A/N. Hey, at first I was thinking of writing the whole movie back to back but then the plot bunnies got ahold of me and this happened. So basically every once in a while I will be posting chapters that are in a way flashbacks. I want to do this to show the readers how things were within the Haddock family and their relationship with the village and how they contrast with how things are now (during the movie). It is also a way for me to show how important it is for a child to grow up in an emotionally stable supportive household. Please forgive my grammar and spelling errors, I am currently in need of a beta.
Before I forget the name of Hiccup's sister is (drumroll)…..SnowStorm Coughing Haddock. Thank you xX KhaosSky Xx and Live Laugh Play Music for the ideas.
On with the show. Disclaimer : I own nothing, though it would be cool if I did. All credits go to DreamWorks and Cressida Cowell.
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This is Berk. It's twelve days north of Hopeless and a few degrees south of Freezing to Death. It's located solidly on the Meridian of Misery. My village. In a word, sturdy. It's been here for seven generations, but every single building is new. We have fishing, hunting, and a charming view of the sunset. The only problems are the pests. You see, most places have mice or mosquitoes. We have….
"Dragons," I breathed out, sitting up in my bed at the tell-tale sounds of battle cries outside. So much for this week actually being peaceful. With a groan I quickly got out of bed slipping on my boots. Looking around my bed I saw that my cap was nowhere in sight. 'Probably in Hiccups side of the room,' I thought, pulling back the foldable screen that kept our sides of the room separate.
"'Morning, Snow," greeted Hiccup hopping about the room struggling to put on one of his boots. "Did you sleep well?"
"Not really, have you seen my cap?" I asked looking around the floor.
"It's on my desk, yes, finally!" answered Hiccup. Smiling triumphantly as he managed to get his foot into the resisting piece of clothing.
"Are we going to try the bola launcher today?" I asked tucking my hair, or lack thereof, into my cap. It's been nearly a year and its barely reaching my shoulders, the only bright side was that it was easier to manage now.
"Yup I got all the kinks out last week," he answered, practically racing down the stairs in excitement. I laughed rushing behind him, when Hiccup got excited about something it was hard not to join in.
"Good, I hope we get a really big one today," I said sincerely, barely managing to beat him to the door. Throwing it open I managed to get the attention of a Monstrous Nightmare outside, who thought it would be nice to send a ball of fire my way. Before I could blink Hiccup had slammed the door shut, pulling away from the flames in the process.
"That was close," murmured Hiccup, cautiously opening the door once the Nightmare had left. Nodding the Ok, we sped towards Gobber's forge, the old champ was probably wondering where we were right now.
Dodging low flying dragon, random bursts of flames, and armed Vikings telling us to get back inside/out of the way, we were half way towards Gobber's without any trouble. That is if you don't count that incident where we almost got an axe to our face by a random villager who had mistaken us for a Terrible Terror. On the bright side we hadn't run into Stoick, so- I felt something lift me up by my collar.
"What are you two doing out?!" Asked, well it was more like demanded, a very familiar voice. Looking up I saw our Chieftain, Stoick the Vast, glaring down at us. He looked really mad even more so when his eyes landed on Hiccup. Sticking out my chin I glared back letting him know my annoyance towards him. 'Trying to get to the forge, what does it look like we're doing?'
"Get back inside," he said dropping us in the direction of Gobber's forge.
Wasting no time I took off running, not bothering to look back. A loud crash followed by surprised squawk rang behind me. I didn't have to turn around to know that Stoick had brought down another dragon. That man could pop a dragon's head clean off bare-handed.
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"Nice of you two to going the party," greeted Gobber when we entered the forge, smiling cheeky at us. "I thought one of you got carried off." I don't like the way he looked at Hiccup when he said that, but this was Gobber so I guess it was all in good humor.
"Who me? I'm much too muscular for their tastes," responded Hiccup, flexing his arms to prove his point.
"They wouldn't know what to do with him," I added, giggling as Hiccup did an extra flex just for show.
"Well, they need toothpicks, don't they?" countered Gobber, chuckling at his own joke. I was tempted to roll my eyes, 'that's nice remind the boy with body-image issues that he's practically a walking twig.' Instead I focused on heating up the coals, helping speed up the process in which Hiccup and Gobber could fix the weapons.
Work went in its usual routine with both men fixing and sharpening weapons and me assisting them in whatever way I could. Whether it was heating coals, turn the wet stones, or handing out the finished weapons. That is until familiar shouts rang by the forge drawing Hiccup's attention. Peering out the window beside him I saw the fire control team attempt to put out a house.
