Yay, its done, the next one is out. I'm really on a role with this story. Enjoy.
Hiccup and Toothless flew over the ocean underneath a freezing cold sky. The boy had made sure to wrap a large fur around himself before he set off; although the wind still found itself through, chilling him slightly.
The clouds were closing in fast, releasing a few snowflakes which fluttered down through the air. There was zero wind, so the progress of the dragon over the calm sea was neither hindered nor facilitated.
With the blanket of cloud and snowfall the sun was getting obscured. Hiccup breathed deeply and silently urged Toothless to turn back and head for home. He changed the setting on the tail so that the fins raised up slightly, allowing the dragon to turn.
He banked widely, the still air keeping his body level as he beat his wings in one powerful thrust and sped off home.
This evening's watch heralded no problems of any kind from across the sea, whether it meant dragon sightings or Viking invaders. After the storm Stoick ordered any eligible dragon rider to watch around their waters, keeping watchful eyes on their home during their vulnerability.
Luckily there was nothing.
This was the last day since the storm over a week ago where the village was practically as good as new; much to the relief of the young man's father who was run ragged over the stressful days.
Hiccup knew it was a humungous help enlisting the help of the fire breathing reptiles that now lived with them in almost complete harmony.
"A quiet evening again Bud. Thank Thor for that!" The boy said to his dragon offhandedly.
They were a little ways out to sea, the mountains of Berk the only thing visible on the horizon line. Hiccup reached into his furs to extract the scale belonging to his best friend. He gazed upon the etching, still wondering what it meant. He placed two fingers over the smooth, shiny surface.
Whenever the teenager was away from the prying eyes of humans he would look at the scale. It was a trinket he hadn't shown to another soul. The only others being Toothless, Gothi and her little Terrible Terror.
He felt that the importance of the scale was too great and didn't want any others to know about it. The secrets kept on piling up, the heap soon turning into a mountain. He knew it was only a matter of time before it toppled, his secrets bursting forth like gems within the mountains slopes.
When it did, he knew there was going to be a price to pay. Just the thought of that struck fear into the young lad's heart. It was a stark, unequivocal truth that would have to be faced one day.
Although he felt that he was keeping a secret from everyone he didn't truly know what it was. The fire breathing was one thing, but the scale? He knew it tied in with the fire breathing. But what was that voice?
Hiccup was joyous that it hadn't spoken to him in a while, but he knew it would return. It was a gut feeling he had. Like the feeling of dragon wings fluttering within his belly constantly, gnawing at him.
After all the months of dealing with Outcasts and Berserkers, Hiccup felt worried about seeing their crazy chiefs again, wondering how long they had in between disputes before the next one reared its ugly head. His dealings with Alvin and Dagur were nothing compared to the voice.
Even the Red Death was like dealing with a Terrible Terror. At least he knew what it was. He knew it was simply a controlling, old dragon whose only purpose in life was to be fed like a giant, ugly baby.
He also knew what the crazy Viking chiefs were like, how they thought, almost. Sure Alvin was tricky, calculating and powerful, and Dagur was all out bonkers and spontaneous; the voice was plain ominous.
Hiccup felt it was something ancient, evil and far bigger than anything he has ever faced before. It was a force that could drive a man mad, drive them into despair and drill the fear into their soul whilst it watched in happiness and laughter.
Hiccup wouldn't let it though. He was going to prove to himself that he held a dignified, powerful bravery in his heart; a bravery befitting of the son of a great Viking chief.
Toothless hummed in his throat and beat his wings as Berk was nearing. Hiccup saw the stacks approaching and changed the setting on the tail so that they sailed around them before they headed for the village.
Hiccup was glad to be home now as his stomach was beginning to complain about his apparent hunger. After the storm his appetite came back like a kick in the stomach. Often enough he felt so hungry he could spend the time eating almost as much as his own body weight during each sitting.
Once they landed Hiccup immediately walked towards his house so that he could once again eat his fill before falling asleep.
Even though he was so hungry he spent the time taking Toothlesses gear off so that he was comfortable during the night.
