A.N.: And so on to chapter 2! I had lots of fun writing this chapter. I feel really bad for poor Hiccup, ENJOY!
Chapter 2: Trust Your Heart
"Trust your heart,
Let fate decide,
To guide these lives we see."
I must've been walking around the forest for hours, gazing down at all the X's on my map. This just frustrated me because all this told me was everywhere the Night Fury wasn't. Shaking my head, I keep moving.
'He has to be here…somewhere.' Doubt started to cloud my mind and seep into my very core. Squeezing my eyes shut, 'Okay, Hiccup he couldn't be that much farther off…my calculations aren't that bad…maybe.' Maybe the Gods will smile on me and I'll find it…NOW! Opening my eyes I was met with yet another disappointing empty space. Letting a defeated sigh escape my lips, I mark yet another X on my map.
'This is ridiculous! It's a dragon! Not like it can hide…' With this thought, I angrily scowl at the map and start scribbling all over. Not like I was going to find it anyway. Thinning my lips, I slam my pencil in my sketchbook, with a snap it shuts and I place it in my vest. Slumping my shoulders, I kick a pebble.
"Oh the Gods hate me! Some people lose their knife or their mug…oh no not me! I manage to lose an entire dragon!" It's true, I have to be the first Viking to ever actually lose a dragon, this thought depresses me. It wasn't fair!
'Why me? All the other Vikings would have found it by now I'm sure.' What's the matter with me? The only thing that I can think of is that the Gods have fun in giving me a little bit of hope then yanking it away. Furious I smack a nearby branch, I really should have seen this coming because with the force that I had smacked it with it had come back and smacked me.
"OW!" My right cheek now stung where the branch had mercilessly swatted me. Grabbing hold of my cheek I glance at the tree, 'Even the branches have it out for me…wait…' My mouth hangs slightly agape as I notice that the tree the branch had fallen off was knocked on its side, roots sticking out everywhere, and a hole where it had been pulled from.
Blinking I followed the fallen tree down where more trees had been pulled up, the dirt next to the trees looked like something had slide down. 'Something must've fallen down here…very fast from the look of it…' My heart leaped in my throat, 'It couldn't be…could it?' Looking back at the fallen tree, I start to slide down the incline, side stepping another fallen branch. Coming to a hill, I slowly climb up the slope, anticipation setting in and heart hammering, as I got closer to the top. 'It's probably nothing…' which my luck it would be. So I try to snuff out the eager and hopefulness I was feeling early so that I would save myself from another disappointment.
As I reach the top, I look over and my heart leaped and dropped at the same time. A gasp escaped my lips and I immediately ducked back down. 'Gods! There it is! It's the dragon…the Night Fury…' Swallowing I slowly lift my head back up, he was still there. I really hadn't planned on what I'd do if I actually had found it, I was so sure that I wouldn't find it so now I feel caught off guard. 'Knife…where's my knife? I know I had it!' I frantically search my person for it, my luck I dropped it… or forgot it at home. Finally feeling the hilt against my fingertips, I gasp thankfully then I grasp it, holding it firmly in both my palms.
'Okay Hiccup, you can do this! You found it and now…now you're gonna go down there and get proof that you actually killed a dragon.'
After a couple deep breathes, I steel my self enough to slide down the hill and press my back firmly against the rock. 'Okay, you can do this...you can do this.' Taking a few more deep breathes I peek enough to see that the dragon is still there. It really is there! It's not just a figment of my imagination! I really actually hit one…shocked is all I could say that I was feeling. Still unsure that I was the one that had felled the creature, I started scanning it, I noticed that it was, indeed caught in a bola…my bola, but now actually seeing it with my own eyes I'm sure that I was the one who had hit him.
"Oh wow…I…I did it." I couldn't fight back the smile that broke out on my face. This morning had thus far been a disaster, but this…oh this is amazing! In complete rapture, I walk toward the dragon. "Oh…this…this fixes everything! YES!" Gods I couldn't feel any higher than I was right now, I felt like I could just start flying! I actually shot the elusive Night Fury out of the sky, me! Feeling proud of myself, I puff my chest out and place my foot on the felled creatures arm. If only my dad could see me now! "I have brought down this mighty beast! " I suppose that I had spoken to soon, because after I'd finished that statement his arm moved knocking me back against the rock!
"Ah!"
Surprised I stared, mouth agape at the black creature in front of me. Elated feeling gone, now I just felt like fear had gripped me in its jaws. I hadn't expected it to be dead…I mean I'd hoped it was…but here he was…breathing in long heavy pants and very much alive. Gasping I wield my knife out in front approaching it with more trepidation this time. 'Oh man, you can do this Hiccup…you're Viking after all…' I tell my self as my eyes travel up the creature, until my eyes reached his.
