Chapter 7
He sat there, staring out into nothingness absolutely quiet. She was concerned about him. His heart strings were being pulled but suddenly they stopped and the feeling his chest turned to fear and concern. He heard something; his brow began to furrow.
"Hiccup?"
"Sh." Still seated, he turned around (away from the cliff) and began to crawl towards the edge on the other side of Toothless (his right).
"Hiccup," her voice was firm.
Hiccup paused and faced her. "Astrid, be quiet." He whispered sharply then continued crawling. Astrid, now stunned and a little curious, joined Hiccup leaning over the edge and peering down into the forest on the outskirts of Berk. "Do you see anything?" He asked.
Astrid looked harder to see such anything, squinting her eyes focusing hard on detecting whatever had interested Hiccup. Abruptly, she noticed movement and began to hear voices but couldn't make out what was being said; she needed to get closer. Quickly scanning her surroundings, she spotted a smaller ledge about 200 feet below. She turned and looked at Toothless, he nodded somehow understanding. She grabbed his tail and proceeded back to the edge. "Hiccup, stay here." With that she jumped off the edge using Toothless' tail as a rock climber would a rope. Quickly she managed to slide down to the ledge below. Astrid crouched low to the dirt, and intently listened.
"What if Stoick and the boy both come home?" said one voice.
"Leave Stoick to me," Astrid's eyes widened. She knew the treacherous man that voice belonged to.
"What if it's someone else besides Stoick?" said another.
"Yeah, remember the blonde girl?" the first voice asked again
"Hold Astrid against 'im." Alvin answered. Oh great, he remembers my name; how flattering. "Remember he's the dragon conqueror."
"And the dragon?" Astrid could finally recognize that voice as Savage's. Alvin must have been really thinking for once since he paused before answering.
"Capture it. Now enough questions. We move after dark." The bushes rattled informing Astrid that they had walked away.
Cautiously, she reached Toothless' tail and climbed back up to the ledge to Hiccup. She looked with concern into his curious face. His eyes were intense and focused showing knowledge. He seemed to be scared but pushing his panic aside ready and willing to protect and serve. She knew that he would prepare himself to safeguard the village; so how to tell him without getting him to do such a thing? Her only plan was to spit it out and run, making sure she left him safely in the dust. "It's Alvin; he's here and planning to get you. I have to warn the village; stay here." She stood up and began to head back towards the town. Make sure he's protected. "Oh, and Toothless, shoot anyone that's not from Berk." The dragon nodded in understanding. She paused, "well, except Mildew; just go easy on him."
Astrid ran back to Berk careful to not step on anything that would alert of her position. For once, she was happy that Hiccup was not in the village. Something whooshed by her side; still running she glanced over to see only shrubbery but upon returning her attention ahead, she saw glowing green eyes staring intently at her. Stopping on impulse, she realized just who it was. On top of the black dragon was a skinny boy clinging for dear life.
"Hiccup! What do you think you're doing?!" She glanced around the forest's edge, scanning for any spying Outcasts.
"Astrid, they're after me. I'm gonna have to be involved. Now tell me everything you heard."
"But Hiccup-" Suddenly they heard a twig snap, Astrid changed her mind. "Fine, okay, you win." She hopped on the black dragon and relayed her eavesdropping as they made a mad dash for the village. The three stopped well within.
"You go get the teens." he told her as she jumped off.
"But Hiccup…..what do you-"
"Hey, Hiccup!" Tuffnut yelled. Astrid turned to see the group of four teens running towards them.
"Never mind." Hiccup mumbled under his breath. If one came, odds are so did the rest. "Okay guys listen; Alvin's here and is waiting to ambush. He's after me, again. So we're gonna have to distract him."
oOo
All the teens were in front of the forge preparing for Hiccup's plan, a second time. He stood in the middle of the entrance, instructing what needed to be done; he hoped they complied.
"Did you put the dragon eggs in the box?" Hiccup asked.
"Yeah, but I don't see why." Tuffnut responded.
"Uh, like you said: destruction. Now put it in the middle of the ramp that leads to the docks."
"Wouldn't we want it in the village for better destruction?"
"Not for Alvin. Now, go put it on the docks. Ruffnut, when Alvin gets to it, soak the area and him with the gas and-"
"But wouldn't Alvin breathe in the gas?" Astrid interrupted.
"Exactly; and once he's at the crate, give him everything you got."
As the teens walked away, Astrid grabbed Hiccup's arm and pulled him aside. She held him by the shoulders, her face merely inches from his.
"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" She wasn't doubtful, just concerned.
"Astrid, I'll be fine." His voice was calm, soothing and conciliatory but stern and full of reassurance. "It's me."
But that was the issue, it was him! She didn't want to think about the crazy illogic that is somehow always incorporated into his impetuous plans. Last time he did something 'crazy' (just followed by something stupid), he joined the amputees. And this time? No, no, no, no, no, no; she wouldn't let him go; but he was their only hope, just like last time and hey, everything turned out okay. She gazed into the cloudy radiating forest green eyes full of knowledge, innocence and understanding; even in their current state. Her arbitrary mind said an absolutely, positively firm 'no' but her heart spoke otherwise. She depressingly released her hold of him and took a couple steps back. "Just promise me it won't go wrong." But before Hiccup could respond, she ran off to Stormfly, ready to follow the plan.
Hearing the sound of leaving footsteps, Hiccup turned to Toothless. "Remember bud, don't go anywhere near Alvin without me." The dragon nuzzled and whined disappointingly and his rider returned the gesture. Why does going into battle hurt more than coming out of it?
You know what happens next…..
I'm sorry this chapter is shorter than the others; I can guarantee that the following will be longer. However, when they will be posted I cannot say. My AP test is rapidly approaching so my precious time is being dedicated to that (which is probably why I do not find this to be a satisfying chapter); meaning I will not be posting often, so please bear with me. I want to thank you all for your support, encouragement and for reading (and hopefully enjoying) my story.