Oh my gosh, I never expected that most of you would enjoy the last chapter. Gods, I was like pulling my hair cause I thought it was lacking in all aspects. Thank you all so much for the appreciation. :D

It made me happy~ Thank you so much for the reviews, favorites and follows. ^^

This chapter is about the brawnfest which I plan to phase out in three parts. I hope it suffice to you guys for now. I'll make sure to update soon.

As for the Guest reviewer who was confused with the twin's identity. Nope, I'm not offended but I am sorry that I confused you. Just to clarify, Jackson is the older twin and crown prince who has chestnut(brown) hair. In short, he looks like Human Jack in ROTG movie. While, Jack is the younger twin and second-in-line prince who has white hair and blue eyes. In short, he looks like Spirit/Guardian Jack. I hope it clears your confusion. ^^

I am currently fixing the first chapter slowly. Just clearing up the mistakes that I did not bother fixing. I was able to finish till Chapter 2. XD

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters.


Chapter 8

It was not even the crack of dawn when clangs of metals and yelping of knights were heard around the Kingdom of Dunbroch. The participants were excited to show off their strength, agility, flexibility and endurance. Some had the intent of winning just to make other men jealous while some had the intent of impressing the ladies.

Several clans under the Dunbroch King arrived yesterday afternoon in row boats. The first one to arrive were the Clan of Lord Macintosh, rowing boats which carried the emblem of a lyre that represented the pride of slaying a thousand Dingwalls with the use of the instrument's magical tune.

The Dingwalls arrived next, carrying a yellowish-colored banner with the emblem of a rock, representing the magical rock that rained down upon the Clan of MacGuffins, killing five-thousand of the clan's men.

The Clan of MacGuffin arrived an hour later, carrying tartans embedded with the emblem of a cauldron. According to the MacGuffins, a legend was related to their symbol which stated that with one potato, a magical cauldron fed the entire clan and gave them the force to slay ten-thousand Macintoshes.

The stories related to their emblem commenced when the Kingdom of Dunbroch was still divided. And now that the clans were united, brawnfest was their only way to continue their rivalry, the gatepass to legally mock each other's clan abilities.

The festival was even more special this year for the infamous Kingdom of Overland would be joining, causing hype amongst men the night before the day of the brawnfest.

Hiccup tossed and turned all night for the noise of excited townspeople kept him awake. He only felt his self succumb to sleep a few hours before the sunlight seeped through the town but unfortunately, Gobber decided to wake up in the noisiest way possible, even singing a song that he always sang when he was overjoyed.

"I've got my axe and I've got my mace, and I love my wife with an ugly face! I'm a warrior through and throuuugghh!"

Hiccup would not deny that he was happy for his adoptive father but he dreaded to say that the song he sang would be stuck in his head…through and through the whole day.

Gobber was not the only one excited for the King himself was frivolous at the prospect of having a duel with Gobber, whom he competed with in for a decade. He went out of bed early as well, leaving a kiss on his wife's forehead. And as if on cue, the Queen went up from her sleep, calling out the maids and ordering them to wake and prepare the Princes and Princess for today's festival.

The maids dutifully did as they were told, walking out of the Queen's room to wake the young royals from their sleep.

The triplets were the first ones to wake, rubbing their sleepy-eyes, yawning their mouths and stretching their arms. Merida woke up next. If people thought that her hair could not be anymore messy, they were proven wrong for her hair was flung everywhere, making it look like an odd ball of massive fur.

The maids asked Jamie to wake the two princes to which the boy nodded his head to. He was still in his sleeping pants when he bounded to the twin's bedchamber. And there, he saw the Crown Prince sitting by the end of the bed, eyes wide awake.

"Well, look who's excited?" Jamie smiled lopsidedly.

Jackson rolled his eyes, "I can't sleep." He stood, ruffling his bed hair.

"Out of excitement?" Jamie asked which Jackson shook his head in answer. Jamie raised his brows, "Don't tell me you're scared?"

Jackson pouted in return. He was scared alright. But not because of the brawnfest, but because of the lanky guy that would be there.

