The Outcast King
Author: Nightstar Fury of Nightstar Productions.
Rated: M for Mature
Disclaimer: I do not own Dreamworks Dragons or HTTYD. Though I wish I did :p Oh! And I don't own any of the songs used in the story, all songs and lyrics belong to their original artists and creators!
Chapter 10: Battle Cry
That next morning came faster than anticipated. It felt like they had only just closed their eyes to sleep when the roar of Toothless was heard overhead. Even though they got some sleep, somewhere around 4am they all got up and sat in Stoick and Gobber's room talking quietly to themselves, they were tired but no one could sleep. All felt confused, curious, and guilty about everything. They had so many questions but didn't want to until morning and that was hoping the chief would even talk to them.
They knew he was injured and worried about the red death returning soon and there was no telling when she would until the search parties on patrol returned with their reports. They wanted to know who this guy was, a man claiming to be Alvin's son, adopted son at that and currently chief of the village they were staying in, and had 3 kids of his own with a wife who they had yet to meet.
Hiccup had been up early as usual before the kids and went on his fly with Toothless, however in this he was checking with his guards on patrol for any sign of the red death, "Any sign of her?" Hiccup asked.
"No chief. Been quiet all night. Except for the group in the inn from Berk. Been hearing complaints since 4am about them talking up a storm in one room." Asger said.
"Good...You look tired, I'll send someone up to relieve you." Hiccup said, Asger nodded as Hiccup flew off on Toothless. He cringed a bit holding his side as Toothless warbled with worry. "I–I'm okay bud..." Hiccup forced a smile from under his mask. Gliding over the inn he could see candle light, 'Of course, how could I forget how early Stoick likes to be up...' Hiccup thought as he directed Toothless down outside the inn. It was 6am, the sun would be up soon and so start the long day ahead of him. Hiccup landed and walked in to the inn, he listened carefully to where the talking was coming from.
He heard their voices, the people from Berk. It had to be them, Hiccup rolled his eyes. "It is not even sunrise yet and I'm getting noise complaints from this room in particular." Hiccup stated, he heard shuffling as Stoick opened the door a little surprised to see him there. Hiccup arms were crossed over his chest.
"Sorry...None of us could sleep..." Stoick said. "Would you...like to come in?" Stoick asked him stepping aside.
"I just came to tell you to be quiet. This village starts its day when the sun rises..." Hiccup stated calmly. He heard footsteps in the hall, he looked over to see his father, Alvin approaching them.
"Oh, morning son. I didn't think you'd be up so early." Alvin greeted.
"I'm always up before the sun father, you know that." Hiccup reminded, "What are you doing here, its another hour before breakfast." Hiccup asked now.
"Force of habit, saw the lights so decided to see what was going on." Alvin shrugged.
"I see. I need to finish patrol, mind staying here with these guys?" Hiccup asked.
"Not at all son. Go on." With that Hiccup walked back down the hall and exited the inn, from the window they saw Toothless take off with Hiccup on his back.
"So...This place really is outcast island?" Gobber asked coming to the door now.
"As I said yesterday. It used to be. The young Haddock boy changed it for the better, everything you see here is something he created with his inventions and design." Alvin retorted with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Does he always wear the mask?" Snotlout asked curiously.
"Yes." Alvin replied.
"And...he's your son?" Stoick stated.
"I'm not here to play games, Stoick. What goes on in my life is no business of yours. I don't know why my boy insisted you come here but all of us will be grateful when you leave. You dragon haters have no place among us. So hold your tongue and questions until breakfast. The chief will meet with ya after breakfast." Alvin scoffed out angrily.
"Never thought I'd live to see the day that Alvin the Treacherous took orders rather than gave them. You've changed a lot over the years." Gobber chuckled almost.
