Dragon Life

by The Quiet Samurai

This story features a prologue, and then it goes into the tv series. There is a Hiccup/OC pairing, but it's from Hiccup's point of view. I noticed that people haven't really done it this way yet. So, I gave it a shot! WARNING fluffy scenes included! I know there isn't a lot of love for OC's, but I plan on making mine more interesting. So come on, give it a try! :)

3. Viking for Hire

HTTYD: Viking for Hire

A/N:

Everybody needs a place in the world. Some people are born to theirs. Some people discover theirs...and some people, make a place for themselves. But then the world around them changes, and the place they made is gone.

"Every dragon has it's own unique abilities, that give it it's special place in the world." said Hiccup. The teens all had dragon lessons, or a new way of training, once the Academy was ready. Hiccup was the teacher since he started it all. Snotlout, and the twins stood on his left side with barrels in front of them. Fishlegs, Astrid and Valerie were on his right. "Which dragon makes the best welding torch?" asked Hiccup.

"Oh! Deadly Nadder!" shouted Astrid. Then Fishlegs chimed in. "It's magnesium flame burns with the heat of the sun!" he said.

"Correct!" said Hiccup. He marked their points on the score board behind him. "Point to Team Astrid. The score is now one hundred to ten." he said as he turned around.

"And you started with ten." Astrid said to the opposing team. Fishlegs laughed. Valerie just watched quietly, amused. Hiccup glanced at her. He liked the fact that she was quiet. It was good to have a quiet friend who didn't- "Oh yeah? Well the games not over yet!" shouted Tuffnut. That brought Hiccup out of his...state?

"Wait." said Tuffnut. "What team am I on?" Oh boy. Hiccup decided to move on. "Next question. What is the shot limit, of the Hideous Zippleback? Team Snotlout." he said. They thought on it. "I don't think they can count that high..." said Astrid. She didn't even try to whisper. Fishlegs giggled. Valerie looked at them. Surprisingly unamused. Hiccup found himself glancing at her again. Her reactions were just so different then what he'd seen on Berk. It was a nice change. His attention was brought back to the opposing team though, when she'd caught him looking. For one second, his face heated up.

"Oh really! Let's find out! Barf, Belch!" said Ruffnut. She called for their dragon. The two heads appeared behind them. They shot six times at the wall behind Astrid's team. "Looks like it's about three!" said Tuffnut. Ruffnut leaned over her barrel. "Told you we could count that high!" she mocked. Hiccup sighed. "It's six. You're half right. Five points." he said. He marked it on the board. "Yes! We're up to thirty!" shouted Ruffnut. She high-fived with the two boys. Astrid stood up from ducking under the barrel when Barf and Belch shot. "Alright. It's our turn. What happens when you shoot fire at the owner of a Deadly Nadder?!" she said angrily. She got angered a lot. Easily. Then she whistled.

Her Nadder, Stormfly, whipped her tail shooting out her weapons at the other three. They got pinned against the other wall. "No fair! She didn't give us time to answer." said Tuffnut. Valerie looked at her in disbelief. Snotlout jumped down. "Okay. What happens when I sick Hookfang on you?" he asked. Hiccup intervened. "Okay! Guys! That's enough training! So, we did some really good work here today." said Hiccup. Everyone ignored the fact that Snotlout had jumped onto Hookfang's head. "Prepare to face the Monstrous Nightmare!" he shouted. He patted Hookfang's jaw. It turned out that he shouldn't have done that.

Hookfang freaked out and set his body on fire. With Snotlout still on. "Ah! That's the third time this week!" he shouted. He plopped down on the nearest tub of water. "Aaaaaaaaaah! Sweet relief!" he said. The other teens walked over to him. "Hookfang never flames up when you're riding him. Is he okay?" asked Hiccup.

"Maybe he just realised who his rider is." joked Astrid. Valerie gave her a look which she shrugged off. She looked back at Snotlout. "Speaking of whom. Are you okay Snotlout? You got burned um...well." said Valerie. Hiccup looked at her for a moment, then at Snotlout. He seemed taken aback for a second. "Huh. I've never gotten asked THAT before." he said. He then looked down in thought. "It's a weird feeling. Not sure if I like it. But, to answer- I'll live. I take after my father!" he said happily. Astrid looked as though she was going to say something insulting, but decided against it.

"And back to Astrid's statement. There's room in here for two." said Snotlout. Instead of her hurtful comment, she dunked him in the water instead. He gasped from the cold.

