It is an incredibly gloomy day on Berk. Heavy grey clouds stretch across the sky, carrying with them the foreboding promise of rain. Though it means that Hiccup likely won't be flying with Toothless today, he finds he doesn't mind all that much. They will be back in the air together when the weather is clear, of that the young Viking has no doubt.
In addition to not letting the weather affect his mood, Hiccup is not feeling the same sense of dread he usually does as he approached the training arena. Nervousness still buzzes beneath his skin, but it is accompanied by a sense of excitement. While he isn't sure what craziness Gobber will have instore for them today, he is hoping for the chance to meet the Gronckle. Things had gone well with the Terrible Terror, Deadly Nadder, and Hideous Zippleback. With luck, he'll manage to be friendly with the Gronckle as well.
In keeping up with their agreement, Hiccup already had breakfast with Gobber earlier that morning before the blacksmith left to set up the arena for training that day. Then Hiccup replaced the broken leather cord on his flight harness. It feels odd not to visit the cove first thing in the morning, but Gobber wants to get an early start before the rain came in, so there wasn't enough time. Toothless will be alright waiting until training is over.
Upon entering the arena, Hiccup sees wooden barriers scattered around the arena. They are nothing as big as the walls of the maze had been, but tall enough that they can be used for cover. Near the entrance is a rack of weapons and shields for the teens to choose from. Everyone else is already armed and present, so Hiccup approaches the weapons rack himself. He grabs a random shield before his eyes scan over the weapons. With the weight of the shield, he doesn't want to lug around anything heavy. And maybe it is his wishful thinking getting the better of him, but he is hoping not to need a weapon against whatever dragon they are facing. Keeping those things in mind, he grabs a small dagger before joining the rest of the teens.
Gobber eyes the dagger warily for a moment, like he is getting ready to suggest Hiccup grab something different, before thinking better of it.
"Today is going to be similar to day one," Gobber says, addressing the whole class. "When it came to fightin' the Nadder and the Zippleback, there were strategies for ya to use. But Gronckles are tough, and there's really no special tricks for fightin' 'em. You just have to face 'em head on."
The blacksmith exits the arena so he can keep an eye on everything from above. It makes Hiccup question his teaching methods. If something bad were to happen to any of them, Gobber is too far away to really be able to help.
Fishlegs swallows audibly, nervous as he processes Gobber's words. Battle strategies wrapped in dragon knowledge are much more up Fishlegs' alley. Face them head on? That advice is about as useful to the heavyset Viking teen as a warm fire on a hot summer's day.
The other teens aren't as concerned. Snotlout and Astrid furrow their brows in determination and shift their weight to the balls of their feet, preparing for the fight ahead. Ruff and Tuff shuffle from one foot to the other, brimming with too much excitement to stand still.
Sweat begins to coat the palms of Hiccup's hands as nervousness begins to creep up on him. The walls of the maze and the dense green fog had provided some cover for Hiccup to speak with the Nadder and the Zippleback. The wooden barriers that are up today won't provide the same sort of cover. How in Midgard is he supposed to befriend the Gronckle with everyone watching?
As Gobber reaches for the lever to release the dragon, the teens take cover behind the wooden barriers. The mechanism keeping the dragon contained slides out of place and the creature bursts through the doors immediately. Small wings give it the ability to fly just above the ground. Not expecting the dragon to come out flying, Fishlegs screams and ducks further behind one of the barriers. Hearing the fearful yell, the dragon lets off a shot in his direction. The lava blast explodes against the wooden barrier, blowing a chunk of it off and leaving the edge smoldering. Fishlegs ducks down even further, lies against the stone ground, and covers his head.
The Gronckle turns its attention to the twins next. When the dragon was released, Tuffnut realized his shield is decorated with images of flowers and decided to trade with Ruffnut. Of course, she doesn't agree with the exchange. A tug-of-war match breaks out over the shield, neither of them willing to back down. With all of their attention focused on bickering, they don't notice that they are now on the receiving end of the Gronckle's focus. It shoots off another blast in their direction, knocking the shield out of their hands.
