Chapter 3: The Battle
After entering the though the small hole Hiccup found himself inside a large cavern. Squinting his eyes in the darkness he tried his hardest to locate Dagur. Stepping back near the entrance and placing his free hand on the wall he began to walk around the perimeter of the cavern. He slowly felt his way along the wall while keeping his eyes on the darkness that encompassed most of the room. After feeling his way along what must have been 50 feet of wall he suddenly found an opening to a tunnel running deeper into the mountain. Taking a look behind him one last time he looked to the little light coming from the hole he had entered. Turning his gaze forward he pressed on with his free hand on the wall to keep him steady.
The tunnel Hiccup was walking though was very narrow. His dad would definitely never be able to make his way through it. Dagur probably had to make his way through by shuffling sideways. Hiccup wasn't as broad though so he had a pretty simple time going through the tunnel. The tunnel luckily didn't split so all he had to do was keep walking. Then slowly he stared to notice that the tunnel started to shift upward. He also noticed at the top of the slope there was a faint source of light. Advancing slowly and listening intently for any signs of Dagur he continued to make his way up the slope toward the light. Finally reaching the top of the slope he was shocked to find himself in a gigantic cavern. The whole thing was covered in blue light that allowed him to see everything. He looked to see the source of light and noticed there were giant blue crystals all over the caver that seemed to glowing and emanating the blue light. Scanning the room once more he suddenly became aware of a human shape standing at least 50 feet away.
Focusing he saw that it was Dagur. He had his back to him and seemed to be standing on what appeared to be the edge of cliff who knows high. Dagur seemed relaxed as he just stood there. His arms were crossed behind his back and he appeared to just be staring out into the distance in front of him like how a man watches the sunset.
Throwing the now unnecessary torch to the side Hiccup began to advance. Never taking his eyes off Dagur he walked forward and stopped at what must have been 20 feet from Dagur. Dagur didn't acknowledge him. Either he was unaware that Hiccup was there (which was unlikely given Hiccup's creaking metal foot) or he was simply ignoring him.
Clearing his throat to grab his attention Dagur turned his head slightly in Hiccup's direction. "It's over Dagur. There's nowhere to run and you can't hide from me," Hiccup paused waiting for Dagur to respond. When he received no response he continued. "Just give up Dagur. End this pointless war and let our tribes be at peace."
Dagur continued to remain silent before turning his head back into the direction of the cliff. Then slowly Dagur's shoulders began to shake before he let out his trademark laugh. After calming himself he slowly turned to Hiccup and with a sneer said, "Peace Hiccup? Really? This all started because of you. If you—"
Hiccup interrupted him with a shout, "If I? Dagur YOU'RE the one who declared war. And for what? Just to get my dragon?" He screamed and pointed at Dagur indignantly.
"If you had just handed over your dragon none of this would have happened! I would have left Berk alone…You don't deserve a kind of power like that you pathetic excuse of a Viking." Dagur spat vehemently.
Hiccup glared at Dagur though his helmet. He took a breath to try control the swell of anger that was rising up within him. "Toothless isn't a weapon Dagur. He's my friend. My companion. I couldn't just hand him over like an old battle-axe," Hiccup replied calmly.
"You mean you wouldn't Dagur," Dagur spat.
"Well that too of course. I wouldn't hand my worst enemy over to someone like you," Hiccup replied sarcastically. "Besides we both know you would have still come after Berk. You're Deranged Dagur, it's in your name ya know."
"So what now then Hiccup? Are you gonna capture me yourself?" Dagur asked with a smirk.
"Whatever it takes. Even if I have to knock you out and drag you back to Berk."
"Oh really? I didn't take you for the type for violence Hiccup. Didn't even know you knew how to fight," Dagur said in amusement raising an eyebrow.
