Your eyes flutter open in the weak morning light. The room spins a little as you prop yourself up on one elbow. You blink until everything comes into focus. You groan as your stomach flips hungrily. You reach a hand down to your grumbling tummy and the other up to your head, finding a swath of bandages. Gingerly press your fingers into the soft cloth and yelp as you touch a lump the size of a Nadder egg.
Was it worth it? You ask yourself as you push yourself the rest of the way into a sitting position. Yes, because I finally have my family's permission to move on. You think, feeling a switch being thrown inside your mind. You shake out all of the shame, guilt, and frustration. Taking a deep breath, you give a loud whistle, expecting Zyphur to answer but instead finding Hiccup.
"Hey! You're awake! How ya feel?" Hiccup says as he sits down beside you. You place your head on his shoulder and slide your hand into his, unsure how he will react.
Hiccup gives your hand a gentle squeeze before pulling away. Friendzoned then, I guess I can live with that. Honestly I can use all the friends the Aesir choose to send my way.
You sigh. "Fine, just fine." Your stomach rumbles. "Scratch that, hungry... Very hungry. I wish I had my bag. I would love some boar jerky right about now."
Hiccup hands you a chunk of bread. "No jerky, but they did bring this."
"Aw... They do care." You say sarcastically as you take a bite. It's stale and hard to chew, but it's better than nothing.
Hiccup gives you a lopsided grin. "So are you going to tell me what that was all about?"
"Doesn't matter. It didn't work anyway." He gives you a look that clearly says that he expects more. You hold up your hands placatingly. "Ok... Don't get your tail in a twist! I was trying to get the keys off his belt, but like I said it didn't work."
"Gods, why did you think that would work? I mean, Astrid would've probably tried that tactic too, but..." Hiccup stops.
Why does he always stop right before talking about her? "Go on. You keep saying Astrid this and Astrid that. Never anything more than that, so tell me. Tell me more about her. Tell me more about all of them. I want to know what I'm getting myself into if I join your little group."
Hiccup rises to his feet. Pacing, he tells you more about his friends while you finish eating. He leaves Astrid for last.
"She's stubborn, competitive, athletic, bossy, compassionate, kind... perfect. She's Astrid. I can't imagine a world without her in it." He stops for a moment, then amends. "I can't imagine my world without her in it."
"Then why haven't you told her how you feel?"
"How do you know that I haven't?" He asks taken aback. He looks at you curiously.
"It's written all over your face." You answer lightly as you heart sinks. So that's the end of my chances, but he's still a great guy. I hope she feels the same way.
He laughs awkwardly. "That obvious, huh?"
"Not much gets past you when you're locked in a cell with another person and five dragons for a week." You pause for a moment and give Hiccup your most honest look as he pulls you to your feet. "When we get out of here, promise you'll tell her?"
He shrugs. "There's not much to say."
"Hiccup, this is coming from a person who lost everything. Tell her or you may find that it's too late!"
"Ok, y/n, I promise."
"Promise what?" You ask as you nudge his shoulder encouragingly.
"I promise that I will tell Astrid that I love her!" He lifts his chin and shouts to the ceiling.
"That's more like it!" You smile and pat him on the back.
He looks at you and groans, "What have I gotten myself into?"
You laugh heartily. "Only the Norns know." You reply smiling.
Suddenly your legs turn into jelly. You start to fall sideways. His eyes meet yours as he slides a helpful arm around your waist, but he comes in a little too close. Your lips softly brush against his. For one moment, bliss pours over you, but it doesn't last. You both quickly pull back. Without steady legs or Hiccup's helpful arm, you fall to the floor with a thud.
"Hiccup! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." You try to apologize. Oh, Gods! Be merciful! Just strike me down now!
He looks at you in shock then his gaze falls on Toothless. He looks back and forth between you and Toothless rapidly for a moment before he sinks to the ground.
"Nobody tells Astrid about this!" He demands, pointing a finger at you both.
You cross your heart and hold up your hand then smile. "I won't. I can't say the same for Toothless." You joke as you pull him to his feet. Toothless gives a barking laugh.
"So what now, Mr. Friend of Dragons, kisser of..." You stop as he gives you a pleading look. "Hey! I promised, didn't I?"
He nods reluctantly. "I'm not so sure I want you to come back to the Edge now." He says as he shakes his head, still trying to get past what just happened.
You shrug. "It's still your lead, Hiccup. I'd just be there to help." If I even decide to go with you.
"In the meantime..." Hiccup holds put the fish he had slid into his sleeve the night before. "Lets make some new friends."
Quick movements make your head spin, so you slowly walk over to the Monsterous Nightmare. Hiccup offers the fish to the dragon. With curious wide eyes, the dragon takes the fish. It chews for a minute then spits it out. It starts to growl as its eyes narrow into angry slits. Recognition dawns on both of your faces, as you and Hiccup look at each other.
"I've seen this before." You say in unison.
Hiccup gestures for you to go first as he snarks, "Alright then, Nurse Y/n. What do you suggest?"
You toss him the fish. "Take the Haddock, Hiccup." You snap back as you bite your lip to keep yourself from laughing.
"Really? Really? Is this pick on Hiccup day?" He shakes his head as he picks up the fish.
"Hey! That crack to the head finally knocked some sense into me. Unfortunately for you, it was my sense of humor." You quip.
Turning back to the Dragon, you slide around to the dragon's right side, getting as close as you can without getting burned before being able to help.
"Ready?" He asks, watching you carefully. "Call me old-fashioned, but I'd hate to lose another limb."
"You lose a limb? I'm the one sticking my hand in its mouth." You answer.
"I think a hook hand would suit you nicely."
"Aw, thanks..." You look at him and nod. "I'm ready when you are."
Hiccup holds up the fish, just out of the dragon's reach. You put your arm into the open mouth and rub your fingers along its jaw until they brush something hard and cold. Quickly, without any hesitation, you rip the unseen object out of the dragon's mouth. Hiccup tosses it the fish, which it eats happily, while you take a long look at the foreign object.
Long, thin, and metallic though a little bent, it seems perfect to pick the lock on the shackle that is working a red line of welts into your irritated ankle every time you move. You slide the long spike into your pocket as Hiccup bonds with the Monsterous Nightmare.
Leaving him in the care of the infatuated fiery creature, you stumble over to the Deadly Nadder, the last dragon in the cell who haven't bonded with. This would be so much easier if the room would stop spinning. Come on! Work with me! You think as you smack your hand against your head, but it only makes thing worse.
You start to fall over, but the Nadder catches you. Bowing your head appreciatively, you duck under its chin and reach for a spot just behind its frill.
Nadders are very proud and vain, but they, like all dragons, have a blind spot. With just one scratch, you can earn their friendship. And once you do, they're the most loyal of all. Valka's voice echoes in your ear.
You softly scratch the hidden spot as you softly whisper, "Thanks. That feels good, don't it? See... We're not going to hurt you."
As you continue to fuss over the Nadder, your thoughts drift to Zyphur. Where are you, Z? Are you safe? Please come back to me!
Suddenly the gate swings open...