Chapter 3: as frightened as I am
Stoick was furious, to think, he had begun to hope Hiccup was staying out of trouble for good, this time, but that illusion was shattered by tonight's fiasco. He fumed with embarrassment as Hiccup tried to explain his actions... again. Half dragging him.
"No honestly, it's not like the last few times dad. I mean I really actually hit it. You guys were busy and I had a very clear shot," Hiccup said quickly, "let's get a search party out there, before it-"
"STOP!, just...stop" he shouts turning to Hiccup, gods did he have to do it in front of everyone, he caught a glimpse of the other teens, most were smirking or sneering, except Astrid who looked... disappointed.
"Every time you step outside, disaster follows. Can you not see that I have bigger problems? Winter is almost here and I have a whole tribe to feed and take care of."
Hiccup decided not to point out the irony that his father hardly took care of him, who was part of the tribe and his son, instead going for...
"Well between you and me, some of the village could do with a little less 'feeding' don't ya think?" A couple of the larger villages mattered angrily, while others suppressed laughter.
"This isn't a joke, Hiccup!", "why can't you just follow the simplest orders", Stoick exclaims in annoyance.
'Because that gets me nothing, but silence and generally just ignored, what am I supposed to do? I can't improve if I don't try' Hiccup thought and would like to have said but couldn't pluck up the courage.
"I can't stop myself. I see a dragon and I have to just... kill it, ya know, it's who I am, dad. Hiccup answer a little sarcastically.
Stoick let out a sigh, "you are many things Hiccup", he spoke almost gently, "but a dragon killer is not one of them", "get back to your room", finishes Stoick before turning to Gobber, "make sure he gets there, I have his mess to clean up", and heads to assess the damage.
Gobber leads him past the other teens, it feels like a walk of shame
"That was quite the performance" he heard Tuffnut mock, though it sounded like there was some level of admiration for the destruction caused.
"By Odin cousin, when you fuck up, you do it big time" Snotlout laughed out before being shoved to the ground by Gobber.
"I've never seen anyone mess up that badly" Ruffnut added,
"Thank you, thank you. I was trying..." He said trying to avoid the glares.
They walk in silence to the great hall, before Hiccup finally speaks, "I really did hit one"
"Sure hiccup", Gobber states with a sigh, Hiccup continues "I told you, he never listens".
"Well, it runs in the family" Gobber returns
"Still as always, 'Stoick the vasts' little embarrassment", Hiccup adds sadly, well he could still make up for this, he had downed it, it would ether be dead or injured.
"As I told ya yesterday, it's not your appearance it's what's inside" Gobber tries poorly explaining,
"That's not helpful" Hiccup returns irritated. Why was everyone so awful at explaining things, what was 'inside' that was so bad?
Gobber thought for a second before replying gently, "the point lad, stop trying so hard to be something you simply are not". So that's it was it... "I just want, to be one of you guys... is that really so much to ask?" Hiccup turns and enters his room.
When he hears Gobber walking off he runs to his chest, grabs a very long rope, kicking aside his ruined doors he runs to the edge of the balcony and tide the rope to the stone rampart, before climbing down, it was a surprising short climb but he thought it best not to risk it.
Once he got to the bottom he looked up, damn leaving a rope to his room would not be a good idea, he gave it a quick tug contemplating what to do, when suddenly the rope loosened and fell to his feet. A little worrisome as he could have fallen, but he rushed for the forest never the less.
In the great hall
"Either we finish them or they'll finish us!", "it's the only way we'll be rid of them". Stoick spoke to the unsure nobles, he noted he was the only one with a child to watch and learn.
"Look, if we find the nest and destroy it, the dragons will leave. They'll find another home" Stoick plunged a large dagger at the map in the nests general location, and watched the assembled crowd carefully.