"Argh, man….what should I do?" Jackson said in frustration, banging his head lightly at the bed post.

A cough coming out of the restroom took the attention of the two. And there by the restroom door, a shirtless Jack had emerged.

"What's wrong, Jack?" Jamie asked.

"Are you sick?" Jackson added.

Jack shrugged, going by the coat hanger to grab his royal blue robe. "Nah, just a cough…," he paused to sneeze. "…and a cold," he added while sniffing.

"Dude, your voice is barely audible." Jamie informed.

"You should stay and rest for the day. I'll explain about this to uncle." Jackson suggested worriedly. The issue with Hiccup was completely forgotten.

"Nah, I'll be fine. It's not something that would kill me, man. It will go away after I sweat it out." Jack exclaimed. "I may require some warm bath though." And as if on cue, a knock was heard from the door to which Jamie dutifully attended. The maids bustled in, carrying several pail of lukewarm water.

"I'll bath first." Jack said with a crack of his voice, going inside the restroom after the maids had left.

"Will he really be alright?" Jamie asked.

"He would. He recovers fast," Jackson laid his back on the bed.

A maid went back to the room, handing Jamie piles of white linen. The maid informed Jamie on what it was for before leaving.

Jamie smirked, unfolding one. "Sure is a dress fitted for a warrior. Just imagine how light you'll feel."

Jackson cracked his eyes open, looking at the cloth that Jamie had on his hands, "Is that…?"

Jamie snorted, "Yes. Yes, it is."

"Not only light…it would also be…airy down your legs..." Jackson trailed off.

Jamie laughed, "Come on, I bet you guys would look good in a skirt."

Jackson sat up then took the still folded cloth nearby his bed, counting the kilts, "I bet the Princess would find you dashing in one of this, Jamie." Jackson said as he waved the cloth, grinning widely.

Jamie blushed, "No way!? I have to wear one as well?"

"Well, there are only twins here and there are three of those."

Jamie slump his shoulders, "Just my luck."


The trio arrived at the wide expanse of green grassland which was located three kilometers away from the castle. The area was filled with tents, fences, practice dummies and most of all, people. It was not even close to noon but most of the men already looked disheveled.

"They do start early, huh?" Jamie said, looking around the busy crowd.

"Well, they like tah train early, stupid if ye ask me. They should save it for later," the Princess said behind them.

The trio simultaneously spun on their heels to face the Princess.

Jamie clumsily bowed, cursing himself silently. Whereas, the twins bowed with grace, "I take that you are in a good mood?" Jackson asked.

"Perhaps." Merida replied, rudely ignoring the fact that she should curtsy in return.

Jamie blushed after seeing the way the Princess was dressed. She was neatly wearing a turquoise dress which accented her figure well; her usually wild hair was covered in a white cloth, adorned by a circlet on her forehead.

"You…you look…look beautiful today…your Highness," Jamie stumbled over his words. The twins suppressed their laughter, whereas, Merida raised her brows. "Thank ye, Mister…"

"Jamie." Jack supplemented with hoarse voice.

"Mister Jamie," Merida finished before looking at Jack, "Are ye sick?"

Jack shrugged, "Shouldn't I be asking you that? It's quite unusual that you are not spitting fire on us today."

Merida crossed her arms, "Yer lil' charade at the dinin' table got me in trouble. The last thing A want is a fight, got it? Or else, A won't be allowed tah join the games."

The twins looked at each other mischievously as the Princess walked away.

"Don't. Even. Think. About. It." Jamie warned the two when the Princess was meters away.

"Ohh, getting all Pitch on us now, huh? Ordering us and all~" the twins said in unison, elbowing the assistant by his sides.

"Who's getting all me?" Pitch interrupted grimly, raising a brow. The trio twisted back, looking at Pitch.

Jackson cleared his throat, "Uncle Pitch, you look great today." He lied through his teeth.

Jack snickered, "Yeah, like you just had lime for breakfast. Sourness looks good on you."

Jamie paled, disapproving Jack's insult while Jackson snorted, masking his laugh with a fake cough.