Once that task was accomplished they both ran from the forge, up the hill and into the house. They bounded in, Hiccup giggling in good spirits for once. Once they arrived in the house Toothless immediately pounced on the boy, trapping him under his fore paws as Hiccup laughed and attempted to shift the heavy black dragon.
"Son, if you wish to wrestle do it somewhere else." Stoick said whilst he prepared the both of them something to eat.
"Ha ha…sorry dad…he he- TOOTHLESS!" He screeched when a long, sopping wet tongue lolled from the dragons rounded face and licked Hiccup from the base of his throat right up to his chin. "Eww, gross," he giggled with his nose wrinkled slightly in disgust.
Hiccup tried to push the paws so that he could get away from that sloppy tongue but Toothless was adamant about staying on his human. As Hiccup was getting a little closer to wriggling free Toothless completely dropped his weight over his boy, causing Hiccup to let out all the breath in his lungs. He groaned hard.
"That looks rough son. It's thankful we made peace with the dragons otherwise you would be in a dire situation." Stoick laughed as he took some mackerel off the fire and laid them out on the table.
"Thanks for that dad. It's comforting to know I would have likely died during a raid."
As Stoick sat at the table he watched his son attempt to get out from under the dragon. He saw arms flail, and then they grasped each side of the dragons face. The dragon then proceeded to open his jaws, wrenching the hands away and then gave the boy a single lick that left globules of saliva in its wake.
Hiccup clenched his lips closed and stared at Toothless with wide eyes. He could feel the gunk on his face and it made him shiver. He pushed Toothless away with great strength, dislodging the black reptile from his person so that the boy could run to the nearest wash station.
Stoick laughed hard right then and Toothless also did a strange guttural growl that sounded like chuckles.
Once Hiccup returned with a clean face and slightly damp clothing and hair he sat at the table and promptly began eating.
The Viking chief watched Hiccup tear into a large chicken leg, which lasted all but five seconds before he threw it to Toothless who crunched the bone with sharp teeth. Hiccup picked up a mackerel and stripped the meat off with his teeth.
By the time Stoick had eaten a whole fish and a couple of chicken legs Hiccup had eaten four mackerel, one Icelandic cod, three chicken legs and had guzzled down a whole pint of milk. The gobsmacked father watched with his mouth slightly agape as he saw Hiccup looking around for more to eat.
For practically Hiccups whole life the most he could eat at one time was one large cod, and those were hungry days. Now the boy eaten as much as three days' worth of food that was standard of the small lad.
Stoick hoped he would gain a little weight with this newfound appetite.
"Still hungry?" he asked slowly, deliberately.
"I feel strangely hungry as of late. Is there any more?" Hiccup looked at his dad with hope sparkling in his eyes.
Stoick chuckled at the earnest boy, reached over and patting his ruddy brown locks. Hiccup kept his large green eyes focussed on the older man, hoping he was going to be placated. His hope dropped when Stoick shook his head. No.
"I can't raid the store for more food after the storm. We are still recovering after all."
Hiccup's face dropped. He looked at his lap. "I guess you're right."
"Come now, I can whip you up a pretty decent breakfast in the morning. How does that sound?"
The auburn haired boys head whipped back up, his eyes glinting once again. "Yes please!" That was all he said before he started to yawn.
"I think all that food made you sleepy. You head on up to bed." The chair creaked slightly as the hefty man stood up, taking the dishes away.
Hiccup also stood and stretched, yawning widely and showcasing all his teeth. Stoick looked back at the lanky teen and saw something a little strange, but the boy closed his mouth and simply nodded.
"Sure, goodnight dad." Hiccup left the room with Toothless close behind. They ascended the stairs and left the man's sight completely.
Stoick scratched his beard with a thoughtful look in his pale green eyes.
He was sure he saw a vague golden glow coming from deep within his boy's throat. And his teeth, did they look slightly longer and sharper? He shook his head, his red beard swaying with the motion. Surely he was simply tired and needed sleep also.
He would keep his eyes peeled for more strange signs from his son though.
It was late in the morning Hiccup woke up feeling slightly lethargic. His stomach was grumbling, telling him he needed to fill it once again.
