Chapter Fourteen
"Been awhile since we've been in here with the purpose of learning how to…kill." Fishlegs said aloud, his voice trailing off as he finished his sentence. Meatlug was walking right next to him, as were all the other dragons were with their respected rider.
"It was never about learning to kill, Fishlegs." Astrid called out, tossing her axe from hand to hand in order to help stifle her angry feelings about being in training again "It was to know how to survive. Just like now."
"Heh, man, this is going to be a waste of time." Snotlout chortled, walking up close to Astrid "Should just let us teach the class, huh sweetie?"
Astrid just glared at Snotlout as she brought her axe handle into his stomach, coupling him over.
"Ha-oof!" He groaned, his breath escaping him. Gasping for air, he simply breathed out "Heh, see? Takes my breath away every time."
"Ugh!" Astrid groaned, quickening her pace and leaving him behind.
"So, you guys all trained to kill dragons here?" Ukiah asked, looking at Hiccup with a raised eyebrow "That's what this arena was for before you took over?"
"Yeah, it was to teach kids how to fight dragons." Hiccup answered, looking back at Ukiah.
"So…not for events?" He followed up with, looking around the arena. Though smaller than Thariin's, Berk's seemed to have had a lot of quality work put into it. Which kind of disturbed him.
"What? No! Of course not!" Hiccup cried out, shaking his head vividly "We never used our arena like what Strogg used his for, if that's what you're asking."
Ukiah's face flooded with relief. All this time he thought the arena was just another form of entertainment for the Berkians. Happy to learn that truth, he closed his eyes and let out a silent breath of relief, grateful that his adoptive island wasn't anything like Thariin. Arrow bumped Ukiah, making sure he was ok.
Smiling at his dragon, Ukiah whispered "I'm fine, friend. Just relishing in the moment." Arrow growled, rubbing against Ukiah as if reassuring him. Smiling, he felt his crossbow rest against his back. Making sure it was still strapped, he also checked his dagger that was securely in its sheath on his chest. He was ready to learn.
"Let's get started!" Gobber called out, hobbling into the arena and pulling everyone's attention to him. He was carrying a quiver full of bolts, which Ukiah guessed was for him to use. Another man was following him into the arena, which Ukiah recognized as someone in the war council he attended the day before.
"Alrighty…Stoick asked me to get you ready for war…" Gobber kept on saying loudly. Then with huge amounts of sarcasm, added "Since you've all been pampered and coddled your entire lives."
Ukiah stood up straight, ready to start learning. Though he fought amazingly well back in Thariin, due to reasons he never understood, he never received a formal instruction. This was an opportunity he didn't want to take lightly.
"War with people is a lot different than dragons." Gobber began to say, pacing back and forth "You can study dragons for a year, and you'll be able to know their nature, strengths, and weaknesses. You can study people for a hundred years, and they'll keep on surprising you with what they do and come up with."
Spitelout then spoke up, cutting off Gobber. His arms folded and his eyes glaring at the youth, he asked aloud "Who thinks they're ready to fight? If Thariin ships were here today, who would feel confident in fighting right now?"
Astrid, Hiccup, Ukiah, Snotlout, all called out, stepping forward in the process.
"Is that so…" Spitelout mischievously replied, a sinister looking expression growing on his face. Pulling out an axe, he then said "Try to beat me, and then we'll see where you're at."
Snotlout was the first to step up, wielding his mace in a manly way and sticking his chest out. Looking over at Astrid, he chuckled "Just watch this baby. The best soldier here is gonna show my dad up!"
Astrid groaned, closing her eyes and shaking her head in disgust.
Spitelout began to circle, as did Snotlout. Snotlout then roared, raising his mace over his head. Ukiah watched as Spitelout easily dodged the strike by sidestepping the blow. Snotlout stared helplessly as his dad brought his axe handle down on top of his helmet, leaving a loud clang in the air and also pushing it over his eyes.
Ukiah stared at Snotlout, surprised at how short it was. Whispering over to Hiccup, he said "I thought he'd last longer than that. Honest!"
"Heh, sometimes Snotlout surprises me still." Hiccup whispered back with his own smile.
"Go give me 20 pushups, son." Spitelout growled, disappointed with his son's performance. Watching him walk over and start doing his pushups, Spitelout then called out "Anyone else?"
