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Chapter Text

"What are you doing out!" Kate, one of the mighty vikings of Berk, shouted at John, who went by "Soap," (who had recieved his nickname from how messy he would always make things) as he ran by her, making sure to dodge the oncoming fire balls being thrown at them. Soap whipped around to face her and throwing her a shrug.

"I have to do my job!" He yelled back, Kate then stopped and stepped forward, giving him a hard stare, one that would have most people on this island cowering in fear. But Soap? Soap was just an odd one.

"Your job is to stay inside where-" She's cut off by a thundering roar, without hesitating she threw her iron shield over Soaps head, knocking out a Gronkle, quite a stumpy one. She turned her attention back to Soap. "Where these things can't get you, and you can't cause any more trouble.''

"C'mon Kate! I want to help! And besides Nikolai needs me, he obviously can't supply weapons to everyone by himself! Trust me on this" He tried to reason, giving Kate a reassuring smile. Kate was not reassured. She stared him down, seeming to be in a battle with herself. She let out a groan, looking up at all the chaos around them. She gave the slightest bit of a nod before she grabbed him by the arms, forcing him to make eye contact.

"You go straight to Nikolai's shop, no detour, no saving the day act, you hear me? I don't need your father on my ass about this and Id rather not have to dust up your ashes just because you decided to be Mr tough guy. You hear me?" She stared down at him, now Soap was not a small guy, okay that's a lie. He was quite small, shorter than all the other teens on the island, and very much shorter than the other grown vikings, but hey, its not his fault this whole island was filled with giants. Soap looked back at her and gave her a sheepish grin.

"Trust me Kate, I got this." He tried to walk out of her grip, but was unsuccessful as she held on tighter.

"John Mactavish I'm serious, straight to Nikolai or I'm telling your father." She repeated in a stern tone. Soap looked back at her, and his face dropped slightly.

"Hes not my father." He said quietly. Her gaze softened and tilted her head down slightly.

"Soap... you know what I mea-" Nope. Soap was not about to have a little pity party when there's currently an ongoing war against a herd of dragons surrounding them.

Soaps gaze hardened. "Straight to Nikolai." He repeated back to her, wanting more than anything to just get out. She let go of him and gave him a tense nod, bringing her attention to a deadly ladder taking great interest in the livestock near by. Kate gave him one last glance, before running off. Soap let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Nodding, attempting to hype himself up, he ran towards Nikolai.

"Nice of you to join the Party! I thought a terrible terror had finally gotten to ya" The man of the hour threw over his shoulder as he focused on an iron axe that needed repairing.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny" Soap replied flatly as he pulled on an apron and started cleaning up Nikolai's mess. "And besides I'm way to muscular for their taste. They wouldn't know what to do with all this."

Soap flexed his arms, showing no muscle whatsoever. Soap was about 5'6, and a big whopping 16 years old. With his bright blue eyes, which he heard he got from his mother. His black hair, a trait from his father, was cut into a overgrown mohawk, much to everyones distaste, yet Soap liked it, no matter how many times Gaz or Alejandro made fun of it. Yet Soap was skinny, small in every sense.

"They need toothpicks, don't they?" Nik retorted. Soap rolled his eyes as he got to work transferring the broken weapons to the forge, while Nik got to the Vikings in line waiting for new weapons. Nik was Price's right hand man. Second in command to the chief of Berk, next to Laswell of course. He was the owner of the forge. The greatest blacksmith on this island. Soap was placed as his apprentice the moment all the other teens got to training. Seeing as Soap couldn't cause his any damage to himself or others as he worked on the iron of the weapons.

Sounds of the dragons currently attacked the island, roared and bounced off the walls of the forge. From where he stood, Soap could see all the fires burning, and more being shot out of dragons mouths. He turned his head and caught the sight of five teens, caring a large wooden crate, filled with buckets of water. Gaz, Roach, Alejandro, Rudy, and... Simon.

Gaz and Roach, inseparable yet very much trouble makers. Roach got his name by being able to take down all of the teens, aside from Simon, in a fight, unable to stop that one. Gaz, was a talker, hence the name, he was a jokester. Then there were Rudy and Alejandro. Alejandro was a fighter, he had a fire in him that made him strong and fierce, and very cocky. Yet Rudy was his source of calmness, Rudy always knew how to stop Alejandro from doing something stupid. He was the one full of knowledge. Knew everything about the dragons that littered this world.

Now Simon. Simon was the tallest and biggest out of all of them, and even bigger than some of the older vikings on this island. He always wore a black mask over the bottom half of his face, all that was known was that he had been cornered by a Deadly Nadder, and he was the one who walked away victorious, except for the nasty scar that he hid behind said mask. Full of muscle. The only thing Johnny and him and in common was the fact that, both thier birth parents were out of the picture. So, Laswell and her wife took him in as their own.

He got his nickname, Ghost, by his ability to just suddenly disappear, his stealth skills were amazing, no one was as stealthy as him. He already had numbers of dragons that he's killed under his belt, and he was only 16. Soap silently placed down the axe he was working on, he risked a glance at Nik, before attmepting to sneak out the side gate, to join the group as they passed. Taking that as a fail when suddenly he was hoisted into the air and brought back inside.

"C'mon Nik! Let me go, please! I need to prove myself." He groaned. Nik stared at him and laughed.

"You've proven yourself many times, proven yourself wrong." He replied pointedly.

"Two minutes, just two and I'll kill a dragon! I promise! Swear on my life! Prove myself and then boom, my life is better already and I'm out of your hair!" Soap pleaded.

"You're right! You will be out of my hair because you'll be dead, roasted into dust.. Look, you can't lift a hammer, you can't swing an axe..." NIk grabs iron balls connected by a rope and threw it at a Deadly Nadder, who was taking an awfully close interest to the forge. "You can't even throw one of these!"

Soap nodded and pointed a finger at Nik, "You're right I can't, but this-" He turned to the back of the forge and returned with a strange wheel barrow machine type contraption.

"This will do it for me!" To prove his point, Soap opened the lid off the machine and an arm, quipped with twin bows ops up, launching the iron ball connected by rope into the air, barely missing Nik, and into the face of a Viking waiting for his weapon.

The teen winced, "Well that's not supposed to happen.."

"See now this is what Im talking about." Nik sighed and facing back to face Soap, with a disappointed look.

"I can fix that! Just a small issue" Soap grabbed a tool and started tinkering with the device. Nik groaned.

"Soap. Soap, just stop, If you ever want to get out there and fight dragons" The blacksmith waved his hand out onto the ongoing battle. "You need to stop all...." He then gestured towards Soap. "all that." Soap shoulders dropped and he gave Nik a look.

