Hiccup POV
I made a sharp right turn and dive bombed straight for the island. I heard Toothless yell, but in a matter of seconds I was out of hearing distance from him. For the ground, I looked like a giant speeding bullet hurtling to the Earth at a remarkable speed. If I was a human, my eyes would surely have been watering from the force of the wind hitting my face, but because I was a dragon it had little affect on me. I had to admit that it was a bit strange. I made a mental note to ask Toothless how that was possible, but I just enjoyed the feeling of falling at the time. With my tongue hanging out, I looked behind me. To my surprise, I saw the other Night Fury right on my tail, literally. His snout was lightly touching my tail.
Toothless! I yelled. Fear slowly took me over. He wouldn't make me tumble through the air, would he? I thought to myself. Before I could see if my thought was true, I quickly jerked my tail away, causing me to do front flips. In a panic, I thrusted my legs around, somehow thinking that would make me level out. Hey, smart one! Open your wings! I heard Toothless say. Right after he said that, I immediately opened up my wings. I came to an almost sudden stop, and I missed hitting Toothless in the face with my wing. Before I stopped completely, I began flapping my wings, hovering in one spot. I looked down. I was about a hundred feet down (thirty meters) from the ground, hovering over a large pond located near the center of the island. To my left and right there was a forest covering the whole island. On my right side, there was a small mountain range.
Toothless POV
She laughed as she fell, and it was so soft. I know, that sounds so cliche, but it was soft. I noticed how her ear fins were going forward, indicating her excitement. I noticed her scent, drifting over to me from where she fell. She smelled like… well… Hiccup. But it was a good smell, like how it smelled when she used to give me cooked fish.
Her smile was from ear fin to ear fin, and it showed the tips of her retractable teeth. She was pretty. I know that sounds weird, but she looked good. She didn't seem to understand how amazing she was. Gods, this is so cliche.
Not that I'd ever mention this to her. She would give me a funny look, and continue what she was saying before. I'd look all out of place, and I'd feel awkward. Besides, she was just my friend. JUST, all in capital letters, my friend, and there was nothing I'd do to jeopardize our friendship. She was my only friend.
We both eventually reached the ground, with me walking Hiccup up through landing step by step.
So, I just tap it? Hiccup looked at the ground skeptically, like I hadn't already told her all that before.
Just tap it. I said. I knew she could do it, but she didn't know that.
Are you sure that I should? She was still unsure of the whole "landing" thing. I was getting impatient, as I often did.
I'd let you fall on your head if I wasn't sure! YES! I'm sure! I told her. She was only a few meters off the ground. She'd be fine if she fell.
Okay. Okay. I got this. She gave herself a mini pep-talk, and I tapped my claw with impatience.
Hurry it up! I called to her, not that I had to do much calling.
I'm trying! She huffed angrily. She never huffed. That was my thing.
Of course, no matter how much Hiccup tried, she couldn't land. So, she kept getting closer and closer to the ground, and then she finally fell. I stood above her.
Get up. Come on. I said to her. I said it firmly, but only because I wanted her to learn. She needed to know that she had to learn to land. And that was serious. She might've been able to take off and fly on her first try, but flying was just as important as landing.
I'm coming, I'm coming. She yelled. When she was beside me I ran off into the forest.
Hey! Where are you going? She shouted. I stopped and looked at her.
We're playing hide and seek. Count to one hundred, then try to find me. Then I ran into the trees, leaving Hiccup there by herself. Counting to one hundred. I could tell it was going to take a while.
Hiccup POV
Unbelievable. Leave it to Toothless to decide who's going to be the seeker and who's hiding. Why in the world were we playing hide and seek? There was no point.
I sighed to myself and started counting 1,2,3,4. I started counting in my head instead of out loud.
And no peeking! I heard Toothless shout. I didn't even reply, I just kept counting.
45,46,47. Oh for the love of Thor! I opened my eyes and starting walking. I was tired of counting. 50 was close enough.
Are you peeking? Toothless shouted from his hiding place. I followed his voice.
No. I said calmly.
You're peeking, aren't you? He asked me.
NO! Me? I'd never do that. That'd be betraying your trust. I'd never do that. I said sarcastically. I wouldn't betray his trust, but I was peeking.
That's not fair! He whined as a joke.
Got'cha! I said.
No you haven't! I can't even see you! Toothless said this louder than the other shouts, and I figured I was getting closer.
The more you talk, the easier it is to find you. I said truthfully. There were a few moments of silence before I rudely interrupted it.
You there? I asked, fully knowing he was there.
No. He said this quietly, but I still heard him.
I slowly moved through the trees, trying to avoid the leaves and other foliage, in any attempt not to make any noise. I scanned the surrounding area in front of me. It was surprising how much more I could see since I had become a dragon. Normally, I wouldn't have seen more than a couple yards in a forest like this, but I easily saw twice as good as a human. Suddenly my ears shot up and my eyes locked onto a tree. There was nothing on it, but it did smell. When I got closer, I noticed it smelt like Toothless. He must of rubbed up against it as he was trying to hide from me.
I started to follow the scent. It brought me to another tree, but it seemed like I was following a path. A path that Toothless wanted me to follow. After walking around for who knows how long, I decided to stop. Where is this useless reptile?I thought. I suddenly heard a noise behind me. In an instant, I turned around and jumped in its direction. Got you! I yelled, but after going face first into some mud, I saw that I was spooked by a rabbit. I looked at the furry rodent, who was eating some grass.
I guess you can't help me find him? I asked it, knowing full well it couldn't understand me. The rabbit finished it's meal and hopped away. I was about to get up and keep looking when I saw the rabbit running towards me.
What's wrong, little guy? I asked as he ran past me without stopping. I looked in the direction when it was before he ran. I thought I saw what looked like something hiding, and I went over to check it out. I sniffed around a large bush. As I moved in closer, I came face to face with a pair of green eyes and a voice that yelled Surprise! I nearly jumped out of my scales. Toothless! Gods, what is wrong with you? You scared me half to death!
The dragon laughed and replied: Well let's hope I don't do it again, because if I do, you'll be dead. He quietly laughed to himself. But I wasn't laughing. I was still trying to calm down from my sudden heart attack. Was it even that funny that we were joking about my death?
