:: CHAPTER FIVE :: Life's a Berk
Astrid was worried. It was unusual not to see Hiccup out and about by now. He had missed breakfast and it was not mid morning. The village was bustling with early morning trade and people tending to their dragons, cleaning and feeding them.
She could see from Stormfly's expression that she seemed uneasy too. She had never known Hiccup to be up late, even as a small child he was always running around and getting in everyone's way as they did their morning business.
No this was strange, even if he had overslept, Toothless would have been awake and soon woke him up. She had not seen Stoick this morning either, again this was unusual. Astrid walked over towards the blacksmith, with Stormfly following, hoping that maybe Hiccup was inside with Toothless making him some kind of new tail or something.
All was quiet from the blacksmith, not a good sign. She walked through the door and was met by the sight of Gobber slumbering over his anvil. Turning back towards Stormfly she shook her head "They are not here girl..." With a snort Gobber Jumped up, and brandished his arm/axe attachment.
"Who goes there...?" He shouted
"It's only me, well and Stormfly, Gobber." She said nervously with a wave.
A broad grin crossed Gobber's face. "Ahh, sorry about that missy. Force of habit if you know what I mean. What can I do you for this morning?"
"Have you seen Hiccup this morning?"
"No lass, I have been her all night, err...cleaning my weapons, you know, no harm in keeping these babies ready for action!" He stroked Bertha, his catapult tenderly.
"What about Stoick, He is usually doing his village walk by now. I have not seen a sign of him either! I'm getting worried"
"Och lass, they be fine. Stoick was...err...also helping me clean the weapons last night" Gobber sheepishly glanced over at an empty ale keg in the corner. Astrid frowned at Gobber "Anyway, have you tried the house, they are probably there?"
"Not yet, but still I would expect Hiccup and Toothless to of been abut by now. With all that's gone on recently I am really worried about them."
"Do not worry yourself lass, you know Hiccup, Always having some crazy idea pop into his head. He's one stubborn Viking of ye ask me. Takes after he father does that one! Why don't you pop over to the house, you could do old Gobber a favour while you are there. Stoick has left one of his, err, tools here." Gobber rummaged around the tools all over the place and grabbed a large wooden tankard and handed it to Astrid.
"Tool... I can't imagine what this could be used for" She said rolling her eyes. As she was about to turn and leave, she looked at the beer tankard. It was exquisitely made, smooth and polished perfectly and in the side was engraved the Berk Crest and dragons were carved all the way round."
"That is something isn't it lass" Gobber said "A tankard fit for the chief wouldn't you say. And it was made by Hiccup himself."
"Hiccup made this? It must have been recently?" She looked wide eyed at the intricate carvings round the sides
"No lass, he made that years ago when he was just a wee boy. It was made in this very building, well the building before this place was destroyed by dragons, or was it the one before that... I cannae remember, anyway no mind."
"Has it been altered recently?"
"That old thing, no. It'd just as Hiccup made it"
"Well, these carvings are a pattern made out of dragons. And the central piece is a specific dragon, look"
Gobber grabbed up the tankard and inspected it closely. "By the light of Odin. It's a Night Fury. I never even noticed. Nobody had seen a Night Fury up close before before Toothless came along, let alone Hiccup of all people" he carefully handed Astrid the tankard.
"Then how... I've got to find him. Gobber, if he comes here tell him I am looking for him; and it is urgent. I'm going up to the house.
"Don't worry I will Astrid, things like this give me the willies
Astrid ran over to Stormfly and jumped on her back. "Come on Stormfly, over to Hiccups" Stormfly jumped and soared into the air and glided over to the Horrendous Haddock home.
She didn't know why, but Astrid was always nervous about knocking on Stoick's door. She never knew what kind of mood he would be in. In general she respected Stoick, but he could fly of the handle with little provocation. Gingerly knocking at the door she patiently awaited a response. All was silent. Astrid knocked again a bit louder, again nothing. The feelings of worry returned. What if something bad had happened overnight? She knew she had to find out.
Barging through the door the door loudly banged against the wall. Immediately there was a loud crash from inside and a lot of cursing. A roar then filled the house and Astrid saw Stoick charging towards her, mace in hand. Closing her eyes she braced herself for impact, but never came.
