Chapter 13

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Hey, guys!

So, um, about that Song Contest, when I said "whichever song has the most votes by the next update wins", I think what I meant to say was "whichever song has the most votes by the time the chapter that needs it is uploaded". The reason I say this is because right now, they're tied at one vote. So, I'll give it some more time, and feel free to ask me what the songs are if you want to know.

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The next month passed by in a blur. Hiccup dove wholeheartedly into Alf's research, memorizing as much as he could. When he wasn't studying, he was modifying Toothless' prosthetic tail fin, seeing as how the dragon was still unable to fly without Hiccup hanging on to his tail for dear life. But three weeks and six prototypes later, he still wasn't any closer to achieving his goal. Frustrated, he went back to Alf's notes, comparing his methods with Gobber's, drawing on every ounce of knowledge the blacksmith had given him in four years. What was he missing?

He sat down at the table after dinner one night, flipping through Alf's notebook, his mind blank and fuzzy, when a page he hadn't seen before caught his eye. Curious, he opened the book back up and gasped. What he saw was unbelievable.

Alf had written a note on one side of the page, and on the other was a drawing of a hovering Gronckle. Perched carefully on the dragon's back . . . was a man. He sat just in front of the wings, his legs hanging down on either side. Floored, Hiccup poured every bit of his awareness into the note accompanying the drawing.

Today, I did something strange. I can't decide if I never want to do it again, or if I never want to stop. I rode a dragon. It wasn't one of my more graceful moments, and I'm sure my scaled volunteer felt the same way. Being that far off the ground was absolutely terrifying . . . and yet exhilarating at the same time. I felt as though I was invincible. What shall I do with my time now that I have discovered this thing called flight?

Hopefully, do it again, if there is anyone willing!

Something nudged Hiccup's arm, but he was too engrossed in the drawing to notice, his mind rapidly putting the pieces of the puzzle together. It could work, but he'd have to—

"Aah!" Hiccup screamed, falling out of the chair in response to a dragon's loud exclamation. Surprised, Hiccup stared at Toothless' annoyed face as he came around the chair. The Night Fury hummed and lay down by the empty fireplace, waiting for an explanation.

"Sorry. I wasn't paying attention," Hiccup said, picking himself off the floor, his heart rate returning to normal. He grabbed the book from the table and showed it to the dragon. "What do you think about this?"

Toothless cocked his head and considered the picture. What are you asking?

"I think I've been going on about this wrong. I can't figure out a way to make you able to control the prosthetic yourself, but maybe you don't have to."

Meaning?

"May I sit on your back?" Hiccup asked politely, and the dragon obliged, shifting into place. Hiccup placed his feet on either side like he'd seen in the drawing and gently eased himself down in front of Toothless's shoulders. He looked back at where the still-useless prosthetic hung limp from the tail. If I were to wire the fake fin and somehow control it from here, then maybe you might actually get to fly longer than a chicken. A saddle might help, if you're up for it.

Toothless snorted derisively. Do what you must, but I'm not wearing a saddle unless it's absolutely necessary.

As you wish, Hiccup replied, heading to the smithy. Maybe I can use rope instead.

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