The Dragon Games (HTTYD AU)

Three - The First Night

The teenagers formed a crowd on the deck, pushing forwards to try to see the island. Between all the shouting, Hiccup could only just about make out small snippets, such as 'move out of the way' and 'get your axe out if my face'.

Hiccup climbed up the edge of the boat and squinted at the island. It was large, with a single mountain peak. The visible side was barren, with irregular rock features.

His heart sunk. No forest, no rivers. But that mountain looked like it would have caves...

All too soon, Alvin's boat landed on the island. A tense hush settled over teenagers. One of the guards placed the wooden plank down and turned to Alvin.

"Welcome, children, to Dragon Games Island. Everyone, to the beach."

Nobody moved. The only sound was the clinking of their metal weapons and ruffling of flasks.

"Well, now, let's not all be too eager! Why don't you go first." Alvin pointed to Snotlout with his sword.

With a grim expression on his face, Snotlout puffed out his chest and stepped onto the plank. All eyes followed him as he reached the beach.

"I don't know what you cowards are waiting for," Snotlout challenged, pointing his axe at the group. Instantly, the rest of the group scrambled to get down. The twins were among several that leapt from the boat, crashing into the water. The rest rushed down from the plank. Once there was space, Hiccup stumbled down, almost falling into the others.

Alvin placed a foot onto one of the dragon skulls lining his ship. "Children of the Archipelago! The day has finally come. From here, you must survive a month to pass and return as Vikings! Make your houses proud!"

The group cheered, raising their weapons.

"Remember your training, and the two rules. Everything goes and do not step on another island's soil before the end of this month, or you shall face banishment. And if anyone slays the elusive, deadly night fury, they will become Viking legend!"

Excited whispers broke out amongst the crowd.

"I now announce that the Dragon Games... begin!"

Immense cheering began and Hiccup dropped his spear and shield to cover his ears. The crowd dispersed, small groups and individuals charging off in all directions. Astrid headed directly forwards, the other Berkians trailing after her. All too quickly, Hiccup was alone on the beach.

Well, almost alone.

"Well, Hiccup? What are you waiting for," Alvin said, twisting his hook. "You're wasting time."

Hiccup nodded once, before starting to head for the rocky outcrop at the base of the mountian. After a few minutes, he looked back, only to find that both Alvin and his ship had disappeared.

Hiccup's brows creased. Surely there was no way it sailed off that quickly. Shaking his head, Hiccup focused on the task at hand: survival.

"Okay, so far, no dragons in sight. So I'm not about to die. Next up in priority list was, um," Hiccup mumbled, talking to himself, "fresh water. Right."

Holding his spear and shield tighter, Hiccup walked along the uneven outcrop. The surface was wet, with slimy moss-like plants. Hiccup slowed down.

And still tripped.

"Ow," Hiccup groaned. Carefully, he stood up again and avoided the shallow rock pool he slipped on. "Right, note to self, avoid the outcrop."

He narrowed his eyes and looked closer.

"Maybe it could be useful though."

Walking between rock pools, Hiccup searched for any fish, but they only contained sea snails. There was a blur of movement. Hiccup raised the spear and crouched, focusing on the bottom of the rock pool. "C'mon, give me something."