(HICCA'S P.O.V.)
Was there ever someone that you knew if your life that you utterly hated because their attitude was so stand-offish? I just now learned Allison is that someone. Honestly, not even Snotlout was this aggravating, and he wouldn't know humility if it came up and set him on fire-assuming the twins didn't do the deed, first. I can't honestly understand why Justin still cares for her, as she's nothing but a massive jerk. First she was seconds away from hurting my sister and insulted us for caring about others and not enough about revenge, like her. This is the kind of person that Justin despises, so why would he make an exception for her, even if she's his twin sister. Even though we are following her, it's simply to help Justin, not her.
When we arrive, we see Allison locked in battle with a man, that was most likely Viggo, judging from the cold, calculating look in his eyes. She constantly switched between firing arrows and trying to smack him with her bow through the whole bout. Have to say, she's a pretty skilled fighter, like Justin. Must run in the family. Speaking of which, I spot Justin, laying on the ground holding his side. We land next to him and I quickly dismount Toothless and kneel by him.
"You okay?" I asked. He winces.
"I'll live, but I may have a fractured rib judging from the pain I'm feeling. For a guy who prefers to outwit his opponents, he sure can kick" he said. He looks at the fighting duo.
"I see you've found Allison" he said.
"Yes, and you couldn't you have told us she was a complete psycho?!" Heather demanded.
"So, she gave you one of her "the world only cares about strength" speeches. Yeah, she adopted that philosophy after our dad died. Not sure why she thought that'd help her cope, but it still is pretty aggravating for most" he explained. We heard a grunt and look to see Allison skidding across the ground. Viggo slowly approached her and Justin actually tries to stand up, despite his body obviously screaming in pain.
"What are you doing?" I asked/shouted.
"What does it look like? Helping Allison" he said. Oh, I really wish he hadn't said that.
"Are you serious?! She's a complete jerk who says you're a coward!" Heather exclaimed, just as dumbfounded as me. He glanced at her.
"Yes, but she's still my sister and I will not abandon her, again. You would do the same if it was Hicca" he said, making her pause and look to be lost in thought. Without another word, he grabbed his boomerang and charged, doing his best to power through the pain he's in. He throws it just as Viggo was about to strike, nearly knocking the man to the ground. He steps back as Justin gets in front of Allison, who again is surprised. Guess she think Justin stopped caring about her, some time ago.
"Still, you defend her? You must know she has a low opinion of you" Viggo said, smoothly.
"I may not share Allison's desire to kill you, but she's still my sister and I will defend her and you're someone that needs to be stopped, regardless" he said, grabbing his boomerang. Allison gets back up and knocks another arrow into her bow, which she somehow didn't lose in her tumble. The twins charged and the resulting fight could only described as amazing. The two were moving in perfect sync, with Justin defending while Allison attacking. Even with Justin injured and their relationship in pieces, they still completely trust each other and can still work together as a single combat force. I wonder if me and Heather will achieve anything like that.
Viggo did his best to keep up with the twins onslaught, but their combined attack was slowly overwhelming him, as he seemed to be out of his element here. Guess he prefers to let his troops handle these sort of matters. Speak of the devils, a group of Dragon Hunters appeared. Must've caught on to our scheme or are reinforcements.
"They need help" Heather said. I draw Inferno and nod in agreement. Suddenly, Silverbolt swooped in and started thrashing the Hunters, defending his rider. We rush to help the griffin, our Dragons following behind. While they did outnumber us, these guys didn't have a lot of skill to call upon. Heh, if they were on Berk, Gobber would've trained them so hard, their bones would screaming in agony. The village always did encourage warriors to continuously sharpen their skills to fight off dragons and the occasional raid from other tribes. I suddenly felt someone ram into me and we both went tumbling to the ground. I groan as I crane my neck to see who landed on my. It was Allison, who looked none to pleased. She gets up, growling at Viggo, who had his back turned to us as he fought Justin.
"Are you okay, Allison?" I asked. Yes, I hate her guts, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't, at least, try to care about her. If Justin's still willing to help her, then I trust he knows what he's doing. She glares at me, making my flinch and yelp in surprise, and slight fright.
"I don't help from a weakling!" she exclaimed. I sigh internally. Oh, gee, a weakling? I've never heard that one, before. And I really need to lay off the sarcasm. I was brought out of my thoughts when I spot Allison picking up her and bow and readied an arrow, aiming at Viggo's still exposed back. I immediately knew she was planning and I was worried.
