Sorry this chapter's shorter than the last one, guys. I had a migraine last night and couldn't do much writing. :( But here's chapter 3! :D And this time, I did manage to do shout-outs! :D Shout-outs:
Galaxy-Mitsuko-Pegasus: Yeah...it's going to be a rude awakening for everyone when they find out about Viggo. The coin has been flipped...now let's see which side it lands on. ;)
ShadowSpirit020: Here comes Hiccup's crazy scheme...and yeah, Alvin's son. Threw a curve at ya, did I? XD
LunarCatNinja: Yeah...let's see what happens! :D
DragonQueen3721: Yeah, I don't think Alvin will be a villain in this fanfiction series. But maybe I can write another fanfiction in which Alvin returns as the villain. I always thought he changed to the good side too quickly. :)
TomBoyBookGirl: Hahaha! Yeah, Alvin's son...I fell out of my chair when I figured out who Alvin's son was in the books (I will refrain from saying his name because spoilers to those who haven't read it :D). But yeah. Unfortunately, this is not the book!verse. :D :D :D Thanks for the review! :D
bananablight: Haha, thanks! :D I'm glad you like it so far! :D
Guest (#1): Sorry I didn't get this out before 5:00! I had a migraine yesterday evening, couldn't sleep well, and woke up later. :( But I hope you enjoy this chapter! :)
wikelia: Let's see...to trust Barreck, or not to trust Barreck, that is the question? XD Let's see what happens! :D
SilverGhostWolf: I wish we could leap into the story and knock some sense into the main characters sometimes. XD Aww, thank you! :D I'm glad you enjoy them! :D
MaximumRide159: Thanks! :D I'm glad you like it so far! :) And there might be a few mentions of Inferno, but no, I don't think I'm going to show the actual making of it. :)
AquaticDragon: Whooo, updates! :D Thanks! :D
Crystallion12: Oooooooh, suspense! :D So many questions and not enough answers...thanks for the review! :D
SnivyDragon: I think Hiccup is kinda like Jack Sparrow sometimes: "You're crazy!" "Good thing, too, or this would probably never work." XD Yeah, Hiccup is insane, but his plans actually work, which is really funny. XD Yeah, I like Barreck. ;) But like you said: you can't trust anyone, least of all me. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! :D :D :D Thanks for the review! :D
Forever Me: Is it a bluff...or a double bluff...or a TRIPPLE bluff...nobody knows...it'll be pretty obvious which side Barreck is on pretty soon, but until then, I'll leave you forever in suspense. :D Thanks for the review! :D
Charr2003: Hahahaha, reading everyone's reactions to Alvin's son is hilarious. XD And the twins are always equally hilarious! :D :D :D Yeah, Barreck is pretty cool...let's see what happens next! :D Thanks for the review! :D
HappyPup1: VERY interesting. :D Thanks! :D
bella: Yep, I posted early! :D Snotlout's just mean because he's jealous. XD Barreck is a bit suspicious, but let's see what happens! :D And the twins are amazing. I love the twins. :D :D :D Thanks for the review! :D
Guest (#2): Yep. Bad feeling. Let's see what happens next. :D
"...Snotlout's welcomed you to stay at his hut, from what I understand," Hiccup said, walking alongside Barreck with Astrid, Fishlegs, the twins, and Snotlout walking behind him, through the village plaza. Their dragons were Thor-knows-where, probably relaxing after the long race of earlier that morning.
"I appreciate and accept the offer, Snotlout," said Barreck, nodding in Snotlout's direction and reaching to shake Snotlout's hand. "Thank you...all of you, for your hospitality."
"Wait," said Tuffnut, "are we being hospitable? We didn't mean it, honest!"
"It's a good thing, Tuffnut," said Hiccup, almost silently. "So, anyways, my dad said we're welcome to show you around if you're interested."
Barreck nodded eagerly, and the gang led him on. Barreck instantly pointed towards the gigantic bubble-wand like rings, now being hoisted to the ground to remain there until the next dragon race. "What are those?" he asked.
"Those are the rings," said Fishlegs. "We use them in dragon races every now and then. They're a good experience for both rider and dragon, as it takes a rider to direct and a dragon to steer himself or herself."
"It sounds brilliant," said Barreck. "I would like to compete in a race someday."
"Well, we'll gladly welcome you on team Snotnuts," said Snotlout proudly. "We're normally pretty undefeatable…" He caught Astrid's glare. "I said normally! What more do you want from me?"
Astrid rolled her eyes. "So, Barreck," she said, "how did you get to Berk?"
"Oh," said Barreck, "as soon as the dragon hunters released me, I managed to make it here through...well, different things. I began with a rowboat, but then that was demolished and reduced to driftwood. I swam the last of the distance onto your shores, and I'm glad I got here when I did. Another few minutes and I would have drowned."
"Well, we're glad you're here, Barreck," Hiccup said, "and feel free to stay as long as you like."
"I'm afraid it won't be very long," said Barreck, suddenly downcast. "Tomorrow, I head out to search for my friend on the dragon hunter's base. I will not leave him to die at the hands of those murders."
"Who is this friend of yours?" Astrid questioned.
"He was an Outcast," said Barreck. "The only Outcast who didn't treat me as a hiccup, but as an equal. He ran away with me and stood by my side...he would call me Blade, and I would call him Snare. Nicknames we came up with on the run." He sighed. "I hope they haven't done anything to him."
"They gave you the Dragon Eye lense and told us we knew what it was for a reason," said Hiccup. "My guess is they're trying to lure us into a trap."
