Hey everyone sorry this is so late, Between work and Tests this took me awhile. I also was struggling with this chapter a bit coming to the gronkle test but thanks to my Bestfriend and Editor, WarriorNun, I was able to push through this chapter and she helped me with some changes for this so I give her a big thanks to her and a big thanks for all of you for waiting for this next chapter. So please enjoy!
The next morning I woke up tired and snuggled more into my bed. All I could dream about was last night and how perfect that kiss was. My first kiss...and it was with toothless I thought happily. I remembered how soft his lips felt on my own. I smiled more and cuddled into my bed wanting to dream more of my dragon. Sadly though that didn't happen as I heard my father enter my room. "Hiccup, sweetheart are you awake?" he asked softly and gently. Wow, I was beginning to think my dad didn't know how to be gentle or speak softly. Blinking my eyes open I looked up at him. "yeah, I'm awake dad." I said quietly trying to wake myself up against my own will. Sitting up I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, well at least the dream was good while it lasted.
My father smiled softly and came to sit beside me on my bed. "So today's the day, today's training decides who moves to the last challenge." He told me instantly killing my good mood. I became really nervous. What if I won by some meircul of shere dumb luck! I couldn't win! I would have to kill a dragon, and I cant do that! Not after really seeing how dragons can be, being with my Toothless. I couldn't!
Fear filled my heart and he seemed to notice this. "Hey, you'll do fine, your the chiefs daughter, a Haddoc, You'll be fine" he said to me. little did he know that's just WHAT I was fearing. "Okay dad...thanks" I said with a small smile trying to relax. He smiled back and lightly messed up my hair before getting up. "I have some things to do around the village, but I'll be there this afternoon to see you in the arena," he said to me with a smile. I smiled back as I felt my blood run cold. "Great! I'll see you there!" I said happily, even though I was not happy at all. I felt surprised on how well I hid how I was really feeling.
I watched my father go still smiling, waiting till I heard the front door close before I sighed relived. Getting dressed for the day I tied my hair back I slowly made my way out of my home, heading to the great hall. I didn't feel like eating but I knew if I didn't, I would regret it later. As I poked at my food I heard someone shuffle into the seat next to me and looked to my right to see the last person that I would never expect...Ashter.
You and Ashter are to be married...
Those words rang in my mind and my eyes knew this, didn't he? That's why he started to get closer to me. Ashter looked at me his blue eyes full of hidden emotions as he glanced at my food then back to me. "You should eat something before our final test today." He told me before looking at his own meal. Blinking out of my stupor, I nodded and turned to face my food.
Eating small bites, I kept quiet till he cleared his throat making me look at him. This time when I looked into his eyes they were full of emotion, a bright emotion...an emotion I only saw with Toothless.
"I take it your father has told you of our future marriage." he spoke up, before taking my hand in his. Aster's hand felt warm and calloused, compared to the smooth soft texture of Toothless' skin. "I promise you, Hiccup, after this, when we are of age, I will be a loving husband to you and I will keep you safe. From anything that might hurt you or take you from me..." His eyes seemed to harden as he said the last part, but there was truth in his eyes. He was serious...even more so than before. I couldn't understand, I think my voice was lost.
"Ashter..." I started, but how could I tell him he's not the one I wish to marry. That he is not the man that holds my heart, But that a dragon who takes human form.
He seemed to be waiting for what I was going to say, but he never got a chance as the others joined us. I was not looking forward to this at all...
"So Its true then!" Tuffnut said, looking at us as he sat down, looking at my hand in Ashter's. Following his gaze I blushed and pulled my hand away from Ashter's. Ruffnut looked at me as I pulled my hand away,I didn't know what she was thinking as I tucked some hair behind my ear. we had sort of become friends (sort-of, still not sure), but at times I was still nervous with her.
"Congratulations, you two" Fishlegs spoke up, looking happy for Ashter and I. I didn't have the heart to smile so I just nodded and looked at my food.
Seeming to sense I was upset as I went back to poking my food, Fishlegs looked at me concerned. "Is something wrong, Hiccup?" He asked as I tried appear normal, but I couldn't...not when I had Images of Toothless and me both human and dragon moments, flashing through my head. The thought of losing him...through death or by this marriage to Ashter...I just wanted to cry.