"And the lot of you haven't changed at all. Now keep your mouths shut, the rest of this village is trying to sleep. Didn't Cloud explain the rules. Quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am. All residents of Dragons Edge and guests are to be in their home with lights out by 11pm. No one is permitted to fly other than the chief, the guards, Cloud, or myself between those hours. Anyone caught riding unless its an emergency will be grounded for however long the chief says. We don't take unnecessary risks here, everything in place is for the safety of the people and the dragons." Alvin stated firmly.
"Well she didn't mention that one...She just said don't hurt the dragons, everyone in their homes by dark, and outsiders can't roam without you, her, or the chief present." Tuffnut huffed.
"Oh and to stay out of the academy and stables..." Fishlegs added.
"Well now you're aware." Alvin closed his eyes crossing his arms over his chest now. "Your questions will be answered at the chief's leisure...and if he wants to answer them." Alvin said slowly.
"So...This guy has kids, where is the mother?" Snotlout asked, Alvin seemed to freeze looking down with a sigh.
"She...isn't here anymore." Alvin stated.
"Can...you tell us?" Astrid asked lightly.
"We don't talk about it. Its a touchy subject for the chief...All I can tell you is that it happened 3 years ago, and the chief is not over it...Don't ever bring it up, because he will snap and you won't like when he's angry." Alvin sighed now.
"Its been 22 years for me and I'm not over Valka..." Stoick closed his eyes. "Its why I don't like dragons, they took my wife from me and then...They took my son." Stoick made a fist, his knuckles cracking.
"Dragons didn't take your son away, you cast him out because of his love for them, for understanding them." Hiccup stated coldly now entering the hall again.
"Strike...I didn't hear you come in...I-I know you don't like to think about it." Alvin said quickly.
"Its fine dad...Everyone misses her." Hiccup stated calmly.
"You're just a kid, you don't know what its like to lose everything." Stoick growled out to him.
"You will not disrespect the chief." Valka said sternly coming in now.
"Its fine Cloud. He can say whatever he wants...Because I know the truth." Hiccup sneered out walking away.
"Truth! What truth...?" Stoick asked angrily now. Hiccup ignored him and kept walking.
"You just had to make him mad, didn't you!" Valka glared through the mask. "He's suffered enough! You have no idea what he's been through." Valka yelled at him, Stoick backed up. They all did.
"She's right. You lot don't even belong here, you said it yourself Stoick. You hate dragons for taking your wife away from you. Strike has a personal grudge with that dragon, but he won't take it out on the others. Those dragons that raid are being controlled the queen, they don't have a choice or she eats them. They are just trying to survive, like the rest of us. You would see that if you opened your eyes for once. But you didn't. You see one way, Stoick. You always have and you always will. That is why you lost your wife, and son." Alvin remarked angrily now.
"Now, you were allowed to come here. The chief doesn't let unfriendly dragon people here, our island has been kept secret for 6 years. The only people allowed to live here are ones who want peace with dragons, people who see the truth, and don't want to be forced to fight them by their old villages. You will either respect the rules, and the chief here or you will leave." Valka stated firmly. "If you can control yourselves, we will take you to the hall. The chief will be there waiting. I suggest you find an apology to give him. He didn't have to save you from the red death, he did not have to bring you here. Remember that." Valka said calming herself down.
"Yes. Forgive us..." Astrid said bowing her head to them.
"It is not us whom you need forgiveness from..." Alvin said as he and Valka turned walking down the hall. The Hooligans followed silently.
(The Great Hall)
With the sun up now, they were able to see everything in plain sight. The high rocks, the ice towers flocking with hundreds of dragons but not a one attacking anyone. There were so many houses and buildings, nothing like what they had on Berk. Still the same question on their minds, was Hiccup the one who built it all? Had he really done all this when he was cast out? It was mind boggling to ponder. Valka and Alvin opened the doors to the hall and walked in with the Hooligans still following in awe looking around at everything.
"Odd...where is the chief?" Alvin asked looking around, Hiccup wasn't in there. His kids were there with Sunflower but not him.
