What If | How to Train Your Dragon

Chapter 2

It was the day of the exam and everyone was excited. Could you blame them? Hiccup Haddock of all people was killing a dragon. Everyone thought it would be Astrid until Hiccup took the village by storm. You would think he was a dragon master of sorts.

As everyone arrived at the arena and started settling down, Stoick went to talk with Hiccup.

“You feelin’ alright lad?”

“I’ve been better." Hiccup looked nauseous.

“If dragons are as nice as you say they are, then you’ll be fine.”

Hiccup looked at Stoick shocked.

“What?”

“You didn’t call them beasts or its.”

Now it was Stoick's turn to look shocked. “I…I suppose I didn’t.”

Hiccup smiled at Stoick, but it quickly fell as a realization came to him.

“Hey, dad.”

“Yes son?”

“If something goes wrong., promise me you won’t let them find Toothless.”

At that moment, Strickland realized just how much Toothless meant to Hiccup. He was more worried about what would happen to the dragon, rather than what would happen to him in the arena.

“I promise.” At that moment Gobber came to get Hiccup.

“Its time.” He said, whispering enthusiastically.

Stoick walked to his respective seat while Hiccup got ready. Waiting at Stoick's spot was none other than his brother Spitelout.

“You excited?” He asked, “I mean really, who woulda' thought Hiccup would be killing his first dragone today?”

Stoick was more worried than anything, but (of course) didn’t mention this. Instead, he put on his massive grin and said, “Of course I am, that’s my son after all.”

“Alright everyone, quiet down. Exams about to start!” Hollered Gobber.

Everyone quieted down as Hiccup entered the arena. He chose a pocket knife as his weapon, and a shield to protect himself.

“I would have gone for the hammer.” Whispered Spitelout.

Stoick wasn’t listening. He was more worried about what would happen to Hiccup. Hiccup looked up at Gobber and nodded, signaling that he was ready for him to open the gate. In less than a minute, flames covered the arena, and standing in the middle was none other than the Monstrous Nightmare.

It crawled up the cage, peering down at Hiccup from above. When it was good few inches away from him, it leapt on the ground, facing him. Hiccup carefully placed down his shield and threw his knife to the side.

“What's going on? What's he doing?” asked Spitelout.

Stoick watched intently, keen on seeing how his son tamed the creatures.

Hiccup reached out his hand, smiling gently at the creature.

“Hey,” he whispered gently, “I’m not gonna hurt you, promise.”

The dragon calmed a bit at hearing his words, but still growled. Hesitating.

Finally, Hiccup took off his helmet and threw it to the side.

“I’m not one of them.”

Those words hurt Stoick, cutting deep into his heart, but he understood why Hiccup said it. The village hasn’t exactly treated him well in the past few years. Nor had Stoick, much to his regret.

Upon hearing what Hiccup had said, the village gasped. All except Stoick and Spitelout. Though Spitelout's reason to remain quiet was quite different. Not only was Spitelout hurt, he was angry. His own nephew had denied any affiliation with him or his people.

Spiteful had seen enough.
He arose from his seat and started banging on the top of the arena with his hammer.

“YOU DARE DENY YOUR PEOPLE!” He screeched.

The Monstrous Nightmare, which was just starting to trust Hiccup, leapt up in alarm. It roared in terror and climbed back onto the top of the cage, lighting its body in flames.

Stoick jumped to his feet screaming, “HICCUP!”

He ran as fast as he could towards the arena's entrance, prying the door open with his bare hands. He immediately ran towards Hiccup in an attempt to protection him,, but before he could he heard a loud screeching.

That’s when Gobber yelled, “NIGHT FURY!”

Everyone ducked their heads down in alarm, but the Night Fury didn’t go for them. Instead, it blew a hole through the cage, sweeping down at the Monstrous Nightmare.

Stoick saw this as an opportunity and grabbed Hiccup, trying to get him out of the arena. Bust as they were living, Spitelout and other Vikings were heading in, attacking the Monstrous Nightmare and the Night Fury.

“NO!” Screamed Hiccup.

He attempted to run towards Toothless, but Stoick held him back. Hiccup kept hollering at them to stop as they pinned down Toothless. Spitelout was not amused.

“So that’s it, huh? You choose these – these beasts over your own people!”
“That’s enough Spitelout.” Stoick replied sternly.

“Oh, c’mon Stoick, you can’t tell me you’re not just as disappointed as I am.”

“He knew.” Hiccup whispered, desperate to protect Toothless. “We had a deal.”

Spitelout looked Stoick up and down. “Is this true?”

Stoick looked at Hiccup's hopeful face. How could he let him down? But he had to think of his people as well, and they did not look happy. There was no convincing them now, no matter what he did.

“No.” Stoick said quietly, looking away from Hiccup, “I didn’t.”

All signs of hope immediately left Hiccup's face and was quickly replaced with a look of betrayal. How could his father do this to him. They had a deal. He promised.

Hiccup didn’t know what would happen to Toothless now. Or to himself for that matter. That was when one last, and insanely desperate, idea came to his head.
Before anyone could react, Hiccup ran towards Toothless. Luckily for him, Toothless got the memo. As Hiccup rushed towards him, Toothless immediately brushed off the Vikings holding him down. Hiccup then jumped on his back, and together they flew off, leaving the island completely.

No one knew what to say, or even do for that matter. That’s when Stoick let his guard down. He let a single tear fall down his cheek. He had lost his last living family member.

He had failed his son.