"She's just nervous about the test, right, my dear?" I heard Ashter say, there was a smile in his voice as I felt his hand upon mine once more, I tried not to wince at the contact as I nodded my head. "I have to go." I said as I pushed my food away and quickly got up leaving the Great Hall.
Moving fast, I let my feet carry me far away from there. I didn't care where as I tried to hold back the tears that threaten to spill. As I continued to walk I somehow came to rest at the Dragon Arena. The place was still empty, seeing as no one has come yet. Going inside, I looked around and frowned. I looked at all the cadges that held the dragons, all the weapons to kill them.
I didn't want this. I didn't want to be apart of this. No, I was going to stop this...somehow...But I didn't know how. Sighing, I sat against the wall thinking. I'm not a viking...but ...if I'm not a viking then...what am I?
I didn't knhow how long I sat there, but hours seemed to have passed and soon It was time for the final test to determined who will face the Monstrous Nightmare, to pass dragon training. Sighing as I got up and brushed my leggings off, looking at the others as they came in.
Gobber came over and handed me my helmate. "Thanks.." I spoke quietly and he gave me a worried look but I walked to where the shields were. I knew this was probably not helping matters but I picked up a shield and walked to join the others as the crowd started to come around the top of the arena.
Looking around I spotted my father and with him...was the village elder.
Oh Odin, this wont end well.I thought as I stood with the others
Gobber walked up and stood before us, watching all of us . "Today, we decide which one of you has what it takes to take on the last dragon and make his or her first dragon kill." He told us as he looked at all six of us. "You have all trained well and I wish you luck today, may Odin smile upon you," he said to us, nice to know he cares about us when he wasnt watching us being chased by a dragon. "Now when I leave, they will open the gate holding the Gronkle. All you have to do is take it down. Not kill it but defiantly stop it. Use these stands to duck and cover. Make the field to your advantage, good luck." He explained before he started to leave, patting my shoulder on his way out.
As soon as the only exit out of this place was closed, the gate to the Gronkle cage was opened and the dragon came bursting out looking around the terrain. We all immediatly took to finding cover. The twins, who were making to much noise, fighting over the hiding spot- like they whould with the shield on our first day- were found rather quickly and were blasted at three times, each being called out.
Next out was Fishlegs, who tried to distract it by banging his shield only, to wind up getting flown into from it trying to clear its head. which now only left me and Ashter who were hidden from the Gronkle.
Suddenly Ashter's hand was on mine, making me jump and look at him. "Stay out of the way on this, I got this one, I'm winning this" he whispered before moving to another cover spot.
I seriously couldn't tell if he was trying to be nice or the jerk that he's always been. It was kind of a mix of both. "Oh no, please, go on, by all means Aster, win this thing." I replied with a fake grin as I stood with my shield and ax, fixing my helmet. Turning around, I felt my heart freeze as a lump formed in my throat. I saw my father standing in the crowds one more.
Oh this isn't going to end well for me. I thought as I smiled sighing I turned around.
Well, it's now or never.
Watching the Gronkle, I moved from one barricade to another being silent as can be. Moving behind one close to it I took a deep breath. My eyes focused as I held my ax close to my chest. "This time...this time for sure, I was going to win this, and win Hiccup," I whispered under my breath, steeling my self I stood letting out a battle cry ready to attack it...only the Gronkle was already down...and hiccup was there before it!
Wait...What?!
I could feel my rage rise inside me. How? How!? Seeing me, she made a motion of how she didn't know how this happened. like it suddenly just happened...
That just made my rage grow more as I swung my ax turning to the side. "Son of a Hatchral!" I started to curse every single word that would make a hardened Viking blush like a young child, as hiccup's, father the Cheif, got everyone's attention as the village elder stomped her staff. Gobber walked over to us catching his little goddaughter seeing as she started to walk awy.
"wait, wait!" he called out as hiccup started to move away.
"So...later!" she spoke nervously, trying to get out of there as fast as she could. Where in Thor's name was she going! Then an image of her kissing that strange man came to my mind and I was furious! I began to see red, my grip around the handle of my axe tightening to the point that I could feel it bite into my skin. "Not so fast." Gobber said as he snagged hiccup by her vest and pulled her back. "well um I'm kind of late for some-"
"What!" I shouted putting my ax by her throat just under her chin. "What are you late for exactly...?" I was breathing heavily, glaring at her furiously as she backed up in fear. That was not the emotion I wanted to see in her eyes, but I was just to furious to give a damn.
