AN: Hello to the faithful readers I still have left. First of all I want to apologize for breaking my promise. I had told you that, at least once per month, I would update this story, and it has been nearly two months since I last uploaded a chapter. I have no excuses to offer, because there are none. I allowed my depression to make me become increasingly secluded, and only noticed this after my friend asked my why I was so distant. I feel awful about leaving you guys hanging for another update, and becauce of this I'm going to leave my email on my profile so any of you can send me an email demanding another chapter if I go more than 10 days without uploading one.
Personal note aside, here is the review response:
Scorpion6955: I also don't remember what you were supposed to comment, so I think it's best that one of us make a note next time we speak of my story. Bracket was a term I had found for bracelet, but now I'm starting to doubt my source. And thanks for the tip. I'll be paying attention to this in the future.
Matteorormmeo: Thanks, and no, Drago isn't coming. He won't make an appearance on this story, only in it's sequel, which I have yet to plan.
T-Biggz: I too liked her when I started to know more about her character. She will be a secondary character, so don't expect her to play a huge hole in this story as does Heather or Astrid. As to what happened to her mother... well, you'll find out on this chapter.
Guest: While I'm slightly annoyed that you didn't put a nickname so I can address you properly here, I feel very flattered that you think so highly of this fic. Whoever you may be I hope I haven't lost you by being absent for so long, and that, should you still be around, will like this chapter.
Nick Tanico: The 'scratches' part I'd need to see again, since maybe for me it was more proper in that situation. As for the other two tips I do agree with you, and thank you for giving me them. Yes, sadly we all do make mistakes, though I admit that if I were on a better state of mind they would be more scarce. And lastly, no, you didn't forget to read any AN. I just want to keep a secret the pairing until the very end. Until then, you're more than welcome to imagine any kind of pairing with Hiccup, and even tell me it and the reason why you imagined it.
Fragments of Imagination: Yes, poor Cami indeed. Fortunately for her Hiccup is there. I believe you'll find this chapter, or at least part of it, quite emotional. And, of course, I hope that you like it.
White Hunter: Since we did discuss this through PM I don't think there is a need to write her what we spoke. All I can say is that I hope that you'll enjoy this chapter, and not find it similar to the last one.
Cois99: thanks for writing this review, as it was this one that brought me back to my story. I'm updating now, but I can't tell you when the next one is schedule, since it isn't.
Without further ado:
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"She died before we sailed to here." She quietly answered, not quite meeting his gaze. It appeared that the girl was on the verge of crying, and was doing her best to don't do it right there.
Hiccup's looked at her with wide eyes as he gasped. Just like with his father, he had always seen the Bog chief as an immortal being, telling tales of fighting dragons and of the rivalry she shared with the Hooligan chief. Though always competing, they shared a strong friendship. Both because Cami was a close friend to him and his dad's friendship with Bertha, he had grown quite fond of the woman who affectionately nicknamed him 'fishbone'. Unlike his cousin, she always seemed playful when using his nickname, much like Gobber was with 'toothpick'.
He then frowned, recalling the familiar pain of losing someone close. And it was not like he was a stranger to the feeling, as he not only had to cope with losing his mother on a dragon raid a decade ago but he had also helped Heather and Astrid cope with their losses. Still, he didn't know if losing a mother at their current age was more or less pain than losing at the age he lost his own.
His heart ached as he saw Cami slowly wipe off a tear rolling her cheek as she quietly sniffed. Hiccup, albeit not unfamiliar with the situation, also didn't know how he should deal with it. Things like that appeared to be easier when everyone was younger. He slowly put a hand on her shoulder, and when the girl looked at him with bright, red eyes, he offered her a smile. "I'm…" he swallowed, since saying those words always brought back the pain his friend in front of him must be feeling at the moment.
"I'm sorry for your loss," he said soothingly, "I-I," he stuttered before going silent. He took a deep breath, trying to not also get emotional with the whole situation, "I know how you feel… and…" he said slowly, as the words were not easily coming to him, "And… I'm here for you if you need it…" he finished.
Cami looked at those warm forest-green eyes. She could see behind the warmth the pain those eyes held. She took comfort hearing his words, as she could remember soothing Hiccup when she visited Berk after the incident years ago. Had the situation been lighter, she would have laughed at the irony, as she vividly remembered telling a young, crestfallen Hiccup that 'one day he would be able to return the favor', and almost 10 years later he was indeed.
Her hand went for her face to wipe off uselessly the tears that was flowing freely from her eyes. She didn't do it, though, since Hiccup's free hand did it for her. As soon as his thumb made contact with her cheek, she embraced him, clutching on the boy as if her life depended on it. Hiccup was momentously surprised, before returning the embrace. He saw the Bogs behind Cami bowing their heads, honoring the memory of their former chief. The Hooligans behind Gobber and Hiccup did the same, understanding what the situation meant.
He closely held Cami, as she silently sobered in his shoulders. A few lone tears escaped his own eyes, as he could feel the pain inside his friend. They held the embrace silently for a few minutes, as no one dared to do or say anything. Back where the teens were hiding, overlooking the docks, Heather shed a few tears of her, recognizing the familiarity of the situation. Astrid also felt a pang in her heart, as she recalled the loss of her Uncle. Her tough Viking demeanor, however, made her refuse to let free any tears. She was grateful, though, that none of the teens could see her slightly bright eyes.
Cami slowly broke out of the hug, occasionally sniffing. She offered Hiccup a genuine smile, letting him know how grateful she was of his actions. After Hiccup smiled back, he decided to speak. "It's okay, we can talk later," Hiccup suggested, seeing that the young chief needed that comfort, though also wanted to deal with something else. Cami nodded, absently stroking the hand he had on her shoulder.
