AN: Thank you RagniDrakula, Marivi, and Tim Lowcock for becoming a p-atron. If you want to support me and read ahead (I'm 3 chapters ahead for this one and season 3 on Teen Wolf) join my p-atreon. P-atreon.com/Hela698
Hela had spent months perfecting the hidden blade, and now that it was finished, she was ready to give it to Astrid. The blade was sleek, glinting with sharp precision in the afternoon sun. Crafted from a mix of high-grade steel, her scales and it's adorned with intricate designs, it was a piece of craftsmanship that spoke volumes. Each etching told a story of resilience and battles fought.
As Hela revealed the blade to Astrid, she felt a rush of excitement mixed with nervousness.
Astrid studied the hidden blade, mesmerized by its beauty. "It's breathtaking, Hela. You really outdid yourself with this one," she replied, flipping the blade over in her hand. It felt weighty yet perfectly balanced, designed for someone who understood the thrill and responsibility of wielding such a tool.
With the hidden blade resting comfortably in Astrid's hand, Hela decided it was time to teach her the art of using it. "It's important that you understand not just how to use it, but also when and why." Hela paced slowly, her voice gentle.
"First, let's go over the mechanics," Hela said, demonstrating how the blade slid seamlessly from its concealed position to the ready stance. "The blade is hidden within the bracer, which wraps around your forearm. It's designed for surprise; you want your opponent to be caught off-guard." Hela's fingers deftly maneuvered the blade, a swift flick of her wrist revealing the shining edge that could quickly be hidden away.
Astrid watched intently, nearly holding her breath as she absorbed each movement. "So, it's all about discretion?" she asked.
"Exactly! You want to keep it subtle. Think of it as part of your outfit, not just a weapon. It's about integrated stealth, making sure you're always a step ahead." Hela smiled, but her expression turned serious as she continued. "And remember, it's not just about the blade itself. It's about the mindset. You never want to draw it unless absolutely necessary. The true power of the hidden blade lies in restraint. It's about knowing when to act and when to walk away."
Astrid pondered this, nodding as she contemplated her girlfriend's words.
With the basics covered, Hela invited Astrid to practice. "Let's get comfortable with it. You need to see how it feels in motion." They moved to the Arena, where Hela guided Astrid through a series of drills on a practice dummy. They began slowly, with Hela encouraging Astrid to focus on her form and technique.
"Keep your elbow in, aim for the vital points, and always be aware of your surroundings," Hela instructed, demonstrating each maneuver. The sound of the blade slicing through the dummy resonated throughout the arena.
As they practiced, laughter and playful banter filled the air. Astrid stumbled a few times, but with each mistake, Hela was there, offering guidance. "Remember, it takes time to learn. Just like any other weapon, it's all about practice and patience," Hela reassured her, a warm smile on her face.
Before she could resume her teaching, Hela's gaze caught sight of Hiccup and Stoick hovering above on Toothless. "You keep practicing while I go check on what Hiccup is up to," she said decisively. With that, she leaped onto Troels and took to the sky, soaring out of the Arena toward the cliff that overlooked the Academy. As she approached, she noticed Hiccup demonstrating the intricacies of Toothless's saddle controls to Stoick, his father.
"Ten fish says this ends in chaos pretty soon," Troels joked. Hela couldn't help but nod in agreement, her amusement evident as she observed the scene unfolding below.
"Alright, Dad, I've created a new stirrup for you, so you'll have better control over Toothless," Hiccup explained, gesturing toward the sleek design of the saddle.
Stoick crossed his arms, confidence radiating from him. "You hear that, dragon? I'm the one controlling you."
"Uh, hold on there, Dad. Before you jump on a dragon, you need to show him he can trust you," Hiccup advised, the earnestness in his voice palpable.
Stoick chuckled heartily. "He already trusts me. I'm his chief!"
"Just give me your hand for a second," Hiccup insisted, stretching out his palm.
Stoick rolled his eyes. "I didn't come here to hold hands, Hiccup."
"Seriously, it's okay," Hiccup reassured him, guiding Stoick to place his hand gently on Toothless's muzzle.
"You feel that?" Hiccup asks.
Stoick retracts his hand. "Yeah. Still dry and scaly."
Hiccup sighed. "That's not exactly what I meant."
"Can I get on him now?" Stoick pressed, clearly impatient. Hiccup moves to the side.
"Alright, let's get on with this madness," he declared, and both he and Hiccup mounted Toothless.