Pitch sneered in return, spinning on his back. He craned his neck halfway to say, "Hurry up. The King and Queen are waiting by the stage."

The trio silently snickered, following Pitch on their way to the stage.


"Greetings, ladies and gentlemen! Today is…." King Fergus paused, craning his head at his wife.

The Queen sighed and whispered, "Seventeenth."

King Fergus smiled, "Ohh right, seventeenth." He cleared his throat, "…seventeenth Festival of the Brawns where we show off our greatness and strength! Whoever wins the most medals would take home the title of this year's strongest clan among the participants. May ye enjoy this festivity!"

The men shouted in joy after the King's short speech. The triplets jerked right up from their seat, running off somewhere. King Fergus went down the stage to join the men in search for games to participate in. The next one to leave was the Queen, bounding to the tent where the females rested to chat. Pitch was nowhere to be seen, probably walking around with his hands tucked on his back.

The only ones left at the stage were the three royals and assistant which awkwardly sat still on their seats, not saying a word to each other. However, Jamie was able to notice that the three were restless. For one, Jamie knew that Jackson's frustration was about seeing the young freckled boy. As for Jack, Jamie was not sure if the white-haired prince was even bothered if the lanky boy found the truth about his brother's identity. After all, Jack was not the one who wanted to be friends with the freckled boy, right?

"Argh, if he skipped, A'll flip him!" Merida exclaimed, removing her head cloth and freeing her curly mass of red hair.

The trio craned their heads toward the Princess, raising their brows. Most likely, they already knew who she meant.

Merida noticed the trio's stare as she allowed her hair to tumble down. "Am talkin' about the commoner friend of mine."

The trio met eyes with each other before simultaneously nodding at the Princess' way. The twins sighed in relief, relaxing at the prospect that Hiccup was nowhere at the brawnfest. The relaxation did not go unnoticed in Jamie's eyes though. Jackson's reaction was understandable. But Jack's was another question. He never thought that Jack would even bother if his brother was found out.

Jackson stood up from his seat then asked the three if they wanted to stroll around and check things out. Merida refused the offer, saying that she was waiting for someone. His brother and friend, as expected, nodded their heads and followed him, leaving Merida all by herself.


Hiccup glumly opened his eyes, stretching his arms up. Toothless must have been trying to wake him up for hours because the gallops done by the horse was not as vigorous as it usually did.

"I'm sorry, bud." Hiccup immediately cooed at his friend after he washed up for today's festivity. He was now dressed in a kilt which he dreaded for his skinny legs were shown. He already knew that the townspeople would mock him for it. It was also one of the reasons why he always avoided the brawnfest.

"Mer would so kill me. I am dead late," he said as he looked at the sky, seeing that the sun was high up, assuming it was already close to noon.

He had seen that Toothless was already fed by Gobber so he did not waste another minute to mount the horse. Although he was not comfortable at the prospect of seeing his sworn enemies, he was not sure if he would be okay at the prospect of pissing her redhead friend. He was already hoping that he does not break his ears once he arrived.


Merida glumly looked around, searching for her friend. She was pretty pissed at Hiccup so she decided to sign his friend's name over some of the competitions in the fest. It might be evil of her but she made sure she joined him at contests where he could compete and stand a chance to win though, like horseback-riding and eventing. She never doubted that her friend could bag the medals at those competitions.

(To those who do not know, the contests stated above involve sports performed with a horse.)

In the hopes to find her friend, the princess stalked away from the busy tents, heading straight to where horses were grazed. She looked at each horse, searching for the familiar black as night fur of Toothless.

She was too busy with her search that she did not notice the sneaky form of Hiccup behind her. She twisted on her back and saw Hiccup tip-toeing his way out of her sight with Toothless beside him who seemed to be hiding from her as well for the horse was moving in the quietest way it possibly could.

Merida crossed her arms, tapping one of her foot at the ground. Hiccup was oblivious that Merida already caught him which irritated the princess even more. She cleared her throat loudly to get the attention of the sneaky pair.

Hiccup animatedly cringed after he heard Merida clear her throat. He slowly twisted on his back, smiling weakly at Merida's way.

"Look who decided tah show up?"

