Ch21: Remind Me
I don't own HTTYD and the characters. I control their OCC and make up whatever OC I can.
It was a long way to Chapskin and Shazz's village. Eventually I lost my strength and fell to my knees. When I fell I started to bleed from one of my stab wounds.
Johan was right I should have seen a healer while I had the chance.
I didn't pass out but when the older teens saw my condition they helped me the rest of the way with Shazz carrying me on her back. I tried to feel the pain in my body, but strangely enough rather than any painful burning sensation I expected like the other few times all I could feel from myself was cold ringing in my bones.
"Tell me again why you aren't carrying me Chapskin?"
"Simple, only one arm."
"Right. Sorry bout this. Just slowing you down."
"Don't worry about it. You should have said you were injured."
"So what happened? Now that we get a good look at you it almost seems like you were tortured or something."
"No, that's right. But if it's okay with you, I'd rather not talk about it."
"You sure, cause it seems like you're holding a lot inside. I know it's not the Viking way but it might help to let it out. I know it helped us."
Us. Hearing him say that starts to irritate my wounds. "Appreciated, but I just met you guys so no."
I'm sure their nice, at least like this they are. But I keep getting this personal felling from them that sparks my slight mistrust of them. Obviously they are dangerous to me given I'm weaker than them, but it's more than that. It's just my instinct signaling 'to be weary of him'.
"So what's your village called?" I asked.
"Grissgom. Ever heard of it?"
Yeah I have. Once eight years ago on Berk there was a weeklong summit with most of the tribes in the Archipelago convened to discuss relations, trade, and treaties. Grissgom was one of the tribes present. If I remember correctly their leader was Stickstone the Bigfoot. He's supposed to heave the biggest feet in the Archipelago in the last 170 years. Their so big that one step is said to crush every bone in a dragons body.
"Vaguely. What's it like?" I reply to the pair.
"Eh, it home, no other place like it." Chapskin responds.
"We all just want the peace that home offers, question is how? Is it the people, the buildings, or the rules? Given the choice anyone would choose home, but that means you have a reason to go there. What's your reason for liking your home?"
"Well aren't you a wordy person, Hiccup. Thinking about it though I do have a reason to choose home over anyplace else. It's because I have family and friends waiting at home now." When he said this I saw his eyes slowly peek over to Shazz. It wasn't what he said but I know that he means that Shazz is the person he returns home for. Her and everyone else that live there now.
It's different from me. His home sounds like the place that accepts and wait for him to come home. My village waits with axes and hammers for me.
But I do have a home, my home is where I am with Toothless. And there's no other place I'd rather be. Which is why I'm worried to leave him, I'm stepping out of the safety and warmth of my home.
"Wow that nice but since I did see that quick peek you did, can I ask are you two a couple?" May be rude but I don't want them asking too many questions about me. So just keep them talking about themselves and their lives.
Their reaction to my question is a small blush but they don't deny it they turn to look longingly at each other almost like they forgot I was still here.
"I'll take that as a yes. So what's the story? Have you been together long or is it a recent thing?"
Shazz responds first. "We've been together since we were kids but we only started going out in the past three years."
"Yeah, but boy did we start off rough."
"Sounds like you two have quite the story to share. Mind if I hear about it?" They pause at my inquiry. I really have no clue if they will tell me or not but it is clear that they do have a story about them.
"How about you get yourself fixed up and we can tell you later at my house." Shazz finally answers.
"Why your house? Can't we do it at Chapskin's house? Do you just have the bigger house or is there something you're trying to tell me?"
"Don't get any ideas kid. Her mother just happens to be the Village healer. So if you're going to get better you should stay with the healer." He reasons back.
Well that makes sense. She's the healers kid. "What about you Chapskin? Your family the chief or something?"
"Well I'm the chiefs nephew but I've mostly been the blacksmiths apprentice in the village. But since my cousin passed away recently I'm now next in line as heir. Personally I don't think I have what it takes to be the village leader."
"Hey I thought we talked about that, you would make a fine leader. You just have to believe more in yourself. Don't forget who managed to save me at the cost of his arm."
"Yeah but still"
"No buts. We're past the days when you were the village wimp. You're gonna be a great leader, even Splinterbone said it himself before he passed away. So stop thinking you can't do it, everyone supports you and knows you'll be great. Now I ever hear you say you can't again and I'll shove some confidence down your throat. Got it!"
"Yes dear."
Shut up.
That's what I want to say to them, but they've drifted away to their own little world. They keep talking like I'm not even here anymore. The more I hear and learn the more I want them to stop.
Well I got them to ignore my situation for now so it's fine but I really can't stand to hear more of Chapskins' story. Every word just adds to this uncomfortable feeling that I've never felt before. Feelings about him, him and his life that seems to just laugh at mine.
