OUR NEW HOME
Almost a month had passed since Hiccup had met Heather and the two of them and their dragons began searching for a new home. Sure, they could literally leave the archipelago in the timespan of half a day while on dragonback, but there were aspects such as Hiccup having to steal from a village to build Windshear a saddle and Heather having sprained her ankle from a boar encounter, not to mention that they had to make stops to inspect each island to make sure it'd actually be habitable for them. Currently, the two of them had stopped atop a sea stack for the night as Hiccup checked his map
Hiccup: Alright, from where we are… Outcast Island is to the North, and Berserker Isle is to the West…
Heather: And those would obviously be bad to go to.
Hiccup: Exactly, which is why we should… I guess we keep going East, then…. *sighs* We gotta settle down somewhere, we can't just keep flying…
The boy muttered as Toothless warbled in response. It was true, they had been flying for over a month, trying to find a place to live… Which was hard when your means of travel and best friend was something people labeled as the "offspring of lightning and death itself".
However, it was the next day as the two kept flying… only to be caught in a really bad storm. The thunder and crashing waves echoed through the night, almost muting each other's voices as the wind smacked them hard in the face and blinded them.
Heather: Hiccup! We gotta… Land!
Hiccup: I know, I'm trying! We need to keep going, just a little further!
The girl scrunched her face and patted her Razorwhip's neck in encouragement.
Heather: Just a little more, Windshear! Just keep going and follow Tooth-
Suddenly, Windshear roars and reers back as a strike of lightning surges between the two dragons and hits the Night Fury's tail, the prosthetic catching fire and burning fast.
Hiccup: No, no, no! Toothless, hold on, bud!
Heather: What do we do?!
The boy struggled to keep his dragon airborne, only to see something nearby… An island! However, there were lit torches that showed the outline of houses and villagers.
Hiccup: There! An island!
Heather: But… But there's people! We can't land there with the dragons!
Hiccup: I don't think we have much of a-
Another harsh wind blew by, sending him off Toothless's back and falling.
Heather: HICCUP!
Both Toothless and Windshear dived after him, but it was too late as Hiccup hit the ground and then… everything went black.
—-
When Hiccup gained cognizance, everything was blurry. His head hurt like a Gronckle sat on him and his back felt stiff and still. He groaned as he sat up from his lying position and pushed on his back with his hands. Hearing and feeling several pops, he proceeded to rub his eyes as an unfamiliar masculine voice spoke to him.
?: You are awake.. Excellent. You certainly gave me thoughts we had lost you there…
His eyes finally focused upon hearing a chuckle, which came from a man who sat nearby polishing a sword. He had a brown goatee with hair to match atop his head with a small streak of gray, along with large brown eyes that held a wisdom to them with an eyepatch over one. The pain in his head soon came back to haunt Hiccup as he held his forehead in his palm.
Hiccup: Where… am I?
?: You're in my house. You had crashed here on your dragon 2 nights ago in that nasty storm. Don't you remember?
Hiccup: No… All I remember was that I was flying on Toothless and the… the lightning hit his tail then us falling. Heather was chasing after… *realises* Heather! Toothless! Oh gods, are they-
?: Calm yerself, boy, your dragon and the young lady you were with are okay. She's resting with our innkeeper and yoir dragons are outside with the children. They've taken an interest in them. Like I have with you… Do you have a name, child?
Thank Thor, Toothless was okay. And… outside with the kids? Okay, this had to be too good to be true.
Hiccup: Oh… It's Hiccup.
?: No last name?
Hiccup: I… prefer not to use it. Bit of a story to it. *pauses* Along with the fact I don't know who YOU are either.
?: Oh, right! Where are my blasted manners? Well, young Hiccup, my name is Magnus. Magnus The Empathetic, they call me. Chief of this island and its great clan; the Scale Tail Tribe.
Hiccup: Oh, well… Thank you for helping us, Chief Magnus. Now… could you help me out of here?
