Hi readers, so I hope the last few chapters have been good so far. We're wrapping up the "Heather" saga in this chapter before a 'time jump' in the next chapter.
This next chapter will focus on Toothless/Flint's POV.
I hope you all enjoy this recent addition to the story!
…
Brothers
Chapter 25: Moving On
The same night the dragon riders rescued Flint and Heather; the group arrive in Berk in a hurry…catching Stoick the Vast by surprise!
"Hiccup! Where in heaven's name have you all been!?"
Haddock scratched his head nervously in response, still on his dragon, "Ah…long story, dad…we've got to get WildWing some help, I promise I'll explain later." Toothless carried the unconscious child dragon on his back.
"What about Heather now that we're all back?" Astrid whispered to the boy.
"Just keep an eye on her."
"You got it" Astrid nodded.
The group takes the unconscious human-turned-dragon to a hut very close to Berk where the Village Elder resided. It's a small old lady with a hunch. Their hair is white and long: tied in long braids that hang in front of her. In her wrinkled, and frail, hand, she is holding a wooden staff shaped very similarly to a reptile.
Hiccup and Astrid both took Flint and carefully brought him to the Elder. She said nothing, only gesturing for them to take the small Night Fury inside. The others try to follow in as well; however, the Elder stops them with her staff. Belin stopped beside the other dragons, and, for some reason: he is the only one allowed in. This confused everyone else, especially Toothless who didn't like the idea of being left out.
Once inside, the Viking teens rested Flint on a small bed before "Gothi" examined his wounds. A lot of the rags used to stop the bleeding were ineffective and were not helping the injuries. Plus, infection could set in if not treated properly. Belin the Terrible watches from the top shelf, carefully eyeing the scene beneath him.
Hiccup and Astrid step aside to let the Village Elder get to work. She grabs a few medical herbs and other medical instruments. The lady walks up to Haddock, giving him a small bowl to use…instructing him to get saliva from his dragon. Astrid, meanwhile, helps Gothi remove Flint/WildWing's old bandages.
Hiccup heads out and has Toothless drip his drool into the bowl before the human looks up at the Night Fury with an optimistic look running down his face, "he'll be okay, bud." Hiccup said before re-entering the domain.
The boy gives the item to the Elder: who places the thick liquid on the wounds. She then places leaves on top. Finally, she and Hofferson cover them up with fresh bandages. Belin flies down to rest on Hiccup's shoulder, who lets him for the moment. The boy can't help but pet the strange dragon. Inside he knew that somehow…this Terror and Wild knew each other…from where…he didn't know, but the Night Fury will need all the support they can.
Once they're done, Astrid moves away to look at the boy across from her, begging to know something, "I didn't know their saliva can be used for healing…" she said softly.
'I was surprised when I found out too" Hiccup nodded.
"How DID you find out?" She crossed her arms.
"Back when I kept them a secret from the village, I accidentally scraped my arm…it wasn't anything serious. Anyway, Toothless started licking it and it wasn't long before I felt much better." He turns to the ten-year-old dragon, "hopefully it'll work on more serious injuries."
Gothi walked up to him before the latter crouches down. She places a hand on his shoulder, somehow communicating to him that WildWing will be alright.
The teens deduce that the small creature will need rest, so they leave him in the Elder's care for now.
"Thanks, Gothi…we owe you one" Hiccup thanked her wholeheartedly.
Both teens exit the hut, with Belin still on Hiccup's shoulder, surrounded by the group who had waited anxiously, "we ought to give Wild some space…" Haddock muttered.
"Hiccup!" The boy suddenly heard his father shout as everyone turned around to see the man walking up to them.
"Son, the villagers are spreading rumors…that you went to Outcast Island!?" Stoick worryingly grabbed his son.
"Dad…we had to…"
"Stoick, we can explain…" Astrid butted in for Hiccup's sake. The Chieftain took them (both) to a secluded place before the rest of the group decided to disband and leave for the village. Heather and her parents, however, stayed behind.
"What were you thinking!? You could've been killed!"
"We couldn't have just left WildWing there to die…and Heather-"
Hiccup is interrupted by Heather as if on cue, "Chief…" she muttered softly, "this is all MY fault…the Outcasts wanted the book to train dragons…to use dragons to destroy your island."
Stoick was about to snap back at her, and question the legitimacy of her claims; however, she stopped him before Stoick could respond, "that Night Fury…he is one of the smartest dragons I've ever met" Heather said. Hiccup nodded back in support.
