Chapter Three – The Encounter I Was Looking For
One year later
Stoick was sitting at the table, eating with his two sons. He looked at Thor, who was getting stronger by the day, worthy of a child blessed by Odin. He nodded in approval. Then he looked at his other son, Hiccup. If Thor reminded him of himself when he was younger, Hiccup reminded him of Valka: the same gentleness, the same weakness.
Sometimes, Stoick wondered how Hiccup would survive in such a cruel world without strength. But he pushed those thoughts aside and looked at his sons.
— Thor, Hiccup... what are your plans for today? — he asked while drinking his coffee.
— I'm going to learn how to forge with Gobber! — Hiccup replied, excited. — You'll see, Dad! I'll become a great Viking!
— Yes, I believe in you, son. And you, Thor?
Thor raised his head and answered:
— I'm going to the forest to train. Brother, ask Gobber to make an axe for me.
— Thor — Stoick said firmly — when you go train, be careful not to hurt anyone. Something small for you could seriously harm others.
— Okay, Dad. I'll be careful. Bye!
Thor activated his power and disappeared like a lightning bolt toward the forest.
— Be careful with the people! — Stoick shouted as his son vanished.
Hiccup thought that was really cool. He had seen his brother use his powers many times before, but it always amazed him. Then he got up, full of excitement.
— Bye, Dad!
Stoick watched his two sons leave through the door and thought: Valka... if you were here, our family would be complete.
---
Elsewhere, Thor arrived at his usual training spot.
— After a year, my powers are much stronger. I can already lift three tons and run a hundred meters per second if I activate my power... Now, let's begin the training.
He stood in front of a massive rock and began punching it with force.
— Following Garp's training, I'll have fists as strong as his... Sure, I can only punch this rock for now, but one day I'll use a continent as a punching bag!
After hours of training, Thor collapsed on the ground, his whole body sore. Suddenly, he heard a sound.
Roars? — he thought. — Must be dragons!
He quickly got up and ran toward the source of the noise. When he arrived, he was stunned.
The dragons didn't look too powerful. What truly shocked him was something else: A Light Fury?! Thor's eyes widened.
— But we're far beyond the time when she appeared...
Then he realized the small Light Fury was in trouble. She was losing to a Deadly Nadder. He noticed her size.
— She's still a child... That's why she's here.
The Light Fury's cry of pain snapped him out of his shock. She had been hurt. Thor couldn't take it anymore and dashed toward the battle.
— Thunder God's Punch!
A blow charged with lightning struck the Nadder hard, sending it flying. But the dragon got back up, angry, and launched an attack. Thor sighed.
— Even the weakest dragon is still a dragon... Let's fight!
Thor lunged at the Nadder, exchanging fierce blows. The dragon threw him to the ground and tried to stomp him, but Thor dodged just in time. The Light Fury, seeing Thor trying to protect her, acted. She attacked the Nadder with a plasma blast.
— Now! — Thor shouted, seizing the moment.
He got up and unleashed a barrage of thunder punches until he and the Light Fury managed to drive the Nadder away.
Breathing heavily, Thor approached the little dragoness. He slowly extended his hand. She hesitated, then touched her nose to his palm. Thor smiled and whispered:
— Do you want to be my partner?
The Light Fury moved closer. Then, Thor's contract power began to activate. A radiant light surrounded them both, pulsing intensely.
When the light faded, Thor looked at her, stunned.
— This is...?
---