Chapter Eighteen: Ukiah
The dark world slowly began to give away. Matt found himself staring literally into nothing but a foggy darkness. No matter which direction he looked, it was the same all around him. He had no idea where he was, and for some reason, he couldn't open his left eye. He patted at it, not feeling anything out of place or swollen, other than it refusing to open. Looking at where he was standing, he found himself standing in ankle deep water.
A growl sounded off, making him turn to see where it came from. It echoed all around him, making it impossible to figure out where exactly it came from.
"Hello?" He called out, waiting to hear a response.
Nothing.
Unsure of what was going on, he went to take a step, but was shocked to find he wasn't able to move! Alarmed, he looked down and gasped. Where he was standing in water seconds ago, he was now standing in sand. The horrifying part though, was that he was slowly sinking in it.
Pulling on his legs, he tried to get out, but no matter how hard he struggled, he kept on sinking at the same, slow speed.
"Hiccup! Astrid!" He shouted, looking around frantically "Heather!" Scanning all around him, he let out an audible gasp as he found something that took his breath away. It was Wasatch! "Wasatch! Bud!" He shouted, waving his arms "Help me out!"
Wasatch just looked at him, unmoving and unconcerned.
"Wasatch!" Matt screamed, now up to his knees in the sand. Then something appeared out of the fog, causing him to stare in shock. It was Astrid. Almost magically appearing out of the fog next to Wasatch, she just stood there and watched Matt.
"Astrid!" He cried out, trying to extend his hand out to her, but unable to. Looking down in horror, he saw that he was in the sand up to his shoulders! He had no idea how he sunk that fast without noticing! Looking up with fear all over his face, he saw a large silhouette of a giant emerge behind both Wasatch and Astrid. Whatever it was, it towered over them by fifteen feet! "Run! Get away!" He screamed, helplessly watching the figure raise a large axe over its head. Then, when he was sure the axe was going to come down on top of them, the darkness overcame everyone, leaving Matt alone.
"Wh…what…" He thought to himself. For some reason, he felt more awake. More aware somehow. He still had no idea where he was though. He felt like he was laying down, rather than standing; or sinking for that matter. Starting to think about what he just saw, a jolt of pain riveted his head and down his spine; feeling like someone was pulling on his spine! He had no idea what was causing it.
"…Arrow…that's enough…we don't want to bury him…" A voice whispered, barely even audible to him.
"Wh…who's that?" He muttered, trying to lift his head. Trying to open his eye, a blinding light shone down on him, causing him to close it just as fast. "Arrgghhh…" He groaned, trying to rub his head with his hand. Again, it was held down by something heavy, as if it was laid over his entire body.
A soft growl sounded to his right. The exact same one he heard in his dream, just less of an echo.
"Let him wake on his own." The voice announced. It sounded like it was coming from his left.
"Who…who are you?" Matt asked, trying to sit up. Again, the weight laid atop of him kept him down, making him give up. He felt weak, unable to really function.
"Easy there…" The voice calmly assured. Matt felt something push down on him, as if making him stay down "Slower is better than being quick. Try to focus on opening your right eye…"
"My…right eye?" Matt asked aloud, letting out a huff of confusion.
"Just…trust me. Focus on your right eye." The voice said again, sounding more normal and less distorted.
Taking a few deep breaths, Matt did as he was told. Slowly opening his eye, he saw two silhouettes standing over him. One shape he immediately recognized as a dragon. Its head looking like an arrowhead with spikes along its head and down its neck. The other he could tell was the source of the voice he was hearing.
"Hey…finally waking up…" The person said, a smile forming on his blurred face.
Matt's eye slowly adjusted, letting him see color and details. The dragon was dark brown with black stripes. It had a small column of sand dripping out of the corner of its mouth, which was littered with a row of razor sharp looking teeth. Perhaps the most defining feature of the dragon though, were its piercing green eyes. They seemed to dig into him, as if interrogating his mind to tell it who he was.
Then the boy. He had to be the same age as Matt. He had longer black hair, which he had braided down behind his right ear. He was shirtless, which allowed Matt to see his skin was tanned and had a weathered look to it, showing he'd been outside at all seasons. In the center of his chest, was a massive and deep looking scar. His nose was crooked, as if it were broken earlier in his life.
"Good…" He said, smiling at Matt with relief "Honestly thought I was going to lose you. How are you feeling?"
"I…I don't know…" Matt whispered, looking down where he lay. He saw exactly why he couldn't move. He was buried in a large blanket of sand, covering him from his feet up to his neck.
