Chapter 1: Sailing to Viking Camp
Early in the morning was when Hiccup and Toothless would go on their daily flights, just the two of them and the open sky. Today was different, however. Hiccup was awake earlier than usual and working quickly in the blacksmith shop. He was obviously trying to finish his work as fast as possible. Toothless had tried prodding and growling at him, but Hiccup would always shoo him away with "I don't have time to go flying, Toothless; I'm busy." Eventually the Night Fury gave up and settled to dozing next to the warm furnace.
It seemed out of character for Hiccup to skip a day of flying. It was one of his favorite things to do despite the dawn chill. But Stoick had specifically told him and his friends last night at supper: "Tomorrow you will all be going to a Viking Camp Gobber and I went to when we were lads. It is to get you more into the social Viking life as other tribes will send their young warriors there, too, and you will also get to test and sharpen your skills as one of us." Gobber wanted Hiccup to finish his latest project before leaving, so he was working harder than usual in a hurry to get it done.
"Okay, okay… just about… done!" Hiccup stepped back from his newest invention with pride welling up inside him. "It's perfect. What do you think, bud?"
Toothless snorted in disinterest and turned his face away.
Shaking his head in disapproval, Hiccup returned to his project. It was similar to a crossbow, but it was designed to launch fish instead. It was really just a recreational item for Toothless, since he loved playing with his food, so Hiccup made a solution to just shoot the fish at him. He knew that his legendary dragon would love it. In fact, since he was pretty grumpy from not flying, it was just too perfect of a moment to not test it out.
"Hey, Toothless…" sang Hiccup as he mischievously grabbed the fish-bow, loading it up with a cod from the top of a fish barrel (It was Berk, and there were fish barrels EVERYWHERE,) "You hungry, bud?"
Toothless just growled and moved his head further away.
"Alright, you're asking for it now." Hiccup stated and he shot the fish-launcher, getting a direct hit across Toothless's head. Toothless jerked up in surprise as he felt the fish slap the back of his head and he stared at it on the ground with wide green eyes. Then without a second thought he happily gobbled it up and licked his lips, but as soon as he saw Hiccup laughing he deflated and glared at him.
"Here, catch!" Hiccup shot a salmon this time. Toothless watched it sail through the air and leaped, catching it square in his teeth and swallowing it down. He playfully bowed his front legs with his hindquarters in the air, wiggling his tail back and forth as he waited for Hiccup to do it again.
Hiccup shot a few more fish into the air, and Toothless would run and catch it, all of his grumpiness forgotten. It was an odd sight to the rest of Berk- - some of the Berkians just stopped what they were doing and stared. Toothless looked like the happiest dragon in the world and Hiccup just couldn't stop smiling and laughing at the dragon's funny behavior. But as soon as he noticed he had an audience, Hiccup froze and his smile faltered.
Toothless noticed Hiccup stopped launching fish and leaped at him, nudging and purring and licking him playfully. Hiccup pushed him off, hid the fish launcher behind his back, and awkwardly shuffled back to the forge with the stares slowly following him. Toothless tilted his head and bounced after his rider with his tongue flopping out the side of his mouth, completely oblivious to the rest of the world.
Meanwhile Stoick was pacing back and forth in the Great Hall while his best friend Gobber sat at a table near him, chewing on a chicken leg carelessly. Stoick groaned and removed his helmet, running a hand over the top of his head.
Gobber stopped eating and gave him a look. "Stoick, you need ta quit worrying."
"I'm not worrying." Stoick replied bluntly and put his helmet back on, continuing to pace.
"Really. I suppose ya aren't pacing then, either." Gobber said sarcastically.
Stoick sighed deeply and sat down on the other side of Gobber, rubbing his hand over his face. "I'm just concerned. I know how much Hiccup hates being apart from that dragon of his. I also know he doesn't fare well in strength. Am I doing the right thing, Gobber, letting him go to this Viking camp?"
Gobber gave the chief of Berk a serious look. "Listen, Stoick. You know as well as I do that the newer generation must be shown ta other tribes and vice versa. It isn't really a choice for us ta make."
"I know, Gobber." Stoick grumbled in annoyance. "But as a father, I want what's best for him. You understand, don't you?"