"Ahh Astrid it is you," Rubbing his head, he grimaced. "You shouldne do that to a slumbering Viking, very dangerous." he grinned. "If it were anyone else they would have been embedded into that there wall."
Cheeks flushing red with embarrassment a look of embarrassment crossed her face. "I am soooo sorry, I ... I... I did not mean to wake you."
"Ha, no problem lass, I was ...err... just grabbing a quick rest before me duties. I had a hard nights work last night."
Waving the Tankard, Astrid Grinned. "Gobber did ask me to return this to you, you must have left it."
"Och, you have got me. Even the chief has to let his hair down once in awhile, if ye know what I mean." Stoick rubbed his throbbing head. "I may of let too much of me hair down though last night though. Anyway what is it I can do ye for?"
"I actually came to see Hiccup, but I wished to show you this too. It is something amazing." Astrid handed the tankard to Stoick.
"Wha ye mean, It is only an old Tankard?"
"I understand Hiccup made it for you when he was younger?"
"Yes he was just a wee lad back then, useless with the dragons but he had talent with them tools." His mother would of been so proud. He made this for me on the third anniversary of; well you know his mother's passing."
"Wow, I did not realise it's importance, but I think it is even more important than that. It is what he has carved into it which is Amazing!"
"What the Berk crest, ahh that's easy..." Astrid Interrupted him
"When was the first time that ANYONE IN the village saw a Night Fury?"
"No one ever has, until Toothless that is, why?"
"Look at the dragon carved on the opposite side to the crest and tell me what you see" Excitement crossed her face.
Stoick grinned "Ahh just some dragons... everyone has seen ..." A look of astonishment crossed Stoick's face and his eyes widened. "By the power of Thor, is that a Night Fury?"
"I believe so, it kind of looks like the Berk Dragon Academy logo. Gobber told me that it has not been altered in any way. And look at its tail fin."
Stoick gasped. "It looks like from the angle of it, that it only has one fin, just like Toothless" He sat down.
"Now I call that a slight bit creepy. Either it has been altered by Hiccup, it has been changed or something strange is going on."
"Nay, it has not been, I keep it with me at all times, if it had been we would see the alterations. And this is definitely the same tankard as it has a knot in the wood shaped like a heart here you see."
"I need to speak to Hiccup, but I have not seen him this morning, maybe he can shed some light on this."
"Just go on up, he is not up yet, at least I have not heard him. They way him and Toothless bang around up there, It would wake Thor for all the noise."
"WHAT... mid morning... oh thunder of Thor, I have my duties to see to. Don't mind me while I get me gear on, And give Hiccup a piece of my mind for not waking up and letting me sleep in."
Astrid ascended the stairs, this was not like Hiccup, and it was not like Toothless either. For all his faults, promptness was one of Hiccups better traits. Even with Toothless's odd behaviour recently Hiccup was always up and about. Astrid was greeted with an empty room. She went over to Toothless's sleeping rock, with Toothless' powerful fire breath; usually it was still warm, even into the afternoon.
She looked round the room. It was tidy; no sign of any trouble, the bed was neat and looked like it had not even been slept in. His cherished notebook lay on the night stand. This worried her even more, as he always carried that thing with him. She flicked through the pages, just the usually pictures of dragons and sketches of Toothless, little Torch and even one of herself and Stormfly. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment for a second and she smiled to herself. She reached the last entry. Nothing gave a clue to his whereabouts.
She called down to Stoick. "Stoick, sir. He is not here." Stoick came running up the stairs. "It does not look like he has been here all night either."
"After the meal last night Hiccup went to bed, so I went back to Gobber's and regaled on tales of the past. When I came home I remember calling up to him but heard nothing, but then that's all I remember. I was a bit, worse for wear. Oh I thought he was asleep. What if he is in trouble?"
"I'm Sure there is some rational explanation, this is Hiccup, and he quite often makes rash decisions. I'm sure he is just out flying."
"Yeah that would be Hiccup alright. Unusual for him to do so at night without warning. He knows of the dangers. We must go out and find him." Although Stoick rarely showed emotion, Astrid could tell that he was worried.
