A/N: FINALLY GOT A CHAPTER READY FOR YOU GUYS! A BIG A/N AT THE BOTTOM, PLEASE READ AFTERWARDS.
Hiccup's POV
I was in the forge, slamming my hammer down on the heated sword that a dragon decided to chew on earlier today. It was getting back to shape as I slammed my hammer on it, and dunk it in the bucket of water for it to be cooled completely. I was covered in sweat and soot from the heat of the forge that I've been in almost all day after helping out in the Academy early this morning. I picked up a rag that was sitting in a wash basin which I put on my face to cool me down slightly. As I was lost in trying to cool myself down, I thought of all the events that happened in the past year from my arrival onto Bog territory. Toothless' and I's trial, Zyon and Dark Star, the battle with the Outcasts, Bogs accepting dragons, and so much more changed the entire Bog Burglar tribe in the past year. I smiled lightly at the events that happened, until a roar from the corner got my attention. I turned to see Toothless pouting from a lack of attention he'd gotten today. I rolled my eyes at his pouting and threw a fish his way, which he eagerly ate, before regurgitating the head back in front of my feet.
I grimaced at the head. "I'm good, no thanks Toothless." I said to my spoiled best friend. He grumbled and made his way out of the forge as I followed him outside to go and get ready for the Harvest Festival. I got onto his back and as he flew us back to the house, I looked at Toothless carefully. He got even darker and slightly bulkier, and his wing span increased noticeably. I had changed as well, becoming different in the past year just like every other Bog on the island. I wasn't afraid of fighting, as I mastered archery and sword fighting from the gang and reveled in fighting, burglary, stealth, and more. My personality had changed, since I was more bold and outgoing, but still had my quirkiness according to Camicazi. I still looked the same, but I had less freckles on my face, I grew an inch, my hair was slightly longer and darker, and my strength drastically improved.
We were back home and I hopped off of Toothless who went to the large stable by the house, roaring a greeting to Sharpshot who looked slightly irritated that Toothless had interrupted his nap, but still friendly regardless. I ran upstairs and threw open the door to my messy room. It was covered in designs, sketches, and drawings of inventions of Toothless and his tail, as well as Bertha, Camicazi, the rest of the gang, and our dragons. My Gronckle shield and sword rested upon the hooks above my giant bed that was warm and inviting, but I needed to clean myself up for the Harvest Festival tonight as soon as possible. I tore off all my clothes and threw myself into the slightly warm water in the tub as I scrubbed the sweat and dirt off from the forge. Drying myself as fast as possible, I threw on a new green tunic, with the Bog crest sewed on the arms with gold thread and some pants. It was still slightly warm at night despite the transition into fall. Running as fast as possible, I hopped onto Toothless and he flew down to the center of the village where the festival was taking place, with Sharpshot following, eager to find Bertha. He rarely leaves her side anymore after the incident at Outcast Island, guilty at the permanent scars on her stomach.
The sky was darkening, and as we flew, my thoughts started to turn dark as well. I was done with my original mission, training dragons on Bog territory. I had convinced Bertha to integrate dragons, and despite some setbacks, dragons lived peacefully here without any disturbance. There were stables and feeding stations situated all over the island, and a plan to make underground stables for all the baby dragons that came here over Snoggletog was underway that was going to be started in the next year or two.
"I wonder what we can do now…" I mumbled. Toothless raised his head in concern at my words and I gave him a sad smile in return. "It's all right bud, I'll be fine, I hope…" He glided into the center and I was met by the gang with smiles and greetings. Like me, they had changed physically, more so the girls than the guys. The boys had gotten taller and stronger, especially Zyon who was the oldest of all us, looking like an adult every passing second. The girls had gotten slightly taller, with more noticeable curves and larger chests. . Camicazi though was who I paid attention to the most. She had gotten taller and her hair golden waves were even thicker and longer than before. The blue dress she wore brought out her curves and enlarged chest. Her jewled headband was weaved in with red flowers that made my breath hitch. She handed us flower crowns and we put them on our heads as we walked closer with the crowd of villagers who were waiting for Bertha's speech.
She was standing on a high makeshift stage where the Council members surrounded her with their dragons behind them. Deadshot flew over to her and was greeted with a pet on his nose which he squawked eagerly in return. He flew behind her and the other Council members, placing himself between their dragons. Bertha had recovered perfectly and was back to her duties as Chieftess, after the Outcast attack. More guards were deployed over the island and watchtowers were built all over the island, to spot any enemies that would try to attack us.
"We have come a long way in the past year." Bertha started. "We were once a tribe of mostly women and men who fought against dragons and any other enemies that stood against us before, but now we are a tribe of dragon riders where we live and coexist with various types of dragons in our everyday life! There are scars from our past, all physical, mental, and emotional, but we will overcome so we can look forward to the future. The Harvest Festival became a tradition during my great-grandmother's time where all of us villagers, to the highest and lowest, came together and celebrate our thanks. From life, food, enjoyment, the Gods, and so much more! For the first time ever in Bog history, dragons will be by our side as we dance, eat, and enjoy life! So let us enjoy the Harvest Festival with our new friends!" Bertha shouted from the stage, Deadshot roared in agreement to his rider's encouraging words. He shot a blast of fire into the large bonfire dominating the center of the village, casting a glow among all of us as we cheered at the start of the festivities.
My hand was grabbed and I turned to see Camicazi pulling me to the crowd of dancers who were surrounding the pit. Not wanting to be alone or humiliated greatly, I grabbed Valerie's hand, who grabbed Destin's, while the others watched in amusement.
"I can't dance to save my life, Camicazi!" I complained to her. She laughed wickedly and tugged even harder on my arm. Destin blushed hard with me as he was paired up with Valerie whose cheeks were tinted lightly with red.
"Well you will tonight Hiccup!" Camicazi demanded. She rolled her eyes at my protests. "And if I remember, you did do some dancing on your birthday."
"I'd hardly call stumbling around the Great Hall drunk and almost breaking my neck dancing."
"Well whatever it was, it was freaking hilarious if you ask me."
