New Life Ahead [HTTYD]

Chapter 18: Gregarious Greetings

As the stars dwindled like diamonds across the velvet night sky, a lone Night Fury sat atop an oblate rock jutting out of the shore. Lying flat on the slab, Hiccup peered into the tranquil water and studied his reflection. Over the past few months, his scales have translated from obsidian to jet black and his eyes now sported a vivid forest hue, a nice change from the dull green they initially were.

I look just like him now... Hiccup thought, commenting on how he and the Night Fury were now nearly identical. Wonder if they'll be able to tell us apart...?

"Facing identity issues?" Hiccup abruptly scrambled to his feet as he heard the Night Fury's voice. He was still absorbed by their physical similarities that he didn't notice his friend approaching him. He shot a sarcastic look at the Fury for a while then shifted his gaze to the placid horizon.

"I was just... admiring my reflection."

"I never took you for a vain reptile. Then again, it's nice to finally see a human who appreciates their transformation."

"Well that's an achievement, considering that all humans you and the others transform had their minds wiped."

"Excluding you," the Night Fury stated. "And five others."

Hiccup's eyes gaped wide open. "F-f-f-five others...?"

"During our raid on Berk to obtain fishing nets, my mate freed the captive dragons used for what you Vikings call 'dragon-training'. Have to say that some of the your fellow humans put up quite a fight."

"And you used the humans' self-defense..." Hiccup questioned. "As a reason to add them to the nest?"

"I thought that by bringing converted humans would add a sense of familiarity within the nest for you. And to convince that they'll recognize you, I gave instructions not to have their memories erased."

"Who are the newcomers?"

"One Nightmare, a Gronkle, two Zipplebacks, and a Nadder. Oh, and a Skrill from another raid we did on Berserker Island. I don't know their names. They've been given flight training by their captors and should be arriving within the next moon."

"At least they had training..." Hiccup snorted, reminiscing his instinct-driven flying lessons when the Night Fury deported his human memories to the far edge of his mind and Hiccup underwent a feral state-of-mind.

The following week, Hiccup grumbled as he groggily stretched himself like a cat. He walked to the outcropping and glided down to the shore below. The sun was just emerging above the horizon as a heavy fog cloaked the surrounding sea. Lowering his head to water to refresh himself, he was just finishing his drink when he faintly sensed something approaching him.

It wasn't coming from behind, so he scanned the confronting ocean. The mist made it difficult to determine who or what was approaching the island. He heard the recognizable vibration of wings flapping in the distance. Yet the reverberation of each set of wings was new and unfamiliar. Whoever or whatever was coming wasn't an inhabitant of the nest, as he could distinguish nearly every individual dragon apart by wing oscillation and scale ruffling.

In the distance, Hiccup could make out six distinct shapes across the fogbank. As they approached closer he identified their species: One Deadly Nadder and a Monstrous Nightmare took the lead, followed by a Skrill, two Hideous Zipplebacks, and a Gronkle. Seems like the newcomers have arrived earlier than expected.

"Want to introduce the neophytes, or should I...?" Hiccup knew that voice. He turned around to regard his Night Fury captor. "Just asking."