Hiccup rolled his shoulders and removed his Gronckle iron shield from his back and placing it on his right arm. Then with his left hand he reach and drew his sword strapped to his right side. "Well when you work with fire breathing dragons and date Astrid Hofferson, both which can kill you, you tend to learn a couple of things," Hiccup said matter of factly. Over the years Hiccup had developed a unique style of fighting from working with dragons. He smiled lightly underneath his helmet at the memories of the hours he spent training over the years with Astrid to improve his combat skills and refine his unique style.
"Oh? Well let's see what you've learned then little Hiccup," Dagur said with an evil smile as he reached behind his back and grabbed his battle-axe with his right hand and his sword with his left hand.
Hiccup prepared himself. He crouched slightly and took a deep breath before he raised his shield in front him. Then he brought his sword up and rested it lightly on the shield.
Dagur lowered himself and secured his grip on his weapons. This was his chance. He could finally kill Hiccup. The Night Fury couldn't save him. Even if he was captured he could live with the satisfaction of having finally destroyed the thing he hated most.
Hiccup and Dagur both glared at each other as they waited for the other to make the first move. Hiccup was patient and he wanted Dagur to strike first. Dagur having no patience at all obliged him. With a war cry Dagur charged Hiccup with his weapons at the ready and quickly closed the distance between them ready to cut him down.
When he was within striking distance he brought his battle axe down upon Hiccup's head. Reacting quickly Hiccup raised his sword and blocked the axe. Seeing his attacked stopped Dagur swung his sword toward Hiccup. Hiccup predicted this action and moved his shield to stop the blade. The blade struck the shield with a loud metallic clang that shook his arm but Hiccup stood firm. Their weapons raised Dagur and Hiccup glared at each other. Dagur attempted to use his superior strength to push his weapons down and bring Hiccup to his knees. Hiccup knowing he would lose in a battle of pure strength brought his knee into Dagur's stomach.
Having the wind knocked out of him Dagur stumbled back a few steps to catch his breath. Hiccup capitalized on the opportunity and advanced on Dagur and with a counter clockwise spin to build up momentum bashed his shield on against the side of Dagur's face. The move cause Dagur to stumble and nearly fall over. His vision blurred and he tasted blood in his mouth. She shook his head in an attempt to clear his vision and refocused on Hiccup who awaited his next attack. Anger coursed through Dagur and he charged wildly at Hiccup swinging his weapons in a mad attempt to kill him. Hiccup dodged and evaded every strike by side stepping and spinning out of the way and trying to get behind Dagur. Hiccup's unique style of fighting was based on the principles of doge and evade. It was a more defensive style in which he would tire out his opponents first and stay in their blind spot before delivering the finishing blow. This style was suited to Hiccup since Hiccup wasn't as strong as most Viking but possessed a great amount of stamina and endurance.
Sidestepping a lunge from Dagur, Hiccup struck out with his sword and slashed Dagur across his face. Recoiling back Dagur stared wide eyed at Hiccup before slowly bringing his hand up to his face. Using two fingers Dagur wiped at the blood leaking from the small cut and examined it. Dagur couldn't believe it. He was fighting Hiccup and losing. Dagur figured that the knee to the stomach was a lucky shot. So was the shield backhand to the face, just another lucky shot. But no, Hiccup was beating him. Dagur grit his teeth together in anger and glared coldly at Hiccup.
Hiccup smirked at Dagur's shocked look at the cut he made on his face. Dagur's anger was getting the better of him. This was Hiccup's plan. The angrier Dagur became the sloppier he would get. Hiccup just had to keep irking him. Deciding to poke the beast Hiccup said as cheekily as he could, "Hey Dagur looks like you got a little something on your face there."