"You just pointed to all of me." He says flatly. Nik face broke out into a smile.

"Yes! Exactly! Stop being all you!" Nik replied. Another dragon was heard roaring in the distance, followed by screaming vikings, Soap winced before glancing back at Nik.

"Oh..." Soap replied threateningly.

"Ohhh yes!"

"You, Nik, are playing a dangerous game, keeping all this much muscle and viking contained! There will be consequences, you guys are really missing out on an amazing Viking!" Soap straightened up his posture and pointed a finger at Nik. Nik nodded and let out a laugh, before he tossing a sword over to Soap.

"I'll take my chances. Now do your job, sword. Sharpen. Now." Nik ordered Soap, turning towards the growing line of Bloodthirsty vikings. Soap grumbled and went back to the iron wheel. He looked off into the ongoing fight. Nadders will get him noticed. a deadly nadder climbed onto a house and tore the walls apart. A gronkle is tough, taking one of those down would defiantly get Ghost to at least look at him.

A two headed dragon peeked out from behind a wall, before turning its attention on an oncoming viking. Zippleback? Two heads, twice the damage, twice the popularity. One head shot out a green gas into a window. In turn, the other head shot out a spark, lighting the house on fire. A loud crash sounded through the village, followed by yelling, Soap whipped his head over to see. Aw.. A monstrous nightmare. Only the strongest and bravest vikings go after those. Nasty habit of setting themselves and anything around it on fire. That would defiantly get him on the top of the totem pole. But he wanted the best. The ultimate prize, a dragon no one had ever seen, only heard.

"Night Fury! Everyone get down!" Soap heard a viking yell. Everyone around ducked down scrambling for shelter. A loud boom was sounded as a catapult exploded, sending the crew of vikings leaping for their lives.

The night fury, never steals foods, is never seen, and never, ever, misses. The sound of a sharp cry is heard as the catapult is lit up in flames. No one has ever killed one, and that's why Soap was going to be the first. He brought his attention back to Nik. Who in turn, grabs his trusty axe.

"You stay here and man the fort, they need me out there" He turned to leave before stopping short, he turned back around to face Soap, giving him a hard stare. "Stay. Put. There." He shakes his head.

"You know what I mean." Nik took his exit, hollering at a nasty Gronkle. That drama queen.

A grin crosses Soaps face as he realizes the opportunity he was just given. He scrambled towards the back of the forge, grabbing his device and pulling it out the back door.

With a plan, not a good one, but a plan, he weaved through the ongoing vikings, trying to dodge any dragons he comes across. Ignoring the vikings yelling at him to get back inside he carried on, wincing at the loud crash he heard, that was a little too close for his liking. He can't back out, this is the one shot he has at proving them wrong. He'll show them, he'll kill a night fury, get praised, hopefully have Simon announce his true love for him and live happily ever after. Yeah, that's what's going to happen.

He finally reached an unoccupied cliff, he braced the catapult and cranked several levers. Unfolding them and then popping the arms of his device. Putting the Bola onto the device and then turning the device so it faced] the night sky. He held his breath as he waited, listening for any sign of life. The cry of the night fury sounded throughout the sky, Soap prayed to whatever gods were watching and aimed to where he thought the unseen dragon was. As the night fury closes in, still completely camouflaged, Soap sighed.

"C'mon give me something to shoot-" He mumbled, the sound of the tower near by collapsing caused him to jump, he whipped around to aim the device at the sight, the view of a dragon was revealed, for just a split second by the fire. Wasting no time at all, Soap fired the Bola into the sky and praid that it hit the dragon. A loud whack is heard, followed by a loud screech. Soaps eyes widened and his jaw dropped.

"Oh my gods.. Oh my gods! I just hit a night fury! Did anyone see that?" Soap jumped up and down in excitement, feeling like he finally accomplished something for once, and even better, without the help of anyone else.

''Who's the fuck up now' He thought to himself. He turned around, hoping that at least someone saw his glorious shot. What he did see, was a monstrous nightmare crawling up the the cliff.

"Except for you." He says dryly, before his mind caught up to his body, Soap bolted. "Fuck, Fuck, Fuck!" He cursed in panic as he ran for his life, feeling the heat of said dragon chasing after him.

Across the cliff, Price, the notorious chief of Berk, had just finished off a deadly nadder, he dusted his hands off on his already dirty pants, nodding at the dragons caught in the trusty nets. His head whipped up as heard his adoptive son yelling. Now, after years of dealing with Soap, Price had gained a sort of sixth sense to where and when his child was causing trouble. What he didn't want to see was said child running from a currently blazing dragon.

"Good god." Price turned to his men. "Do not let the dragons escape!" Before running after Soap.

Vikings dodged out of the way of oncoming blasts, as the monstrous nightmare closed in on Soap. The teen in question ducked behind the last standing pole, the only shelter left standing. He held his breath trying to make himself even smaller.

"Please, Please, please" He begged to whoever was listening. In return the dragon blasts through the pole, leaving it falling to pieces, left standing is a scared shitless Soap. Slowly Soap turned around to face it.

"Hi." He breathed out. He squeezed his eyes shut, fully accepting his fate as the monstrous nightmare takes a deep breath. This is is, Soap had a good run, he guessed. 16 years? And what did he have to show for it. 'Too late now', he thought. He was brought out of his thoughts by a loud yell, a yell he would only recognize as Price.

"Double shit."

Price jumped between the two, tackling the dragon to the ground. Reeling back his fist, he punched the dragon straight in between his eyes, before reaching up and grabbing one of his horns. He used his strength to pull the dragon down into the ground, dragging its head into the dirt. The dragon reared back, pushing Price away, before glaring at the Chief and taking a deep breath. All that's let out is a little spark. Price chuckled darkly as he returned the glare.

"You're all out" He rolled his shoulders before bringing his right leg up and sent a kick straight into the Dragons face. The dragon in return, let out a defeated cry before he turned and opened his wings, leaving the fight he so desperately tried to win. Price's back rose and fell as he let out winded breaths. He then turned to Soap, and boy, if looks could kill, Soap would already be 6 feet under.

"Sorry... Price" He mumbled, their attention was then brought to the Deadly Nadders Price had had captured, fly off with multiple sheep, clearly showing who had won in this ongoing battle. Vikings, most battered and bruised, carrying injuries of all kind, crowed around the two, all murmuring. Kate rushed her way through, before settling her gaze on Soap, letting out a defeated sigh, she shook her head in disappointment.

"Okay, But I did hit a Night Fury-" Soap was cut off as Price grabbed him by the back of his vest, hauling him away, his eyes practically filled with fire, with how furious he was.

