I'm Leaving Forever (a HTTYD Runaway Fanfic ~ Book 1)

11 - The Aftermath

Toothless heaved himself onto his feet as he saw Stoick give out orders the rest of the Vikings. Something about preparation and ships. Maybe it was him getting everyone ready to leave. The Night Fury wasn't too aware of what was going on right now. He was tempted to just collapse on the ground and never get up, but he couldn't do that. Although he was somewhat alright, Hiccup needed medical attention. He may be alive now, but he needed to stay like that and wake up.

As soon as everyone knew what they were doing, the Berkians dispersed into numerous groups and everyone headed to the other side of the island where they had originally arrived at. The ash of the fires had now settled over the landscape like thick black snow over the pebbles and most of the smoke had cleared to allow some visibility. However, that clearer view combined with whatever light was coming from the grey, cloudy sky above made everyone gasp and their eyes widen.

Most of the boats, with the exception of a few survivors, had been burnt and destroyed with planks of wood floating out into the sea. The catapults had been reduced to broken, jagged pieces of wood that lay scattered and blackened everywhere from the shoreline to the mountain in the centre. It looked like a warzone and as they walked through the rubble, they could make out the corpses of dead Vikings that couldn't escape the wrath of the battle. It truly sent shivers coursing through their bodies.

The dragons that took part in the fighting, along with the gang, Stoick and Gobber were the last ones to near the ships. Hiccup was carefully placed on Toothless' back by the Night Fury's demand. He didn't want his rider leaving his sight again and everyone trudged beside him wearily. But despite his exhaustion, Toothless' senses weren't slacking, and it may just be him, but he still felt tense and had the unnerving feeling that he hadn't finished the job. After all, that dragon was huge, and even though he had blasted holes straight through its wings and set an internal fire within the dragon, he couldn't help but feel like this. So, letting his tension control him, Toothless stopped walking and looked back at the barren wasteland. Scanning the area, he could actually see part of the body of the dragon behind the mountain. The club-like tail dipped in the calm waters and its wings draped over the mountain peak. Toothless couldn't help but stare at it.

"Don't worry, Toothless," the Night Fury turned to see Stoick beside him, looking at him before switching his gaze to the dragon, "you killed it and we'll be leaving soon. Besides, even if it is still alive, I'm certain that it won't be staying here any longer," Toothless calmed down afterwards, and even allowed Stoick to stroke his head once more before the two of them joined the rest of the Vikings and in a couple of hours' time, the wavering ships were packed with Vikings. Some were also allowed on the dragons' back, each one carrying at least three to four each. Those that were riding them were apprehensive and very tense, but the dragons didn't mind. First of all, they were too tired to resist and from the little time they've had with the Vikings, they saw that they weren't that bad, and the humans were only afraid of them.

The trip were to last for another restless hour. The only thing on Stoick's mind was getting his son to Gothi. The gang were seated with their backs resting against the boat next to each other. However, they didn't speak to each other. Mainly because Snotlout, Fishlegs and the twins were asleep leaving Astrid the only one awake. They weren't the only Vikings, so it didn't bother her too much that her friends were sleeping. Some other Vikings on their own boat were asleep too. It wasn't abnormal, but despite how tired she was, she had yet to completely calm herself down from the events that took place.

Toothless was lying next to her with his head facing her and Hiccup was position on his back. All the connections on Toothless' body that helped control his tail were gone, including the saddle and he looked quite relaxed just laid there, but Astrid wasn't sure if he was asleep or not. It was only when Toothless looked up at her did she get her answer. He must've felt her eyes on him. Tentatively, Astrid held out her hand but there was no hesitation when Toothless leant into her hand and nuzzled it lazily.