"Think you can make that shot?" I asked. Allison scoffs, a large smirk on her face.
"Watch me" she said and took aim. I watch as the two continued fighting and saw Viggo behind and spot the arrow trained on him. Even at this distance, I can actually see the smirk on his lips and my eyes go wide. Oh, no…
"Allison! Wait!" I shouted, but it was too late as she already let the arrow fly. At the moment, Viggo moved out of the way, causing Justin to be struck by the arrow, instead. It struck him in his side and he screamed in pain as he fell to the ground. We all gasped, even Allison. Viggo and the hunters used this distraction to flee. Me and Heather rush up to Justin and see if he's okay.
"VIGGO GRIMBORN! GET BACK HERE!" Allison shouted, firing arrows haphazardly at the fleeing Viggo, her voice full of rage and… anguish? However, instead of pursuing him, she stopped shooting and rushed over to us and knelt down. She looked rather worried and concerned as she held her brother's hand.
"Justin? Please say something! Anything!' she… pleaded?! Guess she does still care for her brother, but must've simply pushed it aside in favor of her desire for vengeance. Justin groaned.
"That's… going to leave a mark" he said, despite being in unbearable pain. Heather grips the arrow and manages to yank it out, though it did cause even more pain for him.
"He'll live, but it'll take a while for the wound to heal" she said. This did little to calm down Allison as she was starting to hyperventilate.
"Hey, Heather, could you go and see if there are any bandages back in the Dragon Hunter camp. We'll stay here and keep an eye on him" I said. Heather reluctantly nodded-not wanting to leave me with the murder-happy girl-and left. Me and Allison sat in silence as she stared at Justin's face, obviously trying to maintain her cold and ruthless facade, even though it's clear she's worried. Despite my brain telling me not to, I place a hand on her shoulder. She doesn't seem to register it.
"He'll be okay, Allison. He's tougher than he looks" I said, as reassuring as I could. She remains silent, but the concerned look on her face vanished and was replaced with stone-cold determination. She stands up and starts to leave.
"Where are you going?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.
"After Viggo. He will pay for everything he's done" she said, enraged. I'm really getting tired of this girl talk like this.
"Again with your obsession with revenge?! Are you so fixated on this you'll leave your own brother when he's injured and unable to defend himself?!" I exclaimed. She turns to me.
"Viggo did this! He injured him and ran like the coward he is! He will not escape my wrath!" she shouted.
"No, Viggo didn't hurt Justin! You did!" I exclaimed, leaving her confused.
"Right before you fire, Viggo saw what you were about to do and moved out of the way at the right moment, effectively tricking you into doing the deed for him! I tried to tell you, but didn't listen!" I added, getting into her face. Allison scoffed and turned.
"Like I'd ever to someone who doesn't know true strength. You show mercy when you shouldn't. If your own sister was killed, I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't care" she said in a condescending tone. I felt something inside me snap and, before she even realized it, I drawed Inferno and tossed it like a spear. The blade embedded into the tree next to her. Allison, seemingly unfazed, glanced at me with a calm, yet dangerous look.
"I've had enough of you and your narrow-minded viewpoint! You insulted me, threatened my sister, called me weak, and are now saying I don't care about Heather! You're nothing but a spoiled brat who can't handle the fact her dad had died! My own village, who saw me as useless, was never this offensive to me! The only reason I didn't leave was because of Justin, yet I now don't understand why he still cares about someone who clearly has a one-track mind!" I shouted, my anger finally reaching a boiling point. I refuse to let this girl insult me and Heather, any more.
"If you're quite finished, I'll be on my way" she said, not seeming to be fazed by my rant, which made me even angrier.
"You, you won't!" I stated, making her stop in her tracks.
"What. Was. That?!" she demanded through barely contained anger, glancing at me, again.
"You won't be leaving. If you think for a moment I'm going to let you simply walk away when your brother needs your help, then you've got another thing coming!" I said. Allison fully turns to me and I can see her hands are balled into fists, clenched tightly.
"Do you honestly think you can take me on, you annoying upstart?" she asked.
"I do. You say Justin doesn't care about my family, but it's obvious that you don't" I jabbed. That was obvious the last straw as she glared at me and, in a flash, was on top of me. She was quite strong and skilled, as I could barely get a hit in. As she went for another punch, I manage to grab her fist and slug her in the face with a punch of my own. While she's distracted, I push her off me with my foot. Enraged, she growls at me.