"Its not like the other times Price, I swear! I mean I actually hit it! You were busy and Nik went to help so I thought hey! This is my time to shine! And I went and had a clear shot! It went down! Just off Raven point, we can get a search party out there, before it-"

"STOP!" Price yelled before taking a defeated breath. "Just stop."

He released Soap, watching as the teen before him tried to find his footing. The gathering vikings all went quiet at the sound of their Chiefs outburst.

"Every time you step outside, disaster follows. Can you not see that I have bigger problems? Winters around the corner and I have an entire village to feed while our livestock is being taken away by fucking dragons every night!" He said sharply.

Soap shrugged and gave him a nervous grin. "Between you and me, I think a few of us could do with a little less sheep, don't ya think?" A few Vikings looked at each other nervously.

"This isn't a joke John." Price snapped. Soap stiffened at the use of his name, anxiously he looked at the ground beneath him, playing with the dirt under his shoe.

"Why can't you just follow the simplest orders?I mean come on John! You're not a little kid anymore!"

"I can't help it! Its just who I am, I see a-a dragon and I just... have to kill it! Its who I am!" Soap replied, trying to defend what little dignity he had left. Great. Just what he needed, to be scolded like a little kid in front of the whole fucking village. At least Simon wasn't there to see him. At that thought, he heard the group of teens push their way to the front of the onlooking Vikings, Gaz and Roach in the front, followed by the others, with Simon in the back, towering over them, the usual uninterested guarded look, replaced with one of annoyance. Great, fucking great. Soap looked up at Price with a defeated gaze.

"You are many things Soap, but a killer is not one." He replied with a tired sigh. He then turned to Nik, who was standing by the side, another one with a disappointed look. Always targeted at Soap, come to think of it, that's all anyone ever looked at him with. And... Soap didn't know how to feel about that revelation.

"Take him back to the house, and make sure he actually gets there. I have another one of his messes to clean up." Soap winced at that, without a second glance Price stalks off in the opposite direction, motioning for Kate to follow. Nik sighed and walked up to Soap, before placing his hand on the back of the teens neck and pushing him towards their home. Making sure to pass by the group of teens.

"Quite the performance" Gaz called out, making Roach huff out a laugh.

"This has probably got to be your biggest fuck up" Alejandro added on with a chuckle, letting out a whine when Rudy whacked him on the arm. Soap nodded at all of them with a tight smile.

"Thank you, thank you, Ill be here all week." He grumbled, making sure to avoid Ghosts very much burning gaze he felt on the back of his head. He let Nik push him along, before letting out a defeated sigh.

"I really did hit one Nik." He felt Nik nod his head.

"Sure you did Soap."

"He never listens to me"

"Runs in the family"

"And when he does or any of you do, it's always with this disappointed scowl. Like someone just shit in front of him" He threw his arm out in exasperation. Nik winced at that phrase.

"That's the comparison that you came up with?" Nik questioned sarcastically. Soap ignored him and went on with his rant.

"Excuse me barmaid, but I'm afraid I didn't ask for this thing! I agreed to take care of a extra large boy with beefy arms and extra guts and glory! One that could make a dragon run if he just looked at them! This here. This is a talking fish bone." Soap attempted to mimic Prices accent, very badly, yet that's besides the point. Nik let out a small laugh.

"Very good, you should add acting to your list of skills." He then brought his hand to Soaps shoulder and squeezed it. "Listen kid, you're thinking too much about this in the wrong way, its not what you look like, its what's inside that he can't stand." Soap looked at him dumbfounded before rolling his eyes and pushing away from the mans grip. A heavy weight falling onto his chest.

"Thank you, for summing that all up Nik, very helpful and heartwarming, makes me feel fan-fucking-tastic." Nik let out a sigh before dragging his hand down his face, he turned back at Soap with an exasperated look on his face.

"Look, the point is, stop trying so hard to be something you're not kid." Soaps heart broke even more.

"I just want to be one of you guys" Soap's voice was soft, and he cursed himself for how much he sounded like a little kid. Not waiting for Nik response, if there even was one, he turned towards the houses front door, walking in to his humble abode, wanting to get far away from the eyes of everyone else.

There was a time where Soap had felt like he belonged. He didn't remember much from his early childhood. Not much of his biological parents. He did know that they were close friends with Price. That he was the one who found them killed by a Monstrous Nightmare, leaving their 2 year old child all alone by himself. Price took over, taking Soap under his wing. He remembered a time where the man didn't only just look at him with a disappointed gaze. Sometimes Soap wondered if Price wished that the dragon finished him off with his parents.

Soap knew it would have saved him from all the trouble Soap caused. Would have definitely saved him live stock, buildings, and the vikings opinions on him and the teen. Would've saved him from having to pick up Soaps messes. Which at this rate, was anything Soap did. He didn't mean to be such a fuck up, he just.. couldn't stop it. He was always too much. No one could stand him, no one even talked to him. And when they did, it was only to judge or tell him how much he fucked something up. At this point Soap just accepted it. But not tonight, not when he knew he had actually hit a dragon, not when he has something to prove for himself. Shaking his head, trying to rid himself of those thoughts, he ran straight towards the back door, and out into the night.

Chapter Text

"What's the update on those ships we sent out?" Price turned to look at Nik, who in turn was finishing off his third cup of mead. Nikolai winced.

"I don't think you want me to tell you" Price cursed at his answer, he dragged a hand down his face before turning back to look at his map.

"Where's Kate?" He grumbled. As if she was summoned, Kate stepped into the meeting hall. She gave Price a tense smile.

"You miss me that much?" She brought her attention to Nik, "Nice work on the babysitting duty tonight." Nik flipped her the bird.

"Ha. Ha. You know that kid can't be tamed." He shot back. Price snapped his fingers at the both of them.

"You do realize I called you in here for reasons other than arguing with each other." Price replied dryly. Kate let out a chuckle.

"Oh please, you know you'd be nowhere without us." She retorted, Nik lifting his cup in agreement. Price rolled his eyes and mumbled.

"Y'know what-" He took a deep breath before looking back at them. "We have to send out another ship." Kate gave him an uncertain look.

"We've already sent out two ships, none have which has made its way home. Two ships, full of vikings. Gone. Vanished into thin air. Somethings out there and I know you realize that. Its too risky." She tried to reason. But Price didn't listen. He turned back to his map, marking an area with his dagger.

"Here. We've haven't explored that area yet, one more ship, and I'll make sure it comes back." He stated. Nik looked up at him with a knowing smile. He turned to look at Kate.

"Aye, theres no stopping him now, this old stud is going wether you like it or not." Nik laughed to himself, tilting his head towards Kate. In return she groaned before looking at the map.

"Everyday I ask myself why I put up with you two." She brought her attention back to Price, stepping forward. "You sure about this?" She said softly. Price sent her a determined look.