For the rest of the day the teens decided to hang around the plaza. That's where they found Gobber. "Come on. Gather around, one and all! You may think these dragon killing weapons have no more use! But, think again! This Long Sword, is could make a great butter knife! Uh, it's also great for making bread crumbs." he said as he demonstrated. The plate also broke in pieces. Hiccup grimaced.

"Moving on!" said Gobber. He searched for the next item. Hiccup felt Mildew, and kind of smelled him too, beside him. He fake gasped. "Well this is a dark day. A great dragon slayer peddling his weapons as kitchen utensils!" he said. He shook his head. Gobber had found a mace next. "How about this uh..." Gobber stopped as a fly flew around him. It landed on the table. "Handy fly swatter!" he said. He smashed the mace into the table. The table crumpled. "Uh, ha, also good for getting rid of unwanted tables!" he said. The fly flew away unharmed.

Hiccup grimaced again. Valerie, who stood on his other side, took his hand. He glanced at her and gave a weak smile. "Now for the lady of the house! When the man is off hunting, how are you going to protect yourself from home invaders? No problem when ya have big Bertha!" said Gobber. He tapped a wooden catapult. The catapult launched and smashed into a building. The crowd gasped and started to leave. Hiccup's grip tightened on Valerie's hand. "Uh, uh, wait! There's more! Uh- come back! You haven't seen everything yet! I haven't cleared out my dungeon yet!" stammered Gobber. He then turned to the catapult. "It's okay Bertha. We'll find a place for ya."

"Now it's hard to watch!" said Mildew. Hiccup felt that he might be crushing Valerie's hand. "Especially for you eh, Hiccup? The feelings of guilt must be tearing at your insides! I mean you put him out of business when you made your little peace pact with the dragons. You ruined his life! Bravo!" Mildew then walked away. Hiccup and Valerie stood there for a moment and watched Gobber. Valerie gave Hiccup a meaningful look. Hiccup looked at her and gave another weak smile with the warm feeling rushing back.

He glanced back at Gobber, then the two walked off themselves.

That night, Hiccup and Toothless sat on the rooftop. Hiccup dangled his legs over the edge. He sighed. "You know Gobber made this for me? He taught me everything I needed to know, to make your tail. I've gotta find some way to help him." said Hiccup. They heard a noise from down below. They went down stairs to see Stoik fall back into a chair. He rubbed his forehead and groaned. "Tough day a chief'en there dad?" asked Hiccup.

"I was all over the island! I married the Spencer girl to the Holdergarth boy at dawn, then down to some fields where some kids were tipping over yaks, then back up to the newly weds to settle a domestic dispute! I guess that honeymoon is over." said Stoik. He took a gulp from the drink Hiccup had brought him. Hiccup was about to place a log on the fire, when he spoke again. "Sometimes I wish there were two of me." he sighed. Hiccup, instead of placing the log careful in the fire, dropped it. "Dad- the-there are two of you!" he exclaimed. This might just work! "Was that another crack about my weight?" asked Stoik. Boy did he have the wrong idea. "No, I mean, Gobber! He can be the other you." Hiccup explained. Stoik thought on it. "Gobber?" he said. "Well he's way too busy making all of those dragon killing-" then realisation hit him. "Uh, well. He use to be. Until you- which is great! Except for Gobber..." he said.

"Exactly my point!" said Hiccup.

"You know, that's actually not such a bad idea! I could use a right hand!" said Stoik. He got up and walked to the door. "Which works out great, 'cause, that's kinda the only one he has..." said Hiccup.

The next day the teen spent the day flying about the island. "Okay! A race around the island! We'll start and end here!" said Hiccup. They were at their usual cliff, Raven's Point. Snotlout had the idea of a race, and that actually sounded like fun. "Hold on!" he said though. They looked at him. "I say leave the Night Fury out of it." he said. Hiccup looked at him. "Well. He's the fastest dragon around. Everyone know's that he'll just win." said Snotlout. Oh. Yeah. "Yeah. What's the fun in that?" said Tuffnut. Hiccup looked at Toothless. He just innocently looked back. "Um...they do have a point." said Valerie. Hiccup looked at her. He restrained himself from sighing. "Alright then. Toothless and I will judge on who wins." he said as he jumped off of him. He held out his hand for Valerie who took it and jumped off as well.

