The Dragon Games (HTTYD AU)

Nineteen - A Fresh Start

"What about that one?" Snotlout leaned forwards, pointing at a small island.

As if on cue, an explosion broke out. The red contrasted against the dark purple sky. Smoke formed a twisting trail upwards.

"Definitely not," Astrid stated, voice final. Almost a week had passed since they were banished, but they hadn't been able to stay in one place for more than a day.

Snotlout groaned. "We're never going to find a campsite before dark at this rate. We should just go back to that island and take our chances with the whispering deaths."

Astrid turned to Hiccup, face red. She looked like she was about to throttle Snotlout.

Hiccup ran a hand through his hair. "You know why we've rejected all the islands so far. The island has to be safe, uninhabited-"

"Stable, filled with resources and no violent dragons. I know."

Hiccup raised an eyebrow. "Then why are you complaining?"

Snotlout looked away, mumbling something under his breath.

Rolling her eyes, Astrid flew next to Hiccup. "That one could work."

Hiccup followed her gaze, focusing on a small rocky island. "Let's hope so. The dragons are exhausted."

As if to emphasise the point, Toothless yawned, twitching his ears. Hiccup leant forwards and scratched Toothless' chin, earning a quiet purr.

With relative ease, the group landed on the island and built a campfire by the cliff side. Protected from the wind, they abandoned all thoughts on gathering supplies and settled down.

Hiccup sighed, leaning back against Toothless. He watched the flames as they danced carelessly in the air, flickering upwards.

Shuffling, Snotlout tried to get comfortable. He was lying down on Hookfang's wing, slightly slanted. Then he was lying against Hookfang's side. Now by his tail. Then against his neck.

"Will you quit it?" Astrid said, glaring at him from Stormfly.

Snotlout glared right back, resting his head on Hookfang's leg. "Hey! A full night is important beauty sleep."

Astrid scoffed. "That's never worked for you."

"Shut up, Astrid."

Hiccup shivered, pulling his fur jacket tighter around himself. Suddenly feeling shattered, he shut his eyes. Somehow, he managed fall asleep instantly, even with Astrid and Snotlout bickering.

*

Hiccup fell forwards, getting a mouthful of dirt. He pushed himself up off the floor and searched accusingly.

"Who did that?" Hiccup's voice was croaky and he coughed twice. "Snotlout?"

"Hey, don't look at me!"

Hiccup raised an eyebrow.

"I mean it! Look at your dragon." Snotlout crossed his arms.

Turning to face Toothless, Hiccup sighed at the sheepish look on the dragon's face.

"You want to go flying already?"

Toothless crooned, nuzzling Hiccup's arm.

"Well too bad!" Astrid interjected, leaning down from Stormfly. "We have to get supplies. Snotlout, get fresh water. Hiccup, fish."