Upon the chief helping him outside, Hiccup was astounded by an incredible sight. The village was… Rather like Berk with buildings and villagers. Only while Vikings patroled the streets… So did DRAGONS. Nadders, Nightmares, Terrors, there were even some Hiccup didn't recognize. He turned to a nearby commotion to see Toothless jumping about with a bunch of kids, whom were laughing and having the time of their lives while Windshear watched as she sunbathed.
Hiccup: Toothless!
Upon hearing his voice, Toothless stopped and bounced at his rider, knocking him down and licking his face.
Hiccup: Hey hey, it's alright bud. I'm okay… I'm glad you are, too.
The boy sighs as Toothless lets him up and nuzzles against his cheek. He takes a monster to breathe before suddenly feeling a pair of arms around him from behind, revealed to be Heather herself.
Hiccup: Wha- Heather!
Heather: Yo… You JERK!
Hiccup: Wait, wha-
Heather: *choked up* How could you just almost die and leave me?! You heartless, mean…
Seeing the girl overwhelmed with emotion, Hiccup simply hugged Heather close and patted her back as the girl let out a few choked sobs. Windshear had approached, as she had left to get her rider, and crooned happily upon seeing Hiccup back to full health. As Heather took a few breathes and got her emotions in check, Magnus spoke yet again.
Magnus: Well, seems there are some happy to see you, especially the dragons. Never in my life have I seen a human and a dragon so close before. We work with them from time to time.
Hiccup: Wait, so… you guys DON'T kill them?
Magnus: Goodness no, child. We don't harm the dragons. They are very sacred to us.
Heather: I've seen it myself, Hiccup. It's INCREDIBLE. These people, they… There's PEACE here, there's not even any raids!
Magnus: It's true, young Hiccup. They inhabited Drake first, so we work together to survive. We share everything from food to land to even company. Seems you and your dragon though are a lot closer. *chuckles
Hiccup: Toothless, he's...my best friend. Thank you...for helping us...
Magnus: Of course, though I gotta know…. How does he fly with just the one tail fin?
Hiccup: Actually, I built him a prosthetic tail before… leaving my old home… I controlled it so we flew together.
?: You had blacksmith trainin?
The voice had come from a nearby shop, run by a tall woman that… actually seemed more like a shieldmaiden than Astrid. She had bulging arms with round shoulders, definitely some muscle definition with her long blonde hair tied into a ponytail and wearing an apron. However, upon seeing her, Hiccup felt a bit homesick, remembering his old mentor due to the woman missing her left hand, a sharo metal hook in its place.
Hiccup: Ever since my 6th birthday.
Magnus: I see you've met Embla, the loveliest blacksmith in ALL the archipelago. And one we are blessed to have here.
Embla: *chuckles* Well, not exactly "the best", but I'm glad that my work is appreciated by the tribe. *to Hiccup* I like ya already, lad. Anyone can make a fake foot or claw for a dragon, but to a working fake tail?.. I'm very impressed. Come by the shop anytime if ya need anything. I'd like to see your skills in action. Between you and me… I said that to my former husband and found myself VERY disappointed. *laughs boisterously*
Hiccup laughed, albeit a bit uncomfortably, but wanted to keep the peace as Heather laughed as well, giving her companion a glance. Toothless and Windshear looked to each other at this as the Night Fury tilted his head at the Razorwhip's questioning growl, basically a way of saying "I don't get it either".
Embla: Now… What's all this about leaving your old home?
Heather: Hold on now. My friend here just woke up several days after getting hurt and I'm sure he'd like some time to eat and recover. Right, Hiccup?
He was about to respond, only for his stomach to respond for him. It HAD been a while since they ate and even then, fish over and over again would get old. After his stomach finished arguing for him, Hiccup blushed and nodded sheepishly.
Magnus: Ah, I see. Come, now, children. I'll take you and your little crew to the hall.
Hiccup and Heather followed the smiling chief to the supposed Grand Hall, Toothless and Windshear following close behind. Once inside, Hiccup and Heather got their meals, Heather sitting down at a bare table as Magnus sat across from her, all while Hiccup placed his tray and cup next to Heather.