"In your eyes it was." The musicians started to play once again, but instead of an upbeat tune, it was slower. The melody sounded familiar, I just couldn't place where I've heard it before. "Is this…?"
"For the Dancing and the Dreaming?" she finished for me. "Yup, they chose one of the best songs." The song started off slow and I realized I had to start singing first.
"I'll swim and sail on savage seas/With never a fear of drowning/And gladly ride the waves of life/If you would marry me/No scorching sun nor freezing cold/Will stop me on my journey/If you will promise me your heart/ And love/ And love me for eternity." I started. I blushed hard since my singing voice wasn't all the best, but it wasn't bad either. Camicazi giggled softly as we raised our arms to lock together to begin the dance.
"My dearest one, my darling dear/ Your mighty words astound me/ But I've no need for mighty deeds/ When I feel your arms around me." Camicazi sung. My mouth opened a bit as we spun around softly to Camicazi's voice. For such a tough girl, she had a great singing voice. The rhythm of the song started to pick up and we held onto each other's hands as we started to follow the usual steps of the love song.
"But I would bring you rings of gold/ I'd even sing you poetry/ And I would keep you from all harm/ If you would stay beside me." Our steps were in perfect unison as we danced even quicker to the fastening beat of the song.
"I have no use for rings of gold/ I care not for your poetry/ I only want your hand to hold." We started to spin and clap with everyone else, but our eyes held onto each other as we sang the rest of the song in harmony.
"I only want you near me/ To love and kiss to sweetly hold/ For the dancing and the dreaming/ Through all life's sorrows/ And delights/ I'll keep your laugh inside me/ I'll swim and sail a savage seas/ With never a fear of drowning/ I'd gladly ride the waves so white/ And you will marry me!" we finished. I blushed hard as Camicazi was poking fun of my reddening face, since I couldn't look her in the eye after our dance. Valerie and Destin joined us, with the others who were commenting on our dances. I looked at all of my friends, who were so happy and at ease with their lives, while I still had some conflicting thoughts about my future.
A few hours later
We were walking from the Great Hall after eating large amounts of food and sweets from the large dinner inside earlier. The bonfire had burned out hours ago and all the food was gone from the massive Harvest dinner. We were headed to a meadow to relax from the festivities, since we were all tired, but didn't feel like heading back to our homes just yet. I was sitting against Toothless, looking into the night sky. The only sounds of the night were the waves from the beach below and our calm breaths. Toothless was asleep as well as the other dragons, while the rest of us sat back in the comfortable silence. We didn't need words to discuss the peace we were surrounded by, but dark thoughts plagued my thoughts once again, as a question was constantly on my mind.
How long will this fragile peace last?
Camicazi's POV
I was resting against Shadow, trying to fall asleep, as I was about to; I felt a tap on my shoulder and looked up in slight irritation to see Valerie. She held a finger to my lips, ceasing any of my protests, and was motioning for me to follow her. I rolled my eyes and got up slowly, not to disturb the others from their sleep. I threw a quick glance to Hiccup, to see him passed out on Toothless. I laughed softly and followed my best friend from the meadow as we walked towards the lake that was near it, making our conversation private from any prying ears.
"So you stopped me from sleeping, for what exactly?" I demanded. I was cranky not being able to sleep since I had a ton of duties to do in some hours. Valerie turned and gave me a quick once over, before turning back to the moonlit lake.
"How are you and Hiccup?" she asked suddenly. I wasn't expecting that at all to come from her mouth.
"Erm…, fine I guess." I replied in a confused manner. Valerie turned back to me and gave me a look as if I was a fool. She picked up a pebble and threw it at me in response. I glared at her and she stared at me even harder. I sighed out and took a pebble from the ground, throwing it into the water, making it skid out of sight. "He's been quiet, and that's not a good sign."
"Ding, ding, ding!" Valerie said mockingly. I glared at her while she gave me a cocky smirk in return, taking a rock and throwing it into the water, making it skid.
"It was weird, he was so happy a few hours before he left the forge and came to the festival with a gloomy look on his face." I turned back to Valerie, waiting for her opinion.
"Do you remember when we were twelve and our moms sat us down together to give us the talk?" I raised an eyebrow in response, but started to laugh at the memory. I hid my face between my hands, trying to hide the rest of my laughter, but failed. "Oh my Gods, and I told my mom that I would rather fall on my sword than even think about having a crush on a guy, let alone kissing one!" We shared a loud laugh, with tears threatening to spill from my eyes and Valerie bent over, clutching her stomach. We calmed down after our shared laughs and Valerie suddenly turned quiet.
"Four years until we're officially inducted, you as Chieftess and I as your right hand." She spoke softly, her eyes casting a rare, sad look on her entire face.
"What's with all this talk about the future Val, you're not being senile are you?"
"No, but you haven't noticed the way Hiccup cringes when we talk about the future or anything related to us moving on?"
"I know, I know he wants to leave."
"Let's just hope it's not anytime soon, Camicazi." She reassured me. We walked back towards the others and I just let sleep take over me until the morning light.
Bertha's POV
I was relaxing in my favorite chair back at the house, enjoying the rare silence of the night. The documents of various concerns of the village and request from other tribes rested on the nearby table which I ignored for the past hour. I didn't want to read or sign any treaties or marriage proposals from foolish Chiefs' in the archipelago. I knew if I put off my work, I would have a pile of more documents to look over for tomorrow, which I didn't want to, especially since the Harvest Festival was over and I still was riding on the adrenaline from it a few hours ago. I huffed and got out of my comfy chair and walked over to the table. I started to organize the various documents into piles, until one scroll caught my eye. It had the seal of the Berserker's and I immediately opened it. My eyes widened as the words on the page filled me with dread.
"My Gods. . ." I breathed out.
Dagur, the eldest and sole male child of Oswald the Agreeable is now being sworn in to be the new Berserker Chieftain. You are expected to attend Oswald's funeral ceremony, as well as Dagur's Chieftain Ceremony. A treaty is drawn up to be renewed as trade talks and much more will be discussed. Bring as much guests as you like, as the Berserkers would like plenty of guests to say farewell to Oswald and welcome Dagur openly.