"Dad, if you could see what they can do…it's incredible! They're not just animals! Dragons aren't just creatures we tame and use…they're just as smart as people! We couldn't have just left him there!"
Stoick simply sighed at this, apparently not understanding the significance behind his son's words, "son…we'll talk more about this later, I think you should rest. Spitelout" he turned to the adult Viking next to him, "take these three to the Great Hall…I want them under careful watch for now" Vast gestured to Heather and her parents.
"B-but-"
"No buts, Hiccup, off with 'ya!"
Toothless just so happened to show up and Hiccup caught his dragon's worried look. The boy turned to his father and nodded, yielding silently to his demand.
And so…Hiccup and Toothless, followed by Astrid, returned to the hut: where they remained outside in silence…waiting for the time the small Night Fury would, hopefully, awaken once again…
…
The morning after, Flint/WildWing begins to stir, and Hiccup, who slept outside with the others, is awakened by Gothi…who invites all three in.
Haddock examines the dragon on the bed, all bandaged up. Flint's eyelids felt heavy, and he is wracked with numbing pain all over his body…a deep throbbing pain can be felt in his head. It's the worst headache he has ever had. The world around him is blurry, the former human can make out five distinct shapes (Belin was on Gothi in the back). The one he focuses on the most, however, is the black creature. The voices he hears are faint and unintelligible. It isn't long before the human-turned-dragon passes out again…still too weak from his injuries.
Hiccup and Toothless look to one another, dread overfilling them. Despite this, Haddock scratched his dragon's chin to comfort him, "he just needs more rest, bud." The latter gives a soft whine in response regardless, "I know bud…but it's for the best."
Throughout the morning, Heather and her parents are questioned by Stoick and Gobber, and the information they give (which matches that given by the Dragon Riders) offers them amnesty. Incidentally, the riders made sure to patrol Berk in case the Outcasts attempted a counterattack. Fortunately, it never came.
By early night, Flint the Night Fury shifted slightly in his bed, soon awakening…his senses returning to him. He clutches his slightly narrow head, remembering what happened the last time he was fully conscious: he was on Outcast Island…fending off the humans who threatened his friends. Unfortunately, he was hurt in the process…and Toothless…he…unleashed his wrath upon them.
The small Fury didn't know where exactly he was until Belin was awakened by Flint's grunts and groans of pain, "F-Flint! You're awake!" The Terror flew towards him from his roost on the shelf. Callahan moved up to greet him before cringing in pain.
"How are you feeling?" The green reptile asked fondly.
"Like I got hit…by a truck…" the Fury murmured.
"Uh…a what?"
Flint just shakes his paw at the other creature to dismiss the awkwardness, "well, at least you're better now..." Belin said, licking his own eye with his dragon tongue.
"I take it we're back on Berk?" Callahan inquired before his friend nodded to confirm his suspicions.
It's not long before Gothi brought "HiccTooth" into the hut again.
"WildWing, you're awake!" Hiccup carefully stroked behind Flint's ears before Toothless nudged the child.
"Flint…we were so worried…you're safe now" the older Night Fury crooned softly to his fellow dragon. Flint, at that moment, stared into their eyes and something in him made the transformed dragon break eye contact. Tooth did nothing. He was just thankful that Flint is recovering and finally awake.
Haddock looked toward the Village Elder with Belin perched on her shoulder, "thank you for your help, we can't thank you enough for this, really."
The old lady bowed in return.
Flint is taken from the hut to the Haddock residence. On the way, villagers who were milling about, including Heather, all check on the small black dragon. The reunion doesn't last, however, because Flint is still tired and in pain from his wounds. The medication given to him had the "twenty-nine-year-old" in constant sedation.
The small Night Fury is carefully placed on his bed in their bedroom. Toothless curled up on his bed and Hiccup brought water to Flint for the night. It's not long before the duo falls asleep; however, it would be a while before the small dragon across from them would join them.
…
Late that same night, Flint became restless in his sleep: the image of those piercing green reptilian eyes kept cycling through his mind without end. He woke up, finding himself in a familiar place…Hiccup's room. He looked around but couldn't find Hiccup or his dragon. That's when he heard voices coming from downstairs. He got off the bed and went down the stairs to investigate. Flint stops once he realizes who it is…
"Flint, took you long enough!" It was his father.
"We'll have dinner soon; I hope you washed your hands" his mother gave a commanding nod. The father rolls his eyes in response, chuckling, "Mari, he's twenty-nine years old, give him a break."
