Wanted: Hiccup Haddock III

Chapter 13

Hiccup's POV:

I walked on through the forest, warily looking around. From the treetops I could hear birds chirping and branches creaking in the breeze. Few patches of sunlight brightened my path, for the canopy above was thick. I hadn't been in here for long, maybe 15 minutes?

Suddenly, there was a rustling in a clump of bushes ahead of me. My hand automatically reached for Inferno, but when the creature came out in the light, it revealed a bear cub. My hand dropped from Inferno. The bear cub seemed to be looking for food, his nose sniffing around. I chuckled lightly, but it died soon after. The mother bear must be nearby.

Hurriedly I changed directions, turning right and moving fast through the trees. 5 minutes later, when I didn't see or hear a bear coming, I sighed in relief.

I turned around, and I saw that mere feet away was a little opening. I walked to it and peeked through, and gasped.

A beautiful little clearing lay just ahead, green grass growing from the ground with pretty little flower patches decorating the ground. A river ran steadily through the trees. My mouth felt dry, and I realized how thirsty I was. I rushed over to the river, and brought my lips to the water. I drank until I felt full, and then rinsed my face with water.

A growl came behind me, and I turned around. A Timberjack faced me, growling and baring it's razor-sharp wings. I tried to back up, but I remembered the river was right behind me. I was trapped. Trying to even my panicked breathing, I tried to soothe the Timberjack. "It's okay, I won't hurt you." The Timberjack continued to growl, but it's wings lowered. Taking a chance, I let my hand reach out far enough where the Timberjack could smell my hand, turned my head away and closed my eyes. I waited, trying not to let the Timberjack pick up on my fear. If dragons pick up on your fear, they won't trust you enough to give you their trust.

A minute later I felt a warm snout press into my palm. I opened my eyes and turned to the Timberjack, smiling. I glanced around it's hindquarters, and found it was a male Timberjack. "Hey boy." I stroked his snout, earning a purr from him. "I'm gonna call you--" I paused, thinking. "--Splinter."

The newly named Splinter nuzzled his snout into my chest. I happily stroked his snout. There was nothing quite like the feeling of taming a dragon. I crawled around him to stand up, and stroked his snout once more. "Hey Splinter, I need a favor. Do you think you can help me?" Splinter purred. I'll take that as a yes, I thought. "Can you give me a ride?"

. . .

Inferno, check. Leg, check. A ride, check. Good. I have everything I need. I glanced at my hut one last time, and remembered my dream with Astrid. Astrid, here I come.

With that I mounted Splinter, gave him a little nudge, and we were off. At last, I'm going home.

. . .

POW! A gunshot-like sound cut through the air and I jumped. Splinter panicked and began to flail around. "Easy Splinter!" I said, trying to be calm. I looked around for the source of the noise, and spotted it. A Dragon Hunter ship.

No. They've found me.

CLIFFHANGER!!! I don't normally do these, but I decided to be kinda mean (forgive me) and do a cliffhanger. However, I might be posting Chapter 14 early on either Thursday or Friday (it's a maybe).

Anyways, I hope you guys are having a great day/night!

-Goth80sMovieGirl14