"Don't Worry I'll get the academy to search, you just get on with your duties, We will find him in no time."
"Aye, I do have a lot to do this morning, especially now I am behind. But promise me, if you sense ANY trouble, you come and find me."
"Of course, we can do this, we owe it to Hiccup."
Stoick rubbed Astrid's shoulder. "I know you can, I can see why Hiccup likes you so much."
Astrid blushed as Stoick turned and walked down the stairs. Picking up Hiccups notebook, she rubbed it tenderly. "Hiccup, where are you?" whispering to herself. Looking up she noticed a small box open on his night stand. Hearing Stoick leave the house she walked over to the nightstand and picked it up, it was empty. "I wonder if this has something to do with his disappearance." Looking around more there was no other clue Astrid could find and left the house.
Stormfly looked at her expectantly, but the look on her riders face told the dragon all she needed to know. The dragon nuzzled up to her hoping to make her feel better. Astrid rubbed he cheek back. "I know you are worried girl, we all are. We will find them." The dragon cooed back at her. "Wait here for a sec I have to find the others."
Of all the dragon Academy members, she knew she could most reply on Fishlegs. Although not as fierce as the other teens, He would always be there for his friends and the dragons. Snotlout was probably the most brash of them but at times could not be trusted. Ruffnut and Tuffnut, well, were just Ruffnut and Tuffnut!
Reaching Fishlegs house Astrid was about to knock on the door but stopped upon hearing laughter. She put her ear to the door and heard Fishlegs giggling and a slurping sound. Astrid shuddered at the thought and opened the door. Shock crossed her face, and then turned to revulsion. She should of known better.
"Ew Fishlegs, seriously"
A scream could be heard followed by a loud thump as Fishlegs fell off his chair. "Erm... Astrid... morning... I was just having my err... morning foot bath..." Grabbing Meatlug he pulled himself up and hugged his Dragon. "Yes I was wasn't I?" Who's my good dragon...yes it's you..."
"FISHLEGS!" Shouted Astrid, "Please, I have just eaten."
"Well you were the one who just barged in without Knocking. I could of been having a bath or something."
"Fishlegs that is a vision I don't want to even imagine. I really do not know how you even get Meatlug to even do these things."
"No...I meant... Meatlug does not do..." Fishlegs blushed "Anyway, why barge in on us, what is so urgent, surely training can wait til later?"
"Hiccup and Toothless are missing. They did not come home last night."
"So they are probably out flying..."
"No it is unlike them, not to tell us anyway. He knows our rule, always let someone know when you go alone, after Alvin's escapades he knows the dangers." Astrid sighed. "And besides, flying on his own late at night, that's asking for trouble. We need to look for them."
Meatlug walked over to Astrid and rubbed her cheek up against her. "Ok, even Meatlug seems worried too. And when Meatlug is worried, I am worried. What do you need me to do?"
"Well you gather up the others I will grab some supplies, meet me and Stormfly at the Academy."
Fishlegs walked up to Astrid and put his hand on her shoulder. "You really care for him don't you?"
Her cheeks reddened "No... I mean yes... I care for them a lot; I care for the academy a lot."
"Well lets go." Fishlegs jumped on the Gronkle's back "Meatlug, let's find the others." The dragon grunted approval and flew through the door. Leaving the house she whistled to Stormfly. The Nadder flew over and allowed her to climb on.
It seemed like a long flight over to the Academy arena. Usually she enjoyed the wind in her hair. But she was worried. As usual Fishlegs was right. She cared a lot for Hiccup. He had been the one who had changed her life, and now had her beautiful dragon. She could not imagine what Hiccup had been going through with Toothless on the last few weeks. What if it ever happened to her, What if Stormfly grew tired of her? No other dragon she had come across could fill the space left by Stormfly. She was one in a million.
Astrid knew a load of Nadders, but this one was different, Stormfly for instance flew almost as fast as a Night Fury, and sometimes Astrid swore she even had some of their mannerisms too and often wondered what had happened in the past to make her so unique. Stormfly seemed to be more comfortable hanging around with Toothless than other Nadders at times, which was strange. Had she encountered Night Furies before, were they more common than they are now?