"Settle down, Settle down now, the elder has decided," Cheif Stoic called out, making me move my ax from the viking heiress's throat and look up as Gobber, who still didn't notice us fighting, stood behind us ready to see who was chosen. I could feel Gobber hold his hook over my head and I watched with soul clenching horror as the elder shook her head, mumers spreading through the crowed. It wasn't me...
Then Gobber held his hand over the princess's head and she winced as the elder nodded her head pointing at her. She seemed to wince more as the crowd started to cheer for her.
"You've done, mah Girl! You've done it! You get to kill the dragon, Hiccup!" Gobber shouted as the rest of the gang went over to her and picked her up, Fishlegs carrying her on his shoulder. "That's my girl!" Stoic shouted as she look like she wanted to be anywhere else but there.
As I was carried on Fishlegs shoulder, I smiled nervously as my father cried out, "That's my girl!"
I laughed nervously weakly shaking my fist. "Yeah...yeah I am so...psyched" I cheered along, trying to fake my enthusiasm. I can't believe how big of a hole I have dug myself. I don't even think toothless could get me...out of this? Then a thought came to me.
Toothless could get me out of this! We could leave! Be together just me and him...some place far away, where no one knew the first time that day, a real smile appeared on my face. Thinking of a life with just me and Toothless made me feel so much better. sighing as I was placed down, I walked back to the village with Fishlegs and Ruffnut, making our way home.
"Man, tomorrow you get to face the Monstrous Nightmare!" Ruffnut said to me happily. "I'm actually jealous of you." As soon as she admitted that, did she then glared at the two of us. "Don't either of you tell that to anyone." she threatened, glaring at Fishlegs and me.
"Oh no worries...I wouldn't tell a soul" I promsied to her, holding my hands up in deffense. ruffnut smirked before I walked up to my house. "We'll ...I'll see you both tomorrow...big day and all..." I said trying to not to seem awkward about this.
Fishlegs looked at me but seemed to know better. "Hey, you'll do fine!" Fishlegs said, giving me a reassuring smile. Smiling back, I nodded my head before I said my goodbyes and headed inside. Taking a deep breath I ran up to my room as fast as my legs could carry me. Getting a basket, I stuffed it full of clothes I would need for travel. Taking my fur vest off, I put on my riding gear. Tossing my idea book and some other materials, I headed to the kitchen. Packing some food, I made my way to the back of the hut.
Opening the door I peeked out to see if the coast was clear before making my way quickly through the village. I needed to get out of here as fast as I could. I just wish this wasn't goodbye. Looking back at the village as I reached the forest, I felt a tear slide down my cheek. Turning my back, I quickly made my way into the forest heading to the cove, and to Toothless.
Watching hiccup from behind one of the huts, I watched as she entered the forest with the pack on her back. not this time...I thought rushing into the forest behind her. Taking a path I found since that night, I made sure I was there before her.
looking around the opening to the cove I made sure I indeed had made it here before her. Smirking twirling my ax in my hand I made my way into the cove. Waiting by one of the large rocks, I took a seat on top taking a smaller rock out to sharpen my ax. I was going to get some answers whether she liked it or not. After a small moment, I heard her enter the cover and quickly hid behind the rock, waiting for her come within sight a smirk forming on my lips.
As I walked into the cove with my pack I sighed. "leaving," I said to myself before I spoke louder. "We're leaving, Come on lets pack up...looks like you and I are taking a little vacation. forever..." I only mumbled the last part to myself, stopping in front of a couple of large rocks and putting my pack down. Letting out a heavy sigh, I knelt down and opened my pack checking my supplies once more. Sighing I stood up fixing the harness a bit. " Aw man..." I said adjusting a strap before look up at the sound of someone sharping a blade.
"W-w-w-what the...um...a...um, Ashter, wha-what are you doing here?" I stammered him, completely shocked. How did he find this place?! my mind was rushing with endless thoughts of how he got here...and also if toothless was alright.
