A/N: Wow. You guys are AMAZING! By the way, if you guys have noticed, the chapter titles have all been single worded. However, I'm changing that just 'cause I find it easier and better to put a longer chapter title.
I've also noticed people sending me PM's about updating. I haven't been replying because I haven't been on Fanfiction for months! I've been really lazy lately, and I had no muse for updating my stories. As I'm writing this, school has just started up again. But nonetheless, I am updating. Thanks everyone! I hope my future updates make up for all the passed time.
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Summary: "How far are you willing to go to prove them wrong?" "As far as the Gods will let me." AU with twelve-year-old Hiccup the Useless, who is determined to prove the people of Berk wrong. Even if it means disappearing for six years and returning as a whole new person.
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CHAPTER SEVEN – A WARRIOR'S COURAGE
The next morning came quickly. Hiccup had returned to his dorm after planning with Vali, and then drifted off to sleep within a minute or two. They had both agreed to a single idea, and were about to act on it.
The morning was nice. The sky was clear, only a couple little clouds in the blue atmosphere. It was warm and sunny, even though it was still quite early. It was the perfect weather for Vali to make their announcement.
The Novice quickly dressed, knowing that if this plan worked, he was going to need some new armor. But for now, he settled for a white T-shirt, black gripping gloves, brown jeans, and a pair of black boots. As soon as he was finished dressing, he hurried out of the dorms.
Hiccup found himself heading to a large stage on the outer edge of the training clearing. A huge crowd of soldiers were already gathered there, waiting to hear Vali's announcement. The mentioned Commander was currently standing beside Olvir and Sola, discussing something that seemed important.
Hiccup carefully approached the three, not wanting to interrupt their conversation if it were that essential. However, once Vali spotted him, he was instantly waved over.
"There you are," Vali grinned. "I've just explained to Lieutenant Olvir the whole situation. However, it seems Miss Sola already knew about Toothless."
Hiccup chuckled. "Yeah, she was the first to find out."
Olvir then gave a small smile, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Well, I must say, I am very surprised," the man spoke up. "Of course, I never even imagined a world with tame dragons. But if Vali trusts you, I trust you just as much."
"Thanks," the twelve-year-old smiled gratefully.
Vali then glanced around, noticing just how much the crowd had grown. "Alright, seems to me everyone is here," he murmured. Hiccup turned to examine the humongous bystanders, shocked at how many there were. Plus, they all looked lean and fit. Not beefy and bulky like the Vikings he was used to on Berk.
"Novice Hiccup, you go ahead and go fetch Toothless like we planned. Lieutenants Olvir and Sola will be standing behind the stage, where you'll be. When I tell you, you and Toothless can come on out," Vali reminded.
"Got it," Hiccup replied confidently. He loved this feeling; the feeling of courage and fearlessness.
The boy turned and headed off to the cove, letting his mentor begin the announcement.
XXX
"For three-hundred years, man has shed blood from the vicious battles of dragon," Vali's voice boomed. Hiccup had just reached behind the stage, with Toothless listening intently. Sola and Olvir gave him a nod, before turning back to listening to their leader.
"But that ends today. War maidens and men, there's only so far the mind can wander… but a young boy has proven us all wrong. He crossed the boundaries no one has bothered crossing before. He did something that changes all of history. Today, history will be made! Because from this day forward, hundreds of lives, belonging to both dragon and man, will be saved!" Vali called loudly, voice gaining volume and intensity as his speech edged on.
"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the third is the name that will be printed out in all of our minds," Vali continued with a serious expression. Hiccup had never seen him so serious. "Because Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the third, is the one who did the unthinkable. War maidens and men, please welcome Toothless… our newest warrior."
Hiccup took a deep breath, before stepping out from behind the stage. Toothless crooned softly, soon following after him.
As soon as the warriors spotted the Night Fury, they either gasped, reached for their weapons, or blinked in shock… or all of the above. A couple confused shouts rang out, startling Hiccup. The Novice shook his head, refocusing his attention on his companion. Smiling gently, he led the way up the stairs of the stage. Toothless climbed up as well, behaving himself.