She took a deep breath to calm down a little before addressing her friend. "T-thanks…" she paused, deeply breathing so her voice would even, before speaking again. "Right now I need to address your father," she said, finally breaking her gaze on his soft eyes to look around, searching for the vast man that was supposed to be there. When she didn't find him, her blue eyes turned back to Hiccup, expecting to know why the vast man was missing.
He finally let go of her shoulder to rub the back of his neck, "Well… about that, he went searching for the nest after last raid." She was surprised and stiffened hearing the familiarity of those words. She would have felt pity of the boy had she not known of Stoick's usual habit of searching for the nest. She slightly pondered if her mother's inexperience on searching for the dragon's nest was the cause of her demise, though she didn't linger much on the idea.
She was about to talk when he interrupted her. "Spitelout also went with him, among most of the village." She closed her mouth. Moments passed and her mouth was widened as it finally dawned on her what Hiccup was not directly telling her, hence the sheepish attitude.
"You mean to tell me you're the acting chief at the moment?" she asked in a whisper. Her surprise didn't end when her friend nodded, looking a bit nervous. She took her time to get passed the surprise so she could address the chief regarding what she wanted to talk about. "Well…" she shyly began. She would have felt embarrassed for breaking down in front of the acting chief, but she knew Hiccup was not the usual Viking that would say 'suck it up'. "I guess it would be better we go somewhere to talk, as chiefs," she added.
Hiccup was slightly surprised. His mind didn't even register that with Bertha's death, Cami would be the new chief of the Bogs. Still, seeing someone around his age already at chiefdom, permanently, sent shivers down his spine. He quietly thanked the Gods that his position was only temporary, and prayed that his father would not meet the same fate Cami's mother had.
"Y-yes, of course," he answered, trying to cover his surprise, though he didn't succeed much on it. "We c-could go to the Great Hall or my house. Whatever m-makes you feel more comfortable," he added to the Bog chief. She pondered for a moment her options before instructing him that they should first have a private conversation before addressing publicly the visit. Besides, away from prying, judging eyes, she wouldn't need to worry of breaking down in public again.
Hiccup turned to Gobber and motioned the man to come closer so he could speak in a low voice. Gobber had given them some space the moment he noticed Bertha's absence. They had been close friends, almost rivaling his friendship with Stoick if distance hadn't been a problem. As soon as he overheard Cami's words he took his time to mourn his friend. He only hoped that she had a glorious death and was in Valhalla. "Cami and I will talk in my house privately," he spoke to the man with a slight trembling voice. It was hard for him to maintain a tough appearance with the shocking news he just received, not to mention Cami's current state.
Gobber nodded, before talking back "I'll instruct the Bogs and whosever in the village to wait in the Hall for yeh two to arrive. Yeh two can take yehr time," he turned to look at the Bog, and placed his beefy head on her thin shoulder. "I'm sorry for yehr loss. Yehr mother was a great women and a great friend. I'm sure she must be in Valhalla by now," he spoke, trying to comfort Cami in his own way. It might not have been the best, but she knew he had good intentions.
With that they parted ways, the two young chiefs heading to Hiccup's house, while Gobber was instructing those at the docks. The people who had gathered to watch the arrival opened way so the two could go through. They eyed Hiccup, trying to understand the situation happening before them, but either the boy was distracted and didn't notice them or simply ignored them. They, however, didn't dwell for long in it as they heard Gobber instructing that a meeting in the Great Hall would be held. The burly man, along with some of the villagers, guided the Bogs to the hall while the rest of the Hooligans went ahead, some parting the group to notify those who didn't hear the instructions.
One thing they knew. If Bertha was dead, and they were here when the ice was about to set, then it meant things had gone really bad for the Bogs. Soon apprehension felt in everyone, and the few that dared to ask a Bog about what happened were met with a saddening silence. Their only choice was to wait for Hiccup to shed some light for them. While he had vastly improved at Dragon Training, defeating the beasts with his bare-hands, some doubted of his leading skills. While most of the village already heard of Fishlegs' tale, some were still wary, remembering all the times the child tried to help them and ended up aiding the dragons by accident.
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Hiccup went all the way to his house holding Cami by her shoulder. He missed Snotlout's glare, probably envious that he would be alone with the pretty Bog, or the teens' surprise. Heather went after him, probably to ask what happened, but she stopped when he gave her a glance that clearly meant 'later'. They didn't stare for long, as they heard word that a meeting was being held in the Hall. Soon everyone was going there, though Heather stopped to glance back at the figure of her best friend entering the chief's house with Cami.
A small part of her felt jealous of thinking he was alone with the Bog. Everyone knew of their different culture, especially their denial in marriage and how they made their offspring. Though she somehow knew it was unlikely, she prayed that the girl wouldn't use him to make one. Her fear quickly died when she and the teens heard word of the former Bog chief's death; her jealous quickly changed to guilty as she realized what Hiccup's intention probably was, since she knew he was a close friend to the Bog heir. Not only was that but, at that exact moment, it dawned on her that he was the acting chief for the moment.
She hoped that her reckless boy would know how to act. She felt some hope as it had been days since Hiccup had been wounded on the Dragon Training. The other teens' wound rate significantly dropped, though every now and then one of them would still get hurt, mainly the Twins.
Also she had been one of the first to hear Fishlegs' tale.
While everyone was waiting at the Great Hall, Hiccup and Camicazi entered his house. After making themselves comfortable and giving her a mug of water, he decided to go straight to the point. "Cami, what happened to… your tribe?" he asked, refraining himself from specifically asking about her mother. Speaking of the Bogs as Cami's tribe felt foreign to him, hence the pause when speaking.