I reread the entire document at least three times and I was still in shock. Oswald is dead and Dagur is now becoming Chief in a few short days. I could feel the headache coming and I clutched my head in annoyance and pain.
"Why now Frigga, just when everything is finally falling into place?"
Dawn
I summoned the Council immediately at dawn, and I could care less for any of the mumbled protests that came out of their mouth. When they were all sitting in their places, I gave the scroll of Oswald's death to Hayden, and he read it aloud to the others. When he finished, everyone was silent. They gave a questioning look back to me.
"Not to be rude Bertha, but why is Oswald's death such a concern to you?" Dacey questioned.
"Chiefs and Chieftess' die all the time and get succeeded, what's so important about Oswald?" Lana asked.
"Have you forgotten that the Berserkers have the largest armada throughout the archipelago, as well as soldiers?" I hissed out. Everyone looked at each other as the seriousness of my words started to seep into their heads. "I'll obviously need to make an appearance as Chieftess, so I'll leave the matters of the tribe to you all when I'm gone. I need to make sure Dagur doesn't pull any risky stunts when we delegate contracts and trade agreements."
"What could that boy pull?" Hayden asked. He wore a frown on his face as he looked at me in slight confusion. "The boy just became Chief, surely he doesn't have enough time to find out Bog secrets."
"You're right, but he has thousands of soldiers at his disposal to do so." Dacey said. She clenched her dark locks in pain.
"We need to lock down the dragons immediately, no person or dragon goes out of Bog territory without permission."
"I agree, but Dagur becoming Chief isn't the only problem we have on our hands." I started. Everyone was waiting for me to continue, and that I did. "You don't find it strange that we haven't heard from Stoick and Modgan in the past year? No letters or any scrap of paper just to let us know a single thing. I even sent a new sword for Thuggory for his birthday and I didn't even get a single reply back." The Council looked at each other and started murmuring in response.
"Do you think they know about us riding dragons now?" Jonah started. "The ex-communication is probably a result of that."
"Hairy Hooligans, Bog-Burglars, Berserkers, Meatheads, and Outcasts are the five main tribes in the archipelago. Do you think they all know about the dragons?" I asked everyone.
"It depends, I believe Stoick knows now or probably found out in the past year, the man may be a fool, but he isn't that stupid. The Outcasts obviously know since Hiccup and Camicazi got captured by them, excluding our own tribe, the other two are wild cards." Lana commented.
"Wild cards, how so?"
"We get wood and any other construction materials for our ships from the Meatheads; we cannot afford to lose them at all. If we get attacked by enemies, we're trapped on land if they demolish the ships we have."
"We have dragons now, can't we also train them in war tactics to defend us?"
"That's true, but we can't stay up in the air forever, we'll eventually have to land, and when we do, our enemies will be on our tail."
I sighed in defeat. "But the Berskerkers are slightly scaring me. Their land is the largest, ours second to them, and the only reason they're not dominating in wealth like us is because Oswald doesn't trade outside the core tribes of the archipelago."
"Judging from how Johann comes to trade, he had to go to the Berserkers, next the Outcasts, us, then the Meatheads, and finally the Hairy Hooligans. Stoick, the Outcasts, and possibly even the Meatheads know we train dragons. There's a high chance that Dagur doesn't know we do, but if he does we need to get rid of any evidence that we do. The boy is smart, deadly, and deranged, but the one thing that stands in his way is his pride. Appeal to that and we might have a chance."
"Let's say you attend the funeral and Chieftain ceremony, what'll stop the others from opening their mouths?"
"They can't prove anything with proof, Dagur is still young, smart, but young. We need to make sure that there is no evidence that connects us and dragons to do so." I called for a guard and asked him to summon the teenagers immediately. He ran and hopped onto his Gronckle, flying away to get Hiccup and the others.
Hiccup's POV
A roar woke us all up in the early morning. Toothless immediately jumped up and covered me, looking for the dragon that roared at us. I pushed him off me gently and got up off the ground to see a Council guard on his Gronckle, calling all our names. I looked at the others who were wide awake and alert, staring at the guard in interest. Camicazi walked toward the guard and he seemed to have a message since he was talking fast and pointing in the direction of the Great Hall. He hopped onto his Gronckle and left immediately. Camicazi turned back to us, and her face was a mixture ofhesitation, confusion, and a hint of fear.
"We need to go to the Great Hall, now." She ordered. Camicazi hopped onto Shadow and she flew at top speed, without an explanation. Judging from her reaction, we didn't say anything but hopped onto our dragons and went into the Great Hall. As we entered, there was a tense silence that could suffocate us all. When I came into view, all the Councilors and Bertha turned to me, and they all had the same look of relief, mixed with fear.
"We called you all here because this letter is of grave importance. The death of Chief Oswald from the Berserker tribe is something to be taken seriously, before you protest. With Oswald gone, and Dagur ruling in his stead, the Berserkers loyalty could change at any moment. We need to make sure the dragons are not –"
"Are you getting rid of the dragons?" I asked.
"No, we just need to make sure there's no trace connecting us to the dragons. Dagur is a mad boy who will do anything to get what he wants."
"How do you know he'll –"
"Before you attempt to finish that sentence, the guy earned the name Dagur the Deranged, if that doesn't get your guard up, I don't know what will." Valerie commented. I gave her a small glare and she just shrugged her shoulders in response. Everyone was starting to argue and I could see the tension in Bertha and her anger about to explode. Camicazi as well, since she got up on the table and stared down most of the Councillors and the gang. She picked up a shield that was nearby, and tossed it across the room, making it break with a shattering noise, earning the silence of the entire hall. We all turned to see Camicazi with a wild look on her face. Even Bertha was rendered speechless at her daughter's actions.
"The dragons are not a problem, it's Dagur and the other Chief's and their heirs. How will they react when they find out? We cannot have the entire archipelago against us, and even if we have dragons, we do not have thousands to command help and protect us. We've entered a period of peace for the first time in Viking history, the Bog-Burglars are training dragons as well as riding them! We will not bend to the will of others because they're too prideful to overlook their own views on dragons, like we did! We are Bog-Burglars, and we do not bend to the will of others, we break tradition and create rules that fit our standards." Camicazi's words rendered everyone speechless. I have never seen her like that and I knew right then and there, that she would make the best Chieftess of the Bogs.