"Arrow kept you warm this way. He heated up his sand and laid it over you." The stranger explained, seeing Matt's eye look at the sandy blanket "You've been out for three days now."
"Got some water...?" Matt whispered hoarsely, starting to recognize his body's needs.
"Right here." The stranger replied with a smile. Brushing the sand off Matt's chest, he gently helped him sit up. The brown and black dragon then sat down behind Matt, giving him something to lean against. Making sure Matt was situated, he then reached over and grabbed a water skin. Opening it up, he then slowly poured it into Matt's open mouth.
Already, the water seemed to wash away the weak feeling he had. Though his limbs still felt heavy, he at least had energy to move a little. "Thank you…" He whispered, closing his eye and relishing in the cool drink.
The stranger just smiled, sealing the water skin and setting it down.
Taking a second to let his body slowly adjust to waking up and moving, he looked around with his one eye. He was in a small cove like area. Similar to the one back in Berk. The major difference was that there was a decent sized waterfall pouring into the pool, with a stream leading down a gorge. The trees were full of leaves, and provided excellent shade from the blistering sun. It was indeed the very image of what paradise was imagined.
"What…happened to me?" Matt asked, now able to rub his head. Again, lightning like pain shot through his body, sending him into a world of lightheadedness. He felt himself start to black out, which he simply stopped trying to move to help prevent from doing so again.
"Easy!" The stranger barked "You're still recovering!"
"What's wrong?" Matt grunted, trying to deal with the pain. Turning to his caretaker, he asked "What's going on with me?"
"What do you remember?" The stranger asked, opening a burlap bag and pulling out some jerky. Gesturing to Matt, he offered some to him.
"I…uh…" Matt began to say, slowly taking the offered jerky. Taking a small bite, he cast his mind back. The dream, well, what was apparently a dream, was the only thing he could remember clearly. But…wasn't he with Wasatch before? And…Astrid? Lightly shaking his head, he groaned "It's foggy. I remember some…things. But no details." Looking at the stranger, he asked "Where did you find me?"
"In the ocean." Was the reply, the stranger's face growing somber "You…you were pushed off a ship. Well, had your head cracked open and then pushed over. Does any of that sound familiar?"
Matt sat there, thinking about what he was told "The Ocean? How? I was on a ship? I usually ride on…" Matt instantly broke into a cold sweat, making the stranger suddenly tense up. "Wasatch…" He whispered, his face visibly paling. The jerky he was eating suddenly lost its savor. "No…Wasatch…" He repeated.
"Wasatch?" The stranger asked, realizing Matt was starting to remember.
"My…my dragon! A Skrill…" Matt quickly answered, looking up at the stranger. Then it hit him. So much came at him so fast! He felt overwhelmed. He simply leaned against the dragon acting as his back rest, as that was all he could do. He was supposed to be dead! He remembered the axe smashing into his face. He remembered when Wasatch took a dragon root arrow to the chest. He remembered seeing Astrid tied up and held prisoner. He was supposed to save her.
The stranger's somber look darkened. Sitting back, he then observed "You remember what happened, don't you?"
Matt only nodded, staring into nothing. Shaking his head lightly, he then said "You said I've been out for three days?"
"And two nights." He said, not taking his eyes off Matt "You didn't even stir that entire time."
Finally collecting himself, Matt faced the stranger "Who are you? How did you find me in the ocean?"
The stranger let out a deep sigh. Sitting flat on his bottom, he crossed his legs as he began to explain "My name's Ukiah. I was following the ship when you went…uh…overboard."
Matt's eye recoiled back in shock. This was Ukiah? The heartless killer that Hiccup and Astrid described? How?
"I've been following you for…a few weeks. Waiting to talk to you." He continued to explain "I was the one leaving the messages for you."
"Why. Why me?" Matt asked, unable to take his sight off of Ukiah "And why wait? Why leave messages for me instead of just talking me?"
"You hadn't dealt with me before. I was hoping to…have your help." He coughed a little bit, looking away from Matt as if ashamed "Besides, you wouldn't have been open to me if I just went straight to you. Now you have a reason to trust me."
"From what I heard, you were trusted before, and wanted to leave them." Matt commented, carefully watching Ukiah.
"I was. And I did." He admitted, looking at the ground "I left because I wanted to protect them. I'm sure they've told you plenty about me and my heritage. My parents and tribe were ruthless killers. We have a cold anger that burns in us, and sometimes…well, from what I experienced, we lose control. We can't see common sense. Just our desire and…death."
Matt didn't say anything. He just kept on staring at Ukiah.
