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

35 - Suspension: Part 2

As soon as the Chief declared the trial over, the remaining Riders in the arena dropped their weapons and immediately, they were all circled around Snotlout's quivering figure. He was still conscious, and was making an attempt to push himself off the ground and salvage whatever dignity he had left, but the weights of hands on his body forced him to stay put and not strain himself or his wounds any further. On a usual day, they all knew Snotlout would've scoffed at their concern, and say that they had been too worried about him; if not at that moment, then usually afterwards when the it was certain the problem would pass. However, this was one instance where he complied to their request, and allowed himself to lay limp on the stone floor, and didn't resist when his upper body was elevated to rest against Fishlegs. The protective circle didn't last long, as they were approached by guards, who were in charge of escorting them back. They were also told that once they were all in their cells, their healer would treat Snotlout, as well as all their other wounds. Of course, the Riders were very sceptical on this information, but there weren't any choices available to them. What could they do to defy them?

For what was probably half an hour, the group trudged behind the guards as they lead them back to their cells. The twins, being of similar heights and the two who were the least injured during the brawls, were in charge of holding Snoltout up. They walked in unison in near the middle of the group, with an arm each slung over their shoulders,  also trying to avoid touching their friend's back as much as possible. The guards were kind enough to hold their torches towards the ground for added guidance. It meant that it was easier to avoid the roots that protruded out from the ground and the twigs and branches that were scattered in their way. It was silent among them for the entire journey, but the worried expressions spoke well enough on their own to compensate for the lack of words. Finally, they were out of the trees and into a more open and level area when one of the guards pulled out his key, slotted it into the lock and opened the door for them. Heather, Dagur and Zilpah were already present in the building, all of them in one cell. They reacted when everyone entered, but none of them said anything. Not until the rest of the Riders were in a cell, three in one each and the guards exited, closing the iron door and locking it behind them. Their footsteps receded into the village until it was only silence.

"Okay, Snotty, we're gonna put you down now," Ruffnut warned, being the first to break the silence. Snotlout groaned in response as he was slowly lowered to the ground, with surprising care for the twins. They didn't dare prop him up against a wall, seeing as his back was the one that hosted the injury, so the twins allowed Snotlout to lean back on their arms that were positioned on his back away from the gash. They were almost in the same place as they were when they were carrying him.

"He's going to be okay, right?" Heather asked. Though Snotlout was far from okay, Heather didn't sound too good herself, as when she asked the question, her voice was strained and tense. Like she was also in immense pain.

"I'll be-be fine," Snotlout replied in between deep breathes as he tried to cope with the agony spreading out from his back. It wasn't the worst pain he experienced, of course. He most likely could continue fighting effectively had it not been for the other wounds he sustained that were far from fully healed and were holding him back. However, he wasn't delusional enough to miss Heather's strain, "but you.." it was all he could really manage, but everyone seemed to get the idea.

"Heather, what's wrong?" Astrid asked immediately afterwards.

"It's not much. Just a broken wrist," the Berserker replied with a small groan in between, "it's not something I'm not used to. What about everyone else,"

"I'm pretty sure most of us are injured in some way," Fishlegs answered and he was right to some extent. All the Riders were suffering form cuts, scrapes and bruises that were littered around their entire body. The bruises in particular weren't that obvious, as they were mostly covered up by clothing, but the areas were tender and sensitive to the pressure of the fabric and armour. A few long gashes adorned some as well, and were still bleeding profusely, but despite all of this, no one said anything to what Fishlegs said. Apart from the twins and Zilpah, that statement was nothing but a truth that couldn't be denied.