The team consisted of my cousin, Snotlout Jorgenson, who was once again trying to show off. The twins, Tuffnut and Ruffnut Thorston, who were busy bickering as usual. Hiccup's former good friend, Fishlegs Igerman, the poor boy looked so skittish trying to put out those flames. And last but not least (especially in her mind), the brave, the strong, the smart, the beautiful, the ever so humble ( note the abundance of sarcasm) Astrid Hofferson.
Looking at them strut about, silhouetted by the roaring flames, all cheeky and confident brought a familiar sting of anger and disgust deep in my heart. It wasn't that long ago when Hiccup and I were part of that group. Even worse Hiccup used to lead that group having Astrid as his second-in-command and me as the mascot. We used to be so closed back then, loving and protecting one another like a miniature family. But then Momma died and everything went down the drain.
Daddy in his grief left in a blind attempt to find the nest soon after, only to return as Stoick the Vast my Daddy completely gone. Stoick was tougher on Hiccup, pushing him to be like the other Viking kids. Hiccup tried his hardest but failed every time, earning nothing but disappointed scowls. That's when Hiccup started to use his brains to make up for his lack of brawns. Sometimes they worked, like the grand torches used during the raids. But they also failed bringing disaster when they did. It angers me how the people here only seem to remember when they fail and the number of times Hiccup's ideas actually succeeded.
It was then when the others began to turn their backs on him, seeing him as a hindrance, something that would hold them back on their careers of becoming great warriors. By Thor, did I hate them for that. What made it worse was that they expected me to do the same. They thought that just because I had inherited my father's strength, just because I had 'great potential' at becoming one of Berk's greatest warriors that I should push my brother way. Just so I wouldn't get held back.
When I refused, rejecting them instead, they took it hard especially Astrid. Since then they had made it their mission to make me regret my decision, as if I ever would. I would walk into the mouth of a Monstrous Nightmare if I meant I could stay by my brother's side.
Glancing up as said brother I was saddened at the look of longing and awe on his face. I know for a fact that he wants nothing more, save Stoick's approval, than to be part of that group once more. Especially if it meant that he might have a chance, as small as it could be, with Astrid. I wasn't dumb nor was I blind, I was completely aware at what that dopey look on his face, like the one he had on right now, meant. Personally I think that he could do better, a whole lot better than her.
It's sickening to watch my brother pine over a girl who treated him like he didn't exist. I would have preferred it if it was Ruffnut he was drooling over. Sure, she treated him like a punching bag sometimes, but at least she acknowledged him. Astrid acted as if he wasn't worth the dirt on her boots. And that was on her nice days.
Gobber pulled me out of my thought, quite literally actually, alongside Hiccup back into the forge.
"Oh, come on. You've got to let me out, please. I need to make my mark," complained Hiccup once he was down.
"Oh, you've made plenty of marks, all in the wrong places."
"Just two minutes," pleaded Hiccup." I'll kill a dragon and my life will get infinitely better. I might even get a date."
If there is one thing that I most about this village, other than its treatment of my brother, was its treatment of dragons. Fighting and subduing them during raids I get, that's self-defense. But to keep them locked up in cramped cages, only letting out to get beaten and abused by adrenaline-filled, glory craving teenagers, and then having some of them killed in a grand-coming-of-age ceremony. That's wasn't just cruel it was downright inhumane. I know for a fact that we treat (human) prisoners of war better than we treat the dragons. But sadly killing a dragon was Hiccups only hope of finally getting accepted around here. Though I still say we should just leave and become merchants like Trader Johann.
"Look you can't lift a hammer, you can't swing an axe, you can't even throw one of these," countered Gobber, holding up a bola. Which was then snatched out of his hand by a random Viking: who then proceeded to use it to take down a Gronkle.
"No," said Hiccup, signaling me to help him pull out the launcher. "But this will throw it for me."
"Ta-da~" I sang patting the launcher proudly accidentally setting it off. It sent a bola flying into the air narrowly missing Gobber, and knocking out an upcoming Viking. "Oops, sorry!"
"See, this… this is what I'm talking about!"
"A minor calibration issue," tried Hiccup to explain, patting my head softly to let me know he wasn't upset with me.
"Hiccup! If you want to get out there to fight dragons you need to stop all… this," chastised Gobber, using both 'hands' to point at Hiccup.
"You just pointed to all of him!" "You just pointed to all of me!" We both protested.
"That's it!" grinned Gobber. "Stop being all of you!"
I can't believe it, Gobber, out of all the people telling Hiccup to stop being, well Hiccup, it was unbelievable. I would have expected this from Stoick or someone else but never Gobber. He might as well tell Dagur to stop being such a sadistic psychopath and to start behaving like a decent human being, not possible.
"You-you, sir, are playing a dangerous game," stuttered Hiccup trying to stand his ground." Keeping this much raw 'Vikingness' contained! There will be consequences!"