Shouting can be heard from above as Gobber yells at the two of them. "Quit fightin' each other and fight the dragon!"
When the twins dive behind one of the wooden barriers for cover, the Gronckle spews another lava blast in their direction. Using the momentary distraction to his advantage, Snotlout decides (rather stupidly) to try and show off. He flings his hammer at the dragon and misses by a yaks-length. The weapon smashes against the rack of shields, knocking one to the ground. In retaliation, the Gronckle fires once at Snotlout, who luckily is able to block the blast with his shield. The next shot is aimed directly at the shield rack, since the falling shield clattered loudly against the ground, drawing the dragon's attention. Five more shields drop to the ground, one of which rolls across the ground before coming to a stop at Hiccup's feet.
The Gronckle's steely glare locks onto him and he has only a small moment to decide his next move. Running is not an option – Hiccup is pretty fast, but not as fast as a flying dragon. Hiding is also not in the cards. Before the shield rolled his direction, Hiccup had been planning on taking cover behind the weapons rack since it is larger and would provide more coverage than the wooden barriers. But when the shield comes to rest at his feet, he is only halfway to the weapons rack, meaning he is completely out in the open when the dragon's gaze falls on him.
As the dragon begins to charge in his direction, Hiccup settles on his last option. Dropping both the dagger and shield, he braces himself for the impact. The dragon's large nose strikes him square in the chest. Thankfully, since the arena isn't a very large space, it as forceful of a hit as it could have been. He'll have some bruises later, but nothing more serious than that.
The dragon keeps going until it has Hiccup pinned against the wall next to the weapons rack, the wooden structure blocking him for the sight of Gobber and the other teens. The impact knocks the wind out of him and leaves an ache that means he'll have bruises on his back to match the ones he'll be getting on his chest. He lets out a pained groan and the Gronckle snorts in response. Then, her previously narrowed eyes grow large and her pupils expand.
A big grin stretches across Hiccup's face. As he left the house that morning, he'd decided to put some of that special grass they'd found yesterday in his vest pocket. It seemed that the grass, which Hiccup has decided to call Dragon Nip, is working its magic on the Gronckle just as it had on Toothless.
Reaching into his vest pocket, Hiccup manages to pull out a handful of the grass and rub it against the Gronckle's nose. Her wings stop beating and she slumps to the ground with her tongue hanging out of her mouth. To ensure she stays down, he places the handful of grass in her open mouth.
No longer pinned to the wall, Hiccup steps towards the center of the arena and back into the sight of the others. With mouths hanging open or brows furrowed, everyone's facial expressions are a mix of shock and confusion. Once again, Hiccup has come head-to-head with a dragon and has come out unscathed.
A look crosses Gobber's face, one that says he has questions. Eager to get away from both the stares of the other teens and from his mentor's questioning gaze, Hiccup flees the arena before anyone can stop him. He is headed in the direction of the woods when he hears a shout behind him.
"Hiccup, wait!" Fishlegs yells, panting as he struggles to catch up. For a moment, Hiccup considers speeding up – if he can make it to the cover of trees, Fishlegs will stop following him. But Hiccup knows what it feels like to be ignored, knows the hollow ache that takes home in your chest when you know someone hears you but chooses to keep walking. So even though Hiccup isn't sure how this interaction will play out, he stops.
"Yes Fishlegs?" Hiccup asks hesitantly.
"What – was – that back there?" He huffs out between heaving breaths.
"I'm, uh – I'm not quite sure what you mean Fishlegs," Hiccup stutters, pointedly refusing to meet Fishlegs' gaze.
"You – you know what I mean Hiccup." Fishlegs takes a final deep breath and straightens up. "I mean what happened between you and the Gronckle."
