(HTTYD) To Protect Its Own

Which is Right?

Astrid POV

He was different, I had to admit. The mysterious teen was walking towards the Grand Hall, his hands behind his back and his mask still on, hiding all emotions. He still wore his cloak, awed at the scales lining the fabric and black as midnight. But the hood was now down, showing auburn locks on his head. When we saw him for the first time in the cove, my expectations of his strength was confirmed when he expertly fought off our Vikings. The admiration I had for him was gone when I saw him assist the Night Fury escape. This man was not a friend, for sure. I couldn't believe anyone would be willing to be allies with these beasts.

The weird thing about him was that he was unafraid. He took certain, confident steps and his face never moved from looking to the front. He never looked down or struggled with the restraints. It was...curious.

"What do you think he is?" I looked at Fishlegs, his eyes curiously looking at the cloaked boy.

"I don't know." I frowned, looking at him making dabs with the Viking guarding him.

"Well, whoever he is, he is handsome isn't he?" Ruffnut gestured to him with an interesting look. I scowled, feeling my heart betray my thoughts I silently agreed with her.  He was a lean man, not like Snotlout. But he was strong, judging by the way he fought. The muscles could be subtly seen through his suit and he had a tall posture, straight and true.

"Please, I'm way better. Look at these guns." I rolled my eyes at Snotlout, gesturing to his arms with a narcissistic air. His head has gotten real big ever since Hiccup was decreed dead and become the next heir of Berk. He looked at me with a smirk and gave me a kissing gesture, making me gag in disgust. That's never going to happen.

I turned back to the auburn-haired boy, posture straight and looking straight ahead to our chief, unflinching. No one said anything, as the boy was a rarity. It's been a long time since someone can look at our chief unafraid and uncertain.

"Are we gonna start or we're still waiting for someone?" He spoke with sarcasm dripping from every word. His voice was deep and had a mature timbre. I raised an eyebrow in surprise at how he can still make a joke in front of the chief. The chief didn't take the response kindly, though.

"Who are you?" The boy's reply was quick.

"Not your business to know, Chief." He was a sarcastic one. He didn't betray any information as Stoick asked him questions. His responses were firm and had no room for argument. I can tell from Stoick's face he was becoming impatient. 

"IT IS MY BUSINESS! THAT BEAST KILLED MY SON!" That was when the man said something other than dismisses. His eyes flashed and I realized that it was a flash of anger. And then a hint of sadness. He said nothing for a few minutes. Then the next thing he said bristled me in hostility. It was an angry response, impatient and furious at our degrading remark. It was a blow to the chief and I was angry myself. He still supports the dragons even after hearing one killing the son of our chief. At that moment, I hated this man.

"They killed hundreds of us!" He looked at me with wide eyes. I huffed in anger from my shout, not regretting my actions. He was not a Viking. If only he knew how much the village was hurt after Hiccup's death.

"And you killed thousands of them!" His remark threw me back, making me only angrier. How dare he try to think this is our fault! Those dragons have done nothing to prove themselves as something resembling gentle. They are just monsters.

"You speak of these beasts as if they are family. You are just a monster." His eyes flashed yet again through the mask. This time, there was only rage. Unexpectedly, he kicked the Viking guarding him. The Viking passed out in a heap. My mouth opened in surprise for a second, but I shut it quickly refusing to let him know how he got to me. He was heading toward me and I steeled myself to look directly at his face. He was close, leaning towards me in silence. Our faces were inches from each other, but my eyes were blinded by anger to notice that.