The Outcast King
Author: Nightstar Fury of Nightstar Productions.
Rated: M for Mature
Disclaimer: I do not own Dreamworks Dragons or HTTYD. Though I wish I did :p Oh! And I don't own any of the songs used in the story, all songs and lyrics belong to their original artists and creators!
Chapter 25: Dancing
At last it was lunch time, the moment Hiccup had been waiting for because Stoick would be arriving any moment now, he already sent Astrid out to check and make sure they were on the right course and on time. She returned as people were finishing lunch and heading outside, gave a nod to Hiccup who grinned almost. He was a chief but still loved to play games. Astrid landed beside Fishlegs as Hiccup walked through the crowd forming, he was acting like he didn't know what was going on. "Alright, I didn't call a town meeting so what is going on out here?" Hiccup ordered grumpily.
"Stoick!" Valka said shocked seeing him there, "Wha–what are you doing here!...Hiccup told you to stay away...you know he'll–..." Valka was cut off when Hiccup stepped forward with his arms crossed over his chest looking angry.
"Sorry Val...I lost my son once...I won't do it again. I don't care if I get locked up for coming back..." Stoick said playing along with Hiccup's plan.
"As soon as his ship docked we got him sir. Orders?" Savage said looking at Hiccup.
"I told you to stay away, Stoick. I told you that you weren't welcome on my island because of what you did. I told you that if you came back you would be caught and imprisoned for trespassing and yet...I thought you were smart enough to stay away. Clearly I was wrong." Hiccup scoffed walking towards him now slowly. Valka covered her mouth as tears fell down her cheeks, her husband was about to get locked up by her son.
"Well...go on then, Hiccup. You are right, you told me to stay away and I chose not to listen to your order. You being chief of this island, you have the right to do whatever you want with me. I'll take my punishment." Stoick said lowering his head to Hiccup now.
"Yes. Yes I do have the right to do whatever I like to you. You completely disobeyed my order, you sailed here without warning, and once more you firmly believe this little act of yours is enough to change my mind. Because of your actions, Stoick Haddock. I have no choice...I see no other alternative than to do this." Hiccup said as he pulled his sword from its sheathe, everyone gasped in horror. Hiccup brought the sword down and cut Stoick's ropes holding his hands and then stepped back laughing out loud. Astrid and Stoick began to laugh as well as Hiccup offered his hand to Stoick and pulled him to his feet, then held out his hand for a shake.
The looks on everyone's faces was priceless, "I am...very confused at the moment. Hiccup...what is...going on?" Valka asked approaching him.
"Man you should of seen the looks on your faces!" Hiccup laughed trying to calm down.
"But you said...you didn't forgive him? And if he came back you'd lock him up..." Fishlegs added confused as well.
"Yes I did...that day. However someone got me to open my eyes about it so that next morning when I said I had something to do. I went to Berk and forgave him. We've been planning this all month, it was nothing but an act." Hiccup chuckled out as their mouths dropped open.
"Stoick is here because the Dreki and Hooligan tribes are going to be allies. Today they are signing the treaty." Astrid smiled.
"Wait...you knew about this?" Fishlegs asked looking at Astrid.
"Of course I did. I'm the one who made him open his eyes that night when I went out searching for him. Hiccup's been going back to Berk once a week for the last month to work on the treaty." Astrid giggled.
"That was incredibly evil son..." Valka sighed in relief as she hugged him, and then Stoick smiling softly.
"So you two...are okay now?" Alvin asked walking up to them.
"Well I forgave him for the past...he still has a ways to go for me to call him my father again." Hiccup replied.
"And I'm very much okay with that. For now, its enough we can work together for the better of our tribes." Stoick nodded.
"Oh I'm so glad to hear that." Valka sighed out looking at the two of them.
"Well then, shall we get down to signing the treaty and throwing a party to celebrate?" Astrid asked looking at Hiccup now.
"Sounds good to me." Hiccup nodded as he, Astrid, Stoick, Alvin, Valka, and the kids made their way to the great hall now. The treaty signing wouldn't take long, they just read it over and signed it then threw a party to celebrate two tribes being in alliance. Everyone sat around the one round table in the room, the kids were playing with Toothless over in the corner while Astrid watched them.
