Before this chapter begins, I want to apologize for the confusion. I made a significant mistake in the last chapter. So, I went back and edited it out. And when I did that, I thought I accidentally edited other chapters. Again, I apologize for any confusion. Now, further ado, I present to you all chapter 11 of Finding What You Are Not Looking For.
"Because not only dragon's lives are at stake with the outcome of this war, but humans as well. Drago, if he is allowed to win this war? He wouldn't just stop after we've failed. Sooner or later, Drago would've made his way to Berk. What would you all do if Drago showed up with an army of dragons and humans to fight? It's better to take out Drago before he becomes even more powerful than he is now."
"Ya makes a great point," Gobber replied. Everything that Gobber knows about Drago: it would not surprise him that Drago would not stop. Drago will not stop until he has control of everyone who fears him.
"Gobber! Whose side are ya on?!" Stoick shouted at Gobber. Stoick did not appreciate Gobber's response.
"I ain't on the beastie's side. But Stoick, he does make a good argument."
"Drago will never stop until he rules over everyone. Drago wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone who dared to define him. It wouldn't take long before he finds out Valka and Hiccup came from Berk. Don't you think that Drago would attack Berk? All because Valka and Hiccup dared to stand against him," the white dragon added.
That did make sense to Stoick. Drago is a demonic man who would try to rule the world with an iron fist. But still, Stoick does not want his wife and son fighting with Drago. Even after betraying everyone in Berk. "That doesn't mean Valka and Hiccup have to risk their lives against that vicious man."
The alpha dragon sighs. The Bewilderbeast knows that deep down, Stoick cared for his family despite them being dragon sympathizers. It had to be tough to learn that your mate and son were about to enter a war in which you did not agree. But it was too late for Hiccup and Valka to turn back now. Even if Hiccup and Valka turned away from fighting Drago? It would only lead to Drago being more hyper-fixated on finding out where the dragon riders are hiding.
No doubt those actions would have horrifying consequences. Especially those who are close to Hiccup and Valka would pay the price. It was simply better to find a way for everyone to compromise. Rather than fighting each other while Drago watches from the sidelines, waiting to pick them apart like a vulture.
The alpha knows that it is hard for the Berkians to trust them, especially after fighting dragons for three centuries and having to rely upon dragons. It was hard for anyone to do such a thing. But there might not be another way to deal with this Drago issue. The alpha knows that they had to try to make peace with one another.
Because it would not hurt to have some more allies, Drago forces have evolved much larger. Not only with dragons but as hunters as well. The dragon riders needed a little more help to win this upcoming war.
"Stoick, it's a little too late for that. Drago doesn't allow Hiccup and Vaka to leave this battle unscathed. Their best action at this point is for us to have a temporary truce," the alpha dragon pleaded with Stoick.
"There is no reason for Berk to help you with this suicidal battle! If you demons want to throw your lives away by fighting Drago!? By all means, go for it. But my wife and son will not be a part of this madness anymore," Stoick passionately declared. There is no way Stoick would allow himself to make a truce with dragons.
Berk will not help, particularly after everything that the dragons have done. On top of that, there is no reasonable justification for joining a war against Drago. As Chief, Stoick is not going to risk the safety of people in an unnecessary battle. A fight that Berk had nothing to do with. Would a reckless leader do something like that?
"I understand. The dragons haven't given you guys a reason to consider. All I ask is to think about it. I don't need an answer today."
Before Stoick could reply to the alpha, Gobber would speak up, "We'll most certainly think about this. Let's go check on everyone, Stoick?"
Gobber knows that Stoick would never stop arguing with the giant dragon. It would not take long for a fight to break out between the two leaders. It was not a fight that Stoick would not win. If somehow Stoick had won, the battle? Stoick could have suffered injuries. There is also still a nest full of dragons who would attack a battered Stoick. If there was ever a time not to fight? This moment was the perfect time to walk away.
"Gobber-" Stoick tries to argue but is interrupted by Gobber.
"Let's just go, Stoick." Gobber proceeds with nudging his head against Stoick's leg. The blacksmith mentally curses the witch for the dragon he will Gobber turn into. A Hobgobbler was the last species that he would want it to be. At this moment, Gobber would rather be a Bonenapper than a small Hobgobbler.
At least then Gobber could push Stoick better. Not that Gobber wanted to be a Bonenapper. Bonenappers and Hobgobblers are Gobber's most diminutive favorite dragon species.
Luckily for the blacksmith, Stoick had taken the hint. "Don't expect us to work together," Stoick said as he left with Gobber. It had not taken Stoick and Gobber to get away. Once they were far enough, Stoick would ask, "Why did you say that demon we'll think about his offer?"
"Stoick, I know how ya feel bout them besties. But we need to think about our situation."
"Of all the people, I wouldn't guess you are considering that monster's offer. Do you remember everything that those beasts have done to us? Do ya remember that ya lost limbs by those devils?"
