but made a sigh of defeat "Alright only one proper landing"

Merida made a satisfied smile for his answer and continued walking, and Hiccup jogged up next to her.

"What will ye do next?" She asked.

Hiccup scratch his head trying to figure that out himself "Next is uh… I'm not exactly sure, but I have to make something to keep the fin opened"

"So th' scattered papers oan th' floor, was a new invention?" speculated Merida.

"Yes" He replied "but nothing comes to mind. Every time I think I have something it disappears like the fog"

"What ye need is a break" replied Merida as she poke his head with her finger "Give that head full of ideas a rest an' try nae tae over think too much"

"Maybe" said Hiccup before giving a sigh, then he took notice of her outfit "By the way, what happen to your other clothes?"

"Oh Anma took mah clothes tae get them clean or more like cooked" giggle Merida not blaming the Viking boy for not understanding her joke "Even with mah clothes clean Ah still smelled like th' grass, so Ah had tae tak' a bath. Anma mix in some herbs an' oil tae get rid of th' scent oan me. An' Ah guess it worked since Ah huvnae been tackled by a wild dragon"

Hiccup unconsciously step a bit closer to the teen girl and sniffed her which made Merida stop in her tracks and became stiff from the unexpected action.

"You don't have the garlic scent grass on you" said Hiccup with a smile "So you smell just fine"

Merida face turn to a shade of red from the teen boy smelling her and being so close to her personal space. So without warning she push him away from her, and the force of her push cause the Viking boy to fall on his back.

"Will ye stop that!" Exclaimed Merida as her face was still a red but her anger was still shown in her expression.

"I uh I-I, s-sorry" stammered Hiccup feeling like a fool for doing that again.

Hiccup sees a hand and looks up to Merida who still have her eyes narrowed at him, he gives a small smile and was about to take it but then his eyes caught sight of two Vikings walking towards them. They notice the two of them and Hiccup drop his hand and gets up from the ground on his own "We should uh get going" he said as he walked ahead leaving a confuse Viking girl behind for a moment but then she caught up to him.

Both Viking teens finally arrive to the Great Hall as they entered the hall both of them notice some of the Vikings that were in their own tables glance towards them, obviously they were staring at Hiccup because of his performance on the ring. Both of them ignore the stares and walked to where Gobber and the recruits were and sat down on a table next to them like last time. As they grabbed their plates and cups and started eating, Hiccup got a smack from the back of his head from Gobber for being late and then they all began talking on how they did in the ring.

One by one each Viking teen told what they did in the arena and explain what they could try to improve, though a few weren't so truthful thinking that they are doing just fine. As Gobber listen to recruits he told each one of them on what to improve, for Ruffnut he told her to be more alert and be faster to avoid a fire blast, to her twin brother Tuffnut to think before he goes charging towards a dragon like a crazy person.

For Fishlegs he commented on his speed for someone so big but to try to put more effort to confront the dragon, Snotlout should work on his aim for when attacking and to dodge better. Astrid did well in avoiding the Grounckle's advances and got lucky to get a few strike on it but Gobber also told her to be more aware that she's not the only one fighting in the ring. Iona then spoke of her performance in the training and ended it with having the redhead Viking girl help her in the last minute.

"Though you gave a good hit on the Gronckle's tail Ionna, it will take more than that to get him down, remember that well" Gobber said.

"But I could have done better in protecting myself" said Ionna looking at her cup.

"True. But even when you think you're in a tight spot just know that you're not alone in a battle" added Gobber as he look to Merida.

The red hair Viking girl notice the blacksmith stare and knew that it was her turn to give a talk about her battle in the ring. Merida made a sigh and spoke loud and clear "When Ah threw th' hammer an' manage tae get th' dragon's attention oan me, Ah was preparin' for it tae attack. But when…" she stops midsentence wondering what to say without revealing anything about the scented grass.

"When it charge at me an' had me pin tae th' ground Ah cooldnae gettae away from it" Merida didn't realize it but she was griping the cup a bit too hard, Hiccup notice it but didn't dare to say anything. "Ah should have dodge it but Ah was slow an' let myself get caught. If it weren't for Ionna's mace, I wooldnae have escape from th' scaly beast"

Ionna was a bit taken aback for what the redhead said, if she didn't know any better her words almost sounded like a 'thanks' for helping her. Ionna took a bite of her last piece of bread and after swallowing it she spoke "Obviously you should considered lucky to be alive if it weren't for me. And just like me I would have had a nasty burn it you haven't thrown that hammer" she said as she place her chin on her hand to lean on and took a sip from her cup.