"One last search before the ice sets in" he added decidedly,
"Stoick, I strongly advise against this" spoke Harold carefully, "we barely made it back last time", then Spitelout spoke, "as much as I dislike hoffersons, I have to agree, it's suicide, we'd be throwing men away, when we need to defend our winter stores more than ever"
"We're Vikings, it's an occupational hazard" Stoick added matter of factly, "now I ask again, who's with me", he hears rather pitiful excuses like axe returns, and so adds, "those who stay will look after Hiccup" which gets the reaction he's looking for, he dismisses all except the counsel and Gobber who promptly gets up,
"Right, better pack my undies", but Stoick holds up a hand to stop him, "no I need you to stay and train new recruits",
"Oh, perfect. And while I'm busy, Hiccup can cover the stall. Molten iron, razor sharp blades, lots of time to himself... what could possibly go wrong", Gobber answers sarcastically,
Stoick sits down with a sigh, "what am I going to do with him",
"Well stoick I've already suggested replacing him as heir for my son" Spitelout dropped in "but you seem to think Hiccup can redeem himself. I do ask this however how many more times need the village suffer for that boys failures", Stoick was about to retort when the voice of Valdemar Hofferson spoke up, having stayed to learn about counsel business,
"Snotlout couldn't rule over a dead cat, let alone a village, but there are other... alternatives", as he finished his father turned to him angry, "you are here to learn not pass insults, do you understand me!", "yes father, my apologies, Cheif, Spitelout" replied Valdemar respectfully, though somehow he still managed to make it sound mocking.
"Put him in training with the others" Gobber finally spoke, most of the counsel scoffed, "no, I'm serious" Stoick adds looking at Gobber,
"So am I", Stoick looks at him unimpressed, "he'll be killed before you let the first dragon out of its cage",
"You don't know that", "I do know that, actually", "no you don't", "no, actually I do",
"No you don't!"
"Listen! You know as well as I, that from the time he could crawl he's been... different, he doesn't listen, he has the attention span of a sparrow. I take him fishing and he goes hunting for, for trolls."
"Trolls exist!", Gobber exclaimed defensively, "they steal your socks, but only the left ones. What's with that?", That drew slight sniggering from the group. Stoick let out a sigh and began
"When I was a boy..."
Grumbling comes from the counsel. This story again?
"Oh here we go", muttered Gobber.
"My father told me to bang my head against a rock and I did it. I thought it was crazy, but I didn't question him. And do you know what happened?"
"Broke a tooth?" Offered Spitelout, in annoyance,
"Got a headache", continued Gobber
"That rock split in two" answered Stoick with a glare, "it taught me what a Viking could do Gobber." He went on, "he could crush mountains, level forests, tame seas!", "even as a boy I knew what I was, what I had to become."
"But Hiccup... Hiccup is not that boy", suddenly Harold chipped in, "has he been tested for... magic?", Stoick looked away, it would just be one more problem, one more question of legitimacy if his son had... unnatural gifts, he couldn't afford it, even though every child was tested for magic by the age of five, he had always put it off in favour of trying to get Hiccup to bulk up and the fear he might have it. The main problem with magic, was that those with powers could easily abuse them, like bringing disease to a fellow tribe or bringing about poor weather, that was of course if they were powerful. But there was also a taboo around male magic users, while uncommon in women especially in any meaningful strength, it is extremely rare trait in men, because of that magic was always seen as a woman's tool, like gothi the elder and healer, any male who could weald magic would be heavily encouraged not use it at best and would be seen as the lowest in the tribe. Some tribes killed male magic users, though berk had ended such practices, if Hiccup had magic he would never be able to prove to the tribe he was worthy of being chief
Women magic users were healers or witches, application of magic on the battlefield was seen as dishonourable. One more thing about male magic users was that there powers are commonly greater, and being all but kicked out of a village can eventually lead to the return of the now powerful vengeful warlock, who will ether rule over the tribe as a cruel tyrant or wipe the clan out altogether.
"No, and I won't do it", Stoick stated firmly before Spitelout spoke up, "Stoick we need that boy tested, it won't do for berks future chief to have such unnatural abilities".
Stoick looked at him angry now, "is that a threat Spitelout?", Spitelout backed up "no, but with his track record so far, it would only damn him beyond redemption in the eyes of the village. If my boy had magic, I would make sure to beat it out of him to be a man", "a lad like Hiccup, he might become vengeful and dangerous".
"Alright Jorgenson you've made your point", Harold cut in with annoyance. Then Gobber spoke up again,
"Bottom line is Stoick, you can't stop him, you can only prepare him. Look I know it seems hopeless. But the hard truth is that you won't always be around the to protect him. He's going to get out there again. Heck, I bet my right hand he's out there now"
Stoick thought for a long moment, "ok I'll give him the dragon training he desires, and gothi, I will have you come over tonight and perform the test", she inclined her head.