So many questions Astrid had of her dragon and of the other dragons too. She did not know how they could be answered. Although felt that communication with dragons was possible to a degree, the proof being that she could command Stormfly to do what was needed, and also at times felt that Stormfly also had command over her.
Only one person seemed to have commanded communication better than anyone, and that was Hiccup. Astrid envied their relationship to a degree but also thought it beautiful. A human and a dragon so closely connected that they could function as one. Astrid had to help them the best she could.
Landing in the middle of the academy arena, it seemed so quiet. As of late there was usually some kind of activity during the day as they all enjoyed learning more about dragons. She especially enjoyed when the young children came over to gaze in awe at the dragons and learn about them, knowing they would take up the mantle one day and would be their legacy. Astrid's thoughts were abruptly shattered when she heard a voice behind her.
"Yet again it falls to me to save the day. Why do I have to even bother keep rescuing them? Surely if he was so good Hiccup would be able to get himself out of these situations. I know I would. That's why the ladies love me!"
Astrid whirled round "SNOTLOUT, I cannot think of ONE time that you single handedly rescued anyone, without needing help yourself of course. Hiccup may be in danger and as his friends we may need to help him, as he would do and HAS done on many occasions."
"If you say so, and besides he is not my friend. What has he ever done for ME or Hookfang" Hookfang rolled his eyes.
Astrid shot a glare at Snotlout. "They have done a lot for you. If it was not for Hiccup, you would not have a dragon. All you know and love would probably not be here. He would not of trained Hookfang, and probably without him Hookfang would of eaten you by now, I know I would." Hookfang grinned to himself
"Heh heh, that I would like to see." shouted Tuffnut as he came into land with Ruffnut on the Zippleback.
Ruffnut grinned "Yeah and we can feed Hookfang you as desert"
"Yeah, awesome... wait" Tuffnut scratched his head in confusion.
"Well I'm... NOT... going" protested Snotlout sitting on the back of his Monstrous Nightmare stubbornly crossing his arms.
"You are, unless you want a punch in the face." shouted Astrid
"Guys, do we have to do this every time. We have bigger things to think about."
"Stay out of this Fishlegs." shouted Snotlout "I have better things to do, come along Hookfang." Hookfang stayed put. "Hookfang..." The monstrous nightmare looked back at him and growled. "Hey, you listen to me Hookfang. I give the orders here...YEAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Hookfang again grinned as he flamed up. Snotlout jumped off and sprinted to the water trough and sat in it.
"I guess Hookfang has made the decision for you." Smirked Astrid. As the other laughed at Snotlout.
"Guys, it's getting late, we better make a move." as Fishlegs took off.
"You owe me Hookfang!" Snotlout whispered to his dragon through gritted teeth as he got back on. Hookfang threatened to flare up again. "OK OK, you win." he shrieked
"It is so awesome when he does that Snotlout, do you train him to set you on fire... heh heh." teased Ruffnut.
"Go swallow a rock." Snotlout made a rude gesture to the laughing twins.
"But we haven't got any..." replied Tuffnut, again with a confused look.
"GUYS... COME ON!" Shouted Astrid who was hovering on Stormfly in the entrance with Fishlegs on Meatlug. "Remind me Fishlegs, why did I invite them."
"Because, no matter how they act, they are good at what they do. We need their help."
"Yeah, I know. You are a good friend to have around you know, Fishlegs. I am so glad you are part of the Academy." Fishlegs blushed.
Astrid flew ahead of the group and turned round to face them. "OK group. Here's what we are going to do. I will search around the village area and the forests around raven point. Fishlegs you take the opposite side of the island. Ruff & Tuff, you take the islands to the north and west. Snotlout the islands to the South and east. Meet back at the village even if you do not find anything, we will then spread out further if needed."
"Why does he get the south east? I wanted the south east; he always gets what he wants."
"Tuffnut, Just do as I say, the quicker we search the quicker we get back. The islands to the North are full of cliffs and cracks, the two of you make for more eyes so it would be easier. You have eight eyes"
"But... I only have two, and he only has two..." replied Ruffnut.