"Listen. The reason why I didn't talk to you up front, was because I wasn't sure what you'd do when you saw me. And when I told you who I was." Ukiah began to explain "I was waiting for the moment to show you that I am a friend. Regardless of what Hiccup and Astrid may have told you."
"So why did you do what you did to Hiccup and Astrid?" Matt quickly asked "You almost killed her. You knocked Hiccup out!"
"And had Arrow almost kill Toothless. He was out and hurting when that happened." Ukiah quietly added, looking ashamed. "I know it sounds bad, but I needed to convince them to not follow me; and to show my enemy they meant nothing to me. When I knew they weren't going to help me, I did what I had to do to separate myself from them. I…I still feel guilty about it though…" He whispered. A tear slowly ran down his face, which he quickly wiped. "I thought that I'd be able to do it without them. Heh, the opposite happened." He forced a fake laugh, looking remorseful "I learned I needed them more than ever. I can't do this by myself!" Looking at Matt in the eyes, he then whispered "Isn't it funny? How you can't see the stars until its dark? I didn't realize exactly what my choice would entail, until much later of being away from Hiccup."
"Do what by yourself?" Matt quizzed, slowly shifting himself as his body would allow it.
"End our nightmare…" Ukiah whispered, looking at Matt with desperate eyes "Let me explain; When Hiccup and Astrid first met me, they saved me and Arrow from Strogg! They were the first people that actually cared about me!"
Matt thought about what Ukiah was saying. With his one eyebrow furrowing, he quietly asked "What set you off the first time then? What made you attack them?"
Ukiah went quiet. Pondering his answer, he looked up at Matt and said "I…I had to. I had to in order to protect them! Do you know what I did for them? When Berk was attacked by Strogg?"
"You saved them. Both Hiccup and Astrid. And all of Berk." Matt answered, recalling the tale from Hiccup.
"True, I did. But what I actually did was almost die for them." Ukiah threw in. His eyes turned darker, making Matt uncomfortable. Taking a deep breath, Ukiah explained "I loved them. They were the only people on the blue seas that ever cared about me. So, after I spilled my own blood for them, and spent half a year recovering; you can imagine the anger and hate I felt when I learned that the man that wanted to take all that away from me was still alive."
"Strogg…" Matt whispered, his blood running cold at the name.
"Strogg." He confirmed, not batting an eye "Strogg wants to end me and hurt Stoick. He hates Stoick for helping me and betraying him. So the best way he thinks he can do that, is to kill me and Hiccup. And take Astrid for himself."
Matt sat there, knowing he was going to be hearing Ukiah's side of the story.
"The moment I learned he was alive, I asked Hiccup to help me end him. Together, we could've done it. We could have ended that evil man! But Hiccup didn't think we could. He wanted to wait!" Ukiah gripped the ground with both hands, as if to release his anger "After all I did for them, after all I went through, and with the perfect opportunity to end Strogg, I did what I had to if he wasn't going to fight with me." Letting out a huff of frustration, his face returned to a saddened expression "I attacked them. I banished myself to lead Strogg away from them, while I tried to fight him and his all his men. Though it worked and kept his attention away from Stoick and Hiccup, I…I've been haunted by what I did ever since…" Looking at Matt with sorrowful eyes, he whispered "I banished myself, in the hopes that Strogg would see that I mean nothing to them, and would leave them alone. Heh, it's worked too; at least until I stopped leaving him a trail to follow. He must have gone for Astrid in hopes to draw me to him." Shaking his head angrily, he growled "And now I need help…to atone for what I did to Hiccup and Astrid, and for what I failed to do to stop him from hurting them."
"Help killing Strogg?" Matt asked, feeling his head softly send a stream of pain down his body.
Ukiah only nodded, his face growing resolute "He needs to die Matt, and I can't do it alone; at least now I can't! I tried for three years to get him alone! I've whittled his men down to ten, but I can't get any more ground on him. That's the help I need!"
"So you're asking me; a one eyed man with a split head and a bum leg to help you?" He asked, concerned at what Ukiah was expecting "I'm not a sword fighter either. I just know how to throw a hatchet."
His eyes snapped towards Matt's as he whispered "To be honest, I was wanting Hiccup or Astrid to help me. That's why I was following Astrid. Instead, I saw a different opportunity to get help when I saw you sinking in the water. One that would show Hiccup and Astrid that saving lives is still my priority. I knew what I needed to do."
"You're trying to use me to get back with them." Matt summed up.
"I need help to end this fight Matt!" Ukiah growled, getting tired of repeating himself "I need you and your dragon riding skills! I've watched you, and I know you're good!"