Merida nodded for what the Viking girl said which didn't go unnoticed for Ionna who continued from drinking her cup. Hiccup whoever had a small smile knowing that both girls felt neutral to what they both said.

Goober gave a nod and look the last recruit "So Hiccup, tells all about your performance in the training"

Hiccup was once again feeling uncomfortable that all of the Viking teens were staring at him, they all look excited all except for Astrid and Ionna who were staring at him with suspicious eyes and curious to know how he was able to handle the Grounckle so well. When he glance at Merida he saw her give a small hidden smile letting him know that she's here for him if anything happens.

Hiccup took a gulp from his cup and spoke "I-I uh after I help Merida, I came up with a plan to get the dragon to stay down. So I asked Merida to get its attention which was pretty easy for her to do" said Hiccup but soon regretted it when he receive a glare from the red hair girl, he made a fake cough and continued "A-Anyway once she lead the it to me, when the Grounckle got close I uh... I reach my hand out, grab it on the nose and gave the Grounckle a r-really hard glare showing it whose boss and then, then I-I push it to the ground and it stayed down"

The recruits looked in awe after hearing Hiccup describe his battle strategy with the dragon, Snotlout glare at Fishshlegs and no surprise the big blonde was already scared which satisfied the black hair Viking. Tuffnut tried to do the same to his sister but he got a punch from Ruffnut who was looking at Hiccup with goo-goo eyes. Astrid and Ionna were the only ones not impress, Astrid didn't really care how he handle the dragon, cause the next time they go to the arena she will show the small Viking and everyone how a real warrior fights off a dragon.

Iona had a feeling that there was more to what the small Viking boy was saying, it was strange enough when the Grounckle was interested in Merida but was easily taken down just by glaring at it didn't make any sense at all. If it was another Viking or the Chief it could be possible but Hiccup, who would be intimidated by him of all people.

"Hmm very interesting method you did there" said Gobber as he rub his chin but then look stern at the boy "Still it could have been very risky if it hadn't work"

"I-I'm sure I could have handle it" said Hiccup "Can't be any different than the raids"

"You weren't allowed to go out during raids" remark Astrid.

Hiccup nervous smile and scratch his head "Unless they lock me up and throw away the key. It was quiet easy to sneak out"

"Don't think we haven't thought of that" stated Gobber who smirk after seeing the surprise look on the Viking boy's face "But if you keep up the good work at training like you did today, we might not have to"

"Well I hate to admit it but Gobber is right" spoke Snotlout after taking a big gulp of his cup "You're surprisingly getting better. Which is something I never thought I would ever say, considering how much of a walking fishbone you are"

That last comment cause Hiccup to flinch and made a false laugh "Y-Yeah I guess..."

"Heck it's still surprising that you made it this far in the training" boasted Snotlout "Let's hope that the gods are still in your favor and you make it to the very end"

"Like yoo're gonnae make it tae th' very end"

All the recruits turn their attention to Merida who had her arms folded and her eyes narrowed at buff Viking teen.

"Well looky here, the damsel in distress decided to defend her hero" said Snotlout with a grin "Can't say I blame her though. I mean after letting her guard down by that Gronckle she was practically begging to be attack"

Merida eyes still narrowed at the Joggerson boy but her hands were gripping on her long sleeves which will leave an imprint on her skin if she keeps pressing on them.

"Don't feel too bad. Nobody blames you for being scared and defenseless. I mean you did make it up by being Hiccup's lovely assistant on getting the dragons attention for him" stated Snotlout "Maybe next time you can be my assistance"

Without warning Merida hands bangs the table with her fist so loud it caught everyone by surprise, especially Hiccup. Some Vikings in the hall turn their heads when they heard the loud sound and even Gothi look towards the table where the redhead sat. Hiccup still sees the anger in her face and was about to say something to her but then Merida got up from the table and started to leave.

