Light In The Dark
Author: Nightstar Fury from Nightstar Productions
Rated: M for Mature.
Disclaimer: I do not own HTTYD or any of its shows and mini shorts.
3; An Example.
No one could believe it, Hiccup was alive and the one who organized everything? He had Alvin, Dagur, and these two strangers the Hooligans didn't know working for him? Hiccup was riding a Night Fury and controlling hundreds of dragons? He forced them to submit under his leadership. Why? No one understood what was going on, there was utter confusion circulating throughout the group. Before anyone of them could ask, the three people Hiccup had ordered to set up the perimeter returned on their dragons.
"Perimeter secure my lord." The three of them bowed.
"Good. The ships and beaches as well?" Hiccup asked coldly.
"The 4 beaches have guards, so do the docks and forest. Also 10 ships are anchored 5 miles of the shore around the island, orders to switch every few hours." Viggo told him.
"Then we can move on." Hiccup nodded facing the Hooligans again.
"Okay, I think speak for everyone when I say...Just what the name of Odin is going on here! You've been alive the last 5 years? We thought you were dead for Thor's sake, and you just came here and threatened to kill us if we didn't submit to you! You're riding a freaking Night Fury, you're a traitor to all Vikings! What the actual hell, Hiccup!" Astrid grumbled, Hiccup's seemingly calm demeanor dropped as his eyes turned to a glare on the blonde girl with blue eyes who talked.
"Shouldn't of done that..." Dagur said in a sing-song like voice.
"Bring her to me." Hiccup ordered coldly, one of the guards grabbed Astrid's arm and pulled her towards Hiccup then pushed her to her knees. "You will be my example..." Hiccup stated as he pulled his sword from the sheath hanging over his back. The sound a steel coming free made Astrid flinch a little, this wasn't the Hiccup everyone knew was it? It couldn't of been. He would never...act so cold.
"Ye–yeah but...We just want to–..." Fishlegs started as a small dagger was thrown at him, landing only an inch or two from his feet. Fishlegs squeaked in fear shutting his mouth. No one said anything, they just watched as Hiccup grabbed Astrid by her braid and forced her to her feet making her wince out, he placed the blade to her throat and everyone looked in fear.
"Ow!" She whimpered.
"Be quiet and don't move, I'd hate to have to stain my armor with your blood because of your stupidity." Hiccup spat out. "You will learn very quickly I'm not the 16 year old boy you recall me to be. Your former chief gave up his position to me in submission, therefore you will show me the same damn respect and obedience you showed him. I tolerate no disrespect, or disobedience. Those who try will be broken inside and out. Don't test me. I'm merciless, and you can ask any one of my men to confirm that for you." Hiccup growled lowly, the Hooligan tribe members looked to Hiccup's men now.
"First person who disobeyed him when he came to us got a knife to the throat. No one has dared argue since..." Ryker informed them as their mouths hung open again. Hiccup had...killed someone for not listening to him?
"I am not above killing someone to get my point across. I have done it before and I will do it again if necessary, don't make me have to start with you..." Hiccup stated before removing the sword and pushing her back towards the group of Hooligan tribe members. Astrid looked up at Hiccup in horror almost as she tried to catch her breath. Everyone stayed silent now, eyes of worry at the man standing before them. This wasn't the Hiccup they remembered, what happened to him? That's all anyone wanted to know.
"Orders, Master Hiccup?" Viggo asked.
"Start getting these people inside the hall. Use force if needed." Hiccup climbed on the back of Toothless and shot into the air near the circling dragons overhead.
"You heard the chief, get movin!" Alvin ordered firmly, the group slowly and silently made their way towards the mead hall. A few glanced up seeing Hiccup disperse the dragons in half, some returning to the Western direction and the rest setting down around the village but no longer destroying anything. Hiccup then turned around and landed outside the hall, getting off of Toothless while people made their way up the stone steps.
"Keep it going, hurry up. Lord Hiccup doesn't like to wait." Ryker pushed a few people to move faster. The Hooligan tribe did not have a lot of members, 150 at best guess. It took 20 minutes but soon everyone was inside the hall and sitting on lined up benches but hands still bound. No one talked, hearing what Hiccup had done to someone in the past they didn't want to invoke his wrath further.