"Well… we don't know much of what happened. It started when we had a peculiar bad raid, which was quite surprising. N-not only because it was an unusual time for the dragons to raid us, but the large amount of dragons that did it. So, after we survived it, mom…" she abruptly stopped, feeling that her throat was closed. A single tear escaped her bright blue eyes, which was tenderly cleaned by Hiccup.
"Thanks…" she mumbled as a small smile on her face. She took a deep breath and continued explaining. "She decided to search for the nest. She went with 3 other ships to there, but they never returned. Then, one day, the village woke up with our houses burning. It was like fire was raining from the skies. Some Bogs claim that they saw a huge dragon in the dark night, but no one knows for sure. Since most of the village was burning to the ground, we decided to leave the island. We had three boats left, but one was burned while we were leaving. Whatever did that thought we weren't worthy of being chased once we were away from the island."
Hiccup felt lost. No one knew of a dragon capable of burning a village to the ground. Not even Toothless would be capable of that. He would do some research later, as it seemed the matter had yet to be finished. "D-do you think it was the White Death?" he asked the young chief, recalling the tale of the Hysterics demise: A tribe that was obliterated and burned to the ground within a single day, leaving nothing but ashes and white scales behind.
Only merchants that went there saw the destruction, and once word spread out, no one came near the island again, in fear that it would either be cursed by the Gods, or that the dragon might have taken residence within the ashes. Since no one was quite close to the tribe, no one bothered to go properly burry the burned bodies either.
She shook her head. "Some said the thing was huge, and fairly blended with the pitch-black night it attacked. I think that if it had been this dragon, more of us would have been able to spot It," she explained, making Hiccup feel somewhat relieved. Even though the destruction still happened, it eased him to know that the Bogs weren't probably being hunted by the White Death.
Still, something worried him. The ice was about to settle and apparently all of what was left of the Bogs was docked at Berk and waiting for them at the Great Hall. "So, why did you all come here?" he asked, thinking this was what she wanted to talk with his father.
"Don't you see?" she snapped, and he recoiled a little. "We have no home, and you were the closest allied tribe form our island." She went to him and took his hands, looking directly into his eyes "You have to help us Hiccup. You're our only hope," she pleaded with bright eyes, and Hiccup knew he couldn't deny her request. He already pitied her for losing her mother to the Dragon War, just like he and Heather lost. And now, she had the weight of a desperate tribe to burden her. As a friend, helping the Bogs was the least he could do.
He disengaged his hands from hers and held both her shoulders. "I'll do what I can Cami, but t-this is something that requires the Council," he spoke. The Council was a group of elders that helped the chief with important matters. While the chief held the last word, the Council's word heavily weighted in the chief's decision, sometimes even changing it. Since Hiccup was too nervous to decide alone the fate of the Bog tribe, he thought it would be better if he heard the elders regarding the matter.
Cami nodded and soon they marched toward the Great Hall. Once they reached it he took a deep breath before opening the large steel doors. The Hall, which was so loud that a muffled noise could be heard outside, felt in deep silence as they entered it. Hiccup felt a thousand eyes gazing at him, just like a pack of wolves would gaze on a deer. Still, he went to the table in which his father used to discuss important matters-the same Stoick had used to organize his search parties for the dragon nest.
As he approached it, the elders looked at him expectantly. Since they were too valuable, none of them had gone in Stoick's voyage to the nest. While Hiccup was, technically, the acting chief, most of common day affairs were dealt by the Council. Before, the few that remained in the village believed that the Council did it as they didn't think Hiccup would be able to handle it. But since Hiccup's fame rose, they quickly changed their opinion, saying instead that the Council took pity of laying these affairs in such young shoulders.
Hiccup suddenly froze, seeing the elders looking expectantly at him. Whatever words he was about to speak were lost in his tongue. For seconds he stood there, until he felt a hand in his left shoulder. Turning his head, he saw Gobber looking at him, giving a small nod as if to say 'don't yeh worry, I'll be here'.
He gulped, and turned to face the elders again. Lightly shaking, he spoke "Elders, as acting chief, I request your opinion on this matter," he spoke, surprisingly without stuttering. The elders looked at one another, changing small nods. He had to be strong, for Cami, just like he had been the day he face the Snaptrapper. If he could calmly deal with a four-headed poisonous dragon alone, he could deal with a bunch of elders.
Soon one of them spoke: "Very well, what is the matter that requires our attention?"
He, Gobber and Cami took position where Stoick usually is. Both Hooligans and Bogs looked at him, though with different intentions. While the former waited to hear what happened to the thieving tribe, the later-or what's left of it-looked rather fearfully, since their destiny was pretty much at the hands of the boy.
"Camicazi spoke to me of their situation." Looking to said girl, he received a nod, meaning that he could relay to the Council her story. "The short version is that Bertha went for the nest after they suffered a particularly bad raid. According to her, the ships never returned from the search, and one night they woke up with the village burning," he explained. Gobber tapped his shoulder and he looked at the man. They changed some gesturing before Hiccup let Gobber stand up.
"Can the Bogs present confirm the lass' story?" Gobber asked to the Bog women. Some murmurs of agreements and nods passed through the female crowd. He left his position, and Hiccup soon took over to continue explaining the matter. So far the boy was holding up nicely, so Gobber didn't see any reason to step in and take charge of speaking.
"According to her, they decided to leave the village as it was mostly burned to the ground. There were three ships leaving the island, but one was burned down before they left," he finished explaining. Inside his stomach was doing flips, his nervousness was barely kept on check. He kept replaying that thought on his head, about how he dealt with a dragon with such confidence, and that now instead of dragon, it was a Council.