With an angry yell Dagur charged Hiccup and swung his axe down in a vertical arc with the intent to cleave Hiccup in two like wooden log. Hiccup crouched low and stepped left while cocking back his shield arm. The axe came down on the empty space where Hiccup was a moment before and wedged itself into a crack in the cave floor. Before Dagur could pull it out Hiccup swung his shield arm up and right into the underside of Dagur's chin with all his strength. The force of his uppercut lifted Dagur off the ground and sent him flying back a few feet away. Sprawled on his back Dagur's head was ringing and his vision had blurred so much he couldn't make out anything. Bringing his hands to his head he was surprised to find that he had lost his sword and his helmet had been knocked clear off his head. Finally clearing his head and his vision he looked to find the looming figure of Hiccup looming over him with his sword just a few inches from his face. Hiccup's glare was cold with his eyes narrowed and his body tense and ready to strike.
"It's over Dagur. You've lost." Hiccup said with finality.
Dagur recoiled and backpedaled from Hiccup's sword trying to find a way out this current position. "Hiccup wait! You're right you won…I'll surrender just no more," Dagur said as helplessly as he could.
Just as he expected Hiccup lowered his sword slightly and relaxed. Dagur then swept his legs out and knocked Hiccup off his feet. Taking advantage of Hiccup's surprise Dagur leapt up and threw himself on Hiccup. Hiccup manage to raise his shield over his body but Dagur was strong enough to grab his arms and pin them both under his knees. Then he tore Hiccup helmet off his head and tossed it to his right. Laughing maniacally he brought both his hands down on Hiccup's neck and started to clamp down. Intent on chocking the life out of Hiccup.
Hiccup mentally chastised himself for lowering his guard. This would have been so much easier if he could just kill Dagur but they needed him alive. Hiccup was helpless as Dagur began to choke him to death. He stared into Dagur face contorted into a sadistic smile of evil pleasure. Hiccup tried to formulate a plan but he need to at least free one of his arms. Slowly Hiccup began losing strength as his legs flailed about helplessly and then his vision began to tunnel. Then his chance came when a familiar roar could be heard echoing throughout the cavern. Toothless was closing in. He had found his way in and with his ability to navigate through caves with sound had located his rider.
Upon hearing the roar Dagur looked away from Hiccup in attempt to locate the origin of the noise. He loosened his grip on Hiccup's neck and forgot all about the fact that he was pinning Hiccup's weapons under his knees. Seeing his chance Hiccup wrenched his sword arm from under Dagur's knee and ignited it. The flame sword ablaze he pressed the flat of the blade on the side Dagur's face. Crying out in a blood curdling scream Dagur recoiled from Hiccup while clutching his face.
Hiccup gasped for air at his now free windpipe and brought his free hand up to rub his neck. Probably gonna leave a nasty bruise. He had no time to dwell on his neck however as Dagur was now up with his sword in hand. While stumbling back Dagur's foot had bumped into the hilt of his sword. Picking it up he prepared to finally end this battle.
Hiccup looked at Dagur who now had nasty burn mark running from his right ear down to his right cheek. Then Dagur raised his sword above his head and grasped the hilt with both hands. Seeing Dagur preparing to deliver the death blow Hiccup dropped his flaming sword and brought his shield to his chest. He quickly activated a switch on the underside of the shield and fired a bola at Dagur.
In surprise, Dagur took a step back when the bola fired at him. Finding himself ensnared by the bola Dagur continued to stumble back. What he failed to realize was that during the battle both boys had moved dangerously close to the edge of the cliff Dagur had been standing on when Hiccup had found him. With his arms entangled and unable to balance himself Dagur went over the edge and cried out in terror.
Hiccup could only watch in shock as Dagur lost his balance and teetered over the edge. Finally getting his body to respond he leapt onto his feet and ran to Dagur and reached out to grab him. "DAGUR NO!" Hiccup cried as his hand closed down on empty air. In horror he watched Dagur fall with a sheer look of terror on his face. When Dagur was only a few feet from the ground Hiccup closed his eyes and faced his head in another direction. Then he heard a sickening crunch moments later. Opening his eyes and gazing down at the ground below he saw Dagur's lifeless body.