It's poisonous green eyes locked with mine. Swallowing I furrow my brows, steeling my self to kill it…but for some reason my eyes were pulled back to his. It seemed that he was staring at me…almost…pleadingly. Shaking my head at this ridiculous thought, 'No it's a dragon…dragons don't plead!' Glaring down at it's chest I roll my shoulders. Positioning the knife, blade down, readying myself to plunge it into the dragons chest. I have to do this…I just have to.
"I'm gonna kill you dragon…then I'm gonna…I'm gonna cut out your heart and take it to my father…" panting I close my eyes. "I'm a Viking…" You need more conviction then that! Glaring down at the dragon I shouted, "I AM A VIKING!" As if he was the one who had doubted me the first time, I said it. Taking a couple more deep breathes I shut my eyes ready to strike.
Then I hear something similar to a whine, opening my eyes I look straight into those pleading eyes again. It looked as if he was begging me not to kill him. Biting my lip, I shut my eyes again telling my self that dragons are incapable of begging. 'He's an animal, a cold blooded reptile that doesn't have the intelligence to beg.' Then I hear a soft groan, as if the dragon had given up trying to convince me not to kill him. 'Why am I thinking about this? He's a dragon! He. Can't. Beg…plead…or…give up...Right?' Groaning I lift it up again. Trying to will my self to plunge the knife down, but every time I thought that I saw his pleading green eyes. That always stopped me from actually plunging it down.
Even with my eyes closed, I could still see his face, his sad, scared, pleading eyes overshadowing anything else. 'Those eyes…' Groaning, I drop my hands on my head. 'I can't do it…I just…can't.' Sliding my hand down my face, I sadly open my eyes and gaze at my dagger that laid useless in my hand. Then they shifted down to gaze at the helpless dragon. Helpless…this word twisted in my gut like bad fish and caused guilt to, once again, conquer my heart.
"I did this…" I mutter, this poor creature was trapped, probably hurt and all because I felt like I had something to prove…I mean I do…but I can't bring my self to kill him…it just doesn't feel right. The thought of actually killing him, upset me. I just couldn't. Turning, I start to walk away, but then my guilt stops me...again. Biting my lip, I hear my conscious screaming at me not to leave him like that. All bound with no way of getting out, he can't hunt and he'll most likely starve to death. 'He's a dragon, he should be capable of getting out...right?'
If he hasn't gotten out yet then he probably can't. My conscious argued. Lips thinning I shut my eyes feeling myself start to give into the guilt that sadly felt so familiar to me. 'Oh, I must be out of my mind.' Then without thinking, I lean down and start slicing through the ropes that bound the dragon. In retrospect this probably wasn't good idea, but I just couldn't leave him there like that. All I could think about was making sure that he could get out, and get away. 'Almost there…' and with a snap the final rope was broken.
The accomplished feeling came as fast as it went because the next thing I know, I'm pressed against a rock by a big paw, it's claws held me down to it. Fear squeezed my heart, causing it to beat erratically trying to escape the tight grip, this caused my breath to came out in hitched panicked pants. I couldn't believe it, how could I have been so stupid! I let a dragon go! A dragon! He could easily crush me, or swallow me whole. These thoughts didn't help me.
'Oh man I'm done for.'
Those same poisonous eyes that pleaded with me a second ago were now glaring down at me, as if willing me to beg as he had. Squeezing my eyes shut, I was torn between crying and just giving up. This was it, I was going to die, all because I decided to listen to my stupid brain and not kill a dragon…not only not killing it but letting it go! Agh, my dad was right I'm not a dragon killer. Bracing my self I waited for the death blow that would inevitably come.
I could feel his hot breath as it brushed my hair and landed in puffs on my face, I opened my eyes to see the dragon hadn't bitten my head off, 'What is he waiting for?' I look up at him, and again all I could see were his eyes. They were watching me, I could swear the looked almost calculatingly…like he was fighting with his conscious, just as I had. 'Maybe…' Curiosity took over me for a split second, thinking that maybe he would spare me. Then, he rose up baring his teeth in what looked like a sinister smile, which seemed to say, 'Just kidding! Gritting my teeth, I waited for the final blow. Then without warning, the loudest roar I have ever heard rattled my eardrums and shifted my hair. I could feel it rumble through the ground, and it vibrated within me, rattling me to my very core. Shaking I feel him shift and leap away. Eyes widening I watch as he flew and collided side first into a rock.
Swallowing my heart back into my throat I let a sputtered sigh escape my lips, falling back against the rock. I felt like I had just died and come back, never in all my years had I ever come that close to knock on Hels door. Amazement intermingled with the unnerving fear that I felt.
The sound of distant roaring and thudding barely reaches my ringing ears. Standing unsteadily to my feet, I grabbed hold of my knife that I seemed to have dropped, and watched the shadow of the creature disappear among the trees.