Astrid facepalmed."For the love of Odin... YOUR DRAGON also has two pairs of eyes...Now just go... Please! Even Stormfly is getting annoyed" Stormfly raised her tail spikes menacingly.
"OK OK, we are going."
"They are good at what they do!" Fishlegs grinned, Astrid just laughed to herself as she flew off in the direction of Raven Point.
Darting trough the trees she looked for any sign of anything out of place. Flying through the woods was something that Hiccup, Toothless and herself and Stormfly did often, and something they all seemed to enjoy. Stormfly had always seemed to be confident in following Toothless's lead and matched his manoeuvres perfectly. Astrid could now see that Stormfly had learned a lot, and sensed that Toothless had been teaching her all along. For now she glided through the trees with grace and stealth just like a Night Fury.
They flew back across the village and round and up towards Mildew's house. A thought came to her, what if Mildew had something to do with this. She landed on a spot overlooking the house and watched. Nothing out of the ordinary here. Mildew just seemed to be quietly tending to his cabbages with that sheep at his side. Well at least he was not complaining for once. Mildew then looked up and glared at them, hate in his eyes. Astrid took off and flew east back towards the forest again. That would probably set Mildew off on another complaint. She would be hearing from Stoick later she just knew it.
Astrid flew to a few special places they had been when they wanted to train alone. Without the interference of the other teens. Kind of hoping that Hiccup was waiting for her. Alas he was not at any of the usual places, not even crashed and injured. They flew on and she spotted something. Astrid signalled to Stormfly to land and jumped off, looking about in wonder. She remembered this area. The rocky outcroppings on the floor, chasing Hiccup through the trees pretending they could fly like dragons. Her mind wandered back to a day, long forgotten, when she had pushed Hiccup and he fell down one of these rocks. She scrambled down the rock and smiled to herself at the memories. Something caught her eye. A small black disk. Bending down to pick it up another memory came to her. Hiccup had given her one of these when she was a child. Found in the same spot. He kept one and gave one to her as a sign on their friendship.
A tear ran down Astrid's cheek. She spoke softly to herself. "Oh Hiccup. I'm so sorry. Why did I do that to you? We were friends and I turned my back on you." She didn't remember if she still had that small but important gift and a feeling of Guilt flushed over her. Even though she had no idea what the small disk was, it seemed like the most precious thing to her at the time. Astrid tried to remember what she had done with it, a gift so precious would of been put in a safe place. A place where she kept her other precious belongings so no-one would touch them. That was it, her box on her night stand, she had put it in there, she hoped that it was still there, partly due to its meaning, and party that if it was; it had been so close to her all along.
Looking down now at that small disk Astrid decided to leave it where it was. Maybe someone else would find it in future and it would be special to them. All that mattered now was to find Hiccup and Toothless; she could worry about finding that gift when she got back. Maybe she had been wrong in looking for a place that was special to them. Maybe Hiccup was still hurting and had gone to a place that was special to only himself, or perhaps himself and Toothless. She ran back to Stormfly and jumped on. She knew of one place, for it was the place where She herself had first met Toothless. It was a place Hiccup had learned how to train a dragon.
Taking off Astrid couldn't believe she had not thought to look there, though it would of been expected he would of come home by now, doubt again crept into her head. Hiccup spent a lot of time there, what If he had become hurt and couldn't fly Toothless out of there. Then again Toothless had managed to fly out on his own once in the past, and surely if it was an emergency Toothless would try over and over until he succeeded, if Toothless was injured Hiccup would of come for help. It did not add up. Maybe he was not there or what if they were both hurt.
Flying towards the cove seemed like an eternity, even though It was a short distance from where they were. Even though Stormfly was darting though the trees with the agility of a much smaller dragon it seemed like slow motion. Astrid thought back to her childhood and how alone Hiccup must of felt when she had turned her back on him. She hoped he was not feeling alone now. In a way she hoped he was not there, if he was it probably meant something bad had happened to be so close to the village.
A shriek from Stormfly brought her out of her thoughts just as started to dive. Then she saw him. Toothless was motionless on the ground. There was no sight of Hiccup. A feeling of dread run through her. Stormfly let out a low mournful call and pushed herself faster towards the ground. The landing was hard but as soon as they hit the ground Astrid leapt off her dragons back and ran towards the motionless Night Fury, with Stormfly not far behind.
