(A/N) So I guess despite the lack of sleep I'll be getting and such, I'm still working on updating enough to keep you readers busy until Sunday when I get home from my biological dad's house. Also thanks to my two new reviewers! I love to know your reading!
After lunch ended, Hiccup decided to go on a flight with Toothless to clear his head of everything going on. "Hey guys, I'm going to go out flying on Toothless for a bit if that's okay with you." Magnus and Jacob simply nodded, being used to Hiccup and his addiction to flying.
What was surprising to everyone though, was when Ruffnut stepped behind Hiccup, grabbing his wrist. "Can me and Tuff bring Barch?" She asked. Hiccup looked over his shoulder at her and Tuffnut looked more angry than ever.
"Ruff, why in the world would you want to go flying with him? I'm your other rider, you only need me." Tuffnut cut in, grabbing Ruffnut's wrist. Ruffnut pulled away from him, holding onto Hiccup's arm who stiffened. Since when did he sign up for becoming a human shield?
"I know your the only one I need bro, but that doesn't mean I can't have other friends. Hiccup's a pretty nice guy, and let's not forget he owns a night fury. We're always to scared to take Barch out flying, but with Toothless and Hiccup we'd have no worried." Ruffnut tried reasoning with her brother.
Fishlegs wasn't around, having gone to the restroom for a shower. Magnus and Jacob chose not to interfere and simply observe. Last thing anyone wanted was to make Tuffnut madder than he already was. Hiccup grabbed Ruffnut's arm in a protective manner, astonished by the fact she just admitted she felt safe just by being around him and his dragon.
Tuffnut took a step back, seeming to let his guard down a little. "I'm not taking it Ruffnut. You have me and I'm the supposed to be the one who protects you." Ruffnut sighed, letting go of Hiccup so she could stand beside her twin.
"Look Tuff, I get it. You can protect me from anyone and everyone. That doesn't mean that's what I want though. I want to have fun like other girls and our school. I want to take Barf and Belch flying because they don't deserve to be cooped up in a stall all the time. Tuffnut, with Hiccup we can do a lot more with very little chances of getting hurt by someone. He knows what to do. Hiccup's fended for himself before remember? He knows how to take care of himself."
Hiccup chewed his lip nervously as Ruffnut spoke, not really wanting to be a part of this conversation. Tuffnut frowned, and at first seemed like he was going to downright ignore his sisters wishes. Looking into Ruffnut's eyes though, Tuffnut saw the tears at the back of them. Did Ruffnut really want freedom that bad? Would she really rather have the ability to go out around people she didn't even know, than just stay beside him?
Tuffnut sighed. In all honesty he knew very well that Ruff had her mind made up. She wasn't going to go down easily. Tuffnut didn't want her to go of course, but if his sister was going to go he was going to be there incase something happened. There was no doubt in the world about that.
"F-fine." Tuffnut's voice was quiet, but both Hiccup and Ruffnut heard what he said. They were both a bit surprised, but didn't ask anything about it. After talking about a few more small things, Hiccup, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut went outside to get their dragons.
"So...great evening huh guys?" Hiccup asked over the wind as they flew through evening sky. Ruffnut and Tuffnut had stayed pretty quiet on their dragon, so Hiccup found it a good idea to at least try to break the ice with them. He knew he wouldn't get very far, but they needed something to make this less awkward and more enjoyable.
"Yeah. It's no night flight, but it's been forever since we've just flown around like this. Huh bro?" Ruffnut was the first to reply, turning to her brother with hope in her eyes. Tuffnut groaned, shrugging his shoulders. "I...yeah I guess it is." And despite Tuff trying to hide it, Hiccup couldn't help but smile as he heard a hint of joy and excitement in Tuffnut's voice. Apparently Ruffnut wasn't the only twin who'd been longing for this. After all, Barch was happy, and the bond with a dragon could change a trainers perspective on things.
"Hey you know what would be awesome?" Hiccup suddenly got an idea, and talking in the most challenging voice he could think of. Ruffnut and Tuffnut looked at him curiously, seeming to be naturally drawn to the excitement in Hiccup's voice which indicated future chaos.
"What?!" Both the twins asked perfect sync when Hiccup paused his answer. "Dragon race. You guys on Barch and me on Toothless. Whoever passes over the old burned forest at the end of town is the winner." Ruffnut and Tuffnut's eyes widened as they realized what he was saying.
"But we can't beat you. Your a dragon racer for Thor's sake Hiccup!" Ruffnut started. "Besides, Barch has many disadvantages against Toothless." Tuffnut chimed in, sounding oddly smart for once. Hiccup shrugged his shoulders with a smirk.
"You'll never know. So...shall we race?" Ruffnut and Tuffnut whispered to each other as if debating what the best decision here was. Eventually they both turned to look at Hiccup, a grin on both their faces. "Prepare to lose your winning streak H." Ruffnut said first.
"Okay so Ruff's in. Tuff? You ready for this?" Tuffnut shrugged his shoulders, getting ready for a fast flight and leaning forward in the saddle. "I'm always ready for a good competition. Ready, on your mark..." Hiccup pushed his prosthetic into place.
