The Gray Area (1/2) - A Viggo Love Story (HTTYD/RTTE)

4. An Unexpected Invasion

Sessa unstrapped Viggo's shoulder plates and tossed them to the ground. "Careful with those, please," Viggo warned.

But Sessa was unphased by his annoyance. She scrunched her nose and spoke her mind, "I don't understand wearing metal in such an odd place; it'd be much more useful over your gut."

She had a point. Viggo couldn't help but find her open opinion amusing. His smile, however, faded when he felt her lift his shirt. That was also thrown to the ground. Sessa then began to unwrap Viggo's bandages. He was quite intrigued at how calmly she did, too, considering that he got a chill every time her fingers grazed his skin.

When he was completely bare from the waist up, Viggo couldn't hide his reddening cheeks. Thankfully, he was facing away from her. He felt a cold hand press against his back, causing pain to surge through his body. He flinched a bit and growled, "ah!"

"Apologies," Sessa responded. It amazied Viggo at how unsorrowful she sounded. After a few more sensitive touches, she wrapped him in fresh bandages. "You're healing well," she informed him as she walked away toward Nightshade.

Viggo sensed an awkwardness in her voice as she spoke, making him chuckle lightly. He could tell it had been a long time since she'd befriended someone. But before he could respond, Sessa was lying down on her yak fur, eyes closed. So Viggo followed in suit. He situated himself on the ground as best as he could and closed his own eyes. They opened, however, when something moved beside him.

Lilith had laid down right at his side, a wing draped over him as he rested. Viggo smiled, and let himself fall asleep at last.

• • •

Nightshade flew swiftly through the night sky, followed closely by Lilith and Viggo. Sessa had her face covered once again as they landed in the forests of an island that Viggo recognized; Berk. "Why are we here?" He demanded in a whisper as he hopped off of the skrill.

Sessa was beginning to regret bringing him along. She turned to him and responded with a hint of irritation, "black. Clothes. Now shh." She signalled for Nightshade to circle above with Lilith. Once the two dragons took to the sky, Sessa began to weave through the trees and branches.

Viggo struggled to keep up with her, "Sessa, I don't think this is a good idea." He recalled the strength and power that Berk was as a whole.

"Shh," Sessa repeated.

Ignoring her shush, Viggo went on to explain, "there are dragon riders--"

"Shh," hissed the woman in black. She then picked up speed, half hoping to lose him in the process. It wasn't long before they made it into the sleeping village. But minutes after they did, a monstrous nightmare came out of nowhere, growling as it approached them slowly. Sessa's eyes didn't even flicker.

Soon, there was a deadly nadder, as well. Both dragons had men riding them, one very young and stick-like and one much older and more beefy. Viggo tried to hide his face by turning away. He then muttered to Sessa, "we should've left when we had the chance."

"A Team, intruders!" The boy on the nightmare yelled, as Sessa began to run, pulling Viggo behind her by his wrist.

Sessa raced through the village before stopping at the largest building; the Great Hall. The dragon riders were nowhere in sight. Sessa whistled, and Nightshade swooped down, grabbing both of them in her talons.

Once in the air, Viggo felt the dragon drop him. He landed on the scaley back of Lilith, eyes wide in shock. By the light of the stars, he watched Nightshade fling Sessa into the air and catch her on her neck. The two dragons flew up until they were safely above the clouds, then began to make their retreat.

"No one ever expects their intruder to go deeper into their territory after being spotted," Sessa explained as Viggo flew beside her.

She then tossed something to him. Viggo caught the object in the air; a bundle of black clothing. He hadn't even seen her grab them. He gave her an impressed look, "it seems I've doubted your abilities; I promise it won't happen again."

Sessa almost smiled at this. It was amusing to see someone so fascinated by her. And she couldn't deny how good it felt to have someone to talk to again. She was glad her mask still covered her mouth; Sessa still wasn't sure if she wanted to let Viggo into her heart quite yet. And if he saw her smile, she knew he'd become even more relentless. For now, it was best that he believed she had no emotion, no weakness, and no soul.

• • •

"At least there're some trees on this one," Viggo remarked as he and Sessa landed on a small island. Again, it was quite rocky, but had a small patch of forestry in the center.

"Are you always so observant?" Sessa asked as she headed toward the wooded area.

Viggo raised an eyebrow and grinned as he followed her, "was that sarcasm? My, she has a soul after all." His voice was playful and teasing.

But this only encouraged Sessa to close herself off again. She responded in her monotone voice, "take it as you will."

Viggo smiled and responded smoothly, "and I will, indeed."