The elders exchanged looks before one, the same that addressed Hiccup, spoke: "Very well. We hear your situation. Now we will hear what you request from us, as an allied tribe," he addressed Cami. Hiccup could tell his friend was nervous, much like him. But, while he had Gobber to support him, she had no one other than him. He squeezed her shoulder in reassurance, and Cami felt more confident to act as chief.
"We request shelter for the remaining of the Bog tribe on Berk. In exchange, we promise to aid in the dragon raids and the search for the quest," she spoke firmly, not even showing the trembling voice she had back at his house. Luckily, she didn't need to speak further, as the Hall's silence broke into murmurs, most coming from the natives of the island. The Bog women remained silent and stiff, waiting to hear their fate.
"Camicazi," the elder addressed. "How many Bog women remain from your tribe?" he asked in a neutral tone.
"No more than 30," she answered. The murmurs grew louder since everyone knew this was a number too small for a tribe to hold its own against the raids. The Council exchanged some whispers, before looking at Hiccup again.
"Hiccup, as acting chief, we would like to discuss this matter with you. More privately," the Elder spoke, clearly showing they wanted Cami and the Hall out of the discussion for the moment. He would have objected, but his courage had a limit, and his limit was heeding to whatever the Council said.
A small circle was former at the back of the Hall, with Hiccup and Gobber there. When the blacksmith's presence was questioned, Gobber explained Hiccup's father usually sought Gobber's council, and so would he. When they questioned Hiccup, the boy timidly nodded, confirming the blacksmith's claim. The issue was no longer voiced after this.
"Winter is near and supplies are short," Hiccup felt some of the elders looking accusingly to him, though luckily it had been only a few. "More mouths to feed might lead to rationing," one spoke. It was obvious the first thing they would address would be food. It always was, whenever the Council reunited to discuss a raid, an incoming visit from another tribe, or a ceremony that would have a feast.
"B-but it also means more warriors to defend our stock. While w-women, we all know of their f-fighting skills," he protested and mentally cursed his stuttering. It could only mean that his confidence was faltering, and he couldn't afford that right now. Luckily, his stutter seemed to be overlooked as the rest murmured in agreement. "That means the dragons are likely to leave with less stock," he spoke with a bit more of confidence, finally managing to not stutter. Unfortunately, his voice quavered, if only a little.
"Winter is too close. Building houses now could be a risk once the ice settles," one complained
"True, but also means that it would be impossible to navigate through the waters," one retorted.
"Besides, the Bogs can help on the constructions or cutting the wood at least," another one added.
A couple of minutes went by as the Elders weighted the pros and cons of sheltering the remains of the Bog tribe. Gobber and Hiccup silently heard each point, while Cami went to speak with her tribeswomen since her presence was not requested by the Council. The villagers began talking, mostly speculating what dragon could have burned a village to the ground, and the future of the allied tribe.
Heather and the teens, meanwhile, sat in the corner, silently observing the situation. Fishlegs was the only one to occasionally break the silence, mostly pointing out how Hiccup seemed confident or nervous while dealing with the situation. Snotlout's face would twist in jealousy at every remark from the husky boy.
Finally, the Council weighted every opinion they had and face Hiccup, waiting to hear the verdict on the matter. Gobber squeezed Hiccup's shoulder in support since the boy started shaking lightly once silence fell in the circle.
"The west forest holds a large amount of wood, so we won't be risking our supply that we use to repair the houses after a raid. The Bogs can help cut down the wood to speed up the construction, and some of the villagers could shelter the Bogs that don't have a house by the time winter sets in," Gobber suggested to Hiccup in a whisper, who nodded in agreement.
When he voiced out the suggestion to the Elders, his confidence once again shrunk seeing the reluctant looks some of them were giving him. "But their numbers are too small for a tribe. Shouldn't they be merged with ours?" an Elder pondered, sparking panic inside the boy.
"Well…" Hiccup said while rubbing the back of his neck. The confidence he had as he was determined to help his friend was slowly faltering. He could only hope that they would reach a conclusion before he became nothing but a huge pile of nerves. "While you are right, I doubt they will accept that." Some elders started murmuring to one another.
"We can…" he added and waited the elders fall silent. He continued "Make a treaty. Cami could relay part of her authority to us since we'll be sharing our resources," he suggested. Seeing some agree with his idea made him continue his trail of thoughts with much more confidence. "T-that way they can maintain a-a certain amount of independence w-while, if needed, we can intervene without r-risking a war in our own island," he finished suggesting, silently cursing his stutter again. He didn't say out loud, but he deeply hoped that Cami would accept this condition.
He sighed in relief as they agreed in unanimity after a moment of exchanging silent glances. Soon Cami was called and a treaty was signed. None of the Bogs dared to complain about the terms, since they could only feel relief that they found a new home. Construction of the houses was settled to begin at dawn, and most Bogs happily volunteered to chop down trees.
With that, the villagers soon decided to head home while the Bogs made themselves comfortable in the beds inside the Hall. Hiccup went straight to his house, feeling completely sore.
The teens were the last to leave the Hall. Fishlegs was all but talking how Hiccup acted like a true chief, and to everyone's surprise, even Snotlout agreed, albeit reluctantly. The Twins were mostly complaining how the boy didn't blow up things anymore-since they loved watching destruction and agreed that Hiccup was the best in doing it. Heather was silently feeling proud of Hiccup while Astrid felt suspicious and surprised at Hiccup's sudden confidence.
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He invited Cami to spend the night at his house. He would give to her his room, while he either slept on his father's room, or made up a bedroll with blankets. Unfortunately, sleep didn't seem to stay for long on the young Bog, as nightmares plagued her through the night. Hiccup resigned his sleep, as he spent most of the night comforting his friend, and she didn't complain nor worried at how un-Viking she was being.
