Chapter Four: Duel Personalities
The path to the Berk Dragon Academy ran along a sheer cliff edge. It was founded in the same Dragon Arena the Vikings used to practice dragon fighting in. This work as a place for the dragons and their riders to practice their skills, as well as serving as a symbol for the change in the way of life for the Vikings! Ameilianus looked over the Academy as he and Hiccup walked up to the entrance, while his Egyptian Mau lounging on his shoulders. The Riders had assembled in the arena as Hiccup had asked them to earlier…including a conscious Snotlout!
"Hey Hiccup! What's the hold-up?! When the heck are we going to get out there and burn some Roman-" Snotlout began while walking over to Hiccup, before stopping at seeing the guest Hiccup had, "Who's the fancy-pants?"
"That would be one of the Romans you wanted to 'burn.'" Replied Hiccup simply. Hiccup had hoped that Snotlout would have still been unconscious from his power ride back to Berk. After learning the history that the Joffersons had with Rome, the last thing Hiccup wanted to deal with was Snotlout's reaction to the alliance. Snotlout was a pain when he didn't have a reason to be angry!
Snotlout gave Ameilianus a once over, like a fighter gauging his opponent. He turned back to the Riders as if he was going to walk away…before turning and punching Ameilianus in the face! Quickly the other riders restrained Snotlout before he could go any further. Hiccup help Ameilianus get back up onto his feet…not seeing Ameilianus' cat begin to attack Snotlout!
"Aaaaah! Get it off!" shrieked Snotlout as the Egyptian Mau began to take its revenge on the person who attacked his master/favorite perch! Clawing and scratching, the Mau scrambled all over Snotlout, both staying out of reach and making sure he got to every part of Snotlout's body! The other riders stood back, both amused at the cat's revenge and hoping not to get caught in the crossfire.
"Caligula! ENOUGH!" commanded Ameilianus, having finally got onto his two feet and witnessing the spectacle. Immediately the Mau named Caligula halted his attack on Snotlout and gave him one final death glare before returning to his master's side. Petting his cat, possibly rewarding his behavior, Ameilianus looked on the riders and studied them in detail.
Ameilianus noted that Snotlout (who he mental referred to as 'Lunkhead') was already defensive about the Roman's arrival and given his relative in the Grand Hall (the both share many similar features) it was likely a family thing. His dragon, which he had walked back to after Caligula's assault abated, was a Monstrous Nightmare and given the looks the dragon was giving the rider, did not truly respect or obey him. Turning his gaze upon the twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut (whom he again mentally referred to as 'Dumb and Dumber,' through he could not figure out which was which) He noted how they enjoyed 'Lunkhead's' suffering and yet still held a vacant look in both their eyes. Their dragon was the Hideous Zippleback, obviously needing both riders to work together to control…which seemed unlikely at the best of times.
Ameilianus then turned his gaze towards Fishlegs (whom he mentally referred as 'Meatball' because of his shape) whom he saw as actually appearing quite thoughtful if somewhat shy. 'Meatball's' dragon was a Gronkle, a slow, clumsy dragon built for taking hits than dishing them out. Ameilianus also noted that 'Meatball' held a surprising affection for the beast, though he would never call it that in this company. Ameilianus again turned his gaze upon the vision of beauty known to Berk as Astrid (though he mentally referred to her as 'Valkyrie' for what else could she be but a warrior goddess(1))! She had a warrior's steely gaze and impeccable beauty accented the muscles she formed from training. Her dragon was the Deadly Nadder, a beautiful but deadly dragon which complemented her perfectly!
Finally, Ameilianus returned his gaze to Hiccup (who although he knew his real name, still mentally referred to him as 'Surprise.') Truthfully, when he first laid eyes of Hiccup, it seemed unbelievable that this was the Viking who had started the training of dragons! Ameilianus, before arriving at Berk, had always visualized Hiccup (he only knew him as 'The Dragon Conqueror' at that time) as a typical big, strong, Viking capable of wrestling dragons to the ground! When he actually was introduced to Hiccup by Stoick…he felt somewhat disappointed. At least until he began talking to Hiccup on the way up to the Dragon Academy!
Hiccup was, to put it quite simply, a genius amongst these…simple folk! They both discussed many topics, including many of the devices that Hiccup had invented himself! With a mind like his, it was no wonder that Hiccup was the talk of the Archipelago! And it didn't stop there…Hiccup had the heart of a warrior and the mind of a general! If he had the nerve…Hiccup could rule the Barbaric Archipelago and so much more! Seeing that Hiccup was done explaining Ameilianus' presences to the other riders (to the distaste of Snotlout), Ameilianus decided speak with the riders.
