Where I belong Epilogue
Authors note: hey guys^^ I know I said the last chapter was the last one, but I just thought of the idea for this Epilogue and thought it would be a much better ending^^ anyways feel free to review- I hope you liked the story! (I have been procrastinating with the new story, but hopefully I can get on with it now)^^ see you then!
Everything was in place, Stoick thought, crouching low into the snow. The rest of the pack was strategically placed around the blissfully ignorant herd of lazy bison that searched the colourless landscape for scraps of food. Everyone had gotten into position without a single hitch, the herd had no idea they were here- that young sentry (Fishlegs, if he remembered right) had scouted the land well. Everything, so far, was going according to plan... but there was always an element of luck, no matter how well you set up the hunt.
He glanced across to Astrid- the strong beta once again proving her hunting prowess, as she silent communicated the list of potential targets. It was down to him to narrow it down to one animal. He analysed each one... Astrid was very good at picking our the physical weaknesses in the herd, but it took an Alpha's eye to read the character of the animals. Knowing which would be the more likely to stray from the herd was essential. Once they'd seperated it from the rest of the herd, they were halfway there.
That one, he decided.
An old cow that lagged at the edge of the herd- age had started to seize up her joints (desperation would soon free them up again, but it could work in their favour)- but more importantly, she seemed senile. The old bison was grumpily avoiding the rest of the herd- and that was exactly what he was looking for.
He wordlessly sent the position of the target to every wolf within sight of him- knowing that those wolf would transmit that message to the rest of the entire pack. He glanced round the set up one more time... Would the twins be suitable for the front lines? They were meant to help goad and split the cow out of the safety of her herd, but they had a tendency to wander off task, and their stupidity was second to none. Still, their reckless attitude was an asset on the front lines- it meant they were more likely to get closer to the stampeding herd than most would dare. He'd decided to give them a chance, and besides- he had the ever dependable Gobber down there to keep them in line. If he trusted anyone in this pack, it was the old beta who'd first accepted his offer to form a pack with him.
He remembered Snotlout (a much younger, far more arrogant beta, who's attitude he couldn't say he cared for much) had asked to be put in the important position- but that was why he was the Alpha, and Snotlout followed his orders. He might be a strong wolf, but he was a long way from being fit to lead others. He was much too headstrong and impulsive- and self centred to the point of disregarding the safety of others. He didn't use his brain enough- Hiccup had often pointed that...
Hiccup...
His poor, little pup...
He was all he had left of his dear, beloved Valka- their only surviving pup... And the pup that he turned his back on, threw out, and left in the cold to die. His poor, lost, tiny, helpless broken, runty pup. He could only hope he'd found his mother and siblings again... and joined them in the greats spirits that watched over them from on high... He probably didn't even last ten suns after he left. A wolf who was Malborn and a runt could not survive without a pack- and no pack would ever take such a wolf in. There's nothing he can do about it now- he's gone... but still, the guilt refused to leave him alone.
He'd left him... he'd abandoned him... His only son. He'd cast him out to die. He'd killed him. Whether he met his end through a bear, or a wolverine- his blood was on his claws...
But, he had to move on.
He was the Alpha. He had to be strong... But there wasn't a day went by, he didn't regret what he did. Even if he knew he'd do the exact same thing if it happened again, he felt the punishment for having done so.
His son... his boy...
He was just too small to survive on his own. He'd known he wouldn't be able to make it without him and yet he still turned his back on him... And he still gave the order than he was to be gone by the next full moon. He'd sent the boy to his death. His only son... Hiccup... he thought. If he was here, then... well, he would've been a liability in no matter where he was- and probably would've ruined the hunt, but at least he wouldn't be dead. He had his mother's keen eyes and mind, but he just didn't have the strength to make anything out of it... At least he couldn't be hurt anymore. The was the only thought that consoled him.
He got a grip on himself. Holding on to the past wasn't going to feed his pack- he needed to stand strong. He had the survival and wellbeing of each and every one of the wolves under his care on his shoulders- he couldn't afford to falter. A single mistake, and it could mean more good wolves go up to join Hiccup and his dear sweet Val in the spirits of the sky. No- he had to give the pack his full undivided attention. He couldn't waste his time idling on the past. Fail or succeed, the result of this hunt depended on him.
He sent a silent, near invisible signal across the broad semi circle of wolves surrounding the herd- and watched as, one by one, the responses came back.
'Ready.'
'Ready.'
'All set.'
'Waiting on your command.'