Toothless settled himself down and Hiccup leaned against him. "Hey Valerie, the Monstrous Nightmare experience is awaiting- OW!" Astrid had thrown a good sized rock at Snotlout. She had good aim. "Or. The Nadder experience." he grumbled. Valerie smiled. Hiccup found himself staring again. "Well, actually. I've already been on the Nadder. I think I will give the Nightmare a shot." she said. Snotlout and Astrid looked at her in surprise. "Wha?" said Snotlout. He'd never gotten a good response before. This was new. Hiccup's eyes went wide. Was she serious? She was going with Snotlout? Of all people? Wait. Why did he care that much about who she went with? It was her decision. But still... there was an odd feeling inside of Hiccup. He couldn't shake it off.

Valerie walked over to the Nightmare calmly. She held out her hand and Hookfang instantly pressed his nose against it. Snotlout held out a hand for her and she took it. A twinge of...something swelled up in Hiccup's stomach. He didn't let it show on his face though. His face remained expressionless. Why did he care? It was just Snotlout. As Valerie hopped on, she wrapped her arms around Snotlout like she did with Hiccup. Hiccup, absentmindedly, crossed his arms. He felt Toothless look at him, but he ignored it. For the time being. He didn't even notice Rufftnut glance over and snicker at him. She then leanded towards Tuffnut who leaned in to listen. "I think Hiccup just wants Valerie to hug him again." the two stifled their snickers.

Quietly, Hiccup took a deep breath. Once he saw that Valerie was ready, he started the race. "Okay. All around the island, and back. Get ready! Set-" Tuffnut interrupted him.

"Wait, do we go on go? Or three?" he asked. Hiccup sighed. Everyone else did too. "Go!" Hiccup shouted. For some reason he just wanted to get this race over with. "You heard him, go!" shouted Astrid. She took off. "Hey! That's cheating!" shouted Snotlout. As the others flew off, Hiccup could hear Valerie's laugh.

As Hiccup watched, his face got incredibly hot. He rubbed the back of his arm on his forehead. "What was that about?" he wondered out loud. He leaned against Toothless. The dragon, upon hearing him, nudged him. "Huh? Oh. Toothless. Sorry. Just thinking out loud. I guess." he said. He didn't even know he had said it out loud. For the first time since the others left, he frowned. Toothless looked at his friend. He didn't look so well. Plus, he obviously still didn't figure it out. Not even after what had just happened. What's a dragon gotta do? Get them alone togeth- hey. That could work. But again, Toothless was a dragon. What came with that, was the inability to speak to humans in their language. Ugh. Language barriers. That night he'd have to formulate a plan for those two. Basically everyone in the town, who'd met Valerie that is, had figured it out. Well, except for Astrid. She either didn't know, or was ignoring it.

Hiccup sat down on the ground, feeling defeated. He didn't know what the heck was wrong with him. He almost felt...sick. "T-Toothless...I-I don't know what's wrong with me. Lately..." Hiccup sighed in defeat again. "Oh forget it. I don't even know how to explain it." he said. Toothless looked at him in concern. He really was clueless wasn't he? Oh well. Operation Matchmaker it is then. Toothless layed his head down on his paws as he thought out the plan.

So. He didn't have that long before it was the so called 'Snoggletog' winter holiday they celebrated. He'd say about...a two weeks? At least? That would give Toothless plenty of time. Snowfall would be in about three days max. So, until Snoggletog, Toothless had to find ways to get Hiccup to realise what was happening to him. Hiccup's sudden movements made him jump a little. He was really deep in thought til then. "Deep in thought huh?" said Hiccup. "I wonder what you think about." he reached into the bag he brought with him and pulled out a cod. Toothless cooed a thank you as he gave it to him. "Probably food most of the time." Hiccup chuckled. At least he laughed. That was something. The other's couldn't have him getting depressed just before Snoggletog couldn't they? That would just be...well...depressing.

Suddenly a bright idea came to Toothless. Snoggletog. At that time it wasn't just the humans that celebrated something. Yes, yes, yes! That would be perfect! Sweet! Toothless wagged his tail in excitement. "Whoa, hungry were we? Well, lucky for you I brought two. Here ya go." said Hiccup. He pulled out the other fish and gave it to him. Toothless gobbled it down in no time. "Huh. I think I'm spoiling you. Oh well." said Hiccup. He sat back down and looked out on the horizon. This time he was the one in deep thought. Toothless only guess at what he was thinking about. Or uh, who to be exact. He laughed on the inside. If only Hiccup knew.

After a few minutes, Berk was actually a fairly sizeable island, the other trainees came back. Toothless nudged Hiccup to get him to snap out of his daze. "Huh? Oh, right. Okay." he got himself ready to see who the winner would be. It was almost a dead tie between Stormfly and Hookfang. But Hookfang actually beat her by just a few wing beats. "Wow. Snotlout, you won! But only by a few wing beats." Hiccup called cheerfully. He honestly figured that Stormfly would win.

