(HTTYD) To Protect Its Own

New Visitors and Old Enemies

Hiccup POV

"Looking good, guys!" I said loudly, my voice competing with the wind. Everyone has paired up with a dragon of their own, which was a relief. The twins bonded with a Hideous Zippleback, which unfortunately for us, is as mischevious as them. Fishlegs was riding a Gronkle and I can tell by the attention they give each other, they're gonna get along just fine. Surprisingly, Snotlout bonded with the most prideful of dragons, a Monstrous Nightmare. I'm curious to see how their big egos would interact with each other. I glanced at Astrid and her Nadder, glad that she seems better now. I thought back to her rambling and at that moment, I realized how important this trip was to them. I had to admit, I was overjoyed to see everyone. But I didn't realize that my happiness can make others so anxious. That I would change my mind. That I would stay and leave them behind. 

I looked back at them, obviously struggling with their dragons and how to ride them, but the light in their eyes have not faded even to the slightest. They were slowly but surely seeing the dragons as they are. More than monsters.  I would know. My eyes haven't faded since the first time. 

We went inside the Center of the Nest through the opening from the top, falling down quickly to the ground. Toothless landed expertly on the ground floor, in one of the main halls and everyone followed the same motion. I then realized that everything was quiet. Too quiet. I cautiously took out Inferno, holding it behind me. Suddenly, I heard a sound and whirled around quickly to see Snotlout held at the throat by an armored woman.

"What the--" Snotlout shut up quickly when the dagger moved closer to his throat. Everyone was tense at the intruder. I lowered the Inferno immediately, letting out a breath of relief.

"Quiet stranger. I don't know who you are and how you got here, but you must die here right now." She looks like she hasn't seen me, still glaring at Astrid and the others. I saw her hand clench at the dagger, intending to do the deed. I can sense Throk nearby and from the looks of it, he wasn't going to intervene.  I sighed and decided to take her by surprise. I placed myself behind her and gripped her dagger, making sure she couldn't let go of her hold.  She turned to me in surprise and her eyes widened, causing to raise one eyebrow.

"Lord Hiccup!" She said, quickly letting go of the dagger. I took the dagger from her and twirled in on my hand. I eyed it carefully, recognizing it as one of my own designs. I glance at Mala and wiggled my eyebrows playfully before giving her a smile. She rolled her eyes at me and returned the smile.

"Mala." I gave back the dagger, watching her putting it back in the holster. I bowed and gave her hand a polite kiss on the hand in greeting. She gave a questioning glance at the Vikings, a frown on her features. "They're with me."

"Really?" She said straightforwardly, her hands gesturing to them. I softly chuckled. Mala was never the one to beat around the bush nor give anyone the better of the doubt. She was more distrustful than me. However,  I think the fact that she is chief of her own tribe causes her to be stiffer than others.  "Who are they?"

"Guys, this is Mala, chief of Defenders of the Wing." I introduced Mala, who proceed to nod at the Vikings sternly. "They're from Berk."

Her eyebrows raised at the highest degree and proceeded to frown. "Hoho? I recall the tribe are dragon killers, were they not?"

I chuckled nervously, my hand scratching the back of my head. "They're reformed?"

"We will see.", Mala said with suspicion, her eyes carefully appraising each Viking. She turned to me quickly, ignoring them completely.  "Hiccup, we have things to talk about. Also, we met Camicazi on the way, so she--"

A yellow flash appeared before me, knocking me to the ground. I was on the floor with a thud and groaned. My eyes were clenched in pain and I opened them slowly. My eyes were met with green ones, flashing with mischievousness and excitement. "--arrived as well."