"I hope YOU washed YOUR hands too, dear" Maricela, Flint's mother, retorted as the husband laughed, "can you believe her" his dad pointed with her back turned to them.
The scenery around Flint had dramatically changed: instead of it being the Haddock residence now it was his parent's house. The adult male looked down at himself and gasped inwardly…realizing that he's transformed! He's no longer a young Night Fury…but his human self again!
He walked over to kiss his mother on the cheek and patted his old man on the back, "meatloaf Monday, is it?"
"Your favorite."
"You bet!" Flint smiled.
As the family eats their dinner, they suddenly hear people yelling outside! They stop eating to investigate, moving the window curtains. To their shock and horror…they find the neighborhood is on fire and is spreading!
"W-what is going on!?" Mrs. Callhan gulped. The husband gives a serious look afterward, "something's happening…we've got to leave…now!"
Suddenly, an explosion rocks the roof above them…their house was hit by something!
Are we under attack!? Flint thought quietly to himself. He didn't have much time to dwell on the possibility, for the three of them quickly leave the house to get on the street. What they find on the road is quite the chaotic scene.
The scene is breathtaking…in the WORST way possible.
Fire is everywhere, and the hiss of burning buildings ring in Flint's ears. People are in a state of total panic, running in one direction towards safety. All around them…there are bodies…pools of blood…charred remains…a terrible sight to behold. The father squints his eyes and can't believe what he is seeing: some of the victims have claws and bite marks on them!
"It's a monster!" Mrs. Callahan yelled, "we have to run!" The father stated, ushering the mother and son into the crowd. Amidst all the chaos, Flint gets separated by the flood of new people as blasts destroy the buildings around them: including some people in his path. Mr. Callahan, being the slowest one of the three, trips and falls before his wife goes to help, "h-hold on!"
Their son looks behind him, just in time to see the most incredible sight: a black creature with bat-like wings that is rampaging through the street…it's the cause of all this chaos, death, and destruction. It's killing EVERYONE on sight! Flint tries to help his father, but a purple blast sends him backward into the asphalt. When he recovers moments after, he is HORRIFIED to catch a glimpse of his mother limp on the floor. His father: dead too…the creature is right on top of his body…blood dripping from its razor-sharp fangs. His parents were killed with exceptional brutality. He couldn't even react properly…it all happened so fast…
Flint froze on the spot as the monster stomps toward him, its paws leaving behind wet footprints on the pavement. The beast, now inches away from his face, stands over him menacingly as fires and bodies surrounded them both. It bared its teeth at him…this feral creature is about to kill him too.
All Flint could do now is stare into the eyes of the killer…their bright green reptilian eyes…their furious slit pupils filled with anger…they broke into his soul and left him with nothing. The murderer lunged at him suddenly…
…
I hear the sound of yelling…a death scream one has when they have a terrible nightmare. My eyes snapped open, and I stood up abruptly from my bed to see the small Night Fury, Flint, squirming and screaming in his bed as if overtaken by fear. The pain he still felt from his injuries only added to his breakdown in the middle of the night. My human, Hiccup, quickly tried to calm the human-dragon down.
"Wild, it's just a dream, calm down, bud!" The human grabbed onto the Fury, but it proved futile. I was about to come join him when Flint momentarily glanced over at me (the creature he had seen in his nightmare unbeknownst to me). In a panic, the human-turned-dragon forces his way out of Hiccup's hands and runs out of the room…despite his injuries.
"Flint!?" I yelled in vain, soon jumping off the bed to follow my rider out of the house and into the forest adjacent to the dwelling. We chased him quite a bit, but Callahan did not travel far into the dark forestry, for he is soon overwhelmed by the pain from his wounds. He collapses just as Hiccup and I stop next to him. The Viking teen wraps his arms around the small reptile to help him, "it's alright…shh…we're here…everything's okay" the boy assured him.
Flint finally came to his senses and broke down. I stood over him, trying to understand what he just went through…it must have been terrible…TERRIBLE…I can't imagine what just happened! I tried to nudge the smaller Night Fury in my own attempt to help but upon contact, he swiped at me quite suddenly, "get away!" My ears and ear fins pull back as I move away…not understanding what just transpired.
"F-Flint…" I muttered softly.