He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, blinking the tiredness away. In no time at all he had put his metal foot on and gotten dressed, ready for the day.
Today was the day they could start dragon training once again and Hiccup was glad for the norm to return.
He woke the sleepy dragon up, who yawned showing all his gums before he licked his lips and stared at his rider. He gave Hiccup his legendary smile and then left with the teen.
Hiccup all but bolted down the stairs, his eyes seeking out the table and the prospect of it containing the food he wished to eat.
Sure enough there on the table was a pot of still steaming porridge and a few mackerel. Hiccup sat down, licked his lips and then immediately dug in.
Once he was done he left the house to emerge into a world of pure and beautiful white. He gazed in wonder at the whole of Berk which was nestled amongst snow that was at least a foot deep. It glistened in the clear crystal day, the wide Azure sky revealing a low winter sun of glorious yellow.
The air was fresh, but the mood was sour.
Hiccup looked into the village and saw people rushing about, whispering things and looking plain worried about something.
Hiccup and Toothless looked at each other before they bounded away, aiming for the man who would surely know what was happening.
It took Hiccup minutes to see that his father was talking to Gobber at the head of the stairs that led into the Meade hall. They walked towards them silently.
Gobber was trying to calm a blatantly agitated Stoick, who swung his arms around, his beard flaring and his chest heaving.
"Dad, whats wrong? Why does everyone look so worried?" Hiccup asked with a level voice, fearing what was going to be said slightly.
"A meeting of chiefs has been called. Apparently something is astir and many of the tribes believe we are the main cause." His father seemed to calm down slightly at the sight of his son. Hiccup had to wonder how the man's mood changed when they saw each other.
"A meeting. When?"
"In two days' time. They are already on their way. Heck, some of them will be here later today."
"When did the message get here? Who sent it?"
"It was a joint message. Seems some of the tribes have gotten in touch with each other saying all tribe chiefs had to meet up." Gobber stepped forward with a Terrible Terror settled on his shoulder. It was bright red with deep ochre spines running down its back. It had startling amber eyes that seemed to gaze into the boy's soul.
Hiccup saw a snaky forked tongue flit out from between its jaws and then disappear in a flash.
"I'm guessing that is the messenger?" Hiccup asked sarcastically.
"Righ' you are!" Gobber said, "Lil' guy has flown a long way. Must 'a taken a few days." The Terror puffed its chest out in a smug manner, his arms almost seeming to cross over his chest.
"That's the thing." Stoick interjected, "the message must have been sent out days ago, now we have practically no time to prepare. That's why the village is working extra hard to straighten things up for our not very happy guests."
"So that means, Bog- burglars, Visithugs, Meatheads, Hysterics, Murderous…" Hiccup counted the tribes off from the top of his head.
Gobber nodded, "And that also means the Outcasts and the Berserkers."
"Oh goodie," Hiccup simply began to hug Toothlesses neck, the thought of seeing all these dangerous people all gathered together on his island home a terrifying thought. He wished he could hide away until they all returned to their own islands, but he knew better.
Toothless purred, trying to cheer up the now sullen boy.
Hiccup had the feeling something bad had happened, something tied to himself maybe. He hoped not, but he couldn't go against his gut feeling.
"Does this mean we have to hide the dragons again?" He asked with a dry voice.
Stoick rubbed his beard, deep in thought. When he answered he took both the boy and Gobber by surprise. "No, I wouldn't bother. Surely by now all the tribes know of our alliance with the dragons. The outcasts and Berserkers would have made sure of that."
"Yer' right." Gobber agreed. "Keeping our dragons secret would simply cause problems in the long run. They cannot be contained anymore."
"Well at least I can stay close to Toothless." Hiccup felt his dragon nuzzle his cheek affectionately. He knew the dragon would be there with him the whole time. "Anyway, Dad, is it okay if I stay and work in the shop today? There is something I really need to do."
Stoick looked at his son with a raised eyebrow. It wasn't often Hiccup asked for something. Usually he just went and did whatever was on his mind anyway. "What is that then?"