"Major consequences," I added. It was true, at the rate people kept on pushing Hiccup back he's bound to snap sooner or later. My guess, later. But when he did it will be loud and it will be bloody.
"I'll take my chances," deadpanned Gobber, tossing Hiccup a sword. "Sword. Sharpen. Now."
Holding back a sigh I went back to heating the coals once more. Stealing a glance over at Hiccup I saw that he had that 'I'll show them' look on his face. Smiling softly to myself I wondered how we'll be able to sneak past Gobber.
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It turned out that we didn't actually need to sneak past Gobber as he was needed in the battlefield. So after telling us to 'stay put, there,' he left us to our own devices. I pointed out to Hiccup that he had said 'there' and not 'here' as in the forge. We really didn't need a reason but it was nice to have an argument planned if we got caught. Odin only knows how many times we need one in the past.
And so here we are, waiting on top of a hill for something to shot at, dozens of deadly dragons within a 50 foot radius and only having a bucket of water to protect ourselves with. You'd think it'd be stupid but it's common knowledge that a wet dragon can breathe fire. So if I had to choose between a sword and a bucket full of water, I'd choose the bucket.
A loud tell-tale hiss filled the air, it was here. Looking up I saw a flash of blue streak across the sky hitting one of the watch towers. It erupted with a small wave of light giving a glimpse of a sleek silhouette racing past. That all that Hiccup needed. Aiming true, he fired a shot. A shocked roar was heard, followed by a loud crash.
"You did it," I whispered partly shocked that it actually worked.
"I did it," repeated Hiccup only louder. "Good Thor, Snow I did it!"
I don't know when we started but next thing I knew we were spinning around laughing, cheering, just plain celebrating his success. He did it, he truly did it. My big brother had done what no other had dreamed of, he had shot down the infamous Night Fury.
No longer would he have to suffer through angry scowls and disappointed glares. No more malicious teasing and beat ups. No more sneers and mocking looks. No more rejection. Finally my brother would get the respect that he truly deserved.
"You did it, you did it. I knew you would!" I chanted skipping around him as I did so.
"Gods, I did it! Did anyone else see that?" Called Hiccup looking around for anyone else near by.
Suddenly a menacing growl came from behind us, effectively killing our happy mood. Looking back we saw Monstrous Nightmare stepping towards us, crushing the launcher in the process, snarling threateningly.
"Well, of course you did," muttered Hiccup.
"Right when I dropped the bucket too," I added.
Wasting no time Hiccup bolted pulling me along as he did so. What people forget is that while Hiccup might not be strong he was incredibly fast. Years of being chased by bullies and dragons alike had made him pretty light on his problem was that while you could out run a grounded dragon you can't out run its fire. Case in point the skin melting flames being spit our way.
Thinking fast Hiccup pulled us behind one of the torch pillars saving us from getting roasted alive. This, however, didn't stop the dragon himself from going around the pillar, who was now mare inches away from my face. Holy mother of Freya, those are a lot of fangs.
Before I could scream someone had launched himself onto the Nightmare, opening my eyes I saw that it was Stoick. In retrospect I should've known it would be him, no one else was strong or skilled enough to tackle a Nightmare on their own, weaponless that is. Soon the fight was over, the Nightmare flew away and Stoick was now focusing his attention towards us.
*Crack*
The grand torch that was blocking us from his view was tipping over. Groaning I covered my eyes when the metal holder detached from the base, rolling down the hill wrecking houses among other thing.
"Sorry, Dad."
"I'm sorry, Father."
He just glared at us.
"Okay, but I hit a Night Fury."
Still silent he grabbed both of us by our collars dragging us in the direction of our house.
"This isn't like those other times, Dad, I really hit one this time. Tell him Snow!"
Looking up at Stoick I saw that he was more than frustrated, the man was exhausted. Anything that I could say to him would fall onto deaf ears. However, letting my brother down was not an option for me.
"It fell by Raven's Point," I said pointing in the direction the Night Fury had fallen. " We should send a search party be-"
"Stop! Just stop!" interrupted Stoick letting both of us go. "Every time both of you step outside disaster falls! Can you two not see that I have bigger problems, winter is almost here and I have an entire village to feed!"
'Well it's heartwarming to know that there are more important things out there than giving his own children 20 seconds of his attention,' I thought , scowling up at him.
"Um, between you and me the village could use a little less feeding, don't you think?" murmured Hiccup, trying to lighten the mood. It worked with me, I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud, it didn't have the same effect on Stoick though.
"This isn't a joke Hiccup! Why can't you follow the simplest orders?"
"I can't help myself," fumbled Hiccup in an attempt to explain himself. "I see a dragon and I just… have to kill it."
'No, you see an opportunity to prove yourself to him.'