"We'll start nice and slow," Hiccup instructed. "Just give him a little nudge when you want to-"
But before he could finish, Stoick impulsively kicked Toothless in the side, sending them hurtling into the sky in a sudden surge of speed with Hela and Troels taking off after them to make sure they don't hurt themselves.
"I SAID NUDGE!" Hiccup exclaimed in panic.
Stoick, slightly surprised, replied, "That was my nudge!"
"Just remember, the tail controls everything," Hiccup reminded him urgently.
"I know that!" Stoick retorted.
"Then why are you heading straight for that rock?!" Hiccup hollered, pointing wildly.
"Because you're distracting me!" Stoick shot back, their flight growing more erratic.
"Just let out the-"
"TAIL! I KNOW!" Stoick interrupted, struggling to steer Toothless, who zigzagged through the sky.
"Left! LEFT! No, no, the other left!" Hiccup shouted, his heart racing.
Stoick grumbled, "It's the dragon's fault!"
"Seriously, Dad? You really going to blame that on the dragon?" Hiccup questioned incredulously.
"Yep."
"Slow down!" Hiccup shouted, panic starting to set in as they head straight for the Ocean.
"I'm trying!" Stoick replied, a hint of desperation in his voice. He finally opens the tail fin and the level out, Hela let's out a sigh of releif, "See?" Stoick says.
"Actually, no. I had my eyes closed!" Hiccup admitted, bracing himself.
"You're coming in too hard! Open the tail! With your foot!" he instructed, feeling their descent become perilous.
"I'm opening the tail!" Stoick protested, but in the heat of the moment, he mistakenly pressed against Hiccup's leg instead of the controls.
"That's my leg, Dad!" Hiccup yelled. Hela jumps off Troels and transforms into her dragon form and raps Toothless along with Hiccup and Stoick with her wings tanking the force of the fall for them. Once they stopped she unfolds her wings and transforms back groaning slightly.
Rubbing his forehead, Hiccup muttered, "I am so sorry."
"Dad, wait! Where are you going?" he called as Stoick started to walk away.
"Forget this, Hiccup! I have a village to manage," Stoick replied, visibly frustrated only to faced with a dead-end. "I'll need a ride back home."
A moment later, they were all back in the air, Hiccup now controlling the pedals. "This isn't the way home," Stoick grumbled, feeling a mix of annoyance and nausea.
"Just sit back and enjoy the ride! We're taking the scenic route!" Hela called out cheerfully.
"Right now my lunch is taking the scenic route straight into my throat!" Stoick retorted.
Hiccup, trying to maintain an optimistic tone, replied, "Dad, just think about how much easier your chief duties could be on the back of a dragon."
Stoick nodded begrudgingly, then suddenly squinted as something caught his eye. "Wait. What's going on over there?" He gestured toward a field where numerous yaks lay on their sides.
"Some genius has been yak-tipping again," Stoick grunted, shaking his head. Toothless blew up a cart nearby, revealing the twins hiding and attempting to remain inconspicuous.
"Be quiet. Maybe they don't see us," Tuffnut whispered to his sister.
"Make that geniuses," Stoick bellowed, directing his attention to the Twins, "I want every one of those yaks back on its feet!"
"Nice chiefing, Dad!" Hiccup replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Let's see what else we can tackle today!"
As they continued their aerial adventure, Hiccup spotted a group of wild boars feasting hungrily on a cabbage patch. "Toothless, fire!" he commanded, excitement bubbling over. The blast scares away the boars.
"Fire again, dragon," Stoick added, a playful grin on his face.
"Dad, the boars are long gone," Hiccup pointed out, laughing lightly.
"Who cares? I just like the sound it makes," Stoick shot back, his infectious enthusiasm lifting their spirits.
Hiccup seized the opportunity. "Take us up, bud! There's something else I want you to see." Toothless ascended above the clouds, granting them a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Berk.
"Whoa," Stoick breathed, his eyes wide with wonder. "I've spent my entire life on Berk-climbed its hills, explored its forests, swam its waters. I thought I knew every inch, but I never thought I'd see it like this."
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Hiccup said softly, letting the moment wash over them.
Hela smiles softly, understanding what her father meant, "He is not talking about the view, brother,"
"Aye, it's more than that, Hiccup," Stoick replied, his voice taking on a more softer tone. "Look at them. All of my people. Everyone is safe. It's a good feeling." His heart swelled with pride as he gazed down at the vibrant village, knowing they were thriving under his leadership.