"Alright! We won!" shouted Snotlout. Astrid looked at Hiccup. "Sorry Astrid. You were second though. Hey I'm just as surprised as you are." he said. She shrugged. "Well. That was fun! I guess we should head back now. The sun's going down." she said. Snotlout, and the twins groaned. "Okay. Mom." said Tuffnut. Ruffnut turned to Astrid who handed her a rock. "I get to do it? Sweet!" she said excitedly.

"OW!"

The others couldn't help but laugh. Hiccup was surprised to see Valerie smile at it. So far form what he'd seen, she didn't like violence very much. She certainly was incredibly different. She was a breath of fresh air for Hiccup. Although, his stomach twinged again when he thought she wasn't getting off of Hookfang for the ride home. Again, he didn't know why he cared so much about who she rode with. But- he missed her. Yeah, he missed her. That's why he'd been feeling the way he had been. Suddenly, her movements snapped him out of his thoughts. She was getting off of Hookfang. However, after hugging Snotlout which made Hiccup's stomach cringe. "Thanks for a great time Snotlout!" she said happily. Snotlout looked at her in surprise again. "Um...oh, yeah. Sure." he said. He helped her down off of the dragon. Then he looked at Hiccup. "I don't know how she didn't suffocate you. She's definitely stronger than she looks... oh, uh, no offense." he said that last part quickly. She just smiled at his compliment. "So...last one there has to eat that gross potatoe porridge for dinner!" Snotlout said to the other four. They waved to the two on the ground and took off. Toothless looked up. All three of them were finally alone.

Valerie then looked at Hiccup. One they made eye contact, she pulled him into a suffocating hug. But Hiccup didn't mind. Although that feeling came back again. He wished he knew what it meant. All of a sudden, Hiccup let out a sigh. Valerie pulled away and looked at him. "Hiccup? What is it?" she asked. Hiccup gazed at her. She was so...innocent. "Huh? Oh that. I um...well...I-I.." he stammered. He took a deep breath. "I've missed you Valerie." he said. She smiled causing him to smile. "I've missed you too. How about tomorrow we spend the whole day together? Just you and me? For old times sake?" she said. Hiccup beamed. Toothless had never seen his rider so happy before. It just made him want to smile too.

Toothless took this moment to his advantage. Part of step one. He nudged Hiccup into hugging Valerie. "W-whoa!" said Hiccup. "Toothless!" but, his annoyance instantly disappeared once Valerie wrapped her arms around him. She laughed as well, making him laugh. "Well. I see someone else likes that idea too." she laughed. As they parted, she reached down and petted Toothless. Then she stood up. "Okay. Let's go back before the food is gone." she said. Hiccup smiled and got on Toothless. She wrapped her arms around his waist. That familiar feeling instantly came back, but this time- Hiccup didn't mind. He smiled, and they took off towards the Great Hall.

After dinner, Hiccup heard his father come home that night. He came down the stairs to see him sitting in a chair, with two ice blocks against his head. Hiccup brought him a drink, and he took a sip. "Wow a, two block headache. Yo know, dad, I think you might, be being, a wee bit, rough. On Gobber. It was his first day. Tomorrow will be way better." said Hiccup.

"Oh it will be. For me, because it won't involve, Gobber." said Stoik. He took a gulp. "What are you mean?" asked Hiccup. Stoik set his mug down on the table. "He tried to fit a square peg in a round hole, and he sunk a ship, and named a baby girl Magnus! I'm not saying that she didn't look like a Magnus- but try telling that to her parents!" said Stoik. Hiccup scowled. "I can't believe you let him go!" he sighed. "Well, we've gotta help him!"

"We don't have to do anything. You on the other hand. Are going to be very busy finding a job for Gobber." said Stoik. What? But that would cut into...couldn't Hiccup ever catch a break? As depressing as he thought the situation was, he knew he needed to help his friend.