You scared the rabbit half to death, too. It ran past me without stopping and probably died of a heart attack. I told Toothless. He just shrugged.
Then I'd go to the rabbit's burial and apologize to its family. He said this with little care or worry for the rabbit, and I felt fake offense.
Toothless, you'd be a criminal to that family of rabbits. They'd run from you. I said matter-of-factly.
I guess you're right, but the rabbits would run because of how big, scary, and brawny I am. He pretended to show off his-supposedly-huge muscles.
Thats not a thing. I said flatly.
I could make it a thing if I tried! We both erupted in giggles. We both knew that the family of rabbits would be very disappointed in us for laughing at the death of a family member. We got quite far off topic before we finally got back to hide-and-seek.
Do we really have to play this game? I whined. I hadn't played this game since about the age of 7, and I wasn't too keen on playing it again.
YES! Now go count. He exclaimed and started to skip off back to the forest. I stopped him by whining some more.
Why? You got to hide last time! I reasoned.
This is a TEACHING technique, Hiccup. You have to go with it. Learn. Now… go count! This term barely registered a meaning in my head. Teaching technique… teaching technique, teaching, learning. He was trying to teach me something with hide and seek. It had to do with me seeking, I knew that. What was it?
I counted to 100, as instructed, and tried to find Toothless. The same thing happened as last time. I found a tree, and followed his scent to him.
Look. Its you. Teaching me something. Which is? I tried to politely get it out of him. I was getting tired of being confused.
How did you find me? He asked this as a teacher would, and I felt small and mindless.
Ummm, I followed your scent. I said shakily.
Good, good. How did you do that? He asked me as he nodded vigorously, signaling for me to continue.
I watched my surroundings, caught your scent, and followed it to the end where I found you. I said simply. He smiled there smugly for a few moments. I just sat there confused.
Not everyone has that special talent, Hiccup! Thats a special talent that dragons take time to develop, and you just picked it up out of nowhere! That's a great feat for a dragon! He smiled some more and did a happy dance.
Are you saying I excelled at something? I asked Toothless. He nodded, while a few giggles snuck out of his mouth.
That's a first. I said confidently.
We tried this a few more times, but one time it came to a different outcome. I walked through the forest, and caught a scent. But it wasn't Toothless'. I followed it anyway. I heard Toothless approach behind me. That's when I saw them.
Toothless' POV
Look. Her lime green eyes lit up at the sight. I just caught sight of what she saw after she said this.
Who's that? Hiccup cocked her head with confusion at the sight.
Don't. Know. I said, fully pronouncing each word.
I looked in the direction Hiccup was looking, and I saw two Deadly Nadders. It looked like the two were having an argument. They were biting and swing their tails at each other.
Should we stop them? Hiccup asked, looking at me with concern.
Let's get close to see what they are fighting about. Before Hiccup replied, I started walking towards the Nadders. Using the trees and foliage around me, I was able to get a few meters away from them. But as I listened to their conversation, I realized that they weren't fighting. They were playing. I also noticed that one was a male and the other was a female. The male was turquoise blue with a red underbelly, and the female was strikingly similar to Stormfly.
The female ducked just in time to miss getting hit by the male's tail spikes. Ha! You missed. I've told you before I know all your moves! Try something different. She said to the male, who simply smiled.
Not all of them! He quickly flung a spike to where she ducked before, and she dodged it.
Grrrr… He growled at her playfully. She smiled and went over to him to nuzzle his snout. They seemed to love each other. Hiccup and I looked with curiosity at their affection towards one another. It was sweet. It was unseen.
We stared for a few more minutes, until they started to talk to us.
Toothless POV
The two Nadders stood up, and the male swung his head in our direction.
Hi over there, we can smell you. We can also see and hear you. We aren't deaf or blind, either. Both of them looked toward us, and I think if I wore pants, they wouldn't have been clean.
This is my mate Feather, The male dragon pointed to the female, And I am Gavin. Who are you? The two Nadders walked toward us, and I think Hiccup almost had a panic attack.
Hi. Um… I'm Toothless...and this is… Hiccup. They laughed at our nervousness, but we were too nervous to notice. We'd never had to make friends before. That was definitely our chance.
Where are you two from?Feather asked us calmly.
We're from Berk. Where are you from? The Nadders looked surprised. They turned to us, and Gavin spoke.
Why did you two leave Berk? Aren't dragons and people at peace there?
Yes, they are but, we never felt like we belonged there. So we… uh… left. And we came here.I said shakily. They didn't seem to notice.
So where are you two from? I changed the subject.
Oh, about 3 hours as the dragon flies that way, Feather pointed in a direction and Gavin continued.
How long have you two been together? Gavin asked us.
We've been friends since we were what, 14? I turned to Hiccup, hoping she'd lost some of her nervousness about meeting other dragons.
Yeah...14. Her voice wavered. The Nadders smiled.
We've been friends since we were hatchlings. How old are you guys? Gavin inquired. I began to feel more comfortable around these two. They seemed trustworthy.
19. And you? I asked. Hiccup trembled behind me.
Around 22. We've been together for our whole lives. We just couldn't stand our nest and the alpha, so we… ran away. Feather chuckles a little as she says this. Hiccup started trembling a little less behind me.
Us too, sort of. We didn't belong, so we left to find a place to belong. Hiccup hovered closer and closer to me. We were eventually a giant heaping mess of Night Furies clinging together.
Feather giggled, You two look cute together. How long have you been dating? Hiccup and I looked at each other then back at the Nadders. Hiccup let out a nervous laugh. Oh, us? No, we're not a couple. We're just friends. He let out another laugh, but when the Nadders didn't join in, he stopped.
Feather looked disappointed. That's too bad. I've heard that Night Furies are rare. Some even think it's a dying species, but now that I see you two I find it hard to believe the rumors.
After hearing what she said, I was baffled. A dying species? Is it really that hard to find another one of our kind? I looked at Hiccup, who was equally shocked. Gavin noticed the discomfort in our faces. He tried to change the subject. So… he said, Do you like the island? We've been living here for a couple months, but there's plenty of space for the both of you. He gave a friendly smile. I was relieved, they were willing to share their island.