"We're vikings, it's an occupational hazard, it's what we do." He replied with a smug smile. Kate rolled her eyes.

"Great, that means I have to go so someones there to make sure you don't end up as a gronkles dinner." She teased, shoving his shoulder. Price brought a hand to his chest, acting offended.

"You wound me Kate, It wouldn't even take a Night fury to take me down." He said confidently. Nik let out a loud laugh into his cup.

"I'd wager on a Terrible Terror" Nik snorted, yet was cut off by Price whacking him in the back of the head. "Hey!"

Price shook his head before bringing his hands to his hips, looking at the two. "Who's gonna watch Soap." Nik groaned as he downed the rest of his mead.

"There's no need to ask, I already know I'm the babysitter" Nik grumbled. Price breathed out a laugh.

"You need to stay and train the recruits..." He stared off into the wall of the meeting hall, lost in thought. "I don't know what Im going to do with him."

"Put him in with the recruits." Kate gave with little to no hesitation. Price turned and gawked at her.

"He'd be killed before you even let the first dragon out of the cage!" Price brought his arm out in exasperation. She rolled her eyes and pointed to Nik.

"Im serious! The second things go south, Nik will pull him out. You can't expect him to sit still while you're away. And besides its in a contained area, under supervision. It'll keep him busy, less of a chance for him to go off and cause destruction." She reasoned confidently.

"He'll be killed. And I'd rather not come home to my kid burnt to ashes." Price replied dryly.

"You don't know that." She retorted.

"Yes I do."

"No, you don't!" Nik butted in. "Kate is right, too much time on his hands, who knows what that kid will do. He already causes enough damage even when you're here." Price cursed as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"You know what he's like, ever since he was able to crawl, he just... he's not like anyone else. He has the attention span of a gold fish, I take him out to practice hunting and he just.. he goes looking for frogs or trolls!"

"Trolls exist! They steal your socks! But only the left-" Nik's attempts to go on, until Kate whacked him with the back of her hand. "Why am I getting hit? I did nothing-"

"Nikolai." Kate scolded. In return Nik grumbled and shifted in his seat.

"When I was a boy.." Price started on another one of his stories. Kate rolled her eyes and took a seat next to Nik.

"Here we go again." Nik grumbled pouring himself another cup of Mead. Price went on, ignoring the man.

"My father took me out into the woods one day and told me to hit my head on a rock. And I listened to him. I thought he was crazy, but I just did it. And you know what happened?"

"You got a headache." Nik replied dryly, once again, Price ignored him.

"The rock split in half, and that was when I realized what a viking could do. He could climb mountains, crush a skull beneath his fist, stare down straight into a dragons eye without a hint of fear. Even as a wee lad I knew what I was, I knew what I was capable of. I knew that I was destined to be Chief, and..." He took a defeated breath. "Soap is not that boy."

"You can't stop him John, you know that. You can only prepare him and teach him for what's to come." Nik said softly. Kate nodded, as she got up, she placed a comforting hand onto Price's shoulder.

"I know you don't trust him John, and I know you want to protect him, but the hard truth is that you won't always be around to do that. He's always going to get out there, that's just who Soap is, come to think of it, he's probably out there now."

Soap stumbled through the woods surrounding the island, pushing through the low hanging branches and bushes. He failed once again, making a mess of everyone, once again. Soap learned to just accepted that everyone was going to be disappointed in him. He can't change it. Not when there was a single thing he did right. He caused Price to be distracted, caused him to run to Soaps rescue, once again. Managed to make the village loose half their livestock, as well as damage most of the buildings that littered the island. He's a fuck up, that hasn't changed, and it probably never will. Even though he knocked down a dragon, which no one believed, he can't find it anyway. Soap was starting to believe that maybe he actually didn't hit one, that he caused yet another mess for no reason. He kicked at rocks, mumbling to himself.

"Great fucking job John. Some people loose their knife, other lose their shoe, but no not me, you manage to lose an entire fucking dragon. Go me!" He cursed to himself, looking down at an interesting stone, pushing forward, his face was met with a low tree branch. Ultimately whacking him in the face. Letting out a curse he pushed it out of the way, just for it to come right back into his face once again.

"Auch! Really!? Are you fucking kidding m-" He cuts himself off as he approaches a snapped tree trunk. "What are you..." Following the stump, he looks down a large indent trailing through the earth.

He walked cautiously down the trail, holding onto his dagger for dear life. His breath came out rushed. Soaps hands were sweating. Maybe this was why the vikings saw him as weak. Well that and other reasons. He can't even walk down a path without his anxiety going through the rough. His heart raged against his chest as he continued his way. The path ended and Soap almost shit himself at the sight before him.

"Holy shit" He breathed out. Staring straight back at him was the night fury. The exact one he shot down, this was it! Soap finally had something to show of himself. Now his Price might actually accept him as one of his own. And maybe, just maybe, Ghost would look at him with something other than annoyance.

Dagger at the ready, Soap cautiously walked towards the creature. The intense stare never faltering from the dragon. Soap took a deep breath as he stepped forward, puffing out his chest to make him seem bigger, or in other words, to make himself believe he could actually go through with killing the Night Fury.

"This is it. I'm gonna kill you, rip your heart out and send it to Price. I'm gonna do it. I'm a viking! Alright.. here we go... C'mon Soap, be a viking." Soap closed his eyes as he raised the dagger into the air. He needed to do this. He needed to prove himself. No more laughing stock of the village. This was it, his huge break, right infront of him. So why did he feel something heavy in his chest.

Soap shook his head, trying to rid himself of these thoughts. He took one last deep breath and he opened his eyes. The beast looked back at him, realizing the action that was about to be made, he closed his eyes and dropped his head to the ground, accepting his fate. The night fury knew he was about to die. The dragon that terrorized his village, killed his livestock, the big beast that filled children's nighttime stories... accepting his death just like that.

Soap held his dagger up in the air, before dropping it to the side of his body. He brought his gaze over to the dragons rope wounds. And instantly felt a wave of shame. He couldn't kill it. Not when he was doing what he had to in order to survive. He was scared, just like Soap. And Soap just couldn't do it. not when his whole life, Soap was the scared one. Not when Soap was always the one who hid, and when he did venture out, he ended up in a mess, just like this Dragon ended up in a mess of ropes, that Soap caused. Just another thing he destroyed.

"I hurt you...I did this. Youre- I just... FUCK" Soap threw his head back as he yelled out. The NIght fury opened an eye at the sound of his curse. Soap looked back at the creature.