Stoick could not believe that Gobber was considering the offer, especially after everything the dragons had done to everyone. Stoick desperately wanted to know why Gobber was disregarding his history with dragons. It was not reasonable to change your beliefs. Did Gobber forget about the lives taken by dragons? Did Gobber forget all the suffering and grief caused by the dragons? Did Gobber recall all the times that Berk almost starved? All because the winged reptiles had stolen food and livestock from them. Or what about all those times the dragons destroyed homes? Stoick and Gobber had seen families and friends losing everything. It was disrespectful for Gobber to discard everyone's pain.
"I know what you're thinking, Stoick. Still, I'm not too fond of those demons. But we need to think our next steps carefully," Gobber answers like he knows what Stoick was thinking. The information that Drago was hunting down Hiccup and Valka. Even though Gobber hated dragons, Gobber still did not want to see Valka or Hiccup die.
Gobber was genuinely surprised when he saw Hiccup with his flaming sword. It was proof that Hiccup had gotten stronger. If Gobber had to make a guess? Valka had to have taught Hiccup how to use a sword. Gobber just wished that he were the one to train Hiccup. But with the responsibilities of the forge. Gobber did not have the time to coach Hiccup with fighting.
Gobber wondered if Hiccup's lack of confidence had been a critical factor in his apprentice's low fighting skills. That was always something that confused Gobber. After all the years Hiccup worked in the forge. And Hiccup never grew bigger or stronger. It was like Hiccup's body stagnated growth. It made sense. Hiccup had been knowledgeable he was powerless and useless. Eventually, this would result in Hiccup believing that. Gobber wishes that he did better at comforting Hiccup. But woefully, that's not how life works.
The only thing Gobber could do now was show Hiccup he was sorry. Because, unfortunately, now Gobber is a dragon. Gobber could not verbally tell Hiccup he was sorry. Gobber mentally curses the witch. Only Gobber was human now? Gobber could ask Hiccup and Valka several questions.
"Besides, I would like to know Hiccup and Valka's decisions. We won't get those answers if we don't look. Besides, I want to rekindle my relationship with Hiccup," Gobber added. Gobber still did not care for the dragons. Gobber did not even like them a tiny bit. Mainly because he lives with lost limbs, but he is willing to tolerate them if it means having a relationship with Hiccup again.
"Alright, Gobber. We'll play by the dragons for now," Stoick replied. Stoick knows that if he walks away from his family now, he will never know the answers he seeks. Stoick is silently plotting. Once Stoick knows why Hiccup and Valka's reasons. Stoick would separate his family from their dragons even if Stoick had to be forceful. Stoick would not hesitate to kill all the dragons once he had his family back.
What annoyed Stoick? Is that the king dragon thought Berk would help with Drago. After seeing all the tragedies caused by the dragons, they were watching families lose loved ones because dragons burn down homes. Or die from starvation because the dragon stole livestock. Stoick lost so many friends because of the dragons. Stoick could not fathom why his family chose the dragons. Did they not see that dragons have caused nothing but harm? It cut Stoick deeply that his family faked their deaths to be with dragons.
Gobber is surprised that Stoick was not arguing. Stoick is known for being stubborn. All of the Haddocks were known to be hardheaded. Gobber is only glad that Stoick is not arguing with him now.
Early afternoon, Astrid and Dart had arrived at an island. The island had luscious tropical green plants in the background of a beach sur. Astrid and Dart landed on the beach sur. The ocean water was a bright blue, the sand was warm from the sunlight, and a gentle breeze blew. The humidity of the island raises the temperature.
It was growing up in Berk, where it was always cold. The tropical temperature was quite different. Astrid was glad she was not a human at the moment. Astrid could see if she were human that she was sweating profoundly. Not that Astrid wants to be a Deadly Nadder. Astrid wishes that she could decapitate the witch with her beloved axe.
"We're finally here, Astrid." Dart excitedly announced as they landed.
A few times during the flight, Astrid had attempted to abandon Dart. Astrid had to give it to Dart for being persistent. Dart, who innocently thought Astrid was playing hide and seek or chase. Astrid had tried twice, but she stopped herself from doing it. Astrid was not sure as to why she quit. Was it Dart's childlike innocence? Or is it because of the repercussions of said actions? Something like that would lead to a fight with Dart's parents.
Not that Astrid was afraid of fighting a Night Fury. But Astrid was not sure she could battle the two Furies. Astrid is not scared to die in a fight. Astrid is picking her fights wisely, fighting a dragon that the Book of the Dragons warns, 'The unholy offspring of lightning and death. Never engage this dragon. Your only chance is to hide and pray that it doesn't find you.'
Fighting one Night Fury would have been difficult. But to battle two Night Furies at the same time. It was a one-way voyage to Valhalla. Astrid was not ready to die yet. If Astrid had killed now? She would never get the answers she seeks. Along with making sure to tell Hiccup that he is a coward. A coward who faked his death and ran away from his responsibilities.