Thank you. We greatly appreciate it. I said to him, as I started to look around. Hiccup did the same. This island had many plants that were not seen on Berk, probably due to the warmer climate. It smelled damp and was hotter than Berk. It was new, but it smelled comforting, like a warm bath that doesn't get you wet. I breathed the smell in, and I got a few whiffs of the other plants. They smelled weird, but a new, refreshing weird. I had definitely needed to get away from Berk. This was the place where we could be ourselves, as it was itself next to us. There was no shame in being ourselves. The island basically held out warm, steamy, comforting arms to us.
Hiccup POV
As Toothless and I looked around I heard Feather clear her throat, trying to get our attention. I looked at her. She greeted with me a friendly smile. You two can look around for a place to sleep. It's going to get dark in a few hours. Gavin and I are staying in a cave near the base of the mountain over there. She motioned behind us where the rocks were.
Would you like some help finding a place to stay? Feather asked me nicely. I opened my mouth, and no sound came out, as I expected. Toothless answered her for me,
That'd be great. Thanks. Toothless answered for me. I still didn't think I could talk for myself. Too scared. But it was nice of Feather to think of me as being so brave.
We eventually found a cave near where the Nadders were staying, and we decided to sleep there. After we got settled in, Toothless warmed some ground up for me, and we both laid down to go to sleep.
Goodnight, Hiccup. Toothless said to me. I was definitely ready for bed.
Goodnight, Toothless. I said to him, and I turned over to go to sleep.
Do you think we can trust them? Toothless bugged me. I sighed, I had a feeling that this talk was going to take a while.
I think so. Can we go to sleep now? I asked desperately. He didn't care, or notice, and he continued.
I just feel like we can't trust them. They're too nice. He said.
You're being too pessimistic. Just go to sleep. I said to him, and curled up even more.
Are you even tired? He asked me. I was tired, as a matter of fact. I yelled over my shoulder, Goodnight! And I went to bed.
Toothless' POV
Hey, Toothless? Gavin nudged my side. I pretended I was asleep for a few seconds, and then he nudged me again. I gave up.
Good morning. What do you want? I asked him.
You wanna go fishing? He asked me excitedly.
Sure. I was just rudely and abruptly awaken for no reason if I don't agree. I said unenthusiastically. I got up, taking my own good time, and looked down. Hiccup was still asleep, snoring softly. I bent down to her ear and said, I'm going fishing. I'll be back.
She didn't notice, and she continued to snore happily. I stood back up, and Gavin smiled at me.
So you two are just friends? He wiggled what someone might refer to as a dragon eyebrow. I was too tired to really understand what it meant.
Just friends. That was explained to you yesterday. I said flatly. I was too tired to figure out what Gavin was poking at, and if I was awake enough to understand his reference, it wouldn't have been too pretty.
Hiccup's POV
Hiccup? Hiccup? I woke up to my name, and I rolled over and moaned.
Go away, Toothless. I put a paw out in front of me and waved the air, hoping Toothless would go away.
This isn't Toothless. The voice said again. That got me up on all four legs, with my eyes barely open.
Who in Thor's name are….you. Good morning, Feather. I managed to open my eyes, and Feather stood in front of me. She had a happy look on her face. Why was she so happy this early in the morning?
So you can talk! She said. I laughed a little, remembering how I had barely spoken a word to her or Gavin yesterday.
Yep. Who knew? I said.
I'm actually quite glad you can talk. I was hoping for a girl friend, Gavin doesn't understand everything about being a girl dragon. She smiled and laughed a little, like there was a secret joke in what she had said.
Was there? Now I was worried about missing some sort of female inside jokes because I was supposed to understand those now. I was a girl, and I'd have to understand girls. This was going to be bad.
I laughed Y...yeah he wouldn't understand everything about being a girl dragon. I tried to think of something only a female dragon would do. He doesn't know what we go through when it's time to lay eggs. I let out another laugh. Hopefully she doesn't notice my nervousness
Feather's eyes widened. I told him the same thing but he just waves it off. He doesn't understand how unnerving it is waiting for your egg to hatch. I- she stopped in mid sentence and looked at me. Have you done it yet? she asked, smiling.
I gave a questioning look. Did what? I asked
She let out a huff, Oh come on, Hiccup. You know what I mean. Lay eggs? Night Furies are so rare and seeing how you're a female with a male it would only make sense for you two… get to it. She blushed and smiled.
I looked at her completely speechless. I opened my mouth tried to reply, but the words were stubbornly stuck in my throat came out. I just looked at. I...well you see... we're just friends. We're not mates. We wouldn't ever be mates, really. Why would you think we would...do that? I emphasized the last two words.
Feather walked towards me. You two are the only Night Furies Gavin and I have ever seen. For all we know you two could be the last of your kind. Her voice started to get louder, not to mention bolder. Don't you want your species to live on? You're not willing to produce offspring with him because you're "just friends"? Do you want Night Furies to go extinct? Because you're scared to make a commitment? By now she was snout to snout with me. Her eyes filled with concern and anger, but the anger was much more gentle than any anger I had seen on Berk. I just continued to stare at her speechless. After staying silent, Feather turned and started to walk away, her tail swinging wildly from side to side. Whatever. You're one strange dragon. Come on, let's go get some breakfast. Gavin and your FRIEND will be meeting us there.
Feather lead me towards what I imagined to be a body of water to fish in. We walked in complete silence. When we arrived, Toothless and Gavin were both in attack position looking at the water. I had forgotten how hard it was to fish as a dragon.
Good morning Toothless. I said, and walked over next to him and plopped down.
Good morning, Hiccup. How did you sleep? Toothless asked
Alright. You?
I wasn't at all rudely and abruptly awoken this morning. He glared at Gavin, and turned his attention back towards me. Were you? Toothless asked sarcastically. I smiled. Gavin probably woke him up, like Feather woke me up.
No. I said sarcastically.
Hello? Trying to catch fish here. Please be quiet. Gavin looked up at us from his attack position. We both smiled smugly and quieted down. Feather went over to him, and licked the side of his face, and he swatted her away. He was trying to catch fish again. Feather rolled her eyes and playfully slapped him.
Shh. Catching fish. He whispered, keeping his eyes on the water.
Blah blah. "Catching fish. La la la." She mocked him at the end. He didn't look up to see her face scrunch up when she mimicked him. Toothless and I both stared in amazement. We had a very vague understanding of what it looked like when two dragons were in love. They loved each other for sure, and we both were desperate to figure out why. How. We didn't understand how a dragon could feel that way towards another dragon.
