Racing Journeys From the Edge

Chapter 6: Between a Throk and a Hard Place (Part 3/3)

Hours passes by as the 4th competition began. The Dragon Riders were in complete shock. Snotlout was actually winning by 2 points. Hiccup and Astrid sneaking suspicions that Snotlout had cheated his way through two of the obstacle courses while Throk went through them 100% cleanly. Astrid looked at Hiccup who was in deep thought. Cheers, boos, rants, chants, applauds, and gestures were made as once again Snotlout and Throk stood face to face in the middle of the arena looking at each other. Astrid ignored the rukus happening around them and touched Hiccup's hand. A startled Hiccup jumped up and looked at Astrid who giggled at the sight of him jumping up in shock.

Astrid: What's on your mind jumpy?

Hiccup smirked.

Hiccup: Oh nicknamed huh? Ok then. If you must know, I'm still trying to figure out how Snotlout, probably one of the least successful Dragon Riders, no offense to any of us, manage to beat an elite fighter of the Defender of the Wing. Hasn't it crossed your mind blushy?

Astrid giggled and blossomed pink cheeks.

Astrid: Blushy? Well I'm not going to lie it has crossed my mind in fact I actually believe that Snotlout is-

Hiccup: Cheating?

Astrid: Yes!

Hiccup: I knew I wasn't the only one getting a bad vibe from all of this. We have to call the competition off.

Astrid: If you try that I'm probably going to have to start looking into other vikings for my hand in betrothed. There's no way you can go out there all by yourself and stop the competition.

Hiccup:  Astrid this isn't how it's supposed to work they're supposed to be competing fair and square and regardless we both know that Mala is in love with-

Astrid: Throk. I know, but I think we should just let this one go Hiccup. Don't you think Mala has a plan? Otherwise why would she allow it? It's like she knows that Snotlout is going to lose.

Hiccup: How? How can you be so sure about this Astrid? Snotlout is winning. What if Throk doesn't win? What if Snotlout wins? What if-

Astrid held Hiccup's hands and looked at him directly in his eyes.

Astrid: I don't. I don't know for sure Hiccup, but I do know that love works in mysterious ways. An example? Just look at us.

Hiccup chuckled.

Hiccup: Oh yeah real funny Astrid.

Astrid turned Hiccup's face so that he was looking directly at her. Her face was as red as a Monstrous Nightmare's fire. The lust and twinkle could be seen in her eyes. Her lips started to pucker up as if she were going to kiss him. Hiccup could tell that she was being serious.

Astrid: I'm telling you Hiccup love works in mysterious ways.

Hiccup: Astrid what's with all this talk about love?

Astrid smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck and he instinctively grabbed her by the waist.

Astrid: I guess what I'm trying to tell you is that...Well...Hiccup Haddock I lo-

Mala: We are officially moving on to the 4th competition. Let us all remind ourselves that Snotlout needs to win this last obstacle to become King while Throk needs to win this obstacle to stay in the competition and tie.

Hiccup and Astrid broke from each other's grip as their attention switched to Mala.

Astrid: Maybe now is not the best time.