The Dragon Games (HTTYD AU)

Nine - A Change in Pace

Hiccup collapsed onto the floor, clenching his fists. All his resources and progress where gone - swept away in one night. Throggsjorn was missing, at best. And now he would have to find a new shelter, as this one was no longer safe.

Toothless cooed, nuzzling his shoulder. Hiccup petted him and stood, eyes narrowed.

"Who would do this? Could Snotlout... no, he wouldn't try that again, would he? Ugh! Why does everyone on this gods forsaken island hate me!" Hiccup yelled, kicking at a piece of discarded wood.

Toothless nuzzled him again and Hiccup sighed. "Okay, not everyone hates me." He grabbed the discarded flask, the only remained item of use, and attached it to his belt. "Time to find Throggsjorn."

Walking onto the ledge, Hiccup tried to find any signs if what happened. He had only been gone for the night, during which Throggsjorn usually either tries to get attention or hunt.

"Maybe he wasn't in here when the cave was attacked," Hiccup thought aloud, hopeful.

Toothless sniffed at some of the remains of the launcher and growled.

Hiccup scratched the back if his head sheepishly. "Sorry about making that again."

Toothless shook his head and continued to smell.

Hiccup's eyes narrowed. "What is it, bud?"

Toothless snarled at the wood.

"Yikes, you really don't seem to like whoever that was. But come on, we have to find Throggsjorn and then get fish for the nadders."

Grumbling, Toothless followed. Hiccup checked the surrounding area, feeling more and more defeated with every disappointingly empty hiding space. Throggsjorn wasn't behind any tree, or boulder, or ledge.

He didn't seem to be here at all.

Having searched for hours, it was now mid-afternoon. Toothless crooned and Hiccup sighed.

"I know, we have to get those fish soon. Let's just," Hiccup took a breath, "just hope he comes back. Maybe he just got side tracked while hunting. Yeah. That's happened before. Probably."

Toothless nuzzled his arm and Hiccup sighed.

"I usually get fish from the rock pools, but it's high tide now and I have a sneaking suspicion that was never your plan."

Toothless gurgled, clambering quickly through the forest towards the coast. He was slowed down by the irregularity of the area, which enabled Hiccup to keep up.

Pushing branches out of the way, Hiccup thought. With the cave attacked and his location known, he would have to change his tactics.

Maybe another shelter? He could probably make one against the cliff edge. And how that he knew Toothless wouldn't attack him, he would be safe at night.

They reached the coastline quickly, slipping slightly on the rocky outcrop.

Hiccup peered into the rock pools as waves crashed over them. "No fish yet, not to mention they'd be impossible to get at the moment."

Toothless snorted, smoke trailing from his nostrils.

"Alright, do whatever it is you usually do. I'll just stand here. Yep. Sounds good." Hiccup gestured vaguely to the cliffs.

Shrugging, Toothless took off, his dark scales striking against the vibrant blue sky. He spun in the air, gaining altitude effortlessly. Toothless glided over the waves before plummeting. Winga tucked in, he shot into the water.