What are you two looking at? Feather turned around just in time to see our curious looks at her and Gavin. My face went cold.
Nothing. We've just never seen…. love. Its cute. Toothless said honestly. He could speak for both of us. I didn't mind.
Oh. I get it. Feather replied. She winked at me, and I gave her a confused look. What did that mean? Was she suggesting that Toothless and I didn't know we loved each other because we didn't know what love was? That made no sense. I knew what love was. It was physically painful, that was all I remembered from being Astrid's very brief boyfriend. It was weird, of course.
Hiccup's POV
Are you going to catch your own fish this time? Toothless asks me like I'm a baby.
Yes, I will, thank you. You didn't have to bring that up, you know. I said confidently. Which is rare, for me.
Yes, I did. I give Toothless a small shove, and get into attack position.
I looked down at the lake. I found a fish I wanted to attack. I got ready to catch it, and when it came near me, I snapped at it. Guess who missed? Me!
I rolled my eyes and gave a small grunt in anger. I just continued trying. Try, try, try again.
Toothless' POV
Hiccup was trying, all right. She kept at it, just like I taught her. I looked at her, and tried to find something to critique, to help her get better. Well, her attack position was a little off, and she was breathing too loud. The fish were getting scared of swimming near her, and she couldn't get close enough to them.
I was about to say something when I caught a glimpse at Gavin and Feather's faces. They looked horrified. Hiccup was embarrassing herself, and I felt angry.
You know what? She's new to this! She's trying her best! I exploded at the couple. They looked dumbfounded, and Hiccup shook her head.
Toothless. You don't have to bring that up. I can do it. I'll get it. She said this calmly. But none of the steam I had built up blew off. I was angry. They just insulted my best friend.
What happened? Gavin asked. I almost exploded.
I'm just a little different from you guys, thats all. Hiccup said calmly. I was going to bite through my lips if I had to hold my tongue any longer.
How so? Feather asked. Smoke started to rise from my nostrils.
TOOTHLESS! I swear to the gods if you don't calm down, I'm pushing you in that lake! So calm down. Hiccup snapped at me. I started to calm down a little bit, and I sat down.
So, as I was saying, I'm not like you. I've only been a dragon for about a quarter of a moon cycle and that's how long I've been a girl, too. Sorry, Feather. So I can barely fly, barely catch a fish, barely catch a scent, and I cannot land. I'm trying, and working on it. I'll get it, though. We made it back to Berk, but they just watched us and stared at us oddly. We were stared at, and I had to make amends with people who I had been with there before. But after a day or so, we left because we felt like we didn't belong among humans and dragons, we thought we just belonged with each other. We were best friends back on Berk, and we still are.
How in the world did you just become a dragon? Gavin asked. Was that all he got from what Hiccup said? He talked like he didn't believe Hiccup.
Never trust a grumpy, old, hermit lady who starts screaming to the sky and turns your best friend into a dragon. Especially if you're a friend's a Night Fury. Extra especially if the lady has a very large rat and throws green blasts at you. I said unenthusiastically. The Nadders looked to each other and laughed.
WHAT? YOU THINK WE'RE LYING? I asked angrily. I was tired of not being taken seriously.
No, we believe you. Its just, we've met that lady before. Well, I have. Feather chuckled a little. What? They know the creepy hermit lady!?
Hiccup's POV
When I was 12, she tried to curse me. It was the first time I'd gone on a flight alone, and I crashed on that little secluded island. I was…. um…. I tried to take a fish from her. I tried to ask her for them, but humans don't understand dragons. So I took one, and she tried to fire a green blast at me. I dodged it, and she went and hid in her hovel. I flew away, but I'll never forget how I was almost killed in a green blast. Feather smiled after thinking back on the memory. It seemed to make her laugh, rather than remind her of how she was almost killed.
Guess who else was almost killed in a green blast? I joked. She grinned.
You too? She asked curiously. I nodded.
So we do have a few things in common! I smiled at the thought of this. Feather was so nice to me.
I guess we do. So do I still have my only friend who's a girl? She asked me. We were most definitely still friends. She was better than any human friend I ever had on Berk. But Toothless was still my best friend.
Yes, I think you do. I said. We smiled at each other.
Yay, we're all friends now. Lets go back to fishing. Gavin said quickly. It sounded rushed, like he was hiding something. Thats when I realized that they still hadn't told us exactly how they ended up here.
How did you end up here? I asked Gavin and Feather. Gavin rolled his eyes, and Feather shoved him.
Oh stop whining, you big baby. She shoved Gavin again, and he looked down.
Well, I, uh…. Gavin stuttered for a little while, and
Go on, they have to find out sometime. Come on, you can do it. Feather coaxed.
Gavin looked at his love, then at us. Fine, but it's a long story. You might want to sit down. He suggested. Hiccup and I sat down where we were, and patiently waited for the male to continue.
My life started out hatching and being raised by my mother. A year later, I got very sick. I was less than a day away from death. My grandmother was seeing a Gronckle, who was helping her through her problems at the time because of her life-changing disability of being paralyzed from the waist down.
What happened? Toothless interrupted.
The male dragon looked down at the ground. He spoke in a low voice, almost like he was holding back the urge to cry. She was out flying when she came in contact with a group of dragon hunters. She managed to dodge their nets but one arrow, managed to hit her in the lower back, paralyzing her. It wasn't until she tried to land until she realized how much damage the arrow actually did.
Anyhow she said, "Something just doesn't feel right about this whole situation." The Gronckle looked me over, and he said he could smell Zippleback acid on me. That was extremely unhealthy for a hatchling to even be near, let alone be covered with. A quarter moon later, the Zippleback and my grandmother were still taking care of me. They walked into the cave I was staying in, and found my my mother and another Zippleback spitting acid on me.
Toothless and I looked at him in horror. For a mother to do that to her young was sickening.
Four years after, the Gronckle who stayed with me for all four years found out that the poison affected my brain, and I wasn't the same as other dragons. I was shyer and I couldn't comprehend things as well as other dragons. So I was constantly being monitored by the Gronckle and my grandmother, every few months I'd be checked for Zippleback acid. Gavin stopped talking to catch his breath, he waited a moment to see if we were going to ask questions. When we didn't, he continued.
