Chapter 20 – The First Battle
Arriving at the arena, Hiccup looked around and saw the others already gathered — the ones he knew he could trust. Thor turned to him and said with a calm voice, "I figured you might need some help."
Without wasting time, Hiccup began guiding Fishlegs, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, Astrid, and Snotlout, teaching each of them how to properly mount and bond with their dragons. His movements were sharp but gentle, showing a confidence that only someone who had learned the hard way could have. Each rider struggled at first, but one by one, they began to understand the language of their dragons.
Thor stood slightly apart, arms crossed, leaning against a wall as he watched the group. His golden eyes narrowed thoughtfully, and he smiled. Seeing this moment up close... it's different, he thought. It's like watching something finally take shape.
Hiccup turned his eyes toward Thor and noticed the slight grin. There was a strange calm in knowing his older brother was watching — it gave him strength. He walked over to him, a bit nervous, and said, "The dragons are all taken. So... I guess you'll have to ride with someone."
Thor didn't hesitate. "I don't mind. I'll go grab my axe for the battle. Meet you guys in half an hour."
Hiccup nodded. There was a brief silence between the brothers, but it was comfortable. They both knew what was at stake.
With that, Thor activated his thunder power and vanished, a trail of lightning crackling behind him. He reappeared in front of the cabin where Shiro was staying — the quiet place that had become their shared sanctuary. As soon as he arrived, Shiro ran up and jumped into his arms with a gleeful shout.
"Niisan! Why are you back so early today?" she asked, her arms around his neck.
Thor gently set her down. He didn't speak right away. He walked toward the chest where his axe was kept. As his fingers wrapped around the handle, his aura shifted. He wasn't just Thor, the relaxed brother or the silent observer anymore. He was a warrior preparing for war.
With one deep breath, he activated his contract power. White electricity surged from his arm into the axe. The metal hummed as the thunderstorm merged with it, becoming an extension of Thor himself.
"I've never had to use my full power," Thor muttered. "It was never necessary. But against that thing... if I don't give it everything I've got, I might not come back alive."
He looked over his shoulder at Shiro, who was watching him in silence. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a fire in her eyes. A bond between them sparked as white lightning leapt from her skin in response.
Thor gave a wild smile. "Shiro, get ready for battle. I might call you in at any moment."
She didn't flinch. Her only response was a determined "Yes, niisan."
With that, Thor left the cabin, lightning coursing around his body like a second skin. He made his way back to the others at full speed, the sound of thunder echoing with each step he took across the ground.
When he reached the arena again, without a word, he leaped onto Astrid's dragon. She was surprised but didn't question it. There was something fierce in his eyes now — something focused.
Hiccup mounted Snotlout's dragon, nodding at Thor from a distance. They were ready.
The dragons took off, soaring through the sky as a single unit. The wind howled around them, but none of them felt fear. This wasn't just an adventure anymore — this was war.
Thor held tightly to Astrid's waist as they flew, his gaze set ahead. This will be my first real battle, he thought. And Shiro's too. There was something poetic about that — the siblings finally stepping into the fight side by side, even if only spiritually for now.
The air grew colder the closer they got to the island. The sunlight dimmed as thick clouds gathered above, casting eerie shadows over the sea. The once calm waves churned with unease.
As they neared the edge of the volcanic island, the familiar shape of the mountain came into view. It towered like a monster waiting to awaken — the place where dragons were forced to feed the terrifying beast that ruled them.
Hiccup glanced at the others. Astrid had a determined look, her spear strapped across her back. Snotlout looked nervous but nodded to himself. Fishlegs was gripping his saddle tightly, murmuring facts under his breath. Ruffnut and Tuffnut were arguing as usual, but even they were focused.
Thor closed his eyes briefly. The thunder inside him raged, begging to be unleashed. But he waited. Not yet... only when it's time.
The wind shifted again, carrying the scent of ash and burning stone. Hiccup tightened his grip.
They had reached the edge of war.
--