"Doors." Hiccup commanded, Viggo and Ryker shut them as Hiccup stood before his former tribe with arms crossed over his chest. Dagur and Alvin stood on his right while Viggo and Ryker stood on the left but all 4 of them were a few steps behind. "Things are going to changes on Berk, starting today. Those who disobey will find themselves punished how I see fit." Hiccup told them. The Hooligans only nodded, "Now, first off I believe introductions would be proper. You all know who I am and if you don't its further proof that I was never part of this pathetic tribe to begin with." Hiccup scoffed angrily.
That comment was a direct shot fired at them since Hiccup 5 years ago, was invisible to them all unless he was being scolded or beat up. "Moving on now that I have your undivided attention. To my right is Alvin, and Dagur. To my left is Viggo and Ryker Grimborn. They are brothers and former dragon hunters. So you're aware of the power I hold, the 4 of them work for me. I am currently in charge of the Outcasts, the Berserkers, and Dragon Hunters." Hiccup informed them coldly.
The whispers began instantly from the Hooligans, Hiccup had taken over 3 other tribes? And now those 4 people worked for him? "Next, we'll settle the rules of my island since now you're just another tribe I am in charge of. And yes, this is what I've spent the last 5 years doing." Hiccup crossed his arms over his chest.
"B–but...Why?...I–if I can ask, Lord Hiccup?" Gobber questioned. Everyone was expecting Hiccup to yell or throw another dagger but he didn't. Hiccup looked towards his former mentor calmly.
"Why what. Why did I take over 3 other tribes? Why have I killed people? Why did I run away 5 years ago? Why did I come back to Berk leading a dragon raid and ambush specifically to capture you all and make myself the chief here? Why did I not have my men tie you and the elder up with the rest? Why do I control dragons? Why do I ride a Night Fury? Which of those 7 things would you like the answer too, Gobber?" Hiccup asked in reply.
"Oh um...All of them I guess?" Gobber shrugged nervously, shocked that Hiccup didn't snap at him.
"To answer them all with a 3 words; I wanted too." Hiccup answered.
"I'm...not sure I follow..." Gobber said now.
"I wanted to run away because I was sick of this place. I took over tribes because I want power, and strong allies. I've killed because I wanted too. I came back because I want to prove a point. I didn't have my men tie you or Gothi because out of everyone here with the exception of my men, you two were the only ones who showed me kindness and care. I control dragons because I want too. And I ride a Night Fury because he's my best friend and partner." Hiccup rolled his eyes.
"How did you...run away from here? All of your things weren't taken..." Stoick asked cautiously.
"On Toothless. Left the morning after my 16th birthday...Now shut up. I'm not here to answer your questions." Hiccup scoffed hatefully.
"Then why did you answer Gobber's?" Ruffnut squeaked out.
"As usual, you never listen. Something's never change I suppose, but oh well. It doesn't bother me anymore. I answered Gobber's questions because he was one of the only people to actually give a damn about me." Hiccup growled.
"Oh, sorry..." Ruffnut said lowering her head.
"Rules on my island are simple. One, don't talk out of line. Two, don't question or challenge me. Three, do as you're told. Four, don't speak unless spoken too. Five, you may call me my lord, Lord Fury, Master Hiccup, Lord Haddock, chief, or sir. Six, don't hurt my dragons. Seven, don't irritate or anger me. Eight, do not disobey or disrespect. Nine, don't ever tempt me. Ten, don't attempt to kill or betray me. Eleven, children 14 and under are to be in bed by 9. 15-18 by 11, and adults unless ordered by me no later than 12. Thirteen, everyone 15 and older will be up at 6, younger children 5-14 up by 7. Fourteen, Breakfast will be served at 7:30, Lunch at 12:30, Dinner at 5:30. Fifteen, quiet hours are from 8-7 and for those of you curious, it means from 8 at night to 7 in the morning I expect to hear nothing but whispers and breathing from your homes. This also means, you do not leave your homes unless instructed between those hours. Breaking any of the rules could result with your death. Frankly it depends on my mood if I choose to punish you or outright kill you." Hiccup shrugged. "Is that clear? Or do I need to repeat myself because I dislike doing so." Hiccup stated.
"Understood." The room replied to him.