"Yes. No. Well, sorta," Gobber admitted. He then added more gently, "But he is getting older, Stoick; he can handle himself. Maybe it's time for you ta understand that." He paused before reminding him, "And don't forget he's got friends, too. As odd as they may be, they support him. He'll be fine."
"Maybe I should come with you," Stoick concluded, sounding close to desperate. "To, you know… make sure you don't get lost at sea."
Gobber stared at him. "You're tellin' that ta someone who's sailed there and back o'er eleven times. No, Stoick; you've got ta stay here and look after the village. You're the chief; you have responsibilities. And don't worry; if it makes ya feel better, I'll keep a close eye on Hiccup. Sound good?"
Stoick reluctantly nodded. "You're right. Thank you, Gobber." Slowly he turned and walked out of the Great Hall. Of course he knew his son was growing up. He knew Hiccup could make his own choices… but a great part of him stayed stubborn to not accept it.
0o0o0o0
At the edge of the village, Hiccup, Astrid, and the rest of the teens along with their dragons were clustered together, whether they were talking about the Viking camp or just plainly goofing off. The twins were having a staring contest with their respective dragon's heads, Snotlout was trying in vain to make Hookfang move over, Astrid was lying against Stormfly, Fishlegs was humming and reading a book beside Meatlug and Hiccup fiddled with his fish launcher, Toothless eyeing the contraption with big eyes as if it would launch fish at any moment. To sum it up they were all feeling relaxed- - Snotlout eventually felt relaxed when he gave up trying to move the stubborn Monstrous Nightmare.
"Ow, my eyes are burning!" Tuffnut yowled as he jerked his stare away from Belch. The Zippleback purred in triumph and bumped its two heads together, smiling victoriously at its riders. Ruffnut turned on her brother and punched his shoulder.
"Idiot, you made us lose!"
"Did not."
"Did to!"
The two lost all train of thought and launched themselves at each other, resulting in an inseparable tussle.
The remaining teens watched the twins duke it out for a few moments before focusing back on whatever amused them. Astrid turned to look at Hiccup, who was still fiddling with his latest contraption, with Toothless eyeing it like a wolf on a fat chicken. "What's that dinky-looking thing?" she asked curiously.
Hiccup gave her a reproachful look. "A fish-launcher." Toothless perked his ear plates, eyes round and hopeful.
Snotlout snorted. "What's it do?" he asked, looking ready to judge it as soon as he could.
"Probably launches fish," Astrid deadpanned, giving Snotlout an eerie stare. Snotlout blinked and scoffed, turning away out of embarrassment while Hookfang purred in amusement.
Fishlegs looked up from his book beside Meatlug, seeing Gobber and Stoick approaching. "Oh, hey, Gobber; hi chief." He greeted happily. His announcement got everyone else's attention- - even the twins paused to behold.
"You kids ready to go?" Stoick asked in a husky low voice.
The teens exchanged glances with one another, and eventually Snotlout asked, "Go where?"
Gobber, suddenly looking very cheerful, exclaimed, "Viking Camp! The place where all kids yer ages stay for six weeks to train, meet other tribes, and learn more about what it is to be a Viking!"
Snotlout instantly brightened at this; the twins nudged each other excitedly and Fishlegs clapped eagerly. Hiccup made no notion of joy, resulting with Astrid giving him a worried glance.
"I know you're all excited," Stoick went on, slightly reluctantly, "but understand this is not just to have fun. You will be working hard in the tasks you are given in order to show your Viking worth to the rest of the tribes. You will not be competing against them, but it has been an unspoken tradition for the campers to do so every year- - it's not official, but it's just something… well, something…"
"Fun?" Gobber suggested with a teasing gleam in his eyes.
Stoick glared at him then sighed. "Yes, I suppose so. It is just something fun that they like to do."
"Looks like your old mans' losing all sense of humor," Snotlout muttered to Hiccup.
"When are we leaving?" Astrid inquired.
"Today," Stoick stated before turning with his fists held behind his back, slowly padding away.
Gobber watched his old friend go, perhaps a bit wistfully. Then he shook his head and faced the kids again, looking bright and happy once more. "So go get packed- - bring everything you need, including blankets, pillows, clothing, and a snack for the seas. As in, bring food for eating during the trip." He winked before limping off, whistling the tune of "I'm a Viking Through and Through."
Ruffnut and Tuffnut instantly started chatting. "Yes! Finally, we get to meet the other tribes! Can you believe this?"