"You're bringing Gobber? Here?" asked Fishlegs the next day. They were at the Academy. "He's gonna be...great. Nobody know's dragons like old Gobber. He has spent a lifetime... ya know..." stammered Hiccup. "Studying. Them. If we can tap into that, we'll all be better dragon trainers." he finished. Suddenly he was thrown to the ground by the doors. He landed hard. "I'm back!" a happy voice that only belonged to Gobber hollered. "Did ya miss me?" The dragons stood on edge. Gobber had brought a few things with him. Valerie ran over to Hiccup and helped him up. He smiled then turned to Gobber. "First of all, welcome, and uh, second, uh, tiny question- why uh, did you bring your...you know..." said Hiccup. Oi. Why did this have to be his job? "Killing things? I thought maybe we could train them, by threatening to kill them." he pulled out a frightening axe. Valerie gasped in fear and covered her mouth as her eyes widened. Hiccup put his left arm around her, and held her hand with his right. He tried to comfort her. He tried to comfort her while Gobber was speaking. Astrid couldn't help but notice how cute that looked. "Aw, look at them." she whispered to Fishlegs. He just smiled. But that smile quickly turned to a frown when he turned his attention back to Gobber. "It's how my daddy taught me to swim!" with that, Gobber smashed down the weapon causing all dragons to jump in fear. "School's in session!" he hollered. The dragons then flew off in fear. Oh boy.

They all watched their dragons fly off. "Eh. I didn't like school either." stated Gobber. Hiccup sighed. He looked at Valerie. He knew she was thinking the same thing. What the heck were they gonna do about Gobber?

After a few hours, the other teens came back with their dragons. They were all sore and groaning. "What's wrong with you guys?" asked Hiccup. He stood up. He was just showing Valerie his drawings when they got there. "We've been riding our dragons for four hours! It took forever to chase them down after Gobber scared them away!" said Astrid. Hiccup sighed. "Yeah I'm sorry about that. I just don't know what to do with him." he said.

Their attention turned to the twins. Ruffnut was kicking her brother in the backside. "Do you guys always have to fight?" Hiccup asked glancing at Valerie. Ruffnut kicked one more time. "It's okay. I asked her to do that. I was just trying to get the feeling back." said Tuffnut. Then Ruffnut bent over like he was. "You gonna return the favour? Or what?" she asked. They continued what they were doing.

"Huh. I've flown for hours on Toothless and, I've never had a problem." said Hiccup. Astrid walked over. "That's because you have a saddle." she said. A saddle. Right! "Saddles!" shouted Hiccup. "Oh man! I've gotta find Gobber!" He was about to get on Toothless, but turned to Valerie. "Um, do you uh, wanna come?" he asked awkwardly. He held out his hand. Valerie smiled and took it. "Of course silly." she said. Hiccup smiled largely and they were off. They just Astrid talking with Fishlegs and Snotlout.

"You know, it's great that those two are catching up. They seem so close." she said while looking after them. Fishlegs and Snotlout looked at each other.

"Saddles?" said Gobber. Hiccup had found him in the armoury. He and Valerie were trying to persuade him to make them. It didn't take much. "I love it! I've got so many ideas! But not like these, good ones." said Gobber. He threw Hiccup's drawings at him and walked to the drawing board. "I'm glad you're excited. But I still think there are some things in my designs you could use. I mean, you did teach me everything I know." said Hiccup as he picked up his drawings.

"Exactly! That's why you should let Gobber do what Gobber does best. I've been making saddles since you were in diapers! In fact, I made your diapers!" said Gobber. Valerie giggled and Hiccup blushed out of embarrassment. "I-I-I-I know you know what your doing, but keep in mind. Every dragon is different. So you need to adjust the-"

"Hiccup."

"But-"

"Hiccup."

"But I just think-"

"Hiccup. I may have taught you everything you know. But I haven't taught you everything I know." said Gobber. Shoot. He had a point. Hiccup gave up and he and Valerie left him to do his work. Once out side, they could hear him sing. "I've got my axe and I've got my mace, and I love my wife with the ugly face! I'm a Viking through and through!" then he hummed the rest. Thankfully.

"You know he doesn't sing that song unless he's actually very happy." said Hiccup. Valerie took his hand. He gazed at her. "I think we did a good thing." he finished. He smiled, but then he frowned. "Hey um, I-I'm sorry about today. B-but tomorrow it'll be just us! I swear!" he said. Valerie laughed. "Hiccup. It's okay. I'm glad we helped him out." she smiled. Hiccup couldn't help but feel incredibly happy. He suddenly got the urge to hug her for a long time and never let go. He didn't want to lose her again. Instead though, he decided to head back home.

But, she hugged him anyways before splitting. Hiccup's face had never felt hotter. The sweet sent of apples returned to overpower him. He began to feel a bit dizzy, but it was sort of a...good feeling. After what seemed to be hours was only minutes, they parted. "Well. Good night Hiccup Haddock." Valerie said softly. She smiled, turned and left for the Hofferson's home. Hiccup smiled after her. Toothless wondered if his friend would need help balancing while walking home.