Obviously, she wasn't surprised that he wasn't complaining either. Fortunately, she had been too coped up with sobbing on Hiccup and trying to cope up with her loss and her nightmares to notice the blush he had once he noticed they were both lying on his bed. Fortunately, sleep seemed to come at the Bog after he comforted her, and with him by her side, she seemed to sleep peacefully. Apparently having him to squeeze as if her life depended on it made it easier to keep the nightmares away.
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Next day arrived quickly, and Hiccup found himself awakened by the smell of fresh breakfast. He was fairly surprised to find out that Cami woke up before him and made breakfast as a 'thank you' gesture. She also seemed to be somewhat embarrassed that they slept so intimately, and both agreed to never utter a word about last night once they left the house. After both ate breakfast, she quickly left to go talk to her tribe while he went to find Gobber on the Arena.
Gobber decreed that no classes would be held that day since they were finally ready to confront the White Fury as the final test. Both Fishlegs and Hiccup paled by hearing that their next class would be dealing with the legendary dragon, second only to the Night Fury. Later the peg-legged Viking excused Hiccup from working on the forge, joking that 'a chief needs to rest'. With that, he wasted no time going to the woods to fly with Toothless, hoping that they could enjoy some peaceful flight.
Luckily, he hadn't remove Toothless' tail and saddle, making their take off quick. They spent most of the day flying lazily. At a certain moment they fished, as both had started feeling hungry, and landed on a small stony island. Hiccup built a small campfire to cook the fish and Toothless lit it. Together, they watched the sunset, enjoying the flickering of the burning wood as it was the only sound to break the silence. Toothless was lying down, happy with his catch while Hiccup was leaning on the dragon's belly, cooking a fish to eat.
He heard some disgusting noises before he turned to see a regurgitated fish. "Err, no thanks. I have mine," he gestured to the cooking fish. Toothless huffed as if saying 'whatever' and returned his attention to the pile of raw fishes he had caught earlier. Hiccup's head turned as he heard flapping noises breaking their comfortable silence.
He watched as three Terrible Terrors landed. Toothless growled at the dragons, pulling his pile protectively closer to him. Two Terrors fought for the regurgitated head. One of the Terrors breathed fire at another, effectively winning his much desired price. Toothless watched amusedly the fight, until his attention turned to a fish that looked like it was walking. His surprise didn't last long.
He pulled the fish, uncovering a sneaky Terror. They engaged in a tug-of-war for the fish, which resulted in the victory of the onyx dragon. The Terror hissed and clawed the ground, trying to look intimidating, while Toothless just looked with boredom at it. When he opened his mouth, about to release fire, Toothless shot a small plasma blast at it. The Terror inflated for a second, before starting to walk dazedly around, with smoke coming out of his mouth and nostril.
Hiccup was watching the interaction with amusement. Once the 'fight' was over, he lightly slapped his dragon "You are one mean dragon, did you know that?" he scolded playfully Toothless. His answer was a snort, clearly saying 'deal with it'. He took a fish from Toothless' pile and threw at the dazed Terror, feeling pity for the poor creature. "There you go," he said after throwing, ignoring Toothless' indignant glare.
The Terror happily accepted the meal, before eyeing the human. He slowly approached him before finally nesting around one of Hiccup's arms. He felt awed seeing how the dragon seemed to be safe near him. "Everything we know about you guys is wrong," he spoke in complete disbelief.
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Astrid's day was nothing out of the ordinary. Instead of practice axe throwing, she decided to help chop down some wood as an exercise. After tiring out, she decided to have a much needed talk with Heather. After she left the woods, she went straight into the hut, not even bothering to knock before entering it. She found Heather organizing some newly caught herbs.
She raven haired girl turned to greet the blond one. "Oh, hi Astrid. What can I do for you?" she said while finishing storing the herbs. Astrid took a chair and sat, waiting the healer's apprentice to finish her task before talking to her.
"We need to talk," she said, with her tone passing a 'right now' message through the air. Heather heard the silent urgency and quickly finished her task. Once finished, she took a chair and sat in front of the blond.
"Hiccup is hiding something," Astrid simply stated. Heather was about to talk when Astrid continued. "He suddenly went from the worst student of Dragon Training to Berk's prodigy. And out of nowhere he found this confidence that makes him act like a leader." She saw that Heather was looking like ready to protest, and then added: "Not that this is bad. He'll be our chief in the future, so it's good that he knows how to lead. It's just that it's too weird how that suddenly appeared," she explained, making Heather soft up.
"Well, what do you suggest that we do?" Heather asked, not quite understanding where Astrid wanted to go by speaking of that. So far nothing the girl spoke was new to her, but still, she knew Astrid was not one to state facts without an objective in mind. Besides she didn't like the tone the girl used when speaking of Hiccup's abilities in Dragon Training…
"I think we should confront him about his secret," she answered. "And I think you should do it first," she suggested, making Heather be quite surprised. The puzzling look she had on her face made Astrid explain her decision. "Hiccup obviously trusts you more than me, since you have been friends all these years," she spoke with a slight sad tone. Heather felt pity of the girl, since it was obvious, to her at least, that Astrid somewhere regretted not being Hiccup's friend all these years. But she also knew that her pride would stop her from speaking that.
She put a hand in Astrid's shoulder, careful to avoid her spiked armor and smiled at her. "Don't worry, I'll talk to him when he comes back from the forest," she spoke, reassuring the blonde. Astrid smile back and bid Heather goodbye, heading to her house to rest. The young healer quickly returned to storing whatever herb it was left before Astrid came in.
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Gobber's day was quite happy. Stoick's ship had been sighted-he used Hiccup's spy glass and was very pleased with the results. He made a mental note to praise the boy's project-after dawn and by midday they were docked. He noticed the damaged setting of the ship, but still asked hopeful: "I trust you found the nest this time?"