"Oh Odin, what has happened" she screamed as she ran. "Please no..." Again Stormfly gave a mournful wail. Toothless stirred just as Astrid reached him. "Toothless, what's happened?" The dragon opened his eyes with a start and looked up at Astrid and Stormfly. Astrid gently rubbed the Night Fury's cheek. "Are you hurt? Is Hiccup Ok? Where is He?" Stormfly bent down and gently Nuzzled Toothless.
The dragon just stared back at them looking confused. Stormfly made a few grunting sounds at Toothless. A grin seemed to spread across his face. Stormfly shot back a questioning look at him to which Toothless made a few sounds back in response. A look of relief crossed the Nadder's face followed by a look of annoyance. Astrid just looked more confused. "Err what is going on here? Where is Hiccup?"
Toothless seemed to grin again, and lifted his wing to reveal Hiccup. Astrid ran in and cupped Hiccups face in her hands. "Hiccup are you OK?"
Hiccup jumped up with a start. "Yeaaahh... err... ok... where am I?"
A look of crossed Astrid's face. "YOU...WERE...ASLEEP? Thor's Thunder. All this time you were just dozing away in the sun WHILE WE WERE ALL LOOKING FOR YOU!"
In his sleepiness Hiccup looked even more confused. "Ok I remember now I am in the cove..."
"Yes you are, and you better have a good explanation, you have been gone all night and most of today. And not even the courtesy to let me know!"
"WHAT, what time is it?" Hiccup jumped up and dusted himself down.
"Oh well let's just say it is late afternoon. And we have spent the last couple of hours looking for you. We should of been training."
"Oh gosh, I am soooooo sorry. I err... wasn't supposed to err, be here still."
"Well I'm listening? Why are you out here?"
"Well it is a long story, and imp still kind of tired...I would rather just fly back to the village and then I'll fill you in." The angry glare from Astrid made him think otherwise. "Or I could just tell you now."
"This BETTER be good."
"Err, I already apologised, I am sorry, why the fuss I have been away before...Oh...You were worried about us?"
"Err no; well yes I worry about the team all the time. And you go gallivanting around the woods without so much as a word...without the common decency to..." Astrid's words trailed off in surprise.
Releasing the hug Hiccup tenderly squeezed her shoulders and held on to them as he looked into her eyes. "Like I said I am sorry." His voiced started to choke up. "It means a lot to me, well to Toothless too that you have our backs." a tear fell down Hiccups cheek.
"Hiccup what's wrong?"
"I just had to come and see her, and I have found something amazing."
"See who Hiccup?"
"Dagna, my sister. She was laid to rest here, in this cove."
"Oh Hiccup, why didn't you say anything? I would of been here with you." She tenderly wiped the tear from his cheek. "I thought we were not to speak of the dead?"
"I didn't know I would be coming here until last night. But something amazing has happened. And Dagna is the key. She is the reason."
"As was decreed by your own father, it was not meant to be." Astrid frowned in confusion. "I do not follow you, HOW is she the reason, the reason for what?"
"Exactly. But I think she was not meant to be, for a reason. Where Are we now?"
"We are in the cove, why?
"Where do us Vikings usually bury the dead?"
"A ship burial usually. What has it got to do with anything?"
"Well why was Dagna buried here, in this cove, the very cove I met Toothless. My father could not explain why he wanted her here; he just said it came to him as a suitable place. She was the only one of our kind that we know of not to have a traditional ship burial"
"Surely this is just coincidence? Maybe there were no ships available after a dragon attack or something."
"No A ship is usually built for the purpose if the person has not owned or commanded one. It's not the only thing. As part of my own goodbye I left an offering. A carving into a rock. A carving I done especially for the purpose."
Astrid's eyes widened. "Go on"
"Well it is something that no Viking had ever seen..." Astrid suddenly looked weak and sat down.
"Astrid are you OK?"
"A Night fury!"
"Err... yes, How did you know?"
"Because it is not the only one you did. You carved one into your father's tankard too. I found it earlier. Missing a tail fin."