"I'm sorry, this isn't right" He replied before kneeling down, the dirt staining his knees. Taking a deep breath, Soap brought the dagger to the ropes that trapped the dragon. The night fury watched every single move the teen made, never once blinking. Soap ripped through the ropes, holding his breath, he cut through the last one. Before the Dragon pounced on him, pining him to the ground.

"Oh fuck!" He yelped as he felt the weight of the dragon. He immediately closed his eyes, and moved his head to the side, trying to seem as small as possible. Which usually he doesn't have trouble being small, but when there's a Deadly Night Fury staring you down, may he add, pinning him down, its kinda hard to be out of sight. Wondering why he wasn't killed yet, Soap slowly opened his eyes he was greeted by green eyes staring straight back. His signature mohawk rustled from the Dragons.. horrible.. breath.

The stare off was intense, one of the scariest staring contest to date in Soaps life. The Dragon drew back his head seemingly about to light Soaps body in flames. Every single thing that happened in Soaps life flashed before him.

'This is where I die. and I never got to tell Simon how I felt. Soap shut the fuck up, these are not gonna be my final though-' His thoughts were cut off by the dragon letting out a ear piercing screech. The Night Fury gave one final look at Soap before drawing out his wings and taking flight. Yet it doesn't go as the dragon plans as he crashes into a nearby mountain, falling into an area that was out of Soaps view.

Soap laid there frozen, his chest heaving up and down. A dragon..scratch that.. a Night Fury.. just spared his life. HE could've killed him in a second. And Soap wouldn't blame him, after all it was Soaps fault he got caught. Yet the Dragon just yelled straight in his face. He could still feel the heat of its breath. He placed his hands on the ground and staggered up so he was standing. He took one step before his eyes rolled to the back of head and his body met the ground once more.

Gracefully Soap stumbled into his home, quickly closing the door as silently as he could, before turning towards the stairs. He was stopped by someone clearing their throat. His heart stopped and the teen cursed under his breath.

"John."

Soap spinned to face Price, who in turn was seated on a wooden chair standing next to the blazing fire pit, playing with the coals, with his axe may Soap add. He looked like a picture perfect viking, and he wasn't even doing anything except sitting there! If Soap would to sit there he'd probably be caught on fire with how clumsy he was.

"Dad.. fuck, I mean Price.. what's up with you?" Soaps voice went up an octave at the last word as he leaned on the staircase, trying to act the least bit suspicious... which was executed very wrong. The only good thing was that Price didn't mention his slip up, as he stood up with a deep breath.

"I..Uh, have to talk to you Price." Soap spoke with a wavering voice. Price nodded his head as he stepped closer.

"I need to speak with you as well Soap." Soaps heart dropped to his feet.

"I've decided I don't want to fight dragons, not for me, no sir." Soap stated as he stood up straighter, again, making himself seem bigger than he was. Yet Price spoke at the same time Soap had.

"I think its time you fight dragons." Price said confiently. Soap's mouth fell open and he shook his head before staring up at the Chief.

"What?" Both men spoke at the same time once more.

"You first." Price tilted his head in encouragement to Soap, urging him on. Soap brought his hand up and softly pointed at Price.

"No, you first." He replied nodding his head. Price straightend up and brough his arms to cross over his chest, rolling on the ball of his feet.

"Okay.. Its what you wanted, you got your wish. Its time for you to training on dragon fighting to begin, its already settled. You start your training in the morning...with Nik." Soap cursed under his breath as he brought his head back slightly before straightening it again.

"Oh shit I should've gone first, cause here's the thing, you know how many vikings we have to fight dragons? Do we have enough chefs? Chicken or lamb roasting Vikings? Clearly not seeing at how dry the food is here-" Soap rambling was cut off by an axe being tossed to him.

"Here, you'll need this" Price stated, walking closer to Soap, adjusting the teens grip on the weapon. Soap nervously looked up at the man towering over him.

"No, Price i-I don't want to fight dragons."

"Sure you do kid."

"No..this ones better, I CANT kill dragons."

"Trust me you will."

"Im actually pretty sure I won't" Soap replied as he shrugged, pushing the axe back into Prices chest.

"It's time for you to learn Soap." Soap threw his hands out to the side.

"Can you not hear me?" Soap exclaimed, his voice filled with desperation. HE was urging, begging for Price to listen to him for just once. Also questioning who convinced him to let Soap anywhere near another dragon after the night that had just occurred. The one time they need to restrain him from dealing with the creatures is the one time where they suddenly believe in him.

"This is serious John!" Soap winced at his name being said, before wincing again as Price forced the axe into the teens hands.

"When you carry this, you represent all the vikings. You're a viking with this axe, you will walk like us, think like us, kill like us.. and no more of..." Price ended his orders by gesturing to Soap. Soap rolled his eyes and gave Price a deadpan look.

"You just gestured to all of me, why do people keep doing tha-"

"Deal?" Price cut him off sternly, standing firmly on his plans. Soap knows a determine Price was one to stay away from. No changing the chiefs views or orders. Which Soap does on the daily which made him wonder how he could get out of this.

"This conversation feels very one sided, Price I can't kill a dragon, please just trust me on this." Soap begged once more. This was a disaster in the making and Soap knows a disaster more than anyone. But Price was having none of it. He stood up straighter and stared down Soap. Which has been happening a lot today if Soap thought about it.

"John. Deal?" Price replied in his, what Soap would like to call, Chiefs voice. Soap took a deep breath, knowing this was already over with the second Price started his viking rant. Accepting defeat, which he was not happy about, thank you very much. He looked at the axe in his hands and sighed, before glancing up at the man.

"Deal." A smile broke out on Prices face, and Soap winced. When was the last time he recieved that smile form Price. Probably when he was 4, when he could only run around and Price was knew to the whole parenting thing. And to think of it, before Soap had the mind to go and prove himself, seeing as he was just a wee lad. Soap missed that smile. He missed when Price looked at him with something other than total dissapointment and annoyance. And Soap didn't know how to react to that thought.

Price took a step back as he nodded. He then turned towards the table, grabbing his trusty helmet and large leather bag. He brought his attention back to the slumped figure of Soap, who was now leaning back against the stair case, looking like he wanted to be anywhere but this room, which was very true.

"Very good kid, train hard, I'm serious, I don't want to come back to another mess..." He brought his gaze to the floor, as he sighed. Before throwing one more look at Soap.

"I'll be back, maybe..Probably" Soap let out a small chuckle as he nodded, walking backwards up the steps slowly, trying to get away from this conversation.

"And I'll be here, probably." Price shook his head before grabbing his bag and heading towards the door. HE risked one more glance towards Soap, before tensely nodding his head. The man took his exit, leaving a nervous and conflicted Soap in his trail.

