First Friends

Chapter 8

"Tiger! C'mon, Tiger! Don't die! Please!" Hiccup's voice called me through the fog that surrounded my brain. I struggled to surface but found I couldn't breathe. I began to panic until someone or something began pressing on my chest, forcing my lungs to work. I coughed roughly, spewing a fountain of water across the dock. I opened my eyes groggily as the fellow Hiccup had been talking to sat back on his heels, smiling with relief. My master gathered my chest and head in his arms, crying with happiness. "Oh, Tiger! I'm so happy you're alright!"

I burbled weakly and stuck my tongue out, trying to lick him and let him know I was alright. It wound up draped over his arm, and I focused on getting it up. It rose unsteadily and climbed higher until it caressed his cheek. Okay so it was more aling the lines of me sticking my tongue in his ear, but still... I pulled it in and made a face. The longer my lungs worked the stronger I felt, so I rolled onto my stomach, preparing myself to rise. I looked around and saw Stoick on his knees, gasping and drenched through. It didn't take long to realize he'd saved my life, and gratitude flooded my veins, chasing away the remaining fear. I lifted my belly, then my chest, rising fom the deck and staggering over to him. He put a hand on my head, which I licked in passing. He smiled at my, then at Hiccup when he joined us.

"Thank you, Dad," Hiccup said, his eyes shining with happiness. He crouched beside me, wrapping an arm around my sopping shoulders. I sneezed lightly and shook my fur, trying to dry it off. Those in the area yelped and jumped back, shielding their faces from the spray. I licked my lips afterwards, wrinkling my nose in disgust at the saltiness, and nuzzled Hiccup and Stoick, who rose and returned to his chiefing duties.