I was constantly bathed, because they thought that would help decrease the acid and wipe out the defect. Well, that helped too much. I went completely and utterly insane. I was sent to a two week dragon retreat for monk dragons, to try and help me calm down and become one with nature. Then I came home to my mother and the Gronckle. I was still crazy. So, I was sent to another retreat in the mountains for two years because nobody could take my insanity. That place was great except for a few of the more annoying dragons than I.
I cleared my throat, letting him know I had a question. Yes, Hiccup?
Is that where you met Feather? I asked
No, no Feather wasn't there. He went silent for then spoke again. Anyhow, the place was so low in dragons that barely anybody knew it still existed. So I was moved to a different place after I lived there for two years. After about three years at the new place, I went on my last temporary trip home. I was completely healed! I was normal! I was able to return to my life with my grandmother, aunt, cousin, uncle, and Feather, my best friend. A giant smile formed on his face as he looked at Feather and nuzzled her snout. Toothless and I both smiled. Seeing Gavin happy after what he's told us so far was sweet.
Two years after I returned home, a messenger Terror told me that my real father said I had a brother. Two years later I had came to the conclusion of hiring a tracking dragon to find my brother. This Deadly Nadder was the best in my area. He told me he'd send a Terror for me when my brother is located. While the Nadder was looking for my brother, I asked Feather to be my mate.
I accepted, of course. The female said. Gavin laughed. Yeah, the first thing she said when I asked her was "It's about time". All of us laughed at the response. Once the laughing died down, Toothless spoke up.
Did he find him? Toothless asked.
Gavin looked at him and smiled Yes. After the Terror told me where to find Allen. I invited him over, but a few days after he arrived, my grandma's condition worsened and he offered to look after her. You see, even before she got worse, I was going to ask my brother to look after her because Feather and I were going to leave and find our own place. He licked the his mate on the cheek. That was six months ago, and look at us now. We have our own place and we couldn't be happier. Now I'm always able to see the good in things, and I wouldn't change my past for anything. It only gave me a greater view on life. So, I made a saying. "Everyone can have a good life, but only those who look for the good have a great life."
That's deep. Toothless said, like he was in a daze.
What an insightful comment. Feather rolled her eyes at Toothless.
Toothless POV
Once Gavin was finished with his story, I laid on the grass with a wide smile. After hearing what he went through, I thought he was amazing. I noticed Hiccup was sporting the same smile I was. I guessed we were both feeling the same emotions. That's quite a story. I said to him. Do you plan on returning home to see your brother? I asked him.
It took a moment for Gavin to answer. One day. He said smiling, with a far off look in his eyes. For now, I want to stay here with Feather. She means the world to me. He licked his mate on the cheek.
I looked over to Feather. She was purring with her face against Gavin's. What about you, Feather? Let's hear your story.
The female swayed her tail back and forth. I don't know… it's not that interesting. She shyly admitted.
The other Nadder looked at her. That's not true. He told her confidently. She looked towards him. Really? she asked. Galvin smirked, Yeah. There's one or two small interesting parts, but the rest is boring. He said jokingly. He received a smack to the head from Feather's tail. You're such a jerk, but that's why I love you. She kissed him. Me and Hiccup smiled at how adorable these two were. This kind of love never occured on Berk.
Okay, so here's my story, but it'll be short and not as detailed as Gavin's. She told us.
That's fine. Hiccup replied.
Feather adjusted her sitting position and let out a sigh. As you know, I grew up on the same island as Gavin. On this island, an Alpha ruled over all the dragons. As soon as I could fly, I was forced to share half my family's food supply with him. Since we lived in an area where the temperature was always high, we also had to share a portion of our water supply, which wasn't that bad during the winter months but during the summer it was unbearable.
Wow. He does sound like a jerk. I heard Hiccup say.
Feather gave a nod, Yes, he was. As I was saying, during the summer it was bad. I was only four when I saw another dragon die of dehydration. He was caught trying to steal some water, so the Alpha brainwashed him to lay on the beach and slowly die. Luckily, I found him when he was already gone. Gavin put his wing over her, like he was trying to comfort her.
Later that day, I found out the dragon was related to me. My mother told me she was a cousin, and I was going to meet her the next day, but she stole the water. I was so overcome with sadness that I didn't go outside for an entire week.
Feather looked at her mate and smiled. But on the eighth day, he came over and encouraged me to get out. We spent the whole day playing and talking. It was wonderful.
Is that how you two fell in love? I asked curiously. It took me a minute to figure out that the romantic question came out of my mouth.
That's how I fell in love. I'm not sure if it was the same for him. Was it? she asked Gavin.
Yes, kind of. It took a few days. It wasn't as instantaneous, as it was with you. He admitted.
Well in any case, we fell in love. I spent almost everyday with him, but as you know he was gone for fifty six moons. These were the loneliest days of my life. Once he did return home, he asked me to be his mate, and for him and I to leave and find our own place. Our own lives. So as you can see, we did. Now it's your turn. What's your story?
I got to my feet and cleared my throat. Well, my life story is kind of interesting. In fact, I don't even think Hiccup knows the whole thing. I think she only knows the half she lived through. She shrugged her shoulders.
Then this will also be the first time Hiccup will hear it. Gavin smiled.
I cleared my throat again. Now, I don't remember much from my childhood. I briefly remembering spending a lot of time with my parents. What I do remember is that I was a loner. I didn't spent time with other dragons. I would stay in my cave for days, only coming out to eat. One day, my mother and father asked me to get dinner for them. There was a human village nearby, but we didn't bother them, and they didn't bother us. Once in a blue moon, our two species would meet. And when we did, we would simply look at each other for several seconds and continue on our way. I was told to only attack them if they posed as a threat.
It sounds like your family taught you well. Hiccup said.
Yea… they did. My voice went low. Hiccup and the two Nadders noticed my sudden mood change.
What, what happened? Feather asked, concern washing over her.
I was coming home from hunting and on my way home, and I smelt fire. A few minutes later, I smelt blood. By then, I was panicking and ran the rest of the way. When I got there, I saw hundreds of humans carrying torches and weapons. They attacked us. The caves where the dragons slept were either engulfed in fire or caved in. The smell of death was unbearable. Both humans and dragons fought in discord. I ran to the cave where my parents and I lived. I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from crying at the next part. Our home was destroyed. And my parents… they were dead.