'We're all ready, on your command, sir.' Astrid replied, last of all.
Good, he thought. Now they just needed an opportunity- something that would just about tip the balance in favour of their hunt.
'Stay on alert.' He told the silver beta- trusting her to relay the message, as he focussed his attention on the herd in front of him.
He made himself acutely aware of everything... The slight wind that everyone was carefully placed to use in their favour... The hot, lazy musk of the bison, and the constant bustle of ever shifting snow underneath their hooves... The smell of their breathes... The occasional sound of a contented grunt... He discounted none of it. Anything could be the deciding factor in this deadly game of predator and prey. He took a moment to quickly sweep his eyes around his pack, to make sure none of them were letting their guard down... But his gaze, unexpectedly, halted on Gobber.
The battle scarred wolf was distracted by something- looking far off to their left.
'Hold on, what's he doing?' Stoick read. The older wolf might not've been making any gestures, but Stoick had known his old pack mate so long, simply reading his expression told him everything he needed to know.
He tried to see what he was looking at, and squinted, as he followed his gaze... He noticed a crouched shadow in the near distant trees to his left. The wind shielded the shadow's scent from him, but he could vaguely identify it's shape.
Wolf.
He was sure of it. It was staring intently at the herd, like he'd been doing just moments before. It was the exact same gaze- the gaze of a hunter, searching for an opportunity to attack the herd. But, wait- hold on. He noticed some tiny twitches of movement come from the distant shadow. It was communicating with someone? He cast his gaze out over the snow, to see who he was signalling... but he couldn't see anything. That wasn't right- he could see the entire expanse of white laid out before him, and there was no place to hide on the open plateau, so what were they doing? Were they communicating with the snow? Had it lost itself to madness?
He didn't know what to make of this. The wolf, whoever they were, obviously didn't know Stocik and his pack were there, or they wouldn't have tried to intrude on their hunt. Still, there was no chance that lone wolf could pose a threat to them. He'd be able to see if he had a pack with him, so in that, at least, they carried no threat. But, he couldn't afford to have some amateur, lone Outlander screw up his hunt.
How to deal with this? He wondered.
Just was just considering sending someone over to subdue the intruder (and hope it didn't make enough noise to alarm the herd)- he saw the shadow make a single, quick signal.
The signal to attack.
The snow exploded and lunged at the herd.
No, wait- that couldn't be the snow... Could it? What was he seeing? He couldn't make sense of it. The snow was flying up from the ground, scattering the bison- every time he thought he saw a glimpse of something within the snow, more snow flew up to obscure his vision. All he could see was wildly flying white, like something was burrowing at top speed through the snow- no, he decided: running.
Something in that mess of white was chasing the animals- in fact... He replayed the moment the snow had first exploded in his mind... That positioning... Not too close, and not too far. The perfect place to stand the best chance of singling an animal from the herd- and not just any animal: the exact same old cow he'd chosen to go after. The wolf in the shadows. So this was what it was signalling. It was smart- smart enough to pick out the weakest animal, as he had. And positioning its attack force in such a way as to break the target away from the herd almost instantly? That took brains- lots of it.
He watched the snow beast pursuing the old bison- leading it round, and round... The cow was starting to get exhausted, he could tell- but the beast behind it showed no signs of tiring. He suddenly became aware of the rest of the herd stampeding away... right where some of his wolves were stationed.
'Get everyone out of there. We gather here, and hold our ground.' He ordered. While I decide what to do about this, he finished in his head. Astrid saluted, and ran off towards the endangered pack members- flicking her ears to send the message ahead of her as she ran to help.
Gobber was one of the first at his side as he continued to watch the chase in front of him. It took a long time for one of these animals to time, but whatever was chasing it wasn't giving it a break.
'Smart that one.' Gobber commented, looking towards the wolf in the distant shadows. Stoick turned to look too, to see that they were sending out flurries of constant signals to the snow beast on the ground: warnings, directions, instructions... Indeed- this was a smart wolf they were dealing with. But, what should they do about it. The rest of his pack slowly gathered behind him, watching the strange spectacle unfold- waiting to see what he made of it. But he wasn't sure. Not yet.
The bison was quite tired now- the speed born of its desperation starting to falter and make it stumble. Now was the time to act with the main attack, he thought, wondering what the shadow wolf would to next. No sooner had he thought that, than the hidden wolf had burst out of its cover- running towards the snow beast, and the animal it chased.