Astrid stepped forward, her axe gripped tightly in her hands. Not saying anything, she just waited for Spitelout to start the fight. Ukiah silently cheered her on, though he was sure he wasn't the only one doing so.
"Hold on Spitelout…" Gobber said, annoyed at what the training was turning into "I have a better idea. Besides, I'm in charge…Stoick told you that specifically."
Spitelout glared at Gobber, knowing he pulled away any authority he had on the riders.
"Now, instead of building you from the ground up; again. I want to see where you're at right now." Gobber explained, looking over the crew. Extending his hand with the quiver to Ukiah, he then said "Take this lad, I don't want you killen' anyone here."
Smiling, Ukiah took the quiver and looked into it. Blunt bolts. None of them had arrowheads attached. They almost had a wider flat part on the front of each bolt, as if to make sure it wouldn't pierce anyone.
"Now then, here's what we're going to do." Gobber announce methodically, staring at the gang "Since I'm a firm believer in learning on the job; twins, you two up against Astrid and Hiccup. Snotlout, you against Ukiah. Fishlegs, I want you to watch with me."
Curious as to why he wasn't fighting, Fishlegs awkwardly shuffled next to Gobber, unsure of what he was supposed to be doing.
The twins both drew their spears, smiling evilly at Hiccup and Astrid, who barely got together. Astrid gripped her axe tightly. She knew how they fought, as she constantly had 'practice' with them. This will be easy. Hiccup though…she was a little worried about him. Glancing over, he was carrying a lighter shield, and held his dagger firmly in his other hand.
Seeing her look at him, he just gave a sheepish grin and said "I've gotten better. I promise."
"You better! I don't want to lose to them!" She replied, returning a small smile of her own. Returning focus on the twins, she was surprised to see them whispering to each other, nodding excitedly as if they had a plan. "What're you two up to?" She whispered to herself, raising an eyebrow.
Snotlout squared up to Ukiah, which Ukiah did the same. "Good luck to you." Ukiah replied, smiling at him.
"Yeah, yeah. Tell you what, I'll go easy on ya' so it looks like you can fight." Snotlout taunted, smirking at Ukiah as he ran is hand over his mace.
Ukiah frowned, finally understanding exactly what kind of person Snotlout was. Only shrugging, he retained his distance, thinking of what exactly he needed to do.
"Here's the rules. You will not slash, strike, or stab. You'll only tap your opponent. Understand?" Gobber announced "I don't want to tell your parents that you died in a training session."
"Heh, wouldn't have to worry about that with me." Ukiah joked, smiling at Gobber.
Gobber only frowned at the joke, shaking his head. "I'll add this last rule: do whatever you need to win, without killing or leaving permanent injuries. Begin!"
The twins rushed Hiccup, with Ruffnut keeping Astrid away from helping him. Hiccup raised his shield, blocking Tuffnut's jab. Pushing the shield forward, he swiped his dagger around, trying to tap Tuffnut's side. Leaping backwards, Tuffnut then shouted "You're up, sis!" As he said that, he swung his spear over his head and brought it down over Astrid, forcing her to block the attack with her axe handle.
Ruffnut, still facing Astrid, brought her butt end of the spear backwards, hitting Hiccup in the stomach.
"Gah!" He shouted, falling over onto his back. He started to get back up when Ruffnut whirled around, about to tap him in the side when he slammed his shield down and stopped the flat side of the spearhead. Using his hook of a foot, he caught the backside of her knee, causing her to fall down.
"Good job Hiccup!" Astrid shouted, pushing back on Tuffnut's spear. They were going after Hiccup first! Then they would be able to double team her! Knowing their plan, she began to push Tuffnut away from Ruffnut and Hiccup, who were already scrambling to their feet. "Keep them separated! They're focusing on you!"
"We're blown sis!" Tuffnut shouted, leaping backwards to get away from Astrid. Circling, he tried to get near Ruffnut, but Astrid refused to let him. Striking her axe at him, she grinned evilly, knowing she turned the fight on them.
Ukiah leapt backwards, dodging the mace a third time "Swinging a little heavy, don't you think?" He breathed out, grabbing a blunt bolt from the quiver Gobber gave him. He never had time to get his crossbow off his back, and Snotlout was refusing to let up.
