Chapter 15 – The First Challenge
The next morning came far too quickly for Hiccup.
The sun had barely risen over the horizon when he once again found himself standing in the center of the Dragon Arena—the heart of Viking training. But this time, the air was thick with tension. Gobber stood in the middle, arms crossed, a mischievous grin on his face.
"Today, we face something... more interesting," he announced. "Release the Deadly Nadder."
A deadly silence fell over the arena.
The iron gate creaked slowly. From the shadows emerged a sleek creature, covered in shimmering sapphire-blue scales. The Deadly Nadder's sharp eyes scanned the field, its curved beak gleaming like a blade. Along its back, sharp spines rattled as it moved—like a row of swords ready to be launched.
Hiccup swallowed hard.
From above, Thor watched silently from the stone bleachers. He leaned against a column, gaze locked on the dragon below.
> "This was the first dragon I ever fought alongside Shiro…" Thor murmured, lost in thought. "So many memories… it feels strange looking at it now."
Gobber barked orders:
"Astrid, move! Fishlegs, stop hiding! Ruffnut, Tuffnut—stop arguing! And Hiccup... get up and fight!"
Down in the arena, Hiccup was visibly shaking, eyes fixed on the Nadder. The other teens stayed back, watching carefully. Astrid's face was serious. Tuffnut muttered with a smirk:
> "Good luck, toothpick. That thing's gonna roast you."
But Hiccup didn't even hear him. He was trying to control his breathing, remembering Thor's words from the day before:
> "Fight with your heart."
The Nadder screeched and charged.
Hiccup rolled to the side just in time. The sand exploded where he had been a second earlier. He quickly got to his feet, eyes wide. The dragon spun with deadly grace, readying another attack.
From above, Thor clenched his fists.
> "Come on, Hiccup… remember: it always aims before it fires. The spines take two seconds to reload... You can do this."
Hiccup dove behind a pile of old shields. The Nadder launched a volley of spines, which clanged off the rusted weapons. Using the dragon's pause, Hiccup sprinted in a zigzag, throwing off its aim.
> "I can't beat it with strength... but maybe I can tire it out."
The Nadder lunged again. Hiccup slid underneath the creature, who roared in frustration. With every dodge, every movement, he seemed to understand not just the dragon—but himself.
Finally, after long minutes of tension, Gobber whistled. Guards rushed in and pulled the Nadder back into its cage.
Hiccup collapsed to his knees, exhausted—but alive.
Thor watched silently, thinking:
> "He thought I meant to fight with his mind... but I meant for him to try and understand the dragons."
Thor made his way down and stood beside Astrid. He gently brushed her cheek and asked softly:
> "Are you alright?"
She gave a tired smile. "I'm fine. It was nothing."
He took her hand and approached Hiccup.
"You're stronger today, brother," Thor said.
Hiccup looked serious, still catching his breath.
Thor nodded.
"You read its attack pattern... and survived. I'm impressed."
Hiccup simply nodded, a faint smile breaking through.
Later that day, after the others had left, Hiccup returned home and gathered some fish for Toothless. He began noting the Night Fury's behavior, studying him quietly while trying to get closer.
Meanwhile, Thor walked alongside Astrid. They reached the edge of the cliffs where the sea breeze brushed through their hair. Thor sat and gently pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her.
> "Why did you bring me here?" she asked, curious.
> "Because I thought you might be tired of all the training... and also, I wanted to be alone with you," he said softly.
He kissed her—tenderly at first, then deeper. Astrid responded, her fingers curling in his shirt. The moment grew warmer, more intense. When Thor's hands moved to her waist, Astrid gasped lightly.
> "Here? Someone might see…"
Smirking, Thor lifted her into his arms like a princess and activated his powers. In a blink, they were inside his home.
He carried her to his room and gently locked the door. The light was soft. Their eyes met in silence.
They began to undress one another—slowly, exploring each moment with reverence and care. Thor admired the beauty of Astrid in front of him, his heart pounding.
He kissed her again, deeper this time, laying her down on the bed as their passion unfolded with both tenderness and fire. Their connection wasn't just physical—it was emotional, raw, and real.
Wrapped in each other's warmth, Astrid eventually rested her head on his chest, breathing softly.
Thor closed his eyes too, holding her