A tawny, brown male- at the younger side of full grown, with a slight, muscular build that seemed equal parts suited to strength and speed (with a slight advantage on speed).
He watched as it joined the snow beast at the back of the animal... but no attack was made. What were they doing? He wondered. The kill was theirs for the taking- the moment to attack was now! And yet, none of them made the leap... But then he recognised the way they were moving- one running either side at the back end of the animal. That wasn't a combat formation- that was a herding formation. It looks like they're leading the animal to something, he noticed, as they carefully steered the old cow to the mountain side of the clearing. What were they up to? He wondered. A lightning fast streak of black above the hunting wolves- gone in the time it took him to notice, but he was sure it was there. It was headed towards the front of the chase.
Barely a few seconds later- it pounced.
Leaping out from an overhead ridge so powerfully that, in the mere seconds it was airborne, it seemed to be flying. Another wolf. Stocky, but agile. Definitely more powerful than the tawny one- and yet... it was strange, but he felt sure that this black wolf was a lot younger than the brown wolf... and yet they were almost the same size?
In the time it took him to notice that, the dive bombing black wolf had slammed into the side of the bison. It's tired, age weakened hooves crumpled under the impact, and it crashed onto its side. The two wolves, and whatever that snowy beast was, took action the moment it fell... and then it was over.
The bison was still.
Incredible, Stoick thought, as he watched the snow settle... Three wolves, he thought, as the settling dust revealed an identically coloured wolf. Just three, simple wolves had managed to take down an animal that even he, with his herd of many, would've struggled to bring down. He'd spent so long in such a large pack, he'd forgotten such small numbers could even achieve such a thing. It was no small feat to bring down an animal that size... But now the hunt was over, he felt his entire pack's eyes rest on him.
He thought hard about what had just happened, and how to respond. There was no avoiding a confrontation with those wolves now- he wasn't going to just turn away a free meal, but there was no telling how they'd react.
'Lets go.' He told the pack.
'Don't do anything unless I give the order.'
It wasn't long before they were noticed. The twenty strong pack was hard to miss.
The tawny wolf was the first to notice. He lifted his head up, and stiffened somewhat... The expression on the face was inscrutable- and, try though he might, Stoick simply couldn't tell what he was thinking. They might be approaching neutrally, but this could turn violent very soon, if either of them initiated a fight. He could easily run these three wolves off their kill- he already knew that. Really, it should be a question of whether or not these three were going to fight for their food, or retreat... So why was he so reluctant to do it. Why was something, deep down, telling him to refrain from an attack? Taking that kill was in the pack's best interests, and yet... he couldn't give the order.
The black wolf was the next to notice. Following the first wolf's gaze, he moved closer to the tawny wolf- fur bristling, as he fixed the pack with a warning glare. The beta, Stoick decided. What about that snowy wolf that still somehow seemed abnormal to him? It glanced up at them... but then decided it didn't care, and carried on eating- tail lazily waving through the air, as small, telltale movements said it was just casually continuing a conversation with one of the other two. Either it didn't notice the tense atmosphere building around it, or it was deliberately ignoring it.
Stoick had no idea what to make of it. The way it's tail swept the air, like it was trying to casually diffuse the tension spoke as if he was some strange kind of omega, but this wasn't like any omega he'd ever seen. Where was the deference to the other members of the pack? It was like he considered himself an equal among them. And where were the scars that would bear testament to the frustrations that had been taken out on it? He didn't understand that wolf- and he certainly didn't trust it. There was something unnatural about it. A wild ignorance, like it'd never been raised by a pack. He didn't like that. Anything that didn't follow pack law, or pack traditions, set him on edge. He didn't like it. He'd have to ask one of the other wolves to keep an eye on that one- when they weren't being scrutinised for any movements that might be a signal to attack.
They were almost there now.
The white wolf's head came up again, lazily smacking his lips as he gave the pack a second glance- then he stopped... A slow realisation dawned on it... And its eyes narrowed into a cruel, accusing glare. This wasn't a warning, like the black wolf's glare... This was something else.
The white wolf's piercing, blue eyes seem to burn straight into him. I know what you did, they said... and I'm not going to forget it.
Turning away from those disconcerting blue eyes (secretly rattled by their accusations), Stoick instead turned his attention back to the tawny brown wolf. The Alpha, he presumed. He was keeping his face incredibly impassive. He didn't betray a single word he was thinking... Why? Stoick thought... Why, the more he walked, did this wolf stir something in him? Why did he somehow seem oh so familiar, even though he'd never seen him before... That tawny fur... and the way one of its feet pointed ever so slightly out to one side... Something about that foot really nagged at him. But he just couldn't, for the life of him, think where he could've seen this well grown Alpha before.