~~~~
The next morning, Hiccup slowly opened his eyes, stretching under the soft warm blankets. As he glanced around the familiar room, a sense of unease washed over him when he noticed that Toothless was nowhere to be found.
"Toothless?" he called out, his voice still groggy from sleep. Climbing off the bed, he made his way downstairs, where he spotted Hela seated at the kitchen table, a gentle smile on her face as she fed Fenrir, her furry companion.
"Have you seen Toothless?" Hiccup asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
Hela looked up, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Oh, you might want to check outside," she said, fighting back a chuckle.
With a mix of confusion and curiosity, Hiccup hurried toward the door. He stepped outside, and his jaw dropped at the sight before him. Stoick, his father, was careening around the village on Toothless, the Night Fury darting and zigzagging with a wild energy that was both exhilarating and alarming.
"Was that--?" Astrid called out, narrowing her eyes in disbelief as she stood with Dawn and Fishlegs at a distance.
"Unexpected? Disturbing?" Fishlegs chimed in, trying to make sense of the chaotic display.
"Yep," Dawn nodded in agreement, her eyes wide as she watched Stoick's antics.
Toothless landed gracefully in front of their house, the ground vibrated slightly with the impact. Hiccup stepped forward, a mixture of admiration and exasperation in his voice. "Uh, Dad, what are you doing?"
Stoick dismounted with a flourish, his eyes sparkling with a sense of victory. "Kicking butt and taking names, that's what!" he declared proudly, patting Toothless affectionately.
"Uh, on Toothless?" Hiccup clarified, trying to wrap his head around the situation.
Stoick laughed heartily. "Oh, we've been all over Berk! Chiefing has never been this easy or fun!" He brushed off Hiccup's concern with an enthusiastic wave.
"Yeah, but Dad, uh, Toothless is my dragon," Hiccup reminded him, hoping to assert some ownership over his beloved companion.
Stoick chuckled again, "You picked a good one! Besides, I was just popping in to grab my hatchet. We're helping Jorgenson break down a fence."
"Yeah, that's great, but you need to understand that Toothless is-" Hiccup started, frustration bubbling up inside him.
"Oh, you're right! I don't actually need my hatchet. Toothless can just blow that fence down with a fireball, ha-ha!" Stoick boomed, a mischievous glint in his eye as he approached Toothless again.
Just then, Hela interjected, stepping forward with a firm expression. "No, not happening. Get in the house and take the hatchet," she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"What, why?" Stoick asked, momentarily taken aback. The playful mood faded slightly as he tried to grasp why she was so against his idea.
"I'm not letting you blow up resources that can be used as fire wood just because you enjoy how Toothless fire blasts sound," Hela tells him her arms folded.
"But I'm the chief" Stoick says only for Hela to glare at him. With a sigh, he concedes and heads back in, "Fine,"
~~~~
The next morning at the Haddock House.
The sunlight spilled through the wooden beams of the Haddock House, casting soft shadows across the floor. Stoick stepped into the main room, a hint of concern etched across his rugged face.
"Toothless? Toothless?" he called out, his voice echoing slightly in the cozy space.
Turning to his two children, he inquired, "Where's Toothless?" His gaze flickered between Hiccup and Hela, as if expecting them to have the answer.
They exchanged a glance and then looked up towards the ceiling, where Toothless was stealthily perched, blending in with the shadows.
"Ah, I don't know, but you... Look great, Dad!" Hiccup said with a boyish grin, making his way toward Stoick, eager to steer the conversation away from the missing dragon.
Hela chuckled from the background, her playful tone cutting through the morning air. "What is it? Did you do something new with your beard?"
Stoick chuckled, rubbing his chin. "Alright, you've given me the honey, now just give me the hatchet," he quipped, crossing his arms with a mock sternness.
Hiccup sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "Look, Dad, you can't just keep taking Toothless. He's mine."
Stoick raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Alright. That seems fair. So, find me one."
Hiccup blinked, slightly bewildered. "Uh, sorry?"
"Find me a dragon as good as Toothless. That shouldn't be too hard for the Head of the Berk Dragon Training Academy," Stoick challenged, a glimmer of competitive spirit igniting in his eyes.
---
At the Arena later that day, with the Dragon Riders and their dragons assembled.
The arena buzzed with energy, vibrant colors swirling around as various dragon species and their riders filled the space. Hiccup stood confidently, surveying the gathered group.
"The finest dragon species on the island," he announced, gesturing broadly. "They're all represented at this Academy."