"Oh? Whining?" Snotlout sneered, laughing as he brought his mace back for an uppercut. Ukiah saw it coming, nimbly sidestepping the strike and catching Snotlout's sword arm. About to bring the bolt into his chest, Ukiah's world was rocked as Snotlout head-butted him with his helmet. Reeling back in pain, he covered his face with his free hand, trying to quell the pain that surged through.
"Aye, there you go Snotlout!" Spitelout shouted "Keep giving it to him!"
Ukiah, though dazed, leaped backwards, knowing Snotlout would be striking with his mace. Getting his vision and bearings back, he found himself in between Hiccup and Ruffnut, staring at him with surprise. Seeing an opportunity, he watched Snotlout charge him, which he grabbed and pulled Ruffnut in front of him.
"What the?!" She cried out, being pulled into his fight.
Pushing her into the charging Snotlout, he watched them collide and fall onto the stone ground. Still gripping his blunt bolt, he leapt over Snotlout and drove it into his chest.
"What?! No fair!" He cried out, angry that he was tapped out.
"That's cheating!" Ruffnut shouted, being tapped by Hiccup who saw his opportunity to get her out.
Ukiah ignored the angry cries. Finishing his somersault, and having a free moment; he drew his crossbow, loaded the bolt in his hand, and whirled around in one smooth motion. Seeing Astrid locked again with Tuffnut, he aimed, held his breath, and pulled the trigger.
Schthunk! The mechanism released, launching the bolt right into Tuffnut's helmet, creating a ping sound as the bolt collided into it.
"Huh? What?!" Tuffnut shouted, wondering what hit him. Seeing that it was Ukiah, he shouted "Hey! He wasn't in our fight!"
"But he was in your battle." Gobber replied, smiling at what he watched. Seeing Astrid relax, as well as Hiccup and Ukiah, he then shouted "What're you doing? The fight's still going! Astrid, you and Hiccup against Ukiah!"
Startled by the sudden news, Ukiah quickly collected himself and lunged forward, with his shoulder lowered. Hiccup saw it coming, as he raised his shield to block the charge. Though it redirected Ukiah, the force of the shoulder charge knocked him flat on his butt. Before Ukiah could capitalize on his advantage, Astrid charged him with the axe raised over her head, roaring "YYyaaaeeeegggghhhh!"
About to bring the flat side of the axe down, Astrid swung down over where Ukiah lay. Suddenly, she found herself looking up to the sky, throwing all momentum and direction of the axe away from him. Crashing hard on her back, she groaned as she tried to catch her breath. Looking at Ukiah who was starting to get up, she saw that he swept her feet with his crossbow! She never saw it coming!
"Astrid!" Hiccup cried out, running and helping her up.
"I'm fine Hiccup!" She snapped, angry that she failed to get Ukiah. Glaring at Ukiah, she asked "How did you do that so fast?! I didn't even know what you did, let alone how!"
Breathing deeply to catch his breath, Ukiah simply shook his head "I have no idea! I just saw an opportunity and knew what to do!"
"Woooh! You're going to get it now Ukiah!" Snotlout jeered "Astrid is the best of the best! She can beat anyone!"
"Shut up, Snotlout!" Astrid growled, rolling her eyes.
Laughing, Ukiah quickly reloaded his crossbow, with a speed that even Gobber hadn't seen. Whispering to Spitelout, he quietly said "He's fighting like the tales of a Crevite, isn't he?"
Spitelout only grunted in acknowledgement. He was still disappointed in Snotlout's performance.
"You go to the right of him, hold your shield up, and run at him as soon as I pull his attention." Astrid whispered, rolling her shoulders to loosen herself up. Having fought Ukiah a few times while traveling back to Berk, she had a good idea of what to expect. But this time, he had his crossbow, which was ready to be fired. She never fought him while he used that weapon. Until now at least.
Ukiah stared at the two, seeing Astrid whisper something to Hiccup. Realizing he could start anytime he wanted, he raised his crossbow at Astrid, pulling the trigger.
Hiccup shoved Astrid away, seeing what Ukiah was doing. The bolt whizzed in between the two, skipping off of her shoulder guard.
