Come Darkness, Come Light

Chapter 7 - Getting Smarter

It was the nursery—the place where mothers raised their young until they were old enough to join the other dragons of the nest. I'd always wondered where it was, but never knew where to look. My jaw dropped in amazement, and I took my time looking around, wanting to memorize everything I saw. I'd write about it later.

I heard a laugh, and my gaze snapped down to where my son was wrestling playfully with a Deadly Nadder hatchling. They were almost equal in size, and Hiccup was actually giving the baby dragon a run for its money. It squawked indignantly every time Hiccup dodged its attack, but it was obvious they were both having fun. It didn't escape my notice how Hiccup was trying to scratch and bite like the hatchling was doing. Clearly he's picked up a few things. I swear, some days he acted more dragon than human.

Toothless was laying on top of a flat rock, observing the play fight with a hawk-like gaze, making sure it didn't get too rough. There was a tiny Gronckle gnawing lightly on the end of his tail, but he paid it no mind.

"Hiccup!" I shouted, a hint of anger in my tone. "I've been looking everywhere for you!" He froze mid-lunge, ducking his head as he slowly turned to face me. The Nadder tilted its head questioningly, nudging at Hiccup's shoulder.

"Oh...hi, Mama," he greeted hesitantly, crawling towards me on four limbs. "I was just playing with Shimmer," he explained nervously. I sighed, meeting him halfway so I could hug him. He stood up as soon as I reached him, accepting my embrace.

"It's okay, buddy. You're not in trouble, I was just really worried. When did you find this place?" I wondered, pulling away.

He shrugged. "Toothless took me here a few days ago. That's when I met Shimmer." He replied excitedly, gesturing to the bright-scaled Nadder. She had resorted to finding another hatchling to play with, seeing Hiccup was distracted.

"You could've told me," I pointed out. Hiccup usually told me everything. There were days when he was quiet, barely speaking a word, but finding the nursery was a big deal. He always shared anything interesting he discovered with me.

"I was gonna..." he drawled, briefly biting his lip. "But the mama dragons don't really like anyone else near the babies," he continued. "Toothless is only allowed 'cause he played in here a lot when he was little, and I'm only 'llowed 'cause I'm his brother," he stated. Even as he was speaking, I noticed the mother dragons eyeing me warily from their perches, some ruffling their wings in agitation. That's not good...

"How about we go get something to eat, huh?" I suggested, wanting to get out of there before any of the dragons got angry. Hiccup frowned in disappointment.

*I don't wanna go.* He murmured sadly, and I flinched in shock, staring at him with wide eyes. I'd heard his voice...but his mouth hadn't even moved.

"Hiccup...what was that?" I asked cautiously, wondering if I'd imagined it.

His nose scrunched up in confusion. "Huh?" he said aloud, and I quickly knelt down so we were face to face.

"You-You just...I heard you talk in my mind!" I exclaimed.

His eyes lit up and he grinned. *You can hear thought-speak now? That's so cool!* he responded happily, once again talking without actually talking.

I can...hear thought-speak...I can hear thought-speak! I stood up, the blood rushing to my head for a moment. I felt a bit woozy at this new development. When Hiccup had first told me about the dragon's ability to communicate telepathically, I'd honestly expected to never be able to hear it. I was fine with that assumption—the idea that I would one day hear dragons speak was outlandish and kind of frightening. Now that that day was finally here, I wasn't sure how to feel.