Snotlout, brimming with enthusiasm, strutted forward with his dragon, Hookfang. "But the Monstrous Nightmare is the only one with the brawn and prestige for men of our stature. Hop on board. Feel the Monstrous Nightmare difference!" He stepped aside, beckoning the others closer.
"And on those chilly winter nights, its whole body heats up just enough to keep you cozy. Lemme warm him up for you," he added, flicking Hookfang playfully on the nose. The dragon puffed out a plume of smoke, momentarily illuminating Snotlout's grin.
"Did you just flick my nose?" Hookfang asks irritated, He heats up too much, searing Stoick's rear end.
"Daaahhh!!" Stoick yells jumping off Hookfang and into a water trough.
"Now should I put you down for one? They come in an assortment of colors," he teased, his ego swelling.
Snotlout then shifted over to where Astrid and Dawn were discussing their Deadly Nadders.
"Since she's beautiful, people think she's not tough," Astrid remarked confidently, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"But you should never underestimate me. Uh, her-uh, us," Dawn stumbled over her words, earning a playful nudge from Astrid.
"Real smooth there, sis," Astrid shot back with a smirk, playfully elbowing Dawn in the stomach.
Stoick watched the exchange, amused. "Well, she is a beauty," he commented, reaching out to pat Stormfly firmly on the nose.
Immediately, Stormfly reacted, shooting a barrage of spikes towards Stoick. "Be careful with the-!" Astrid exclaimed, eyes wide.
Snotlout returned to the fold, leaning in conspiratorially. "Monstrous Nightmare's looking a little better now, huh, Chief?" he whispered, a victorious glint in his eye.
"Next!" Stoick called out, his authoritative tone cutting through the chatter as he turned his attention to the Twins, who were engaged in a lighthearted squabble with their dragon, Barf and Belch.
"Next!" Stoick repeated, his patience wearing thin.
"Let me tell you, what you're really looking for is loyalty," Fishlegs interjected, stepping forward with earnest conviction. "A dragon who will be there for you no matter what. The last face you see at night and the first face you see in the morning. Warming your bed when it's cold outside, a shoulder to cry on when the world has turned its back on you," he added, his eyes welling with emotion. "How could you not love a Gronckle?" he finished, his voice cracking.
Stoick shifted uncomfortably, a bemused expression crossing his face. "Sorry, son. But I'm looking for a dragon, not a mother."
He stepped back towards Hiccup and Hela, a thoughtful look on his face. "I haven't seen anything that can hold a candle to a Night Fury."
"Me neither!" Hiccup exclaimed, sharing Stoick's sentiment wholeheartedly.
"Besides, Toothless and Troels are the only Night Furies on Berk. And they are taken," Hela chimed in, crossing her arms.
Just then, Gobber burst into the arena, panic evident in his eyes. "Stoick! Another boat is being attacked! It's the rogue dragon again!"
Without hesitation, Stoick placed a hand on Hiccup's shoulder. "Let's go!" he commanded, and both Stoick and Hiccup mounted Toothless in unison.
"Oh, right... What was I thinking?" Hiccup conceded, realizing his oversight. He glanced over at Hela, uncertainty etched on his face. "Are you not coming?"
"Nope," Hela replied with determination, climbing onto Troels. "I'm going to the cove to practice my abilities. I'm sure Toothless can handle one dragon," she stated confidently, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
~~~~
Hela stood at the edge of the cove, inhaling the salty breeze as she mentally prepared herself for another intense day of training. This morning, her focus was sharp: she aimed to refine her extraordinary dragon abilities, seeking mastery over dragon control, dragon shifting, and the myriad powers she had inherited from the legendary dragon species of lore.
The cove was her chosen sanctuary, a secluded haven where she could push her limits without the interruptions of village life. Here, the sun illuminated the shimmering water, casting a serene glow that enveloped her-a stark contrast to the bustling curiosity of the villagers who could easily divert her attention.
"Alright, let's get started," Hela murmured to herself as she settled onto a flat rock, her legs crossed and palms resting on her knees. With a deep breath, she centered her thoughts, mentally preparing to surpass her personal best of maintaining control over fifteen dragons.
She knew from experience that each dragon possessed a unique temperament and instinctual nature, making her task more complex. As she reached out with her mind, she felt the familiar rush of energy as she connected with twenty dragons. Their distinct personalities flooded her mind: one was curious and playful, another was cautious and introspective. With precision, she guided them to take to the skies, issuing a range of commands that varied from simple flights to intricate formations and logistical maneuvers. It was a delicate dance of wills, and for an hour, she orchestrated their movements, feeling their rhythm sync with her own.