"And what do you propose, Camicazi?" Bertha sat back down in her chair, and watched Camicazi carefully, testing each of her words as she spoke. Camicazi looked Bertha in the eye and turned back to the rest of us as we waited for her to continue.
"We attend the ceremony on Berserker territory, but bring our dragons as a last resort in case any fighting breaks out. If Stoick or any Chief disagrees, we need to make a quick escape off that accursed island. The Council will take care of the tribe when we're gone, but when we're on Berserker territory, dragon talk is banned completely. Not even the slightest slip, we don't want to be executed or jailed at all."
"What happens if we bump into Stoick and his circle of Hooligans?" Bertha asked. I turned to look at her and her blue eyes bore into my own with such intensity that would've made me shrink away in fear in the past, but I held her stare and a small smile graced her face.
"Berserker territory is big, but it isn't that big. We're bound to run into them at some point, and when we do just act as if nothing has changed."
"And if they try to attack us?"
"The treaty's broken and the Berkians can fend for themselves when winter comes."
I was quiet during Camicazi's and Bertha's talking, not out of fear, but curiosity. Even though I wasn't the ideal heir for Stoick, I had much knowledge on the succession rules and the troubles of a new and unruly Chief. There was no way that Dagur wasn't going to do something bold and insane during the ceremony.
"I want to come with you all." I spoke, which instantly quieted the room. I looked around to see everyone giving me an incredulous look, while Bertha just raised an eyebrow in response. "Before you say anything, Oswald made life bearable when he came to Berk for treaty signings and any events that Stoick threw for the heck of it."
Bertha let out a sigh in response. "I can't deny your wish on wanting to pay respects to Oswald, but you'll be recognized immediately. You're not just putting yourself in danger, but the entire Bog-Burglar tribe. In Stoick's eyes, he'll probably twist any reason and say we captured you for gain."
"But I'm not his son anymore, what point is there?"
"The law, Hiccup," Dacey interrupted. "You may choose not to be his son, but you still are in the eyes of the law. If you are not dead or Stoick hasn't formally disowned you, you are still his son, no matter your personal views on him."
"That's complete moot in my opinion." I muttered.
"Sorry Hiccup, but there's no way you'll be coming. For now, just find any evidence that links us to the dragons that anyone can use against us. Camicazi, pack your finest clothing and offerings. We'll be leaving in two days. Dacey and Ulrik, would you mind joining me with your children, as part of our entourage to the Berserker territory?"
"Of course we will." They replied in unison.
"All right, Hiccup will recover any information lost that'll connect us to the dragons. Ulrik and Dacey, with their families, will join Camicazi and me on Berserker territory. The rest of the Councilors will oversee the island when we are gone and the teens will oversee the Academy and their duties. We'll be leaving in two days' time. You're dismissed everyone. " Everyone started to leave, and Bertha had already started to order guards to follow Camicazi in preparations for the ship that would be leaving in two days. I didn't say anything as I walked outside and hopped onto Toothless, and flew straight to the forge, doing any work that would keep me busy and away from any thoughts, of the impending funeral of Oswald the Agreeable.
Berk
Stoick's POV
"What!?" I yelled out, shocking all the Council members and the guards in the Great Hall right now.
"He's gone, Stoick, Oswald is dead." Spitelout repeated. I got up from my chair and paced back and forth around it, seething in anger.
"How is this possible?" I sat back down and ran my hand through my red beard. "Oswald is one of the best Chiefs in the archipelago, how did he die!? And now Dagur is taking his place, I don't hate the boy, but his future actions will be questionable from his, previous dealings."
"The boy earned the nickname Deranged; of course his actions will be questionable." I snapped my head toward my cocky younger brother, ready to snap his neck with my hand from his sarcastic comment. Ever since i acknowledged Snotlout as my heir, Spietlout's been getting cockier by each passing second of the day. The others felt the tension between us, and instinctively leaned back. I ignored him and turned back to the rest of the Council. Berk hasn't been the best in the past year. Ever since Hiccup had disappeared with his dragon, I had made up a story of Hiccup running away to explore new lands, and was eventually lost at sea during the winter storm. About all of Berk believed me, except for the Ingerman family and Gobber. Speaking of Gobber, we never spoke and I ordered him to never speak of Hiccup again. The occasional glance was made, but it was full of distrust and even some hate. Gobber had brought on a new apprentice, but barely sung or spoke to the small boy who took Hiccup's place. He just went to the forge, got his meals sent to him by barmaids, and went home afterwards, and repeated the same routine every day.
I dismissed everyone and made my way back home, rubbing my head in order to stop the incoming headache and stress that I could feel. As I opened the door, I came into my quiet and bright home. It was still warm, but barely due to the oncoming chill of autumn. I took off my cape and helmet, determined to get some rest, but that didn't work. The sun filtered through the cracks and windows of the house, making it bright, impossible to take a nap. I just walked through my home, trying to clear my thoughts, but they seemed to get dark, as I stopped in front of a locked room that I've been avoiding for the past year. I let out a sigh and withdrew a key, hidden in one of my pockets of my pants, unlocking the door to Hiccup's room.
The room was covered in dust, on top of every surface possible. It was bare of any hint of life, making it cold and drafty, despite the sun shining through the window and cracks of the walls. I remember after burning the designs and drawings of Hiccup and his dragon, I came in the room with a blinding rage. Tearing the floor, and looking for any more pieces of evidence of Hiccup's betrayal to the tribe. I found dozens of more drawings hidden under his desk and floor. There were drawings of inventions, hidden in plain sight, which I tore to shreds in anger. His room was a mess, half the floor torn up, his desk destroyed, the wall scratched with marks from my sword, and his bed, broken. The room was a mess and I was too. I remember crying afterwards, losing the last piece of family after Valka was taken a few weeks after his birth.
"Oh Valka, if only you were here. . ." I said to myself in the cold and destroyed room. I shook my head, and quickly left, locking the door and any emotions I showed. I walked downstairs to start making preparations for Oswald's funeral and Dagur's ceremony.
