Chapter 18:

Some bonding and other stuff that might be important.

"So, I heard your birthday's coming up."

Hic had left for the forest with Unn that morning, and the two of them had stopped to rest underneath a tall tree. Hic gave a slight nod at what Unn said. "Are you going to be doing anything special?" Unn asked. Hic shook his head. "My parents know that I don't like being around a lot of people," he said, "Especially people I don't know." "So, I'm guessing you won't be having a big party or anything," Unn said, trying to hide her disappointment. Hic noticed her tone of disappointment and realized that Unn really liked being around big groups of people. He wasn't surprised, since she was almost always in the mood for a game or two. Unlike him, as he normally liked hanging out with his dragon friends.

Unn sat down on the opposite side of the tree. "Y'know, you don't really talk much," she said, "Not that I mind, but are you afraid of talking to people?" Hic thought for a minute before replying, "No." Unn shrugged. "Then why don't you talk much?" she asked. Hic sighed. "I don't know," he muttered. Realizing that she might be putting pressure on him, Unn decided not to question Hic any further. Taking note of her silence, Hic thought for a minute before he continued. "I guess I'm not really much of a people person, if you know what I mean." Unn didn't say anything, she only nodded. Hic checked to see if she was still there before continuing. "I've been more connected to dragons than people, and I often get nervous when I'm around someone I don't know. I've tried to be the best I could, but I can't. I admit it, when I first met you, I was terrified. But you were so nice to me...No one's ever tried to talk to me before, and...somehow...I appreciate that."

Unn felt the urge to turn around and hug him. No one had ever said anything like that to her before. Usually, people would complain about her talking too much. But Hic, he appreciated her talking to him. He had spent most of his time alone, and as much as he seemed to enjoy it, he did feel lonely, since the dragons couldn't talk back to him. Unn smiled at the thought of them being friends. She always did like being around people, especially those her own age. She turned to the sound of footsteps to see Draco heading towards their tree. "It's dinnertime," the older boy said, nodding to both of them. Hic sighed. "We'll be right there," he said. Draco nodded before turning to leave. Hic and Unn both stood up and started to follow Draco. But Hic failed to see the tree root sticking up from the ground before it was too late. He gave out a yell as he tripped, his left ankle twisting as he fell to the ground.

Unn heard her friend yell, and turned to see Hic lying on the ground, clutching his ankle, his face twisted in pain. "Are you okay?" she asked, worried. "I don't know," Hic said as he tried to stand up. He winced as he put pressure on his ankle and lowered himself to the ground. "Is everything okay?" "No," Unn shouted back, "Hic hurt his foot and can't walk!" Draco's expression went from concerned to panic. "I'll go get Mom and Dad!" he shouted before he ran off in the direction of the village.

Unn went back for Hic, who was nearly crippling. She kneeled down and gently hugged him. Hic barely noticed her. He was too busy trying to ignore the pain. His eyes were filling with tears. Unn didn't like to see people crying. "It's okay, you'll be alright." Hic shook his head. "You don't understand," he started to say. "I know it hurts," Unn said, cutting him off, "But Draco's going to get your parents. You'll be okay." Hic shook his head. "My dad...he said...he went to fight Mortem's mother when they took Toothless...they managed to defeat her, but he...he...he lost his leg!"

Unn froze, wide-eyed at what Hic revealed to her. Hic started sobbing. "I never heard how Hiccup lost his leg," Unn confessed, "But why does that scare you?" "It was his left leg," Hic said, gripping his wounded ankle, "And he didn't say how he lost it." "So you're afraid that you'll lose one too," Unn said. Hic nodded. Unn turned her gaze to the ground. "I sometimes get irrationally scared of things too," she confessed. Hic looked at her, a little less upset than he was earlier. "What of?" he asked. "Sometimes, when my parents leave me at home," Unn replied, "I worry that they won't come back." "But why?" Hic asked. Unn shrugged. "I don't really know. But when they come back, I know everything's going to be okay." Hic gave his friend a small smile. "Thanks, Unn." He reached up to wipe his tears. Unn hesitated before gently hugging him.

Hic was surprised in the least. He hadn't expected that. But he eventually got over his shock and hugged her back. It made him feel warm inside, and his fear and pain were swept away like a leaf in a twister. Unn smiled when she felt Hic hug her. He needed the comfort.

Hic woke up in his room, in his bed. His first thought was that it had all been a dream, but when he sat up, he felt his ankle burn with pain. He pulled the blanket off of himself to see his foot wrapped in bandages. He soon realized that he had somehow fallen asleep while Unn hugged him. His parents must have taken him to the healer's while he was asleep, so his ankle would be treated. He heard talking in the hallway, and quietly climbed out of bed to listen in on what was going on.

"Have you noticed that Camicazi isn't acting like herself lately?"

Hic recognized that voice as his father's. And there was little doubt he was talking to Astrid.

"Our son just tripped and hurt his ankle, and you're worried about Camicazi?"

Yep. Definitely Astrid.

"Think about it. She hasn't been herself since you guys got her the axe-throwing target."

Hic knew that voice belonged to Heather.

"Just because you help us take care of them doesn't mean you have to direct our attention to just one of them," Astrid said. Hic could tell from the tone of her voice how annoyed she was. "Heather's actually got a point," Hiccup said. "Who's side are you on?" Astrid asked, clearly more annoyed than before. "I'm not on anyone's side," Hiccup said, "I'm just saying that Heather might be on to something."

Hic did not know why Camicazi was acting more violent and tough either, but he was hoping there was something he could do to help.

Hiccup sighed. "Maybe I should talk to my mom," he said. "She doesn't know everything about our children," Astrid said, now much calmer than before. "But maybe she can help us," Hiccup said, "We have to try." "He's right," Heather said, "This could be our only chance. If Camicazi won't tell us why she's acting this way, then we need to find out for ourselves."

Hic decided that he had heard enough, and quietly went back to bed.

Camicazi had also been listening in on the conversation. She was fully aware of the way she had been acting, but even she did not know why she was being so tough and violent around other people. She loved the gift, she really did. But she seemed to be putting her training before her own family. She had yelled at her brothers, for Thor's sake!

If acting like my normal self again means that I lose my axe, Camicazi thought to herself, Then that's a risk I have to take.

She was going to improve her attitude.

No matter what.

It's not my best, but I'm kinda low on ideas. The next update might take longer, but hopefully it'll be better. I'm leaving up to all of you as to what I should have happen next, so leave me a review stating your suggestion.