Hiccup: I'll be right back, I'm gonna get some fish for Toothless and Windshear.
Magnus: No need, Young Hiccup. I feel as if your dragons will be fed in-
Suddenly, the doors open with a loud bang as in walked a rather large blue-scaled Thunderdrum sauntered into the room, awkwardly galloping on its tiny legs. Hiccup was surprised at the sight of the dragon as hr had only seen this dragon in the Book of Dragons, but now… Seeing it up close was a different story.
Heather: I don't believe it. Is that…
Hiccup: A Thunderdrum! They say it gets its power from Thor himself. I've never seen a real one before…
Heather: No. I mean, that's pretty amazing, too. But, I was more talking about what was ON the Thunderdrum.
He directed his attention to the dragon's topside, where on the Thunderdrum was another boy. He was a bit shorter than Hiccup himself with a bit of a darker complexion and long black hair that seemed to defy gravity. He had a backpack on his back with a fishing rod sticking out, his clothes and hair were somewhat damp, and his eyes were obscured by some sort of eyewear strapped around his head. The Thunderdrum approached the table where the cooks served the food before opening its massive mouth and unloading a huge score of fish.
Boy: There ya are, fellas. One weekly fishing score, as promised and scheduled…. Am I off the hook now?
Chef: Yeah, yeah, your tab's been paid off, go ahead and eat, Frog. Just do us a favor and take some fish to the Night Fury and Razorwhip over by the visitors on your way.
Nodding, the boy collected his food before taking some fish onto a plate and made his way over to our group. He sets two plates of fish in front of Toothless and Windshear, Who began happily eating while the Thunderdrum relaxed nearby, eating from its own plate. Frog sits down at the table the same side as Magnus and lifts his goggles to reveal his green eyes.
Frog: So, YOU'RE the one they found in the storm? Well, glad to see you up on your feet with breath in your gills.
Hiccup: Thanks. So… Your name is Frog?
Frog: Not really, but I spend so much time in the water, they call me that. So, yeah, I'm Frog. *pats Thunderdrum's horn* And this old girl is my fishing partner, Summer.
The large Thunderdrum rumbles at her rider's petting, causing the boy to chuckle as Summer nuzzles against her palm.
Heather: She's beautiful… So, you two fish a lot?
Frog: Yeah, my dad's one of the head fishermen in Drake. I help him out a lot, mostly to… *meek* Pay my tab here at the Hall… So, are you gonna be staying here with us?
Hiccup: *alert* What uh...I-I don't know… I…
Magnus: Please do not pester them, Frog. Young Hiccup just woke up, after all.
Hiccup: Pester? Oh no, he's okay. I just wasn't expecting such a bold question upfront. Being a stranger and being asked if I was staying here. *chuckles*
Magnus: Well, I certainly have no qualms with it. Youngins who rides the backs of dragons… I think we could learn a lot from you two. But we gotta know more about ya, lad. How old are ye?
Hiccup: 15…
Heather: Same, actually. I'm a few months younger, though…
Frog: Dang, even I know that's pretty young to be traveling by yourself. How long have you two been on your own?
Hiccup: 30 days…
Frog: Wow…
Hiccup: And I bet it'll be even longer when we-
Heather: Wait… I think we should stay.
Hiccup: Wha-... Heather, really?
Heather: Hiccup, we've been nonstop flying for over A MONTH. I like adventuring just as much as you, but we need a place to rest our heads. I've been awake longer than you, this place is safe. The dragons seem to like it, and I think we can really benefit from this tribe.
Upon hearing this, Hiccup looks at his dragon. Toothless was close to finishing his lunch of cod when a Terror swoops in, eating his last few fish away. He growls, causing the Terror to yelp and fly off, yet leaving the big black lizard sad and unsatisfied. Upon seeing this, Summer wobbles over and seems to heaven before regurgitating a few fish into Toothless' bowl, who rumbles and croons in happiness and gratitude before eating up. Hiccup smiles at this, remember how happy Toothless was playing with the kids earlier.
