The next morning as the sun rose its self into the sky Three ships sailed in the blue ocean. Their destination, the dragons nest. "I can almost smell it" Stoick said as he looked at the map placing his fist on it. Turning he faced the steam covered area of the ocean leading to the nest. "Their close." He said looking into the mist. He had lost men going into that mist. With Luck this time might be different. "Steady now." He spoke as he looked at the fog covered area waiting. When he deemed it ready he gave the command. "Alright...Take us in." He said his insides both nervous and anxious. This was it there was no turning back now. "Hard to port...for Helheim's gate" one Viking called out as the ships turned to the mist. Everyone was nervous as they had their weapons ready for a fight. As the ships entered the mist which hid them from sight it was eerily quiet. For a few moments it stayed that way till a sudden blast of bright light and a shadow of a dragon could be seen.
That morning I shot up out of bed sitting up covered in a cold sweat. I just had the worst possible dream ever. My dad, most of our village being attacked and killed. That I would never see my father again! That very thought sent a chill down my spine making me shiver. I needed to clear my mind so I got up and got ready for another day of dragon training. Seeing it was still early I headed out of my home and to the great hall with the dragon manual in hand. As I walked to the great hall I noticed Fishlegs was alone by himself heading there. I had to ask him about yesterday when he told me a something about the Gronkle. Was he really trying to help or just to tell someone something he knew on dragons. "Fishlegs!" I called out catching up to him making him stop. He seemed surprised.
"Oh! Hiccup I uh didn't see you there." He said he seemed to be hiding something. "Yeah, sorry. I know you guys don't really like me but I had a few questions for you." I said causing him to look curiously at me. "What is it?" He asked me. He was probably going to find me nuts for this but here goes anyway. "Yesterday, during dragon training. With the Gronkle." I started off as he nodded. "Where you almost got killed" He said making me look sheepish as I rubbed the back of my neck. "Yeah that...When Gobber mentioned the Gronkle. You were telling me something about it. Its Jaw strength. Where you trying to help me? Or where you just showing off your Knowledge of dragons?" I asked him. I had to know.
Here he blushed lightly and shifted his hefty form a bit. "Yeah its kind of a little bit of both. I see how the Guys and Ruffnut treat you. And It's not fair. You just want to prove you're a Viking. But your treated different cause well you make a few mistakes." He said with a shrug making me blush just a bit. He noticed all this? I didn't know he could be a softy like that. "Well um...thanks" I said as he nodded and took off fast to the great hall. Looking after him I wonder what was going through his mind. I decided to shake it off and not to look a gift horse in the mouth. I wasn't really hungry as I slowly made my way to the great hall. I was to busy thinking about what It is that made the Night Fury so mysterious.
As I entered the great hall I looked at the dragon book in my hand and flipped to the Night Fury pages that were blank as I sat down and looked at them. I thought back to the other day where I saw him trying to fly and how he just didn't seem able. Or how he couldn't catch his food. He must be starving the poor guy. Letting out a sigh I continued to stare at the book as Fishlegs friends came in and sat with him. I could hear my cousin Snotlout laughing at something before I realized, oh its me. "Oh look the little Hiccup is reading the Dragon manual, what trying to find the best way to be eaten?" He asked getting everyone but Fishlegs and Ashter to laugh.
"Yeah I can't believe in a few years she's suppose to be the next Tribe leader, no one would follow that gangly thing" Tuffnut said laughing. Ok now that one hurt, but they were right. No one in this tribe would follow me, Hiccup the screw up. "That's enough, Just leave her be." Ashter said making them look at him as well as I. "As much of screw up as she is she is still Stoicks daughter. Now Think for a moment how would Stoick react when he comes back and finds out what you said about her and being the Tribe leader." He said looking pointedly at them. The three of them shivered with the thought as Snotlout took his seat by Fishlegs. No one wanted to think of what my Father could do to them if he found out.
I looked at my book then I had a pretty good Idea of what my dad would do. Considering I'm to weak in most of the eyes if not all of the villagers he would probably marry me off to a male of his choosing. That was a life I didn't want and made me frown. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Aster looking at me like he knew something but wasn't telling me as he looked away. What was he hiding? I had a sinking feeling in my stomach that I wasn't going to like it if I ever found out.
Leaving the great hall after not eating anything and them stuffing their faces. Them being Snotlout, Ruffnutt and Tuffnut. We all went to the dragon training arena to find the gate open for us. Walking in we saw walls set up like a maze which made me wonder what we were in for. Behind us I heard the gate close making us all snap around to it as Snotlout tried to open it. "Well that's not going to work" He said after a few tries. I just rolled my eyes as Gobbers voice came from above us. "Todays lesson should be a fun one" he started as we all looked up at him. 'yeah for you.' I added as a mental thought. "Now first off I need you all to get to that side of the maze." He said as we rolled our eyes but started to navigate the maze. "Now no going around it, that means you two." he said to the twins who groaned and entered the maze.