Ukiah wasted no time in reloading. Locking the mechanism again, he was about to pull out another bolt to load, but looked up to see Hiccup charge him with his shield raised. Unable to finish his task, Ukiah rolled to the side of the charging shield. Getting back onto his feet, he saw Astrid also running at him, this time her axe to her side. Winding up, Astrid swung her axe as hard as she could, flat side of course. Ukiah leapt backwards, easily dodging the heavy, yet slow strike. What he didn't account for, was her swinging herself around into a spin, using the inertia of her axe to propel her swing. Swinging a full circle, she extended her arms to give her that much more reach. Ukiah barely had time to spin around, letting the axe whiff against his vest, and actually breaking one of his few remaining straps.
"Out! He's out!" Snotlout shouted, seeing the strap fly.
Ukiah ignored him. Finishing his spin, he used crossbow as a battering ram, running it into her stomach, now exposed because of the swing. "Oof!" She grunted, sliding back a little bit at the hit.
"I am not out! If it was a real fight, she scratched me!" He roared, loading a bolt into the notched mechanism. Not waiting to hear what was said, he focused on Hiccup, who had his shield raised and was flanking him. Astrid was already recovered, and marching towards him as well; her eyes glaring at him. Knowing what the fight was going to turn into, he mentally prepared himself. Walking backwards into the center of the arena to keep himself from being cornered, he watched Hiccup change his course from flanking him, to walking along side Astrid. Then, without warning, he instantly fired his crossbow at her again.
Hiccup was waiting for the move, as he leapt in front of Astrid with his shield up and blocked the bolt. Astrid, then sprinted at Ukiah with her axe raised a third time. Instead of backing away, Ukiah leaped forwards to rush her before she could bring her axe down. He simultaneously dropped his crossbow and drew his dagger. The blade hummed in the air as he was about to tap her side. Wham! A force hit him and laid him down on the ground. Rolling with the inertia, he rolled up onto his feet. Staring wide eyed, he saw Hiccup standing next to Astrid. He was playing defense for her! There was no way he could get her with Hiccup not leaving her side. Gritting his teeth, he knew Hiccup was the one he had to go after. Astrid then swiped at him, increasing the amount of her attacks. Now that he had his dagger, she knew exactly how to control him, and she had Hiccup defending her!
Timing himself with the swings, he nimbly dodged the strikes by backing off, leaping to the sides, or even somersaulting away from the two. He didn't know what he was waiting for, but he knew it wasn't right then. Backing away, he saw it. His chance was starting to take shape! Just as Astrid was swinging her axe, Hiccup took a step to the side of her, allowing a small gap in between the two. That was what he was looking for! Letting Astrid slash in an upwards direction, he lunged forward with his dagger stretched out, somersaulting between the two. Taken back by the sudden move, Hiccup felt himself get tripped up. A sharp sounding ping let out, and he fell to the ground.
"You hit his leg!" Astrid cried out, shocked at seeing what Ukiah did. She had watched Ukiah slash the dagger across Hiccup's metal leg, essentially tripping him. He hit it with such force that sparks shot out at the collision between the two metal objects.
"It didn't cut him!" He quickly shouted, lunging forward. In one smooth motion, he tapped Hiccup out, before Astrid could even try to defend him. Rolling onto his feet, he whirled around in an aggressive stance. He never fought like this! Never! Even when he practiced with Astrid on the ship. He usually was on the defense, but now, he was being the exact opposite.
"Agh! I'm sorry Astrid!" Hiccup cried out, sitting up. Using his shield to boost himself onto his feet, he saw that she wasn't even paying attention to him. She was watching Ukiah warily. Knowing that look of determination, he quickly jogged out of the way.
Astrid kept on staring at Ukiah, who was holding his dagger in front of him like a snake ready to strike. It was different from when she fought him on the ship. He never once shown an aggressive stance before, how was she supposed to deal with this? Gritting her teeth, she decided to show Ukiah that she also had a different tactic: being relentless, and force him to be defensive.
Ukiah leapt at her, slashing his dagger downward. Astrid easily blocked it, raising her axe handle up and stopping the blade. She then used the butt-end of her handle and hit Ukiah across the face, sending him reeling back. Not stopping, she did a short, quick slash at him.
Seeing it come, and ignoring the stinging sensation across his face, Ukiah swung his dagger at the quick strike. Ting! The metal sounded as it collided into each other. Not enough to stop the swing, all it did was direct it away from him. Again, Astrid did a quick strike, in the opposite direction. Ukiah leapt backwards, against striking the axe head to re-direct it. Astrid never stopped, swing her axe to the left, and then to the right! She never let Ukiah get a break.