Magnus: Well, I personally don't know about the rest of the tribe, but I would like you stay. You and young Heather here are more than welcome to. The lady says you've been looking to settle. Well, we'd like you to stay.
Hiccup: You...mean that?
It really was a shock. These people he'd only met about an hour ago wanted him to stay on their island with them… Maybe this is Valhalla?
Magnus: Of course I do! You and Heather can stay at the inn until we find you and your dragons a home for yourselves.
Frog: Yeah, come on, Hiccup… Stay on Drake with us!... Please?
Hiccup: ….Alright.
Heather: Really?
Hiccup: You heard me right, Heather… We'll stay.
The room cheered as Magnus grabs the boy by the shoulders and shakes him joyously in celebration.
Magnus: Excellent, my boy. The future is already looking brighter for us…. *aloud* Everyone! From this day forward, Hiccup and Heather will be members of our tribe! Effective immediately! Break out the good mead!
The entire Grand Hall roared into cheers as two of the men went to get the mead as their chief requested. However, as if on cue, the doors swung open again as several men and women in armor came in. Their leader, a man with a helmet covering his head and blue eyes with a 5 o'clock shave, comes in with a girl next to him. This girl was around Heather's age, only a lot more… beefy, persay. Hiccup would consider her a female Snotlout, but wouldn't for two reasons.
1; This girl was a rounded face with pale blonde hair cut up to her neck and oak-like brown eyes.
And 2; This one seemed like an adequate person.
Man: Chief Magnus! It's an emergency!
Magnus: Captain Harald. What is the trouble?
Hiccup: *to Frog* Who's that?
Frog: That's Harald, he's the captain of our rangers. They patrol the island and make sure our people aren't hurt. The girl with him in Brinda, his protege… And his daughter.
Heather: His daughter? Really?
Frog: Yeah…
Harald: On our patrol, we spotted dark clouds forming near the south end of the island. We went to investigate ourselves and-
Brinda: *suddenly* We were attacked by a savage beast wielding the power of Thor!
The girl yelped upon getting lightly hit on the shoulder by Harald, who frowns at her.
Harald: Calm yourself, Brinda. A true ranger keeps their cool in the face of danger.
Brinda: Oh… Right… *looks down* Sorry, Dad…
Magnus: Did you get a good look at it?
Harald: I'm afraid not, Chief. It would've killed us, we had to retreat…
The man simply sighs, but pats his daughter's shoulder at her apology. Hiccup couldn't help but watch and listen in interest. A beast wielding the power of THOR? Seemed more like a dragon than some unholy entity, but still, he couldn't help but think…
These people took him in. They nursed him back to help, housed Heather and their dragons, and had just brought them in. Now, they were possibly in danger. Turning to Heather, he could tell she had the exact same thought as him as Hiccup proceeded to stand.
Hiccup: We'll take care of it!
The entire patrol corp become shocked at this as both Frog and Magnus stared at the boy while Heather stood up.
Brinda: Wha- Are you crazy?! You can't go against that monster, it's suicide!
Hiccup: Well, we can't just let it run wild if it's as dangerous as you said it is!
Heather: You've done so much for us, so please, let us return the favor…
The captain was about to speak against this, but the chief raises a hand to stop him. He approaches Hiccup with a look of worry.
Magnus: Are you sure you are well enough to do this?
Hiccup: I don't know… But I'll have to be.
Magnus: …*nods* Well, whatever you need, we will help however we can.
Hiccup: I… Thank you.
Frog: *gets up* I'm coming, too!
Heather: Wha- Frog, you can't. It could be dangerous.
Frog: Maybe, but when else will I get the chance to see an actual Night Fury in action? Besides, the fish won't be biting for a while, so I should help however I can.
Harald: But… You can't-
Brinda: Father, let me go with them.
Harald: Brinda?!
Brinda: I'll make sure they're safe. After all, I'm a patrol ranger.