"Not even close," Stoick grunted, showing he was not in a good mood. "At least we didn't lose anyone," he added after a pause, trying to look on the bright side of the situation. After all, it was unusual for a search party to return with no casualties. "I trust you have good news," he said to Gobber, hoping that his brother-in-arms had more success with the task he had set before leaving.
"If by good news yeh mean that yeh're parenting problems are over, then yes," Gobber nonchalantly answered. Stoick looked at in, not sure of what to do with this statement. And certainly what the villagers spoke up didn't help.
"Out with the old and in the new," one spoke.
"No one will miss that old nuisance," another came
"The village is throwing a party to celebrate," came one more.
"Bout time things change around here," one more came.
"Took long enough, we were beginning to worry that day would never come," the last one said.
Stoick turned to Gobber, looking completely horrified. "Hiccup is gone?" he asked, fear lacing out of his voice. Gobber though seemed unfazed by hearing such frightening question. In fact, the blacksmith seemed to completely miss the implications all those words held. And apparently, so did the villagers that spoke them.
"Well…" be hesitantly began, "Yeah, most of the times. I mean, who could blame the poor lad. The life of a celebrity is very hard, as he can barely walk around without being overwhelmed by his new fans. They're like dragons fighting for a sheep, or Vikings fighting for mead," Gobber proudly spoke, as if Hiccup was his own son. But alas, he was Stoick's, even though Hiccup did sometimes look at him like a fatherly figure.
"Hiccup?" Stoick asked in disbelief, thinking that, either his friend had gone mad, or that another Hiccup was in town. Just seconds ago he had been sure Hiccup was gone, and now Gobber was telling him he was suddenly a celebrity between the Berkians.
"Yeah, who would have thought eh? He has this way with the beast," Gobber spoke while waving his hand, for he knew not how to explain the boy's proficiency on Dragon Training. A huge smile grew inside Stoick's huge beard. "And that's not all. Yeh should have seen yehr boy acting like a chief," Gobber added.
Stoick was stunned, surprised and shocked. He remembers clearing leaving orders that the Council should overtake any affairs of the village instead of calling Hiccup as acting chief. He couldn't think of a reason to why Hiccup would be needed. At least he was thankful that the Jogerson boy wasn't called to whatever urgency that required such action.
"Why would Hiccup need to be acting chief?" Stoick asked in curiosity.
Gobber sighed, pulling his beefy hand around Stoick's shoulder. "Let's talk while walking. It's a long story," he suggested. With that, both men headed to the village.
"The Bogs came yesterday here. Saying their island was burned to the ground and after Bertha went to search for the nest." He stopped, looking sadly at Stoick. "I'm sorry, but she didn't survive. Cami said her ships never came back from the search," he explained, softly speaking to comfort his friend. Stoick was momentarily frozen in spot, not believing that the Bog chief died. Adding to the pile of surprises was the fact that Bertha went searching for the nest, since it was not a habit of the Bogs to search for it, and also that he didn't even see a Bog ship during their own search.
He started walking again and Stoick lamely followed, since Gobber's arm was still around him. "Cami came with what's left of the tribe and asked for shelter on the island. Yehr boy held the situation like a true chief, making even a new treaty with the Bogs. They'll be living here, on the west forest, and yeh will even have power to intervene in their affairs if needed."
Stoick's grim expression turned into a proud smile. "Stoick, I think it's time yeh start training the boy to become chief. He's already proven himself both as a leader and a warrior," Gobber seriously said. Even though he wasn't looking, he could feel Stoick's resolute nod, and the radiating proud feeling coming from the bearded man. Stoick decided to reward Hiccup when he sees his son.
007
007
Later that day Hiccup was lazily doodling on his journal. Heather had been busy tendering the Bogs while the teens were doing whatever they wanted. Cami spent the whole day overlooking the construction of the houses-or the beginning of it-while also arranging who would temporarily shelter her tribe.
After he had returned from his flight with Toothless, he went to his cozy little room inside of the forge and began to play with some drawings. He heard news that his father returned from his quest and was quite relieved that, unlike Bertha, his father survived. Still, facing him was not something he was looking forward to do, since Astrid was getting closer and closer to find out about Toothless and that was making him panic already.
Unfortunately, fate seemed to not pay any heed regarding his wishes, as the vast man began entering Hiccup's room, albeit facing some difficult in doing so. It was no mystery why. The door frame was large enough for Hiccup to pass, not for a normal sized Viking. Even Fishlegs would probably face some difficult in passing through it.
"Gobber's not here if you're looking for him. So I think you should…" his voice took a high pitch tone once he noticed it was his dad that invaded his room. "Dad," he said in a high pitch, startled by the vast man's sudden appearance. Quickly he closed his journal and tried to stuff as many Toothless' drawings as possible under it.
Stoick ignored Hiccup's weird antics and messing with the papers. He was very proud of his son, not only because Hiccup held his part of their deal, but also because he surprisingly managed to act well as chief. And it only seemed appropriate that Hiccup was reward. Still, Stoick wanted to tease the boy, since apparently his son had been hiding his true potential for all those years.
"Just how long you thought you could keep things hidden from me? Not only I'm your father but I'm your chief as well," he said with a serious deep tone, but if Hiccup had paid attention, he would have noticed a mischievous glint in his father's eyes, similar to the one Gobber had whenever he teased his former apprentice. Unfortunately he did no such thing.
"Dad, I-I-I," he tried to answer his father, but the only thing that came out were some grunting noises, as if a fish had stuck on his throat. His heart was quickening up as panic began to erupt within. A question burned through his mind, and he knew there was no way it could be answered right now: 'Did he know about Toothless?'
