Chapter Twelve: A Tale Untold
"Quit moving around!" Heather huffed impatiently, trying to keep the wooden splints in place.
"You keep aggravating the leg!" Matt replied angrily, clenching his teeth. Closing his eyes, he felt her push down on one of the splints, while wrapping it with a bandage. His leg lit up in pain, as if someone was running a sword through it. Again.
"I've got to push on it, otherwise what's the point of trying to brace it?" She replied, equally frustrated.
After the battle, and cleaning up Dragon's Edge; most of the riders went to secure the wild dragons they adopted to the island and to clean up the traps and defenses that Tuffnut prepared. The whole ordeal took the rest of the day, while Hiccup and Astrid went and secured Darien. Hiccup, and everyone else, forced Matt to go to the clubhouse; where Heather was trying to help ease the pain in his leg from being hit directly there.
"Ugh, what a pain…" He huffed, staring at his leg "Pun intended."
Heather finally let a small smile grow. After seeing Matt almost murder Darien in cold blood, she was glad to see that he was returning to his former self. Though she couldn't blame him for being that angry and ruthless with her, since she was sure she'd act the same way if she had Dagur in the same position.
"How's he doing Heather?" Hiccup asked, walking into the club house with the twins and Fishlegs behind him.
"He's fine. Just acting like a baby." She quickly replied, ignoring his angry glare.
Shaking his head, Matt then turned to Hiccup and growled "I've had worse hits on the leg before. Why are you making me have a splint? It's not going to help the pain."
"We don't know that. Maybe if you brace it, it'll stop hurting while running or even boarding." Hiccup replied adamantly "Besides, I don't believe you that you've had worse hits. Usually you can cover up your limp, but you haven't stopped since your fight with Darien."
"Where is she?" He asked, gritting his teeth a second time as Heather began to tie off the bandage.
"Astrid and Snotlout are taking care of her. They patched her shoulder where you hit her, and are tying her up. Hands in front, so she has limited mobility, but can still eat and drink." He answered, taking a seat near where he lay.
"Should've just let her bleed out." Matt growled, watching Heather begin to tie a second bandage around the pair of splints "That's what she wanted to happen to me and Astrid on the Hunter's ship. You know, after she stabbed me and slashed Astrid's arm."
"But we're not like her Matt!" Hiccup quickly replied, glaring at him "Listen, after we interrogate her, we're taking her to Outcast Island where she'll be locked up for good."
"Just to be broken out of as soon as Dagur learns where she is." Matt huffed, still not sold on the idea.
Hiccup just shook his head in wonder and worry "Matt, listen to you! You've never been this cold hearted to somebody."
"Because nobody else hurt me, or those I care about like she did!" Matt replied loudly. Gesturing to Heather, he explained "The only person that has an idea of why I'm acting like this, is Heather!"
Heather looked at him in shock and confusion, unsure of what he meant. To which he explained "When she was…associated with Dagur; she captured you and Astrid, along with Toothless and Stormfly, remember? When I came back?"
Hiccup nodded, remembering the shock he had when he learned Heather was working for Dagur. Heather herself then realized what Matt was talking about, and the point he was bringing up. She remembered when he was ruthless before. It was because of her; at least the last time he acted this way.
"I…I was a jerk to her. That's being put very lightly of what I was." Matt began to say, looking at Heather with an apologetic expression "I wanted so badly to kill her. Especially after I learned she was your friend." Looking back at Hiccup, he continued "I beat her, tortured Windshear, tied her up, and left her to die in a cave."
"Hey, it's ok." Heather quickly said with a small smile "You made me see the truth during that time…"
Matt just shook his head "It's not alright, but the point I'm making is that if someone hurts those I care about, I have no remorse or mercy to them. Especially if it's someone that was trusted or someone I-"
"Liked?" Heather interrupted, looking at Matt to watch his reaction.
"…I guess so…" He replied, looking at her in the eyes "I technically did like her. But that was right before she…well, did what she did." Looking at Heather he then whispered "Remember Heather, I chose to stay here for a reason."
Heather just nodded, letting a small smile grow on her face. She knew why he chose to stay. She may not be the only reason, but she knew she was a big part of it. Returning her attention to the splint, she finished tying it off.
"Done?" He asked, looking at it skeptically.
"Done. Come on." She huffed, standing up and grabbing his hand.
"Easy does it." He grunted, feeling her pick him up off the floor. Testing the leg, he then said "I'll give it a try. I mean, I guess it'd do the same as the brace you built me when my leg was first slashed by Alvin."