Ranger: Trainee.
Brinda: Whatever…
Seeing the determination in her eyes, Harald was conflicted on what to do. However, seeing as how she wouldn't back down, Harald sighs and signals for Brinda to go with them. Nodding with a small smile, Brinda joins the 3 kids and sits with them.
Brinda: Alright, then. What's our first course of action?
Hiccup: Well, I… Obviously, we see where you found those clouds. But first, I'm gonna need some leather and a forge.
Frog: Why?
Hiccup smiles as he proceeds to pet the curious Toothless' chin, causing him to warble and close his eyes in pleasure.
Hiccup: It's time we get you back up in the air again, bud.
—-
Hiccup took a deep breath and lets out a long, relieved sigh as the wind blows in his face while in flight. Embla was gracious enough to allow him to use her forge, curious about how his smithing was. And suffice to say, she was NOT disappointed upon seeing her new visitor finished a second version of Toothless' prosthetic fin.
Hiccup: Feels good to fly again, huh, Toothless?
The Night Fury roared in response, clearly just as excited as his rider as Hiccup looks around. Heather was by his side, riding atop Windshear while on his other side, Frog was flying atop Summer, the mighty Thunderdrum gliding through the air like water. Brinda was riding with Frog, clinging onto the smaller boy due to Summer's larger size being able to easily carry more than one person.
Brinda: Have you ever done this before with your Thunderdrum?
Frog: Oh, yeah, don't worry. I've flown with Summer PLENTY of times… Underwater.
Brinda: ….I'd like to change seats, please.
Heather: Sorry, Windshear only lets ME mount her. Even Hiccup is working up that amount of trust.
Hiccup: Okay, can we please just focus? Brinda, where did you and the rangers find those clouds?
The girl points a shaky finger over at the woods, where over a small area rose a cluster of dark storm clouds. Seeing where the clouds towered over, Hiccup led the group over to the wooded area and inevitably landed and dismount their dragons. The area was a small open space surrounded by dense forests. The tall trees managed to make a shadow over the wood that was made even worse by the dark clouds blocking the sunlight.
Hiccup: Okay, everyone, keep an eye out. We have no idea what's out here, ergo we have no idea how dangerous it is.
Brinda: You really didn't listen when I said this thing was wielding "the power of THOR", did you?!... I'm pretty sure THAT speaks of the danger!
Heather: We WERE listening, but you can't just say that and expect people to know what you mean.
The trainee tried to keep making her point until Toothless' ears perked up and started to growl at the trees nearby.
Hiccup: Bud? What is it?
Heather: I think he picked up a scent.
Frog: Maybe he smells rain? Those clouds ARE pretty dark.
Hiccup: No. No, this isn't from smelling rain…
Suddenly, crackling sounds are heard all around as a loud thumping comes from the treeline, causing the group to turn and see a large shadow coming forth from the trees.
Hiccup: Something's out there. And it's getting closer.
The Night Fury growls and roars as it pounces forward in a challenging fashion. However, a blast of lightning hits Toothless and sends him back, making the dragon rumble in pain.
Hiccup: TOOTHLESS!
Frog: Was that…. LIGHTNING?!
Brinda: I knew it! I told you it held the power of Thor!
Hiccup: No. This… This is NOT Thor. This is something worse.
Heather: What could be worse than a god?
Suddenly, the shadow finally steps into visible view as a clawed foot stomps onto the grass. Windshear and Summer being snarling at the mystery creature as the teens take in every detail of it. Large wings, purple back spine, long tail, and a noticeable red scar going over its left eye. Breaking from his shock, Hiccup mutters two words to answer Heather's question. Yet, the answer didn't seem to help her or… ANYONE, only making them feeling even more hopeless.
Hiccup: A Skrill….
Small volts fly off of the Skrill's body as it lets out a mighty, defiant roar and spreads its wings, making a kaleidoscope of lightning that made the clouds rumble with thunder.
Frog: THIS! THIS is why I prefer the water!