Realizing that Ukiah was pleading with him to help, Matt hung his head down in pain and mourning. "Strogg probably killed my dragon. Wasatch…" He whispered "If he killed me…why would he kee-"
"Matt! Wasatch is alive! I don't know why, but Strogg kept him alive as they sailed away from where they dumped you!" Ukiah quickly explained "He's alive!"
Matt stared at Ukiah with his one eye. Relishing in the news, he whispered "Then there's still a chance…" Grunting, he slowly tried to roll to his feet, displacing the sand that lay over him. "Well Ukiah, I could be angry with what you did to Hiccup and Astrid. But I sure can't now, after you pulled me from the ocean. And told me your side of the story."
"Wait, you believe me? Just like that?!" Ukiah asked, surprised at the turn of the conversation.
"Ukiah, the last time I had any doubt in someone, they saved my life." Matt explained, struggling to get his feet under him. Breathing for a second, he then said "This isn't the first time I should have died. So, I use the action of saving my skin as a pretty sure way to trust people."
Ukiah quickly grabbed his arm, helping him stand and keeping him balanced. "Thank you Matt…I had a whole speech prepared why you should believe me…"
"Listen, you've given me enough reason to believe you when you pulled me out of the ocean. So, let me pay it back. I'll help you get a chance at Strogg at least. Then we can worry about Hiccup and the others." Matt grunted, letting the light headedness slowly disappear. Trying to keep his balance, he added "As far as what they do, that's up to them. Especially Astrid. I know you two were…uh…close. And I'm not going to lecture her or Hiccup that they should forgive you. Though what you did will speak volumes to them."
Ukiah looked down, his eyes narrowing angrily "I don't know about that…if I'm honest, I'm already planning on not being able to come back. I made my choice, so that I could lead Strogg away from them, I had to become their enemy."
"Why? You couldn't have just left and led Strogg from place to place? Without attacking them?" Matt groaned, closing his eye and focusing on balancing on his own. He was making progress, with having little food or water. And the head injury. And being out for three days.
"You think Hiccup and Astrid would have let me?" Ukiah quickly fired "If you know anything about Hiccup, then you know that he wasn't going to let me go by myself! He stopped me when I tried to leave on my own!" Looking down, he whispered "That's why I did what I did…why I had to do that…"
Seeing his reason, though disagreeing, Matt simply let out a sigh to help vent his confusion and pain. Groaning, he whispered "Let's get going then…regardless, we need to get Astrid away from Strogg. Can't try to apologize if she's killed by him; or worse."
He didn't see it, but Ukiah vividly twitched at the thought of Strogg doing worse things than death to her. Taking a deep breath, he simply let it out as he closed his eyes to try and calm his anger.
"This is…Arrow?" Matt asked, looking down at the dragon "A Sand what?"
"Wraith. A Sand Wraith. Hiccup and Astrid helped name him since he was a new species of dragon they haven't seen." Ukiah explained, letting a smile mask his silent rage "He's been my first and best friend in my life." A lot quieter, whispered "I guess my only one actually…"
Matt extended his hand out, to which Arrow sniffed it. Then, with a wide, teeth filled smile, licked it. "Heh, he's just like Toothless." Matt commented, scratching one of the many spikes on his head "I mean, by the way he acts."
"They were best friends." Ukiah commented "Hard to separate them before…well, you know."
Matt just nodded. Feeling his strength starting to return, he then changed the subject "So, what happened to me? Especially my left eye? I've tried and I still can't open it. Did you cover it or something?"
Ukiah's face fell, telling Matt something bad happened.
"I think it'd be better to show you what I did." He answered, gently guiding Matt to the calm pond. Making sure he was able to walk, he then gestured to the reflection in the water. "Your head was split open from the hit you took. From the top of your head and down the left. Those…eye covers you were wearing, were completely smashed and broke. Your eye was red and I covered it to try and heal it; though I haven't seen it since."
Matt stared at himself, unable to say anything. His entire head was wrapped in shrewd cloth, acting as bandages. Not only was his head covered, but so was his left eye. The wrappings dropped down and covered it at an angle, protecting the injured eye.
"I couldn't tell if the eye was damaged beyond healing." Ukiah continued to say, seeing Matt kneel down and look at himself "I can't guarantee your eyesight will be the same; or ever come back."
"First my leg; then my back; and now this." Matt whispered hoarsely. Closing his right eye, he silently swore to himself "Getting pretty damn old…"
Sitting there for a few minutes, he just thought about his potential future. If he lived with one eye, he was sure he'd get used to it, given that he got used to his leg. Just something that he'd have to adapt to. Again. "I'm going to kill that man…" Matt growled, opening his eye and staring at himself again.