"That's what I'm trying to find out." Hiccup admitted "If this does help, I'll try to build something more permanent for you."
"Shouldn't be too hard for you to make." Fishlegs chimed in, smiling at the thought of Hiccup creating something new.
"So. Since Matt's out for a bit, can we ride Wasatch for him?" Tuffnut asked, looking excited at the idea of riding the Skrill.
"If he doesn't buck you off like he did with Ruffnut." Heather huffed, making sure Matt was able to walk on his own.
The twins just looked at each other with mischievous grins. No one said no.
"So, what did you find out of Darien? Anything?" Matt asked, limping slightly as he continued to walk around to test the splint. It did help a bit, thought the brace was already shifting a little as he walked. But, at least he could walk on his own now.
Hiccup shook his head, watching Matt as he walked around "Nothing yet. She's barely woken up from that hit you gave her. Even then, she's a little delirious. We're letting her rest and get some food. We'll talk to her tomorrow morning."
"A little too kind, don't you think?" He growled, glaring at Hiccup.
"Matt! We want answers! Not something that she'll barely remember and when she's unable to think clearly!" Hiccup replied, shaking his head angrily "Just let me handle this, ok?"
Matt breathed out an angry huff, trying to vent his frustration.
"But, we did search her bag. Found something a little worrying." Hiccup began to say, looking at everyone with concern.
"What was it?" Matt asked, a little alarmed at Hiccup's concerned look.
"She had the Dragon Book packed away. And that was it." He announced, looking up at him with pursed lips.
"The Dragon Book? I thought they were after the Dragon Eye?" Fishlegs said in surprise "Why did she have the Dragon Book?"
"I'll be finding out about that tomorrow. Astrid and I are going to be the first ones to talk to her." Hiccup replied, folding his arms "Until then, we're keeping a guard posted in the Dragon Hanger at all times. I'm going to guess Dagur will be doing anything to get her back."
"I agree." Matt said aloud, nodding at the suggestion "Dragon and rider need to be watching her at all times."
"Except you Matt. You're not going to do anything with her. Guarding, or questioning." Hiccup announced, watching for his reaction.
"Why?!" He barked out, taken off guard by the order.
"For her safety. And your sanity." Hiccup answered, shrugging at the reason "I realize you blame yourself for the reason why Darien's here. And for what's happened to Heather and Astrid. But you're not at fault! And you're definitely not taking out your anger on her! Well, any more than what you have already."
"That makes absolutely no sense!" He roared, limping to Hiccup "I know how to get under her skin! I can make her talk!"
"That doesn't involve torturing or injuring her? Or literally getting under her skin?" Hiccup asked, not backing down from his decision.
"She tortured Heather and Windshear for weeks! Did you forget that?!" Matt roared, stepping up to Hiccup.
Reaching up, he grabbed Matt by the shoulder, saying "Listen, Matt. You're exhausted. We're all exhausted. Even if Darien was well enough to question, we're not even ready ourselves. Let's take the rest of the evening and night off, rest up, and then we'll tackle this in the morning."
"Without me, apparently." Matt huffed, scowling at Hiccup. Shaking his head, he reluctantly agreed as he followed Hiccup out. "Fine. We'll talk tomorrow. Who's watching her first?"
"Snotlout and Hookfang." Hiccup answered, turning to walk out "Then it'll be me and Toothless. When Astrid wakes up, we'll start questioning her."
"I'm still going to talk to you about that." Matt huffed, shaking his head "But tomorrow."
Hiccup just nodded, turning and walking towards his room, with everyone else walking out and over the various ramps that led to their individual rooms.
Matt slowly made his way down a ramp, to which he heard Heather walk beside him. "I can't believe he's not letting help deal with her! It's my probl-"
"Hey, forget about it." Heather whispered, looking at him with concern "We'll think about it when we get some sleep, ok? Hiccup's right; we're all exhausted. We've been up for more than twenty four hours!"
"Fine…" Matt replied, staring off into nothing.
"Come on, let's make sure you actually make it to your room." She teased, gently grabbing his arm and swinging it over her, making sure he wouldn't fall on accident.
"Heh…feels wrong that you're the one babying me. It's just my leg. Nothing new." Matt replied, letting a sheepish smile grow on his face. The first one in a long time.
"Good! Now you know how I feel when you worry over me so much!" Heather quickly replied, smiling back at him.