"Its not like him to be late." Valka added.
"A chief is never late, everyone else is simply early." Hiccup said quietly from behind them, they jumped a bit.
"Oh, you scared us lad..." Alvin said with a smile now.
"Sorry. Had something to take care of..." Hiccup stated as he continued walking inside, them following closely. As soon as Runa, Viggo, and Thora saw him they rushed in to his arms happily. Hiccup smiled and crouched down to hug them all. "There are my amazing kids." Hiccup said gently.
"Were you visiting mommy?" Runa asked tilting her head to the side curiously.
"I was. She told me to tell you she loves you all so much." Hiccup said to them lightly.
"Can we go visit her later too?" Thora looked up at him.
"After daddy's meeting we will. I promise. Now, get to your seats for breakfast. Father, will you take our...guests to their seats?" Hiccup stated, his tone changed between talking to his kids and them. A big change.
"Of course chief." Alvin bowed his head and motioned for the Hooligans to follow him to a table on the right side of the room, while walking they saw many shields on the wall hanging. Drawings of dragons, people, and more. Hiccup moved to the head table with his kids and mother, all sitting down except himself. Hiccup raised his hands to bring the room to a silence, they all looked his way.
"Good morning, Riddaris and members of the Hooligan tribe." Hiccup began.
"Morning chief!" They called back.
"I know you are all worried about the Red Death. There is nothing to worry about, I assure you that you are all safe within the walls of Dragons Edge. Not only are you under my protection but also the Alpha's. I have round the clock patrols and we will stop her before she enters our waters. She might be big and scary but we are bigger and scarier. There has never been a fight we couldn't win as long as we stand together and that is how we will defeat her." Hiccup stated looking out to them all.
"Here here!" Shouted someone and others began to clap and cheer for him.
"Now...we don't know how long until gets here. Toothless and I got her pretty good, and she got us just as bad...Hence my light armor today. But...I feel we should still all be on guard for anything. I know you're all tired of her, and I know some of you want to give up but you know we can't. That dragon has taken to much from us. We will put an end to her for good. The final battle is coming and we will fight on our own ground. She wants to come here, let her! We're stronger than her because we stand as one! And I feel no better way to get you all good and fired up than for us to shout out our battle cry!" Hiccup announced.
"Ba–battle cry?" The Hooligans said together a little confused.
"Just listen..." Alvin rolled his eyes as Hiccup jumped over the table and pointed to the small group of Vikings with instruments.
"You're on the edge of giving up. You know I feel it too. You won't be alone because, I'm with you. Bring the fire, bring the smoke, bring the rain. We will bend but we will never break!" Hiccup sang out as the others got up raising their fists in the air.
"If we believe we can't lose, even mountains will move! It's our faith, it's our life! This is our battle cry!" The room sang with him. The Hooligans just stared in shock, their chief was riling them up for a battle. He wasn't giving them some cheesy line about fighting and to do their best. He was empowering them to fight with all they had because if they believed hard enough they would win. Stoick had never seen anything like it before. "They can't take us down, if we stand our ground! If we live, if we die...We will shout out...Our Battle Cry!" The group cheered together.
"Ooooh! Can you hear it? Ooooh! Can you feel it?" Astrid smiled, this guy was good. He was nothing like Stoick when it came to battle. He encouraged them to fight, not hide.
"It seems like no one knows, how you've been feeling. You're hiding all your hopes...You stopped believing. It's not over, we're one step away...We will bend but we will never break!" Hiccup yelled out as the room got louder, even his kids were running up to him, singing alone with the rest of the village. Fishlegs got up now to join the crowd.
"Fishlegs, sit down. We're guests here..." Gobber reminded.
"So? If you can't beat em, join em!" Fishlegs shrugged, Astrid nodded getting up and standing with him.
"If believe we can't lose, even mountains will move! It's our faith, it's our life! This is our battle cry! They can't take us down, if we stand our ground! If we live, if we die...We will shout out...Our Battle Cry!"