"What's wrong can't handle the truth?" stated Snotlout as the red hair girl walk pass him "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do better next time. And you can always use that useless stick you call a bow Miss Archer"

Before he knew what was happening Snotlout felt his fur vest being pulled real hard and then he was yank off his seat making him scream in alarm and was thrown to the floor. And before he could get up something stomp on his back that made him go 'oof' and then both his wrist were grabbed and then they were pulled back real hard which made him yelled out in pain.

"Aam sorry, can ye repeat that?! Cause Ah didn't quite hear ye!" Barked Merida as she kept pulling and twisting his arms "Who's th' damsel in distress again?!"

Snotlout scream was heard from all around the Great Hall, the Vikings that were there all saw the spectacle from where they sat and some were really amuse by the scene. Gothi made a sigh and started walking towards the wild girl.

The Viking teens simply watch without saying anything thinking that the black hair teen could handle it while the twins were making bets on how long Snotlout could last. Hiccup didn't know whether he should do something or not but was scare that he could end up on the floor if he tries to stop the red hair girl.

"Merida!"

The red head teen turn her gaze towards Gobber who had a stern expression "You had your fun, now let him go"

Merida merely sigh and unfortunately let go of the Viking boy, Snotlout got up and look at the red head with a snarl look "Just so you know, I could have easily got out of it" he said as a matter of fact "Unlike you who couldn't get out from the Groun-ARG!"

Before he could finish his sentence Merida gave a good punch to his stomach and that knock the wind out of Snotlout and perhaps his food too as he fell on the floor coughing. A loud clang was heard from behind the redhead girl, when she turn around she was met with a very upset elder. Both of them looked at one another as if having a staring contest to see who could last longest. Merida was still full of anger and couldn't take being here anymore, so she gave a quick reply to Gothi that she was heading home. As Merida made her way to the big doors she ignored the many stares that she was receiving from all the Vikings around her.

Everyone watch quietly as they saw the red hair Viking girl leave the Great Hall, when she reach the doors she opened it and close it with a loud bang. Gothi gives a sigh and made a mental note to talk to the girl later when she gets back, and Gobber merely rub his forehead for the headache he's having from looking after these Viking teens.

"Does this mean we can go?" Tuffnut asked bluntly.

"Yeah sure. You can all go" said Gobber as help Snotlout get up from the floor "And you'll have a few days free until next training, so be ready"

As soon as the Gobber finished talking Hiccup immediately got up from his seat and went towards the big doors, the recruits were surprise for Hiccup's sudden leave but merely shrug it off as nothing. Ionna whoever knew exactly why the Viking boy was in a hurry to go and didn't know why it made her feel a bit annoyed.

Hiccup exited the Great Hall and from the top he was able to spot Merida, and was really impress how far she's gotten. Hiccup carefully walks down the steps fast without tripping over himself, when he reach the last step he quickly ran to catch up to the red hair Viking girl.

"Merida!" He called out but strangely she didn't stop "Merida wait up!" But again she didn't stop to let him catch up or even turn around to towards him, if anything she seem to be walking a bit faster.

The auburn Viking boy ran a bit faster and manage to catch up and place his hand on her shoulder "Merida I was-" but he was caught off guard when Merida abruptly shook his hand off her shoulder.

"Leave me alone!" She yelled out and she looked at him with anger "Ah didn't ask for yer pity!"

Hiccup became wide eye stun for what she said and took a step back from her. Merida upon realizing what she has done was a bit shock as well and also took a step back and looked away "A-Aam sorry. Ah just… want tae be alone"

Hiccup's stun expression change to sadness after hearing that "G-Gobber said we um… We have a few days off until next dragon training"

Merida still didn't look at him but nodded her head "Thanks" she turn around and began to walk.

"Merida"

Her feet stopped but she didn't turn around to face him "I-I uh I'm going to see Toothless tomorrow… Just, just letting you know"

Merida was quiet for a moment until she finally answered "Ye can go aheid without me. I'll… I'll come if Ah can" with that said she walk away.

Hiccup didn't move from where he was standing and just kept watching her leave until he couldn't see her. As soon as she was gone from his line of sight, Hiccup turn around and made his way back to his house feeling sad and empty.

"As always Please leave a review, Any questions will be gladly answer. And I hope everyone has a great Summer, even if some are working there are many ways to enjoy Summer than just going to the beach. Believe me I KNOW"

"SEE YOU SOON!"