"It's who I am, Dad."
'No, it's not. It's who they are.'
"You are many things, Hiccup. But a dragon killer isn't one of them."
'That Stoick is the only thing we'll ever agree on.'
"Make sure they get to the house," told Stoick to Gobber, who nodded not before smacking us upside the head that is. "I have their mess to clean."
'And we have a public humiliation to bare, thank you.' I thought scowling at Stoick's retreating back reluctantly following behind Gobber and Hiccup. My scowl only deepened when I saw who was in our way back towards the house. Like always the town hecklers were here to kick Hiccup when he was down. Lovely.
I could forgive the twin's comments it was in their nature to be rude and mean. Especially after I overheard them comment on how cool it would be to be able to destroy as many houses as Hiccup could. An unusual, indirect compliment but a compliment none the less.
Fishlegs was too soft spoken to try to defend Hiccup, so I let it slide. Astrid, well I'm not really sure but judging from her face I don't think that she even wants to bother. The only person I couldn't bring myself to forgive was Snotlout.
He was our cousin, our flesh and blood, if anyone should be standing up for Hiccup it should be him. Obviously he never got the message seeing as he was the most hurtful one of them all.
"I've never seen anyone mess up so badly," he cackled much too pleased with our public scolding than the others. "That really helped."
"Thank you, thank you, I was trying," answered Hiccup trying to down play their comments.
Gobber must have been as annoyed with Snotlout as much as I was 'cause he pushed the boy down with his hand as he passed him. Feeling spiteful I kicked Snotlout as hard as I could in the stomach when he was starting to get up. 'That ought to shut him for a while.'
"I really hit one," blurted out Hiccup as we neared our house.
"Sure, Hiccup," murmured Gobber.
"He never listens," added Hiccup, stating what was really bothering him.
"Well it runs in the family," commented Gobber. I huffed in annoyance, earning an apologetic look from him. I listen far better than anyone of them, I have to considering how hard it is to get any input in this family at times.
"And when he does it's always with this disappointed scowl, like his been cheated or someone skimped on the meat on his sandwich." Continued Hiccup, venting out his feelings in full force. "'Excuse me, barmaid, I'm afraid you brought me the wrong offspring! I ordered an extra-large boy with beefy arms, extra guts and glory on the side. This here, this is a talking fishbone!'"
I've known for a long time about Hiccup's insecurities regarding Stoick's, and the village's for that matter, expectations of him. But that didn't make it any less painful when hearing him voice them out loud. I hate how useless they make him feel. Why can't they just accept Hiccup for who he is?
"Now, you're thinking about this all wrong. It's not what you look like, it's what's inside that he can't stand," said Gobber.
"Gobber!" I snapped, glaring up at him. "That's not helping."
"Thank you, for summing that up," replied Hiccup sarcastically. Not in his usually 'trying to make this situation less awkward' sarcasm but the frustrated 'why can't I do anything right' sarcasm.
"Look, Hiccup, what Gobber was trying to say was that maybe you should stop trying to be something you're not," I said trying to make him feel a little bit better, praying deep in my heart that he'll listen.
"I just want to be one you guys," he sighed, stepping inside our house.
"What's wrong with just being yourself?" I whispered, following after him.
Once inside Hiccup didn't go upstairs to our room like he usually did. Instead he kept on moving past the stairs towards the back door.
"You're going to go look for the Night Fury," I said matter-a-factly, causing him to stop and look back at me.
"Yes." He didn't look deflated like earlier instead he had that look he had before in Gobber's forge.
I smiled. "Let me go get my first-aid kit first." He smiled back.
There you have it folks the first chapter of the story. Can you believe that this is the only the first 8 minutes of the movie? I have a long way to go, don't I? And that's without the possibility of me writing about the TV series. Oh well, I guess that's just part of the fun.
Don't forget to review, I want to know your honest to goodness opinion on how the story is going. Did you like Snow? Did you hate her? Let me know, I'm a big girl I can handle whatever you throw at me.
Speaking of Snow, let me give a little bit of info on her. She is 12 years old were as Hiccup is 15. She has blood red shoulder length hair with soft curls and seafoam/minty green eyes. She's really petite, reaching Hiccup's shoulders with her boots on. However she is very strong, having had inherited Stoick's superhuman strength. That's all I'm going to give you right now, you'll have to stayed tuned to find out more about her.
Speaking of more I would like to warn you guys right now that I might not be able to update in a week or two. The only reason I was able to update so quickly right now was because I had late arrival at school today, thus more time. However, by doing so I pushed back a school project that will be due soon. So, I need to shift my focus from my story and onto my school work. Thank you for understanding, and I'll see you as soon as I can without ruining my chances of graduating this year.