"Hardly, sis. I've been waiting for this day for years!"
"I know," Snotlout agreed. "We have a chance to show those dopy other tribes our potential." He laughed proudly. "I bet they don't even know how to swing an axe properly."
Even Fishlegs was practically bouncing on his toes. "We get to learn more about our neighboring tribes! Oh, can you believe it, Meatlug? Imagine all the history we could explore…" he suddenly looked urgent. "I better start packing right away!" he leapt onto his Gronckle and they fluttered off.
"Last one packed and at the docks is a dead Viking!" Snotlout crowed as he flew off with Hookfang, the twins and Barf and Belch right on his tail. Astrid mounted Stormfly and looked down at Hiccup.
"You coming?" she pressed, Stormfly's legs fidgeting to get moving.
Hiccup looked uncertain, unable to meet her eyes for more than a few seconds. "Um… yeah. Yeah, right behind you." He rested an arm on Toothless's head, and the Night Fury eyed his rider with confused concern.
Astrid narrowed her eyes. "It'll only be a few weeks, Hiccup. Toothless won't even know you were gone. He'll be fine here; don't worry about it," with a caw Stormfly took to the skies.
Hiccup watched his friends on their dragons disappear into the village some ways away. His gaze wavered to Toothless, and the Night Fury didn't miss the sadness varnishing behind the boy's eyes. The dragon purred and pushed his nose to Hiccup's cheek reassuringly, his tail wagging hopefully not unlike a dog. Hiccup softly smiled and climbed into the saddle. "Alright, bud… I better get a move on before I fall too far behind the others." With a snort Toothless opened his wings to the wind, allowing it to guide him to the Viking dwellings above.
0o0o0o0
It was probably ten minutes later when Hiccup and Toothless arrived at the docks. There wasn't much to prepare; the camp already provided nearly everything of what they would need, such as shelter, beds, food and water. As Gobber liked to say, "You don't have to pack heavy for Viking Camp!" because what else could they possible need? They were just camping for six weeks- - all they had to bring were two pairs of clothing, a blanket and a pillow- - no big deal.
"What took?" Snotlout demanded. "We've been waiting for hours."
Hiccup ignored the bossy teenager and dismounted his dragon. "Where's Gobber?" the burly Viking warrior was supposed to escort the teens to the camp, which was many islands away.
"Aye, I never left," Gobber popped up from inside the ship waiting in the near waters. "Get on in here, you bums, and drop your luggage off- - she's ready to sail."
The six young Vikings took their respective items and dragged them onto the ship, setting them among the rest of the cargo at the end of the ship. Hiccup observed the many crates and barrels, giving his mentor a skeptical look. "Why so much gear, Gobber?"
"Oh, you know… anything could happen at the camp, so I'm just planning ahead." Gobber explained rather hesitantly. He grinned innocently before looking serious again. "Now go kiss your loved ones goodbye, 'cuz we'll be leaving soon."
The teens were surprised to see many of the village's Vikings at the docks so suddenly, all watching and waiting for the ship to head out with their fourteen and fifteen year olds. Astrid spotted her parents not far from the front of the crowd and she went to them, hugging them in turn and saying farewell. Snotlout puffed out his chest before his dad, promising he would make the rest of the tribes look like a bunch of babies. Fishlegs shared cheerful words with his parents while Ruffnut and Tuffnut had subtle but meaningful goodbyes to theirs. Hiccup scanned the audience for his dad, his heart sinking when he couldn't spot him in the midst. Toothless nudged his rider and pointed his nose to the right, his throat bubbling to grab his attention. Hiccup followed his dragon's gaze and finally noticed Stoick, the chief of Berk, walking boldly down from the top of the docks with his head held high. The Berkains parted to let him through as he stalked across the boards, the crowd falling quieter with each person he passed. Hiccup tried to catch his eye but Stoick had his back facing him when he made it to the front of his people, preparing to make a speech before them.
"It has been many years since we have sent out a generation of our Vikings to this faraway camp," he began once all was silent. "And as leader of this tribe, I am proud to present these strong, diligent young warriors to our bordering tribes. They have grown well and learned much, and I am proud to be given such blessings." He turned to the side to look at them, eyes shining particularly longer at his son. "I believe at their return they will have grown and learned even more, though it may be hard to see them gone for such a length of time. I trust they will return stronger and more willing to serve their tribesmen, until they age to become complete Vikings of Berk."