Soap stared at the now closed door, waiting for Price to come back and tell him it was a joke. That he actually wasn't allowed to train. But of course it would never happen because when did anything go as Soap planned. Speaking of planning, Soap now had to plan how he was actually going to get through said training. He couldn't even kill the dragon that was right in front of him. Who was constricted in ropes. A free kill, the dragon was ready to die. Yet Soap just couldn't do it. This whole thing was just another set up for Soap to disappoint everyone again. And possibly show Price that he should've just left Soap to die in the enflamed house that night he found Soap. Leave him to the same fate as his parents. Or even yet, throw him to the next Monstrous nightmare he sees. And Soap wouldn't even blame him.

"Fuck."

Chapter Text

"Welcome to dragon training!" Nikolai's shout echoed across the empty area, as he opened the iron gates, introducing the group of teens to their training area. The boys all look around in awe, with a nervous Soap trailing behind them. Just what he wanted, if he couldn't even kill a tied down dragon, this to say he's going to kill a fully abled one.

"This is it.." Gaz breathed out, followed by Roach who was practically buzzing in excitement. He turned to face Gaz greeting him with a big smile that showed most of his teeth.

“I hope I get some gnarly scars and burns!” The shorter man signed back at Gaz. Alejandro let out a chuckle as he pulled Roach into his side, ruffling his hair. Roach let out a strangled gasp and tried to push him away. Which led Alejandro to let out an even bigger laugh.

“Really hoping to get something on my back, or maybe on my face! Going down my eye to really show it off…” Alejandro cut himself off as he turned to face Ghost, fully forgetting the scars that the older teen had… especially the one that the teen hid behind his mask. Alejandro quickly let go of Roach and moved his body halfway behind Rudy. He brought his hand up and scratched his neck, his skin flushing.

“I mean, y’know it'd be cool or whatever to have something to show what you did.” The embarrassed teen replied sheepishly. Soap rolled his eyes at that. It would be cool, and it couldve been cool if Soap had just manned up and killed that stupid fucking dragon. Okay that was harsh, he takes it back. Ghost arched his eyebrow and stared down at Alejandro, now Alejandro was tall for his age, yet he had nothing on Ghost’s height, reaching 6 '0 and he was only 16. While poor Soap was barely reaching 5’6. Ghost threw an unimpressed look towards all of the teens.

“It’s only worth it if you get some scars, right?” His deep voice rumbled through his cloth mask the teen always wore, hiding the bottom of his face, going from his nose down. Soap always wondered how the teen could breathe, guess another thing Ghost was better than Soap at doing. Ghost's voice sent a shiver down Soap's spine, his face breaking into a small smirk, as he stepped closer to the group of teens.

“It’s my favorite, pain… I love it, best feeling in the world” He replied confidently, smirking on full display. Ghost whipped his attention towards Soap and Soap tried not to shit himself. The other teens followed his line of view. Alejandro groaned and Rudy slapped his arm, scolding the boy. Roach let out a chuckle and Gaz bumped his shoulder into the others.

“Alright, who let the pipsqueak with a mohawk in.” Gaz tilted his head towards Soap, the teens all laughing in response, except for Ghost who just kept staring straight at Soap, with an expression the boy couldn't decipher. Fuck Ghost for his stupid handsome, STUPID poker face. Soap scowled and glared at the other teens.

“Aye! Just wait until I mop the floor with ya.” Soap retorted as he took a step forwards to the teens. Alejandro let out a loud chuckle.
“What happened last time you tried to show yourself, huh? Almost burnt down the whole village.” The teen sent back, leaning against a Gaz who was trying to hold in his laughter. Roach sent an apologetic look towards Soap as he tried to cover his smile with his hand. Rudy on the other hand just rolled his eyes at the sporting group. Soap just bought a smirk back to his face.

“Oh just you wait!” He leaned back on his feet, crossing his arms over his chest, trying to at least keep his confidence up, which he was failing to do on the inside. He was saved by Nikolai clapping his hands together, trying to attract the attention of the group. The teens all quickly whipped their attention towards the larger man. Except for Ghost. Ghost was still just staring at Soap. The smaller man shifted on his feet, trying his best to look at least normal. What was Ghost even trying to do? Read the man? If he was, Soap was screwed. Thanking whatever gods were up there, Ghost raised his eyebrows at the teen before bringing his attention to Nik. Soap let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

“Alright you little rascals, welcome to the big world! It's pretty simple, the recruit who does the best in training, will get the great honor of killing their first dragon in front of the entire village.” The larger man let out as he backed up, presenting his arms out towards the arena. Alejadnro chuckled as he sent an unimpressed look towards Soap.

“Soap actually already killed a Night Fury, so does that mean he's disqualified?” Gaz snorted at the teens words, snickering as he leaned back, letting out a breath. Roach looked at them and rolled his eyes.

“Is it too late to join a group with cool vikings?” The teen signed, dodging to avoid getting smacked by Gaz.

“Excuse me, I am very much cool… unlike Soap” This caused the group to break out in smiles, some of them chuckling. Well… Except for Ghost and Soap. Soap in return flipped them the bird.

“Very funny, can't wait to tell that joke again.” He said sarcastically, but was taken off guard by NIk throwing an arm around his shoulder and pushing him towards the center of the arena.

“Listen, you're small and weak, that'll make you less of a target, they’ll just see you as i’ll and then go off towards the more viking like teens. So just duck and get out of the way!” The man said in confidence, patting Soap on the chest, giving him a bright grin.

“Oh great, that makes me feel so much better, thanks.” Soap replied sarcastically, giving Nik a dry look. Nik, in return, gave the teen a thumbs up, before turning towards five ginormous iron reinforced doors. Roars and Screeches bounced off the walls. The teens, standing in a line, all shift on their feet. Some in excitement, while some in complete nervousness. That being said, Soap was the latter.

“Alright listen up, behind these doors are just a slim selection of the many, many, species of dragons you will eventually learn to fight.” Nik took a deep breath and continued, ignoring Rudy, who was bouncing on his feet, practically buzzing with excitement “The deadly nadder…”

“Speed eight, sixteen armor, has its spikes.” The teen whispered under his breath.

“The monstrous nightmare..”

“Firepower fifteen, lights itself on fire.”

“The hideous zippleback.”

“Plus eleven stealth.. Times two.” Rudy continued, leaning towards Alejandro, half whispering in his ear, the other half under his breath.

“The terrible terror”

“Attack eight, twelve venom, small little things.” Nik whipped his head to face Rudy.

“WILL YOU STOP THAT!?” The man yelled in frustration, Rudy let out a small apology and began playing with his fingers, trying to channel some of that excitement, not particularly wanting to get yelled at again. Soap in turn leaned towards Rudy slightly, wanting to get as much information about these beasts as he could.