"That was Strogg." Ukiah answered, watching Matt for his reaction "I vowed to bring him down before he could hurt anyone else, and it seems I failed. Again. For you, and Astrid."
"Who cares?" Matt replied, finally looking up at Ukiah "I know you made a promise, and vowed to do it, but who cares?" Slowly standing up, he then huffed "Let's just get it done. If you fall, get up and board on. Let's finish it!"
Ukiah was taken back at the blunt reply from Matt. He was different from Hiccup, and though he wasn't sure why, he already like him. He was all about acting and doing; and wasn't wallowing in pity with his injury.
Turning to face Arrow, Matt took a step back and then cried out "Agh! My leg!" At a combination of being weak, the lightning like pain in his head, and the sharp digging jolt that wracked his leg, he collapsed onto his knees.
"What's wrong?!" Ukiah cried, kneeling down to try and help him.
"Just my leg. And body in general." Matt huffed annoyingly, trying to stand back up "Got it sliced a few years ago. Hasn't really healed since."
"I guess you better tell me a little bit about yourself and your history with Hiccup." He huffed, helping walk Matt towards his little camp "I only know what I saw. You two were close.
"I'll tell you when we leave. Or get a better moment for me to explain it. I'm sure it's a little bit of a ride to…well, where ever we need to go…" Matt grunted, taking a seat on a rock "Any idea where Strogg was heading?"
"Not specifically. But I figured we go where I picked you up and head north." Ukiah answered, turning and starting to pack his supplies away. Handing Matt the bag of jerky, he then explained "Strogg thinks he's clever, and rightfully so. He just forgets I've been hunting him for years." Rolling his bed roll, he then said "He likes to shake up his courses. When he heads east, he usually breaks north after a few days. When its west, he usually turns south."
"Trying to throw any trail off of him." Matt summed up, starting to eat at the jerky. Suddenly Arrow bumped into him, looking at him with his sharp green eyes. "Want some too?" Matt lightly laughed, trying to stifle the laughter from hurting his head. Grabbing a few pieces, he tossed them to Arrow, who promptly caught them in one gulp.
"Well, Arrow's warmed up to you pretty quick." Ukiah smiled, seeing the Sand Wraith growl with satisfaction. Grabbing a black chainmail shirt hanging on a tree branch, he began to slide it on as he said "Honestly, I'd imagine Strogg's made camp at an island by now. After a few days of sailing, he usually stops at one to resupply and to strategize."
"I may have an idea. One that I don't know if you'll agree to." Matt began to say, watching him put the chainmail on. It was different, in regards that he had it padded underneath with some kind of fur. Almost like wolf fur. It had long sleeves that ran up to his wrists, being unique in that regard.
Ukiah looked up at Matt with a raised eyebrow. "Alright…what're you thinking?"
"We need to go to Dragon's Edge." Matt explained, watching for a reaction "For a couple of reasons."
Ukiah froze, though he recovered just as quick. Trying to mask his hesitancy, he grabbed a blackened dagger. Matt never saw anything like it before. It had a wolf carved into the handle, with what he assumed was the most amazing craftsmanship. Almost out of this archipelago. He watched Ukiah test the edge of it with his thumb, and asking "What reasons then?"
"I need to show Hiccup and…Heather, plus everyone else that I'm fine. Well, at least alive." He began to list, gently rubbing his bandaged head. "Besides that, we can all work to come up with a plan to get her back. I don't know if you know this, but we think Strogg is working with some guys named Dagur and Ryker. Dragon Hunters. That's the only reason why he would have wanted me to bring Darien to him." Testing his leg, he finished with "Besides, with a couple more heads, we'll be able to come up with something that can work."
"Maybe…if Hiccup doesn't refuse to talk to me. Or look at me." Ukiah whispered quietly, slowly grabbing a cloak hanging on another tree branch. Swinging it over him, he began to tie it on with an anxious look on his face.
"Listen, sooner or later, you're going to have to talk to him." Matt argued, eating a few more pieces of the jerky. It was rejuvenating to have energy flow through his limbs, as if new life was running through him "Why not now, after you rescued me?"
"I just don't know how he'll respond. How all of them will respond." He replied quietly, kneeling down and grabbing something. Pulling up a worn looking quiver, full of crossbow bolts, he then began to strap it to his hip. "I mean, I still feel guilty about the thought of seeing them again."
Matt didn't know what to say. It was a real issue Ukiah had, as did Hiccup. Finally, he shrugged, saying "Listen, Ukiah. I don't know what to say to make you feel better, maybe I can't help with that. But I can help bring you back and defend you. And I promise to do that."