"I need you guys to get a feel for the maze for what I have planned for today." He said as we all walked through the maze. After a moment or two I made it out followed by Aster and Fishlegs. It would be awhile for the other tree to come out so I leaned on the wall behind me. I went back to my thoughts on the Night Fury as I looked over at Gobber maybe if today wasn't so bad I could ask Gobber. The question was what would be training against today. Not the Gronkle not since yesterday and judging by the maze wouldn't do so well.
The Zipple Back has two heads that would cause problems, Nightmare? No they had that fire setting problem, and the terror was to tiny to really do damage. Though that would be funny to watch. Sighing I knew what we were going to face. The only dragon that could probably handle this maze. "Deadly Nadder" I said under my breath making the two turn to me. "what was that?" Fishlegs asked. "Its a Nadder that's what we are going to be training with today." I said as Ashter turned away. For a moment I thought I saw a hint of a smirk on his face. My eyes must be playing tricks on me. Fishlegs gave me a half smile, I guess as a thank you.
Soon enough after some help from Gobber the other three came out. "Today you will be up against a Deadly Nadder, this maze you are to use to try to avoid it." He said before looking at me. "Hiccup, see that lever to your right? Pull it." He said as the others started to head back into the maze. "Good luck Dragon bait" I could hear my cousin call out. Sighing I rolled my eyes and did just that. Putting my axe and shield down I placed my hands on the lever and pulled as hard as I could. As it came down I hit the ground hard as the doors flew open and the Nadder came out looking around. Seeing as I was hidden by the door I stayed quiet as I picked up my shield first then my axe.
The Nadder glanced around everywhere as it approached the maze and entered it. When I thought it was safe I went in after it and tried to make my way to Gobber. Looking up I tried to navigate till I was In front of him. I could hear the rest of the trainees either screaming or trying to sneak around. Standing in front of Gobber I looked at him. "Gobber, about the dragon manual." I said as he glanced down at me before back at the others. "What about it." he asked before barking out something at one of the recruits. "Well you see I noticed that the Night Fury pages were blank. Is there another book that has info on that dragon like a squeal. Or maybe a little night Fury pamphlet." I asked just as a fire ball hit my axe breaking the axe part off. 'Oh not again!' I thought as I put my shield up and looked ahead of me as Gobber yelled at me to pay attention. "Your not even trying" He said to me as the Nadder jumped down and ran down the hall of the maze at me as I ran to my left and through the maze. Oh god its after me still!
"I think now is an excellent time to tell you about todays lesson. which is Attack!" He said proudly as I ran to another spot trying to hide. "Nadders are quick little buggers and Light on their feet. your job, is to be lighter and quicker then it" Gobber said as I heard Fishlegs scream. It looks like the Nadder found him now. Hearing a sound I could only guess that was the spikes of its tail ready to be thrown at us. "I am really starting to question your teaching methods." I heard fish legs yell. as I continued to run Gobber now decided to be helpful. "Look for Its blind spot. Every dragon has one find it and use it to your advantage." He said looking around the corner I saw the twins were right in front of it but it was sniffing them not attacking. Could it be anything right in front of it wouldn't be seen? Seeing that they moved when the head moved told me yes. That was true. "Do you ever bathe!" Ruffnut said to her brother. I bring up my question from yesterday. Has she met her brother? "If you don't like it then get your own blind spot." he said as they started to fight right in front of the dragon. "oh yeah how about I give you one!" she said butting heads with him. hearing a growl they looked just as Tuffnut grabbed his sisters arm and pulled her out of the way. Moving my self a stream of almost white hot fire streamed past. "Blind spot yes, deaf spot... eh not so much" he said before laughing. following Ashter and Snotlout I was right in front of Gobber. "Hey so um...do you happen by any chance know how to sneak up on one. A Night fury I mean" I said as he rubbed his head. "No one knows. No ones has ever met one and lived to tell the tale. Now get in there!" He yelled pointing behind me where I started to back up too. I wasn't giving up yet.
"I know but Hypothetically speaking-" I started but got cut off by someone saying my name in a hushed whisper. Turning I saw Aster and Snotlout crouched on the ground. Ashter motioned for me to get down as he looked around the corner. He moved back quickly so my guess was the Nadder was there. Timing it right Ashter rolled across the path followed by Snotlout. I tried to followed the same way but my shield was to heavy to pull with me and hit he ground with a clunk. Me still attached.