All three dragons gasped in horror. That was the first time I told anyone about my past. I looked to Hiccup to see how she was taking it. Her face was a mix of horror and sadness. I saw a single disguised tear run down her face. I walked over to her, and placed my head on hers.
Toothless. She said as she choked up, getting ready to cry. Toothless I'm sorry. I'm sorry that happened to you. Her crying grow louder. I tried to sooth her.
It's okay, Hiccup. It's okay. It wasn't your fault. I said, but it wasn't helping. She was still crying as loud as before. She buried her head into my shoulder. I looked over to Gavin and Feather, Sorry about this. I never told her about my past. This is the first time I told her since I was unable to tell her before she got turned into a dragon and-
Wait, what? What do you mean since she got turned into a dragon? Gavin asked
I drifted my head to the side. Well... it's kind of a funny story. Actually she was the heir of Berk. Both of their eyes widened.
A dragon was going to be the next chief? Why would Stoick pick a dragon? Why not his son, Hiccup? Feather asked.
I am… Hiccup. I told you before… that the... old lady shot some kind of green stuff... at me and turned me in….into a dragon. That's why I ...can fly, but can't land, catch a fish, or use my fire. I've only been a... dragon for 4… days. Hiccup told them, in between loud sobs of course.
Suddenly, a realization struck the two Nadders. Their eyes were filled with amazement. Feather ran over to us and looked at my tail. She saw the fake fin. She noticed Hiccup also a different one. Wait, you're the Night Fury that was shot down by a human? I nod. She looked at Hiccup's tail. Then... you must be Hiccup? What you said about the hermit, you really were a human before she struck you? Hiccup also gave a nod.
Gavin's face was in total shock. His mouth hung open and his eyes were as wide as Hiccup's old helmet. Finally, in a shaky voice, he said. But you're a female... and if I'm correct... you were a male when you were a human? Do you know the reason for the gender swap?
Before she could reply, I decided to cut in. Can I finish my story, please? Hiccup can answer your questions when it's her turn. I said politely.
I adjusted my sitting position and continued my story. As I was saying after my home was destroyed I left and headed east. I was determined to get revenge. During my flight, I would search for any human settlements to destroy, but unfortunately, I didn't find any. Instead, I found a whole island inhabited by dragons, with a Queen controlling them. I told her about my parents, and she said I was welcome to stay. But under one condition, of course. I had to go to a nearby village and steal food from the humans who lived there.
Feather interrupted, And that village was Berk?
Yes, it was. At the time, I didn't care about having to get food for her. I just wanted to take my revenge. So that same night,I snuck off with a group of dragons and went to the village. I destroyed everything in sight. I was so focused on causing as much damage as possible that I forgot to get livestock for the Queen. When we returned, I was asked to see the Queen. She said she forgave me for not getting any food and understood why I didn't, but instead of punishing me, she told me from now on to cause as much destruction to the village as possible. She told me not to worry about retrieving food.
That's why you never took anything. Hiccup said.
Yes. I was ordered to only destroy your village. As the raids continued, I became more daring, hungrier for the revenge I sought. I started to aim for targets that were lower to the ground. Sheds, water wells, and such. I was doing good until one night. I was hit and I fell, hard. I hit a tree and snapped it in half. I was tangled up in a net, and my left tail fin was completely excised.
I cleared my throat. That... that was the first time I cried since my parents were killed. Flying was the best feeling in the world, and it was gone. I looked to Hiccup, It was stolen. But thankfully, you came looking for me. When you took out your knife I was both happy and terrified.
Why? Gavin asked.
What? I asked back. I was in the zone, and his question zapped me back to reality.
Why were you terrified of one measly human? He asked. I had no answer.
Because. Shut up. As I was saying, I was happy because the sadness I still had would disappear. And I was scared because obviously, I didn't want to die yet. It was a weird feeling, but as you can see, he didn't kill me. He climbed on me for a little while, and raised his knife right above my head. I looked into his eyes. I looked away, and closed my eyes. The next thing I knew, I heard the cutting of ropes. I opened my eyes to find him cutting the ropes that bonded me to the forsaken ground. Once I could move my body, I jumped on top of him. I could feel his heart pounding and his eyes brimming with fear. I wanted to kill him. I wanted to avenge my parents, to do to them as they had done to me. But this was only a child. He didn't cause their deaths, he was as innocent as a hatchling. Ultimately, I ended up roaring into his face and stomping my paw down next to his head.
Hiccup let out a laugh, Yeah. That was really terrifying.
Sorry about that, but on with the story. After that, I tried to fly away, but because of my tail, I could only glide. I ended up being stuck in a small cove deep in the forest. I stayed there for two days before Hiccup finally showed up. He tried to gain my trust by offering me a fish.
Did it work? Feather asked.
Do you think it worked? Hiccup asked sarcastically. Feather smiled. I continued.
Yes, it did. After that, he tried to get me to fly again. He made me a new tailfin that he could control. It was a success at first, but we found some minor "defects" in it. After a lot of train and error, Hiccup was able to help me fly. Astrid, one of Hiccup's friends, followed him one day and saw me. She attempted to run back to Berk to tell everyone about my presence, but Hiccup and I stopped her. With a flight around Berk, we were able to convince her that not all dragons are "bad". As I was flying, I heard the Queen. She ordered all dragons to return to the island with the food each dragon got that day. I thought that would be a good opportunity for Hiccup and Astrid to see her. I wanted them to see that the dragons were being forced to steal, and they weren't doing on their own free will. The Queen saw me with the humans and became enraged. She tried to kill us. I barely made it out.
So the Queen was trying to kill us! I knew it! Hiccup smiled, satisfied. What a great feeling, knowing you were right about someone trying to kill you. I'm glad I wasn't the one who had that realization.
Yes. How lovely. I said sarcastically. I was unamused.
So what happened after that? Gavin asked curiously.
After we nearly escaped death, I flew back to the cove. Astrid suggested that the island was like a bee hive. The Queen was... well, the Queen, and all the other dragons were the worker bees. They worked and worked until they dropped, and after that, they were of no use. Astrid was right about the nest. 100% correct, and the analogy scared me. It showed me how controlling the Queen was, even if she was nice to me. I paused to be dramatic, but Gavin took it the wrong way and asked a question in my pause.