Yeah I know who he is now. "Chapskin, you're the winner aren't you."
I say it out loud and they ask me what I said, but I losing consciousness and I slowly drift off to my own world. My vision distorts and become white and a penetrating ring continues to sound in my ears. I still don't feel any pain, my body just feel farther and farther away. Something about me is drifting and I can't tell what and where to.
All the while the teens add to the ringing by calling me from a world of consciousness and light.
A week ago, six Uverworlders escaped captivity from a Ningen prison.
Since their return to their respective nests rumors and excitement has spread about theses heroes. Every Uverworlder wanted to hear the story of how they managed to be the first group of Uverworlders to ever escape capture.
That's right the first.
This news didn't bother the queen but it meant a lot to all the other Uverworlders.
"I still wish they would just give it a rest. Seriously if they want to hear about it they can just go the Heavywing that was there and hear it from him. I'm sure he would love to tell everyone the tale of his heroic escape a thousand times to everyone." A Hardtail complained as she flew away from the 13th crowd of the day that wanted to hear the story again.
It was standard to go and inform the royal dragon of one's arrival or return in a territory, even if it was just off their grid for a day. Otherwise we could be labeled an enemy and targeted by the others. She wasn't the first to go and inform the queen that she had returned. It seemed that the Heavywing, Mobflyer, and Twinneck had informed her as soon as they separated from the others that were present.
After the check in she returned to her own nest, home to many of the other hardtail wingtypes. She was happy to be free and home and she liked the attention she got at first but now it's just a headache. Everyone just wanted to hear the same story over and over again it just became a hassle and annoyance.
It wasn't even the truth. I have to leave out the other two that helped us really escape.
"I know it's big news but that doesn't mean that they can just harass me to tell them the same thing all day long. Now there are even Uverworlders from other nest coming here to listen to my story. It's annoying to say the least. They don't even let me eat and sleep in peace!"
"It's big news that all it is. But you are right it becomes an annoyance after a while." A new voice appears to disturb her again.
Looking at the newcomer and seeing that it was the Rainbowscale she knew during her imprisonment brought her great relief and nostalgia.
"Oh my, it's a real surprise to see you here. Shouldn't you be at home with your family?" I ask her.
"I should be asking the same of you, but I bet you too have had enough of the excess attention."
"Excess? More like extreme! I know its new and amazing and all that, but it's also just one story. How exciting can it be to hear it all the time, it's got to get old sometime right?"
"Yeah, but don't worry, the thrill will eventually pass."
"Is that why you're here? Did you finally get through the excitement from your nest and decide to help this poor lazy Hardtail in her time of need? Please say yes. I can't take it anymore."
"Kind of. I came here with the Twinneck who is now distracting the others by telling them his story. I figured you could use the break and he was more than happy to help you."
I know next to heavywing wingtypes, rainbowscales are the next in line to bask in the glory, attention, and praise that others would give them. Especially about something this big. So then why is she here? Could she really be trying to get new attention from here?
No, I was with her long enough that she's not as bad as others when it comes to craving attention. Indeed, she was more the type to enjoy the attention from close family rather than strangers. So then why is she here?
And she said the Twinneck was here too. I wonder what's up?
"I appreciate the help and the second of relief but you must have a reason to be here rather than with your family. Now what's up? Planning another escape plan?" I question her on her motives here.
"Nothing like that but you should know that there are others that are thinking of doing that."
"Like what?"
"Rescuing captured Uverworlders. Theirs a group movement that is planning on going and freeing those that are captured on other Ningen lands. I actually was approached by the Uverworlder who is gathering forces to pull it off. So were Heavywing and Twinneck and even the Mobflyer. Seems we made one heck of a reputation. I came here to follow up on our story and see if you have been approached to join this plan."
"No I haven't been approached by anyone to join anything. I've just been harassed to talk more than I want to. I guess I'm the last on their list. Hearing that they went to the Mobflyer before me does make me a bit mad, but I really just want to be left alone for now. Even if they do come and ask me to join anything I'll just turn them down."
"Yeah so did I. Heavywing is the only one to agree to it so far. I think it too much of a hassle no matter how good a thing it is. I just wanted to spend my time catching up with my children's lives. I've been away and captured for so long that I don't really feel like fighting that way I used to."
"So you were a mother? I didn't know. How are your children? Did they miss you? They must be so proud to have a hero for a mother."
"Yeah." Her reaction wasn't what I expected she seemed disappointed.
"What's wrong? Don't tell me your children were"
"No no they all still fly. Sorry if I gave you that impression but no that's not the case. It's just since I've been gone, I became a grandmother."
"Oh my goodness congratulation! How are they? How old? How does it feel to have a growing family? Oh it must be so exciting! Probably better then talking to a bunch of story hungry siblings that's for sure." It's rare for an any Uverworlder to live long enough to see grandchildren, they usually die in battle before they can.