Hiccup laughed weakly, motioning his hands everywhere, "Ha…haha, oh h-hey there, Mer. You know, I was so tired practicing last night that I end up waking late."

Merida raised her brow, "Do ye really expect me tah believe tha'?"

Hiccup cringed, "I…didn't lie about the waking late." Hiccup said with careful grin.

Merida rolled her eyes, blowing her hair out of her face. She walked close to Hiccup then pulled his arms, "Let's just go. We missed so much time already."


Lively jabs and chats were heard all around the festival camp. There were clanging of swords, cheering of crowds, singing of performers and shouting of maids…wait? Shouting of maids?

"Oh no…they're at it again." Jamie exclaimed, running towards the sound of maddened shouts.

"Ye lil' mongrels, get back here with those berries, ye loathes!" a maid shouted which Jamie identified as Maudie.

The triplets stuck their tongues out in response, running away with pouches on their hands. The trio disappeared behind a tent, making Jamie lose their trail. He huffed in exhaustion, going back to where a frustrated Maudie sat. "Sorry, m'am. I lost them," Jamie said sheepishly, catching his breathe.

"Nae, don't worry too much, lad," Maudie sighed, "It's a waste though, A can't make the pies anymore without those." She informed before going back to the makeshift kitchen.

Jamie scratched his head, attempting to relocate the triplets. He walked around and luckily, he saw the familiar red hair of one of the princes. He followed the young prince, stopping when the kid went behind a huge tree. He pressed his back on its bark, peeking at the other side. And there, he saw someone that confirmed his thoughts.

"So, did you bring them?" a hoarse voice croaked which Jamie identified to be Jack's.

The triplets nodded their heads, raising up three small pouches.

"Let me see it first." Jack said, grabbing one of the pouches from Hamish's hand. He inspected the contents then took a handful, "So, this is what loac berries look like?" The berries were pitch black in color, taking the shape of a grape but were as small as coffee beans.

The triplets simultaneously nodded their heads, making Jack smile. He kneeled down to ruffle one of the triplet's head.

"Alright, good job, guys. Here you go," Jack complimented, taking out a bag of chocolate chip cookies which the triplets wasted no time to grab and munch.

Jack laughed softly; seemingly happy to see the triplets enjoy the cookies offered. He stood up, grabbing the pouches of loac berries, "Pleasure doing business with you." Jack said with a nod of his head.

The triplets saluted and immediately went back to eating.

Jack sprinted, pouches were now kept inside his backpack. He kept on walking, oblivious that Jamie was trailing behind him. It did not take long before Jamie decided to reveal his self when they were pretty far from the munching triplets.

"What are those berries for?" Jamie asked, crossing his arms.

Jack twisted on his back in surprise, "Argh! Jamie, you scared me." He said, clutching his chest.

Jamie rolled his eyes, "Now you know what it feels. Anyways, what are the berries for?"

Jack turned his back on Jamie, resting clasped hands behind his head, "Just…wanted to try them out." He lied through his teeth.

The way Jack's sentence trailed off caused Jamie to doubt Jack's answer. "You know it's bad for coughs, right?" Jamie inquired. He was about to say another word when suddenly, loud cheering broke into the huddled men close to them. Out of curiosity, Jack and Jamie turned their heads toward the direction of the fuss.

Two names were simultaneously chanted by the crowd: Gobber! King Fergus! Gobber! King Fergus!

The two fitted themselves in between sweaty men just to get in the front of the line. There, they saw two panting men, where one was quickly identified to be the King while the other seemed familiar to the two.

"Had enough yet, Gobber?" King Fergus mockingly asked.

"Not yet, yer Highness," Gobber smugly answered, swinging his sword towards the King's direction.

The King quickly blocked Gobber's attack with the use of his claymore, "Nice swing," he said, "..but not quick enough," he added with glint on his eyes, unclasping their weapons with a push.

The two continued to clash weapons, mocking each other for every block and deflect but never really landing any real hits on the other. Jamie and Jack were entertained with the duel, groaning aloud when a man stopped the fight. It seemed the two reached the ten minutes mark, tying their duel out.