Snotlout's POV
"And when I killed that Nightmare, I used all my strength to destroy the sucker!" I boasted to the barmaids. They laughed and giggled hearing my story of slaying the Nightmare last year. With me becoming Chief, I had more attention on me than usual, and I craved it. Dad had gifted me with bigger and better weapons, the Chieftain throne was my mine, and nobody could get in my way. After Dad told me about Oswald's death, I was supposed to leave with him and some other high members of the tribe; I already threw together my stuff and packed it. According to Uncle Stoick, the Bog-Burglars and the Outcasts were not to be trusted at all. More so the Bogs, I didn't really know or care so why. As I was about to tell the girls another story, the doors to the Great Hall opened, and I turned to see Astrid walking in, covered in sweat and dirt. She was getting hotter each passing year, but there was no way I would try to flirt again with her after the stunt she pulled last year with Ruffnut. I turned to my left and saw Ruffnut and Tuffnut arguing over some stupid topic, and when Astrid was in their sight, she quickly averted her eyes and went straight to the large food table, getting milk with bread and eggs, sitting by herself at a table far away from all of us. It was weird how my useless cousin's disappearance changed everything. I was Chief but our gang was broken up. Ruff and Tuff were by each other's side more than mine, Fishlegs barely talked to me, and Astrid was obviously ignored by the four of us together.
"Even when you're supposed to be dead, you're still causing problems Useless." I muttered. The girls looked at me in confusion and I ignored their looks and distracted them with another story about one of my great achievements.
Fishlegs' POV
"Does he ever shut up?" Ruffnut hissed. I laughed at her comment with Tuffnut as we sat down and ate breakfast together. I came into the Great Hall a little while after Astrid had, since I helped Gobber deliver some tools to some families early this morning. I looked at Ruffnut who was fully healed from her injuries in the past year, she could walk without any assistance, but she would always bear scars from that night.
"Unfortunately not, and since he's going to be Chief, it's never going to stop." I told her.
"Just wait till we have to be stuck on that boat with him tomorrow."
"Tomorrow, what's going on tomorrow?"
"Oswald's dead, and all of us are going to be part of the farewell group, well that's what our dad told us." My eyes widened at Tuffnut's words. How is it possible that Oswald is dead? He's one of the best Chief's in the archipelago.
"That's bad, that's really, really bad!" I jumped up in protest, but felt something bump into me. I heard a clatter and a grunt, as I turned around to see Astrid on the ground, with her breakfast all over her. There was shock on her face, but concealed with anger. She immediately stood up and slammed her hands down on our table, forcing me back into my seat.
"Watch it!" she growled at me. Astrid was even colder than before, she barely acknowledged us and dismissed anyone or anything that wasn't worth her time. Her cruel glare silenced me and before I could say anything in response, Ruffnut got up from her seat and pulled Astrid away from our table. Astrid just looked shocked at her former friend's actions, but just left, leaving the Great Hall and any pride she had at the moment.
"Well that was awkward. . ." Tuffnut said. Ruffnut and I both glared at him, and he just shrugged his shoulders, popping a piece of fish into his mouth.
Bog territory – Docks- 2 days later
Hiccup's POV
The gang and I were together at the docks, saying goodbye to each other. Bertha was already on the large ship, flanked by guards and shouting orders all around, finishing last-minute preparations for the trip. We all cringed when one guard tripped over a box, spilling the contents of a basket that got Bertha cursing in another language.
"Maybe it's a good thing I'm not allowed to come with you guys." I said. We all laughed at my comment and I turned to Camicazi, who was shaking her head at the guard that dared to risk her mother's anger on a very important, yet stressful day.
"I can't believe we're all going to be separated after all this time." Devin spoke. He put his hand on his heart, in mock hurt. We rolled our eyes at him, while Palva just smacked him upside his head. He clenched his now bruised head, glaring at the petite warrior.
"We're only going to be separated for a few days, a week at the most." She told him.
"I know that!" Devin pouted like a young child, and I just couldn't hold in my laughter as it came out of my mouth. I clutched my stomach, while Zyon cracked a smile and the girls just smirked. When I finally got the laughter out of my system, I looked up at the others who had a small sad smile, on their faces. "I thought we would have some more time together, you guys." Zyon clasped Destin's shoulder in comfort to a response to his words.
"This funeral isn't going to change anything, you guys." Valerie reasoned. "We'll be back here riding dragons, sword fighting, and playing pranks on each other by the weeks end."
"Val's right, now shut up and hug all of us." Camicazi said. We all just followed Camicazi's demands, and huddled together for one big group hug. The sun shined down on us as our arms wrapped around each other's waists and our heads lightly brushing against one another. "We will return." We separated from one another, as Valerie, Destin, and Dalla made their way to the ship, while the others moved away from Camicazi and I, giving us some time alone. I turned back to her, staring into her warm, blue eyes.
"Camicazi, I –"
She cut me off. "You want to leave, don't you?" I blinked in astonishment, with my mouth hanging open in shock, and my green eyes widening every second. "I'm not an idiot, Hiccup. I can tell when you crave something; you don't want to stay here. If you want to go, then you can go."
"I don't want to leave the Bog tribe permanently, I just want to explore. There's more to the world out there, Camicazi. It is a big and beautiful world. Most of us live and die in the same corner where we were born and ever get to see any of it. I don't want to be most of us."
"We're not most of us, Hiccup. We're heirs to Chieftain Thrones."
"I refuse to be an heir, Camicazi. I never chose to be –"
"None of us chose our family members, Hiccup." She snapped at me. "There are times where I wish I wasn't the heiress to Chieftess Bertha, the sole and strongest female leader of the only female tribe dominated by women in the archipelago. There are times where i wonder if I can even live up to my mother's legacy. She's going to be remembered for her battle skills, her leadership abilities, her plans when it comes to dragons, and so much more! What can I do, that won't overshadow my mom, but be equal to her? So, Hiccup, don't run away, the farther you try to run, the faster the past catches up to you." Camicazi gave me a quick peck on the cheek, before rushing to the ship. She waved goodbye to all of us and I kept my eyes on her figure, until it was completely out of my field of vision.