Nodding, Ukiah let a small smile grow on his face. Reaching down behind a rock, he pulled out a crossbow. The weapon had designs carved into the wood stock, making unique looking. The arms and mechanisms were black, similar to his chainmail and dagger. Slinging it over his back, he made sure it was secure. "You know…I guess that's what we'll do. I'm tired of waiting to see them again. Now is better than later at this point."
Matt let a casual smile grow on his face. He could feel his sincerity, and really believed that he felt guilty for what he did. Looking at the person that saved his life turn into a warrior within minutes, he hoped that Hiccup would at least keep an open mind about him.
Ukiah then grabbed two objects, handing them to Matt. "I took these off of you, just while you were recovering." He explained, letting Matt grab them.
Smiling, Matt looked down at his knife and brace. "Thanks…these will be helpful." He replied with a grateful smile. Slowly, he pocketed the knife and then began to strap the brace on his leg. Ukiah and Arrow watched with curiosity as Matt tightened the leather belts. Making sure it was secure, he pushed on the lever, having the metal rods extend and support his leg. "There…that's better." He laughed, lightly bouncing on the leg. Looking up at Ukiah, he explained "One of Hiccup's creations. Helps my leg from, well, giving out as you saw."
Ukiah nodded, smiling at the thought. "Hiccup gave me a few gifts as well. This crossbow, the quiver, even Arrow's saddle."
Matt turned to see the brown saddle strapped to Arrow, worn with years of use and abuse. Arrow, seeing Matt look at him, then rubbed against him softly, growling and letting sand trickle out of the corner of his mouth.
"Hiccup's usually pretty kind about that kind of stuff." Matt seconded, scratching Arrow's head "It sounds like something he'd do…"
Nodding in agreement, Ukiah then mounted on Arrow. Gesturing for Matt to do the same, he said "Come on. The ride to your island is going to be a couple of hours."
"Thanks Ukiah…" He whispered, keeping his balance as he took a seat behind him. "Now, how 'bout we get Astrid back."
"Read my mind." Ukiah replied back. Lowering himself, he then said "Alright friend, let's go."
Arrow shot up into the air, making Matt cling to Ukiah. "He's got speed! That's for sure!" He shouted, finally adjusting to the acceleration.
Ukiah just laughed, focusing on heading in the right way to Dragon's Edge.
Looking ahead, Matt let his thoughts wander. Was Astrid alright? Was Wasatch even alive? How was Heather doing since he's been missing? Shaking his head slightly, he just looked ahead with his one eye.
"It was by pure chance you found that message in the cave." Ukiah explained "I left about ten other messages around the island, all saying different things. I just wanted to tell you how I honestly felt."
"Yeah, well, I can see that after what you've done to help me." Matt replied, looking ahead.
Ukiah then added "I was following you that stormy night. Honestly because I thought you would be the one to find Astrid. I wanted to see her."
"Yeah, well…that was the first time I saw Arrow here." He admitted, petting the dragon's side "Scared me honestly. Didn't know what he was."
"Heh, well, he's friendly. As long as you're friendly too." Ukiah replied, a small smile on his face.
Thinking of what he said, Matt then asked "Speaking of being friendly, why did you attack Heather? You fired a sand blast at her."
Frowning, Ukiah explained "That's her name? Good to know. Well, she was going to miss Hiccup. So, I tried to catch her attention by flying out of the ocean. After seeing that she wasn't following me, I made sure I had her attention." Looking at Matt, he then said "I never aimed to hurt her, just to get her to follow me. Guess it worked in the end."
Puzzling over another question in his head, Matt then quietly asked "Do you think you would have done things differently with Hiccup and Astrid? When you left them?"
Letting out a long sigh, Ukiah shook his head "Funny thing is, I ask myself that every night I fall asleep." Turning to face Matt, he whispered hoarsely "I don't know. Do I wish I could have done something differently? Of course. Do I think anything else would have been as effective? No. I don't." Looking down he added "I also did that to stop hiding my heritage. As I told you earlier, my people were called Crevites. Warriors. Well, more like merciless killers. Murderers. We have some kind of rage in us. It's not like a roar, get your blood pumping rage; it's quiet, and reserved. The few times I've personally experienced it, I didn't feel like I was myself." Turning back to face forward, he quietly explained "I hated that I was hiding from what I was. I tried hiding it, avoiding it even. I guess that was just the perfect moment to accept who I am. That's why I don't think Hiccup and Astrid will ever let me back in their lives."
"You know Ukiah, I feel like you're too focused on yourself." Matt piped in, making Ukiah turn back and stare at him with confusion. "Hear me out." He explained "I think were both similar to the point that we take other's safety and well-being upon ourselves. Right?"