"You've been keeping secrets Hiccup… from me, from Gobber, from everyone," his father went on, still addressing Hiccup with his accusative tone. He wouldn't admit, but he was having quite the fun this moment. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for Hiccup as with each word that his father spoke, his mind was more convicted that he indeed knew about Toothless. And that quite possibly this would be the last conversation he would have in his life.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about…" he replied with a trembling voice. Suddenly he was sustaining himself on his desk, as his legs were shaking too much to hold still his body. He tried his best to be calm, but with his father intimidating pose and accusative tone, it was quite the impossible feat to achieve. Even downing a Night Fury seemed to be easy when compared to maintaining a calm demeanor at this situation.
"Nothing goes around this island without me knowing about it. I'm not the chief for nothing," he said as he leveled his head with Hiccup's, looking intensely at his son's eyes. The same eyes his wife, Valka, had, and that always reminded him of his failure a decade ago. He was happy beyond imagination that at least Hiccup didn't become another one of his failures.
"I-I never said anything about…" he tried to defend himself but his voice failed. Was he mad at him? Would he receive the Blood Eagle, or be shipped off the island? Did his father think he questioned his position as chief? Those were question that passed hasting around his head, and to make things worse, he didn't know how to answer any of them.
"Tell me Hiccup. Do you take your old man for a fool?" he asked with a low tone, making Hiccup involuntarily whimper. The bearded man was oblivious to his son's internal struggle as he was on the verge of laughing. He never thought he would be asking so many silly questions at his son in a row.
Panic exploded as the color vanished completely from his face. He frantically ran a hand to his hair as he tried to build up an excuse. "Dad, I-I'm sorry, I n-never meant to s-show that. I w-was going to tell you, not that, but…" his stuttered apologize trailed off as his father began to loudly laugh, making Hiccup's panic be completely overshadowed by bewilderment.
"You're… laughing," Hiccup said in complete disbelief, "D-does that mean that you're not upset? O-or mad?" he asked somewhat hopefully. His mind had already decided that Stoick indeed knew about Toothless, but his response to it completely caught off Hiccup. It was understandable though; one moment his father was deeply serious and the next he was laughing as if someone told him the greatest joke of all times.
"What?! Of course not, in fact, I was hoping for all of this," Stoick boomed proudly, further increasing Hiccup's bewilderment. It wasn't possible for him to be proud of his friendship. His father was one of the best dragon-slayers of Berk, and had a deep hatred for dragons ever since they took Mom away a decade ago. Hiccup had shared the feeling until he had met Toothless, and since them he no longer hated the reptiles. He only wished he knew where that four-winged dragon took his Mom so he could go searching for her with Toothless.
"And it'll just get better, believe me. The feeling of crushing your first Terrible Terror skull, or mounting your first Gronckle head. Gods the sensation of feeling blood coming out from a Scauldron's belly or beheading your first Zippleback is just amazing. Oh son, you don't know what awaits you," Stoick clarified, making Hiccup go from white to green as the boy was barely keeping himself from puking. He wasn't exactly a fan of grotesque images, even back at the days he wanted badly to kill a dragon.
He never held himself when seeing wounds. Even back at the days he hated the dragons, whenever he caught a glimpse of a dragon or Viking bleeding or being dismembered, or having his guts spilled he looked the other way before he puked. He almost blacked out the day he saw Gobber's stump and the blood oozing from it after a particular bad raid. Luckily Heather had been around and helped him with some herbal tea, and treated the man's stump before Hiccup could see any more blood.
"You really got me there son," he said punching Hiccup's shoulder, almost making the boy fall in the process. Stoick shook his head in amusement. "Not only me, but the entire village as well! All those years of the worst Viking on Berk, Thor almighty, I almost gave up on you. Almost," he said, oblivious to the hurt look Hiccup had in his face because of what his father just told him.
"But in the end you were just hiding all of this from us," he said gesturing to Hiccup. Usually the boy would have sarcastically answered back 'You just gestured to all of me' be he was still too hurt that his father almost gave up on him, just because he was different, to say anything. "And… well, you kept your end of the deal. So I believe a reward is in order," he said after a pause, taking something from behind him.
Seeing the helmet made Hiccup's hurt expression turn into one of complete surprise. To receive a helmet from your father meant that you were finally seen as a Viking by him and the village. Because of his 'differences' Stoick never gave one to him…until now it seems. "This is to me?" he asked in disbelief to his father, who enthusiastically nodded back.
"It is indeed," Stoick answered back. "Your mother would have wanted you to wear it… its half of her breastplate," he explained, making Hiccup grimace at the sight of the helmet. "It keeps her close you know," he said while tapping his owofn, eyes slightly brightened. Hiccup didn't know if he should feel disgusted or elated with the breast-hat. He would have never thought that one of the few things he would have of his mother would be… her former breastplate.
"And that's not all," he said after a moment of silence, increasing Hiccup's surprise. His eyebrows had all but vanished in his moppy-hair hearing this. His mouth was gaping like a fish out of water as his father continued. "I heard how you handled our visitors, and I think you're finally ready for this," he said while showing an apparently common short sword. But what made it different from all the others were the jewels craved in the handle and the runes on the blade.
Hiccup put aside the helmet to carefully grab the sword. He knew exactly what receiving it meant, and it seemed that the weapon had just been repaired and polished. He guessed that his father had Gobber do that while he was flying with Toothless earlier. Still, to receive this sword meant that his father thought he was worth of his title as Heir of the tribe, and soon would begin training.
For years he thought his father would give this sword to Snotlout, or even Astrid, given how she became Berk's prodigy. Hiccup felt a wave of happiness wash around him, and before either man knew, he had put the sword on his table, next to the helmet, and was hugging his father, tears almost slipping from his eyes.