Hiccup swallowed the bile as the realization of what had happened set in. He ran his hands though his hair and then grabbed it in fistfuls. "No," Hiccup whispered quietly. "This wasn't supposed to happen. We needed him alive." Hiccup tried to suppress his panic as he felt himself start to hyperventilate. "What have I done?"
On his hands and knees Hiccups panicked breathing continued. He tried in vain to calm himself down. He knew that it was an accident. He knew that Dagur would have killed him if he hadn't reacted. He knew all of this and yet none of it set his mind at ease. He had killed someone. He had killed the one person who was supposed to end the war without any more bloodshed. The realization of his failure washed over him and seemed to press down on his body.
Finally he was shaken from his panic by a concerned croon and nudge from his left. Looking over he saw Toothless looking at him concerned black orbs. Toothless nudged his face with his snout and crooned in concern once more. Hiccup threw his arms around his friend as he tried to regain control of his thoughts.
"I killed him bud…I failed," Hiccup whispered into the dragon's neck.
The dragon lowered himself as Hiccup continued to cling to him. He tried his best to comfort his friend and just waited. He didn't know the full extent of Hiccup's pain but he knew he would help him overcome it. And they would face it together.
Stoick surveyed the damage to the Berserker camp. Tents were burned beyond repair. Scorch mark covered the ground. The ships were all but unsailable and ablaze. He took a look at the Berserkers who had survived and were being held captive. They were on their knees with hand behind their heads while they were surrounded by several riders on their dragons. There were twenty of them. He heard that at least 10 had died during the attack. The survivors seemed mostly fine. There were slight burn marks and some bruises on their faces and arms but no major damage could be seen.
Checking on the riders and dragons he was relieved to see that they were all fine. None of them were injured and neither were their dragons. After taking a closer look he realized that one rider wasn't present. His son Hiccup. He then realized that Dagur was also not among the captured. Panic arose within him as he looked around before he spotted Astrid and hurried over to her.
"Astrid!" He said loudly to get her attention. She turned to him with a worried expression on her face. When he reached her he continued, "Where are Hiccup and Dagur? I don't see them."
"I don't know sir. Dagur made a run for it and Hiccup went after him. We've been circling the island in turns trying to find him but we keep coming up with nothing."
"Well find them. There's no way he could've escaped. They have to be here," Stoick said more sharply than he meant too.
Astrid nodded in understanding before running to Stomfly and mounting. Just as she was about to command Stormfly to fly Fishlegs yelled, "Look there; it's Hiccup," he said excitedly as he pointed to an approaching black figure in the sky. The sun was just starting to rise allowing them to see the Night Fury speeding toward them at a moderate speed.
Relief washed though both Stoick and Astrid as Toothless and Hiccup circled the camp twice before landing. He hurried over to his son and was shocked to find a dark bruise around Hiccup's neck. Additionally he noticed Hiccup's grim expression and picked up his pace slightly.
Finally reaching his son, Hiccup looked towards him and dismounted Toothless. "Son what happened?" Stoick said gesturing towards Hiccup neck. "And where's Dagur?"
Hiccup looked into his father's eyes before turning his gaze to the ground. Then he motioned toward a tarp that was lying across Toothless's back. After close inspection Stoick realized that the tarp was wrapped around a human shaped object. Stoick put the pieces together and turned back to his son for an explanation.
Keeping his gaze to the ground Hiccup took a shaky breath before speaking, "I followed Dagur into a cave alone. We fought and was about to kill me. I just reacted and got him with my bola from my shield and he went over the edge of a large drop."
Stoick could hear the regret in Hiccup's voice. Taking a life was never easy. He knew Hiccup was blaming himself for this. Placing and hand on Hiccup's shoulder he spoke to his son, "It's ok son. These things happen. It was you or him." He was trying his best to reassure his son and pulled him forward into a hug.
Hiccup's shoulders shook in his father's embrace. He felt Toothless nudge his hand sympathetically. He swallowed the lump in this throat and spoke in a shaky voice, "Dad…I failed."