I felt a hand on my shoulder, and turned to see Zyon and Palva staring at me with a sad look on their faces. I just patted Zyon and walked with them up the steps to where our dragons were.
"That seemed, heated." Palva spoke. She stared at me, giving me a curious look.
"It kind of was."
"Do we even want to know what that was about?"
"Camicazi thinks that I'm running away from my past." We walked past some baby Gronckles who were playing around with each other. I smiled lightly at one of them who caught my attention. Zyon and Palva were both quiet, who looked at each other, then back at me in silence. "You guys. . ."
"She's right, Hic." Palva spoke, her dark eyes staring straight at me.
"Yup, you can't let go." Zyon joined in.
"This comes from the guy who hid a Night Fury and scavenged the forest for food in order to hide his secret from our Chieftess for how many years?" I smirked at Zyon whose ears were turning red with embarrassment. He smacked me on the backside of my head, and I grumbled in protest. We all whistled for our dragons, who were probably still sleeping back at our respective homes.
"I thought we were talking about Hiccup's issues, not mine."
"So you agree with me, that you have issues?"
"For someone so quiet and small, you're pretty annoying."
"You guys. . ." I spoke, trying to get them to focus on my problem once again.
"Sorry." They apologized in unison. We heard loud roars and turned to see our dragons with grumpy looks on their faces, mad from being awake so early and not getting their breakfast yet. We laughed at their faces and earned tail smacks in return. We got onto the backs and I gave a quick pat to his head, before we all flew off to our respective places.
Toothless flew to a stop in front of home, before I opened the door, heading upstairs to my room to pack, while Toothless ate his breakfast of fish. I hoped he didn't eat too much, since we'll have to leave in a few hours, and I couldn't have him fall asleep in mid-flight because of a food coma. I started to pack an extra set of clothes, some journals, weapons, especially my Gronckle sword and shield, and any other essentials into a basket. Hoisting it over my back, I ran downstairs, back to Toothless. I placed the basket near the door, and turned to see my best friend lazily asleep on the ground, with a fish bone hanging near his mouth.
"Of course." I laughed at the sight of my best friend and left out the door, letting him rest a bit more until we had to leave later today. I ran down to the Academy, since Vinnie and Sage gave me the day off, but was met with surprise, seeing the gate shut. I pulled the lever to open the gate, and walked inside to see Dark Star and Bone Crusher, saddled with bags and supplies. They roared in greeting to me, and I walked over to give them pats on their heads in response. A cage opened, and I turned to see Zyon and Palva walking towards me.
"Why are the gates closed, you guys?" I asked the both of them.
"We're going to help you find evidence." Palva said. She hopped onto Bone Crusher, giving him a quick pat.
"What about lessons?"
Zyon just shrugged and put some rope into a bag tied onto Dark Star's saddle. He hopped on and motioned me to get behind him. I just followed what he asked and got onto Dark Star. The dragons flew upwards, in the direction of my home. When we got there, I hopped off and turned back to the two of them, waiting for an answer.
Zyon sighed out in annoyance. "Hurry up and grab Toothless Hiccup, classes can be missed for a few days."
"But—"
Palva started to glare at me. "Oh for Freya's sake, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock! If we help you search for evidence, we can sneak into Berserker territory to attend Oswald's funeral, you did say you wanted to pay your respects?!"
"You forgot 'the Third'." Palva grabbed a dagger from her side and waved it in the air dangerously. I got the message and quickly ran inside, too see Toothless still in the same position as before. I shook him awake and he grumbled out of protest. I placed his saddle on him and fastened the basket and any other materials I needed onto the saddle, double checking everything before leaving the house.
"Finally, now let's go." Zyon spoke. We all motioned our dragons to fly upwards, off to my former hideout from Berk.
Berk Docks-Mid-afternoon
Stoick's POV
We didn't even leave Berk yet, and I was already tempted to drown myself and give my soul to the Gods. I didn't have enough Council members to bring, so I ordered Gobber to join me and the teenagers at the Berserker territory for Oswald's departure. I was standing on the ship, observing the activity below. The fishermen were pulling fish from the sea with their nets, traders were selling items and collecting payment, and the guards were putting our supplies on the ship that would transfer us to the Berserkers. I looked at the village, and a small smile of gratitude. We barely survived the past winter with minimal supplies and food, but we were alive. I had to borrow again from Mogadon, but it was worth the survival of Berk. I just hope Snotlout doesn't ruin or destroy Berk when it is his time to accept the Chieftainship. I could hear loud voices, louder than the people on the docks already, and I knew right then it was the teenagers coming. I could feel the headache coming on and they haven't even gotten on the ship.
The twins were arguing as usual, punching and even biting one another as they waked up the plank to get aboard. The twins weren't as violent as before last year, I'm guessing Ruffnut's accident softened them up to actually care for one another. Astrid came up next, her axe on her hand and a basket carrying clothes and supplies that she would need. She noticed the twins, and tensed up slightly. Fishlegs came after, with his head buried in another book. I was pretty sure he was avoiding my sight after i ordered the Ingerman family to not say one word about Hiccup. Gobber came after, ignoring me and outing a comforting hand on Fishlegs' shoulder, to calm him down. Finally, Snotlout came aboard, strutting like a bloody peacock as if he owned the world. It took every ounce of self-control to not knock the boy silly and give him a reality check.
The air was tense with distrust all around. Nobody trusted Astrid except for me and Gobber. Snotlout was on the edge with the twins while hating Fishlegs. I distrusted Gobber and Fishlegs and threatened them to not say a single word about my traitor son. This was going to be the most intense and awkward ship ride of my life. I cleared my throat to gain everyone's attention.
"Oswald is dead and Dagur is going to become Chief in less than a day. You are to be on your best behavior and not embarrass your tribe. As young warriors, you will join me to pay homage to Oswald, but to gain new fighting skills and interact with others to get great wisdom for the future. Gobber, Snotlout, and I will attend the negotiation meeting and we will all regroup to attend the party in the afternoon and the funeral late at night." They all nodded in agreement and left to go put their stuff away in their respective rooms. "SET SAIL!"