In the forest
For the 16 time Hiccup opened up his eyes with the hope of finding the nightfury, only there to be nothing, he scratches another X before scribbling over the pages of his notebook in frustration. What a pain,
"Ugh, the gods hate me. Some people lose a knife or a mug, but me? no. No I manage to lose an entire dragon!" He hits a low branch in anger, which promptly whacks him in the face,
"Agh!", he looks up and realises that the tree has been split, like a large object came... crashing threw it. Oh please let it be so, let me have some luck this day
He continued onward across the trench, and sees it. He ducks down quickly drawing his dagger, before peering up at it, tangled in the bola. It look, incredible and unlike what he thought it would be, actually he thought it would look horrifying, but it was rather, humble.
He walked close his excitement growing, "Oh wow. I did it. I did it. This fixes everything.", he couldn't believe it he would return to the village a hero, his father would finally recognise him as worthy. The other teens would treat him with some respect at last, perhaps even Astrid would notice him.
"Yes!" He exclaims in excitement, striking a pose on it, "I have brought down this mighty beast"
It shifts suddenly, "whoa", Hiccup jumps back in terror, holding the dagger in front of him. Shaken, he steps back towards it ready to strike. He looks at it's head and feels rather small, looking into its deep, cold green eyes. He can't stop himself staring into them.
Steeling himself finally, pushing his fear aside, he tries to look more intimidating before saying...
"I'm going to kill you, dragon. I'm gonna, I'm gonna cut out your heart and take it to my father. I'm a Viking. I am a VIKING!"
He raises the dagger above his head ready to deal the death blow, why can't do, he only hears the laboured breathing and he looks once more into those eyes, he tries again ready to become a Viking, to be excepted, I mean they've killed so many of us, he should hate it.
The nightfury lets out a resigned moan, and lowers its head. Hiccup holds the dagger aloft... fighting himself... until he lowers the dagger. He can't do, he just can't do it, he drops to his knees. The guilt he feels already was almost overwhelming, how could he kill a defenceless creature.
"I did this", he muttered, his voice weak with remorse. He gets up and turns to leave, then glances back, he can't just leave it to die, that would be worse, get his father? No he'd still feel the guilt. He knew what he must do. He rushed over and began hacking at the ropes, This would be fine he would free it and run. As he cuts the last rope... it all happens so fast. One moment he's about to leave the next, he is on his back pressed against a rock with an irate dragon bearing down on him. He is paralysed with fear, so this is how it would end him, looking into those deep green eyes. It draws back ready to strike when, an ear-piercing scream escapes it's jaws before it flies off clumsily.
Gasping for breath he didn't know he was holding, Hiccup staggered to his feet makes two steps, before collapsing into unconsciousness.
At Haddock part of hall
Hiccup entered the living room quite late, well dining room, only used by members of the house or when inviting others in. It was quite a large room with a hearth burning at the side, a large chair, stupidly high ceiling, and a large dining table with ten chairs. And in the room, his father and gothi of all people were sitting at the end,
"Hiccup", Stoick notices his entry. "Dad uh... I, uh... I have to talk to you." He looks at gothi "alone", Stoick considers "I need to speak with you too, son. I'm afraid gothi must stay". Fine whatever it's not like he'd go through his whole life with people finding out eventually. Ok
"I've decided I don't want to I think it's time you learn fight dragons. To fight dragons."
"What?" They both utter to each other. Gothi hit her own head with her staff in frustration.
"You go first." Stoick says, "no, you go first", Hiccup returns. Stoick nods and begins "alright. You get your wish. Dragon training. You start in the morning.", Hiccup's eyes widened, he would have given anything for this mere hours ago, but that encounter had firmly shown him he was incapable of killing dragons, well at least not defenceless, subdued ones.
"Oh man, I should have gone first. Uh, cause I was, thinking, we you know a surplus of dragon fighting Vikings. But do we have enough bread making Vikings or small home repair Vikings". But if Stoick had even heard what he just said he gave no indication as he continued, "you'll need this", he hands Hiccup a sword. Hiccup attempts again uneasy, "I don't want to fight dragons.", Stoick doesn't quite understand, what was he talking about, "come on. Yes, you do", chuckling slightly at what he thinks is a joke.
"Ok. Dad rephrase. I can't kill dragons" Hiccup speaks as clearly as possible. "But you will kill dragons", Stoick returns. "No, I'm really very extra sure that I won't". "It's time Hiccup" Stoick says seriously, getting bored with the joke, "can you not hear me?", Hiccup exclaims in exasperation.
"This is serious son!", now quite irritated, "When you carry this axe... you carry all of us with you. Which means you walk like us. You talk like us. And you think like us. No more of... this", he gestures generally at Hiccup. "You just gestured to all of me" Hiccup said, irritated himself now.