Shaking his head, he then explained "Just wanted to be the guy that deserves someone like you."
"Shut up Matt." Heather laughed, lightly hitting him in the chest. Then a lot quieter, whispered "I feel the same way."
Matt just smiled, happy that the feeling was mutual. Shaking his head, he then asked "So, where're you sleeping tonight?"
"Windshear and I are going to bunk down in the arena." She answered with a smile. Walking up to Matt's room, she added "Been awhile since we slept under the stars."
"Yeah, that's not happening." Matt quickly said, opening the door. Gently pushing her in front of him, he then said "I got a bedroll I'll use. You take the bed."
"Matt! I told you I don't want to be babied either!" She cried out in frustration "You're just as tired as I am, and you need to let your leg recover!"
"You've haven't had a bed most your life! I'm just letting you enjoy one. I mean, you haven't really had a room either!" Matt defended "I'm trying to be fair with you, not baby you."
Seeing that he was genuinely thinking of her, and not trying to pamper her, she shook her head with an understanding smile "Tell you what. We'll compromise. You take the bed, and I'll take the bed roll."
"Not much of a compromise." Matt huffed, frowning at the idea.
Smiling, she walked him to his bed, explaining "I'll sleep in here. Not outside. Windshear can sleep on the deck and Wasatch can have his bed back too."
Wasatch growled at the idea, radiating lightning in excitement that he'd be getting his stone slab back. Windshear looked a little less than pleased, who simply bumped Heather in the back.
Heather then smiled, turning around and petting Windshear. "Or she can lay down with me. You've got enough room on your floor."
"Ugh, just because I'm ready to crash, I'll agree to that. Besides, Windshear is more than welcome to sleep anywhere she wants." Matt whispered while shaking his head at Wasatch. Pulling off his tunic, he tossed it on top of his makeshift dresser. Relishing in the cool air, he let his relaxed smile return "Don't think I can argue with you, even if I wanted to…"
"Maybe we should make you stay up longer. Just to keep you from being able to argue with us tomorrow." She replied, smirking at him "I mean, if that's the case…" At that, she began to unbuckle her armor shoulder plates, as well as her forearm guards; tossing them near where Windshear began to lay down, at the foot of Matt's bed.
"Ugh, always has to have the last word, huh?" He laughed, walking to a shelf. Part of cleaning up the Edge, Matt spent some time organizing his room; since Darien tore it apart. Grabbing the bedroll resting atop the shelf, he turned and handed it to her with a smile "You're impossible sometimes, you know that?"
"I guess it's because that's the only way to deal with you and your Haddock stubbornness!" She teased again, taking the bedroll. At that, she pecked him on the cheek, saying "Get some sleep. Who knows what'll happen to you tomorrow."
Taken back by the action, he could only smile. "C'mere you!" Reaching over, he grabbed her and pulled her down into his bed with him.
"Matt!" She yelled, unprepared to be pulled down.
"Have I ever told you how lucky I am?" Matt asked, grabbing her arms and holding them in place.
Heather tried to hit him playfully, but he refused to let go of her arms. Shocked at first, she then realized he just wanted to be with her. Going with the joke, she then said "No, but I guess you can tell me right now."
"Well, to begin, I got to meet you. In the most disastrous way possible." He began to say, sitting against his bed's head board.
Heather shifted herself so that she was sitting alongside him, smiling all the while.
"I'm lucky in the fact you didn't kill me. Lucky in the fact I found Wasatch to stop you from stabbing me…" He continued to list, teasing her with her evil actions she did to him.
"Ugh, Matt!" Heather groaned, shaking her head at him.
At that, the two just sat in his bed, enjoying being with each other. Regardless of what they went through, they were going to enjoy every moment they could with each other.
"Hiccup?" Astrid called out, lightly knocking on his door.
"Astrid? What're you doing up?" Hiccup called out, his head popping around the corner. Looking at her with confusion, he asked "Is everything alright?"
"Yeah, everything's fine." She replied, walking in. Toothless immediately welcomed her, smiling at her with a goofy grin. "Hey boy!" She said aloud, petting him softly. Looking at Hiccup, she then explained "I just need to talk to you."
"Huh, well, that's actually great timing." Hiccup replied, walking up to her "I need to talk to you about something as well."
Astrid looked at him with confusion, to which she just nodded in acknowledgement.
Guiding her to take a seat on his desk, he then said "You first though." At that, he lit a small candle, lighting his room.