Barreck sighed heavily again. "In which case," he said, "I should leave tomorrow, alone. I cannot put your lives in danger."
"But we're going back there anyway," Hiccup said, "and we're going to help you get your friend back."
Barreck looked at him with his wide blue eyes, shocked; his shaggy black hair fell in his face. "You would do that?" he asked. "But...but I'm a complete stranger to you. You didn't even know I existed until recent."
"Nope," said Hiccup, "we didn't."
"But that doesn't mean we're not going to help you," said Fishlegs. "Ryker and his dragon hunters are vicious. They have to be stopped before it's too late."
Barreck beamed at them. "So you will help me?" he said.
"Definitely," said Hiccup.
"Thank you," said Barreck honestly. "I cannot thank you enough."
"Great!" said Hiccup. "We're leaving tomorrow at daybreak. I'll let my dad know we're taking you to our base outside the archipelago, and we'll be off."
…
Snotlout and Barreck stepped inside the Jorgenson house, Snotlout in the lead, showing Barreck the way. "Well, anyways," Snotlout was saying as he walked into the house, "my dad's off doing some work for his cousin on Meathead Island, so we won't be seeing him for a few days...anyways, this door leads to my room…" He pulled open one door. "And this one leads to Hookfang's stable."
He pulled open another door. Hookfang's stable appeared entirely black in this light.
"Nice," said Barreck. "Do all the dragons have stables?"
"Eh, most of them," said Snotlout, shrugging. "The only one I can think of off the top of my head who doesn't is Toothless. But anyways, moving on…"
He stepped down a hallway, towards another door, which he threw open. "And this is the weapon room," said Snotlout proudly. "We Jorgensons pride ourselves in the art of weaponry."
Indeed, that did seem to be the case. The walls were lined with gleaming axes and swords of all kinds; maces with chains strung between the spiked ball and handle were hanging on a hook. An archer's bow and quiver of arrows laid in the corner, both leaning up against the wall. The Jorgenson's Ceremonial Axe was wrapped in purple linen in the corner.
"Wow," said Barreck, looking around, awed. "This is incredible." He made to step inside, stopping at the last second. "May I?" he asked Snotlout.
"Be my guest," said Snotlout, spreading his hands grandly. Barreck stepped inside, and Snotlout followed closely. "You looked a little light on weapons," said Snotlout, "so I figured, if you wanted to take one, you could go right ahead."
"You sure?" said Barreck, withdrawing his hand from where he had been reaching out to touch the blade of a nearby sword. "Your father won't resent me if I do?"
"My father resents just about everybody," said Snotlout. "And anyways, he won't even notice it's gone. I'll have the village blacksmith cook up another before my dad returns and we should be fine."
Barreck smiled. "Thanks, Snotlout," he said. "You know, my father spoke highly of the Jorgenson house, back when I was on Outcast island."
Snotlout's brow furrowed in confusion. "Alvin the Treacherous talked about my family?" he said in shock.
"Of course he did!" said Barreck. "He honors the Jorgensons! He thinks they're the proudest house there is on Berk."
For a few moments, Snotlout said nothing. But then, he smiled and nodded. "I knew it," he said. "Yeah, we Jorgensons are pretty cool, after all. We're tough, mean, and the ladies totally like us."
"I don't doubt it," said Barreck. "But of course…" He frowned slightly as he pulled a sword from the wall, and sighed. "There are those who would say otherwise," he said.
Snotlout's pride instantly turned to fury. "What? Who?" he demanded.
"Oh, no one!" said Barreck defensively. "No one at all! Never mind, I shouldn't have said anything...I mean, I doubt Fishlegs meant what he said…"
"What?" said Snotlout. "What did Fishlegs say?"
"Did I say Fishlegs said something?" said Barreck. "No, I didn't."
Snotlout sighed heavily. "Look," he said, "I get that you're trying to stop a fight but honestly, if my friends are saying stuff about me behind my back, I want to know."
Barreck sighed heavily. "Well," he said, "it wasn't much, just something about you being hopeless and a burden to the rest of the riders...really though, I probably misheard him. Why would Fishlegs say something like that? He's your friend."
Snotlout looked at the ground, looking a mix of confused and hurt. "Yeah, right…" he said. "Why would he?"
Barreck shrugged. "Well, you don't have to worry about that," said Barreck. "I'm sure the dragon riders could not thrive without a strong, powerful Jorgenson to back them up."
"Yeah…" said Snotlout, but his confidence was gone. Sure, he and Fishlegs insulted each other all the time, but that was when they were goofing off, and both of them knew neither of them meant it. But now it seemed that Fishlegs didn't actually think highly of Snotlout at all.
He wasn't quite sure what to say.
"I'm going to step outside for a moment," said Barreck, gesturing towards the door, "and try out the sword. Do you mind?"
"What? Oh, no, I don't," said Snotlout, shaking his head. "Yeah, try it out, let me know what you think...I'll show you to your bed when you get back."
"Thank you kindly, Snotlout," said Barreck, and with a small bow of his head, he turned and headed out the door. Snotlout, meanwhile, stayed behind, for a moment doing nothing but staring into the weapon room.
Then, he slammed it shut angrily and crossed his arms over his chest, stomping across the room.
"Stupid Fishlegs," he grumbled. "He thinks I'm a burden to the dragon riders, huh? Well, I'll show him who the real burden is. I'll show him."
Hookfang, who had been sleeping in the center of the living room, looked up at Snotlout curiously. Snotlout looked back to him and nodded.
"Come on, Hookfang," he said. "I have an errand to run."