"Good. Now...Effective immediately, anyone 16 or older will be working to a job I assign. Most of you will remain where you are, but others will be moved or given work." Hiccup ordered. He saw Astrid meekly put her hand up, "What?" Hiccup asked.
"A–are we going to get our armor and weapons back?" Astrid questioned softly.
"Eventually. For now it is not needed unless the job you have requires it, and I will determine such jobs will require weapons by dinner." Hiccup said firmly.
"But...what about raids?" Ruffnut asked.
"Have you honestly not figured it out yet?" Hiccup asked, a few shook their heads. "I've been behind every raid you've had in the last 5 years." He heard a few gasps as he grinned. "You were right, Stoick. The dragons did have a nest, West of here about 2 hours out and shrouded in fog or ash. They were being controlled by an alpha, whom Toothless and I defeated. Toothless being the new alpha, we took over the nest and made it our base the last 5 years." Hiccup informed them.
"Wait...You've been letting them raid us the last 5 years?...Hic–I mean...Chief...this is your home..." Gobber blinked in surprise.
"And tell me, how many deaths have their been in the last 5 years? How much food was taken? How much destruction..." Hiccup asked now. The room fell silent now as people thought about it.
"None...no deaths, no food taken, or no heavy damage..." Gobber replied.
"You're welcome. That was all my doing, I just had them come and scare ya a bit. Your raids were bad before I took over because the former alpha there ordered the dragons to bring it food and if they didn't, then they were eaten themselves." Hiccup explained. "They were merely acting as my spies, watching your every move. Patterns, schedules, weapon count. I've been planning this a long time, since I left in fact. Oh...and the raids were my entertainment. Was rather fun to watch you all fail miserably against them, honestly can you not even remember how to capture or kill dragons? How very unviking-like." Hiccup chuckled a little.
"If you wanted to check on us you could of just come back and asked...No reason to send your dragons to try and kill us all, Hiccup." Snotlout remarked rolling his eyes, Hiccup said nothing at first but his eyes changed color and turned to slits making a few people move back in fear. Hiccup approached him coldly, nothing on his face any longer but irritation and anger. One of the things he said not to do, Hiccup grabbed a fistful of Snotlout's hair and forced his head back.
"Now, I thought I was being clear earlier when I said not to anger me. I was even nice and gave fair warning not to tempt me, so I think it might be time to show you all what happens if you break a rule...This is just one of many punishments I can issue..." Hiccup said as he pushed Snotlout towards Dagur who held him while Ryker took off the vest and shirt Snotlout wore before passing him to Alvin who tied his arms around a pole in the hall. Hiccup held out his hand as Viggo handed him a short leather bound handle with what looked like strings 5 or 6 leather strings braided with what looked like dragon teeth or beads in it.
"He–hey...What are...you doing!" Snotlout asked trying to turn his head.
"In response to your remark about trying to kill you...Believe me, Snotlout. If I wanted you dead...you would be already. I haven't killed you yet because it would be to easy and quick. I enjoy having a little fun but lets see...How many rules did you break. Viggo?" Hiccup asked now.
"6 my lord." Viggo replied with a bow of his head.
"Then 6 whip lashings you'll receive..." Hiccup leaned close next to Snotlout's ear, and said just loud enough for only him to hear, "By the way...You should of killed me when you had the chance. I will never forget." Snotlout's eyes widened hearing those words, they were what was written in blood on the rock. Now it was clear. This is why Hiccup came back, because he wanted revenge. Before Snotlout could say anything he felt something hard whip against his bare back, scratching the skin and he yelled out in pain.
Eyes in the room widened in shock, disbelief, even fear seeing this. Hiccup was whipping Snotlout...Hard too. One hit alone left red marks and small cuts on the boy's skin. Hiccup brought it back and whipped him 5 more times, ignoring each cry of pain or plea to stop. Hiccup hit his back with perfect aim each time too. And he did it all without showing an ounce of remorse or emotion on his face, by the time he finished Snotlout's back was bleeding with tons of marks and now deeper cuts. Hiccup stepped back handing the whip to Viggo as small droplets of Snotlout's blood hit the floor.