"This is Toothless," Vali explained with a chuckle as Toothless grinned gummily. "The fearsome Night Fury. Believe it or not, dragons are not vicious creatures. I discovered this myself yesterday, thanks to my amazing apprentice." Hiccup gave a thankful grin. "We've discovered why they raid humans.
"A monstrous dragon Queen, the size of this island, has been holding dragon lives hostage. Forcing the dragons to raid us for food, they must bring it back to their Queen. We have named this creature the Red Death."
In the crowd, Hiccup could spot Slayjin. The elder Novice looked beyond shocked, eyes trained steadily on Toothless. But once Slayjin noticed Hiccup's gaze, he redirected his attention to the auburn-haired boy.
Hiccup gave a nod to Slayjin. And to his utter surprise, the boy nodded back, as a way of saying 'I accept you.'
And that was all Hiccup cared about at that moment. Because Slayjin gave him a chance, just like Vali had. Slayjin was his best friend (next to Toothless) for all the times he had provided advice, training, and humor to cheer the Novice up.
"We will be preparing for war, Guardian troops!" Vali's voice disrupted his thoughts. Hiccup perked up, returning his gaze to his mentor. "I want all my top soldiers to come with Novice Haddock and me to locate your own dragons."
Maybe that wasn't the best thing to say, because a split second later, the crowd started a riot.
XXX
All was well. Vali had successfully convinced his soldiers of the good in dragons, along with Hiccup's help. Toothless was by his side the entire time, thankfully. The Novice wasn't willing to let Toothless roam too far. He still wasn't one-hundred percent sure if his fellow warriors would try to harm the Night Fury.
Slayjin had spewed out so many questions about dragons, Hiccup's mind whirled. Eventually, the other Novice managed to settle down, and greet Toothless. The black dragon actually forgave Slayjin fairly quickly, and took a liking to the muscular blond.
The blacksmiths had already measured all the warriors who had been approved to go to the battle. Then they were to craft the armor, which was made of a strong metal. Sure, it was heavy, but it was much better than risking serious injuries.
Hiccup hadn't directly asked Vali if he was participating, seeing as he assumed he was. After all, he was the one that had started all this commotion. Surely he would be fighting as well?
Vali knew they had to hurry, due to the Red Death's demands. It wouldn't be long before the next raid came. That would be a huge dilemma, since the soldiers didn't want to bring any harm to the dragons. And so, Vali spurred on the troops. He encouraged them to prepare for the battle as soon as possible, so that they could strike quickly.
And within two weeks, they were nearly ready.
The hardest part, in Vali's opinion, was deciding which soldiers would be participating. Of course Sola would come, but Vali had ordered Olvir to stay behind in case an enemy struck. Sola had chosen her party of warriors, and Olvir had chosen his. Though, Olvir's were mainly the less experienced ones.
And then came Hiccup and Slayjin. Olvir immediately protested at the idea of Slayjin going, but with Slayjin's outbursts of rage, he gave in. Olvir knew he was being unfair, but he simply didn't want to risk Slayjin's life. They hadn't even had time to prepare for the boy's Cadet ceremony!
Vali, meanwhile, struggled with the thought of Hiccup coming along. Of course it would be expected that the boy joined in, but what if he lost the Novice? What if he KILLED the twelve-year-old? His own so—no, APPRENTICE. But he knew, no matter what he did, Hiccup would not cave in.
"Fine," Vali had said. "Novice Hiccup Haddock, you are hereby approved to join the Battle of the Red Death."
He choked at the words, almost, when they came out. The poor boy was so young! How many twelve-year-olds had ACTUALLY gone to battle? And how many had actually SURVIVED? But Hiccup had Toothless. That Night Fury wouldn't dare let his rider get injured. And that's what had reassured the Commander.