"Monster…" I heard from his crying. I soon drooped…giving a soft whine before backing away even more. Hiccup, my beloved best friend, saw my reaction…but what could we do? Whatever just happened…it's bad…VERY bad…
Unknown to me, my long-time companion…my brother…Flint…is now scared of me.
…
A day passes by, and life began returning to normal on Berk…but unfortunately…for me and Flint…it didn't feel normal…far from it. My human/dragon brother refused to talk to me or even set his eyes on my form. He became very distant ever since the nightmare…not talking much to anyone.
Fortunately, some good news at least: he's finally strong enough to walk about again, at least for short periods, but he spent most of his day resting beside a cliff overlooking a waterfall. He is still heavily bandaged and traumatized by the experiences from Outcast Island…and this is worrying.
Stormfly, my favorite Deadly Nadder, tried her hand to try and restore Callahan's vigor, "I'll try and help him, Toothless" she chirped softly to me, hopping down from the cliff we're on.
"I hope this works…" Belin the Terrible Terror from Dragon Island next to me chortled nervously.
She flies in, resting next to Flint. The small Fury gazed over with an almost blank expression…as if he's distracted by thought.
"You have us all worried, Flint…"
He did not respond. Storm sighed…softly, and carefully, touching him with the tip of her wing to comfort the black dragon, "what happened on that island…I don't think you should let it get to you…it's tearing you up inside…"
Again, Callahan didn't respond, instead looking into his reflection: the reflection of a Night Fury…a beast with green eyes…a face that is haunting him from within.
"I don't get why Flint is suddenly so scared of his own brother…" Belin muttered softly…
"He saw what I did to those Outcasts…" I mumbled back in a gloomy tone.
"B-but…you were just protecting him! I don't get it!" The much smaller dragon shook their head.
Belin almost couldn't take it, he suddenly jumped down to meet the duo below the cliff. Before I could stop him…he was already almost there…I slumped my snout against the grass…hoping they can resolve this.
"What happened on the island…you've got to let go of it…" Storm said before she noticed the Terror landing next to her, "Flint, I don't like this version of you…I don't like the sulking type, the distant type. At least when you were yourself…you noticed us…talked to us…you NEED to talk to us…" Belin begged.
Stormfly found the conversation was going nowhere and she finally decided to leave Flint alone, "come on, little Terror…" she motioned Belin to follow, "Flint, if you want to talk at any time with any of us…please…don't hesitate…we're ALL here for you…"
"I really hope you feel better" Belin added.
As they both walk away, preparing to fly off…not even three steps in they hear the small Night Fury finally speak, "I owe myself to you…Belin…at least you…should know…Toothless and I…we're not related one bit…Belin…I USED to be human…and I am scared I will do the same thing he did…eventually."
It's bad enough I can HEAR everything he's saying…I look away in misery…cursing myself for what I had done! Flint hates me now! MY OWN BROTHER HATES ME! Why did I have to go and be such a FOOL…why couldn't I have controlled my emotions when it mattered!?
Across from me, Stormfly snapped her head back in surprise, as if she is shocked Flint Callahan just nonchalantly told the Terror who he is…
Belin, rightfully, shakes his head as the Nadder tries to come up with a cover story…but soon the small lizard starts asking questions…shocked by the news, "I-I don't…understand…"
"Then have Stormfly here explain it to you…I'm…I'm not what you think I am…" Flint finally went quiet.
"Come on…" Storm nudged Belin to follow before finally yielding…joining me again by the cliff.
"Toothless…" Storm began but I waved a paw at her in dismissal, "I could hear everything…you don't need to tell me anything…"
"Explain…Night Fury…what is going on here exactly? I KNEW he felt off the day I met him…did you TURN him into one of your kind or something!?"
"N-no-no, Belin, let me explain…" Storm began…
"And you knew as well!?" Belin jumped back in shock and anger.
I finally stand up and look down at this puny creature…not too long ago I would have chased him off…but now he's sort of growing on me…heh…why am I like this…
"No…allow me…" I chimed in, "It's true, Flint used to be one of them…one of the humans…but now he's one of us…everything has taken a toll on him…he has a family…he had a life outside all of this…now…"
Belin stepped back from all of it, and I couldn't help but give a slight sadistic smirk, "even the Queen knows…she knew before me…"
"Belin…you have to promise to keep it between us…for HIS sake…" Storm added in right away.
"At this point, Flint's going to tell everyone" I scoffed. Belin just sat down and finally accepted this revelation from Callahan…and he remained silent for a while as Stormfly and I talked.