"Heh, reminds me of right when I told you I was joining the guard. Remember back on Wasatch's island?" She teased, remembering the last time they had to tell each other something.
"I hope it's not that again." Hiccup replied with a small smile "Might have to kidnap you to keep you from leaving."
"Guess you've done it before. What'd stop you from doing it a second time?" She asked, smiling back at him.
The two laughed at the memory, relishing the feeling they both had after that special flight and night. It changed both their lives. Hiccup stared at Astrid, enjoying her company. Even after all they went through together, she was still as beautiful as the first moment he realized it. Actually more beautiful than before.
Astrid caught him staring at her, which she instantly blushed and looked away from him, brushing her hair out of her eyes.
Realizing what he did, Hiccup coughed awkwardly, looking away. "Hey, I didn't have the chance to tell you, but you did amazing defending Dragon's Edge. Coordinating Matt and Tuff, using limited defenses, the list goes on. I don't know how you did it."
"Eh, well, I guess I learned something too." Astrid replied, letting the awkward moment go "I learned to depend on others. Even if they seem crazy."
Hiccup smiled, knowing she was being humble. Resting his hand on her shoulder guard, he then asked "So, what did you want to talk about?"
"Oh, uh…" Astrid began to say. Thinking about what she was going to bringing up, she let out a long sigh. It was the first time she was going to talk about it. Since she was…betrayed. "It's about him Hiccup. You know who I'm referring to…I need to talk about-"
"Wait, you're kidding me?" Hiccup interrupted, gaping at her. Squaring up to her, he looked at her with a frantic look "Astrid, that's what I was going to talking to you about!"
"Really? Why?" She asked, surprised at the coincidence.
"Heather, when she was searching for us, she was attacked by a dragon." Hiccup explained, staring at Astrid "She said the dragon looked and sounded like a Night Fury, but came out of and disappeared in the ocean. It fired an orange blast at her and Windshear." Then, a lot quieter, whispered "It had a rider on it."
"No…" She gasped, looking away and staring at the floor "Then it makes sense. He's the one leaving the messages to Matt."
"What? What do you mean?" Hiccup cried out, staring at her "What messages? You mean more than the one he found on Changewing Island?"
"Matt's found two more messages. Both of them referring to us and you." Astrid answered softly "He was meaning to tell you, but never had a chance. The last one he found said something about him being adopted in the same family. That he and Matt are brothers."
"They're not brothers! He's not my brother anymore! Not after wha-" Hiccup growled, his eyes narrowing.
"I know Hiccup, trust me, I know! But that's not what he sees. Obviously." Astrid cried out in frustration. Shutting her eyes, she reluctantly went back to the memories she tried so hard to block. Gripping the edge of the desk, she angrily said "I don't want to admit it Hiccup, but I'm going to have to. He's trying to come back. And he's trying to use Matt as a door."
Hiccup just stared at the floor. So many emotions flooding him. Anger, joy, confusion, sadness. He had it all. Anger, for what had happened. Joy, for the fact that he was indeed still alive. Confusion, trying to think of a reason why he wanted to come back. Sadness, as he thought of the loss of a friend he had; no, not a friend, a brother. He and Stoick had adopted him into their family, saved him from a terrible fate; and only to be stabbed in the back later.
"Hiccup. What do we do?" Astrid asked, also staring at the floor angrily "I swear if I see him, I might cut him in half the moment he tries to talk to me." Forcing a fake laugh, she quickly added "If he doesn't shoot me in the back with that crossbow!"
"I don't know what to do, Astrid." Hiccup admitted, earning him a surprised look on her face "But I do know we need to tell Matt. And Heather."
Astrid slowly began to nod, reluctantly agreeing with him. "I think we should too, but…it's going to be hard for me."
Hiccup only nodded, understanding exactly why.
"We cared for each other Hiccup. We were…" She choked out, anger rushing through her. Gaining her composure, she then said "He's a killer Hiccup. We can't let him near Matt!"
"Or Heather." He added quietly. Looking at her, he then added "I'll do most of the talking tomorrow, so you don't need to-"
"I'll be fine Hiccup." She said with a growl "I'll add to the explanations, if you talk about the main parts."
"Agreed. I'll be alright with that." Hiccup replied in acknowledgement.
Letting out a sigh, Astrid shook her head gently "And here I thought we were done with that nightmare Huh, stupid of me to think that..."
"As long as he's alive, that nightmare will never end." Hiccup whispered, staring out at nothing.