The ship started to move and we would be in Berserker territory in about six hours. I would be seeing old friends like Mogadon, but enemies as well, like Alvin. There were rumors flying around saying that he died by dragon fire, but I knew that wasn't true. Alvin wasn't someone who would go down easy. Speaking of Alvin, Bertha was in open war with the Outcasts. I heard from Johann that the island's defenses were even stronger than before. Bertha was dangerous; she now had dragons at her back and the second largest army in the whole archipelago. Things weren't looking so well if I made an enemy out of her, but her betrayal stung. She needed to be put in her place after she took Hiccup and convinced him to train dragons for them. My people are dying every other day and she's riding dragons for fun. I growled and hoped the ship would make it to the Berserker tribe, so Dagur could know what he was dealing with.
Six hours later – Berserker territory
We were in our lodging and I stripped myself of my day clothes and armor, before changing into some nightwear to sleep in. Vorg had told us of Dagur's change in the funeral rites, and to say I was angry was an understatement. I was ready to burst with fury, how could Dagur be so selfish and cruel? I walked to my window and noticed a house across from me. When I made out the banner of the tribe, I was instantly met with fury. It was the Bog-Burglars.
I don't know what game you're playing Bertha, but I will not lose.
On a secluded beach over the ocean way past Bog territory
Night
Hiccup's POV
I have never in my life rode Toothless that fast before, even when we were flying in the sky doing stunts. The six of us were exhausted and wary as we slumped onto the small beach in the middle of the ocean. The beach was small enough to hold us and our dragons, but not large enough for people to stay for too long. We pushed the dragons to their limit, wary of being spotted by any ships from tribes that were going to Berserker Island for Oswald's funeral. The secluded beach wasn't too far from the cave, probably two hours at the most, but the dragons needed a break and we needed to hide. The air was cold, but not bitter enough to bring out heavy furs. We couldn't risk a fire, in fear of being spotted from any ships passing, so our dragons were our source of heat. We brought out baskets of fish for Toothless, Dark Star, and Bone Crusher, who were eagerly eating them up. I was drinking some water from a canteen while Palva and Zyon were sitting down on the sand, munching on some berries and dried beef.
"That was some . . . intense . . . flying" I breathed out. Zyon and Palva nodded in agreement to my panted statement. I turned to see Toothless passed out from exhaustion; I smiled sadly and gave him a rub down, earning a pleasant roar in return. "Sorry about that bud, it'll be much easier in the morning." Toothless opened his piercing green eyes, and smiled to me through them. I returned his smile with one of my own, before leaving him to rest completely. I walked back to Zyon and Palva who were packing away their share of food, before throwing me some bread and fish. I gave them my thanks before sitting down next to Zyon, eating my food completely before any of us started a conversation again.
"How far are we from the cave?" Palva asked.
"About an hour or two, but we need our rest." I replied.
"We also can't be spotted, any Chief and their party will be headed to Berserker territory for Oswald, we can't take even the slightest risks of exposure." Zyon added.
"It would be better to leave at night where the dragons have less risk of being captured, but we need to make sure every ship has passed us, especially the Hairy Hooligans." Palva stated. I inwardly cringed, but kept a stoic face on the outside.
"How far is the Hairy Hooligan tribe from here?"
"About a five day flight at a regular speed on dragon back." I answered. "The Berserker territory is close to Berk, so it would take the Hairy Hooligans a few hours to get there. Berserkers and Meatheads are neighbors to Berk."
"We should be safe then, from how all the tribes are based, we Bogs are probably the last one to know about Oswald. News doesn't travel that fast in the archipelago, especially by boat, even if the weather is in favor." Palva decided.
"That's not good, if Bertha and the others get there last, who knows what Stoick would say to Dagur?" I said.
"It's all right, I'm sure Bertha and the others can hold their own against those Hooligans." Zyon confirmed. We all nodded our heads in agreement to his statement.
"Now enough about Dagur, more about you Hiccup." Palva smirked. She laid down on the cool sand, kicking her legs childishly, as if she were a child listening to an entertaining story.
I just looked at her uncertainly.
"Tell us why you want to leave Hiccup." She stated.
"I said that I want to travel and find more tribes –"
"Tribes that is farther and farther away from Berk." Zyon spoke. I glared at him and he smirked cockily. "I hit the mark, didn't i? Hiccup, if you don't let go of your past, it's gonna come back and bite you, and bite you hard."
"Fine!" I threw my arms up in the air in anger. "I'm running! I don't want to be anywhere near Berk because it brings back all the horrid memories of how I was treated. I didn't want to go on this mission because every second reminds me of how my peaceful life right now can be destroyed by the Hairy Hooligans!" Zyon and Palva looked at each other, then back to me, in surprise of my outburst. I heard a roar and turned to see Toothless and the rest of the dragons staring at us in suspicion, looking for a threat that caused my outburst. Toothless stared at me longer, before I gave him a fake, reassuring smile. I knew he didn't believe me, but he just watched me for a bit longer, before going back to sleep. I turned back to Zyon and Palva, whose eyes haven't left me at all.
"I didn't mean to push, but you need to know that your past will screw you over if you don't confront it soon." Zyon spoke; he was choosing his words carefully, hoping to avoid another one of my outbursts. "I don't know how or when, but you're going to do it."
"And what makes you so sure about that?"
"You didn't change your name at all, you kept it and didn't even make a slight change. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third is a mouthful, but it is recognizable to the tribes. I think you kept your name because despite all your hatred for Berk, you still have some love, even if it is small." I looked away from Zyon and clenched my teeth in anger.
"Lay off him Zyon…" Palva warned. "Hiccup, there had to be someone on Berk you depended on."
"Gobber," I started. "He's the village Blacksmith on Berk who taught me almost everything I needed to know on how to work a forge. I guess you could say that he was my father; he listened, talked, and taught me everything I needed to know about life. His sarcasm was something I definitely picked up."
"We've noticed." The dark haired warriors said in unison.
"Do you miss him?" Palva asked after a minute of silence.