The majority of the soldiers participating had already chosen their dragon companions. Sola had chosen a fiery, hotheaded Monstrous Nightmare, that she had named Monsula. She had amazingly red scales, with yellow eyes and black patterns. Her underbelly was a cream color, though. Monsula only seemed to obey her rider, and no one else.
Olvir had picked a male teal and dark blue Deadly Nadder, with vivid amber eyes. He had named the Nadder Traylin, after his deceased uncle. Traylin was pretty friendly and social, and loved to play. However, he knew when to be serious and alert.
Slayjin had, surprisingly, chosen a Whispering Death. The Whispering Death had no legs, and slithered instead of walked. It had sharp spines, with clouded red eyes. He had named the dragon Crimson, due to his unique red shade.
And lastly, Vali had chosen a beautiful Flightmare, named Starlit. She had vivid blue scales, with some features outlined in an even brighter blue. She was apprehensive around strangers, and sometimes hostile. However, when she started to grow fond, she was very loyal and friendly.
When the day of the battle came, Hiccup's anxiety was on overdrive. He had never even come close to a fight, minus a couple times when Snotlout tried urging him into an argument. Toothless could sense his rider's nerves, and did his best to calm the child.
The ginormous offense party was preparing for takeoff, saying goodbye to their loved ones. Hiccup glanced over at Slayjin, who was absentmindedly stroking his Whispering Death, Crimson. The boy looked thoughtful, as though pondering seriously over something.
Olvir suddenly came strolling up, Traylin, his Deadly Nadder companion, ambled behind him. His calm amber eyes examined the large view of armored warriors, curiosity sparked in its once-vicious orbs.
"Hello, Novices," Olvir spoke up, coming to a halt in front of Hiccup, Slayjin, and their dragons. The Lieutenant was decked in his own set of armor, in case of an attack on the island. His armor was thicker than most of the Novices', probably because Olvir could carry heavier objects.
"Hey, Lieutenant Olvir," Slayjin murmured.
"Just wanted to give you two a pep talk," Olvir smiled softly. "Don't let your nerves get to ya. The battle will be over before you know it. If you're having a hard time keeping up, do NOT get yourselves killed. Retreat to the backup forces and let the frontlines continue the fight."
Hiccup could not recall one time he had seen Olvir so serious. The twelve-year-old muttered a word of agreement, while Slayjin gave a simple dip of his head.
"I'm serious, Slayjin," Olvir pressed, noticing Slayjin's lack of response. "Don't get yourselves killed. When ya get home, Commander Vali and I have a surprise for you two."
Slayjin finally glanced up, exchanging an interested look with Hiccup. "Alright, we'll try our best," he teased.
Olvir visibly relaxed. "Good." The Lieutenant turned to Crimson, giving a respectful dip of his head to the scaly creature. "Take care of my apprentice, Crimson." The dragon trilled, as though reassuring the man. Olvir then turned to Toothless, giving yet another dip of his head. "You too, Toothless. Watch out for Hiccup."
Toothless warbled, lowering his head to the space between Hiccup's side and arm, pressing through. Hiccup chuckled lightly, lifting his arm to stroke the Night Fury's head.
"I'll see ya guys when ya get back, okay?" Olvir confirmed. "Stay safe."
And he left to rejoin the other defense forces.
XXX
Vali had given his pre-battle speech, as Slayjin dubbed it. The Commander's words got through to every one of the soldiers, encouraging their determination. When Vali had finished his speech, both man and dragon gave shouts of confirmation.
Everything was passing in a blur. Hiccup found himself boarding Toothless, while tugging at his uncomfortable armor. His foot slipped into the pedal, which controlled the tailfin. It slipped open with ease, thanks to the blacksmiths helping to perfect his invention.
The army flew in an almost unrealistic organized way. Vali was in the lead with Starlit, and Sola was right behind him with Monsula. Another soldier, which Hiccup recognized as Tarjan, was parallel to Sola and flying on his gray and lavender Nadder. The rest of the army flared out in a triangular shape, the more experienced warriors in the back. Hiccup and Toothless flew beside Slayjin and Crimson, in a few rows behind the lead.