"Alright. This is an exciting day for all of us. Gobber has been working hard to-" Hiccup was in such a good mood the next day that he wasn't even bothered when Gobber nudged him out of the way. "I think they'll like to hear from the artist himself! I've made a lot of saddles in my day! Horse, donkey, and now dragon! But these saddles are special. They're like my children. That is if ya strap your child to a flaming reptile and road it." Hiccup gave a funny look at Valerie who held back from giggling. "So without further ado-" Gobber then pulled away the sheet that covered the large saddles.

"Uuuuhhh..." said Hiccup. The saddles were large, and looked heavy. One had large maces on the sides. "Wow. Gobber. This-this, certainly, not what I had imagined...ouch..." Valerie had smack him before he said anything hurtful. For a girl who didn't like violence, well, Snotlout was right. She was stronger then she let on. "How could it be? I'm Gobber! Nobody knows what it's like to live in here." he clunked his hook hand against his hat. "Well. Um. I-is that?" started Hiccup but he couldn't finish.

"Yep! Flame thrower." said Gobber. He demonstrated his the noise made Hiccup and Valerie jump. "Didn't see that one coming did ya?" said Gobber. The two Vikings glanced at each other. "Uh, no. No. Not for dragons. They come with one built in. Actually." stated Hiccup. He glanced at Valerie. "I know. But can ya ever really have too much fire power?" said Gobber. Um. Yes. Yes you could. They looked over at the twins and the Zippleback who apparently had catapult like things on the front of their saddles. They each shot a small bolder but they both hit the dragon's head's and they plopped down. "Ow." said Ruffnut.

"Uh, catapults? For the twins? Um, not such a good idea." said Hiccup. That was true. "You can do it girl," they turned to Fishlegs and Meatlug. She was struggling with the saddle that had the maces. "Think light." suggested Fishlegs. They then plopped down as well. "Aw come on. You can't tell me my saddle is heavier than Fishlegs." exclaimed Gobber. Valerie looked down as Hiccup glanced at her. "My mom says I'm just husky." Fishlegs said quietly.

Snotlout couldn't even get his saddle on Hookfang. "Come on Hookfang. What's wrong with you?" said Snotlout. Hookfang glared at him and turned his head. "That's it! Someone's trading with me!" Snotlout said.

"Yeah sure. I'll trade my perfect dragon, for an angry oven." said Tuffnut.

Stormfly came back with Astrid from flying. "This saddle is actually pretty good." said Astrid. They looked up. "Wait til ya try the horn!" called Gobber. Horn? Uh oh. She tried it. The noise made Stormfly edgy and shoot out her sharp pegs from her tail. They pinned Snotlout to the wall. "Really? Again?" he said.

"So anyway. I-I-I- I think we're really gonna need to make a few-" Gobber interrupted Hiccup. Was he ever going complete a sentence around adults? "Changes! I'm way ahead of you! Got so many ideas! It's getting crowded up here! Ha-ha-ha-ha!" said Gobber as he clanked his hat again. Oi. Hiccup sighed inwardly and he and Valerie looked at each other.

Later that evening, Hiccup and Valerie stayed behind to clean up. Toothless layed down and watched them calmly. Although he huffed when Hiccup told him to move out of the way. It was just them. Valerie tripped and almost dropped the broom she was holding. Hiccup caught her before she fell very far. Toothless perked up. Maybe... "My Odin!" oh, never mind. The two quickly pulled apart and turned to see Stoik come in. "This place looked better when we were killing dragons here!" he exclaimed. That actually was true. Oh the irony of it. "Yeah, we sort of got...Gobbered." said Hiccup. He didn't know what else to say.

"Well, you know Gobber, he means well. He just- doesn't always do well. So? What are you gonna do about it?" asked Stoik. Hiccup looked down while sweeping. "I'm gonna clean up his messes, and redo his work." he said. Stoik sighed. "Look. Gobber's like family." he said. Hiccup dropped the broom and turned around. "Yeah I know he is! That's why I can't say anything to him!" he said.

"No son! That's why you have to." said Stoik. "It's not fair to you , and it's not fair to Gobber."

"Why do I have to say something to him?" said Hiccup. "You didn't! You just past him off to me!"

"That's what the chief does! He delegates! Look. I gave you this Academy because it's the best thing for Berk. Now you have to do what's best for the Academy. And I'm sorry son. But what's best is very rarely what's easy." said Stoik. Valerie ran up to them with Toothless as they began to walk out. She grabbed Hiccup's hand. He looked at her and smiled. "Now what about him?" asked Stoik. The two turned to see Snotlout still dangling on the wall. "Leave him. He's going for a record." said Hiccup.