"What? Yes he carving on the stone was missing its tail fin; I did not get a chance to finish it."
"The tankard was too. You drew Toothless!"
"Yes. So that's why I think Dagna passed on. Maybe it was destiny, that she had to step aside so I would fulfil mine.
"By Odin's beard. This is so strange."
"Oh I almost forgot there was one more thing. You will not remember." Hiccup fished in his pocket and pulled out the black disk." When we were young I remember us running through the woods and we found 2 black disks. One I gave to you and this one I kept. I doubt you even have yours anymore."
"Yes I remember them. I have mine in a box by my bed, but what has it go to do with any of this?"
"Watch!" Hiccup beckoned toothless over. "Toothless, come here bud." Hiccup placed the disk and aligned it to the old scar on the Night Fury's side."
Astrid gasped loudly. "By the power of Thor, They are Toothless's scales. And we had them all along."
"Yes, you see another thing..."
"Your paths have crossed before, you must of somehow seen him in the past and not realised, and that's why you were able to draw him."
"Yeah, even Toothless looked confused when I told him."
"Odin must have some big plans for the both of you, for him to set all this in motion in order for you to meet. I must find that other disk, come on..."
They flew as fast as they could back to the village. They were greeted by an Angry Stoick and an even Angrier Mildew. Stoick signalled them to land.
"There they are Stoick. I told you. They have been spying on me. Hiccup has not been in the village for awhile and I caught this lass earlier hiding in the rocks above my home watching my every more. And here they come back together." Mildew glared at the two.
Stoick looked annoyed. "Well I hope you have a good explanation for this."
"I was not spying on anyone; I was trying to find Hiccup. And besides I have better things to do than watch him."
"It's true dad, I was at the cove I need to talk to you about it but we have got to get going, something VERY important."
A look of thunder crossed Stoick's Face. "No son, you will speak to me now." Mildew grinned in glee. "Mildew, Why are you still here? I will deal with this." With an annoyed grumble Mildew sloped off. "You lot cannot keep annoying that old Man. I have enough to deal with without his constant complaining, and yet again he finds reason to waste yet more time."
"Dad, I am not lying, this is something very important. I need to do this now; I will come back and explain..."
"And you missy, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"I just landed for a few seconds on the cliff above Mildew's house for Stormfly to catch breath. But Hiccup is telling the truth this IS important, we just need to gather more information before we present it to you and possibly the council."
"The council? Well it must be important. But I expect to see you BOTH tonight without fail. Am I making myself clear?"
"Very dad!" Hiccup said sarcastically.
"Good, I'll see you tonight then." Stoick marched away.
"Why did you say we would involve the council?" Hiccup looked worried.
"Well this is important, and besides it got him off our backs for now."
"Well... yes... come on... lets find that other scale."
They quickly flew over to Astrid's house and entered. Astrid's mother was cooking over the fire. And greeted them with her usual cheer. "Ahh hallo Hiccup, you come to stay for dinner?"
"Hello, err... not tonight, got to go see my Dad!"
"How is Stoick, I have not had a chance to speak with him lately. Well not much since, well you know."
"He is OK. Busy as usual."
"Mind he not been the same since your mother left us, Odin bless her soul."
"Yeah, but the dragons are sure helping."
"That they are young Hiccup. Where would we be without you?" Hiccup blushed a deep red. "And I know our Astrid sure loves your company." It was now Astrid's turn to blush.
"Mother, please, we have stuff to do."
"Suit yourself dear." As she went back to cooking.
Astrid ran to her night stand. Cursing she remembered her accident this morning, all the stuff was knocked over or over the floor. She searched for the small box which hopefully contained the small disk. It was not there. She stamped her foot in frustration.
Hiccup came over "is everything OK?"
"I can't find it, I cannot find the box. I knocked everything over this morning and now it's not here!"
"Calm down, we will find it, it probably rolled somewhere across the floor."
"I have looked round but its nowhere to be seen" Astrid was on the verge of crying. "I'm so sorry Hiccup. I promised you I would keep it safe. Yet again I have let you down."
"Hey come on now, You have not let anyone down. Hey without you where would I be?"