Hiccup's fingers tightened around Toothless' saddle. His knuckles turned white from the force, and his anxiety spiked. He was worried for not only himself, but for everyone else. He had started all of this, so what if he killed them all? What if the Red Death came out victorious?
Slayjin had playfully guided Crimson to bump into Toothless, making the Night Fury huff. Hiccup perked up, realizing the blond was trying to distract him from his nerves. It worked, and they kept making silent funny faces at one another, as to not disturb the rest of the soldiers.
Hiccup inhaled shakily when Dragon Island came into view. He felt Toothless growl lowly, obviously harboring a grudge against what lied inside the volcano. The Novice pat his head comfortingly, not sure how else to calm the dragon. After all, he was struggling with his emotions just as much as his dragon was.
Vali and Starlit led the way to the pebbly shores of Dragon Island. The pair landed softly, and the rest of the army followed his movements. Sola and Tarjan landed on either side of Vali, and the rest of the huge group began landing as well.
Vali held up a hand to silence his soldiers. Complete quietness reigned over the area, only broken by the whistling of the wind. The Commander kept his palm raised, observing the mountain. Hiccup kept repeating the plan over and over in his head. Until finally, Vali's palm curled into a fist, and the battle began.
The battle plan was somewhat complicated. Phase One consisted of the burrowing dragons, mainly Whispering and Screaming Deaths, forcing their way through the mountain. And then the dragons with the hottest fire, mostly Nadders, would follow after to shoot at the Red Death in its hiding spot. They were trying to provoke the enormous beast.
Phase Two was for the agile and maneuverable dragons. They were to continue provoking and angering the Red Death by shooting. Then they would continue by trying to get the beast up into the air.
Phase Three began after that. The step was for the top flyers. Hiccup would, of course, be participating in this part. Phase Three began with the Red Death getting into the air, and then the fastest dragons would try to confuse it. Once they lured it high enough, they'd dive until the Red Death crashed into the ground.
Hiccup gave a nervous pat to Slayjin's shoulder. He would be participating in Phase One, with Crimson. The older Novice smiled reassuringly, and then soared after the other Whispering and Screaming Deaths.
The crunch of breaking rocks could be heard across the area while the Boulder Class dragons burrowed into the mountain. They easily created tunnels into the volcano, and Hiccup could only watch with a pounding heart as Slayjin and Crimson vanished through the dust.
A distinct Screaming Death roar rang out, signaling for the Deadly Nadders to begin their part. The spiked beauties hurried into the tunnels, already powering up their fire. The twelve year old held his breath worriedly, suddenly feeling lightheaded and faint.
Nothing could be heard for a few moments. The burrowing Boulder Class dragons had already done their part, and the Nadders had already entered the volcano. Now the rest of them had to wait for the Red Death to appear from its home.
The whole fleet of dragons tensed and whimpered as a frightening screech erupted from the mountain. Hiccup winced at the terrible noise, noticing it was so strong that it caused parts of the volcano to crumble. He couldn't pull his eyes away from the spot where Slayjin vanished, though. Why weren't the Phase One members returning yet?
Just as the question invaded his mind, the rumbling of an earthquake began sounding. The ground shook as one large, single crack began building from the bottom of the volcano. And then it spread, and grew, and strengthened until….
ROAAAAAAR!
The Red Death made its presence known with a petrifying roar. The crack in the volcano began splitting the thick rock in half, letting the soldiers know that the Titanwing was about to appear from the mountain.
An abrupt couple of warbles could be heard as a familiar herd of dragons came shooting out from the tunnels. Hiccup let out the biggest sigh of relief he ever had, staring intently at Crimson. Slayjin had his eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he examined the mountain, and then returned his gaze to his fellow soldiers.
"Phase Two!" Vali ordered loudly.
Hiccup watched in awe as the Phase Two fleet neatly flew up, waiting for the Red Death to show itself. The hoard of dragons fluttered their wings majestically, despite the panic every single one of them felt.
