The Big Four and The Prophecy (Book 1)

32 - Department of Mysteries

Department of Mysteries

MERIDA

The Big Four and Anna all changed into their war clothes – and by that, their casual civilian clothes. Jack had brought his staff with him.

This is it.

Merida will finally see Toothless, whom she has been so anxious to meet.

When she saw the dragon, she was not disappointed.

She was frightened, to be exact.

"AAAHHH!!!"

"Merida, you startled him!" Hiccup said, rushing towards Toothless to hinder him from leaping to them. "It's alright Toothless, you remember them, right? They're my friends."

     "How could I startle him? That's a Night Fury!"

     "You do shout a lot, Mer...and this Night Fury has a name. Toothless, meet this little ray of sunshine named Merida, this is Rapunzel, Jack, and Anna. Everyone, meet Toothless," Hiccup dramatically pointed at the dragon with both arms. Toothless who once had his scary growl, softened and admired Hiccup's friends.

     "You have a dragon!" Anna said, gaping at Toothless.

     "Yes, Anna, and we're hoping to keep it a secret. No one else in the castle can know," Rapunzel said.

     "How did you manage to train him – AH!" Toothless intensely growled as Merida took another step forward, Hiccup luckily soothed him.

     "With a brain, Merida. Clearly something you don't put to use."

     "Why ye—"

     "Oh come on, can you not fight?" Hiccup groaned, tired with their childish arguments. "Now, come here," Hiccup motioned Merida to advance, guiding her by holding her hand. Merida came face to face with the Night Fury, its piercing reptilian eyes looked straight through her soul. It was mezmerizing. She never thought she would be this close to a dragon ever.

     "Put your hand out like this..."

     Hiccup's hand brushed over hers, and she could feel the butterflies in her stomach. She cleared her throat to somehow ease it down. She cursed herself for it. Hiccup has been her best friend for years – why have feelings now?

     She closed her eyes and braced herself from what was about to come, but Toothless never pounced on her, nor did he roast her to flames. His nose touched Merida's hand, the warmth – although cold – of his leather skin, gave her the comfort, and she returned Toothless's trust in her.

     Rapunzel and the others grinned at her proudly. She, Jack and Anna all did the same.

     Merida and Anna climbed up to Toothless with Hiccup. Both girls grinned at each other cheerfully. This wasn't something you do everyday.

     "Anna, you okay back there!"

     "Yeah!"

     "Mer, you alright?" Hiccup looked over his shoulder. Their nose almost touched after Hiccup hadn't realized she was leaning forwards to watch him fix his saddle. "– Oop – Sorry," he said laughing nervously.

     "It's fine! Now, fly!" Merida said quickly to avoid any embarrassment...for herself mostly.

     "This is unfair! I'm the one who wanted to ride Toothless!" Jack said, expressing his tantrum by kicking the grass before mounting infuriatingly onto his staff. With her hair wrapped around her neck like a scarf, Rapunzel then positioned herself behind him.