His pack finally reached the freshly brought down carcass, and the three wolves that brought it down. That nagging sensation was unending now. He knew that wolf- he was sure of it now. But, he just didn't know how.
The white wolf kept glaring at him with those unnerving accusations: your fault... your fault... your fault...
There was silence on the snowy field, but for the howl of a distant wind tugging at their fur... Then the inscrutable, tawny wolf finally spoke.
'Chasing me away from this kill, like you did from your life?' He challenged.
'Dad.'
He finished- that lone word digging more daggers of blame into his heart than the white wolf's stare ever could. It burned down on him with a cruel, but righteous, message: if you even deserve to be called that. No, it was worse than that. It was: if you even want this past disappointment to call you that. But the moment was all the more damning, because, in that moment... he knew this was him. His lost son he'd always believed to be dead.
Hiccup.
Their eyes met... and a silent conversation passed between them with no movement.
'You're alive?'
'No thanks to you.'
'Hiccup, I-. How? I-... I-...' As Stoick's stunned, stubborn mind searching for the words of an apology that refused to surface, he was cut off.
'I don't care about what you have to say.' Hiccup's finished- evenly, but heavily. There was an odd conflict in his eyes. He blamed him- he definitely blamed him for leaving him, alone, and kicking him out the pack... But he understood. Even then, though, he didn't like it.
It took all of Stoick's will not to crumple and wither under his stare. It gathered all his guilt and regret together and turned it into a kick to the gut... And the fact that this was his only son pained him like nothing else.
Still expressionless, the tawny wolf moved his burning eyes from his father's, but their gaze refused to leave him alone. The once outcast wolf looked down at the the pack that had dismissed him and said nothing... Then he firmly swept his ear towards the corpse. It was gesture that normally meant that they were welcome to share the meal, but it was done in such a commanding way that none of them dared do any different.
Since when has that little mistake of a runt become someone they just couldn't refuse the orders of?
With that, the tawny wolf turned his back on the confrontation, and went back to his dinner. Stoick's pack nervously moved forwards, around their frozen Alpha- some of them moving straight into the meat, others waiting their turn behind them.
They could eat pretty much anywhere they could, but any time one of them came close to approaching Hiccup, the black wolf let out a menacingly low growl of warning. The white wolf, however, abandoned the meal entirely and started wandering off towards the gathered crowd of from the other pack.
'Frost.' Hiccup signed to him, the moment he caught the slightly older wolf moving. A silent understanding passing between them, before they both carried on. Stoick thought he recognised a slight warning tone as Hiccup signed the wolf's name- almost like a kind of 'don't do anything stupid'... Apparently the wolf had reassured him he'd behave himself, but Stoick didn't trust him.
'Astrid.' The silver grey beta looked at him in attention, immediately. 'Keep an eye on that one.' He told her- subtly so that no one else would notice. His eyes fixed on that ever so slightly unnatural white wolf. She stealthily accepted the Alpha's command, and moved off to follow behind the strange wolf.
With the pack eating (or else waiting to eat), Stoick had a moment's peace and quiet to himself... He didn't know what to think. He'd lost his appetite...
His son was alive... After all this time... Not only that- he was an Alpha now! Strong, smart, respected (and, from what he could tell, happy). He'd been a bit of a late bloomer but it he'd really grown into an incredible wolf, out here in the wilderness... and he'd had nothing to do with it.
He knew for a fact Hiccup would never forget. When he'd looked at him... there'd been a hardness in his eyes that said he would never forget... And how could he? He'd thrown him out into the wild, expecting him to die out there. No, he wouldn't forget- nor would he expect him to... But, he wondered if he'd ever be able to forgive him.
Hiccup half watched Jack wandering off into the pack, in that casual 'don't care that there's a dozen wolves around me who could easily rip my throat out' kind of way he always did. He acted cocky to the point of arrogance- even if he wasn't, he just liked being annoying.
'Escuse me, do you know where I can find Snotlout? I'm looking for Snotlout? Hey, where's Snotlout? Does anyone know where a 'Snotlout' is? Snotlout?' Hiccup lost track of what he was saying, as he stopped watching- though he couldn't help but notice a dark, muddy brown wolf suddenly decide to duck into the crowd. Hiding away from the strange white wolf, who somehow knew his pack name. Hiccup couldn't help but let his tail swing slightly in amusement. Jack was going to have a hard time finding him- his white fur might blend in with the snow, but it stuck out like lone tree in the middle of the rusty brown pelts that Snotlout merged into with ease.