My mind was blank, I wasn't to sure of what to think…I'm not even sure I could think a straight thought much less form a coherent sentence. My heart still felt like it was gonna beat it's way right out of my chest. It was probably tired of all the near heart attacks and near death experiences that I seem to find my self in daily…twice today! Panting, I numbly turn to walk back to the village. I didn't get very far, because my brain was still back with the dragon in my face and had yet to catch up, at the thought of the dragon, my knees suddenly went weak, and I blacked out.
-A couple hours later—
The first thing I'm aware of is that there is dirt in my mouth, sitting up I sputter trying to get it all out of my mouth. Second thing I noticed was that I had a mild throbbing on the left side of my face…apparently where I had fallen. Third, that it was night. Looking up I gaze at the stars that are twinkling happily in the sky, no clouds in the sky blocked them tonight. Groaning I picked myself up and leaned back against the rock that felt cold against my back.
'What am I doing out here?' I look around, my brain slowly bringing back the memories from earlier. 'The Night Fury!' My eyes widen as I whip around to look for it. I had found it, then I had let it go. 'Why for the life of me did I let it go…wait...why'd it let me go?' I scan the area as if that thought would bring the Night Fury back to finish the job. A fear shuddered through me, I didn't want to be here if the Night Fury changed his mind about not killing me, so I stood up and started running back toward the village.
This whole day had been a complete waste of time, I'd gone out to prove to everyone that I could be like them, and yet again, I prove them all right about me. I mean I chickened out at the last minute, why, because he looked pleading! Agh! I'm such an idiot! Dragons aren't capable at that kind of thought process! All they know is killing and stealing. They care for nothing but themselves. Ah! I'm such an idiot…what would my dad say…this thought made me slow my pace. What would my dad say?
Oh, he'd be so disappointed, crushed maybe. The look on my fathers face formed in my mind again, that look that said he wished I were someone else…anyone else. I stopped at the bottom of the staircase that lead to my house. Smoke sifted through the chimney, which means he was home. My heart clenched, maybe it was better with the Night Fury at least I wouldn't have to see my dads face when he discovered that I couldn't kill dragons. Slowly I made my way up the steps, feeling like I should just turn around and run away.
'No, I'm no coward…I can't keep running…no matter how good it sounds…' I reach the door, hand resting idly on the handle. Here I stood, a boy out to prove something and I come back empty handed. Gods how bad this must look, ashamed I felt like I didn't deserve to go in. 'I have to…I'll have to face him sooner or later.' Taking a deep breath I pushed the door just enough so that I could slide through, once inside I push the door shut. Biting my lip I turn to face him, all of what little courage I had, evaporated in the tense silence. Seeing him shifting the coals around in the fire I decided it was better to just leave him alone, he probably doesn't want to talk anyway.
Being as silent as I could I start to make my way up the stairs. At this point I just wanted to get up to, my room hide under my covers and hope this all was a dream. Then as it always does, my dads' voice stopped me in my tracks. It was soft, but still held that important rumble that you just couldn't ignore. "Hiccup."
"Ah! Dad!" I didn't really want to talk to him, I had managed to embarrasses him and felt like biggest failure on the planet. So talking was the last thing that I wanted to to right now. 'He's gonna find out sooner or later…might as well tell him now.' Groaning I gave in…yet again to what my conscious said, "Uh…I…I have to talk to you dad." I said reluctantly taking a step back from my safe refuge.
"I need teh speak wit' yeh to son."
Great…this can't be good. I may as well go first so shutting my eyes I went ahead and spoke. "I decided that I don't' want to learn to fight dragons!"
"Tomorrow yeh learn teh figh' dragons."
His voice drowned mine out…I barely heard what he said. Furrowing my brows I gaze at him, quizzically.
"What?" Again, we spoke at the same time. Sighing he looked at me, apparently he noticed I was trying to say something.
"Uh, yeh go firs'"
Oh no you don't, now I'm curious on what you have to say. Taking another step back I grin sheepishly at him. "No…no you...go first." I insisted. Taking a deep breath he nodded.
"All righ' ". Clearing his throat he looked at me. "Yeh ge' yer wish…Dragon Training…yeh star' in th' mornin'".
I could feel the color drain from my face, swallowing I recoil. "Ah man! I should've gone first!" For the second time today it all started spilling out of my mouth without thought…I'm really good at that, "Cause you know I was thinking that we have a surplus of dragon fighting Vikings…but do we have enough…" I search my mind for some other occupation, then I just said the first thing that popped in my head, "bread making Vikings, or small home repair Vikings!" I was good at repairing things. Sadly my options fell on deaf ears, cause the next thing I know a heavy axe was thrust in my unprepared arms.