Gasps could be heard from each soldier as the Red Death's head bulldozed through the rock. It let out yet another enraged roar, then forced its way out of the volcano by pushing its paw against the inner mountain side.
ROOOOOAAAAAAR!
The Red Death swung its head angrily, sending boulders flying. It stomped through its hole in the volcano, and approached the ginormous group of soldiers and dragons. The size of the beast caused the ground to tremble, only spreading more fear throughout the army.
"Phase Two begin now!" Vali bellowed, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Monstrous Nightmares, Gronckles, Typhoomerangs, and even Boneknappers soared through the air. They quickly approached the Red Death, all charging up their firepower. The first few blows collided with the Red Death's scales, but did not weaken it. If anything, the only effect was the beast's heightened anger.
The Titanwing suddenly inhaled, and then exhaled a terrifying stream of fire. The flames engulfed a few dragons, making Hiccup gasp at the screams. He suddenly felt very sick as he watched the battle. The Red Death began swatting the dragons down, and stepping on some of the riders.
They were already losing.
The Red Death breathed fire once more, managing to set several riders and dragons aflame. The Novice cried out in horror as the riders fell off their dragons, or were burnt alive. Some were even stepped on by the monstrous reptile.
"I can't watch this!" Slayjin suddenly exclaimed. "I have to help!"
"Slayjin, no!" Hiccup protested. "You've already done your part."
"They're DYING, Hiccup!" Slayjin rounded on him. "I can't let them lose their lives while I sit on the sidelines and watch."
Crimson obeyed her rider's orders and suddenly took off into the air. Hiccup cursed under his breath, staring after the duo as they flew closer and closer to the rampaging Red Death.
"Ugh!" the twelve year old groaned. "C'mon, bud. We can't just sit here."
Toothless warbled in agreement, and shot off the gravelly ground. Hiccup vaguely heard Vali calling him back, but chose not to listen. He wasn't willing to watch innocent soldiers get killed by some giant reptile.
Toothless shot a single plasma blast at the Red Death's skull, fire grazing its eyes. The Titanwing roared in pain, snapping its head towards the Night Fury. But Toothless and Hiccup flew swiftly, shooting through the sky and even creating the signature Night Fury whistle.
Hiccup looked around wildly for anyone that needed help. He swallowed his vomit when he realized the only ones that could have used help were already dead. Then he swerved Toothless to the right, surprised to see one rider beginning to catch on fire.
"Hurry, Toothless!" Hiccup urged. They dived towards the man that was quickly catching aflame. The Novice cringed at the pained screams he made.
Toothless quickly snatched the soldier up, and then began surging towards the water. He carefully dropped the soldier in the ocean, and then once the flames were put out, he set him back on the shore. Hiccup exhaled a large breath of relief when he realized the man would be all right, minus a few severe burns.
Hiccup and Toothless continued saving the soldiers that had been caught in the Red Death's line of fire. They would repeat the same process. Grab the victim, put out the fire by dumping the soldier into the water, and then carefully returning them to the shore.
Hiccup knew they wouldn't be able to keep this up. What else could he do, though? He had no clue where Vali was, nor did he know where Slayjin and Sola were. How was he supposed to find them in this frenzy?
The rider and dragon flew magnificently, not a single mistake in the way Toothless' tailfin moved. Hiccup continued scouting out the area in search of his friends, but found no one he recognized well. He cursed under his breath, then let Toothless continue flying the injured soldiers away from the battle.
"Hiccup!" someone shouted. The boy in question perked up, quickly swerving to the left and looking for the one who called his name.
It was Sola who called his name from the ground. Her usual wavy blonde hair was now singed at the tips, most likely from a few flames. Her eyes were wide, and she looked out of breath. Her dragon was nowhere in sight, and the woman looked on the verge of passing out from hyperventilation. Sweat dripped down her forehead, but did not seem to cool her off by much.
"Sola?" Hiccup asked. Toothless swiftly landed on the ground while his rider slipped off and raced towards the Lieutenant.