"Oh, that! Yeah, I guess I'm pretty lucky, especially after what happened with the Zippleback." Hiccup tugs at one of his sleeves and a nervous chuckle escapes his lips.
Fishlegs frowns and puts his hands on his hips. "Hiccup, you can't play dumb with me. While I was fearing for my life, you subdued that dragon with some kind of special grass. I could see it from where I was hiding!"
Hiccup swallows thickly, at a loss for words. He can't very well deny what Fishlegs has seen with his own two eyes. But what can he tell him? No one can know about Toothless. He can't risk any harm coming to his best friend.
Fishlegs must see the conflict on his face, because he sighs. "Look Hiccup, after what happened with the Gronckle today, I know your 'luck' in dragon training has been more than that. You used to be just as afraid of the dragons as I was, and now you're facing them alone and you come out unharmed? I saw you leaving the village early in the morning a few days ago. Does this have something to do with that?"
Hiccup looks up at the grey sky for a moment, observing the rain-heavy clouds that are due to burst any moment. This is the moment of truth. He can lie to Fishlegs completely… or tell him something that is partially true, but won't put Toothless in harm's way. When he looks back to Fishlegs and sees the desperation in his eyes, it is an easy decision.
"The truth is… I've been studying dragons in my free time. Observing them, seeing what they do when Vikings aren't around to threaten them. I'm learning a lot, and I'm learning that violence isn't our only option."
"Hiccup, that's –" strange? ridiculous? completely un-viking-like? "amazing!"
"Huh?" Hiccup asks dumbly as he watches a grin stretch across Fishlegs' face.
"Current methods of survival rely heavily on things like muscle mass, coordination, and weapon accuracy. Since you're lacking in all those areas, you let your thirst for knowledge guide you to seek out nontraditional methods. It's ingenious!"
"Uh, thanks?"
Fishlegs begins fiddling with his fingers and suddenly has a difficult time meeting Hiccup's gaze. "Do you think maybe I – I mean, could I come with you?"
"Oh, uh… I don't know Fishlegs." Hiccup rubs the back of his neck. "It might throw me off having someone else there…"
"Please? It's just – you and I have similar issues when it comes to fighting. My real strength lies in knowledge. I've read the Dragon Manual like seven times now, but it's all information relating to battle tactics and that doesn't help me any. But I've seen what you can do in the arena Hiccup! Both you and the dragon come out unharmed. I want to learn how to do that, too."
Another crossroads. If Hiccup says no, Fishlegs will drop it. He'll be disappointed, maybe a little mopey, but he won't ask again. On the other hand, if Hiccup says yes, there is no telling where they will end up. Still prioritizing Toothless' safety, Hiccup sighs heavily.
"I'll think about it, and I'll let you know after training tomorrow. Deal?"
Fishlegs nods eagerly and Hiccup disappears into the tree line.
By the time Hiccup makes it to the cove, the rain has begun to fall, grounding both dragon and rider. Instead of taking to the skies, the pair finds a place in the cove to huddle together and stay dry.
Once sheltered from the rain, Toothless begins to nose at his human, making sure he hasn't shown up with any new injuries. Hiccup didn't protest, and instead let his friend look after him. The Night Fury can smell the Gronckle all over the Viking's fur vest, and begins to prod at him earnestly. When he bumps Hiccup's ribs, the boy lets out a low hiss.
Toothless narrows his eyes and growls in displeasure. He doesn't like Hiccup going to training where he can't protect the boy from dangerous dragons.
Hiccup places a placating hand on the dragon's nose. "I'm alright, bud. Just a few bruises – nothing I can't handle. And I was able to befriend the Gronckle in the process, so I count that as a victory in my book!"
Toothless rolls his eyes – an action he's learned from his human – and settles in next to his rider. He would prefer the boy come to their visits unharmed, but with Hiccup's lack of self-preservation skills, there is nothing he can do about it.
