Crossing the Line | Oakstrid Story

Chapter 7 | Friendship

The confrontation in the arena had left my heart pounding, my mind racing, and my future uncertain. As Spitelout and Gobber joined my father in his aggressive approach, I instinctively moved to defend myself. I ducked skillfully to evade Spitelout's attack and retaliated by swiftly kicking him from behind, causing him to stumble. Gobber followed suit, but with a well-timed strike, I managed to knock him down as well. However, my father's stern presence loomed over me, his intimidating expression sending shivers down my spine.

With determination driving me forward, I lunged towards him, my agility allowing me to slide between his legs and trip him over. My quick movements caught him off guard, and for a moment, he was momentarily off balance. Seizing the opportunity, I dashed towards the captured dragon, desperately wanting to free him from the ropes that bound him.

As I untangled the dragon, it stood tall and stretched its magnificent wings, almost as if thanking me for its newfound freedom. I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection with this creature, knowing that like me, it too sought to escape from the constraints placed upon it.

My actions had undoubtedly disrupted the arena's proceedings, and I knew I had just earned myself a heap of trouble. Without hesitation, I fled the scene, racing towards the woods and scaling the cliff to reach my favorite spot just in time to witness the setting sun.

The peaceful tranquility of the location provided a temporary respite from the chaos I had caused. However, my moment of solace was short-lived as I heard the faint sound of a twig snapping behind me. Spinning around, my heart still racing, I was relieved to see my best friend Astrid approaching. We had been inseparable since childhood, always pushing each other to be stronger, but never letting competition overshadow our deep bond of friendship.

"Hey, just me," Astrid reassured, taking a seat beside me. "I heard what happened," she said, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"How much trouble am I in?" I leaned back against the tree, letting out a frustrated huff, and couldn't help but wonder how much trouble awaited me. Astrid tried to offer some reassurance, but her uncertainty mirrored my own.

"It's hard to say. I've never seen Stoick act like that, destroying anything that wasn't to his liking," she explained, leaving me with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. This time, I was in more trouble than ever before.

"Oh, perfect," I rolled my eyes, my frustration evident.

Astrid wrapped her arm around my shoulders, offering support and comfort. "It's probably best to keep your distance for now. You can stay at my place until things settle down," she suggested.

"How about forever? Does forever work for you? I don't think things are gonna settle down this time," I responded, my fear and anxiety creeping into my voice.

Astrid pulled me close in a tight hug, offering a sense of security amidst the uncertainty. Glancing down at the village below, I felt a fleeting sense of contentment.

"Astrid, did I ever tell you why I love it up here?" I questioned, realizing that she was the only one I had shared this spot with, but I had never truly explained its significance.

"You're mother used to bring you here. But you never said why," she reminded me.

"My mom loved the dragons, but she loved Berk too. After the raids, she would bring me up here to keep me safe and away from the village, so I didn't have to witness the dragons being hurt. She would tell me stories about the dragons, how caring and protective they could be. She believed they were innocent and dedicated everything to protect them, until her last breath. When she died, I swore I would continue that legacy, to never intentionally harm an innocent creature. But I also didn't want to disappoint my father," I explained, sharing the weight of my conflicting emotions.

"I can understand that," Astrid said empathetically, understanding the immense pressure I felt.

"Hiccup is the heir to the throne, the son of the chief, the one that everyone wants to see," I continued. "I just... sometimes I feel like I have no purpose here. Like nothing would change if I just disappeared."

"Don't tell me you're gonna run away?!" Astrid gasped, her concern evident.

Though I was tempted to consider that option, I knew I couldn't leave her behind. However, the weight of my predicament was unbearable, and I felt trapped between conflicting responsibilities.

"I may not have a choice," I admitted, my voice heavy with uncertainty and fear. The path ahead seemed clouded with darkness, and I couldn't help but wonder if there was any way to find clarity and peace amidst the chaos.