"Yeah, I guess you can say that…" Ukiah agreed, nodding.
"Took me until recently to understand this, but I learned that you can't just put yourself on a higher bar of expectations and not others. We're not perfect." He explained, looking ahead.
"You're losing me." Ukiah huffed, trying to figure out what Matt was saying.
"I'm saying you're pinning this all on yourself." Matt pressed, looking at him with concern "You put yourself in a position, that no matter what, you're gonna fail. Well, as awesome and fun as Hiccup and Astrid are, they're far from perfect. You 'betrayed' them, and…well, it was a serious issue. But you tell me one time Astrid hasn't wrongfully accused someone? Or jumped to conclusions? Or better yet, Hiccup! Hiccup is the most stubborn and, sometimes, idiotic kid I met."
Ukiah raised an eyebrow at the idiotic comment, which Matt simply answered "Trust me, I'm close enough with him that I can call him that. In ways you don't know." Continuing his rant, Matt then explained "Hiccup isn't perfect. He gets caught up in something, and that's all he thinks about. He's super stubborn, like his dad! Astrid, if you cross a line with her, it's impossible to go back. Big or small. And it's like that whether she's right or wrong."
"They have flaws that don't potentially end someone's life!" Ukiah quickly replied, challenging Matt.
"How much money do you wanna put on that claim?" Matt asked, not affected by the challenge "I need both hands to count the times some of Hiccup's plans almost killed me. He never actually told me about you or Strogg until honestly a few days ago. And look where that put me. I should be dead, but you somehow managed to keep me alive. And then Astrid. Heh, Astrid almost refused to let the twins help defend the Edge. Got Ruffnut captured and Tuffnut involved in the front lines!" Smiling, Matt shrugged as he said "Listen, your flaw, or whatever you want to call it, was a lot more immediate; yes, I'll admit that. But don't think that you're the only one that isn't perfect; or one that doesn't put others in danger."
Ukiah just looked forward, thinking of what Matt said. Nodding slowly, he then whispered "I'll chew on it a little bit. I don't really agree with you on all parts, but it's opened my mind a little."
"Good." Matt huffed, sitting back on Arrow. Looking ahead, he then asked "So how far is to Dragon's Edge?"
"It's right there." Ukiah called out, pointing ahead at the island slowly coming into view "See? Only a couple hours out from my camp."
"You didn't lie. That's for sure." Matt whispered, peering ahead with his one eye "Agh…this one eye is making it hard to see exactly how far it is."
"Depth perception." Ukiah answered, letting Arrow glide just above the waves below "One eye leaves you at a disadvantage."
"Yeah, great." He huffed, blinking to let his dry eye relax a little. Scanning the buildings, he then said "Huh, no one's here. At least I'm not seeing anyone. Granted, I'm probably not the best guy to depend on for 'eyesight'."
Ukiah scoffed at the joke. This kid, he always had something witty to say, regardless of situation. He liked it. It was a nice change. "Where do you think they are then?" He asked, looking around as they flew closer to the Edge.
"Probably out looking for Astrid. Or…me." Came the swift and soft reply.
Ukiah didn't say anything. He had a mixture of relief and anxiety. He wanted to talk to Hiccup, and his old friends, but he still had a hard time bringing himself to see them.
"Land over there. That's the clubhouse." Matt said, pointing at the central building "Let's see if we can't figure out where they went."
"Slow, Arrow." Ukiah commanded, letting the Sand Wraith pull up and smoothly land on the deck.
Matt slid off first, getting light headed as he took his first steps. Ukiah quickly grabbed him, keeping him from falling.
"Ugh, thanks…" Matt groaned, holding his bandaged head "Definitely have a concussion after that hit…"
"Honestly, you're still probably recovering from the blood loss too." Ukiah threw in, forcing Matt's arm around him, to be able to support him better "You're wound isn't a small one. I was only able to patch you up."
"Of course." He grunted, Matt huffed, letting him basically hold him up. As loud as he was able to, he called out "Hiccup? Heather? Anyone?" They made their way into the club house, and weren't surprised to find that it was empty. "Yup. Gone." He huffed in frustration.
"Hey, look at this." Ukiah said aloud, walking Matt to what he was talking about. It was a huge map of the archipelago, half drawn and half blank. It was Hiccup's chart of what they explored thus far "This would've been helpful for me…"
Matt was about to comment on it, when something caught his attention. East of the island marked Dragon's Edge, was a large X. drawn in charcoal; so they could erase it later.