"Enough said." said Stoik.

"Hey you never know bud, maybe Gobber actually looked at my plans, and is making the saddles better." said Hiccup. That night it was just him and Toothless. Valerie decided to get some sleep. That was fine with Hiccup. He wanted to uh, do what was best for her. A sudden explosion caught their attention. The shockwave blew out Hiccup's torch. "Or...not." he sighed.

"Gobber?" he asked once they were at the doors. Gobber turned with a weapon at the ready. "Don't shoot!" he screamed. Gobber lowered it. "I would never shoot you Hiccup. Unless I absolutely have to." said Gobber. Hiccup laughed, but it was an awkward laugh because he didn't know if Gobber was kidding or not. "Yeah. Still. If you could, please put the cross bow down, I know, I'd feel better." he said. Gobber placed down. "You know, about the weapons. Maybe the catapults were a bit much for some of the dragons yesterday. So I've gone a different way. I've gotten rid of the two big ones-"

"Gobber that's great!"

"And replaced them with six little ones!" said Gobber. He held up- basically a spoon. Never in his life had Hiccup wished for someone to be at his side so badly. But, he wanted Valerie to have her rest. If this kept up he'd become the village softy. "Yeah. Um. Gobber we need to talk. Uh, I-I think it- might be time, for you to...take a little break."

"Incase ya hadn't noticed, the only time a Viking takes a break is to die."

"Maybe uh, 'break' is, the wrong word. What I mean is...I'm not sure things are working out." Yep. Never in his life had he wished for a girl to be at his side. Gobber stopped for a second. "Well get back to me when you're sure." he said. What? "O-okay. I'm sure." Hiccup sighed. "Gobber...I'm gonna need to take you off, the saddle project..." he said quietly. This time Gobber stopped for a longer amount of time. "Are you getting rid of me Hiccup?" he asked. "Well, I see why you had me put down the cross bow."

"It's just the saddles. We'll find something else for you!" tried Hiccup.

"I don't need your pity." said Gobber. "I've lost an arm and a leg. I think I'll survive losing a job."

"I'm really sorry Gobber." said Hiccup. He placed a hand on his shoulder, then turned, and left in silence. "Oh that was awful." said Hiccup once they were out of earshot. "I don't know what could be worse than that." but a loud angry dragon scream answered that thought.

They saw flames shoot out of the Great Hall's roof and several Vikings run away screaming. "Okay. It looks like I'm about to find out." said Hiccup. Suddenly, Snotlout came running to them. He breathed heavily. "I never...thought...I'd say this...but Hiccup!" Snotlout shook his cousin, "Heeeeeellp!" he shouted and pointed to the Hall.

Hookfang was out of control! He was randomly shooting fire and seemed to be in pain. "Everybody move away! The dragon's out of control! It's not safe here." said Stoik. The two teens plus Toothless ran up to him. "I don't know what happened! I was just rubbing his head. He usually loves that! But then suddenly he went crazy! My dragon hates me!" said Snotlout.

The dragon rubbed the left side of his head on the ground. "They do say a dragon starts to take on the characteristics of it's owner. I think that's what's happening here." said Fishlegs. Snotlout punched him. "Hey!" he said.

"Yeah I rest my case!" Fishlegs wheezed.

The dragon rubbed the same side of his head on the ground. "When was the last time he ate?" asked Hiccup. He looked at Snotlout. "Not for days." he said. Hiccup picked up a fish. "You hungry boy?" He held up the fish. Hookfang grabbed it and started munching. Then he spit it out. The fish landed in Stoik's beard. "Uh, sorry dad." said Hiccup.

"We've got to bring this dragon under control!" said Stoik.

"Don't worry I can do this." said Hiccup. He walked cautiously up to the dragon. He placed his hand on his nose, then his other just under the dragon's chin. Then he freaked out. Again. The dragon lit himself on fire. "HICCUP!" screamed Valerie, she had woken up from the ruckus. "Get out of there!" Toothless darted after the scene. "Way ahead of you!" screamed Hiccup.

Toothless got ready to attack. "Toothless! Stop!" called Hiccup. He ran up to his dragon and stopped him. "I've seen enough Hiccup. I'm sorry. We tried it your way." Hiccup sighed as Stoik went somewhere. Valerie came up to him. "Oh, Valerie. Oh um, sorry about-" Valerie interrupted him. She took his hand. "Hiccup. I'm just glad everyone's okay." she smiled, then frowned. "Mostly everyone." she looked at Hookfang. Hiccup squeezed her hand. "Hey, don't worry. H-he'll be fine. My dad went...uh, somewhere. To uh, hopefully find a solution. Uh, I hope." he said. Where did his father go? But, somehow that didn't matter as much as cheering Valerie up. She managed a small smile.