"What's the matter? Did I strike a nerve?" asked, though the smirk on my face would dissipate any thoughts of my being concerned about her. With impressive speed, Allison leaps at me, but lands in a roll before pushing off her hands and planting her feet onto my chest. I grunt as she pushes off of me and lands behind me, and me falling onto my back. She glares at me.
"You did, in fact. But, don't worry, you and that brat you call a sister will be reminded as to why you shouldn't mess with me" she said. Okay, threatening me is one thing, but threatening my sister is another. So, without warning, I perform a sweeping kick. Unlike Justin, she didn't see it coming and fell flat on her butt.
"You'll have to get through me first" I said, standing up.
"WHY?! Why are you so willing to defend that weakling?!" she exclaimed, honestly confused by the whole thing.
"The only weakling here is you, Allison. All you focused on is some petty revenge and it's made you push away your own family simply because they were able to move on" I said, really having enough of her nonsense.
"PETTY?! That man murdered my father in cold blood! He took him away from us! Away from me! He needs to pay and if my family is unwilling to help me, then so be it! I'll kill him if it's the last thing I do!" she shouted. She gets back up and goes for another strike, but it seems her anger's starting to get the better of her, as she's moving my sloppily than before. I manage to dodge the blow, causing her to stumble, but she regains her footing.
"And if you succeed, then what?! You think your family would welcome back a murder, even if they share the same blood?" I asked.
"They'll understand I was right! That I'm strong! They'll welcome back with open arms!" she shouted, but from the somewhat crazed look in her eyes, I think she's trying to convince herself more than me. Maybe she's more troubled than she lets on.
"I may have never met your family outside of Justin, but I know they won't welcome you back. No loving family would, in fact. You'll be throw back out or shunned for what you did!' I countered, the last sentence making me think back to me time on Berk. All the ridicule coming back full force, but I shove it down. They can't shun me, anymore.
"What do you know about being shunned?! About being an outcast?! You never lost someone close to you! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M GOING THOUGH, AT ALL!" she shouted-especially towards the end-and the crazed look in her eyes became even more noticeable. I must be really hitting some sensitive spots. I rush up to her and, before she could react, pin her to the ground. I look her straight in the eye.
"I do know what you're going through, Allison! Back on my home, Berk, I lost my mother when I just a baby, and never met her. For my entire life, I was viewed as a mistake, an outcast, but everyone. My father barely spoke to me apart from the reprimand me and my only friend was the quirky blacksmith. I left that all behind to escape that excuse of a life. So, don't say I don't know what you're feeling, because I do" I ranted, my voice surprisingly level.
"If they hated you that much, why didn't you fight back?! Why didn't prove your strength by getting even?!" she demanded, struggling against my grip. I noticed it was rather weak, as if she's more focused on keeping on some internal battle.
"Because I was stronger than that" I answered, causing her to stop and look at me as if I'm crazy.
"What?" was all she could say.
"Yes, I'll admit, killing people does take strength, but it takes even more strength to show mercy and to ignore the pain you're feeling. Yes, you're father is gone, but he would've wanted you to move on from your grief-" a mighty punch cut me off and I was sent a couple feet back. Rubbing my sore cheek, I look to see an absolutely livid Allison staring down at me.
"SHUT UP! YOU DON'T KNOW THE PAIN I'VE FELT WHEN MY DAD DIE IN FRONT OF ME! OF MY OWN BROTHER LEAVING ME! OF THE FACT MY OWN FAMILY NEVER PAYS ATTENTION TO ME!" she shouted, shaking violent, as if trying to hold something in.
"Ever since he died, I saw everyone move on and be happy again, but not me. I can't stop seeing that same moment in my mind, no matter how hard I try. Killing Viggo is the only thing that's kept me going all this time. It's all that's ever brought me joy, again!" she ranted and she did something I never saw coming.
She cried.
Tears were streaming down her face like a waterfall and I could tell she was trying her best to stop, but this whole bout has done nothing but cause her emotional scars to resurface. Her legs were barely keeping her up and she looked ready to collapse at any moment.
"If I kill that man, then I'll finally be able to heal. I might be able to finally feel joy, again!" her voice was shaky and she sounded unconvinced as she stared at her hands, properly thinking back to the day her dad died. She clenched her hands into fists and squeezed her eyes shut.
"If I kill him, then I'll finally be forgiven for my weakness!" shouted, finally falling to her knees, her legs to weak to keep her up, anymore.