"That must be where they guessed you were almost killed." Ukiah replied, seeing what Matt was staring at.
Shrugging off his support, Matt then got a closer look, while saying "That…or they're thinking I was captured. I don't think they know what happened to me." Looking at the X, he then saw two lines split from it. "Oh no…" He whispered, seeing what they were.
"What?" Ukiah asked, leaning forward to see that Matt was seeing.
"Two lines." Matt pointed too "One heading north east from the x, and another heading-"
"North." Ukiah finished, seeing the lines. Looking at Matt, he then said "They're splitting up?"
"To look for me and Astrid. But whoever is going north, is heading right for Strogg! And potentially Ryker and Dagur!" Matt finished, looking at him with worry "We need to go after them!"
"Let's get going then." Ukiah replied simply, letting a small smile grow on his face. Looking straight into Matt's eyes, he then quoted "Let's just get it done."
Realizing he was using his own words, Matt laughed lightly while shaking his head "Fine with me!"
"Arrow! Let's go!" Ukiah shouted, letting Matt walk ahead of him "You sure you're going to be ok?"
"I'll be fine. Let's just stop whoever's heading north." Matt grunted, trying to walk at a reasonable speed "Where's Arrow? I may only have one eye right now, but I know I'm not blind."
"I left him on the deck…" Ukiah huffed, looking around for his dragon "Arrow! Where are you?"
"RRrrrrwwoarhhh" A roar sounded from the hanger.
The two began to walk that way when they heard another growl, sounding like a squawk. Matt instantly recognized it, whispering "Stormfly…" At that, he tried to jog down the ramp, which Ukiah did the same, except holding him just in case.
The two ran around the corner to see Arrow laying down with Stormfly, whose slash was still visible, though closed. The Sand Wraith gently nuzzled her, trying to comfort her.
"What happened to her?!" Ukiah cried, staring at the wounded Nadder.
"If I had to guess; Strogg. When he took Astrid." Matt huffed, slowly making his way to her. Kneeling down, he held her head as she squawked at him. A smile flashed across her face, making her look like the Stormfly he remembered her to be. "You doing better girl? Did Hiccup and the others leave you?"
Stormfly simply nuzzled him, letting out a soft growl. At that, she began to stand up. Though a little slowly at first.
"Whoa whoa whoa! Easy girl!" Matt said, trying to keep her down. Stormfly simply ignored him, which she turned and looked at Ukiah.
Ukiah swallowed, wondering if she would recognize him. And if so, how would she respond to seeing him again.
Letting out a happy squawk, she then put a bigger smile on and rubbed against him.
Taken back by the affection, Ukiah could only smile with his eyes watering a little as he began to stroke her neck. "Been awhile, hasn't it girl?"
Stormfly let out a loud squawk, stretching her wings as she did so. Pushing against Ukiah, she made her way to the deck of the hanger. Sniffing the air, she then turned and faced a direction.
"What's she doing?" Ukiah asked, looking at Matt with a confused expression.
"I think she's…" Matt began to say, walking slowly after her. She then began to sniff a single axe laid against the doorway of the hanger, which Matt instantly recognized. It was Heather's temporary axe. Seeing what Stormfly was doing, he then asked "Think you can't bring us to her girl? Can you fly?"
Stormfly simply turned and got lower, ushering for Matt to get on. Smiling, Matt did so, slowly climbing on Astrid's saddle.
"Are you going to be ok?" Ukiah asked, unsure of letting Matt ride by himself.
"Definitely." He replied, situating himself on the saddle. Letting out a wide smile he explained "The closer we get to them, the better I'll feel."
Arrow at this time, walked alongside Ukiah, growling for him to get on. Shaking his head, he simply climbed on and said "Suit yourself. But if you start getting light headed, you're riding with me!"
"Sure, but it won't happen." Matt answered, getting ready to take off. Leaning forward to Stormfly, he then whispered "Take me to them girl, please."
Stormfly let out a loud squawk, launching into the air. Matt held onto the saddle with all he had, getting a little dizzy from the acceleration. It didn't matter. He had to try and find Heather. To show her he wasn't captured and, well, at least alive.
"We're heading in a north-north east direction. She must have their trail!" Ukiah shouted, letting Arrow fly alongside.
"Which probably means Heather's probably one that went north." Matt answered looking ahead "Come on, let's go help 'em out!"
Well, there you go! Hope it wasn't to cliche' Sorry again for the later post, we had an accident on the ranch and I'm actually heading up as we speak to help clean it up and fix it.
Again, hope this story isn't turning into a repetitive scene, over and over and over again. I'll continue to work on that.
Thanks again for all your support! Have a great day!