"Tooth" the Nadder sighed, "It's clear Flint wants to stay human as much as he can, but what he saw on Outcast Island…it's tearing him apart from the inside…"
"I protected him; Belin was right…" I snapped back, "I was just looking out for him! He's my brother, he's family…even if we're NOT related! Flint is MY responsibility!" I turn away as if to shield myself from the other two, "I should have NOT acted the way I did. I broke my promise to him…I told him I would never lose him again…like I did with the Queen…that no one would ever hurt him…and I failed on my promise..."
"Tooth…no…don't say that…please…" she squawked back in despair for me.
"I didn't try to kill ANYONE in that group that attacked him…I only wanted them to pay for hurting him…"
"Toothless…" she came hopping towards me, trying to get in my view again to get my attention once more…to knock sense into me, "maybe all you have to do…is get to him…humans…they have a way of understanding and overcoming misconceptions when they're brought to life. Toothless, he must ask himself…are dragons REALLY that different from humans?"
"Flint seems to think so now…" I sighed, shaking my head in defeat. I lie down with my muzzle against the ground again, sniffling in despair, "I-I didn't mean to…you saw what those MONSTERS did to him…"
"You're the closest one to him…I'm sure Flint will come around soon enough…" Stormfly moves her head up and glances over to Callahan…who is still alone by the waterfall, "the question is…how do we get him to see? How do we get him to see past all that had happened?"
…
Time passed by; I was walking back to the village when I saw her: the girl who had washed ashore not too long ago.
"WildWing" Heather said to me, walking over. She crouched down to examine my small, pathetic, form, "it looks like your wounds are healing alright."
I look up at her with a depressing face still attached. She, like Stormfly and Belin, had taken notice, "Wild…listen…" She sat on the ground, not even caring that her outfit is now covered in dirt. I looked away momentarily.
"I know what we went through was terrifying…and I know it's affecting you greatly, but you have to move on…" Heather used her soft hand to direct my muzzle toward her face. We stare into one another at that moment, "Wild…my parents and I will be leaving soon…I wouldn't want to leave seeing you so broken…please try and move on from all this." Suddenly she kissed the top of my head.
Unbeknownst to me, Belin and Toothless watched from the sidelines. They heard about the rumors: that the girl and her parents were leaving. The Fury knew deep down that Callahan might decide to leave with them…m-maybe it will be for the best. If it means that Flint can go and be happy again, then so be it, Toothless thought quietly.
Before Heather can leave, I stop her with a paw, directing it down to the dirt below. She tilts her head in momentary confusion before realizing what I'm doing.
I am drawing a simple bird figure on the ground for her…it's supposed to be a Turtledove…again, my art is terrible, but I hope she gets the message…
"That's wonderful" she smiled before giving a look of inspiration, "Wild…you know…maybe you should try showing that to the others…I'm sure they would love it."
I look down in silence, sniffling now and then. Well, it's safe to say that she's NOT the Sophia I know…after all this time…I've finally accepted that by now. Heather pats me one last time, saying goodbye before walking away. Toothless scans the drawing I made, his form is wracked with sadness. Belin gives a stern expression, thinking to himself about what to do.
That night, I rest on top of the roof of the Haddock residence, staring at the sky. Belin suddenly landed next to me…folding his tiny wings.
"Flint, a-are you feeling any better?"
I sighed softly, turning to him, "my mind has been racing…all day I've been thinking…but I don't know what I should do anymore…Heather…Toothless…all of it…"
"T-they told me about Sophia…" the Terrible Terror muttered as my ear twitched at this, "she means a lot to you…so…we won't hold it against you if you decide to go with her, but…" I suddenly felt his small paw against my arm as I continue staring up at the stars above, "…leaving without talking once to Toothless…pretending he doesn't exist…it's not right, Flint…"
"I had a nightmare, Belin…and in that nightmare, I saw Toothless…he MURDERED everything in sight…what's going to stop him if he does it for real?" I asked softly…
"Flint…he cares about you…" Belin said, as if what I just said didn't matter at all, "this is REALLY hurting him, seeing you like this. All the dragons and people here are worried for you" the Terror sighed softly, "if what you say is true: that you are human…look past what you saw from him…Toothless has been there for you, has he not? Look…" Belin placed his small paw on my chest, close to where my old scar is, "we are more than what we look like, Flint…you know that. We dragons aren't monsters…we are just like you humans…"
I scoffed at that, quite silently, but the small dragon continued regardless…trying his best to reach out to me, "m-my parents…taught me that we are all connected to the same life-stream…all creatures…you…me…regardless of what they are…we are the same."