"Thank you for informative explanation, but I believe I can take it from here." said Ameilianus, politely motioning Hiccup to allow him to speak. Hiccup stepped back, while Ameilianus prepped himself and then said, "I would like to say hello to the esteemed riders and defenders of Berk! You, who have worked long and hard to improve yourselves and your skills with your dragons! I have long researched all I could of the famed dragon riders and I hope to learn more about you as I help you repel the upcoming attack! The only way this moment could be more perfect is if I could have witness the famed Night Fury your leader Hiccup rides…"
"Oh Toothless is just resting at my house! Let me go get him!" exclaimed Hiccup before rushing to his home to get Toothless. This left Ameilianus alone with the other riders. An awkward silence fell over the group as Ameilianus was not prepared for Hiccup's sudden departure and the riders did not know what to talk about. It soon fell to Fishlegs to break the silences.
"Okay, so…um…welcome to the Berk Dragon Training Academy! Um, I'm sure Hiccup told you a little about this place, like that it used to be used for…killing…dragons…" Fishlegs ended the conversation awkwardly and then trailed off. Silence soon reigned once more before the Twins decided to get in on the action.
"So…your pet certainly knows how to kick butt!" exclaimed Tuffnut, remembering how Ameilianus' pet cat Caligula had attacked Snotlout. Snotlout gave a death glare from across the room, not wanting to be reminded of his humiliating encounter with the vicious feline. This caused Astrid to giggle, which she quickly covered up by clearing her throat.
"Ah yes, my good friend Caligula can be a little overprotective at times!" jokingly affirmed Ameilianus.
"So…is he named after someone?" asked Astrid, wondering what hidden meaning Caligula's name might have. Most names Vikings gave their dragons could easily be explained, like how Stoick's dragon Thornado was the combination of the god Thor and a tornado.
"Funnily enough, Caligula's name is truthfully more of a nickname!(2)" explained Ameilianus, "You see, I found little Caligula as a kitten sleeping in an old pair of caligae. That was a type of hob-nailed boots members of the Roman Legion used to wear. From that day forth, he back my 'little soldier's boots!'"
The riders began to laugh at the adorable source for the cat's name. Even Snotlout joined in, mostly because his new nemesis was humiliated by the story. No seriously, Ameilianus' cat was giving his owner a death-glare for daring to reveal the embarrassing background for his name. He was a kitten looking for somewhere warm to sleep; how was he to know there was already an embarrassing nickname waiting for him!
It was during this laughter that a crooning roar was heard from the skies above the Arena. Everyone stopped laughing and listened in. The roar was heard again and all the riders calmed down, leaving Ameilianus to ask, "What in Hades is that?!"
"That would be Hiccup and his dragon wanting us to go outside and see their performance." said Astrid, with a weary relief that told this happened fairly often. Hiccup was rarely the type to show but when it came to riding Toothless…well, everybody had an exception. The riders rushed out with their dragons, leaving Ameilianus and Caligula somewhat stunned before they themselves rushed out.
The riders and dragons had already formed a row outside the entrance, forcing Ameilianus to push through. Once through he looked around…and then looked up to the spectacle. It was truly amazing! Hiccup and Toothless were performing what could only be described aerial acrobatics; they performed breakneck turns and aerial loops and used his plasma shots to create their own fireworks display! Just then Toothless preformed a sharp dive to the impromptu audience and just when he was about to crash…
Toothless unfurled his wings, causing both dragon and rider to stop and land on a dime! While the riders and their dragons had flinched out of the way, Ameilianus and Caligula stood in front of them gob smacked! Really their mouths were just hanging open and eyes wide to the magnificent performance! Hiccup got off of Toothless and explained, "Sorry about the flashy entrance! Toothless here," patting his dragon, "wanted to show off for the visitors! Now then, I believe we were…talking….about…"
Hiccup petered out of the conversation when he realized Ameilianus was not paying attention to him at all! Ameilianus wore the same awed expression as he slowly advance towards Toothless, drinking in the details of this magnificent dragon! Every scale, every talon, every tooth, and those eyes brought a sense of wonder into Ameilianus! Even the prosthetic tail with Berk's symbol on it only serve to show you that the dragon was really real, standing there, right in front of him!(3)
"You…are…so…beautiful!" slowly exclaimed Ameilianus, slowly rubbing his hands over Toothless. Toothless was grateful for the attention, even if he was more used to Hiccup petting him. Hiccup, on the other hand, looked somewhat disturbed by the amount of what could only be called worship Ameilianus was putting into Toothless. Maybe that like stunt show was a little too much! thought Hiccup.
"Wow, looks like Toothless has got himself a new admirer!" exclaimed Astrid jokingly, seeing how uncomfortable Hiccup was. Truth be told, wonder was a common reaction when dealing with a Night Fury. It was a complete unknown until Hiccup began taming it; no one had even seen one before! Still, Ameilianus seems to having taken his appreciation to a rather…weird direction.