"Oooh! Can you hear it? Oooh! Can you feel it?!" They all sang together.
"Let it rise, like a prayer in the night! Shout for love, shout for hope...Let them hear us!" Hiccup shouted out to them.
"Oooh! Oooh!" They paused now all smiling before starting again.
"If believe we can't lose, even mountains will move! It's our faith, it's our life! This is our battle cry! They can't take us down, if we stand our ground! If we live, if we die...We will shout out...Our Battle Cry!" Fishlegs and Astrid sang along with the rest of the village.
"OOOH! Can you hear, can you hear? OOOH! Can you feel, can you feel? OOOH! Can you hear it?! I can feel it...Oooh! Can you feel it? Oooh...oooh...oooh...oooh...oooh!" They all chanted together, when it was over they all starting clapping happily cheering and wooting.
"Yeah! That's the Dreki tribe power of Dragons Edge!" Hiccup said throwing his fist in the air. "Nothing can take us down! No man, and certainly no power hungry dragon!" Hiccup cheered with everyone. "Now everyone eat up, lot of work to do today because our favorite, annual holiday is 2 days away! Time to celebrate...SNOGGLETOG!" Hiccup announced.
"Woohoo!" The rest cheered. Hiccup moved his kids back to the table as everyone started to settle down and eat their food. Astrid and Fishlegs sat back down at the table where the Hooligans were laughing.
"That was actually fun...Wow, what a rush you get getting all fired up like that." Astrid exclaimed.
"The chief is pretty good at getting everyone excited about a big event. Maybe if you stick around long enough you'll get to see the games we play. The chief and Hiccup invented them, give people a chance to blow off steam after a hard month of work." Valka said coming over with Alvin to bring their food on two trays.
"Like a regatta?" Fishlegs asked curiously.
"Something like that. You have a slow boat race, and we have dragon racing." Alvin chuckled.
"Dragon racing?" Gobber asked arching a brow.
"Oh! I almost forgot...One more announcement," Hiccup stood up again getting everyone's attention. "I wouldn't want to be a bad host to our visitors. I'm moving the dragon race up to tomorrow." Hiccup announced to everyone, that only got them riled up again before he sat back down.
"So we're actually going to get to see it in action?" Astrid asked now.
"Seems that way." Valka stated.
"Does the chief race?" Stoick asked now.
"No. If he raced there would be no competition." Alvin laughed heartedly now.
"Why is that?" Gobber questioned.
"Because he rides the fastest dragon known to man, a Night Fury. No dragon is faster than Toothless. And yes, we've tested this personally." Valka rolled her eyes now.
"Psh, I'm not buying it." Snotlout scoffed as Hiccup walked over now with his arms over his chest.
"Cloud, don't withhold information...A Night Fury can fly faster than the speed of sound, Toothless can break the sound barrier." Hiccup grinned now watching Fishlegs's eyes widen with amazement, the other's mouths dropped open. "You can thank Hiccup for the dragon knowledge we have. As I said yesterday, its because of him this place exists." Hiccup crossed his arms over his chest.
"Ca–can you tell us about him...well from...when he was here until he...?" Astrid trailed off slowly, Hiccup looked down at her now. Was she upset about 'Hiccup' being dead? He was debating on if he should say anything now, he shouldn't of brought them here but he couldn't let them face the Red Death, that was his dragon. The one dragon he would kill, the one time he wanted revenge for something bad happening to him. If he told them what happened, they could put it to rest and return to Berk no longer worrying if he was alive or not.
"After everyone leaves, I will tell you what you want to know." Hiccup said with a nod as he then walked away. He closed his eyes sighing heavily, yeah a long day and it was only 8:30 in the morning. 'Camicazi, I don't know if you're listening...but if you are...be with me now please...I'm gonna need all the strength I can get to get me through this...' Hiccup thought as he stood by the double doors looking up at the blue sky.