The crowd cheered, fists waving in the air victoriously as if they had just won a full-fledged battle. Stoick allowed them to holler as long as they pleased, finally padding to face the younger generation in person.
"Hiccup, Astrid, Snotlout, Ruffnut, Tuffnut, and Fishlegs," Stoick spoke, smiling while shaking his head. "An odd bunch, but I couldn't be more proud of you. I expect great things from you six."
"Th-thank you, sir," Fishlegs breathed, staring at the chief in wonder.
"We won't let you down, chief." Astrid promised, her expression determined and ready for whatever lied in wait for her.
"I believe you," Stoick replied. His head shot up when Gobber called impatiently.
"Hey, I've been risking skin and nail to set up and load this Thor-forsaken ship; are we leaving or what?"
Stoick shook his head slowly before clearing his throat. "Well, ah… off you kids go, then."
"Bye, Stormfly."
"I'm gonna miss you, Hooky."
"Barf, Belch… try not to blow up too many things without us."
"I'll bring you extra new rocks when I come back, Meatlug; I promise."
Hiccup watched as his friends left their dragons on the docks, boarding the ship with the waiting Gobber. Toothless saw this as well, and he gave his rider a panicked look, his throat rumbling as he pressed his head against Hiccup's side. "It's okay, bud…" Hiccup breathed as he bent down, his gaze on the boards below as Toothless rubbed his head against Hiccup's. "Dad will take good care of you."
Toothless whimpered when Hiccup pulled away, but the boy didn't respond. He forced himself to walk off, trying not to imagine the dragon's depressed gaze from his departure. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see his dad.
"Hiccup, I uh… wanted to give you something." Stoick fumbled something in his hands, eventually presenting the boy a small locket. A red jewel was clasped in the center of two curved rings, smelted and designed from pure gold. He gently set it in Hiccup's much smaller hands as if it could break at any moment.
Hiccup stared at it uncertainly, unsure of what to say or do. "Wow, it's, um…"
"I gave that to your mother at our wedding," Stoick explained.
Something inside Hiccup sparked and the locket suddenly had a whole new meaning to him. This time he stared at it with deep interest and genuine care. "Wow…" he then looked up at his dad, confused. "Why give it to me?"
"It is tradition; a red locket passed down from all Haddocks," Stoick rumbled, "My father gave this one to me for my bride, and his father gave him one for my mother." He chuckled slightly. "Of course it isn't the same one, and I would have given it to you once you were actually ready to marry, but after Val…" he trailed away, shaking his head. "Never mind. It is said to give you good luck. Whether or not that is true, it… it keeps her closer."
Feeling a bit of a Deja Vu, Hiccup enclosed the locket in a gentle but firm fist. He nodded slightly at his dad, understanding what he meant now. He felt a bit strange at the mention of marrying however, and it made him blush at the thought.
Stoick must have caught on his son's embarrassment. He looked everywhere but his eyes, adjusting his helmet several times over. "I guess… I will see you later, then," Stoick said awkwardly, though it sounded more like a question.
Hiccup stared at Stoick, words stuck in his throat. He looked away, shuffling his feet as he managed to burst something out. "Yeah… later."
Stoick adjusted his stance, looking to and fro as he tried to search for words. "Um… be safe, work hard… and… uh…" he managed to glance at his son for a second. "Goodbye."
Hiccup gave a tiny awkward smile. "Bye." He pocketed the locket inside his fur vest and quickly shuffled onto the ship, relieved to leave the awkward tension behind.
"All aboard!" Gobber shrieked, although everyone was already on board. He pulled the ship out of the docks after heaving anchor, all of the Vikings on shore waving and calling and cheering. Hiccup ran to the side of the ship where his friends were, all responding and waving back farewells. He noted all of his friend's families and dragons, the winged creatures seeming to roar out their own way of goodbyes as well. Toothless was in the same place Hiccup left him, staring at his rider longingly. They locked eyes until Hiccup broke it, wanting to see where his dad went. There he was, at the very head of the audience, arms on his sides as he watched the ship sail out. He didn't meet Hiccup's gaze.
It took that length of time for Hiccup to realize his last word to Stoick was barely a whisper, and it led him to wonder if his father even heard it.
