The Dragon Games (HTTYD AU)

Seventeen - The Dragon

Hiccup stiffened. "Defeat the dragon?"

Orald glanced at Toothless. "Or tame it, I suppose."

Hiccup looked at Snotlout and Astrid. They looked back expectantly. He took a breath.

"When... when do we do this trial?"

"You seem tired from your long night flight, why not take a short rest before facing this dragon? That gives us time to choose the species."

Alvin stepped forwards, stroking his chin. "On the contrary, I already know what dragon species we shall use. And there's no use wasting all of our valuable time."

Orald nodded and turned his attention to the other dragon riders. "Leave now and head straight for Dragon Games Island."

Nobody moved.

The cold breeze pulled at their hair. The sky was blocked by grey clouds, casting a dark shadow over Berk.

Orald stared at Fishlegs, who avoided eye contact. After a moment, Fishlegs accidentally met his gaze and stiffened. He whistled and patted Meatlug's side. With wide eyes, she hobbled forwards, staying well out of reach of the councils. Heather followed, reassuring Windshear. The twins went last.

"I will take the lead from here, if you don't mind Orald," Alvin said, stroking his hook. Orald stood in line with the rest of the men.

Why did he fiddle with it so much, Hiccup mused. What kind of messed up intimidation tactic is that?

"Kind Vikings, please stand on the outside of the arena while I prepare the dragon," Alvin instructed, turning to Hiccup, eyes cold as ice. "You three, get your dragons to stay put in this pen."

Hiccup felt Astrid and Snotlout's stares. Slowly, he twisted, his feet just above the floor. He stepped down.

Patting Toothless, Hiccup led him into the empty pen. Crooning, he nuzzled Hiccup's side. Swallowing, Hiccup pushed him away. Stormfly squawked in confusion and Hookfang roared as the gate shut.

Hiccup, Astrid and Snotlout waiting in the centre of the arena.

Astrid glared at the Vikings staring down on them. "Do we not get weapons?"

Hiccup turned to her, little betrayed. "But-"

"We don't know what type of dragon it will be," Astrid whispered. "And if we know Alvin, it'll probably have a kill-on-sight mentality."

Hiccup's brows furrowed but he couldn't deny her logic. Alvin ordered something and a couple Vikings brought in a mace, dagger and shield. They dumped the supplies on the floor and hurried out of the arena, casting nervous glances at the pens.

"That's it?" Snotlout scoffed. "You expect us to kill - I mean, defeat - a dragon with this?"

Alvin's face was emotionless. "Yes. Release the dragon!"

"Whoa, we need to get the weapons first!"

The gears creaked. Astrid and Snotlout darted to the weapons but Hiccup stayed put.

Come on, a monstrous nightmare or something. I can deal with those.

Hiccup glanced upwards and met Alvin's sharp eyes. The tall man smirked down at him. His hopes fell.

He knows that.

The gears stopped creaking. The pen was open. No movement.

"Changewing?" Astrid muttered, grip adjusting on the mace. Snotlout's arms were shaking as he held the dagger and shield in front of him.