"There isn't much to go over, we've been handling negotiations when I went there. Basically it just says we're in alliance and will have open trade routes with one another. Foods, clothes, tools, all standard trading items." Hiccup stated as the treaty was laying on the table between him and Stoick.
"Aye to that." Stoick nodded in agreement.
"Hiccup, I've been meaning to ask..." Valka said shyly. Hiccup only smiled at her and nodded, he knew what she was going to ask.
"No mom, I don't mind if you return to Berk with him. Just make sure to visit so you can see the kids." Hiccup chuckled at her.
"Y–you don't mind?" Valka blinked a little shocked.
"No. Of course I don't. Mom you two are married, you never died so your vows still stand. I'd never not be okay with it. And yes, I want you to do it. You two have spent enough time apart." Hiccup smiled. Valka looked like she was about to cry as she hugged Hiccup tightly and then Stoick, they shared a light kiss.
"Thank you son..." Valka said through her tears that had begun to fall.
"My pleasure. And while we're on the subject of homes and where people are staying...Stoick. Both Fishlegs and Astrid informed me earlier that they'd like to accept my offer to stay here as members of the Dreki tribe. You don't have an issue with this I assume?" Hiccup asked looking at him now.
"Not at all. Their of age to make their own decisions, but they should let their parents know." Stoick smiled.
"We will." Astrid stated from the other side of the room with a nod.
"Very good then. I think that covers all our business then, Chief Hiccup. Shall we make it official?" Stoick said to him, Hiccup nodded as he reached for the bottle of ink with the quill in it.
"Guests first." Hiccup said handing him the quill. Stoick dipped it once as he then signed on the line for the Hooligan chief as Stoick Haddock. Hiccup took the pen next as he signed on his spot as Hiccup Holgerson. He didn't have much choice, that was the name he took as chief so he had to use it for legality matters like these. There were two copies of the treaty and once both were signed, Hiccup put the pen down as he held out his hand to Stoick. "I look forward to working with you, Chief Stoick." Hiccup smiled.
Stoick shook Hiccup's hand and nodded, "As well with you, Chief Hiccup." Stoick returned the smile, they broke the hand shake as each chief took a copy of the treaty. Hiccup handed his to Alvin who would file it away where it belonged, Stoick tucked his in his belt securely.
"Wonderful then! Now its time to celebrate?" Valka asked.
"Lets set it up then." Hiccup nodded. For the next 5-6 hours they were getting the hall ready for another party, oh yes. The Dreki tribe loved their parties and this is also where Hiccup got to announce that Fishlegs and Astrid would be staying and becoming members of the Dreki tribe that night. It was definitely exciting to say the least. Astrid kept the kids busy while Stoick helped Valka get her few belongings and load them on the ship that would be taking them back to Berk in the morning. Alvin was helping Hiccup out, it was a great day.
(Dinner Time)
The hall was packed with happy people, everyone was excited about whatever Hiccup's big announcement was. Hiccup had Astrid, Fishlegs, Stoick, Alvin, Valka, and his 3 kids sitting at the one table with him. Hiccup put his hands up to calm the crowd however they didn't and Hiccup sighed. "Toothless..." Hiccup stated. Toothless lifted his head and sat back on his rear legs letting out a roar, the room came to a hush. "Thank you...now that I have your attention. I have a few announcements to make..." Hiccup smiled.
"The first is that today, I sat down with Chief of the Hooligan tribe and signed a treaty between our island. We are officially allies with Berk!" Hiccup announced, the room began to clap and cheer still laughing about earlier when they'd all been tricked in to thinking Hiccup was going to kill Stoick for showing up on Dragons Edge after being warned to stay away. "Secondly, I know I said it before but for those who may have missed it. I'm pleased to announced that Astrid Hofferson is a full dragon rider now." Hiccup smiled as Astrid blushed a bit and waved at everyone. "And lastly...You all know how I work. Anyone a friend of the dragon, is one of me and I make this offer to all who come across us looking to start anew. A while back I offered to the Berkian riders a residence here. As you know, Snotlout and the twins had to leave for legality matters. But...Two have decided to stay and become members of our tribe. Fishlegs Ingerman and Astrid Hofferson have chosen to stay." Hiccup called out.
"Woowoo!" Someone cheered. A few laughed still clapping.