To Astrid, who prides herself on being fearless, the worst someone could be labeled a coward. Astrid promises herself that she will never let Hiccup live this down. The moment Astrid becomes a human again. Astrid is going to let Hiccup know what she thinks of his cowardliness. Astrid puts that on her grave.
"Why did you lead me here anyway?" Astrid asked Dart.
"Because Uncle Hiccup used to bring me and brothers here," Dart answered Astrid. Dart remembers the times her family and Hiccup came here. Hiccup and Dart's parents told her to share with those you care about. Dart takes Astrid to this island; it is an excellent idea for the young dragon. Hopefully, Astrid will enjoy the site.
Dart makes her way towards Astrid. Once the young dragon is beside Astrid, Dart would tap her paw against Astrid's left leg. "Tag, you're it," Dart announced as she quickly rushed into the woods.
Astrid confusingly plays along with Dart. Astrid still did not know why she was still entertaining Dart. Was it Dart's childlike innocence? Or could it be that her parents are two Furies? The consequences of harming Dart are severe, which might have been the reason. Should it be something else that prevents Astrid from damaging Dart? Whatever the cause, maybe? Astrid couldn't bring herself to break Dart.
After some time had passed since Astrid and Dart's game of tag started, neither Astrid nor Dart had noticed it was noon. It was as if time had slowed down for Astrid and Dart. Dart is desperately trying to get away from Astrid as Dart arrives at the end of the forest. Dart's heart is racing as she moves her legs as fast as possible. The adrenaline was rushing through the veins of the young dragon.
Astrid was not far behind the young dragon. Astrid had been purposely letting Dart outrun her. Five years ago, Astrid most likely would not have allowed Dart to catch her, mainly because Astrid is highly competitive. Astrid had learned five years ago that victory was not everything.
Astrid was about to tag Dart when she roared. "Get down now!" Before Astrid could question Dart, the young dragon hid inside a bush. Dart hoped the unexpected guests would not pick up Dart and Astrid's scent.
Astrid was about to ask Dart why she suddenly hid inside a bush before a scent assaulted her nose. Ever since Astrid became a Deadly Nadder, Astrid had noticed her sense of smell had significantly improved. It made sense to Astrid why her sense of smell had improved. Dragons had a better smell than humans.
Still, Astrid did not like being a dragon. Oh, how Astrid wishes she could slay the witch. Astrid was not sure if her anger toward Frida would ever vaporize. The punishment from the witch was inhumane. Astrid vows she will have her revenge against Frida, even if it's the last thing Astrid ever does. Astrid's promise also extended to Hiccup.
Speaking of Hiccup, Astrid sees him alongside the two dragons in the clearing before her. It was not only Hiccup and his two fury dragons, but Johann was also there. Astrid figures that might have been why Dart hid inside a brush. Astrid was about to turn away when she heard Hiccup address Johann.
"Here is another axe to deliver to Astrid, Johann." Hiccup says as he hands over an axe. It's the same axe Astrid saw from yesterday.
"I'll make sure Astrid this one as well," Johann replied as he took the axe. That statement raised red flags for Astrid. Astrid had never received any axes from Johann. Astrid had not seen Johann in years. Johann had not been to Berk for four years. So, if Hiccup had been sending Astrid axes through Johann? Why has Johann not only been to Berk in years? Why had Johann not delivered any of these axes to Astrid?
Oh, how Astrid wishes she could ask these questions. Sadly, with Astrid being a dragon, she could not speak to the two men before her. Astrid is more confused and frustrated. Astrid is confused because she does not know what happened to those axes. Astrid is frustrated because she could not communicate. "Is there anything else that you might need, Hiccup?" Johann asked.
Before Hiccup could answer Johann's question, Sol and Toothless had picked up a sense. Sol and Toothless looked at each other before Sol fired a plasma blast and flew through it. When did Sol contact the fire? To Astrid's surprise, the Light Fury had seemingly disappeared. When she saw her mother vanish, Dart's heart dropped in her stomach with fear running through her veins.
Dart knew she was caught red-handed by your parents. Dart was going to warn Astrid, but when she was going to, Dart was interrupted by Sol, "Hello Dart and Astrid." Both Astrid and Dart turned towards Sol's voice. Dart coward from the glare her mother gave her.
I left you guys on a cliffhanger once again. Oh, how evil I am for doing that again. XD. But all severe guys, I'm sorry for the long wait. Damn, it's been several months since I updated this story. Did some of you read the update from HTTYD The Dragon Master and Mistress? You would know why I haven't uploaded anything this year for those who would not have read the update. To make this short, one of the biggest reasons for the delay was that I was dealing with the black mold from flooding. Along with other personal issues I have come up with. I'm still dealing with fixing things in my life.
Again, I apologize for the wait. Hopefully, next year, it'll be a better year for me. Hopefully, I will upload more next year, too. Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful day and stay safe out there.