At that, the two sat in silence, reluctantly remembering the friend they once had, and the monster he turned into. Into something he warned them he might become. A heartless killer.
"Hey Matt, Heather! Are you guys' awak- Oh! What the?!" A voice shouted, causing Matt to jolt awake.
Getting his bearings straight, he looked up to see both Hiccup and Astrid staring at him. Hiccup was carrying a tray of food, while Astrid had a couple of mugs. Both had wide eyes, shocked at seeing him.
"Uh…we can come back." Astrid began to say, her blue eyes almost getting wider as she focused on something next to him.
Confused, Matt looked over to see what she was staring at. "What the?!" He yelped in shock. Laying right next to him, was Heather; who was blushing bright red and looking incredibly embarrassed.
"No! No! No! It's not what it looks like!" He shouted, scooting away as fast as he could. Not thinking, he accidently fell off his bed, pulling the blanket with him. "Grrgghhh…" He grunted, tweaking his leg. Again. Rolling onto his knees, he looked up at Hiccup and Astrid, revealing his shirtless body "I promise! Nothing happened!"
"It's true! We were just talking last night and fell asleep!" Heather quickly seconded, now sitting up in the bed and scooting away from Matt. Her face was now beet red, not helping her calm down. She tried to hide her armor plates laying on the floor, kicking them under the bed.
"Are you…sure? We can come back." Hiccup replied, already taking a few steps backwards.
Matt's eyes then narrowed. Struggling to stand up, he then yelled "Nothing was going on! We just fell asleep together, and it got hot! You know how muggy it gets! I always take my shirt off when I go to sleep!" Pointing at Hiccup, he then ordered "You stay here Hiccup Haddock! What did you want?!"
Still looking awkward about the whole scene, Hiccup then said "Uh…we decided to bring you guys some lunch. Since you both slept over half the day away."
"We what?!" Heather cried out, staring at them with wide eyes "Wha-How's that possible?"
"You two were tired." Astrid replied with a shrug, now overcoming the shock of finding them in bed together. Setting the mugs on Matt's desk, she then teased "At least, that's what we thought."
"Nothing happened!" Matt growled, limping around his bed and grabbing a white, hooded tunic hanging next to his wakeboards.
At this time, both Windshear and Wasatch had woken up to the yelling and commotion. Wasatch let out a long yawn, stretching his wings and letting little jolts of lightning arc between his spikes. Standing up, he then began to walk out of Matt's room, pushing the door open.
"Why don't you go to, girl?" Heather suggested with her face still red. Lightly pushing Windshear out, she added "Go stretch your wings, and then we can give you some of Gothi's special paste."
Windshear groaned at the thought of eating the green paste. Jogging after Wasatch, the four watched the two dragons take off and fly away.
"So, hold on. Did you already talk to Darien?" Matt asked, finishing pulling his tunic on. Limping over, he grabbed the tray from Hiccup and went to set it on his desk.
"Yeah, she was pretty easy to get to talk. So long as we promised to keep her alive. And away from you." Astrid answered, grabbing a mug from the tray and opening a water skin "Think you scared her?"
"Wish I did more than just scare her." He replied, his face turning dark as he set the tray down. Looking at the meal, he then said "Smoked Herring, bread, and cheese. Sounds good actually."
"I didn't realize how hungry I was until you mentioned lunch." Heather added, standing up as her stomach growled "Thanks!" By now the red in her face had disappeared and she was trying to move on, hoping everyone would forget what happened.
"No problem!" Hiccup replied with a wide smile. Then looking at Matt, asked "How's the splint?"
"You mean brace?" He replied, taking a seat on his bed. Grabbing a piece of his Herring, he continued to say "When it was tight, I think it did help. It still hurts, but that's because I never bothered to take off the brace last night." At that he glanced down and the bandages loosely holding the two splints together "Must've came loose last night while I was sleeping."
"Of course. While you were 'sleeping'." Astrid commented, smirking at him.
"Will you drop it already?!" Matt roared, glaring at Astrid.
"Easy Matt, she's just teasing." Hiccup laughed, grabbing a chair and sitting down across from him. Heather at this point sat next to Matt on his bed, already tearing into the food.
"So, what did Darien have to say? Anything news worthy?" Matt asked, looking at Astrid.
"She was after the Dragon Book for the sake of knowing what we know. And to issue a trade for it with the Dragon Eye. She was supposed to get it because it talks about all the ways to calm a dragon, rather than just its weak points like the Dragon Eye." Astrid began to explain.