"I never really thought much about anyone on Berk after I left, but when I think about it now, I was awful. I yelled and cursed, putting blame on him for what happened to me. Oh Thor. . ." I clenched my head in silent anger, but before I could, I felt sand on my face. I coughed and sputtered, clearing the sand from my hair and face. I looked up to see Palva holding sand in her hands, threatening to throw again.
"Listen up, Hiccup. You are not leaving us, not anytime soon. It's been a year since you've came to stay, and you have survived capture and battle with Alvin, a trial, and a possible death sentence. You have more luck than any person I know in this entire archipelago. It won't be now, or today, maybe in the future, but we all know you will confront your past and apologize to Gobber, don't try and deny it." Palva turned from me and walked over to Bone Crusher, pulling a blanket from a basket near his saddle and throwing it over herself, trying to get warm so she can fall asleep. I turned back to Zyon, who was up and dusting the sand from himself. He held a hand out, and I grabbed it with him pulling me up. I dusted the sand off my body and we headed back to our dragons. I didn't bother for a blanket; unfolding Toothless' wings and tucking myself underneath them, letting the darkness of them lull me to sleep.
Berserker Territory
Camicazi's POV
I absolutely hated traveling by boat. I hated it, I completely hated it with a passion. I can't believe that was my life before dragons came aboard. I've been sitting with Valerie and Dalla, talking about random things to pass the time. Destin had long abandoned us in comfort for his bed below deck. And that was three hours ago. We were desperate to take a quick flight, but any hint of dragons could equal all of our deaths. The dragons were restless and I was pretty sure that they were cranky for being locked away without any flight and fish can only do so much to calm them. Before I could think of anything else, a voice interrupted my thoughts.
"BERSERK LAND AHEAD!" a guard yelled. Everyone immediately reacted. I immediately ran next to my mom, whose blue eyes that matched my own, turn cold and steely. Valerie, Dalla, and Destin joined us a few seconds, the latter looking a bit messy, probably from being woken up from his sleep. Ulrik and Dacey joined us, standing behind their respective children. We had about a dozen guards protecting us, a set of three on each side, covering us in a square formation.
As the ship came closer to the Berserker tribe, I remembered I've only been to Berserker territory once, for a treaty signing when I was twelve. It was still as I remembered with large homes, ships, and people. I could see the huge armada of ships that were sitting idly in the sea on my left, and it sent a slight chill down my spine. I looked up to my mom whose eyes were focused only on the guards near the docks, getting ready to welcome us.
"Remember everyone, do not let your guard down at any second." Mom ordered. We all nodded in unison and I kept a stoic front, not giving a hint to any of my emotions. A Berserker guard brought out a plank for us to walk down and our guards slowly broke away, so mom and I walked down from our ship, to stand on the docks, but instead of Dagur greeting us, we were met by Vorg, the Captain of the Berserker armada. Vorg was a bit of an airhead, but that man could decimate an entire tribe and won't even bat an eye afterwards.
"The Bog-Burglar tribe, with their Chieftess Bertha and heiress Camicazi, welcome to the Berserker tribe." He greeted us. We gave him a quick nod in response, and mom introduced the rest of our party, quickly wanting to get introductions out of the way, so we could all rest.
"You Bogs are the second to last to arrive, every tribe came either in the afternoon."
"Well, Berserker territory is the farthest tribe from us, it will take some time to get to you guys."
"Whatever, you're here and that's all there is. Dagur's ceremony will start in the late afternoon and finally Oswald's funeral will be at night."
Mom and I looked at each other in confusion. There were murmurs from behind us, and I knew that everyone else felt slightly disturbed from the way Dagur changed the usual funeral rites for Chieftains.
"Shouldn't Oswald be laid to rest, before Dagur's crowning?" I spoke out. Vorg stared at me in boredom, writing me off as insignificant. It took everything I had to not pummel his face, barely keeping my anger in check, if it wasn't for mom's hand resting on my shoulder, slowly tightening.
"Dagur has decided to be crowned first, so he can immediately take up his duties as Chief, as his father would want him to. He can send Oswald to Valhalla, knowing that that his throne is well taken care of."
"How thoughtful of Dagur, I'll keep that in mind." We were escorted to our lodge, and once the door closed, I let out a sigh of relief. We all turned to my mom, who had a scowl on her face, marring her previously stoic face. She turned to us, and just sent us off to bed, too exhausted to speak. Valerie and I shared a room, Dalla and her mom, while Destin joined Ulrik, while mom had her own room. Valerie and I went into our room, getting ready for bed. We moved around quietly, putting all of our clothes and supplies away. When I came out of the bath, I saw Valerie already in her nightwear on her bed, braiding her hair, but I could tell her mind was in another place.
"Do you think the dragons will be all right?" she said.
"They'll be fine, but I hope tomorrow we don't get any surprises."
"I hope Hiccup and the others are having fun."
"Let's hope so."
A/N: I know it has been a while since i last updated DW, and i am truly sorry about that. I have had so many things happening at once, i had to put DW on hold for a bit before coming back to write. When i first started to write this chapter, i was stuck. I had no idea how to start it off and i kept on scratching out ideas and deleting documents before i finished it finally. In this section, the tribes are coming together to crown Dagur and say goodbye to Oswald. I needed an event that would bring everybody at one location, so i decided on Oswald's death. The tribes are coming together, which means unpleasant reunions between enemies and supposed friends. This chapter explores the relationship and fragile peace the tribes have with one another, especially the Bog-Burglars who need plenty of support to avoid obliteration. This chapter sets the stage of what is going to happen in the future sequel, Broken and Caged. In the next part of this chapter, you are going to get plenty of drama and discord between the Bog-Burglars and other tribes that are on Berserker territory for Oswald. The teenagers and adults are all going in different directions in the Bog-Burglar tribe, while Hiccup's absence causes extreme distrust between the characters on Berk. You're going to see some new characters and conflicts being brought up so you definitely won't be bored. There are about three parts to Unpleasant Reunions and Funerals, since the chapter is at least 20-25,000+ words and i needed to break it up, since i felt that it was way too long to sit down and read all at my profile for updates for the future of Dark Wings. PLEASE REVIEW AFTERWARDS SO I CAN GET YOUR THOUGHTS. NEXT UPDATE IS TOMORROW.