Chapter 13 – The First Step of a Hero
When Thor got home, he found Hiccup sitting at the breakfast table, eating in silence. The boy seemed lost in thought, his eyes scanning a worn scroll while nibbling on a piece of stale bread.
— Get up, Hiccup! — Thor shouted, standing firmly in the doorway with his arms crossed. — Gobber sent for you. Your training starts today. You're finally going to learn how to fight dragons, just like you always wanted.
Hiccup looked up, startled by the sudden command.
— Training? But... you already fight dragons. And so does Dad. Do I really have to fight too? Can't I do something else? Like handle maps or design weapons… anything but fighting?
Thor's expression softened for a moment, but quickly returned to its usual firmness.
— Brother, this is what you've always wanted, isn't it?
Hiccup hesitated, doubt crossing his face.
— Yes... but…
Before he could finish, Thor stepped forward, grabbed him by the collar, and effortlessly lifted him off the ground. Sparks of electricity crackled around Thor's hands, and with a thunderous boom, he took off, soaring above the village with Hiccup screaming in panic.
— THOR! PUT ME DOWN! YOU'RE GONNA BREAK MY NECK!
— Relax, Thor said with a grin. — You'll thank me later.
As they flew, Thor's thoughts turned to the difficult path ahead for his brother.
"I'm sorry, brother… but to find your true destiny — just like in the original story — I can't change everything for you. Some battles you have to face alone, even if it hurts."
With a powerful crash, they landed in the center of the Dragon Arena — a circular stone amphitheater surrounded by watchtowers and worn-out benches, all wrapped in the thick smell of smoke and scorched leather. The low growls of sleeping dragons echoed in the shadows, sending chills through the air. The ground beneath them was covered in sand and scars from countless battles.
Thor gently set Hiccup down and surveyed the crowd. The village's young warriors were already gathered, restless. Ruffnut and Tuffnut were arguing loudly, Snotlout was sharpening a spear, and Fishlegs rambled on about statistics no one really wanted to hear. Astrid stood with her axe resting on the ground, eyeing Thor questioningly, silently wondering why he was so late.
Gobber, arms crossed, watched the newcomers. When Thor landed, he raised an eyebrow but quickly smiled.
— Alright! Now that everyone's here, Gobber announced, his voice echoing through the arena, we can begin!
The teens formed a messy line, agitated and nervous. Gobber walked in front of them with heavy steps.
— From today on, you'll go through true Viking training. And listen closely — the one who performs the best will earn the honor of facing their first dragon in front of the whole village!
Cheers and shouts erupted. Ruffnut raised his fists in the air, shouting:
— I'll slay the biggest dragon they've ever seen!
Hiccup, on the other hand, gulped, his face tight with worry. Thor, leaning against a stone pillar, watched him silently.
— It'll be tough at first... but he needs this. He needs to prove he's capable — not just to others, but to himself.
Then Gobber raised his hand and said:
— And why wait until tomorrow? Since you're all so excited… Let's start with a test. Release the Gronckle!
A heavy gate creaked open, releasing a muffled roar. From within, a Gronckle emerged — small, bulky, covered in thick scales, and looking furious. Its spiky tail slammed against the ground with force, and it sniffed around irritably.
The teens froze.
— First lesson: survival. Let's see who pays attention in class... and who runs like a headless chicken.
The Gronckle charged.
Ruffnut and Tuffnut ran in opposite directions and crashed into each other again. Snotlout tried to attack head-on — bad idea — and got thrown against the wall. Fishlegs tripped and fell behind a pile of shields. Astrid moved with precision, analyzing the dragon's patterns.
Hiccup barely had time to react. He rolled to the side as the dragon dashed past, its claws digging trenches in the sand.
— That was… intense, he panted.
Thor continued to watch, his eyes fixed on Hiccup.
After a few more minutes of chaos, Gobber whistled. Guards with nets and torches subdued the Gronckle, guiding it back into its cage. The gate shut with a bang.
— Congratulations! You didn't die. That's already a win for the first day! — Gobber grunted, satisfied.
Hiccup remained seated on the ground, thoughtful. Around him, nervous laughter and frustrated grumbles filled the air.
"I can't fight like them... Not with strength."
Later, as the group began to disperse, Thor approached Hiccup. The boy was kicking the sand, clearly downcast.
— You'll make it, brother, Thor said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
— Do you really think so? — Hiccup whispered.
— It's not a matter of 'thinking'. It's what's going to happen. I'm counting on you to do something no one else can.
— What's that?
Thor smiled.
— Convince Dad... and the entire village... that there's more than one way to be a hero.
Hiccup blinked, surprised.
Thor lightly tapped Hiccup's chest with his finger.
— And if you ever doubt yourself, don't fight with brute strength. Fight with this — your heart.
— My heart?
— Yes. You're different from the rest of us. But no one ever said being different is a bad thing. Maybe... just maybe... you'll do things no Viking has ever done.
Before they could continue, Astrid called Thor, grabbing his arm.
— Thor. Come with me.
Thor gave Hiccup one last wave before walking off with her, leaving the boy alone in the arena.
Hiccup stood still for a while, contemplating the weight of his brother's words.
— Things no Viking has ever done…
He looked toward the spot where the Night Fury had landed days before.
Something shifted inside him. A silent but powerful decision.
He began walking toward that place.
From high in the arena, Thor watched with a faint smile on his face.
— That little brother of mine... he's starting to find his path.
Astrid looked at Thor, still holding his hand.
— What is it?
Thor smiled.
— Nothing. I'm just happy my brother is beginning to find his way.
---