Realizing he was forced to go on the defensive, Ukiah knew he had to shake something up. Astrid knew how he fought defensively, and would beat him if he didn't change something. Letting Astrid finish a swing, he roared as he leapt forward. Placing himself in between the axe head and Astrid's hands, he used his body to push against the axe handle to prevent her from swinging it again. Astrid dropped her axe out of reaction, reaching up and grabbing his wrists to stop him from tapping her out. "Ergh! Get off!" She shouted, trying to push Ukiah away.
"Let go and let me get you! Then I will!" Ukiah grunted, surprised at how strong she was.
The two wrestled each other, trying to get the upper hand. Astrid spread her legs, increasing her stance and making it harder for Ukiah to try and push over. He felt himself start to lose ground, giving him an idea. Pushing against her as hard as he could, then let himself fall backwards. Surprised at the sudden change in direction, Astrid toppled over him. Not wasting a second, he promptly rolled over her, forcing her on her back. Holding the dagger over her, he just smiled at her furious looking face. About to tap her, he then felt something hit his side. Looking down, he stared in complete shock. Astrid had grabbed a blunt bolt from his quiver, and planted it right into his ribs.
"No!" He cried out, realizing he lost.
"Hah! I win!" Astrid jeered, smirking at Ukiah, who did nothing to hide his disappointment in losing.
"Yeah, Astrid!" Hiccup cheered, happy to see that she won.
"Told you Ukiah, you can't beat the best!" Snotlout threw in, hiding the anxious expression he had, as he thought Astrid was going to lose.
"Well done, Astrid. Ukiah, never hesitate in a fight. Even if you're sure you won." Gobber instructed, hobbling towards the two "Follow through, don't get distracted and don't celebrate early."
Ukiah only grunted, still angry that he lost. Getting off of Astrid, he then extended his hand and pulled her up onto her feet.
"That was…different." She huffed, finally catching her breath "I've never seen you be that aggressive before."
Shaking his head, he also took a moment to catch his breath. "I'll be honest, I didn't know how I was doing that. It just felt…right. I don't know, it doesn't make sense!"
"I think I have an idea why…" Gobber said, walking up to the two "We'll talk about it tonight though…" Turning to the rest of the group, he then said "I can see why the council is worried about you lot. You don't have experience fighting in a battle." Gesturing to Hiccup, Astrid, and Ukiah, he added "You three included. Still have a lot of room to improve."
Ukiah stared at Gobber, not really hearing what he was saying. He was focused on what he heard. What did Gobber know about him? It was killing him! He wished he could just be alone with him for a few minutes, just to get an idea of his past.
"Gobber, we're not regular soldiers. We'll have our dragons with us." Hiccup protested "We may be inexperienced fighting like you, but we have a different way we can fight. It might even be better!"
"I'm not arguing that Hiccup." Gobber quickly replied, turning to face him "But you still need to learn how to fight without Toothless." Turning to Astrid, he explained "Astrid is probably the closest one ready to fight. With Ukiah close behind."
"Wait, what?" Snotlout asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion that he wasn't named.
"I still need help." Ukiah huffed, finally able to relax from the fight "Fighting. Riding dragons. You name it. I still have a long way to go."
"That's why we're going to keep on training." Gobber replied, glancing over at Ukiah "That little sparring session, just gave me an idea on where I can help you individually." Walking to a table full of targets and other gear, he called out "Spitelout, help me set up some obstacles."
Nodding in agreement, Ukiah sheathed his dagger. Hiccup already picked up his crossbow, and was handing it over to him. "Thanks, Hiccup. You did good defending Astrid. Couldn't get near her." He smiled as he took the crossbow.
Astrid also walked up to the two, hitting Hiccup in the shoulder "Heh, you have gotten better. I remember when you could barely lift a shield."
"Thank you Astrid, for pointing that out." Hiccup huffed sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
Smiling, Ukiah turned to Astrid, saying "Well, what do you think I can improve on?"
"Honestly, I think we're at the same level." Astrid answered with a smile "We'll have to keep pushing each other if we want to get better."
"Heh, I guess that's your way of saying you want a rematch." Ukiah jested back, smiling at her. Even though the reason they had to have training sessions was still lingering in his mind, he felt a calming feeling. He was with friends. Friends that cared about him. And he wasn't going to let his past hurt them. Ever.