(HTTYD) To Protect Its Own

The Hideout

HICCUP POV

The morning was quiet. After all, it was still dawn. Toothless and I  was doing our morning flight as always and I found myself thinking about what happened earlier this morning. Dad's apology took me by surprise and I must admit that I was happy when he apologized. Though really there was nothing to apologize for. After all, I made the decision to run away. But it felt good, knowing that he cared that I was gone. I though Berk would've moved on without me. I sighed, lying down on Toothless's back as he leisurely flew among the clouds. 

The best moment when flying was when you reached high above the clouds and the sky is the only thing around you. The clouds become the ground and the nothingness makes it seem that you ae the only person in this vast universe. The thin air was a comfort to the suffocation below, from the enemies and the bad things in the world. It was a feeling Toothless and I share and I treasure it above all else.

Toothless crooned at me in question and growled lowly. I smiled, assuring him that I'm okay. It was our first real flight since yesterday's commotion and my best friend knew that everything was overwhelming at this moment. "I'm fine Toothless. Thanks for asking."

Toothless humphed and flicked his ears to my face, growling mischievously. I scowled, rubbing the place where he hit me. Useless reptile. I shook my head at Toothless and searched my suit to get the scroll from Trader Johann. It was left on my desk in my room, so dad must've safe-kept it. I gingerly traced the seal of the boulder dragon and unrolled the scroll. It was a short message as always, expected from this person. But the few words sent a shiver down my spine.

He's coming.

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"Good morning, guys!", I shouted as I stepped inside the kill ring. All the dragons turned their heads, crooning in response before all of them started running towards me. I laughed as they all gathered around, growling in delight. I stroked the blue-green Zippleback's heads and growled playfully at the Gronkle. I've quite bonded with them last night and they appreciated me freeing them from their chains and bonds. After a few moments, I noticed that the Nightmare was missing and I looked around curiously. Suddenly, I heard movement and the slight scratching of claws on stone. Turning around, the Monstrous Nightmare was inches before me, with a mischevious smile, and before I knew it, he picked me by his nose and threw me up.

This dragon wanted to play, huh?

I stopped my body from slamming into the top of the cage and gripped the fence with my fingers, hanging down. The Nightmare looked at me playfully and laughed with a growl. I smirked and moved through the holes of the cage, eventually dropping down and landing on Toothless's back. Toothless made a long face and I smiled sheepishly, fully knowing that despite the surprise attack, my face was flushed with adrenaline and I was willing to be reckless.  I got off Toothless and stared at the Nightmare with a smirk.

"Ready to go, boy?" The Nightmare puffed smoke through his nose in response and nodded. We both circled around each other and I cautiously brought out my sword, extending it. I didn't dare to make the first move and as expected, the black dragon swung its tail at me. I dodged, stepping on his tail and running around his body. I needed to subdue him quick before he lit his body on fire. I used the hilt of my sword to hit the top of his head and while he was confused, I pinned him down with my body, his neck on the ground. The Nightmare made a real struggle but after a few moments, he ceased, thus admitting defeat. I stood up, letting his neck go, and he stood up, stroking me with his neck. I laughed and stroked him back as well. Monstrous Nightmares had always been the physical dragon species, often playing through physical feats and fights. And I'm no exception to their tendency to be mischievous.