So did you defeat the Queen? Gavin asked excitedly. Hiccup waved a paw at him.
Shh, that comes later. Hiccup was very intent on listening to my side of the story, and she shushed Gavin without a thought.
Anyway, we went back to the cove and Astrid and Hiccup got off. They whispered about something, and I swore I heard something about the next day. Sure enough, the next day, I heard a Nightmare roar in the daylight. I knew something was wrong with Hiccup, so I rushed to find her...er, him. I found her being threatened by the Nightmare, so I attacked the Nightmare. Then the people of Berk caught me and tied me up. Hiccup seemed to get a bit sad after I said this, but I knew she'd be fine. Gavin was still his curious self.
How did you get out of it? He asked. I simply gave him an eye roll and continued.
Well, they put me on a ship and made me lead them to the nest. After I lead them to the nest, they tried to destroy it. They thought they had won the fight against the Queen after one blow, but they had just started it. A fierce battle broke out. Hiccup arrived, via Astrid's dragon. He tried to get to me, but the ship I was on started to sink. He tried to go after me, but he failed. After he lost his breath and couldn't survive underwater anymore, I lost all hope. But his father, Stoick saved Hiccup and I. He cut the ropes on my restraint, and dragged Hiccup on land.
And everything ended well? Gavin looked for a happy ending.
Gavin, quiet down. Let the poor dragon finish his story. Feather scolded Gavin. He didn't seem to mind.
Thanks, Feather. I think. I said. I wasn't sure how to take being called a "poor dragon".
No, we had to reason the Queen, who had turned almost completely evil by that time. She just wanted power, and she was willing to kill anyone who got in her way. So, she was ready to kill me, Hiccup, and the rest of Berk. So of course, we had to defeat her first. I said, trying to build the suspense with my voice.
Her who? Gavin asked. I exploded at him.
The Queen! I yelled at Gavin. I couldn't take any more of his interruptions.
I would really like to finish my story without any more "Gavin time". May I? I asked impatiently. Gavin nodded. Okay, thank you. Anyway, we took to the skies and lured the Queen behind us. Once we saw her fire building up, I shot an ignited blast, burning her from the inside out. The fire burned my tailfin off, however, Hiccup and I fell. I grabbed his leg in such a hurry, I forgot to retract my teeth. He lost his leg, but he did live… Hiccup, that reminds me, will you forgive me for that? I felt the guilt all over again.
Hey, I got your fin and you got my le… well my fin too, now. Hiccup smiled good-naturedly. I was glad there were no hard feelings. I guessed it was even, and we were both at the same flight disadvantage.
I looked to the Nadders, forgetting that I didn't finish my story. Gavin looked like he was about to explode from not being able to ask his question. I rolled my eyes.
Do you want to ask something, Gavin? I asked. He let out a huge breath that he was holding in.
I thought you'd never ask! He was relieved, But is that the end? Did you win the fight? What happened? Gavin asked. He was way too interested in my story.
Oh, yeah. We won the fight. Epically, of course. After that, we had quite an eventful moon back on Berk. Hiccup didn't wake up for 7 days. People started to follow Hiccup, and soon almost everyone on Berk had a dragon. Our first Snoggletog together, Hiccup made me an automatic tailfin and I took off and spent 3 days searching for his helmet, which he clumsily dropped the day before. I found it, and surprised him. After that, there really isn't anything worth mention. We just woke up one day and went flying, got lost, found the lady hermit, and then Hiccup got turned into a dragon. We were later found by the village. We stayed a couple days back on Berk, but no one respected Hiccup, so we left and here we are. Ta-da! I finished. Gavin looked pleased, and he skipped around. Feather seemed happy enough. Hiccup seemed confused.
But, wasn't there that time when… or the time…. Never mind. Hiccup tried to brainstorm other memorable times we had, but she can't think of any.
I guess you're right. She said.
Hiccup's POV
I decided to share my story, just for the fun of it.
When I was a baby, my mother was eaten by a dragon. Have you ever heard of Stoick the Vast? Well known viking everywhere. They say he once popped a dragon's head clean off it's shoulders, and I believe that. Stoick the Vast was my father. My father, with the help of his friend Gobber, raised me. Ok, so it was mostly Gobber. My dad always wanted more from me, and I could never do enough to appease him. I wasn't strong, I wasn't fast, I had caused all the problems the village ever had for the most part. I was smart though, and I tried to use my brains to avoid needing brawn. All my attempts failed, of course. He always looked at me with this disappointed scowl, like he wanted to say to the gods, "Excuse me, Barmaid. I think you brought me the wrong offspring. I ordered an extra large boy with beefy arms, extra guts and glory on the side. This here, this is a talking fishbone!" Gobber always told me that it wasn't my physical appearance, it was my personality that my father couldn't stand. That pep-talk always made me feel better. But anyway, all that changed one night when I decided I had to try another scheme to make my life better. I shot down a Night Fury. Who would've guessed? Nobody on the entire island of Berk, that's who. I got teased even more, actually. I tried to tell them I had shot down a Night Fury, but nobody believed me. I was too bothersome to trust. But I found that dragon the next day. When I arrived, I had every intention of killing the dragon, and bringing its heart to my father to make my life significantly better. But when I got there, I started to look in Toothless' eyes. They showed he was as scared as I was. And I saw myself in his place. So I cut him free. Stupid mistake, I know, but I did. And he didn't kill me, which was shocking. He just ran away. I didn't follow him, but I wanted to figure out more about Night Furies. So the next day I tried to look for him. I walked in the direction the dragon ran until I came across a cove. I was about to return to Berk when I noticed black scales on the ground. As I examined them, the Night Fury shot up. He nearly gave me a heart attack. He was trying to climb out but the cove was surrounded by high walls. I was astonished to be the first person to see a Night Fury. I took out my sketchbook and started to draw him. He jumped in the air and flapped his wings but he wasn't going anywhere. That's when I noticed he was missing a tail fin. Then the next day I decided to go see him. I brought a fish and my knife, which was a bad idea. He sensed the knife and made me get rid of it. After it was gone, he acted like a big, soft cat. When he went to take the fish, he opened his mouth and I saw he had no teeth, but then his teeth popped out. That's how he got the name Toothless. That night I built Toothless a prosthetic tailfin to help him fly. We didn't get it right the first time, it took a few times. Sure enough, we got it right. As I was helping Toothless fly, I was also taking what I've learned from him and used it in dragon training. That ended up getting me picked to kill a Nightmare in front of the whole village, including my dad. That same day, I was going to run away with Toothless, but Astrid followed me and she said she was going to tell everyone. Toothless and I stopped her and convinced her that not all dragons are "bad". The next day, I had to kill the dragon, but I was going to show everyone that dragons were good. Everything was going as planned until my dad startled the Nightmare by slamming his hammer down. The Nightmare then tried to attack me. He chased me, had me pinned, and I heard a loud screech. People screamed, "Night Fury! Get down" and before I knew it, Toothless broke into the arena and fought the Monstrous Nightmare. I tried to tell him to leave, but he didn't listen. Soon, a group of Vikings entered the arena and pinned him to the ground. They tied him up and took him away. I tried to tell my father about the Queen, but he was so angry that I made friends with a dragon when I told him I wanted to kill them.