I look down at him, eyeing him carefully. I didn't even blink once during the whole thing. Belin remained resolute, "at least say goodbye to Toothless…something! It's better than leaving him forever without letting him know how you feel!"
I scoffed at this…this reptile…he's grown pretty mature since I've first met him…then again Terrors age faster than other dragons. What if…he's right? What if Belin is right? He says nothing else and flies off.
I couldn't help but turn my head and watch him leave…it's not long before what Belin, Heather, and Stormfly said repeated in my mind.
I look down the window to see Toothless and Hiccup together: the boy is reading a book to his dragon. Despite not knowing what it all meant, the dragon felt drawn to Haddock…as if all he needed at that moment in time was his rider's company. A human and a dragon…together…sharing the same things as one…
I lay down, still on the roof, to look back at the stars…soon my eyes feel heavy, and I surrender myself to my dreams.
I woke up again to find myself in Hiccup's room: they must have brought me here…but it was not long before I hear noises coming from downstairs. I decide to investigate…there, I find, to my surprise again: my family living room and dining room as they were in my previous dream; however, the whole room is now sterile white, and the window blinds are open and allowing bright white light in…
I glance over the couch to see a small black dragon, with intelligent green eyes, waiting for me…it's a Night Fury…
"Flint, come sit down" they said in a child-like voice…the voice sounding oddly familiar…
It took a second for me to realize what's going on: especially when I see the scar on their chest…this dragon…it's-it's me! I look down at myself to find that I am human again!
"A-are you…" I sit down on the couch beside them.
"I am your dragon side, the mind that has aided in your survival in this world."
"A-are you…real?" I stuttered, feeling their smooth charcoal scales for the first time…
"Are you?" They repeated, directed towards me…raising an eyebrow back in retaliation, "listen here, Flint…I won't sugar-coat it: you've been scared by a lot lately…I understand that…but you are destroying yourself…and Toothless-"
I rub my hands against my very short hair…gosh I miss having hair…
"What he did…I'm scared…what if WE end up doing the same at some point?" I stare into their reptilian orbs as they stare into my own brown eyes.
Dragon Flint gave a questioning face.
I scoffed, slamming my human hands against my knees before standing up to face them, "you and I both know that we can be controlled by other dragons…like the Queen…hell…YOU like to TAKE OVER sometimes…" I shake my head.
"I do it to help you survive and thrive in this world, Flint…" the dragon version of me snarled.
"How can I even trust you!?" I snapped back, "look…I don't want people to die!"
"Neither does Toothless…and neither does anyone else on Berk…and YOU KNOW THAT! You just refuse to accept that idea!" The dragon retorted. The small Night Fury moves out of his curled position on the couch to stand up, giving a stern look at me, "Flint…you think humans are any better?" They asked.
I look down, thinking about what my other half had said.
"Think about what Belin said to you…what Stormfly said…What Heather said…that we are all the same…Toothless loves us…as a brother…he would DIE for you and me…you know that…you've seen it…"
I finally get down on my knees to cry, my tears soaking my non-existent clothes before the dragon jumps down to comfort me. I trembled greatly from my despair, but the small dragon: looking imploringly at me, said, "Flint…you are his brother…inside all that feral exterior…that dragon is JUST LIKE YOU. You both look out for those close to you…you're both extremely loyal. You two want everyone to get along…make them understand what's under the surface…"
That's when I look down to see the Night Fury, my dragon-self, looking at me with innocent, confident, eyes, "you got this, WE…got this…you and me…" they placed a paw against my soft pink flesh…the side of my face. I held on to their small paw, nodding softly.
"You just have to take a leap of faith…"
…
Late into the night, I woke up to find my black scales being pummeled by the cold wind. I'm still on the roof. I pulled myself toward the window to find Hiccup and his dragon asleep. I let the events that transpired in my dream echo in the back of my mind. I shake my head, sighing softly to myself, "oh Flint…you're right…all I got to do is…take a leap of faith…"
I carefully whisper, calling to Toothless, being cautious not to wake Hiccup. Sure enough, the larger Fury stirs and looks up to me. Once he's outside on the ground with me, we stare at one another. It's a short silence between us before he's the first to act, "F-Flint…"
"T-Toothless…" I mutter his name under my breath, he can hear though but is relieved that I have finally communicated with him again.