"It's… it's really something it really is."
"Ok. What is wrong? You should be excited. In fact you should be with them, not loafing around here with me. Is this an invitation to see them? Cause I love to meet them."
"No, it not that. I guess it was too stuffy at home. Also my being there would probably bring them the same headaches you got from the crowds. I'd rather not cause them anymore trouble."
"True. And Twinneck?"
"Do I have to spell that out to you?"
"Heheh!" We both break out in a fit of laughter.
Me and Twinneck knew each other before we were captured. We were abandoned hatchling siblings who grew up together for a while before I was readopted by another Hardtail family. It is just like the darkwing guessed.
We were also captured together. And no matter whether we were free or captured we stayed close and he always tries to court me whenever he had the chance.
It was so sweet. He really cared deeply for me. I may not feel as deeply for him as he does for me but I still feel close to him, like a brother.
"Hey do you know if Twinneck has taken to this rescue plan yet?" It worries me if he is planning on doing anything like that. I'd rather not but if he does go with it I may as well join him.
"No not yet. I think that's why he's here. He might be checking to see if you did or didn't agree. I actually just met him on the flight here. You should have heard him talk about you. In fact he hopes you don't join, just to make sure you don't get into trouble again."
"I'm glad he's worried and that he hasn't agreed to go thru with it just to impress me."
"I also think he came here to try and woo you again."
"Hah, that seems right." I didn't notice but she changed the topic away from her.
"Rainbowscales what's really going on? You didn't come here just for mating talk. Or did you? Did you have some sort of argument with your mate? Which I noticed that you've avoided talking about this whole time."
"It's not like that. It just …"
I go in closer to make her feel more comfortable about talking to me. Something's bothering her and she really wants to talk to someone about it.
"Come on lets go somewhere else to talk. I know this great falling stream that is just perfect for relaxing by. I can't be sure but I have an idea what's bothering you."
"I doubt it." But she follows me to the falling stream anyways.
Once there at the spot we open a spot in the ice, heat the water and soak ourselves in the heated water. It was relaxing and comfortable. I didn't notice it before but she was really tense. But once in the water her tension seems to fade, but only a little.
There are only so many things that I could imagine was bothering Rainbowscale right now. And my guess at the moment is
"It's the darkwing isn't it?" I ask.
She looks away and doesn't look at me as she answers. "Kind of. It's more complicated than just him, but he has something to do with it. Him and his uhh well you know his Hiccup."
"Hey we got time. I'm sure Twinneck will keep them busy for a while. So why don't you tell me what wrong?"
She kept soaking herself but didn't speak up immediately. She was holding herself back. I take the initiative to engage her.
"Hah, really you are being stubborn. For someone who should be with her family, you really seem to be bothering with a bunch of other things aren't you? I'd be lying if I say he didn't cross my mind every now and then, But again you have your own family to be with. So why is he so distracting to you?"
"You sure are pushy about this. I think you know why."
"Ahh, so you're thinking about what he told us before we split up huh? I have put some thought into it but not much really. His ideas of peace and cohabitation with Ningen is interesting but I doubt it's anything that we'll ever see in our lives. Truthfully if it weren't for that same partnership we may not have been able to escape at all. I'd really like to try it myself like I said before but again a Ningen like him is like the one black egg out of a thousand white ones. But there is something I did realize about their relationship and the effect it has on Uverworld and Ningen communities. If it wasn't the darkwing that befriended that Hiccup boy but rather another who wasn't wanted, they could have been the start of a new kind of relationship. Like darkwing suggested we could understand each other and"
"And become new targets for the queen. Don't forget that so long as she is in control of this territory co-existence can never be possible. For her it would be bad because she would no longer be able to send raids to gather her food. For her, peace is the same as starving. The first time the Darkwing came to our territory he tried to reason with her saying the continuous raid was not the thing she should be doing but that's when she labeled him a traitor and set that bounty on him."
"Wait?! Are you telling me you met the darkwing before? Why didn't you tell us?"
"I didn't met him, I only was present in the queens area when the two of them where having that conversation. He reasoned that both sides were and I quote 'losing too much on her pointless raids'. At the time I only dismissed him as insane. But now? Well I'm not sure. And just so you know that not what's really bothering me. But it is a good topic of conversation, just not right now. It feels too much like plotting a coup d'état if you know what I mean."
"Right sorry I'm just surprised that's all."
"It's fine it just isn't the thing that you bring up in conversation after all. No what really is bothering me is something else that he said that I just can't get out of my head."
"What is it? Other than his pacifism talk I can't think of anything else that was quite memorable."
"I can't stop thinking about how he kept calling the human his brother and just how far he was willing to go just to save him. I can't stop thinking about those two as brothers and their family."
"What family?"
"Exactly."