Sola was gasping for air, looking as though she had just run a mile. As far as Hiccup knew, she probably did.
"Hiccup, it's Crimson," Sola panted. "She's really hurt, and Slayjin might be injured. I didn't get a good look at him before I came running after you."
Hiccup nodded, quickly hopping back onto Toothless. His heart skipped a beat at the thought of Slayjin and Crimson being wounded. Surely Slayjin was all right? And maybe Sola was exaggerating?
"C'mon," the Novice called. The Lieutenant climbed onto the Night Fury, sitting behind Hiccup and wrapping her arms around his waist. The boy felt a slight tingle, but ignored it for now.
"Where are they?" Hiccup asked as they shot into the sky. Toothless began glancing around, most likely to be aware of when to dodge the Red Death's attacks.
"Over there," Sola replied, pointing towards a jutting rock from the mountainside. It was still quite far, and Hiccup had no clue how Sola managed to run after him. Shaking the thoughts away, though, the twelve year old shifted his foot and Toothless' tailfin opened wider. The Night Fury surged forward, flapping his wings harshly to gain speed.
The three spotted Tarjan and his gray-lavender Nadder. The warrior was currently guarding two crumpled figures on the ground, just in case anything came flying at them.
The moment they landed, Hiccup slipped off Toothless and pelted towards the two limp figures. He paid no mind to the battle raging on behind him. He focused directly on the red Whispering Death, looking more crimson than before. And then there was the blond Novice, groaning quietly and clenching his eyes shut.
"Slayjin!" Hiccup gasped. He kneeled down beside the older boy, carefully maneuvering Slayjin over on his back. The dragon rider choked on his own breath at the sight of Slayjin's body. His hair was an unhealthy black-gray shade from the fire, and he had bruises littering whatever skin was exposed. His right wrist was bent at a disturbing angle, and there was blood seeping through his clothes and under his armor.
Hiccup couldn't help himself anymore. He quickly ducked away from the others, leaned over the gravelly ground, and vomited. He choked out whatever he had in him, unused to such a sight. He hated this; the sight of battle. The screams, the blood, the pain, the worry. It was too much. How do soldiers DO this?
When he finished, he scurried back to Slayjin and lifted his armor off. "No!" Sola stopped him.
"Why?" Hiccup asked. "We need to heal him!"
"Hiccup, he's…."
Out of nowhere, a familiar vivid blue Flightmare came racing over. Vali crouched beside Hiccup, Sola, and Slayjin. He sighed quietly, inspecting Slayjin's body.
"Vali, what… is he…?" Hiccup stammered. He couldn't even form words. What would happen now? Slayjin was obviously really hurt. A badly broken wrist, bruises, slightly burnt skin, and some kind of wound under his armor that was making him bleed out.
Vali cursed, quickly slipping off Slayjin's armored helmet. He unlatched the boy's armor surrounding his torso, frowning in disappointment when he realized there were two ginormous claw marks on his chest and stomach.
"He won't make it," Vali whispered. Turning to Hiccup's horrified face, he murmured, "I'm sorry, Hiccup."
"But… he's still alive, right?" Hiccup queried. "We can still save him!"
"Yes, but…."
An abrupt groan came from Slayjin's mangled form. Hiccup quickly leaned over him, meeting his gaze. "Slayjin?" the Novice asked concernedly.
"Olvir?" the boy whispered. "Olvir, I didn't—" His words began slurring together, no longer intelligible. None of them could make out what he was saying. The only thing Hiccup could distinguish was "cadet."
"Novice Slayjin," Vali called to him. "Slayjin, can you hear me?" Slayjin gave a barely noticeable dip of his head. "Okay good. I have a present for you, Slayjin." The blond boy grunted softly, staring up at Vali's brown eyes.
"Commander?" he whispered.
"Yes, Slayjin," Vali murmured. "Did Olvir tell you about us having a surprise for you?" Slayjin hummed almost inaudibly. "Well, here it is." Vali nodded to Sola, who seemed to understand the secret message.