"Yeh'll nee this." He said as if I hadn't been babbling like an idiot. Fear started to settle in and as a result I blurted out, "Ah! I don't want to fight dragons!"
He stared at me for half a second, then chuckled at me, again not listening.
"Oh come on, yes yeh do!"
Maybe I'm not being clear enough, so I try again stepping fully into the front room. "Rephrase: Dad, I can't kill dragons!" He turns on me with a crooked smile on his face, somewhat amused at my change of heart.
"Bu' yeh will kill dragons!" Shaking my head I shift the axe again to keep it from falling, it was putting my arms to sleep.
"No, I'm really, very, extra sure that I won't!" I remember the Night Fury and how I couldn't bring my self to kill him. I just don't think that I have it in me…which is depressing cause all Vikings kill dragons…at least they do to become recognized as a full fledged Viking.
All joking flew from my dads face, in submission to the seriousness that now took over. He could now see that I wasn't kidding, and he didn't like this one bit. I knew he wouldn't, but I couldn't just jump into the training ring and hope for the best. It never works out for me!
"It's time Hiccup." He said flatly. My heart shuddered at his tone, he wasn't going to budge from this. In desperation I walk forward, "Can you not hear me?" Stupid question, he could hear me, just wasn't listening.
"This is serious son!" Apparently he thought I wasn't listening either. Oh, I was listening and I didn't like what I was hearing.
He moved forward and grabbed the axe from me, all it's weight lifted from both my arms to be held in his massive fist. "When yeh carry this axe…you carry all of us." He laid the axe down in my arms. It immediately pulled me down with it. 'That must be why it's so heavy.' I groan trying to pick it up, then it got lighter as he pulled it straight up and down. "Which means; yeh walk like us, yeh talk like us…yeh think like us. No more of…" He gazed at me in a familiar manner, trying to find something on me. My heart sank…just like Gobber had just this morning. "This." He gestured to me.
Sighing, I irately stare at the tip of the axe. This wasn't fair! "You just gestured to all of me!"
Not seeing how this struck me, he placed his hands on his hips and said firmly, "Deal?"
Tightening my lips, I could feel the anger and sadness all boil inside me, Gods why won't he at least try and hear me out. Growling I half-halfheartedly glare at him.
"This conversation is feeling very one-sided!"
He glared down at me, "DEAL?"
Sighing, I could feel myself give in. I had hoped that maybe he would try and listen to me, but yet again, his point was more important and as usual nothing I said wouldn't make him budge. Slumping my shoulders, I squeeze my eyes shut. Trying to will away the unfairness of it all. I could barely hear myself say, "Deal."
I had folded, like a coward, I folded. Satisfied I heard my dad shift and say, "Good." Biting my lip to keep my tears from falling, I couldn't look at him. This really wasn't fair.
"Train hard, I'll be back…probably." He walked to the door, and opened it.
Numbly I say, "And I'll be here…maybe." With that, the door slammed shut. Leaving me in the stoned silence and self-anguish that I was feeling. Numbly I fall to the floor, letting the axe clatter in front of me. Tears sprang out of my eyes, as I pounded the floor with my fists. 'Why won't he listen to me? Why can't I stand my ground? Why am I such…a…a failure?' That word stung me. I have done nothing but fail to do everything that I had set out to do.
One I tried to help catch a dragon, and ended up destroying part of the village, two I went to hunt down the dragon to get proof that I was one of them, and ended up chickening out in the end and letting it go. For whatever reason it didn't eat me, probably seeing me as to pathetic to eat…chocking out a sob I clench my fist as my tears stained the wooden floor beneath me and lastly, I tried to tell my dad that I couldn't kill dragons, and ended up giving into the dragon training.
"Why…? Why can't I do anything right? Why am I such a disappointment?" Chocking back the sobs that wracked my body, I collapsed on the floor. The silence blanketing me, but not shielding me from the cold that I felt surround me.
Come on! You're a Viking! A voice said in the back of my mind.
You can't quit now! Get up! Using what strength I had I managed to pull my self up and sit on the bottom stair, angrily I swipe at the tears on my face. This isn't over! You can still do this! Furrowing my brows, I knew I could do this. I am Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the third, son of Stoick the Vast Chief of the Hairy Hooligan tribe. I know I can do this no, I will do this!
Determination swept through me like a brisk wind, I stand up making my way over to the axe, with both my hands I pick up the heavy weapon and stare at my reflection in it. A tear stained face with fierce green eyes stared back at me. 'I can do this…I'll complete the training and make my dad proud.'
I was gonna make it…I didn't know how or why but I had a feeling that I was gonna make it. A smile spread on my face that reflected my new-found hope. Taking the axe I started to get a feel for it, after all I couldn't be stumbling around the ring hold the axe with two arms now could I?
And there you go! Chapter 2! Please let me know what you all think!
Next is Dragon Training! XD