"But I have been so mean to you over the last few years. And now I lose the most precious gift of our early friendship."
"Do not worry it will be here, how about behind the stand, you looked there?
"No, and it cannot be moved anyway."
"Well I will look and if something is there we will figure it out." Hiccup scrambled over the night stand to peer down the back. "Pass me the candle it's dark down there." Grabbing the candle he fumbled around the back."I can see something; I can just about reach it... almost... GOT IT!" Hiccup pulled out a small carved figure of a Viking. "What is this?"
"Oh...ere...nothing, just a doll..."
"Hmm Its a doll with a false leg and my riding shoulders." Astrid flushed bright red.
Smiling, Hiccup went back to searching the gap behind the night stand. "Is it a small wooden box with a dragon on it?"
"Yes that's the one."
"I can' reach it. Have you got something to poke down there to pull it out?"
"Err not to hand!"
"Ahh I have an Idea." Hiccup detached his false leg and poked it about. "Ah... got it!"
Astrid burst out laughing. "Oh my Odin... that was one of the funniest things I ever seen."
"Did you not know it's rude to laugh at someone's injury milady? But I have to admit, that is pretty funny."
"I sorry, but it's not every day you have someone poke about behind your nightstand with their leg. Just give me the box."
Astrid rummaged around the box until she found what she was looking for. An object wrapped in parchment paper. Carefully unwrapping it struck her how beautiful it was. Much more beautiful than she remembered. The disk seemed much more iridescent than the one Hiccup had. Beautiful colours as she moved it back and forward in the light.
"Hiccup Bring your disk over, let's compare them."
"Your one is different. Mine is duller with this scar through it.
"Yes it's a bit smaller and has these colours when you move it into the light. Much more than your one.
"It must be from a different part of Toothless's body, we have to show him."
Running outside Astrid ran over to Toothless with the disk."Toothless we have another of your scales; we found this one the same time as the other. Let us look for where It could of come from." Toothless immediately stood up to allow them to search for it.
"Hmm I do not see where this one could go, I cannot see anywhere with this type of patterning, maybe he only had it was when he would younger." Hiccup looked puzzled. "Show it to Toothless."
Astrid brought the disk so Toothless could have a look at it. As he inspected it his eyes widened slightly. Taking a closer look he then sniffed it. A look of shock filled his face. He let out a mournful cry.
"Toothless what is wrong bud?" A look of pure sadness crossed the Night Fury's face. He let out a pained moan, which brought Stormfly running over. The Nadder gently Nuzzled Toothless. They exchanged what seemed like to Astrid and Hiccup as words in whatever tongue the dragons spoke with each other. A look of shock and then sadness then crossed Stormfly's eyes and she gently laid beside Toothless.
"I do not think this is Toothless's Scale Astrid. I think this is from another Night Fury, What if it is his family, or even his mate.
"Yeah and it cannot be good judging by Stormfly's reaction, she looks sad too. Looks like Toothless has lost someone he has cared for too.
"Toothless bud, is this scale from a Night fury you know, is it someone you cared for, was it your mate?" Toothless gave him a sad look and a low moan. "Has she, you know, passed on?" Toothless looked to the ground and a tear ran down his cheek. "Oh Toothless bud, I am so sorry." Hiccup hugged the night fury tenderly. Stormfly gave a low moan and looked sad.
"This is sad news girl. To think that all this time we did not even know." A tear ran down Astrid's cheek too." Stormfly got up and nuzzled Astrid knocking the scale out of her hand. It gleamed in the sun and caught Stormfly's eye. A look of curiosity crossed her face. She sniffed at the scale. Her eyes widened in shock. And she let out a cry which made both Toothless look up at her in shock.
"What is wrong Stormfly?" She nuzzled at the scale and let out another mournful cry.
Hiccup looked shocked. "It looks like Stormfly knew Toothless's mate too."
Toothless though his tears looked up at Stormfly with a questioning glance. Stormfly looked back and made some sounds to which Toothless's eyes widened. Toothless walked up to Stormfly and nuzzled up against her tenderly. And they cried together, for this dragon scale was Nit'zenga's.
:: END OF CHAPTER FIVE ::