"Ah, it's understandable. Why when I first saw Toothless, I wrote down every detail I could in my journal! He truly is an amazing dragon." said Fishlegs in a longing tone, before turning to see a jealous expression on Meatlug's face, "Until I met you girl! There is no other dragon I would rather ride with than you!" As Fishlegs said this he rubbed Meat lug affectionately (much like how a boyfriend smother affection on his girlfriend to keep out of doghouse)!
"Should we leave the happy couple alone?" asked Ruffnut mockingly, while she and her brother laugh mockingly. Thinking she was speaking of him, Ameilianus instantly stood up and cleared his throat, somewhat embarrassed by his actions.
"My apologies, Hiccup. It's just…I have never seen a dragon quite like Toothless before!" stated Ameilianus honestly.
"Wait so you have seen other dragons?" asked Hiccup hopingly. Despite knowing that there had to be other dragons out there, to hear from someone who had done an extensive amount of traveling was something else entirely.
"Of course! I have not only seen the many of the dragons of Archipelago, I have seen and recorded what is known about the dragons of Britannia and the Emerald Isle! I have even heard of many new types of dragon who live only on the Mainland!" explained Ameilianus, in the way a story teller introduces a story, "You and I could perhaps talk more of this later though. I still need to explain to your friends about the Greek fire!"
"Wait, Greek fire!" exclaimed Astrid, having heard of the legendary substance but not knowing what relevance it had to the Roman's arrival.
"Yeah, Ameilianus' ship is carrying about ten barrels of it, plus according to him the dragons can help make more." explained Hiccup briefly.
"Oh really…how so?" asked Snotlout in a suspicious tone. He knew Hiccup loved the dragons more than anything and if Greek fire required dragons to die…well then they could kick the Roman out! And it looked like they might be able to, given how Ameilianus was nervously shuffling.
"Well…one of key ingredients to making Greek fire is….crushed dragon poop." Ameilianus whispered the last part embarrassed by the secret ingredient. It was so low that no one could hear it.
"I'm sorry…what?" asked Tuffnut, not being able to hear Ameilianus' answer.
"Crushed dragon poop." Said Ameilianus a little louder though still low enough that not everyone heard it.
"I sorry but did you say…?" asked Fishlegs thinking he heard it because he was closer but not quite sure.
"CRUSHED DRAGON POOP, ALRIGHT?!" exclaimed Ameilianus, obviously uncomfortable with the subject. He took a few deep breaths before continuing, "I am sure you have noticed how your dragons'…excrement…have a consistency of a rock. Well, when crushed into a fine powered and mixed in with the other ingredients, it allows the Greek fire to only ignite in water. Otherwise, the substance just explodes when exposed to air!"
"Cool!" said the twins simultaneously, no doubt imagining the explosive force of the unfinished Greek fire. They had to remember to swipe some of the unfinished product themselves!
"So, now that we know what Ameilianus needs, everyone will have to gather their dragons'…dropping…so that we can make enough Greek fire for the attack. Until then, you all can talk to Ameilianus and his crew about some general tips involving our dragons. Who knows…they might be able to teach us something we don't know about dragons!" said Hiccup somewhat jokingly, though already planning to talk to Ameilianus about what he knew about dragons, "Okay that's enough today. We'll meet back here tomorrow after breakfast to discuss the full defense strategy."
With that, the riders and their dragons began to make their way home…except Snotlout. "Hiccup could I talk to you outside for a moment?" asked Snotlout, looking upset at the turn of events. As he and Hiccup, along with their dragons, left the Arena, the only ones left in there were Ameilianus and his pet cat Caligula…along with a Terrible Terror. Spotting the tiny dragon, Caligula held a predatory look, but did not move until his owner nodded his head!
Stealthily and silently Caligula stalked his prey! The Terrible Terror was completely unaware of the danger, having had no natural enemies on the island! As Caligula crept closer, the tiny dragon was transfixed by a particularly interesting dust mote! The shadows on the wall showed how Caligula reached with an evil smile on his face… What is heard next is the cat and the dragon struggling until the dragon gives his final breath! The scene fades to black on Ameilianus' face, sporting an evil grin!
Disclaimer: I don't own DreamWorks Dragons franchise or the book series it is based off of. Truthfully, I hate saying that as I love the series so! Oh I should mention I did some revisions of the last two chapters! Apparently, I was misspelling Snotlout and his family's last name! Don't be afraid to point out my spelling mistakes! I really appreciate it! Anyway, please read and review!
1 Truthfully the Valkyrie were simply spirits who collected the honored dead in Valhalla. Ameilianus is working off of incomplete information about the Vikings
2 Truth be told, Caligula did start out as a nickname! His real name was Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. He earned the nickname for when he accompanied his father's troops during their campaigns in Germania because his mother dressed him up in Legionnaire uniform to associate with the troops. The nickname stuck with him his whole life!
3 In case any of you didn't guess, Toothless is my favorite of all the dragons in the series! The animators did an amazing job with this dragon and I just can't take my eyes off him when he's on screen! I truly hope I managed to write him out correctly!