Hiccup moved around the pole and pull a dagger front the back of his belt and tossed it almost carelessly at the pole near the ropes holding Snotlout, they cut instantly then they watched Snotlout crumble to the floor, Hiccup's void eyes returned to normal as he stared at them. "Who else wants to test me this morning?" Hiccup asked, no one said a word. "I thought so. Alvin, Dagur, Viggo, and Ryker. I believe it is now 7:30. Round up some breakfast for them, cut their ties. They won't run, I believe I've established the fear of what I can and will do to them. Oh, and get this idiot some treatment. Don't need it getting infected and him dying so soon..." Hiccup ordered.
"Yes, Lord Haddock." The men replied bowing as Hiccup walked past them with Toothless in tow and exited the hall doors. Once he was out and the doors shut once more, Alvin, Ryker, Viggo, and Dagur began cutting the binds on the Hooligan tribe members while some of the guards worked on making breakfast. Viggo was tending to Snotlout's back with an off white paste. The boy was saying nothing, Ryker walked by shaking his head.
"You shouldn't have said anything boy..." Ryker looked at him.
"I've...never seen Hiccup like this...its not like him to be cruel and hateful..." Gobber looked at the door where Hiccup had walked out of.
"The lot of you better just accept it. The boy you knew 5 years ago is gone, like he said. He came to us, one by one and took over. He's been like this since we joined him...And like you, we didn't understand why either because that's not the Hiccup we knew." Dagur mentioned now cutting Stoick's ropes and the former chief rubbed his wrists.
"So like us, you're under his command then?" Fishlegs asked.
"More or less, he wanted power in numbers of both humans and dragons. We agreed to follow him if he stopped our raids and taught us to ride dragons. Small price to pay..." Alvin shrugged.
"What the hell do you mean agreed, Alvin?" Viggo scoffed.
"He didn't give any of us much choice. It was accept his offer or raid us to hell and back with his dragons...We took the option to live." Ryker added.
"Yeah, don't sugarcoat it. We agreed yes, but only because we didn't have another choice. It was agree or die..." Dagur added which took the Hooligans by surprise.
"He just...showed up and demanded you work for him?" Astrid asked curiously now.
"Basically. Showed up on Toothless, said he wanted revenge on Berk, asked if we wanted in. Warned us not to get any bright ideas to deny him his request, we were going to challenge him again until we heard a raid outside. We rushed to fight but Hiccup merely stepped outside and did some weird...dragon call and they stopped. It was then we realized he was the dragon master, he offered one last time to join him or die like the rest. We chose to swear our allegiance to him..." Alvin sighed.
"So...what happened to him...?" Gobber asked curiously.
"Not a clue in Valhalla. He didn't tell us, he keeps to himself. Whatever happened to him, it was bad...and it caused him to snap. Everyone has a breaking point, he must of reached his and decided it was enough. He took matters in to his own hands, started making a name for himself. He's known by many as Lord Fury, dragon master, dragon conqueror, dragon overlord. He has a way with them, like he understands. When he came to us, he rode in on Toothless his Night Fury and well we didn't have much choice but to submit to him. He might of been 17 years old but he's smarter, and stronger than we gave him credit for." Ryker stated.
"And...the guy he killed...what did he do wrong or did...Hiccup just kill him to prove a point?" Astrid questioned.
"I noticed among all the guards...Savage your second in command isn't here, is he back at the base?" Spitelout said now.
"Master Hiccup killed him, he was the first of 10. Savage stepped out of line, challenged him and before he took 2 steps towards him...the lord he had a dagger in his throat. Lord Hiccup never even looked when throwing it, his eyes were closed. I'm a good dagger thrower myself but not even I can hit a target dead on without looking." Dagur shuddered a bit.
"And after these men died for...challenging Hiccup, no one crossed him again did they?" Stoick asked.
"None of us have the heart too. We rather be on his good side than the bad, he at least treats us well and protects us." Viggo replied.
"Protects?" Ruffnut asked next.
"Many a times. He trained the dragons we ride, which are almost as rare as the Night Fury itself...With no fear. Nothing scares him, or takes him by surprise. He always knows what is going on no matter where he is. Just do what he says, and don't fight with him. It'll be easier on yourselves...When we joined him, he said Berk was his target and when the time was right he would strike. He did this himself, the whole raid, ambush, capture...we just followed orders." Ryker added.