I watched as Ashter dropped the rock and lifted the ax in his hand; as if inspecting to make sure it was sharp enough. "I want to know what's going on." He spoke calmly to me before looking down his face going completely serious. I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat as he got down from the rock to stand before me. "No one gets as good as you do," He continued, his eyes narrowing into a glare, "especially, not you..." he said as he approached me causing me to back up slowly. My eyes were trained on the ax as he continued to talk. "Start talking," he said as I began to stutter.
"Are you training with someone?" he asked, causing me to look confused. "Training? I mean..." I started before he noticed the harness. "It better not involve this." he pointed out, grabbing the harness and lifting it up a bit as well as me as I tried to back up more. "I-I know this looks bad but," I began as he let me go for a moment as I hear the sound of a tree bending. "You see this is actually-" I said when I was suddenly yanked from behind and fell backwards in front of him. I could have sworn I heard him gasp.
Looking up I saw his focus was no longer on me, but on something else in the distance.
Toothless!
I hurriedly got to my feet racking my mind for something to stall him. "Your right, your right!" I said, going after him moving till I was beside Ashter. "I'm done with the lies...ive been making...outfits!" I admitted, trying to sound convincing. "So you got me," I said as I moved in font of him trying to block his vision of what was ahead of him as I grabbed his hand and placed it on my shoulder. "you got me so take me back to the village." I continued, blocking his view moving when he moved. "So come on lets go back to the village no-ow!"
I cried out as he twisted my hand making me fall again. "why would you do that!" I questioned, it wasn't to hard but it still hurt. Moving a bit, I tried to get up but he sweep kicked me back down. "That's for the lie," he started before dropping the handle of his ax near my side picking it back up. "And that's for everything else," he growled out before a real growl was heard causing us both to freeze and him to look up.
"Oh man" I groaned as I saw Ashter look over to where toothless was having his ax ready. Quickly getting to my feet, I got up just as I heard him gasp. "Get down!" he shouted as he tackled me to the ground, knocking the air out of me. I could hear Toothless' roar as Ashter rolled off of me.
"Run! Run get out of here!" he shouted as he quickly got up to attack toothless.
I got up quickly just as Toothless pounced and Ashter swung his ax. "No!" I shouted as I jumped up grabbing the ax handle as I knocking us both to the ground, Toothless landing in front of us on his hind legs.
"No!" I cried out, knocking the ax away I hurriedly got up and put myself between the two of them. Toothless was roaring and trying to get at Ashter.
" Its okay, its okay" I said using a soothing tone, having one hand out to Toothless to keep him back having the other hand out to do the same to Ashter. Turning to Toothless fully I put both hands in front of me in a soothing motion letting him calm down. "He's a friend..." I said seeing my beloved calm down slowly but continued to growl.
Sighing, I turned to Ashter to help him but as Toothless moved forward, I had to move to hold him back as I faced him. "You just sacred him," I explained as Toothless continued to growl. "I scared him?" He croaked out shocked as he looked at Toothless then me. "who, Is him?"
I could see him panting as I moved a bit away from Toothless. "Um, Ashter, This is ,Toothless" I began to explain as I moved my arms indicating the dragon standing behind me. I could feel before I turned that toothless has risen to stand on his hind legs again to look menacing.
I had to say It was working.
"Toothless, Ashter." I said looking at Toothless as I motioned to Ashter. Toothless glared baring his fangs as he growled out at Ashter.
Ashter looking from the dragon to me shook his head. A look of seriousness clouded his face before he turned and ran off.
" Da-da-da-Were dead..." I groaned out, face-palming before turning to look at Toothless who seemed highly satisfied. He let out a small snort as he turned dropping to all fours and walking away. "And were do you think your going!" I asked him sternly going after him making him stop to look at me. "Toothless, do you know what will happen if he reaches the village?" He gave me a questioning look, I could almost hear him ask, what could happen? I sighed moving closer to him. "We need to stop him or they will tear us apart," I said to him.
Toothless looked at me as if debating before he let out a sigh and lowered himself giving me a look that said, 'I'm only doing this for you.'
Smiling I kissed the top of his head as I climbed onto his back. "Thank you love, This means a lot to me. Now we better find Aster before its to late." I said as I hooked myself onto the saddle before we took off into the air flying above the forest looking for the one male that could destroy our happiness.
We needed to find Ashter.