Secrets of the Wilderwest (Httyd fic)

Chapter 22

Astrid's POV

It wasn't long thereafter that we departed the island. The more curious Whispering Deaths even poked their heads out to see us off. Soren was currently snuggled against me as we sat on Stormfly. According to Fishlegs and his map, it would take us approximately four hours to reach our destination.

The weather was clear until three hours into the flight when we got caught in a sudden storm. The dragons flew at top speeds as the peninsula came into view. The sharp cliffs dotting the landscape stood out against the valley nestled within.

Fishlegs steered Meatlug in the direction of the falls and we followed getting desperate to get out of the rain that wouldn't let up.

The valley in the middle of the peninsula was covered in tropical trees. Odin's falls was a massive waterfall which fed the river as it made intricate cuts through the rocks.

We made it to the falls and Hiccup showed us the caves behind it.

"Hiccup how do you know about these caves?" I question as we quickly enter to get out of the rain.

"There is a swim hole not so far from here and my parents and I used to go camping there. I ended up getting lost one time and finding this place, although I never actually went further in." Hiccup explained as we brought out our flashlights.

"Oh I remember that cuz. When you guys came back you were insisting that you heard a mean dragon roar." Snotlout laughed at the memory. "But Uncle Stoick kept insisting that there were no dragons in the area."

Hiccup just huffed and kept walking. After a few minutes of walking we came to a large grotto. Some of the water from the falls was flowing through the cracks and created a small underground lake.

"Woah." Soren exclaimed as he approached the water's edge. The water was clear and Soren yelled that there were fish swimming around.

Toothless and the other dragons immediately bounded up to the edge to peer hungrily at the fish.

"We might as well set up camp here." Hiccup said. "And we need to get out of these wet clothes."

A loud roar suddenly filled the grotto startling all of us. Toothless and the others immediately adopted a hostile stance and began growling.

"What the hell was that!!" Snotlout yelled while looking around wildly.

"I don't know but I doesn't sound friendly!" Fishlegs squeaked.

Before any of us could move a large black shape flew down. It's maw was lit and it advanced towards us. Our dragons were snarling and snapping at the large black dragon, and while Snotlout, Fishlegs and the twins had managed to find some cover behind boulders, Soren and I were still out in the open.

The large dragon managed to bat away the others and was advancing towards Soren and I.

"No!!" Hiccup yelled as he came running towards us. The dragon was preparing to shoot its blast. But Hiccup pushed us out of the way just in time, while Toothless lunged at the dragon from the side knocking the blast slightly off course.

"Hiccup!" All of us yell in worry as the dust clears to show an unconscious Hiccup with Toothless standing over him.

Toothless and the large black dragon continue to roar at each other. It takes a while but the large dragoon looks placated for the moment. Hiccup who was looking a little dazed but conscious slowly sat up.

It was then that the large black dragon surprised us all once more. "You humans shall leave this place at once." The dragon said in a deep rumble.

"Did that dragon just talk?" Tuffnut asked as he poked his head out from his hiding place. Ruffnut was poking Fishlegs who had gone slack jawed.

Hiccup who was also staring at the large dragon with wide eyes then said. "If you could talk why didn't you just do that in the first place!!" His voice was laced with frustration and sarcasm.

"I do not need to explain myself to a lowly human. I am the great Furious." The dragon stated haughtily.

"You forgot that you could, didn't you?" Hiccup asked as he slowly stood up.

"Eh........." Was all Furious said. This caused Toothless to let out his version of a snigger.

"Hiccup, don't antagonize him." I whispered but the dragon Furious spoke again. "You shall leave now humans and abandon your search."

"The fact that you know we are searching for something, means that you are protecting it." Hiccup stated as he looked the dragon dead in the eye.

"And what will you do if I am?" Furious snarled.

"Nothing." Hiccup simply stated which apparently threw Furious off balance.

"Nothing." Furious stated as he looked at us skeptically. "You already have many of the items and you'll do nothing?"

"Precisely." Hiccup stated. "Whatever item is hidden here seems to be pretty well guarded. I highly doubt Drago's men will be able to retrieve it before being turned into barbeque."

"You could wield the ultimate power, yet you would turn it down?" Furious asked as he now sat on his haunches.

"That was never our goal." I stated. "We simply wanted to prevent a madman from enslaving the humans and dragons."

"You will tell me about this madman." Furious said.

"Can we get out of our wet clothes first?" Hiccup asked. "We'd hardly be in a telling mood if we got sick."

Furious simply huffed but then stated. "You may spend the night. If I find out you were lying to me it will be your last. I shall be back within an hour." He then flew off leaving us alone.

"Is it just me or does that dragon have some serious trust issues." Ruffnut said as she began unloading our supplies.

"I'm much more fascinated with how he can talk." Fishlegs said as we all began to make camp.