"And she mentioned a guy named Viggo Grimborn. He's the one in charge of the Hunters, and a brother to Ryker." Hiccup added, puzzling over the information "She never met him yet, saying that Ryker seemed adamant to keep it that way for a while."
"Do you believe her?" Matt asked, looking at Hiccup skeptically.
"Mostly. I'll admit that some of it sounds like its partial information, but if Ryker isn't the head man of the Hunters, we need to find this Viggo guy." Hiccup replied, shaking his head in frustration.
"Well, maybe we can use Darien as leverage. Have the Hunter's tell us where Viggo is in exchange for her!" Heather suggested, looking at Hiccup and then to Astrid "I mean, it worked for Matt when he negotiated for you guys. He trapped me in that cave and was able to persuade Dagur to let you guys go."
"No. We're not letting her go. For anything!" Matt quickly snapped, catching her off guard "She's done enough damage. Honestly, the only reason why I'm not going down there right now to kill her, is because you guys promised she'd get to live! That, and you'd stop me before I could get to her."
"Tell you what, we'll think of what to do with her later. Right now, Astrid and I need to tell you something." Hiccup said, setting his plate down. Astrid took a seat on the desk, looking concerned at the subject.
"What is it? Something you need help with?" Matt asked, sensing the seriousness of the situation.
"No. This is something I should have told you a long time ago. Like when you first came here three years ago." Hiccup began to say, shifting uncomfortably "Honestly, this is a surprise to me that I have to talk about it. I thought we were done with it."
"Hiccup…you're talking like I'm supposed to know what's going on." Matt pointed out, raising an eyebrow.
"You've been receiving messages. Right?" Hiccup asked, shifting in his seat.
Matt instantly began to explain "Oh, yeah! About that…I've been trying to find a moment to tell yo-"
"Stop. Astrid told me everything." Hiccup said, raising his hand to signal he wasn't mad "I haven't been entirely open with you either."
Matt stopped, staring at Hiccup in confusion. Settling down in his seat, he decided just to wait and see what Hiccup was talking about.
"The person giving you those messages, is someone that we used to know. Formerly a friend." Hiccup explained, looking down at the floor "He was…we were all close to him." Glancing at Astrid, who gripped the edge of the desk with white knuckles, added "Some more than others."
Matt picked up on the clues, causing him to call out to Astrid "Wait, is this the traitor you mentioned to me?"
Astrid only nodded, glaring at the floor. If she could, she'd have burnt a hole in it.
"And you think he's leaving these messages for me?" Matt continued to shout, looking at Hiccup.
"I know it's him. The phrases. The context. It all points to him." Hiccup answered.
"That's great, but why is he interested in Matt?" Heather interrupted, staring at Hiccup in confusion.
"I think he's interested in both of you." Hiccup explained, looking at Heather.
"What do you mean?" Matt asked, now sounding worried. If this was involving Heather, he needed to know everything. He wasn't going to let another Darien situation happen. Not again.
"When Heather was searching for us, while you guys were defending the Edge, she ran into a dragon." Hiccup explained, looking at Heather.
Matt turned and stared at her, wanting to know what Hiccup was talking about.
"This dragon attacked you and Windshear, right?" Hiccup asked, making sure he was correct.
"Yeah, came out of the sea and fired an orange blast at us." Heather confirmed.
"And you saw a rider on it?" Hiccup asked again.
"You saw what?!" Matt gasped, gaping at Heather.
"Yeah. Disappeared right before we met found you guys." Heather acknowledged, giving Matt a shrug "It only fired once at us, and then turned tail and flew away."
"Why didn't you tell me?!" Matt asked, staring at her with concern.
"Never really had the time. Or really thought about it." Heather answered "Didn't think it was a big deal with the Edge under attack."
"But it is a big deal." Hiccup interrupted, taking both their attention. "That dragon Heather, the one you've never seen before, is called a Sand Wraith. It fires burning sand out of its mouth, and is the only Tidal Class dragon that can burrow."
"Wait, burrow, as in…" Matt began to say.
"Bury itself." Hiccup confirmed "Usually in soft dirt, like sand. But it will dig anywhere it needs too." Looking at Heather, he then explained "A Sand Wraith looks like a Night Fury. Same size, same wings, and even create the high pitch scream when diving. The few differences between the two, is that it a Sandwraith has a different tail, has spikes on its back, and can't retract his teeth. Which are like razors."
"And this rider…he's who then?" Heather asked.