"T-thanks dad," he said with a muffed voice, since his face was all but buried in the vast men's belly. Stoick was at a loss for words, since, much to his sadness, he couldn't remember the last time Hiccup hugged him. Not being a man for such actions, he awkwardly hugged back his son, and both shared a moment of silence like this.
Soon Stoick broke the silence as he awkwardly cleared his throat. Hiccup let go of him and began studying the sword while his father grabbed a stool to sit, managing to almost hit the roof because of his huge frame and the small size of the room. Thankfully the boy had the sword to study; otherwise he would also have been feeling awkward by the sight of his father feeling this.
"Now…" he began excited, earning Hiccup's attention, "That you're finally doing so well in the Ring, we finally have something to talk about," he exclaimed as he sat closet to Hiccup. He looked at his son expectantly, and a pregnant pause happened, with awkward silence filling the space between them. To be honest, Hiccup would rather have his father discuss the chiefdom than discuss Dragon Training thereby, discussing killing dragons.
He put the blade aside and faked a yawn, a mild attempt of breaking the awkward silence between them. Fortunately, Stoick believed in his yawn, thinking that he was tired. "I think I should probably be going to bed," Hiccup said, trying to fake a tired voice. In fact, he was a little tired, but only because he did nothing since he returned to the village.
Stoick nodded as he stood. "Ok then, good talk and…uh… wear the hat for protection," he said and had to bank his head low as his helmet hit the ceiling of the roof. "And, uh, good luck tomorrow son. I know you'll make me proud," he spoke, obviously taking about the exam regarding the White Fury. "Good night," he added before awkwardly leaving the room.
Hiccup suddenly felt burdened, now more than ever. The village shined looking at him, and his father was proud of him. He had won things he didn't ever think he would, and all because he was building up everything on a lie. He didn't know for how longer he would be able to keep acting all those things, and it hurt him that his father was proud for the boy he thought he was, rather than for whom he really was.
007
007
He slowly left the forge, not bothering to take his new possessions with him to his house. It wasn't like someone would either enter his room, or take them. He was absently walking back to his house when he bumped with someone. Snapping back to reality, he realized that he bumped into no one other than Heather.
"Hiccup?" she asked somewhat surprised. When she saw the pained look the boy had on his face worry instantly crept up on her. "Did something happen?" she asked, her voice evidencing the sudden worry in her heart. It was quite rare to see Hiccup with a troubled expression, and given that she saw both him and Stoick leave the forge, she was worried that they had another one of their discussions.
He sighed, thinking whether or not he should try talking to her. She still hasn't even told him that she told Astrid his secret, meaning that she didn't have his trust back yet. After giving a thought to the subject, he conceded on talking with her by weakly gestured toward his house so they could talk more privately. His father was among everyone at the Hall, celebrating their arrival and the treaty with the Bogs. Cami, as the new chief, had been unfortunately dragged to there as well, so both chiefs could celebrate together. She had yet to thank him for helping her tribe, but Hiccup didn't blame her. He had seen how busy she has been since the new treaty.
Once they were inside his house he vaguely gestured to one of the chairs for her to sit while he went to the kitchen to fetch a mug of water for each of them. Heather had been silent the entire trip, finding odd Hiccup's silent behavior and, to be honest, she was very worried about him. He seemed to have lost all his enthusiasm after his father left the forge, not to mention that he had comforted yet another close friend from her loss.
He sat and offered her a mug. She accepted it and smile in gratitude, but this didn't seem to reach the boy. He took a long gulp of water before sighing. Finally, when the silence was unnerving the raven-haired girl he spoke, somewhat desolated. "Have you ever deemed yourself unworthy of something someone else thought about you?" he asked, but it didn't seems like he was waiting for an answer.
Heather stiffened as the first thought that came to her mind was that he found out she told Astrid his secret. She didn't know why she did it that moment, but ever since she relayed that piece of information to Astrid she was regretting in doing so. Seeing the saddened expression he had, and how he didn't seem angry with her at all made her fear wash away, only to be replaced by guilt. 'You have no idea' she wanted to say, but the thought kept itself restrained, tormenting her mind and her alone.
"Dad came to talk to me," he continued, oblivious to the guilt look Heather had stamped on her face. "He was… happy at my performance at Dragon Training, and wanted to tell me it. Not only that but he was also surprised, yet happy nonetheless, about how I dealt with the Bog situation, even if it was mostly Gobber and those Elders that did so," he explained, making Heather soft up, as it was obvious that his demeanor wasn't related to the axe subject.
Even if she softened up, she was feeling confused. Hiccup had finally made Stoick proud, so why he seemed so upset? It was a question that kept circling her mind, and only the boy before her had the answer. She felt a sting pierce her heart as she recalled Hiccup being in a very similar mood when he made Gobber hide the fact that he made that axe.
"He's just so proud… but it isn't with me, with who I am. He's proud of the boy subduing dragons in the Arena, he's proud of the boy that handled with confidence the entire Bog deal alone. And…" he paused to take another gulp of water. "That's not who I am. I still only Hiccup, the boy that builds crazy contraptions only Gobber understands and that fails to have a proper brain around Astrid." He spoke with such self-pity that it made Heather's eyes brighten. She never saw him feel so hopeless and desolate like he was that moment.
She stood then went next to him and gently put a hand on his shoulders. She kneeled, and cupped her other hand on his face so she could look him in the eyes. "What happened, Hiccup?"
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ANII: I hope you all like it. Again, sorry for the long wait, and feel free to drop an email or PM if I don't upload another chapter until the 13th of June. the email is unknow1945 at hotmail dot com. Until next time, and thanks for sticking with this story