"Get set." Ruffnut held tightly to the horns of her dragon, obviously a little nervous about the speed they were all planning on flying. "Go!" Hiccup let Ruffnut and Tuffnut take off with a little lead, before pushing Toothless to go faster.
He could've gone faster, but Hiccup settled for letting Toothless' tale stay in a position that curved in a way that slowed them down, not cutting through the air. This meant that he had no advantages like in races, and was simply relying on his normal speed being faster than the twins racing speed.
They were neck in neck, laughter and shouts of playful insults filling the air around them. Just as they were reaching their destination, Hiccup put on one final burst of speed. The twins and himself laughed joyously as the race ended in a perfect tie.
"Yeah we won!" Ruffnut and Tuffnut shouted in perfect sync. Toothless growled at them, obviously knowing it was a tie just like his rider did. Hiccup place a hand on Toothless' head as they continued slowing down. "I know bud, we were tied. Let's just let them enjoy the moment okay?"
Toothless rolled his eyes and Snorted. Hiccup chuckled to himself, scratching the dragons favorite spot. Toothless let go of his anger nearly imediatly, forgetting their 'argument'. "So...best two out of three?" Hiccup asked and the twins smiled. "Sure why not."
After another two races, the second one a tie and Hiccup taking the win on the last one, thunder started sounding in the distance. "Uh guys? I think we should head back home. Where there's thunder there's normally lightning. With my leg, riding uniform, and Toothless' saddle, it's not safe to fly up here.
Ruffnut and Tuffnut took notice of the worry in Hiccup's voice, both agreeing with their new sort of friend. Hiccup, Ruffnut, Tuffnut, Barf/Belch, and Toothless all flew the way back home. Rain started falling and Hiccup became more and more worried about the lightning.
That's when it happened. A bright light shot through the sky. Hiccup saw the light hit just behind him, and before he could react was sent flying off of Toothless. The night fury roared his rider, but was unable to get to him thanks to his now damaged tail fin.
"Hiccup!" Ruffnut's voice was heard. A large gust of wind went by Hiccup and the twins grabbed him by either arm. "Gah! Toothless!" Hiccup shouted in pain at the impact at first, but then began only worrying about his dragon.
"Where is he?! Guys where did Toothless land!?" Hiccup shouted to the twins who were holding him. "I don't know Hiccup." Tuffnut said in desperate tone. "No! You understand it. I need to where he landed! Toothless...he's all I've got." Hiccup's eyes scanned the ground beneath them. He didn't see it at first, but then noticed the big lump of a shadow in the grass below.
"Barf, Belch! Down there!" Hiccup shouted wile gesturing with his hands. The twins guided the dragon, and before they even landed Hiccup jumped out of their grasp. He ran to his dragon as fast as he could, adrenalin keeping his heart beet in his ears.
Dread filled Hiccup when he saw the night fury laying limp near the woods. "Toothless? No common bud." Tears welled up in Hiccup's eyes when the dragon didn't move. "Common!" Hiccup shoved Toothless' wing, the dragon still not moving.
Ruffnut and Tuffnut walked to stand on either side of Hiccup. "Is he..." Ruffnut trailed off, her brother laying a comforting and strong hand on her shoulder. Hiccup shook as the rain nearly froze him, but he remained in the dark cold by his dragons' side.
"Toothless. You've got to get up. Common! Let's go home bud." Hiccup tried pushing Toothless' head, but got no response. Hiccup couldn't help it anymore, and tears fell down his face. He held onto the reins of the saddle, trying to wake his dragon.
When that proved to be no success, Hiccup leaned closer to his dragon. Surprised he heard a very feint heart beet, and new Toothless needed to get to shelter now. A part of Hiccup worried the night fury wouldn't wake up in time.
Another, believed he'd never wake up. "Toothless common I need you. You are my best friend bud. I wouldn't be anywhere I am without you." Hiccup scratched his dragons chin, longing to hear him purr. "You and I have gotten through so much Toothless. Please, you don't think we can handle this? You can't fight? Toothless you've always been a fighter." Hiccup's voice cracked as he blinked away the tears.
"Please.." His voice was raspy and desperate. "Please don't give up now. Not after we've come so far." Hiccup hugged his dragon's neck so tightly the more cautious side of him feared he'd hurt the night fury. Suddenly though, deep, warm, heavy breaths covered Hiccup's neck.
Hiccup flinched, looking up at his dragons head which finally rose from his shoulder. Two worried and gentle acid green eyes bore into his, and a smile broke out upon Hiccup's face. "Toothless." He hugged his dragon again, rather roughly this time. Toothless purred in response, shielding Hiccup from the rain with his wings.
"My best friend." Hiccup whispered wile wiping his tears. Suddenly two hands lay on either of his shoulders comfortingly. Hiccup looked up, seeing Tuffnut on his left, Ruffnut on his right. "We need to get home." Tuffnut said in a stern yet worried voice. Hiccup smiled, standing up with them. He walked beside Toothless, the twins beside them and Barch shielding them from the rain.
(A/N) Another one out for you guys! What you didn't think I would end on a tragedy did you? (Although I am considering it. I don't know rather to end the story with Hiccup dying nobly like his father, or continue the journey with him and his foster family.) Plasma Snow peace out! Please review! Updates might be tomorrow before I go to my dad's house, but I'm not entirely sure.