Ghosts

Hiccup wiggled his hands, testing the ropes binding his hands. They were firm and tight. No escaping that way. He tugged the ropes again, knowing it would be impossible to break the dragon proof structure he was roped to. He watched as hunters prepared more cages, sending them into the forest. His metal foot brushed against the charred earth, remnants of Nightwhisper's attempts to free him, before getting shot down by the dragon root arrows. Toothless was with Nightwhisper, and the other dragons in the forest. Hiccup needed to get the night fury and skrill back before they were traded. But first, he needed to get free. He continued trying to work his hands, all the while thinking about the boy he'd seen. It was like looking at a younger version of him. With a few changes of course. But still… they were so similar.

Hiccup had recognized something in the boy's eyes as well. He'd gotten just a glimpse. But he knew that look anywhere. He'd had it for most of his life. The look of a broken heart. Not even the best actor could keep it out of his gaze. He needed to talk to the boy, then maybe, he could get some answers.


Erik had barely made it away from Hiccup without showing his shock. He'd never seen the dragon rider up close before, and hadn't noticed the striking resemblance. He told himself that it was just a coincidence. That they just happened to look similar. But, there was something lingering, like a fishbone stuck in his throat. His mother had told him he was an only child. But sometimes she had slipped. She would say "boys" rather than "boy." There was no way that Erik was going back to Hiccup right now. He needed some time to just think.

"I will be in the forest," he informed one of the guards. He strut off, looking as confident and collected as always.

Once he was in the forest, he broke down. He grabbed several small rocks, hurling them into the pond. He ran as fast as he could, trying to escape the hurtful memories. He wanted to be gone… from all of it.

Finally, he flopped down on the wet grass, sucking in harsh ragged breaths. He pulled a small carving, attached to a piece of string out from under his shirt. His mother had given him the small lump of gold after an exploration they'd had. They had gone to a small stream for the day, to play in the water. She'd found the piece of pure gold, and had given it to him as a gift. He still remembered her soft words, soothing him like a lullaby.

"Gold is precious my son. Just like family is. And I never want you to forget that. Remember what I taught you son." He'd known the phrase since he was a small boy, and had wondered about family. She'd reassured him, saying one day, he would have a brother that he could play with. He could have a family to love and care for.

"Family is a golden gift. It means the world." That was her favorite saying. She also told him to never lose faith, and that his family would always find him.

Erik stared at the gold, a storm of emotions brewing inside of him. Anger… pain… love… and the last one surprised him, hope. His mother's lessons of hoping for a family were all flooding back to him, as well as a tidal wave of mixed feelings. He needed to talk to Hiccup. He needed to know if his mother really did have another son. But the past was a trick thing. And what was he going to do if Hiccup was indeed his brother?


Hiccup rubbed his wrists raw in the first hour. Now, they were tender, and he thoroughly regretted his decision. He shifted his shoulder, trying to get more comfortable. He desperately wanted to send word to the riders. And one rider in particular.

Astrid didn't deserve this. He had run off without telling her. Hiccup would've smacked himself, but he was a little tied up at the moment. He almost laughed at the pun. He traced his foot in the dust, still pondering on how he was going to get out of this situation. That know wasn't coming undone anytime soon, so for now, he was stuck here.

"Hey," Hiccup called to the guard. The burly man whipped around, staring at the prisoner.

"You talkin to me rider?" he asked, gruffly.

"No, I was talking with the friendly squirrel," Hiccup said, rolling his eyes. The guard actually seemed genuinely confused, and Hiccup just gave up. Apparently not ever hunter was incredibly intelligent. This one acted like he had no brain.

Hiccup was about to call again, when Erik actually walked out of the forest. He had a haunted look in his eyes. Not that Hiccup was in the mood for caring at the moment. His desperation was making him unreasonable.

"I need to talk to you Hiccup," Erik said, walking over to him.

"Well, then bring out the pie, and we'll chat around the fire," Hiccup muttered.

"Who's your mother?" Erik asked, getting right to the point. That question caught Hiccup off guard.

"What?" he asked, making sure he heard right.

"Your mother," Erik said again. Hiccup was completely bewildered. Why was this person asking about his mother.

"You're getting a little personal aren't you?" Hiccup asked. "Considering I don't even know who you are." Erik ran a hand through his hair, clearly stressed.

"Just tell me," he said, walking even closer this time. "Was her name Valka?" Hiccup had only heard that name mentioned in stories. But he knew the name of his mother. It caught him by surprise to the extent that he almost fell over.

"Well, judging from your reaction, I will assume I'm right?" Erik said, beginning to walk away. But he wasn't the only smart one. Hiccup had put the pieces together. No matter how bizarre it sounded, somehow he knew.

"You're her son aren't you?" Hiccup asked, although he was already 99% sure.

"She gave birth to me," Erik admitted. "As for being a mother… she probably did a better job with you." That got Hiccup angry.

"Well if you're so deprived of love, why don't you come over and let me give you a big bear hug," Hiccup spat. Erik simply half smiled.

"So, she wasn't a mother to you too?" he asked. Hiccup realized he'd just been outsmarted by, well… his little brother. Or big brother, but Erik looked younger.

"So, now what are your plans brother?" Hiccup asked.


I really am enjoying the character of Erik. Tell me what you think of him. Like, don't like?

Next time… Hiccup and Erik both face their futures, and their uncertain relationship. Erik struggles with his place, and the riders launch their own rescue mission.

You guys are amazing. R&R.

NightLightning21