As the dragon headed towards me I got up and ran as fast as I could shield in hand with a yell. As I ran I suddenly heard a clunk and I think the dragon laugh. "Then sun was in my eyes Aster." I heard part of it said as I continued to run I was soon in front of Gobber again trying to talk to him. Hearing destruction behind me I turned to see two of the five running and looked at back Gobber. "So has anyone every seen one like nappy maybe like a cat" I asked as Gobber looked up. "Hiccup!" He yelled making me turn around as the maze fell like dominos. I saw Aster heading this way and froze seeing the dragon behind him. "Hiccup!" he yelled as he jumped I didn't moved fast enough so I fell. Him on top of me his axe lodged in my shied as the dragon ran past. "Ohhh love on the battlefield!" Someone called as Ashter tried to get his axe free. "He Could do better." I heard Ruffnut say.
I tried to get Aster attention to just let me take my shield off. As I was about to speak something I didn't think was going to happen happened. In his fit to get his axe free he had placed his hand on my chest. Pushing on it to help get his axe free. "Ashter! Ashter get off! get off!" I cried out trying to push him off but my words fell on deaf ears, and my attempts futile. It felt like ages to me but it was only seconds before the sheild came off my arm. He got off me as the dragon came and swung it. Breaking my shield in its face hurting it but at that moment I couldn't focus on the dragon as I sat up and held my arms around me protectively. I felt so ...violated. I could still feel his hand on my chest. How it felt them as I tried to get him off and as he tried to get his axe. I nearly retched from the thought of it.
Gobber tried to say something about today but Aster rounded on me. "Is this some kind of game to you! What the hell were you thinking! How could-" He started but stopped as he noticed my body shook and my protective stance. Only then he realized what he did but the damage was already done. "Oh Thor...Hiccup..." He started but I got up still holding myself close and backed away from him.
"Just-just stay away!" I yelled I could feel the tears sting my eyes. As Gobber opened the Gate I ran past him. I heard someone call my name but I didn't care. As I ran I saw one of the remaining villagers brining fish into his home. 'Maybe I could see the dragon today...maybe that would cheer me up' I thought. Heading to the great hall I grabbed on of the uncooked fish and a new shield before heading to the cove. To my dragon.
As I walked down the path to the cove I was thinking. I know Ashter didn't mean to do ...that to me but he should have listened! I could feel tears start to prick my eyes again. That stupid jerk, he was to focused on the task to noticed he was violating a girl! I felt angry and sad at this as I approached the cove. Wiping my eyes on my sleeve I took a different path that lead me down to the floor of the cove. Putting my shield up I took a breath before tossing the fish out.
Where was he?'I thought as I poked my head out. not seeing him I put my shield up and started to walk only to get the shield stuck. 'oh come on!' I thought frustrated as I started to pull on it. When It didn't come lose I sighed and ducked under It to enter the cove. once more on the other side i gave it a pull only for it not to move. Sighing I looked at the fish and picked it up. Entering the cover more I looked around. where could he be? where was the Night Fury that was here. Did he somehow manage to get out?
Hearing something to my left and a bit behind me I turned only to gasp. There he was stalking down a rock formation watching me his eyes slits. Moving with him he seemed to sniff the air and look at the fish I had. Growling he took a protective stance in front of me. He was weary of me and being cautious the fish maybe a trap to him. I was going to change his opinion of that as I held out the fish to him. Slowly and sideways he approached me, his cat-like pulps growing rounder with innocence. As he opened his mouth he seemed to have spotted something on me. Growling, his eyes slits once more and he backed away.
That's when I remembered, the dagger! Pulling the fish back I held it against me and moved my vest to the side. His stance grew more protective as he watched me. Carefully I placed my hand on the dagger making him growl more fierce than I've heard before. Gasping I backed up taking the dagger out and holding It away from me. As I dropping it on the ground he made a head motion as if to say toss it more away. He was smart very smart. Picking the knife up with my boot I tossed it away into the lake.
As the knife sake into the water he sat down and looked at him. His pulps went wide and innocent as his left ear twitched. That made him look so adorable almost like a cat as he looked at the fish and back. Once more I held out the fish to him with both hands and he carefully approached. Pulps still wide and innocent. Opening his mouth and glancing at me then the fish I noticed something. "Huh cute..toothless...I could have sworn you had-" I didn't even get to finish that sentence as sharp razor teeth sprung from his gums and he grabbed the fish out of my hands. Startled I watched him gobble the fish as he sat back on his hunches.