"The traitor." Astrid growled, looking up with fire in her eyes. Finally releasing the desk, she folded her arms and explained "He trained the Sand Wraith and flew with us right when we learned how to train dragons." Gesturing to Matt, she added "He flew with us for a little less than a year. Left a few months before you first showed up."
Matt and Heather stared at them, blown away at the new knowledge of another dragon rider that was banished from them. An outcast.
"So, why me?" Matt asked "Why is he leaving messages for me?"
"I don't know." Hiccup answered "My guess? To try and get you to side with him."
"Ok, hold on. What did he do?" Heather asked, staring at Hiccup "Why would he want Matt, or me, to side with him?"
"This…guy. We actually saved him." Hiccup began to explain "We took him to our home, and adopted him as one of our own." Looking at Matt, he added "My dad adopted him into our family. That's why he said you were brothers."
"And you never told me about him? About all of this?!" Matt cried out, shocked at the revelation.
"It's not the easiest thing to talk about, Matt!" Astrid yelled, her eyes burning with fire "We cared about him! We did a lot for him!"
"And he did a lot for us too." Hiccup quickly cut in, looking at Astrid with worry. He knew this was tough for her, and was giving her every chance he could to let her cool down.
"Such as…" Matt asked, still looking like he was in shock.
"He saved Berk." Hiccup replied "He essentially sacrificed himself to save me, Toothless, and Astr-"
"Me." Astrid growled, her eyes narrowing "Technically twice, though one of those times was with Hiccup."
"What did he do that you had to banish him?" Heather asked, staring at them with shock "I mean, I've done some pretty…questionable things to you guys. What did he do?"
"Well…to give you the short version." Hiccup began to say "He found out that someone was still alive, and asked…he asked me to help him kill this person right when he learned about it."
"Who?" Matt quizzed, trying to soak in all the new information.
"Doesn't really matter." Hiccup answered "The important thing is that I refused to help him right then. I wanted to wait and get a real plan. But he wouldn't listen."
Astrid started to take deep breaths, as if trying to vent the rage that was building up inside of her.
"He…he attacked me when I had Toothless stop his dragon." Hiccup whispered, his eyes misting a little. A wave of sadness rushed over him as he revisited the memory. He thought the years would have made it easier; rather, they almost made it harder. "I don't remember much of the fight, as he knocked me out almost immediately."
"That's where I came in…" Astrid whispered hoarsely, looking up at Matt and Heather. Her eyes weren't burning with fire like earlier, but almost watering up instead. Her teeth was still clenched, but her demeanor almost flipped.
"Just so you guys know, this…traitor, and I were…close." She continued to whisper "I mean…really close."
Matt and Heather glanced at each other, again blown away at the information. Astrid liked someone other than Hiccup?!
"I rushed and defended Hiccup." She recounted "We've always practiced fighting each other, as he was good with a dagger. But this was different. He was angry, as if nothing could stop him. It was like…none of us mattered anymore." Shaking her head, she then growled "Like I didn't matter to him anymore."
Matt just stared at her, unable to even think of words to say.
"I remember it was the first time I felt like I couldn't beat him. Even if I got the upper hand on the fight, I knew I couldn't get myself to finish the job." She whispered, looking away from Matt and Heather. After a moment of silence, she then finished the story "He knocked me down and held his dagger over my throat. I…I really thought he was going to end me right there. Then, I don't know what happened, but he slowly got off of me. He mumbled something to himself and then got on his dragon, about to fly away." Shutting her eyes, she whispered quietly "I told him to never come back. And he promised he wouldn't. He said he'd never come back to hurt us." Then, opening her eyes with the fire back, she growled "And now here he is. Breaking his promise. Like the liar and traitor he is."
Matt and Heather stared at her, unsure of what to say. Hiccup then spoke up, taking the attention away from her. "This guy. He's trying to use you Matt. He's trying to use you to get back with us; or at us."
Matt just nodded, realizing that Hiccup was just warning him. Looking at him in the eye, he then asked "One question, if I can ask one."
"Go ahead." Hiccup replied, sitting back in his chair.
"What's his name? You keep saying him or he." He asked, looking at Hiccup with confusion "Who is he?"
Sighing, Hiccup and Astrid looked at each other. Astrid slowly nodded, closing her eyes and bowing her head. Looking at Matt in the eyes, Hiccup then said "His name's…Ukiah."
"So what're we going to do then?!" Dagur roared, his eyes bulging at Ryker.