"You've been his goal for 5 years and you saw that he isn't the boy you remember. He's merciless and has no boundaries, he used the dragons to bring an entire village 6 days North of here to its knees in only 20 minutes. Men, women, and children. If you want to live, do what he says. Don't invoke his wrath. That is the only advice we can offer you...Eat quickly, he'll be returning soon." Alvin told them.
"Ca–can I just...ask something?" Ruffnut looked at the 4 men. "You say he brought the whole village to its knees...Does that mean he...killed them all?" She added.
"Every single one of them." Dagur nodded.
"And when you say no boundaries...?" Astrid asked nervously against her better judgement.
"I say and mean no boundaries, at all. He will punish, torture, rape, and kill if pushed too far. He has done it before, and he will do it again. He'll do whatever he sees fit...He isn't the boy you knew. Something broke him, his spirit and this is all that is left. That is all we can give you, no more talking or we'll report you." Viggo stated coldly, the Hooligans sat down at the table and began eating the food laid out by the guards.
And hour after they'd started to eat, Hiccup had returned with Toothless beside him and the room fell silent. He made his way to the front and looked over everyone, his eyes were void of emotion and his lips in a thin line. "The rest of your day will be spent working. I didn't change much only add or move slightly, they are posted on the wall over there. Everyone is now in a group guarded by my men. I'll be making rounds before lunch to see if everyone is doing as they should be." Hiccup stated loud enough to be heard by all.
No one argued remembering the words gave to them by the 4 men working for Hiccup, they saw what he could do, and that he didn't care when he did it. They didn't want to invoke his anger so they would submit and do what they were told. It was in agreement by all that something did happen to Hiccup but no one knew what broke him and made him what he is now but they had to figure it out because they were all at the limited patience of their new chief.
The day continued as people moved in to their groups, it was pretty simple. Farmers, fishers, builders, and more were all put together. Stoick was now working in the forge with Gobber, and others were sent easy jobs to keep themselves busy. When night fell and dinner was over, they noticed Hiccup not eating rather drinking a flask filled with mead and it was his second one in 40 minutes. Since when did Hiccup drink? The faint redness on his cheeks already showed he was drunk or getting there. "Is he...okay?" Fishlegs whispered to Snotlout, Tuffnut, Astrid, and Ruffnut.
"H-He looks f-fine to m-me." Snoutlout said quickly, clearly still a little shaken by what happened earlier.
"Since when...does Hiccup drink?" Ruffnut asked.
"Quiet over there!" Dagur ordered and they went silent again. Hiccup smirked a little, he could hear them talking. It wasn't hard with his enhanced abilities. He had started drinking when he was 17, his way of coping with the rape and pain of what happened to him. Now it was just a way to unwind after a long day, he stood up slow. The others watched him to see if he'd wobble but he didn't. He was standing fine after going through two flasks of mead, how was that even possible? He should be on his ass for that much.
"Turning in for the night my lord?" Viggo asked.
"Night flight. Everyone is to return to their homes when they are done, I'll take Gobber and Gothi myself." Hiccup told him firmly.
"Of course sir. Enjoy your flight." Ryker stated as the 4 men bowed while Hiccup exited with Toothless again. The 4 men sighed heavily relaxing some, "How many flasks tonight?" Ryker asked looking to the others.
"I counted two in here, but you know he carries one while flying around. He probably started after lunch..." Alvin added.
"And he wasn't eating. I don't know how he does it. He's 21, 2 flasks of this stuff is enough to make a grown man drunk. He's skinny too." Viggo sighed out.
"How...long has he been drinking for?" Stoick asked.
"Since he was 17. I don't know how he does it either...Mystery to us all." Dagur shrugged.
"Does what?" Astrid asked.
"Drinks as much as he does but never show effects of being intoxicated beyond belief. I've seen him go through 6 in a matter of 3 hours but he doesn't trip, stumble, fall, slur his words, or get sick even. Never seen him hung over either..." Ryker looked at the others.
"So...He's an alcoholic?" Gobber questioned.
"Big time." The 4 nodded together. 30 minutes later, Hiccup returned again to find everyone just finishing their food and preparing to leave. Hiccup watched them walk by and offer a bow of respect, he rolled his eyes and took another swig of his flask. He approached Gobber and Gothi.