Some of the crowd groaned while some cheered. "I told ye! They're goin' tah tie again!"

"It's not worth bettin' anymore." One of the men said, earning a reply from his companion, "Let's just bet whether they will tie next or not!"

"Ha! Imagine these two fightin' back tah back, they'll be invincible!"

The banter was exchanged between men which stopped when a new pair stepped inside the ring for duel. Jamie went close to Jack, shouting over the noisy crowd, "Should we sign up!?"

Jack did not answer though for his eyes were staring intently at the two newly arrived watchers, the Princess and the apprentice blacksmith. He quickly whipped his head towards Jamie, ducking his head of white hair, "Jamie, I'll see you around later!" He shouted over the chants before sprinting away from the crowd.

Jamie just rose one of his brow in question, "What was that all about?" He looked over the crowd, trying to see where the Prince ran off to but his efforts were futile for the Prince was nowhere to be found. He sighed then search for the list by his self.


"Ha! A guess they will still tie to every contest this year!" Merida exclaimed heartily. She whipped her head around and saw the list of contestants, "A'm gonna join!"

"Err, what? Are you sure about this, Mer?" Hiccup asked, only to earn an eye roll from Merida. "I mean, won't the Queen be mad that you are joining here?" Hiccup added, fist clasped in front of his chest. He looked around huddled men, cringing as blow after blow were exchanged between competing men. 'That's got to hurt.'

"Nae, dad will take care of her," Merida replied smugly. She reached down to take the feather pen, only to bump hands with a tan freckled hand. She whipped her head up to meet the hazel eyes of the other.

Jamie's jaw slackened upon seeing the Princess this close. He bashfully pulled his hand away, using it to massage the back of his neck, silently wishing his hands had stay a bit longer. "Uhh, my lady. Please, go ahead."

"Oh, thank ye," Merida said with a lopsided smile. She went ahead to write her name down the list, missing the way Jamie's face flushed. But Hiccup saw the expression on his face and could not help but smiled knowingly. It was not hard to see that the man, a few inches taller than the Princess, was infatuated. And although the man was a complete stranger to Hiccup, he could not help but feel at peace with his presence, probably because he looked like a good person.

Jamie patiently waited for Merida to finish writing, looking behind him to pass time. There, he finally saw the lanky boy and the answer sprang unto his head as to why Jack ran away earlier. Jamie smiled, walking close to the boy, "I take that you are joining as well, sir?"

Hiccup animatedly waved his palms out, "Nope, I'm not really a fan of pain." He cringed upon saying the word last word.

Jamie nodded, "Not a fan of it as well but you know…might just try once in a while."

Hiccup took a glance of the fighting men before glancing his eyes back to Jamie, "I'll pray for you."

"Shouldn't you be praying for her instead?" Jamie asked, nodding his head to the Princess.

Hiccup snorted, "You clearly don't know her, do you? She can handle herself well. If you ask me, we should be praying for her opponent." He stared at Jamie, seeing the way the boy's eyes sparkled with admiration. "I take that you like her?" Hiccup asked, smiling out of curiosity.

Jamie coughed, "What? Me…?" He shook his head too fast then stopped, "No…wait, am I that obvious?" He whispered.

Hiccup snorted before nodding his head, making Jamie flush red.

Jamie tried to change the topic, "Are you from around here? You seem to not have the accent that others here have."

"Uhm…I was not originally from here. Uhh…I just never picked up their accent so to speak." Hiccup answered, glancing his eyes everywhere except Jamie.

Merida turned on her back, "Sorry, took long. A barely found spot for this contest. It's filled already." She looked at Jamie then put her thumb up, "A already wrote yer name, A hope ye don't mind."

Jamie blushed, "Oh of course not, my lady. But…do you know my full name?"

"Nae worries, A wrote yer name beside yer position as the princes' personal subordinate." She replied.

Hiccup furrowed his brows at Jamie. He already figured that the man was not from Dunbroch but he never pegged him as the person who personally tends to the princes he hated.

"Thank you, my lady." Jamie bowed.

Merida smiled, "Ye'r welcome."