After the dragons had returned gracefully to the cove, she shifted her focus to her next challenge: prolonging her time spent in dragon form. This task was no small feat; every moment spent in her magnificent, scaled body drained her energy, particularly as she attempted to expand her form. She could feel the strain on her muscles and her mind, making it essential to find a balance between exertion and control. Hela experimented with various strategies, channeling her energy through meditation and visualization techniques, picturing herself as both dragon and human, hoping to forge a stronger connection that would enable her to maintain her dragon state longer.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Hela turned to the abilities she had mastered from the dragons, which numbered only five at that point. She tapped into the agility and stealth bestowed upon her by the Night Fury, feeling a surge of power as she executed aerial acrobatics that would typically take years of practice. Each twist and roll in the air brought a thrill that resonated deep within her. Spiraling through the air, she unleashed a plasma blast, reveling in its destructive beauty.
Embracing the fiery spirit of the Monstrous Nightmare, Hela focused on conjuring flames, gradually increasing her control over both the heat and the intensity of the fire. Feeling the warmth radiate from her fingertips, she reveled in the sheer coolness of having a body that could be cloaked in flames. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
Next, she turned her attention to the Gronckle's solid steadfastness. Hela trained diligently to embody its enduring strength, practicing her ability to breathe lava-a skill that came with its own set of challenges, requiring her to consume specially prepared rocks to transform her internal energy. The sensation was odd, yet invigorating, as the power surged through her.
Lastly, she honed her skills inspired by the Deadly Nadder, refining her keen observation abilities. With every moment spent in concentration, she could detect the slightest movement and change in her surroundings. The Nadder had also granted her detachable scales, which she practiced flinging with precision and force.
Inspired by the dual-headed Zippleback, Hela's thoughts shifted to the importance of teamwork and coordination. She strategized how two minds could work seamlessly together, one head capable of releasing gas and the other igniting sparks, illustrating the strength found in unity.
~~~~
After completing her training, Hela made her way back to the village. As she approached the forge, the familiar sounds of metal clanging and the scent of smoke wafting in the air, she overheard a portion of a conversation between Hiccup and Gobber.
"Now, what were you saying?" Gobber asked, his voice rich with curiosity.
"Ugh! My father!" Hiccup replied, frustration evident in his tone.
"Right! Stoick," Gobber responded, nodding knowingly, his eyes glinting with the wisdom of experience.
Gobber leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "Let me explain something about fathers and sons. It's a father's job to listen to his son without ever letting on that he's heard a word." His eyes twinkled, almost amused, as he shared this piece of wisdom.
Just then, Hela's gaze fell upon Stoick, and her heart dropped. He was battered and bruised, his face marked by the evidence of a recent struggle. Instinctively, she rushed forward to help stabilize him, her concern palpable.
"What happened?" she asked, her brow furrowed with worry. Gobber and Hiccup joined her, their expressions equally filled with concern.
Stoick heaved a sigh, wincing slightly as he attempted to compose himself. "Ah, the beast threw me off and flew off to Thor-knows-where," he replied, a mixture of irritation and disbelief in his voice.
"What?" Hela asked, confusion creeping into her tone, but before anyone could clarify, the conversation shifted.
Hiccup chimed in, "Well, can you blame him? All you ever did was fight him!"
Stoick shot back, a hint of amusement in his injury-laced voice, "Dah! He loved it!"
Hiccup, however, shook his head, exasperation evident. "Yeah, apparently not."
"Look, we can stand here arguing, or we can go get my dragon," Stoick said, determination hardening his features as he squared his shoulders and began to walk away.
Hela turned to Hiccup, her voice urgent. "Explain," she commanded, and he launched into a summary of everything that had transpired, his words tumbling out hurriedly.
Later in the day, Stoick gathered the Riders, his resolve evident as he prepared to lead the search for the Thunderdrum. Hiccup joined him, and together they mounted Toothless, the sleek dragon spreading his wings wide.
"Alright! We have to fan out and cover every part of the island!" Stoick bellowed, his voice resonating with authority.
Hiccup pointed clearly to a pair of twins, "Ruffnut and Tuffnut, you take-"
Stoick interrupted, cutting straight to the point. "You take the West side!"
"You got it, Chief," Tuffnut replied confidently, though both twins remained frozen, uncertain of which direction was west.
Hiccup's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Can anybody even see me back here?!" he called out, waving his arms in exasperation.