Hiccup knew what he was doing; the snowy wolf was getting back at Snotlout on his behalf. If it was anyone else but Jack, he would've been nervous, but, when it came to the slim wolf, punishment took the form of humiliation. Harmless, but satisfying- and Hiccup had to admit, it felt good to know someone was tying off that particular loose end that he was too kind (and perhaps too afraid) to tie off himself.
That dumb idiot always was thinking of him- trying to keep his tail high and wagging, and a spring in his step. He only hoped he made it a bit of a spectacle- he couldn't help but want to see this. Jack vs Snotlout: sly and tricksy vs dumb and brawny. Who knows what would happen? Well, he did- and it didn't look good for Snotlout.
'Well, would you look at that? A runt and an Alpha. Who woulda thought it, eh?'
Hiccup's tail perked up a little, as he turned towards his old friend/babysitter.
'Hey Gobber.' He greeted.
'Long time, no see, huh?' The older, battle scarred wolf pointed out, good naturedly. 'I remember when you were just an oversized little ratty thing that couldn't even open it's eyes, and look at you now. Finally grown into that pelt, huh?.'
'Yeah, I guess so.' He agreed. He hadn't really thought about it, but he supposed he had grown more confident in himself- and nowadays the only time he felt like a runt was when he was stood next to Toothless. Speaking of whom, the younger wolf growled softly at the old wolf, in warning.
'Easy, Toothless.' Hiccup reassured him. 'He's an old friend.' The black wolf reluctantly stopped growling, but he kept a keep watchful eye on his Alpha.
'Toothless?' Gobber questioned. 'He looks like he had plenty of teeth to me.' He noticed. Hiccup's tail wagged in amusement, as he remembered how the young wolf had got his name.
'Yeah, well, 'snow for brains' over there didn't know pups were born without teeth. It was running joke that turned into his real name.' Hiccup explained. 'We found him abandoned in the snow, and we both felt a connection with him... We all have something not quite right with- and the only reason he was out there was because he's missing half a tail. That wouldn't stop him surviving, so we decided to take him in... Besides, me and-' He started signing 'Jack' before he realised Gobber didn't know the word. '-Frost just couldn't stop thinking... it could've been us there. Kicked out, stranded and left for dead- all because of something we just couldn't help. We couldn't have just left left a pup to die- let alone one like us...'
The two of them went back to eating, as Gobber thought over his words.
'When you say you and.. Frost, was it? Were alike- you mean...?' The older wolf queried, tactfully.
'We're all Malborn.' Hiccup confirmed. 'Its strange, really- the only non runt in our pack is the pup- and it's so weird to think he's gonna outgrow us both one day.' He thought out loud, chuckling.
Gobber seemed to think this over some more, as he tore a hearty mouthful from the recent kill.
'So this 'Frost' guy...?' He questioned, looking at the tawny wolf sideways. 'What's he like?' He said, but Hiccup could tell this was more than just curiosity asking. The old wolf wanted to make sure Hiccup had a good, steady pack mate looking after him. He was about to answer, when he noticed a pair of discreetly hidden, ice blue eyes slyly watching their conversation. Time to have a little fun, he thought.
'Childish. A little bit full of himself. Doesn't know when to stop talking. Completely oblivious to any annoyed glares you send at him. He never takes anything anything seriously, can't even do a proper pack salute, and he's ridiculously stupid sometimes.' Hiccup listed, looking at the aforementioned wolf. The priceless scowl on the nosy wolf's face quickly turned to alarm, and he sloped off as he realised he'd been found out (going back to searching for Snotlout, no doubt).
With that taken care of, Hiccup looked back at Gobber.
'But, when you get past all that, he's not that bad. He's determined, stubborn as a buffalo, and sticks by your side no matter what. He always tries to lighten the mood, and does whatever it takes to keep me and Toothless happy. He might be a little quirky, and a bit immature, but I wouldn't have him any other way. He's definitely an idiot, but he's an idiot that I'm stuck with... and, honestly, I don't think I'd be able to get away from him if I tried.' Hiccup finished, answering truthfully now that there were no unwanted eyes watching their conversation.
Gobber seemed satisfied at his answer.
