First Friends

Chapter 2

The next morning I woke up surrounded by warmth with a slight pressure from a small paw on my back. I looked around and saw the boy from yesterday, Hiccup, sleeping with the tip of one of his claws in his mouth. I purred softly and nuzzled him. I heard him give a small noise and he rolled over onto his back. I jumped down and stretched, preparing for a small hunting trip. Even if I brought back a rabbit, I'd bring Hiccup something, or at least something to please the giant. I nudged the door until it opened and I dashed into the bushes far away from the village. I paused at a clearing and sniffed. A herd of deer were grazing peacefully nearby, along with some rabbits. I crept around the small glade and selected a particularly fat rabbit. I got as close as I could to him, crouched, and charged, leaping high into the air and landing on his back. I bared my fangs and sank them into the back of his neck, shaking my head from side to side, snapping his neck. I gave a tiny roar of triumph and then picked up as much as I could in my mouth. My butt stuck up in the air, and I padded along on my front paws, perfectly balanced as I returned to the dwelling. I was just beginning to wonder how I was going to the door when it opened and the giant stood before me. He took a step before looking down and spotting me. He knelt and took the rabbit from me and gave me an awkward scratch on the head before going down to the village. I decided to go check up on my young master and found him sitting up and rubbing his eyes sleepily. I mewled in greeting and his face lit up. I pounced onto his lap softly, sheathing my claws before rubbing against his face.

"What's this on your face, Tiger? Oh! Are you hurt?" he asked picking me up and looking me over before prying my jaws apart and peering down my throat. It was a very uncomfortable experience, but I allowed it. "If you're not hurt, where did that blood come from?"

"Heccup, that ther kitten o' yers is quite the li'l hunter. Brought down a fat rabbit this morn, judging by the warmth and the state of clottin'," said a new voice. I ducked under Hiccup's arm, shaking from fear before peeking out at the newcomer. Another giant, slightly smaller than Hiccup's father, with only one arm and one leg stood at the foot of the stairs.

"Hi, Gobber! This is Tiger," Hiccup chirped. "I found him in the water, clinging to the wharf. Poor thing was half frozen. Daddy-er, Dad said I could keep him if he survived, and he did!"