"I…" I give a long-winded sigh, "when I saw you…attacking those Outcasts…something in me became frightened of you…I felt as though you were nothing but a monster…" I looked away, stunned in regret and embarrassment, "then I had a dream about you…you killed humans…killed my family…then killed me…"
Toothless the Night Fury just stood across from me, speechless.
"I…broke my promise to you Flint...we lost you again...and you were hurt in the process…you have every right to be the way you are towards me…" he looked down, body drooping in sadness and regret…equal to mine.
"N-no, Tooth…forget about that…all that…don't blame yourself…please…"
He looked up at me, "looking back on everything we've been through since the cove…all the times we've shared…you looked out for me…whatever happened on that island: anyone of us would have done the same for the other…I know that now." I sniffled as he stared into me.
"I HATE what happened, believe me, Flint…" he responded in earnest, "ever since then, I regretted doing it…in my thoughts, I said to myself…now the Night Fury stereotype is back and it's all my fault…" the dragon said, cursing himself.
"You did it to protect me…as you always have…if it were me…I think I might've done the same…" I walked up to him slowly. He stepped closer too as I nodded, "you protected me, you protected all of us…I shouldn't have held all that against you…"
I stand on two legs to place my front paws against his chest, "you are family to me, you are not a monster…" I look into those docile square eyes…the same eyes I've come to admire…come to know Toothless by, and I couldn't help but nod to myself, "I would have done the same…human or not…" I repeated.
A tear fell down his cheek before he grabbed my paws with his own, "Flint...you and Hiccup changed my life…for the better…made me happy again after being miserable for so long. I want you to be the same…I want you to be happy again…"
I look away, remembering that Heather is leaving Berk soon, "Toothless…Heather…"
"I know…if you leave with them…whatever you choose to do…do it if it makes you happy. You know it hurts me to see you like this."
"I know…I know…" I muttered, sighing deeply.
"Flint. Never forget that no matter where you go…I'll always be with you" Toothless responded, bringing me into a hug, "come here, bud." Soon, we're in a soft embrace. It was tender and needed. Despite the nightmarish image I pictured him as not too long ago, this was the version of Toothless I am glad to know. He's my brother, after all.
…
The day came when Heather and her parents went to the docks to leave the island of Berk. By this point, I had apologized to everyone: including Astrid, and especially Hookfang for what I did to him.
The girl and her family were boarding a small boat, heading for the open sea. Everyone came from all over to say goodbye on the docks because unlike before: Hiccup, Astrid, and the others now showed respect for Heather. Stoick and Gobber bid farewell as the others do too.
The sun begins to set as Heather turns to the Viking duo, "I'm sorry about what happened. If we had known" Hiccup apologizes but the girl interrupts him with a soft hand, "it's fine…I should have told you all before and I'm sorry…" Heather apologized in an even tone, "I-I can't thank you enough…all of you…" she suddenly went in to hug Astrid. Hiccup got a hug as well before she walked over to pet Toothless, "I'll miss you guys…" she whispered in the dragon's ear, "please take good care of WildWing."
Haddock chuckles in response, "heh, who knows…maybe we'll see each other again sometime…"
"Perhaps we will…"
I looked away once he said that…
What if we don't? What if this is the last time that I see her? If only I knew enough Norse to tell her…how much I cared about her…
I wish I could just go with her…what's stopping me…I already know the answer.
The next thing I see is Heather running towards the boat and I look on…emotions running high from within me. Images of Sophia play back in my head…a flashback of images of her…all of them begging me to act.
Hiccup, Astrid, the others, and Toothless all see me running toward her.
"W-Wild!?"
"Flint…" Toothless already knew what was to happen…so did Stormfly and Belin…
I stopped beside the vessel…looking at the human girl. At first, she gave a startled confused look but when I hopped on board her vessel…she understood.
Everyone else had moved closer to the boat, especially Toothless and Hiccup, who appeared heartbroken.
"F-Flint…"
"Toothless" I silently warbled to him, "I-I can't…"
He stopped me with a nod, "remember what I said the other night…if this is what makes you happy" he smiled softly at me, trying his best to compose himself.
I couldn't help but jump off the boat to hug him. He places his arms around me as we share our last moment together. Everyone else gathers around to say goodbye…the Viking teens are close to breaking down. Hiccup felt like he needed to move in, "if this is what you want, little bud…go for it…maybe we'll see each other again. We wish nothing but the best for you. We will ALWAYS welcome you here at Berk" Haddock had said to stop himself from becoming tearful. I nodded back to my human friend. Toothless lets go of me and whispered in my dragon ear, "go with her…take care of her and yourself."