Hiccup begins to run his hand over the smooth scales on the top of Toothless' head. The action soothes the human almost as much as it does the dragon.
"To tell you the truth bud," Hiccup begins, "I'm less worried about the dragons than I am the Vikings."
Toothless jerks his head up, worried for a moment that Hiccup is hiding another injury, but Hiccup is quick to reassure him.
"No one hurt me, but I had a conversation with Fishlegs. He's a bit like me. Well, he doesn't look like me, but we're both different from other Vikings. Though Fishlegs might have a proper Viking stature, he isn't a fighter. He prefers using brains over brawn. Honestly, I think if hanging out with me wouldn't have put a target on his back, we might have been good friends.
"The point is – Fishlegs saw me use Dragon Nip on the Gronckle today in training. I told him I was studying dragons in my free time and now he wants in. And I just don't know what to do. I wouldn't tell him about you, of course. I wouldn't risk that. But I have an opportunity here that I think I would be stupid to pass up."
Toothless tilts his head in question, encouraging Hiccup to keep speaking.
Hiccup sighs. "Since I've gotten to know you, I've realized something. The stories and everything in the Book of Dragons – it's all biased to portray you guys as vicious killers. Everyone in Berk, everything they know about dragons is wrong. I want to change that; I want them to know how amazing dragons can be if you just give them a chance. The people of Berk think it's their purpose in life to kill dragons, but I think this is my purpose – showing them the truth about dragons and maybe… maybe even ending this war."
Toothless gazes up at Hiccup with bright, hopeful eyes, and Hiccup offers him a gentle smile in return. He turns his head to watch the rainfall in the cove. Raindrops fall into the pond, each one creating its own ripples that have the entire surface of the pond trembling.
Hiccup lets out a laugh, the sound heavy with disbelief. "It sounds crazy to say it out loud. That my purpose – a hiccup's purpose – could be to end the war. But I have to try." He looks back to Toothless, who is now resting his head in Hiccup's lap. "Bud, you're my best friend. I owe it to you, and to our friendship, to at least try to make the world a place where I don't have to keep you a secret anymore. And I think trusting Fishlegs might be the first step. What do you say bud?"
As much as Hiccup wants to do this, he won't proceed without Toothless on board with the plan. When Toothless picks his head up and gives Hiccup a big slobbery lick on the cheek, the boy knows he's got his best friend's approval. Hiccup groans as he wipes the slobber off, but it is all in jest – the smile stays firmly planted on his face.
"Alright then. I guess I'll tell him the news tomorrow. In the meantime, I think I have an idea for what we can work on since we can't go flying today."
The boy pulls the journal and charcoal out of his vest pocket and begins to work. This isn't going to be his final copy, but it will be the beginning of his own Book of Dragons. The knowledge he's collected so far makes for a pretty good start: Toothless' dislike of eel, Dragon Nip, Toothless' retractable teeth, and the pressure point. He even starts sketching a terrible terror that looked playful and mischievous – a much truer likeness that the one in the current Book of Dragons.
Eventually the rain begins to let up, enough the Hiccup decides it is probably time to head home. After giving Toothless a big hug, Hiccup heads home, feeling exhausted after the long day.
When Hiccup arrives at his house, he is more than ready to fall into bed and not open his eyes until the sun is well over the horizon the next morning. He is definitely not expecting to see Astrid sitting at his kitchen table, arms crossed over her chest, axe leaning menacingly up against the side of her chair.
He jumps in surprise and lets out an undignified yelp. "H-hey Astrid. What – uh, what are you doing here?"
"Well, I just thought I'd check in, considering I got stood up at lunch."