"WEST SIDE!" Hela shouted, pointing emphatically to the left, snapping the twins into action. She then turned to Astrid, her voice steady. "Astrid, take Snotlout and go to the North side!"
Astrid nodded, her determination shining through as she guided Stormfly to the North, Snotlout close behind.
"Come on, Fishlegs. We'll take the East side," Dawn prompted, her urgency palpable.
"But-but it's allergy season!" Fishlegs protested, a hint of panic in his voice.
"Fishlegs!" Dawn reiterated sharply, her patience running thin.
"It's not me. It's her!" Fishlegs pointed at Meatlug, his voice quivering.
Stoick grunted, observing the group's antics with a mixture of bemusement and disbelief. "Well, your friends sure are an odd bunch, but they know what they're doing on those dragons," he noted with a chuckle.
"Thank you. I think..." Hiccup replied, his voice laced with sarcasm.
"Okay, when we find the dragon, you might want to think about approaching him...differently. Obviously, he doesn't like being pushed around, so-"
"There he is!" Stoick suddenly exclaimed, pointing with purpose as he spotted the Thunderdrum near a cave nestled in the forest's edge.
"Once again, not a word goes through..." Hiccup muttered, his annoyance evident as Stoick, Hiccup, Toothless, Hela, and Troels landed near the cave's entrance.
From the depths of the cave, the still-muzzled Thunderdrum charged forward, its eyes filled with a fierce determination that immediately set everyone on edge.
"Settle down, bud," Hiccup spoke softly to Toothless, who rumbled slightly, sensing the tension in the air while Troels just sat back calmly.
"Let me handle this," Stoick commanded, pulling a large hammer from his back, his muscles coiling with readiness. "This dragon's mine."
"Dad!" Hela called out, her voice sharp with concern.
Stoick stood firm, the hammer poised for confrontation, but as he stepped closer, he noticed another Thunderdrum deeper in the cave's shadows. "There's another Thunderdrum in there," he exclaimed, realizing the situation was more complex.
Hiccup's voice softened. "He's hurt."
Stoick's expression shifted as understanding dawned on him. "He...he's protecting his friend. That's why he's been taking all those fish. Go get the others. And tell Gobber to get ready," he instructed urgently.
Without hesitation, Hiccup leaped onto Toothless, propelling himself into the air as he raced to deliver the crucial information. Stoick took a single step forward, his brow furrowed as the Thunderdrum growled, a deep rumble echoing from within the cave.
"I want to help, trust me," Stoick said firmly, a plea woven into his tone.
Suddenly, a massive group of wild boars emerged from the forest, charging towards the cave, their presence a new threat that added yet another layer of chaos to the unfolding battle.
"This situation looks familia," Troels says and Hela chuckles as she gets ready to protect the injured dragon.
The boars charged toward Stoick, their tusks glinting ominously in the sunlight. With a fierce determination, Stoick lunged forward, using his strength and experience to fend them off. Just as one of the boars leapt to tackle him, a powerful shove from the Thunderdrum sent it sprawling onto the ground. More boars joined the fray, but Stoick stood his ground, raising his hand toward the Thunderdrum, signaling for unity. In that moment, a bond formed between them, and together they became an unstoppable force.
"Look at us! We're bonded!" Stoick exclaimed, a mix of pride and exhilaration radiating from him.
As the dust settled, Hiccup and Toothless swooped in, concern etched on their faces. "What. Happened?" Hiccup asked, eyes wide with disbelief.
Stoick turned, a grin spreading across his face. "Oh, you know, just fought off a few boars and did a little bonding," he replied, a playful gleam in his eyes.
Hiccup shot a glance at Hela, seeking verification. "You?" he asked incredulously.
"Hey, don't look at me. He did all this on his own," Hela confirmed, crossing her arms with a smirk.
Stoick, feeling proud of his unexpected victory, continued, "There's something you should know about dragons. It's all about trust." His tone shifted to a more serious note, and the gravity of his words sank in.
Hiccup blinked, slightly taken aback. "So you actually heard that?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
Stoick chuckled softly. "Yes, I just said it. I listen."
Once the adrenaline of battle faded, they made their way back to the village. Stoick, now astride the Thunderdrum, deftly navigated through the sky. As they landed, the sense of urgency returned; he carefully helped lower the injured Thunderdrum down to Gobber, who awaited them with a look of concern etched on his face.
"Take good care of him. He's a friend," Stoick instructed firmly but with warmth.
With that, Stoick and the Thunderdrum took to the skies once more, soaring above the village to tackle their chief duties.