"Okay. Come on guys, hurry up think. What haven't we tried?" said Hiccup. Snotlout turned around looking anxious. "Snotlout, you have an idea?" asked Hiccup. Snotlout pointed. "Gobber." was all he said. They turned to see the man himself loaded with weapons. "Stand back. I came here to do what I do best." he said. Snotlout flinch. Valerie tried to calm him but it didn't have much effect. "H-he's gonna kill my dragon..." he said.

"No! He's not!" said Hiccup.

"Uh, yeah he is." said Tuffnut.

"You don't use that stuff to butter toast." said Ruffnut.

"Well, I mean we would. But you don't." said Tuffnut.

"Dad! You can't be serious! Hookfang is Snotlout's dragon!" said Hiccup. He ran up to his father. "I'm sorry Hiccup. But sometimes you have to fall back on the old ways." said Gobber. Hiccup looked at him. "But he's a good dragon!" said Hiccup.

"He's a good dragon!" cried Snotlout. Valerie placed an arm around his shoulders. "There's probably just something wrong with him." said Hiccup.

"There's definitely something wrong with him!" said Snotlout. He was almost in tears.

"We have to try to help him! We can't just get rid of him because he's having a bad day!" said Hiccup.

"A bad day for a dragon can be a disaster for us." said Stoik. "That's not a risk I'm willing to take...Gobber"

Gobber walked out towards Hookfang. He threw chains that wrapped around his wings and ankles. He tried to flame up, but nothing. "Ha! You're all out of fire!" said Gobber. He went up to the dragon. With a sword. Hiccup ran up and stopped him. "I can't let you do this!" he said.

"There's no choice." said Gobber. "It has to be done."

Then Hookfang lit up again. The dragon roared in their faces showing his teeth. "Do you see that?" said Gobber. Hiccup blinked. "I do." he said. Gobber put away his sword. "Time to put this beast out of it's misery." he said. He walked closer to him.

Astrid walked up behind Hiccup. "Hiccup! What are you doing?!" she said. Hiccup put up a hand to stop her. After a bit of struggling, Gobber was finally thrown off of Hookfang. Snotlout gasped. "You didn't kill him!" he said happily.

"For a toothache? What kind of lunatic are you?" said Gobber. He held up the giant tooth with a hole in it. The dragon calmed down instantly and crawled up to Snotlout and began to play with him. "Thank you Gobber! A bad tooth, I can't believe I didn't think of that." said Hiccup.

"That's because you're not Gobber! I've forgotten more about dragons than man will ever know. Well. Better go put the girls away." said Gobber.

"Gobber! Not so fast." said Hiccup. He and Valerie looked at him curiously. "I've figured out your job! You can take care of the dragon's teeth!" he said. "Who better?" Valerie smiled. Gobber thought on it. "I'll take it!" he said. He then took his things back to the armoury. Hiccup suddenly found himself in a hug. "Wha- Valerie! Uh..." he stammered. Gobber couldn't help but take one glance back at the scene. He was surprised to see how much colour appeared in Hiccup's face. Nor could he ignore the look he had in his eyes. He chuckled to himself. Then left for the armoury.

"You did it!" said Valerie. Hiccup nervously laughed. "Well, I wouldn't say that I did it. But, I helped!" he said. Valerie laughed as they parted. "Right. Well. You impressed me today Hiccup." she said. He smiled. He didn't see that one coming. "Y-y-yeah?" he said. He was nervous again. But why?

Near by, Toothless watched the scene with excitement. Come on Hiccup, you're smart, take the hint! Hiccup had this dreamlike state about him. Toothless kept wondering if he's figured it out yet. "Well. I should probably get back." said Valerie. Hiccup smiled. "Yeah, yeah. Now get some sleep! We have a big day tomorrow!" he said. He couldn't get any happier. He was going to finally help her find a dragon!

When the world around you changes, men find a way to change with it. And Gobber was one of those good men. In fact, he was one of the best.

A/N: Hmm...what does out mischievous dragon have planned for Hiccup? Find out in four chapters. He-he. I know, evil right? To cheer things up, let's play a game! I'm thinking of a word that starts with 'R'. Hm...

Now you see that box with the words 'type your review for this chapter here?' Do that. Uh...please. See? I'm being polite. Please do it. Now. How about now? Okay...now.

Now?