"I'm thinking of remaking the spring loaded tail for Toothless. You know, the one that enables him to fly on his own."
Toothless rumbled and the two old Vikings reeled in shock. They both knew the two wouldn't ever like to fly by themselves; which was evident in the fact Toothless broke the last spring loaded tail Hiccup made, flinging it away with his powerful tail.
"You what…?" Gobber couldn't finish he was so shocked by the boys notion. "I thought you two lived for flying together. Why on Midgard do you want to do a thing like that?"
"A precaution. Just in case I get hung up somewhere, or I can't fly Toothless for any reason, I don't want my best bud to be downed and vulnerable." He scratched behind the dragons ears, making him rumble with affection for his rider. "I simply want him to be safe." He added the last bit with a solemn attitude, as if he made a great decision that meant life or death.
The attitude and bravery of his son made Stoick swell with pride. "Of course son, you may work there for as long as needed."
"Thanks dad. Oh and Gobber, could you tell the others about the change of plans?"
"sure thing Hiccup. I have something I could teach them for today. You can count on me lad."
"Thank you! Come on Toothless, we have work to do." Hiccup spun on his heels and ran back down the stone stairs, mindful of not tripping over his fake leg.
And so for the rest of the day Hiccup was hard at work; creating springs, gears and coils that would work into the slightly improved design of the tail fin he created during the last Snoggletog. He began working immediately, firing up the forge and bringing in the materials necessary to recreate the lost fin.
Toothless helped by keeping the fire nice and hot and also carrying materials in his mouth when Hiccup asked for them. Hiccup chuckled, thinking if Toothless was human he would make a gallant and eager apprentice.
All through the day he worked, skipping his lunch but not noticing his grumbling stomach, miraculously.
It was easier to create this tail; Hiccup just had to follow the earlier design. He kept all his invention pages and concepts safely tacked to the workroom walls. Any modifications that were made were added during the process of making it. He found a way to make the metal lighter by mixing steel and copper together when liquid hot, creating a metal alloy that wouldn't break under lots of pressure.
If something went wrong the metal would be easier to fix, and wouldn't snap under heavy air pressure when flying.
The metal also maintained a subtle brown tint that matched Toothlesses dark scales.
Once the mechanism was finished he went about cutting leather into a suitable shape and size, attaching it to the metal 'bones.'
Once it was done Hiccup lifted it up to show his dragon, fanning it out with both hands and snapping it shut.
"It's all done bud, what do you think?"
Toothless inspected the fin by sniffing it. The recognition was evident in his eyes and he looked at it with a certain degree of loathing; but he understood why his boy made it. He gave it a snort and promptly went to gnaw his arm, which suddenly became itchy.
"I know bud. I want to fly with you all the time too but I just need to make sure you will be okay. It easy to put on and anyone could do it. I will keep it in a safe spot where you can fetch it easily."
Toothless grunted, not ceasing gnawing on his ebony scales.
Hiccup chuckled. The chuckling suddenly merged with a grumble emanating from his stomach. He only now realised how famished he was.
"Gods, I'm soo~ hungry!" He moaned, clutching his belly with one hand. "How about we catch some grub."
Toothless visibly elated, his tail and rump wagging in glee. He bounded towards the entrance of the forge, urging the boy to follow. Hiccup placed the tail in his work room for now before they could try it out and then followed the happy dragon, making their way through the village.
It was when he ran through the village he remembered. They were expecting guests, and likely some were there now.
"Oh gods, Toothless, we have to go to the Meade hall. If guests are there that means I have to make an appearance, as the chiefs son." Hiccup deflated, although his stomach did not cease grumbling.
He turned the other way, heading for the great hall.
"Hope they still have plenty of food!"
The next chapter may take a while, until I do a little research and planning for the next scene. There will be lots of characters, both from the books and film/TV series. I will keep book character parts to a minimum though, just in case some of you guys haven't read the books. Dont worry for it wont all be boring meeting, there will be action. Too much dialogue bores me a little. (You can probably tell when you read some of my fics)
Oh by the way, I'm gonna watch the second film again on Tuesday. Sooooo happy!