The Dragon Games (HTTYD AU)

Eight - Caves

Hiccup's eyes adjusted to the dark gradually and he could just about make out the night fury against the sleek walls. He stumbled over the boulders and the dragon cooed slightly. After a moment, it charged a small blast in its mouth but didn't fire, holding it.

The cave glowed purple, stalagmites and stalagtites glistening.

"Wow," Hiccup murmured.

The night fury stared expectantly at Hiccup. He shifted on his feet.

"I should probably, uh, apologise for shooting you down. So um. Yep. Uh. Sorry." Hiccup gestured randomly with his hands. The night fury tilted its head, intelligent eyes following his movements.

Hiccup ran a hand through his sweaty hair, noting that he was long overdue for a thorough wash. "I should also probably give you a name, and stop thinking of you as just 'the night fury'."

The dragon gurgled. With its mouth open for light, Hiccup could easily see its gums, humming thoughtfully.

"Toothless? You definitely had teeth earlier."

The dragon seemed to shrug.

Hiccup smiled. "I think Toothless fits you well."

The night fury gurgled again, as if to approve of the name, coming forwards to nuzzle Hiccup.

"Hey easy there, big guy," Hiccup told him. "You remind me of Throggsjorn, actually."

Maybe all dragons can be friendly, once you get to know them.

Toothless titled his head.

"Oh, he's a night terror I'm roommates with, essentially. Very cute. Hey, where are you going?"

Toothless began wondering down the cave, completely at ease.

"Shouldn't we be working in opening the exit?"

Toothless flicked Hiccup with his tail.

"Ow," Hiccup said, even though it didn't hurt. Toothless made a laugh-like rumbling sound. Shaking his head, Hiccup decided to follow.

"Hope you know what you're doing because I most definitely do not. Chances are we're going to get lost and die down here, but hey at least I didn't die on day one. I'm pretty sure I've not set any records for quickest death, but the dumbest death is up for grabs. Oh Gods, I'm monologuing to a dragon again. How has it only been a third of the Dragon Games I'll never know."

Toothless snorted, unimpressed. Ignoring Hiccup's rambling, he carried on, walking quickly.

Without the adrenaline from chasing after Toothless, Hiccup's exhaustion caught up with him. He quickly fell behind. Due to his awful sleep schedule, the tiring activity of the Dragon Games and his constant state of anxiety, he could really use a week-long nap.

Yawning, Hiccup tried to keep up with Toothless. The large dragon paused, giving him a moment to catch up.

"Thanks."

Toothless made to lick him, but remembered that he was currently the only source of light. He shook himself, the spikes on his back swishing.

Together, they headed through the maze of tunnels, Hiccup following Toothless' navigation.

"You seem pretty confident on where you're going," Hiccup observed. "Been here lots?"

Toothless snorted in response.

"I'm honestly not sure how to take that. Seems sarcastic. Can dragons even be sarcastic?"

At this, Toothless paused and looked over at him, as if he was raising an eyebrow.