"We've already forgiven you, Allison…" our head snapped in Justin's direction as he leaned up as best he could, clutching his wounded side. He flashed her a gentle smile.
"Even after everything you've did and said, we never stopped loving you. I never stopped loving. That's why I stayed with you as long as I did-to keep you safe and help you heal from your pain. That's why I came back for you, this time. I never gave up on you and neither did everyone else. The only reason they didn't come is because they had their own responsibilities to take care of" he explained. Allison stared at him, her eyes full of disbelief… and hope.
"You're lying…" she said weakly.
"You know I don't lie, Allison. Especially to my family" he said. That was enough for any restraint she had left to crumble and she broke down crying. I stared at her in confusion, then turned to Justin, who made a gesture for me to approach her. Not sure what to do, I do so and, as I soon as I'm close enough, Allison wraps her arms around me in the tightest hug I've ever had. Kind of put off, I wrap my free arm around her in some attempt to comfort her. By this time, Heather has come back with some medical supplies and stares at the scene in absolutely confusion.
"Did I miss something?" she asked.
"Kind of" I replied.
We moved back to the, now abandoned, Dragon Hunter camp. Allison trailed behind us, lost in thought after all the tears she's let out, while I helped Justin walk. Heather was my other side as I brought her up to speed on what had happened while Toothless, Windshear, and Silverbolt trailed between us and Allison. Once we got back, we laid Justin on a table while Heather got to work. Turns out, she's got a talent for medical work. I stepped back and let her work, but noticed Allison wasn't with us. I step outside and find her sitting on a cliff, staring up at the moon. I decide to sit next to hear.
"Hey, are you okay?" I asked. Any anger I felt for her was now gone, as I had seen her vulnerable side, the one that was nothing more than a little girl in great pain. Guess, her aggressive and vicious attitude was simply a coping mechanism to deal with her grief.
"...I guess so. For some reason, I don't feel so angry or hurt, anymore" she replied, sounding confused.
"Could it be because you finally vented to someone?" I suggested.
"Maybe, but that's not what's bothering me right now. It's what I'll do, now. I wasn't exaggerating when I said seeking vengeance was the only thing keeping me going, but now… I still want to get back at Viggo for what he did, but it's finally gotten through to me that I probably won't go through with it. So, where do I go from here?" she asked.
"I have a suggestion" for the second time, our heads jerk towards Justin, who was up and about, albeit limping due to the now bandaged wound.
"You're up" Allison commented, her deadpan tone and expression implying she's quite used to this.
"So, what is your suggestion?" I asked.
"Simple: come home" he said. Our eyes widened at that.
"What?! After the fiasco that is my desire for revenge?" she asked, but actually looked confused rather than angry or worried.
"True, you were hard to handle, but you know we don't hate you, as you were letting your emotions get the better of you and we can't really blame you for your reaction, either. You always were daddy's girl" Justin said. Allison smiled sadly.
"Yeah…" her voice was rather soft and remescient. She must be remembering their dad when he was alive. Then, she snapped back to reality.
"Okay, I'll come back, but only because you'll keep nagging me until I say yes. Also, I'm sorry for all those hurtful things I said to you" she said, rubbing the back of her head while blushing in embarrassment.
"That's alright, I had already let that go… princess" he said, the last word with a mischievous smirk. Allison blushed harder, but now looked angry as she growled.
"I thought I told to never call me that!" she exclaimed.
"I know, but I just couldn't help myself. Been a while since I got to mess with you" he said, that smirk still on his face. Allison pouted.
"I hate you…" she muttered, but I see she's actually trying to fight down a smile as I can see the corners of her mouth twitching upwards. Me and Heather giggled at their antics. They certainly love to tease each other. Allison looked at us.
"Also, I want to apologise to the both of you. I was a huge jerk to both of you from the second we met. Can you guys forgive me?" she asked. Still smiling, we glanced at each other.
"I think we can trust that you'll be nicer, from now on" I said. Suddenly, orvin came out and flew around Allison's head, looking quite happy. He perches himself on her right arm.
"It's good to see you, two, boy" she said, stroking his head.
"Well, now that we have what we came for, I say it's time we left. Everyone's probably worried about us, by now. Especially Koryn" Justin said. Immediately blush and Allison just as quickly catches on.
"Oh, this sweet little girl has a girlfriend? I didn't think Viking swung that way" she said with a huge smirk.