Hiccup stared at the two. 'Twin Princes' subordinate, huh?'


Jackson looked around, searching for a familiar face. He already competed with some of the contests, winning most of the ones he joined. He was still wary for the boy's presence though. Any minute now, he might be able to see Hiccup.

In order for him to keep his self in disguise, he removed the belt that identified him as a royal. The brawn festival had the tradition where all men would wear the same kilt with belts, holding the clothing to their waist. The only way to disintegrate a royal from knights and commoners would be by the color of their belts. The royals would wear blue ones, knights would wear the red ones and the commoners would wear the green ones.

His kilt was now hanging freely. It was not left unnoticed to some of the maids though. One in particular went close to him and asked if he needed an extra belt. His eyes glinted, instead of asking for another royal blue belt, he asked for a green one.

The maid was unsurprisingly puzzled but complied. She went back with the belt on her hand, bowing her head as she left.

Jackson smiled as he tied the belt to his waist, thinking that the only problem now would be someone addressing him as the Crown Prince. He stood away from as much people as possible, trying to avoid being seen first by the boy. He already thought that the Princess would be with Hiccup. That was if the boy decided to come.

He heard the announcement for the horse race. He had signed up for it earlier. Jackson quickly beelined his way to where the horses were grazed, hastily looking for his russet horse. Once found, he swiftly mounted and took off to the direction of the race's starting point. He went into the fence after he introduced himself as one of the contestant for the race.

The organizers were already telling the rules of the race when he arrived. "—the race covers twenty five miles long, guided by the banner of Dunbroch—"

Jackson did not pay much attention to the rules for he saw the familiar mop of auburn-hair. "Wait…he's a contestant too?"

Hiccup had a frown on his face for Merida had forced him to join the race. It was never in his plan to compete but since his name was already written, specifically, by a royal, he was tied to join. Merida had left him by the starting point for only the contestants were allowed to enter inside the fence.

He did not really mind joining, the problem was, the other contestants were looking at him funny. He even heard some whisper, "Look at that cripple…"

'Great, I'm being belittled,' he said to his self. 'Well…more belittled than before.' He added with a sigh.

"And for this race eighty-seven men and women alike would co-, " the organizer continued.

"Do you never smile?" A deep voice said close to his ears.

Hiccup quickly turned on his back, bumping into the man behind him. He almost fell from the impact but the man held him tight, saving him from the fall. They ended up with tango pose which earned looks from the men around. It caused Hiccup to blush while Jackson cleared his throat, pulling Hiccup back to his feet.

The two stared eye-to-eye before Hiccup broke the contact, "Uhh…oh, it's just you." Hiccup deadpanned, his blush was now fading.

"At your service," Jackson bowed playfully.

Hiccup rolled his eyes, "What are you doing here, Jacyn?"

Jackson quirked his brows up, "This." He said, nodding his head towards his russet horse. "I'm going to join the race."

Hiccup averted his eyes to the russet horse and something panged on his head for he recognized it. "Isn't that…the prince's horse….?"

Jackson widened his eyes, glancing at his horse's way. He never thought that Hiccup would recognize his horse but not the owner himself. It also puzzled his mind how Hiccup got the information about owning the said horse. For all he knew, he never brought the horse with him when he visited Hiccup and if he was correct, Hiccup never went to watch them at the parade. So, how?

Hiccup waited for Jacyn's answer. In his mind, the way Jacyn fidgeted was puzzling and suspicious. "Don't tell me…" Hiccup said as his eyes widened.

(Just a reminder, Jacyn is the disguise name that Jackson used to conceal his identity to Hiccup. :D)


Yup, ending the chapter here, guys. Sorry about that. This is the first part for the brawnfest, there would be one or two more chapters for the brawnfest. Haha. It seems I have a lot of things to write about it, seeing that almost all the characters are involved. I'll try to post the next chapter right away. Good day, all~

And, I put up a poll on my profile, by the way. It's about who you wanted Hiccup to end up with. I'm just curious to what you guys think but I'm not saying that I will base the ending to the top vote haha~ but, it might affect in some way. XD