I watched as he and the other men put Toothless on a boat and set sail for the dragon island. Astrid walked over to me and asked why I didn't kill the dragon. I told her that when I looked into his eyes, I saw myself and he was just as scared of me as I was of him. Then, suddenly, I thought of a crazy plan. I rounded up the other teens and showed them that dragon were good creatures. After they were convinced, we all flew over to defeat the Queen. As Toothless said, the battle was long and hard but in the end, we won. Now Vikings and dragons live in peace. Of course, the day we flew off, I got turned into a dragon and everything, so you know the rest of my story from there. I finished my story from start to end with no "Gavin time". It must have been a record time for Gavin not speaking, except when he's asleep. Ooops, he was.
Looks like Mr. Talkative, over here, fell asleep. Toothless grinned, and we basked in the momentary silence.
I'm just closing my eyes. I've been awake the whole time. Gavin said, his eyes still closed. Toothless mouthed "Dang it!" I laughed a little.
~Turtle's A/N
Hi. I'm still here working on this and you can learn more about me! If you even read these. But hey, why not write this anyway? So I did this all week, and I have written many of the "super derpy romance stuff" scenes for the Deadly Nadders. (I'm quoting my amazing friend cartoonsforlife1314, love you!) I really like writing this "romance stuff", and you have no idea how hard it is for me to sit down at my laptop and tell my brain "Don't you dare go on overload." So I was feeling all romantic all week(not really). In terms of my life, I didn't do much. Oh, my mom threatened to cut me off from this project, so that was fun. * Your mom was trying to do what she thought was right, which I disagree with, but still, she was trying. ~Karter This week was overall boring. Hope you got the sarcasm in there. Hope you enjoyed reading.
~Max's A/N
Hi again! This week was fun. I worked on several scenes with Laura and Karter. I helped write some of the backstory for the Nadders, which was a blast! I guess I can take a bit about my personal life. I've been having some back pain for the past week. I'll be going to the doctors on Monday to get it checked out. Hopefully it's nothing serious. My parents think It might just be a pinched nerve. I've only been able to sit down for no more than three hours. If it's nothing serious, I should be able to continue working on this story. ~Will's A/N
~Will's A/N
Hello, my name is William and I'm a new beta for L.E.G. I'm a new beta and possible writer (not likely but still!) I have started two of my own stories and will also be grammer checking for the stories. I'm currently a freshman at my high school and I have a bit of experience in technology… so I'm kindo out of my element but im here for… REASONS! I am kind of a grammer natzi too soo… but I do enjoy HTTYD so thats the reason I'm here, to share my ideas with the world… *Cough* and these idiots too *Cough*
~Bacon's A/N
Hullo, my name is Foster. I'm the new awkward guy, yayyyy. This will be my first "job" and so far I enjoy it. I enjoy reading a lot it helps that I read better than the average college grad. Cough* Shameful boasting Cough* My typing/essay skills are very lacking when it comes to writing things down. I'm a sucker for quotes and speeches…. and rebellion when its necessary. And since I still have a 2 more lines to do, lets talk about me some more shall we? I'm from Louisiana and I like gaming, saying random things (like Doritos). Since I need to "Wrap it up", I leave you with this: Doritos….. Locos…. Tacos
~Bigs' A/N
Hey everyone! I'm back from finals! We got 2 new betas! Their names are Bacon and Will. I also want to give a shoutout to kingkoda due to his review and he was very polite when I responded. He gave us some advice along with a encouraging compliment. We would like to ask all of you to plz give us some review as we do love reading them. So this week's chapter is especially special to me. We based Gavin off of my personal life. The backstory is loosely based off of mine. Of course its heavily modified, but hey! I got to tell it in some form. If you're interested in reading the vanilla version *Nobody says 'vanilla version, but whatever. ~Turtle* Well in my experience a lot of people say it. XD of my story you can go read it as its on my profile bio. I couldn't be more glad on how this chapter turned out. This would be the best one we have done so far. This is also the biggest by far. We are only half way done with the back stories, and its Sunday night and we are wrapping up for the night. We suspect we are going to have to cut a scene out, so that would be a huge cut. We decided if we do need to cut it, we will add it at the beginning of the next chap. On to Gavin though! There are multiple things about me that I personally believe is a blessing. One of which is why I'm able to see good in almost about everything. Then, I am extremely mature for my age (I'm 16 if your wondering). The name "Gavin" comes from a kid I work with. The back story is basically mine as I said already, and then there is my slogan: "Everyone can have a good life, but only those who look for the good have a great life". I'm particularly very happy with that. I came up with it myself and I've been saying it since. I do see good in everything and I'm pretty sure I'm starting to repeat myself now, but likewise I am mostly always happy and I love life altogether. For those who know me, you know I founded L.E.G. as a place for people to be accepted. If anyone is wondering, I was in basically a prison for 5 years and now I am with a great uncle which I can share the passion of being out on the water with him. I have a loving mom (Grandmother) and I have terrific friends. So if you have a bad life right now, just remember one thing, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And to those who are wondering, no, my life is not done being eventful. In fact, I just learned it was my bastard of a grandfather that gave away my phone number to my real family. Anywho, I will end on our quote "Everyone can have a good life, but only those who look for the good have a great life" ~Karter