“And finally, the Gronkle..” Nikolai finished, his arms falling to his side as he looked towards the iron door. Rudy risked a glance at the man before mumbling under his breath again.

“Jaw strength, eight, slow but deadly.” Nik rolled his eyes as he saw the teens mouth move from the corner of his eye. He then hoisted the bar of one of the doors up, the teens all spluttered and raised their concerns. Except for Ghost, who took a fighting stance, ready and prepared for anything Nik had to throw at him. Gaz’s eyes popped out of his head as he shouted out at Nik.

“Aren't you supposed to teach us something!? What are we supposed to do!” The teen waved his arms out in exasperation. Soaps eyes popped out of his head as he tried to control his breathing. He got this, he took down a Night Fury for gods sake! I mean he didn't kill it, but he did bring it down! But then he also ran from a monstrous nightmare and caused almost half the village to burn down… yeah he was fucked.

“I prefer learning as you go” Nik threw a smile at the teens and lifted the door's bar fully up. A loud crash was heard, followed by the sound of heavy breathing. And there, a gronkle flew out of his contaminants.

The teens broke out in different directions, scrambling to find something to protect themselves with, while also dodging the oncoming, angry, very angry, dragon. Except for Roach and Gaz who turn into each other, in a rush to get away, ending up crashing into each other. They both fall to the floor, risking a glance at the other, before scrambling up and finding safety.

“LIsten here! Today is about survival, if the dragon gets you, you're dead, if the dragon blasts you, you're dead. So, what do you need to survive?” Nik shouts from his position against one of the far walls.

“I don't know, maybe a doctor!” Soap calls out sarcastically. Nik sends a glare to the nervous teen. It's Rudy who speaks up next.

“Plus five speed and 5 strength, oh! 4 stealth!” Nik responds with a no, causing Rudy to deflate shortly, before remembering where he was, and what was there with them. Ghosts eyes narrow onto the shelf, holding a cluster of shields.

“Shields, we need shields.” He responded firmly, the sight of him fully concentrated, had Soap fully wanting to run up and kiss him. The teen shook his head to rid himselfs out of those thoughts, not when there was a current blood hungry dragon waiting for its 12 o'clock lunch. Nik looks at the larger teen with a proud smile, nodding his head. And if that made Soap feel a little jealous, that he wanted someone to look at him with pride, then that was something that only he needed to know about.

The rest of the teens all rushed towards the cluster of shields on the floor. They all scrambled to pick one up. Nik continued to watch from the side.

“Shields are the most important part of your equipment, if it comes down to a choice always, and I mean always, go for the shield.” Soap attempted to pick one up, yet was filled with embarrassment when he struggled to lift it.

“Are you kidding me, c’mon Soap.” He mumbled to himself as he once again struggled to lift it From the corner of his eye he saw Nik hurry over. “Nik I- '' Nik ignored him, lifting up the shield and shoving it into Soap's arms, pushing him on his way. Great. Just great. Can't pick up a shield and can kill a fucking dragon. Soap was dreading the day that Price came back and realized the mistake he made of letting Soap start training, or better yet coming home to his son who was turned into a pile of ashes. Wait sorry, not son. As Soap looked up he saw Roach staring at him with a concerned look, Soap brought his gaze down quickly before returning it back towards Roach. He gave him a curt nod and Roach returned it with a small smile. Huh, that was weird. Soap turned his attention to Ghost, and his breath caught in the back of his throat when he noticed the teen was already staring at him, as quick as it happened, Ghost was gone and moving.

Soap knew Roach and Ghost were close. Well as close as you could be to Ghost. Yes Roach and Gaz were inseparable, never without the other, much like Rudy and Alejandro. Yet Roach was the only one Ghost seemed to tolerate. He had heard, well he wouldnt say heard, he was eavesdropping one day on Price and Kate, Kate was telling Price about Ghost. Soap didn't mean to hear, he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Anyway, Kate retold the story of how Roach was the one to find Ghost after his parents were killed, the only one who saw Ghost break down,the one who helped build Ghost back up after the accident. Which explained why Ghost tolerated Roach more than the others. And Soap selfishly wished it was him who was close to Ghost. Soap was broken out of his thoughts by Gaz and Roach arguing.

“This is my shield!” Gaz yelled out in frustration. The shield in question had a red skull painted on it, both teens' hands pulling in towards themselves in an attempt to loosen the other's grip. Roach tucked half of the shield under his arms as he signed angrily to Gaz.

“There's a bunch of other shields! I had this one first!” Roach glared up at Gaz, standing strong on his choice. Gaz rolled his eyes at the teen.

“Go take that one, it has swirls on it, you like colorful things!” Gaz continued to argue, tugging the shield closer to him. In return, Roach lifted the shield to bash into Gaz’s face, attempting to get the teen to let go. Gaz let out a yelp, his hands still holding the shield as Roach signed back at him.

“Oops, now this one has blood on it.” Gaz glared at Roach, which Roach returned with a smirk and shrug of his shoulders. To be caught up in their petty argument, they didn't notice the oncoming blast from the Gronkle. The blast hit the shield, sending both teens flying towards the ground. Gaz let out a groan, as Roach lifted his hand to his head, not prepared for the headache he’d feel the next day.

“Seriously? Gaz, roach, you're done!” Nik yelled out as he sighed, completely over the teen's little scuffle. Roach glared at Gaz as he quickly got up, grabbing the back of Gaz’s shirt and pulling him along roughly, towards Nik. The Gronkle, refueling, swallowed a pile of rocks, taking a deep breath, hot air piling out.

“All dragons have a weak point, and thankfully, a limited amount of shots. How many does a gronkle have?” Nik yelled out at the remaong teens, watching them carefully, ready to step in at one moment of danger. Alejandro perked his head up as he shoved Rudy out of the Gronckles line of sight.

“Only five!” The teen shouted, shield at the ready. Rudy whipped his head towards Alejandro and stuck out his tongue at the teen.

“No, idiot it's six” Rudy corrected as he sent another teasing look towards Alejandro. Soap brought his gaze towards him, mouth open in disbelief. He couldn't even remember what he had for breakfast and here Rudy was sprouting as easily as he would if he was reading it straight from a book… Soap needed to catch up.
Soap dodged out of the way, as the Gronkle turned to look at him. He quickly hid behind the rocks that the gronkle had spit out. The gronkle in question, brought his attention to a distracted Rudy. Soap let out a breath, he absolutely knew he was holding.

“Nikolai, I don't think our parents would be happy with-” A loud crash was heard, smoke surrounded where Rudy was standing. Alejandro whipped his head towards his best friend's spot.