'Looks like you've got yourself a keeper there, lad.' The older wolf complimented, and Hiccup had to admit.. It felt good. He felt somewhat pleased that the old wolf had accepted, and approved of, his companion. Despite what he continuously told himself about his old pack's opinions not mattering, it was nice to know that the old wolf was happy for him. He was his old babysitter, after all- and he didn't hold much against old, battle scarred Gobber.
'Yeah, he-.' Hiccup began, only to realise that the White wolf was nowhere to be seen. He had no idea where he was. That was never a good thing.
Hiccup often thought he had to babysit two pups around here. The bad thing was that the oldest in their pack acted like the youngest- Jack got into more trouble than Toothless ever did. Leaving that trickster unattended almost always invited disaster.
'Where did he go?' He muttered, trying to seek him him out. Gobber noticed his concern.
'Er, Hiccup?' The older wolf said, getting his attention. 'Last I heard he was after Snotlout, and- not that I'd be complaining, that wolf's had something coming to him for a long time- but I'm not sure Stoick would be able to turn a blind eye to one of your pack attacking his- and I don't think you wanna see Snotlout hurt the guy.' Gobber pointed out. And normally, he'd be right.
If it wasn't Jack, he would probably be terrified of all of the the above- but Jack was a special little snowflake. He didn't have to worry about that.
'Relax, Gobber.' He told the old beta. 'He's both too smart, and too dumb, to do anything like that. He'll be brutal on his pride, but he won't leave a scratch anywhere else.' He explained. Gobber seemed to get what he was saying.
'A tricksy devil, then, eh?' he noticed 'Well, I'm gonna have to bid you goodbye, then. I think I'm gonna go and watch the show.' The elder wolf said, biding him farewell with a merry wave of his tail.
'See ya, Gobber.' Hiccup muttered in amusement, his own tail gently sweeping the air happily.
But, just before the old wolf left; he paused, and looked back.
'You done good, lad.' He told him, silently, and Hiccup lifted his head a little. A piece of unrest left behind by his past finally settling inside him...
And yet...
He saw another wolf working her way towards him, stopping by Gobber on the way. Hiccup's eyes narrowed as he read the conversation.
'Gobber, keep an eye on that one for me. I've got an old friend to meet.' Eye on that one? He knew what she really meant. He wasn't dumb- he knew Astrid well enough to notice when she was on duty. This, just now, was her passing her job onto Gobber. 'Keeping an eye on that one' meant 'watching Jack'. Of course. That was just like his dad. Never trusting in anyone, or anything, outside of his pack. He couldn't help but feel a little betrayed (though he couldn't say he was surprised). Didn't his dad at least trust his judgement enough to know that he wouldn't let any potentially dangerous pack members run amock?
And there was something else about that statement that annoyed him too... 'An old friend', she called him. He didn't recall her ever calling him a friend- he didn't recall her ever even wanting to be associated with the same airspace as him. Why the sudden interest now? Well... He could guess why... And it made him nervous. Whether or not he wanted to face this right now, he didn't really have a choice. She was coming to him anyway- and besides... this would probably be his only chance to say this... and he'd been waiting a long time to do so.
'Toothless, go check up on Jack, would ya? You know what he's like.' He told the young wolf. The black wolf looked confused at the sudden request, but obediently loped off towards white wolf. In truth, though, Hiccup didn't really need the black wolf to check up on Jack... He just wanted this to be private.
He watched, as the silver grey Astrid approached him- just as regal and beautiful as ever...
"I am." The muddy brown wolf beneath him growled. Finally! Jack thought. That wolf was so stubborn! He was refusing to say anything he wanted him to, and he just wouldn't stop squirming. Of course, he was much more stubborn, and had placed himself perfectly to show the arrogant wolf no mercy, and no escape.
'Sorry? I didn't hear that?' He taunted, milking the moment for all it was worth. "I'm a dumb, stinking rat!" Snotlout spat out, snarling.
Oh, that was satisfying. Jack thought. It was music to his ears. Not only had he got an apology from him- oh no. He'd got him confess that Hiccup was the better wolf, and even admit that he was a stinking, dumb rat! It was brilliant! And the adoring audience was loving the show just as much as he was. He was really regretting putting so much as a claw on his Hiccup now, wasn't he?
Good.
He hopped off the larger wolf, and trotted away- tail waving high in the air. He'd had his fun with him. Payback felt good.