"I will" I finished, finally looking away. I jumped back on the boat to sail away from Berk with the girl and her family. Looking back, I see the tribe and the dragons all looking back at me…especially the Night Fury: Toothless.
A few thoughts ran through my head, flooding my mind…my thoughts were in a fierce debate with one another. After everything…is this it? I can't believe it…Sophia…Heather…all of this…but I can't leave Tooth and the others like this! What if I never see them again…Heather/Sophia or Toothless…who do I choose? What if I'm meant to be with this girl…what if that's why I'm in this world…to make sure she survives? What if it's not…what If I'm not meant to be with Heather or Sophia…it's like the Gods are giving me a sign…
I am SO CONFUSED…DAMN…IT! What is the RIGHT thing to do!?
Move on… I kept hearing over and over in the back of my mind amidst my conflicted thoughts.
As the island of Berk got steadily smaller, my heart pounds heavier…faster…than ever before.
I…can't…do…this…
Suddenly, I hear a voice…the voice of Sophia coming from the girl known to me as Heather. I look at her as she walks toward me from the other side of the boat, "you seem torn, WildWing…" I heard her say, "I may never know why you're so fascinated with me, but I think you belong with them, not me."
I stare deep into her human green eyes, and she looks into my own green eyes. She smiled softly at me. It's the same smile Sophia would have. Even now Heather reminded me so much of her…but…like in my world…in my time…I wasn't meant to be with Sophia…maybe I'm not meant to be with Heather either…
"Go…" is all she said after.
A few tears fell off my face, and I can't help it: I went to her for a hug as her parents watch from the sidelines. I give a hearty lick to her face as a sign of gratitude. Once we pull away, I nod determinately at her, "goodbye" I warbled.
"Take care, little guy" she smiled quite somberly.
With nothing more to say. I unfurled my wings and took off: back towards Berk. Heather and her family members watched me leave as they made it to the open waters. Heather's parents embraced her as she looked up at me one last time before they began their journey out into the unknown.
I arrive back at the docks, surprising a saddened Toothless. I land across from him before the others turn to witness my arrival. Toothless suddenly knows I'm behind him and he can't help but pounce me happily as we are reunited. Like he always does, he starts licking me all over like a joyous dog. Once we pull away, I mutter softly to the dragon, "I couldn't…it felt wrong…I belong here…with you all."
The Night Fury smiled and pulled me in closer, tightening his grip on me as the others cheered behind us.
After everything we've been through, I couldn't leave him behind. All our time in the cove, in Berk…all the adventures we've been through so far made me realize just who I am now. I am part of the Hooligan Tribe now. I am one of them.
"Well, that didn't take long" Hiccup amusingly stated before the blonde girl next to him laughed, lightly punching him on the shoulder.
"Come on everyone, let's have a good run for the Great Hall to celebrate!" Astrid suggested before everyone agreed and began to follow.
I, meanwhile, stare into Tooth's eyes, "we're inseparable. I know that now…I still have much to do here…I understand that now…" I muttered.
"I love 'ya, buddy" Toothless nudged me as I laughed wholeheartedly.
"I couldn't leave you for too long, otherwise you would get Hiccup into trouble as soon as I left" I jokingly said.
"Oh haw, haw!"
Stormfly and Belin approached us and happily rejoiced for our reunion, "I'm happy to see you're better, Flint…really" Stormfly squawked with joy.
"Agreed, I hated the Flint who was overly dramatic…" Belin added.
"Well, I did study Theatre in High School…" I rolled my eyes. It seemed to go over their heads and I laughed nervously, "I'll explain later."
"Come on, everyone, I bet there's nice cold cod waiting for us at the Great Hall." Toothless motioned us as I shake my head, "I prefer my fish cooked."
"Eww…" Belin retorted as everyone couldn't help but laugh. I climb on Tooth's back, he smiles back at me 'Toothless' before I remove my own fangs to join in.
Once again, things were the way they were supposed to be. I've moved on…as I needed to do.
I would remain on Berk, living side by side with the most important people I know in this world. Berk is, and has been, my home for the time being…and I should continue to enjoy life here.
After all, I am a Hooligan…and a dragon. I am Flint Callahan of Berk.
End of Volume 1