"Teeth..." I said in a soft quiet voice as he licked his lips before looking at me. This time less careful and more curious he came near me. Backing up I looked at him "Oh no ...I...I don't have anymore fish on me" I said as I stumbled back falling on my duff and backing away into a rock. A sense of Deja Vu filled me as he looked at me with those toxic cat-like eyes. He was so close to me. "I don't have anymore...I swear" I said to him his face coming even closer to mine. Suddenly his eyes scrunched up and he was making a coughing sound. Coughing twice the tail of that eaten fish landed in my lap. "eugh..."I grumbled looking at it as the dragon moved back sitting on its duff and back legs looking at me.
looking at him my heart racing I sat up and held the half eaten and regurgitated fish. A few moments pass and I glance around awkwardly. What did he want me to do with the fish? Looking back at him he looked down at the fish and back at me. Surprised I looked at the fish then at him. Oh no, he didn't want me to eat this did he! He did it once more and I suppressed a groan oh he did. looking at the fish I picked it up. I could feel my stomach do somersaults as I brought the fish to my lips and took a bite out of it.
"Mmm" I hummed making it sound like I liked it. In actuality it was the opposite, the fish raw fish was nasty to taste. Not to mention it was covered in dragon saliva and who knows what else. The dragons ears perked up as he looked at me and I held up the fish. "Mhm" I hummed nodding my head. He then made a swallowing motion. I looked at the fish then him shocked. He had to be kidding me! mentally sighing I swallowed it and almost had it come back up right after. Brining a fist to my mouth and closing my eyes I forcing the rancid thing down. Twitching after that I opened my eyes again. That was so nasty and gross! The dragon licked his lips again in that innocent way and I gave him a weary smile.
Looking at me he seemed to be studying me. Wondering what was that I was doing. After a moment I saw the corner of his mouth quiver and his eye twitch. My smile dropped as I looked on surprised, he was smiling! A toothless smile none the less. Putting the fish down I slowly moved my hand out to him. looking at my hand his teeth came out as he bared them at me. As his eyes narrowed he turned away and flew across the lake with a roar. Getting up I watched where he landed before running to where he was myself. When I got there he was looking away laying on scorched ground as I sat down. When a bird chirped making him look up. His ears perked up as he watched it fly away. That's when he finally noticed me sitting beside him. I gave him a small wave and his eyes narrowed in a bored look. Moving his body he moved his tail in between us and blocking me from seeing him
Moving closer to him I reached out a hand to pet his tail. Just as I was about to touch it he moved his tail looking at me making me get up quickly and walk away awkwardly. As I heard him get up and move. I didn't want to go back to the village at this moment so I decided to stay in the cove with him.
Hours went by and by sun down I was still in the cove with him. I was sitting on a rock drawing in the dirt, Toothelss as I decided to call him, when I felt him come up behind me watching me. I tensed a bit as I drew not knowing what to expect. Though as I drew him I heard him give a purr as he watched me. After a few seconds of him watching me I felt him move away. Curious as to what he was up to. I turned to see him as I heard the branch of a tree begging to snap. Surprised I watched him walk on his back legs over to me with the tree limb in his mouth. Turning and watching him as he dragged the limb in the dirt like I was with the stick. I realized he was trying to draw like I was. Watching him spin around and move as he crossed in font of me he looked up at me once. Then he turned back to his work and dabbed the ground once before he continued on. Soon he passed behind me again moving around. When he moved back in front of me the branches of the tree smacked me in the back of the head making me glare at him.
When he was down he purred looking at his work as I stood. Looking around at it I was amazed. As I started to move away I accidentally stepped on one of the lines making him growl. Flinching and looking down I moved my foot away making his eyes go innocent and getting that purr again. Deciding to test something I put my foot on it only to have him growl at me. Moving my foot back I repeated this twice before I moved my foot over the line getting his purr. Giving him a smile I carefully made my way though his drawing till my back was to his front and I felt his breath brush over my hair. Moving back a bit I held my arm up just incase I made him mad. He only looked at me with those sweet innocent eyes and that purr. Slowly I held out my hand to touch him again making him narrow his eyes a bit at me growling a bit and I hesitated.
Pulling my hand away he watched me. Looking away I had an idea and if I was wrong I would lose my hand from it. taking a deep breath I held out my hand again looking away.'You can trust me' I thought to myself. I heard a grunt from him but didn't look. For a few seconds nothing happened. When I thought he wasn't going to do something I felt it. Those soft smooth scales of his snout. I flinch thinking at first he was going to bite me but when he made no move to do so I looked at him surprised. Soon he opened his eyes as well and he moved his head away from me. After a second he snorted and his eyes narrowed moving away. Moving my arm back to me I looked at him go. I couldn't believe it. I touched him.. he let me touch him! Smiling softly I rejoiced in the fact that he could trust me. needing to get back I looked at him about to lay down again and sleep.
"Toothless!" I called out to him making the dragon look over at me curious. "I'll be back tomorrow! And I'll bring you a lot of fish to!" I told him. In return I got those innocent curious eyes and a purr before I smiled and took off. 'Thank you Toothless, you just gave me the best day ever.' I thought as I ran back home forgetting about my events with Ashter, forgetting dragon training. forgetting everything but the day I had with my dragon, Toothless.