(HTTYD) To Protect Its Own

A Mother and Child

Hiccup POV

"What?" I said in incredible disbelief. Why would Astrid want to train a dragon? I looked at the others, who were also nodding in agreement with her. I narrowed my eyes at her, looking beyond her words and I was disappointed at what I saw.

"No." Astrid looked at me incredulously.

"What?! Why?! Didn't you want to prove to us that dragons are good?" I scoffed and glared at her. At everyone.

"You aren't ready to train them the way you are now. You don't want to train one, you just want to use them. " I said in a bitter voice. "I've seen enough Vikings to know what you're asking for."

At that statement, the scars under my suit started to itch as I remember all the tortures and beatings I endured from people who asked to "train a dragon." I wrapped my arms around myself, digging my fingers into my skin. I will not experience that ever again. Toothless sensed my distress and crooned in worry. I smiled at him, patting his head.

"I'm fine, Bud," I said softly. Toothless nodded his head in understanding. I turned to Astrid and the others with a stronger resolve. The expressions on their face proved to tell me that I was right. I felt a pang of disappointment at their hidden intentions. 

"The next time you ask that again, ask because you do want to train a dragon," I said with emphasis. No one said anything at that response. I sighed at the silence and was fed up with all this.

"Look if you don't need me anymore, I'm gonna just go," I said, straightening myself up and preparing myself to leave.

"Wait! We still have questions!" Fishlegs shouted with urgency. I glanced at the blonde man and shrugged my shoulders.

"Later. I'll promise to answer all your questions next time." I smiled at Fishlegs in assurance.  I turned around to see Astrid then blocking my way. I raised an eyebrow at this and frowned. Oh, cmon, can't she just let me off just this once?

"You're not permitted to leave," Astrid said while crossing her arms. I scowled and leaned close to her, matching her height.

"And why should I listen to you?" I said in a threatening tone. I saw Astrid back up one step from my face. "You should know something, Astrid." Astrid backed up even more as I walked closer to her. Soon enough, she was backed up against a wall, her eyes shadowed in uncertainty.

"I don't listen to anyone." I stood up straight and sat on Toothless's saddle. I stroked the side of Toothless's face and smiled.

"Plus, I'm already missing the sky." At that moment, Toothless flew straight up into the sky, making a ring of the wind around us. Astrid and the others took cover from the wind and looked at me in surprise when they saw me in the sky. I yelled in exhilaration, laughing with Toothless. Oh god, I miss flying. The wind blew through my hair and I closed my eyes, just basking myself in the sensation. Toothless was grinning widely with me too and roared in happiness.

"WOHOOO! I'm back baby!" I yelled at the sky with a grin. I looked back to see Astrid and the gang following me along the coast, staring at me in astonishment. Well, if they wanted to see a show, why not? I signaled us to go higher up to the sky until we reached the clouds. Looking below, I still saw them trying to find me.

"Do you trust me bud?" Toothless narrowed his eyes at me in reply. I rolled my eyes.

"Oh, I'll be fine Toothless." I unhooked myself off the reigns of Toothless's saddle. Toothless grumbled but complied that he was ready. I sat up straight for a minute before falling off the saddle. I plummeted to the ground in exhilaration and laughed while falling. Toothless was falling with me as well and we both stared at each other with a grin.