"So I see no reason to wait. Fishlegs. Astrid...come with me." Hiccup said, the two blinked at him but got up and followed him around the table. Hiccup stood a few feet away smiling, "Fishlegs and Astrid, you have shown an interest in dragons. Loving them, caring for them, riding them. That is what this tribe is all about, peace among one another and dragons of all kinds. It is your love and understanding of them that which has brought you before this tribe today." Hiccup stated formally.
Fishlegs and Astrid nodded smiling, this was really happening to them. They would be members of the Dreki tribe after today. It was hard to contain such joy but they knew this was serious so they had to be too. "All who come before this tribe wanting to become members must be sworn in by oath. Are you both prepared to take such?" Hiccup asked them.
"We are." The two said together firmly.
"Excellent. Then very much like with the chief ceremony, you both must state your full names and soon to be former tribe names." Hiccup told them.
"Fishlegs Ingerman of the Hooligan tribe to Berk." Fishlegs said first.
"Astrid Hofferson of the Hooligan tribe to Berk." Astrid stated afterwards.
"Fishlegs Ingerman and Astrid Hofferson, you stand before the members of the Dreki tribe to Dragons Edge with the intention of giving up your former lives and starting over. I call on my second in command and father, Alvin Holgerson for the purpose of initiation." Hiccup said as he stepped back and Alvin came beside him.
"Chief Hiccup," Alvin began offering a salute with his right hand over his chest to Hiccup, who acknowledged it with a head bow. "I present to you these candidates who are desirous of becoming members of the Dreki tribe of Dragons Edge." Alvin announced formally.
"My friends, you have signified your willingness and desire to become members of this tribe. truly worthy of your patronage and support. Having proceeded this far on the road to initiation, you will be called upon to make a few statements. Are you willing to proceed?" Hiccup asked them.
"We are." Fishlegs and Astrid said together smiling.
"You will repeat after me: I do hereby give my sworn alliance to the Dreki tribe of Dragons Edge. I will do all in my power to uphold its future success and further, I understand that I may be called upon to undertake missions and follow the orders of my chief. I duly swear on this day that from now on I will protect this tribe, and will protect dragons to continue to bring peace." Hiccup stated.
"I do hereby give my sworn alliance to the Dreki tribe of Dragons Edge. I will do all in my power to uphold its future success and further, I understand that I may be called upon to undertake missions and follow the orders of my chief. I duly swear on this day that from now on I will protect this tribe, and will protect dragons to continue to bring peace." Fishlegs and Astrid said in serious tones.
"My people, we hope you understand that our tribe promises you a great deal in return for a small expenditure. The Dreki tribe was formed to unite the peace of humans and dragons. When you wish to offer any remarks, always arise and respectfully address the leader of the village as sir or chief. For further instruction you will pay careful attention to the second in command." Hiccup stated as Alvin looked at the two now.
Alvin steps forward, facing Astrid and Fishlegs, and illustrates the following remark, "The salute is made thus. Demonstrate salute by placing right hand over heart, palm flat against body, fingers pointed toward left shoulder, then drop arm to side. This should be given at entry of the hall, before sitting, and when addressing the chief. The badge you are given is our crest and will serve as your means of identification, and should be carried with you at all times, as without it you will not be viewed as a rogue rider with no purpose to us or other tribes you come across." Alvin told them. Fishlegs and Astrid nodded to him showing they understood.
"And now, by the authority in me vested as chief of the Dreki tribe. I declare each of you to be a member of the Dreki tribe to Dragons Edge and entitled to all its rights and privileges, as well as having imposed upon you all the duties and responsibilities of membership. Welcome Fishlegs Ingerman and Astrid Hofferson to the Dreki tribe." Hiccup said smiling at them as he held out two badges, they were a light brown with the symbol of the Dreki tribe burned in to them. The symbol was simple but made the point. Astrid and Fishlegs accepted them as Hiccup nodded happily. "And now...its time to celebrate!" Hiccup announced.
The room cheered out as the music began, people got their food and sat around talking and having a good time with one another. Everyone was dancing a few hours later, Hiccup's kids were spinning in a circle have fun until they noticed their father and Astrid were the only two in the room not dancing. They became devious as they separated heading to a different person. Runa walked to Astrid while Viggo and Thora moved near their father. Runa took Astrid's hand and pulled her to the dance floor, taking her by surprise. "Ru–Runa...what are...you doing?" Astrid blinked a few times.