A knot forms in the pit of Hiccup's stomach and his face falls. "Oh gods Astrid, I'm sorry. I- I really didn't mean to." The boy nervously twists his hands in the hem of his tunic and begins to ramble. "I never would have done it on purpose. Honestly, I just forgot. I had something else I was worrying about – not that that's any excuse! But I just thought –"
Astrid rises from the chair and Hiccup can't contain his small flinch. Dropping his chin and pulling his arms in, it is clear what Hiccup is expecting. Frowning, Astrid consciously tries to appear as not-threatening as possible by leaving her arms relaxed at her sides and her face neutral.
"I'm not actually mad Hiccup. I really just wanted to come check on you. I figured since you didn't meet me for lunch that you probably haven't eaten, so I brought you some food." She gestures to the table behind her where, sure enough, there is a plate waiting for him. "I saw you after training, talking to Fishlegs at the edge of the woods. You looked pretty stressed when you took off, so I figured I would let you go. Since I knew you'd headed into the woods, I didn't stick around and wait for you or anything. Really, it wasn't a super big deal."
Hiccup nods, letting the tension leave his body once it is clear that Astrid isn't angry with him. "I'm still really sorry, and I appreciate the food. You were right – I definitely forgot about eating today. But I promise I won't forget tomorrow! I'll be there right on time!"
Astrid shakes her head. "I'm not concerned about that Hiccup. I know you'd never stand me up on purpose. I'm more concerned about why you thought I was going to hit you just now."
Hiccup frowns, but doesn't get a chance to speak before Astrid cuts him off. "Don't deny it. You flinched when I stood up, like you were prepared for me to physically strike you."
Hiccup doesn't deny it, but guilty tension trickles into his shoulders, causing them to creep up by his ears.
Astrid sighs, but lets the silence linger for a moment longer as she tries to find the right words to say. Growing up as a Viking is difficult for anyone, but it was rougher on Hiccup than most. He is different, and most don't take kindly to that. Snotlout and the Twins have been known to push him around, but no one ever does anything about it. In fact, most of the adults in the village secretly think getting roughed up might do him some good. And his father? Stoick isn't known for being affectionate. After a dragon raid, it's normal for him to roughly grab Hiccup by the shoulders and give him a good shove in the direction of their house. When Stoick is angry, he slams doors in his displeasure. Though she doesn't believe Stoick has ever struck his son, she can't be certain. And regardless, the kind of anger he carries around would be more than enough to make Hiccup flinch out of his way.
Astrid drops her shoulders and takes a small step towards the boy in front of her. "Hiccup, I'm sorry for all of the times I never stood up for you before, but I need you to know that I will never hit you. And I'm done standing by when others do. You don't deserve it."
Hiccup keeps his head low, and for a moment she is worried that her words haven't had any affect. But then she hears a small sniffle, and Hiccup raises a fist to rub at his eyes. "I'm sorry," he says, still drying his tears. "Vikings aren't supposed to cry and here I am blubbering like a baby."
Unable to just stand there and watch him cry, Astrid takes a deep breath and pulls Hiccup in for a hug. It is tense on both sides at first. Hiccup had not been expecting the sudden show of affection. Truthfully, Astrid hadn't either. She isn't one for consoling others, and physical displays of affection are something she is unaccustomed to as a Viking. But Hiccup is different, and she feels like a hug is just what he needs. After a moment, both parties relax, and Hiccup even allows himself to return the embrace.
"Don't apologize for who you are Hiccup," Astrid whispers into his shoulder. "So, you're more sensitive than the average Viking. Maybe that's a good thing. I can think of plenty of Berkians who could benefit by taking a page out of your book."
"Thank you, Astrid." Hiccup says before drawing himself out of the embrace.
Suddenly feeling rather flustered, Astrid turns and grabs her axe before swinging it up to rest on her shoulder. "You can thank me by eating all of the food I brought so you don't keel over in dragon training tomorrow."
Hiccup laughs. "Will do. See you tomorrow."
"See you then." And then she is gone, leaving Hiccup to eat his food alone and wonder how Astrid Hofferson has become the only person in the village he is really starting to feel comfortable around.