“Rudy?” He called out in concern, eyes wide. The smoke quickly cleared and it revealed a familiar Rudy, who was crouched behind his shield. Soap turned to look towards Alejandro and saw the teen’s shoulders deflate in relief. Something in Soaps chet twinged. He longed for someone to be that concerned about his safety. And not just concerned about the clean up they had to do once they saw that Soap was okay. LIke Price, Soap didn't actually think Price was relieved that Soap was okay, he was always just disappointed that Soap had given him a reason to be on guard. Soap doesn't remember the last time someone gave him the reaction Alejandro gave Rudy.

“Rudy! You're out!.” Rudy grumbled at Niks voice, as he carried his shield and himself towards the duo that had also gotten eliminated, in defeat. Soap ducked further under the rocks as he saw the Gronkle circle the area. Ghost was on guard, rolling to dodge the eyes of the Gronkle, and when the Gronkle did spot him, Ghost was already slamming on his shield trying to confuse the dragon. Soap was in awe, he couldn't bring his eyes away from him. Everything about him just drew Soap in. How could he be so confident in everything he did, and yet be so successful. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't, Soap wanted to hate him but let's be honest, Soap could never hate Ghost.

Soap was once more brought out of his thoughts by shouting. Nik has unfortunately spotted Soaps hiding form.

“Soap! What are you doing?! Get in there!” Soap shut up and struggled to bring his shield up again, using his legs he pushed up, using the momentum to bring the shield up with him. He grinned in success, before bringing his attention to the last standing teens. For some reason it was Him, Alejandro, and Ghost. Soap was dead set on believing he would be blasted to pieces the moment the dragon was let out.

Ghost precisely dodged out of the way of the oncoming blast the Gronkle had thrown, if Soap had been paying attention, which he was not, he guessed that was his sixth shot, which meant the dragon had to recharge quickly. Alejandro slides towards the fully focused Ghost.

“Anyway the boys and I are gonna have a little party, it's gonna be super chill and awesome, y’know you should come by! You look like the party type-” As fast as he could, Ghost rolls out of the way. Soap couldve laughed at the face Alejandro made when he brought his attention back to the present. His eyes widened almost comically as the teen quickly brought his shield up, the gronckles blast hit the teens shield, the momentum causing Alejandro to fly to the ground, landing right on his back with a loud, “OUF!”

“Alejandro! You're gone!” Nik replied, not even bothering to hide his smirk. Gaz and Roach were laughing towards the teen, leaning on each other for support, while Rudy gave Alejandro a supportive smile. Soap could see Alejandro smack Gaz and Roach on the back of their heads. Soap turned his head and his eyes widened as he realized just where Ghost hand rolled to. Right, Fucking, next to him. Great. Soap straightened his posture immediately, risking another glance at Ghost. He studied the teens face up close, Soap didn't know when the next chance or if he would ever be close enough to do it again.

Ghost’s dirty blonde curls, short, but enough to have a slight curl rested on his head. Pieces of his hair were sticking to his forehead from the sweat of the training. Soap didn't even want to know what his mohawk looked like at this moment. Ghosts' eyelashes fluttered, they were very blonde, almost invisible. Yet up close they were surprisingly long, fluttering over his golden brown eyes. If Soap stared long enough he would most definitely, and willingly get lost in them. Small scars littered Ghost’s pale face and Soap so desperately wanted to trace every angle one of them.

“Looks like it's just you and me, aye?” Soap wanted to throw himself off the next cliff he saw with the way his voice cracked. He tried to keep a straight face as Ghost quickly looked at him.

“Just you.” Ghost’s deep voice retorted, leaving a distracted Soap to his own, as Ghost bolted to the right.

“Just one shot left!” Nik yelled out, So Soap was incorrect about the amount of blasts, cool. Soap barely had enough time to register the beast in front of him, before it let out a blast that removed it clear off Soaps arm.

“Oh fuck” Soap whimpered as he booked it towards his rilling shield. Praying to whatever gods up there that the gronkle decided to be nice today and spare burning Soap off his bones. Yet nothing ever goes his way, does it? The next thing he knows, Gronkle is ignoring Ghost and choosing him as its next victim. Nik pushes off the wall, his face full of concern.

“JOHN!” The man yelled out, voice filled with fear. Soap’s chest heaved up and down as he tried to search for any source of defense. He knew the dragon was caving in on him. He really, really, didn't want to go out like this. Not to mention how embarrassing it would be, first day of training and he's already dead. Wow. The dragon forces its way towards Soap, one minute Soap was running after his shield, the next, he's pinned to a wall by the Gronkle. This is the second time in 2 days that Soap was pinned down by a dragon… way to go Soap.

Roach threw out a hand, gripping onto Gaz’s shirt sleeve, trying to ground himself in any way as he watched the dragon go after Soap. The other teens were not much better. Alejadnro and Rudy stood up straighter, both on the edge of their toes, waiting for something to happen. While Gaz brought his gaze to Nik, urging the man to do something. Ghost, on the exterior, was nothing short of composed and ready. He had his shield out, ready to jump in. Yet on the inside he was in an internal battle with himself, why did his whole body go cold at the idea of Soap getting injured. Why did he suddenly care so much when literal seconds ago, he was leaving Soap to his own devices. He didn't know. And he certainly didn't like it.

The gronkle opened its mouth, allowing Soap to see right into it. Its mouth is growing red as it gets ready to take its final breath. Soap scrambled against the wall, trying to move as much as he could, away from the blast. He honestly felt bad for Nik, he didn't know how Nik was gonna explain Soap being burned alive, by a gronkle of all things, to Price. Well on the bright side at least it wasn't a terrible terror. Gronkle was nearing the end of his breath and Soaps eyes shut. He takes it back, there is no bright side.

Soap felt the heat of the blast, yet felt his body was still intact. He hesitantly opened his eyes and looked down at himself making sure he was not a pile of dust. Seeing everything was still, solid, he brought his gaze up to a very pissed off Nikolai. Great. Nikolai had grabbed a broken slab of wood from one of the blasted shields, and used it to hook Gronkles mouth and pull its head away from Soap at the last second. Ultimately saving Soaps life, just like everyone else had to do, because Soap wasnt capable of not fucking something up for just once in his life. Soap winced as he sheepishly looked up at Nik.

“That's the sixth shot.” Nik let out, his voice a little shaky, but concealed greatly. He used his strength to force the seemingly tired gronkle back into its iron den. “C’mon you right bastard get back in, you’ll still get your dinner, don't worry '' The gate was slammed closed, Nikolai took a deep breath, schooling his expression before turning towards the shaken up, except for Ghost recruits.

“Never forget, a dragon will always..” Nik threw a tense look over at Soap's form, which was still pushed up against the wall, “Always go for the kill.”