"Gratias ago tibi, mi frater…." Vali began in a language Hiccup did not understand.
"Thank you, my brother," Sola translated.
"Nam circa repugnantem meus et fratres, et sorores…." Vali resumed to Hiccup's awe.
"For fighting alongside my brothers and sisters," Sola repeated.
"Bellum gerere, in novitate vitae ambulemus…." Hiccup noticed how Slayjin was watching them with hazy eyes, looking content and happy.
"To wage a war, upon a new life."
"Ego Slayjin Novitius ad promotionem…." Vali spoke the language fluently, and Hiccup wondered why he had never heard of it around the base before.
"I give Novice Slayjin the promotion," Sola continued translating.
"Infans est fortis…."
"Once a child is strong…."
"Novitius evanuit, loco et quasi bellator…."
"Novice disappeared, and replaced with a warrior," Sola murmured, a sad smile on her face as she noticed Slayjin's look of surprise and happiness.
"Factam fortis fidosque sibi victimam…."
"Made a warrior because of his bravery and sacrifice…."
"Slayjin bellator creavit…."
"Warrior Slayjin is created…."
Vali and Sola went silent for a moment, exchanging discreet glances for a moment. Until finally, Vali continued.
"Valhalla requiem fratrem meum," Vali sighed.
Sola swallowed thickly. "Rest in Valhalla, my brother."
Hiccup heard nothing in that moment. Not the screams in the background, not the growls and the roars of the dragons, not even the snarling of the Red Death. He focused on nothing but Sola and Vali's voices as they spoke directly to Slayjin.
The Novice—no, the WARRIOR, looked beyond satisfied now. The tips of his mouth slid up, forming a little smile. His eyes no longer met his friends', though. The blue began dulling, and the life began vanishing. Hiccup's breathing stopped, and his heartbeat came to a halt when he realized what was happening.
"Goodbye, Soldier Slayjin."
And the newly-made warrior let out his last breath, the light leaving his eyes for the last time.
XXX
A/N: I really have nothing to say for this. I expected it to be more emotional when I warned you guys, but it's not as sad and cry-worthy as I was hoping. Sorry if only a couple of you cried xD And excuse me if I left out any review replies. I've gotten A LOT since the last chapter.
To all the guests: Sorry I can't point all of you out! But thanks SO MUCH for the reviews! If you want a direct reply, put a unique name instead of guest. Like fire ball or whatever xD
Crystallion12: Here it isssss! :D
Nagajewel: Thanks, I hope this one lives up to your expectations c:
dragonprincess3: haha, thanks! I doubt your pillow would be needed. I didn't do too well on the emotional bits x.x
Deathjest: Thank you so much! :D Yeah, understanding Vali is awesome. Stoick is going to be so jealous haha. I like your idea, but Hiccup won't go as far as near-death. I also don't want Berk to be afraid of him (or at least not for the most part) so that won't happen. But I really like the part where someone triggers a violent reaction from him. It'll probably be Snotlout, knowing him. xD And if you made a story about Hiccup coming close to killing someone, I'd definitely read it lol.
Transformers 0: Bro, you're like my favorite reviewer haha. Thank you so much! I love the compliments –eats them all up— I want a dragon so badly. He could scare away the neighborhood kids that annoy me so much! :D
Porcupain: Thanks! :D
The Dragon Master24405: Thank you! And I'm not sure. I don't like Hiccstrid, that's for sure. I have no clue why I don't like it canon either, lol. But anyways, I'm not sure about Sola because lots of people have made a point about her age.
mc arno: Thank you! Thanks for the French. It makes the day fun haha.
Thearizona: Thanks! And yeah, the dragons definitely play a big part for the army from this point forward. (:
UncleJoe56: You're welcome! That's actually a great idea for a ship. If it were a family member of Vali, he'd probably get all mother hen over him/her and be warning Hiccup to stay away haha. Thanks!