He wondered if Hiccup had seen it? The public humiliation, as a much smaller Outpacker took down the strong (but slow and dumb) beta, and forced him to abandon his pride and apologise, concede Hiccup to be a better wolf than him, and call himself a rat. It wasn't nearly enough for what that ratbag had done to his Alpha, but that had to have been hard on his ego.
He was about to head back to Hiccup, when he noticed a familiar, black wolf faced with a much older, reddish brown wolf that held a commanding air of power about him. Jack's eyes narrowed with fury... and he didn't get any less angered when he saw the words 'how is my son' being said.
His eyes hardened with an ice cold glare, and he stepped forwards to face the so called Alpha confronting Toothless.
'He doesn't like talking to strangers.' He said, evenly- trying to keep his anger in check, but the fury in his eyes betrayed his calm words. Toothless likewise glared at the older wolf from behind him. It was one thing to toss out and abandon Hiccup, but now he was trying to face down Toothless?! One more more, and this wolf was going to have a very- very-angry Outerlander to deal with.
'Might I ask why you're interrogating our pup?' He asked, deadly calm. A warning growl coming from the black wolf he was defending. He could tell he was thrown off by the words 'our pup'- and that was exactly what he'd wanted. It was important for a leader to stay strong, calm and in control, but no way was he going to let this old scum of a wolf intimidate him- let alone try to control him. Alpha- ha! Hiccup was five times the Alpha hell ever be- he didn't deserve his respect (and he was letting him know it).
The dark aubern that was somehow Hiccup's father quickly gathered himself, though, and loomed menacingly above the much smaller white wolf, who refused to back down- both of them bristling furiously against each other, livid at the nerve of the wolf in of front of them.
'I deserve to know about the wellbeing of my own son.' The Alpha demanded, with a commanding growl that would've had most other wolves whining at his feet, but Jack only looked more furious at the statement.
'You don't deserve to know anything about Hiccup- you don't deserve to call him your son.' The glacial wolf spat, ice blue eyes piercing into the much bigger, more powerful Alpha. Every word a damning blow that knocking the mighty wolf lower and lower, until the white wolf seemed to be glaring down at the Alpha that was twice his size. 'Even if through some miracle Hiccup decides to forgive you for what you've done, I promise you... I will, never, forget it.'
And with that final, lingering promise, the white wolf withdrew his scathing glare from the rusty wolf- glancing back once, only to snarl in disgust at the father who'd tossed away his only son like he was nothing more than scat.
Toothless trotted off with him, apparently pretty happy with the outcome of that confrontation, as he nuzzled into him slightly. Silently thanking him for standing up for him, despite the rusty wolf being twice as big as he was. But Jack didn't care who he was dealing with. Nothing hurt his pack and got away with it.
Toothless stayed silent- he always did around strangers (though they struggled to shut him up normally), but then, suddenly, the young, jet black wolf froze and looked at something. Eyes narrowed, and head tilted, in confusion and slight suspicion- in a question that didn't need any words for Jack to read. 'Who's that?'
The white wolf followed his gaze, and he stiffened. Up there, with his tawny Alpha... was a she wolf.
A very strong and beautiful she wolf.
Probably fast- probably powerful- probably excellent at hunting... Jack hackles started raising uncomfortably. He was usually protective over his slightly younger Alpha, but sometimes he wondered if he went a bit too far... and sometimes he questioned if it was just his throat that was broken with him.
But, for whatever reason, seeing that tawny wolf up there with a stunning she wolf warrior filled him with a strange kind of fear. His eyes locked onto the conversation. He had to know what was being said.
'...Once upon a time, I would've been really happy- ecstatic, even- to hear you say that, Astrid.' Astrid? Wasn't that the one that-..? They had history... and just what had she said before this?!
Then, he remembered Hiccup's choice of words...
'once'...
He watched Hiccup curiously, as he finished.
'But things have changed now, Astrid- I'm not the desperate, little pup I was... I already have everything I could ever want, or need.' He explained, turning away from the silver grey wolf. Then, so subtly, Jack almost didn't see it. 'You wouldn't want the genes of a broken wolf anyway.' Gene- nope. Nuh uh. This was not happening. He was breaking up this party.
Astrid looked like she wanted to say something, or protest, but he quickly jumped in front of her so she didn't get the chance. I don't think so, he thought, protectively. My Alpha- go get your own.
'So, Hiccup, we ready to go?' He said chirpily, like nothing was going on. Toothless followed suit, also jumping in front of the silver wolf (apparently just wanting every one of these strange pack wolves to get away from his father/leader/buddy).