"Follow me." He said calmly. They had been right, not even a slur in his words but his eyes were glossed over and cheeks very red. He was drunk but it barely showed. Gobber and Gothi walked towards Gobber's first and dropped him off.
"Hiccup...Oops...Chief, sorry...Not quite used to calling you anythin else..." Gobber said nervously.
"You have always been like a father to me, you don't have to call me what the others do..." Hiccup stated softly.
"Are you...alright lad? I mean you know...with all this? It's...not like you or...how you used to be..." Gobber asked.
"I'm fine, Gobber. You're right, I'm not who I used to be and I'll never be him again. I'll never be Hiccup the Useless, disappointing, embarrassment again. You and Gothi are safe from my wrath, the rest I cannot say the same for. Go to sleep, it's been a long day." Hiccup told him firmly.
"Aye lad. Good night to you." Gobber said not wanting to argue. Hiccup nodded as he turned and walked beside Gothi to her home now. The walk was silent but then again, Gothi hadn't talked in 50 years from Hiccup's recollection. They reached her house which sat higher up so she could oversee the village from high up, and Hiccup faced her.
Gothi could see something in his eyes, she wasn't sure what to make of it though. She offered a bow of her head to him, then motioned for him to kneel down. Hiccup didn't deny her, the woman had always been like a mother or grandmother to him. Hiccup knelt down on the ground on one knee as Gothi put her hand to his head and he closed his eyes. Gothi saw flashes in his head of his life, parts she knew when Hiccup was beat up on or put down. Then she saw things she didn't recognize.
Flashes of Hiccup in the forest, tied and gagged, crying and helplessly begging for help. The visions showed Snotlout and Tuffnut raping him. Gothi pulled back her hand with wide eyes and an audible gasp, Hiccup opened his eyes and looked at her. Gothi stroked his cheek lightly, "My dear Hiccup...I've seen the reasons now. I am...sorry, so sorry those things happened to you child..." Gothi's old voice cracked. Hiccup couldn't believe it, she talked to him, broke her vow of silence and spoke to him.
Hiccup pulled back from her touch, eyes still void and no emotion on his face. "Its in the past. It no longer matters." Hiccup said.
"Dear child but you know that this is not the way. It will not change what was done to you that night." Gothi said softly.
"I know very well it won't change what they've done to me. However, I don't care. This is my way. They will all see what they did and understand that they created what I am today. They can blame no one but themselves, this conversation is over. And breathe not a word of what you saw to anyone. Good evening." Hiccup turned and walked away from her briskly.
"She saw what happened, didn't she?" Toothless asked him.
"She did." Hiccup replied. "But it doesn't matter, I'm still getting my revenge on them." Hiccup added coldly.
"And I am here to help my friend. Now lets return to the cove, you will be requiring sleep after all this." Toothless informed him. Hiccup only nodded getting on his back as they took off towards Raven's Point, from the shadows Astrid walked out watching him fly off. She'd heard everything said between Gothi and Hiccup, something happened to make him this way and it was the villages fault. They did something to push him over the edge and he was back for revenge because of it.
'Maybe if I figure out what happened...and get closer to him, I can change his mind about wanting revenge...' Astrid thought, with her mind made up she saw a guard coming and rushed off to get home.
(The Cove)
Toothless landed as Hiccup slid off him and sat around the fire that Dagur had made for the group of them. "So what's the plan for tomorrow my lord?" Viggo asked.
"Show these people what they did by giving it right back to them. The guards were given their orders to patrol in 8 groups of 6 all night?" Hiccup asked.
"Yes sir." Alvin nodded.
"And when they switch off every 4 hours, they return to one of the beaches with the docked ships to rest on the boats." Ryker added.
"Good." Hiccup said staring in to the fire silently at first, "Every single one of them will pay...They will all suffer for what they did to me." Hiccup whispered quietly. The 4 others stared at him, then looked into the fire not wanting to make him mad. Hiccup suddenly smirked as he stuck his hand in the fire then pulled it out holding a dancing flame in his palm. "One by one I'll break them down and put them all out just like the flames of a fire..." Hiccup closed his fist as the flame disappeared leaving only smoke. Not long after he laid back against Toothless and closed his eyes, drifting to sleep.