"She's the one that was adamant about not being caught, it's her fault." Ryker replied in an uncaring voice "If she hadn't gone off with her wild plan of hers, instead of helping us charge in the main fight, maybe she'd be here with us."
"We failed to distract them! That's why she was captured!" Dagur protested, not being quiet about it "We sail back right now! We go and get her back!"
"With what army? We failed to conquer them when with all my men and ships!" Ryker growled, his eyes narrowing "If yeh want to get her back so bad, take yer remaining men and go ahead! As far as I'm concerned, I'm only worrying about getting the Dragon Eye! Which is set back again!"
"Grrhhhh!" Dagur growled, clenching his fists in anger.
"Ship ahoy!" A Hunter called out, drawing both their attentions.
"Great. I hope it's another trader." Ryker growled, walking to the side of the ship "Supplies are getting a little low."
"Don't change the subject! We're not done talking about this!" Dagur yelled, following Ryker.
"I'm done talking about this." He growled, eyeing Dagur dangerously. Seeing Dagur not make a move on him, he then focused on the approaching ship. It wasn't big, but wasn't small either. He could already see a small group of men on its deck. A white flag was raised as well, signaling that they wanted to talk.
"Hmph. Guess we better see what they want first. Then we can raid them." He growled, watching the ship approach.
"Hail! Fellow seafarers." A voice called. A lone man stood on the bow of the ship.
"Aye, we're Dragon Hunters. What do yeh want?" Ryker shouted back, staring at the man.
"My chief wishes to speak with your leader!" The man shouted.
"I am the leader. Who is yer chief?" Ryker growled, standing up straighter.
Before the man could reply, a mammoth of a man walked into view. Standing at least six or seven inches taller than the spokesman, the giant carried a large executioner styled axe like a walking staff, as it was just as tall as he was. Ryker's dragon hunting trained eye easily spotted it to be made of dragon bones. The giant wore a tattered cloak, going only down to just above his knees. He wore a hood over him as well, shadowing his face from the burning daylight.
"I. I am their chief." The man spoke simply, yet powerfully.
"Well, yeh have my attention for a split moment." Ryker announced, trying not to gape at the size of the behemoth "Tell meh what yeh want! Before I decide to sink yer ship."
"Trust me. We've sunk ships bigger than yours…" The man quickly rebutted "But in answer to your question, I have a simple proposition for you. You help me, and I'll help you."
"I don't take kindly to threats…" Ryker growled drawing his sword "What kind of proposition?"
"I understand you're having troubles with some dragon riders…" The man spoke, a smile slowly growing on his shadowed face "'Specifically Berkians. Led by a Hiccup Haddock?"
"Aye, we may be…" Ryker reluctantly agreed, surprised at what the stranger knew.
"I help you get an upper hand on them, I want your help hunting a boy and a dragon." The stranger continued to explain.
"Well, it's obvious that yeh can help meh with all the riders, when yeh can't even get one yerself." Ryker sneered, a smile growing on his face.
"You misheard me. I need help hunting him down. Not dealing with him." The stranger whispered "I promise you, I've killed more dragons than you've probably seen in your lifetime. And I've been fighting with this dragon rider long before anyone else has…He's nothing like those you're fighting. He's a killer by blood and choice." Standing up straight, he then loudly asked "Take it or leave it. I'm not planning on wasting my time, nor breath, talking to you anymore!"
Ryker eyed the stranger. Judging by the way he talked, and with what he could see, his threats and promises were real. "One question then…and then we'll work out a deal." Ryker began to say "What's yer name?"
Silent for a moment, the hooded stranger slowly began to chuckle, creating an eerie feeling in the air. "Name's don't matter. But, for your sake…my name is the Forsaken Chief. Strogg the Stone."
Hey! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, as well as some of the humor I tried throwing in it. As a side note, today was my last day for my Tax internship in sunny Florida. I'll be driving back across the country sometime next midweek. I hope to post at least two chapters before then, and should probably be able to put one out during my trip when I stop in for the couple of nights it'll take me. But no promises.
In answer to a reviewer's question, asking if Matt will ever have a gun, no. At least, I do not plan on letting a gun wander in the series. That's what makes Matt special (To me.) He's a kid from a different time, learning to adapt. He's no different from anyone else except what he brings and develops himself. Such as a Dragon Boarder.
On a side note, if you have no idea what or who Ukiah is, his story was written a few months ago. If you want, and I suggest, check out his story at HTTYD: Hiccup and the Vagabond. Other than that, hope you enjoyed it!