Hiccup chuckled slightly at their sudden intermission- a slight amusement in his bearing saying that he understood the situation perhaps a bit more than he should.
'Yep, I think so- if everyone's had their fill?' He checked. Actually, Jack hadn't had a single bite of their hard earned hunt, but the sooner they got away from here the better. So he lied, and started bounding off- away from the other pack and all its members.
'Yep, all stocked up! Let's go!' He said, casually (although perhaps a little too eagerly), and turned back to check that Hiccup was following... Only, he wasn't.
He was stood, stock still- staring impassively at the old rusty red/brown wolf that stood just a few steps away from him...
Jack's glare turned to ice as he turned round to plant himself firmly at his Alpha's side- Toothless took the other side. The old wolf of the bigger pack seemed to be mulling over something- it looked like really battling with himself. Stoick's pack was also gathered around him. If something was going to happen, it could get very bad for all of them- but Jack would take down as many wolves as it took for Hiccup to escape safely.
He stared at the opposing pack's Alpha, wondering what more he could possibly do to his son. He'd already thrown him out like he was diseased, and left him for dead! A part of him wanted to tell Hiccup 'lets go', so they could turn away, and leave this beast of a father behind. But he didn't give orders... Hiccup did.
So, he waited to respond to the next move- no matter which Alpha it came fro-.
'I'm sorry... for everything.' ...
Wait.
Stoick just-?
The ripples of shock that went through the reddish wolf's whole pack was enough to tell him how rare an occasion this was. He'd met this wolf's sort before- and, honestly, he never thought he see one say sorry. Neither did the wolf's stunned pack either, apparently.
What did Hiccp think though?
The tawny wolf had gone still... neither tense, nor relaxed... Even Jack, who knew him so well he sometimes knew what he was going to say before he even said it, couldn't tell what he was thinking. He watched as the old pack leader, that was formerly the silent wolf's father, steeled himself to say something else.
'...I'm proud... to call you my son.' He said, looking intently at Hiccup,with something close to desperation in his eyes.
It was then Jack noticed the slight, subtle difference in Hiccup's bearing. A barely noticeable, but somehow huge, difference in the way he held himself. It wasn't quite proud, but as though something had finally settled with him... and Jack realised... as much as he hated this old wolf, and as much as Hiccup should also hate him for what he'd done... The young Alpha still cared about his father- and part of him had needed to hear him say that to put the ghost of his past to rest. Jack still didn't like that old wolf, but at least he'd settled the unrest he'd created in the tawny wolf's gone, but not forgotten past.
None of them could, or would, forget the way Hiccup was thrown out... but would younger Alpha be wiling to forgive? Hiccup's demeanour dropped into a much more comfortable stance.
'Thanks dad.' He told him, finally meeting his father's eyes without scalding them... and in that moment, Jack sensed something pass between them, as they accepted themselves as equals. As Alphas, with their own packs, they would protect at all costs... and with that final gesture, Hiccup finally turned away. Leading his small pack of three towards the mountainous path that lay ahead.
But, it felt different this time- this time they ran towards a future, leaving the past behind. Jack wasn't sure, but he could almost swear Hiccup was running a lot lighter now- the weight of his past, gone at last, leaving him free to run, unbound and happy.
The snow steadily deepened, until Jack had to take point to carve a path for the others... As the other pack finally passed out of sight behind them, Hiccup called ahead.
"What did you do?" He shouted, with something that sounded like awe. Jack was momentarily startled by the sudden volume of his call- normally they only communicated with gestures, but he guessed he couldn't see through the back of his head, though Hiccup would be able to read his reply.
'Same as Snotlout.' He replied, silently. 'I simply showed him who was the better wolf.' He answered, without breaking his stride.
"Oh yeah? And who's that?" Hiccup queried. Jack didn't even need to look at him to see the accusation of arrogance in his words, but Jack wasn't on about himself.
'You.' He answered, and Jack heard Hiccup's steps falter slightly for a moment- but that wasn't the sound he was looking for.
He waited for a couple of seconds... and heard it. The light taps of snow, as a content, cheerful tail brushed the edges of the tunnel he'd made.
That what wanted to hear.
Because that was what he did. He might look after his Alpha and their pup like a beta did, but more than that- much more important than that- he kept them happy. Because he was at heart, an omega- and that's what an omega did.
They might not have the highest rank, or the biggest pride- they might now be the strongest or the best hunters, but they made people happy.
And there was nothing wrong with that.