FabinaForever11: Thank you c:
NightsAnger: Thank you! Yeah, things might be a little rushed here. But a lot will be happening, so there'll still be a lot of plot to fill up the time skips. Thanks for your opinion! :D
Spirit Of The Black Wolf: Haha, thanks. As for time skips, there will be some eventually. For now, Hiccup has to cope with adjusting (this chapter, for example) and growing. A lot will happen with Hiccup's time in the army, so it'll be more than two chapters. I can't make a guess of exactly how many, though.
That guest: Thank you! :D
Winter: Thank you for the review :D I'm updating, don't worry. I had to do some personal stuff though. I've returned with more!
Silver Wind 02: Hmm… you shall see by now, young grasshopper….
Myrkur: The next update is right about now xD Thanks!
PhantomWorks- Stories division: Thank you for such a long opinion! I totally agree with everything you've written. In canon, I can understand Hiccup's crush. But in this story, and ones similar to it, I definitely don't see how he would stick to a simple crush after six years. He'll most likely be with an OC. I've been suggested a few times to wait for the story to grow, and then finally add some romance. Eh, we'll see how it goes xD Thanks again!
Whovianeverlark17: haha, thank you!
OechsnerC: Here's the update c:
LordTroy: I'm sure I will have one at a point in the story, but I'm not sure of who. Most likely Hiccup x OC.
Faridah118bookworm: Wow, okay. Thank you so much! It's really nice to be told stuff like this. I'm definitely not the writer of HTTYD (lol no one can top Cressida Cowell in dragon stories) but it sure does feel good to be told I come off as her. Haha, thanks again!
AkaDeca: Thank you! I'm determined to finish this story. It may take a while, but I WILL finish it. (:
Lycropanthy: Thanks, I'm glad you like it! C:
Karate Koala: Your name is perfect. And thank you so much for your opinion! I do agree with how the romance should have some action and conflict, but picturing it with Hiccstrid in this universe doesn't feel right. I'm leaning towards an OC with Hiccup, mainly because of Astrid's behavior to Hiccup. Plus, it'll be six years until he sees her again. A young twelve-year-old crush wouldn't last that long. I suppose he could regain that crush if he sees her again after those years, but I'm preferring him to already have a relationship of some sort when he returns to Berk.
TheFriendlyStake: Thanks for the long opinion :D when I add the pairing that is getting so many opinions on, it won't be the center of the story. Maybe one chapter at the ultimate, with Hiccup getting the OC or Astrid's attention and finally asking him/her out. And if it happens, there'll be fluffy bits and pieces c: And oh yes, we must have Stoick feeling jelly xD
crazyone-oh-one: Thanks! I agree with the Sola and Hiccup opinion. Sola is definitely similar to Astrid, but she's more cool-tempered and joking. Plus, in this chapter, she's revealed to have a tough yet soft side.
Ghost Dragon Master: Yup, I'm updating! :D Here it is!
Fierrokc: You need to read this, so I can write this. Wait, did that even make sense?
Jinxgirl6000: Thanks for your input! I don't know much about Camicazi if I'm being honest here. I'd consider adding her if I knew about her personality and such. All I know is that she's beautiful, blonde, and has a tooth gap I think? Haha, I could definitely use some more information. And thanks again!
Teacup Unicorn: Thank you! I never thought of it as in-character haha. It's nice that you're enjoying the story, but I apologize you're hooked XD You won't be able to live without it muahahaha.
ButterfliesOfInk: Wow, thanks! I know I haven't updated in a while. Here's a nice surprise for you then c: I'm going to try updating more.
ivan0061509: Thank you! I'm leaning towards Hiccup x Sola.
Rage: Wow, thanks! Yeah, Hiccup will have good strength, but I wouldn't say the best. He'll get a lot of detail later haha.
Checkingdude: Prepare the orchestra!
The dragon1010: Thanks! And did you mean have Hiccup being able to shoot bow and arrows while on Toothless' back? I was actually considering that later in the story xD There will also be a cool invention you'll see eventually….
Thanks everyone! Thank you SO MUCH. Gah, this is amazing! See ya guys in the next chapter!