"Deal?", his dad presents a question, though it is not of course a question. "This conversation is feeling very one sided", states Hiccup in resignation. "DEAL?!" He adds more firmly. Well he was never going win. "Deal", replies Hiccup quite apathetic at this point, "good. Train hard. I'll be back probably", "and I'll be here. Maybe", Stoick gets up to leave before being prodded by gothi. "Oh right, um Hiccup. Gothi will be having you perform an important test now", test? What test was this thought Hiccup slightly scared now, "uh, w-what sort of test", asks Hiccup not quite keeping the fear from his voice. "Don't worry son, all of the teens have gone through it", Stoick spoke surprisingly gently. "The test is simple" he continues as gothi pulls out a candle. Hiccup is lost, what kind test?, "you are required to light this candle without any form of tool". Hiccup thought for a moment trying to figure out how he could possibly do that then said, "is this a magic test?", Stoicks eyes widened slightly "how did you-", "it wasn't to difficult to work out, I have read into it a little... I've never been able to do or try anything like it though" he adds quickly seeing his father with a mix of panic anger. Which calms him a bit. "Right, well try and light the candle".
Hiccup looks at the candle, how was this going to work, this situation as he had read depended on the test subject not knowing they might have magic, or that it's bad to have magic at all, in the case of a bloke, so they would try their hardest. Would this be a fare test, the absolute last thing he needed was such abilities, his standing in the village was already low.
He made his decision, he wouldn't try. We wouldn't risk it, it's not like he'd secretly start learning spells anyway. Yes it was safer, especially for him to let them all live in ignorance of powers, that even if he had he would never use.
"Ok" he looked at the candle and looked his best like he was contraiting, nothing happened of course.
Gothi cocked her head wondering if he was really trying, then decided to except it. Taking the candle away, Stoick let out a huge sigh of relief. "Good, if you did have such powers you would likely never become chief." Stoick got up with his basket and left. For a couple of minutes they sit in silence.
Hiccup looked as gothi brought out the candle again, and gestured at it, "I tried already", he attempts, but she merely shakes her head and... speaks? "You are afraid", her voice was husky, dry from lack of use. wait, what, "you can talk?", the old lady nods, "then why?", but she cuts him off, "I possess powers as you should know, but as the villages healer and a women, it is excepted, I have great importance. However for a magic user like myself. Words alone are power. Therefore I am forbidden on pain of exile or death from speaking." Hiccup was surprised "but the village wouldn't function without you", this made her laugh a little "there are others who can take up my mantle, I've made sure of that". Hiccup thought for a moment before realising something, "so you trust me not to tell the others". She nodded then spoke again, "and in return you will attempt to light the candle. This candle has an enchantment on it, if it were an ordinary candle, magic or not, you would unlikely be capable of light it".
Hiccup thought for a moment, "alright", he focused on the candle trying to imagine, to will a flame there.
Gothi let him try for a moment before deciding he had no magic. She was about to take it away when... the tip burst into flames, not a soft flickering yellow fire like normal, but a terrible burning red which engulfed and melted the candle in seconds before gothi dispelled it,
That, was unexpected, his magic was, extremely powerful. She had hoped that even if he did have magic it would be there secret, both would have mutual protection against the other the other. But this, it was too strong to just keep it a secret. Without training it would manifest by accident simply from an accidental act of will alone, in fact even without a focus artefact he could become incredible powerful, gods forbid if he did make one.
Ok she would have to teach him basic control at least. Hiccup was in shock and then terror gripped him,"Oh gods, Oh gods. What am I going to do? Please, don't tell-" she cut him off placing a hand on his shoulder, a serious look on her face. "I will teach you control, to make sure your magic doesn't just act without you meaning it to.", she pauses for a bit "but in return you must never try and actively use your powers, not in any situation. Even in life and death, even to save a loved one" Hiccup looked up at that, would he be able too? If nothing else he would try. "I will attempt to follow those instructions to the best of my abilities". Gothi looked at him, then inclined her head.
"Now get some sleep, you will need it for dragon training", Hiccup nods weakly still a little in shock, "what if it acts in dragon training?", she thinks for a moment before getting up, "you should not worry, it won't help the situation. As for daily life, it shouldn't become a problem for at least another year".
Hiccup nodded only a little mollified and went on to bed.
So I've introduced the magic element, I'm hoping for this to become a blessing and a curse for him, which is why I add the heavy stigmatism to my magic users. As stated they aren't nearly as common as women, are always much stronger. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the first was a magic user if you hadn't already guessed.