"They don't. We're exceptions" Heather said, proudly, as she mounted Windshear. I do the same while both twins mount Silverbolt.
"Also… what's with the flaming sword? Why does it even need to be on fire?" Allison asked. I stare at her.
"I like it, alright!" I shouted, really getting tired of that reaction. She laughs and we all take off.
(THIRD PERSON P.O.V.)
Viggo Grimborn sat at his desk back at the Dragon Hunters' main camp, mildly upset. He was sure he'd finally be rid of Thomas's prodigy twins, for good, this time. But, it seems to he forgot to take Justin's quick recovery of his grief into account along with him bringing some back up. At least, he can use this knowledge to better plan for the future. He was sure this won't be the last of their cashes. At that moment, Ryker, Viggo's brother, stepped into the tent.
"I heard your operation went south" he said, cooly.
"You heard right, unfortunately. Our adversary was more resilient and clever than we had anticipated, brother" Viggo said.
"Not surprised, given who their father was" Ryker said, crossing his arms.
"Indeed. I assure you I won't make that mistake, again" Viggo said, standing.
"So, why don't we just storm that island of theirs?" Ryker asked.
"There are many reasons for that, Ryker. The two most important is that the Sky Fliers have aerial superiority and their island is home many dangerous and powerful beasts. It would be suicide to attack their home, at this point" Viggo explained, walking past Ryker.
"Uness we find a way to even things out" Ryker said.
"Correct. That is not an easy task, but neither is it impossible. Until then, business as usual, but be sure to add some extra defenses. I'm certain this will spur them back into disrupting our operations, once again" Viggo said.
"I'm on it. I'll also see what we can do to level the playing field, along with that" Ryker said.
"Be sure to inform of anything in that regard. We have much work to do" Viggo said, not turning to his brother.
Allison and Justin stood before the front door of their family's home. Once they came home, the twins set off to their house so Allison can apologise to her family. She was slightly nervous, both due to her own nature and her brother's undying support, it didn't bother her enough to be a major problem. Allison release a breath.
"You ready?" Justin asked.
"Yeah… time to face the music" Allison said and went inside.
"Hello? Anyone home?" she called out. After a few seconds, a tall woman with long black hair entered the foyer and gasped upon seeing her.
"A-Allison?" she croaked out, her eyes tearing up.
"Hi, mom" Allison said, sheepishly. Without warning, she woman came up and hugged Allison with all her might, catching her completely off guard.
"Oh my God, I thought I'd never see you, again! I missed you so much!" the woman was crying like a waterfall, which was really weirding Allison out. She knew her mother was an emotional person-she inherited that from her, after all-but this is a bit much, even for her. She then spots Donald and Darcie looking at her with big smiles and no hint of animosity in her eyes. Finally, her mother let go and cupped her face.
"We all heard when happened. Does you're returning mean you've given up on this mad quest?" she asked, hopeful.
"Yes. I still want to see Viggo get what's coming to him, but it's not my focus, anymore. So, I'm home" Allison said, smiling from the light feeling it gave her.
"Glad to here it, little sis. We were all worried when we got that note. Are you okay?" Darcie asked.
"I'll live" Allison replied.
"Auntie Alli!" two childish voices said. Allison found herself tackled by both Trenton and a third year old girl. Allison laughed as her niece and nephew hugged her midsection with all the strength kids their age was have.
"Trenton! Bexley! It's good to see you both. You've gotten so big" she said, joyfully.
"We missed you, Auntie!" Bexley said, her eyes shining brightly.
"I know, Little Bex, but I'm back and here to stay" Allison said, patting the girl's head. Bexley smiled at hearing that nickname, again. For the next few hours, Allison reacquainted herself with her family, happy to finally be back home and not out on a wild goose chase. She still misses her dad, but at least she knows he is still proud of her and that she'll be able to see him again when she dies. Now, she can focus on being the sister, daughter, and aunt she should've been and help her family.
'I wonder if old Daemun is accepting new recruits for the Sky Fliers'
That wraps up my first too-parter. And apologies if Allison's redemption is a little rushed or forced. I'm not an expert in psychology, so this sort of thing is outside my knowledge. But, I never intended for Allison to be a bad girl, just one that's in a lot of pain and fill with anger over the death of her father.
But, enough of that. Who, or what, would you like for me to focus on for the next chapter? I'm eager to hear your thoughts. Yours especially, Mariah!
Until next time, just keep reading and reviewing!