At the same time Viggo and Thora grabbed a hand on their father and pulled him towards Astrid. "Kids...what are you doing?" Hiccup asked he looked forward seeing Astrid being pulled by Runa and soon they were standing maybe 3 inches away from one another.
"You and Astrid are the only two not dancing like the rest of the village!" Runa giggled out as she pushed Astrid in to Hiccup's arms, he caught her and blushed lightly, Astrid's blush was a great deal redder.
"Well...we...didn't want to dance..." Astrid tried to protest.
"Oh come on! Just one dance..." Viggo pleaded. Hiccup sighed, his children were as stubborn if not worse than he was. He'd never win this one. It was one dance, what could it hurt after all. Hiccup cleared his throat as he offered his hand to her making her eyes widen a bit.
"Would you...like to dance, Astrid?" Hiccup asked her lightly.
"Oh I...I would...love too...but I...don't know how..." She looked down slightly embarrassed.
"Well lucky for you, daddy is a great dancer. He'll teach you." Runa said as she took Astrid's hand and put it in Hiccup's, effectively making Astrid blush deeper than before.
"Alright you three...Be nice. If she doesn't want too, she doesn't have to. Why don't you go find Grammy?" Hiccup suggested. They nodded and rushed off as Hiccup rubbed the back of his head slightly. "Sorry...about that...My kids can...get a little pushy." Hiccup laughed a bit.
"Oh no...Its fine...they were right. Everyone is dancing but us..." Astrid replied gently.
"You don't have too, Astrid. I won't make you." Hiccup told her.
"Its...not that I don't want too...I just...don't know how. Not something I ever...thought I'd be doing is all so I never learned." Astrid blushed looking down.
"Well...I can teach you if you want." Hiccup offered.
"Y–you...would?" Astrid asked. Hiccup nodded as he took her left hand in his holding them up slightly, then used his right hand to put her right hand on his shoulder as his hand moved to her back and pulled her in against him. Astrid blushed darkly, she'd never been so close to him before.
"Follow my lead and don't look at your feet? Ready?" Hiccup asked, she nodded nervously as Hiccup began to move around, Astrid's feet following his lead as she soon smiled wide and looked up at him. She was dancing! And with Hiccup too! Could this night get any better, while the danced it seemed to Astrid that everything around them stopped, that it was only them in the room. In her fantasy she hadn't noticed that people did stop dancing and everyone was watching them together. No one had seen Hiccup dance since he lost Camicazi, it was like he lost his desire to do it. Seeing him move around the open dance area with Astrid, it looked so familiar.
Alvin and Valka smiled, they could see it well. Hiccup was smiling, so was Astrid and their eyes were locked in on one another. The kids gasped smiling, it had worked. Astrid and their father were dancing together. Alvin walked over to them now smiling as well. "You seeing what I'm seeing?" Alvin asked.
"We all see it, Alvin. Question is...will Hiccup see and accept it..." Valka sighed some. It was there, they could see the connection between the two of them. Alvin and Valka both knew that Hiccup hadn't danced with anyone since losing Cami, but here he was 3 years later dancing with Astrid and holding the same look in his eyes that he had with Cami. One of love.
"Am I missing something here?" Stoick asked.
"This is the first time Hiccup has danced since losing his wife, she brought out this light in him when they danced. When she died, he lost it. His light, his smile, his happiness. But here he is...dancing again with Astrid and the light we thought was gone has come back. Problem is, Hiccup is stubborn and may not realize right away what's happening. He's falling in love, Stoick and I have this terrible fear that its going to scare him and he's going to push it away." Valka stated quietly.
"He may at first but he'll come around. Unfortunately, the heart wants what it wants. There is no stopping that, and Hiccup will come to understand it. I know where your fear lies, Val but believe me...it'll work out." Alvin stated.
"I hope you are right, Alvin...I don't need my son suffering anymore than he already had. We almost lost him once to that darkness...and I won't watch it happen again. He's finally becoming himself again..." Valka sighed.
"The only thing that will scare him is his worry that he's forgetting about Cami, betraying her in a way. He'll come to understand that Cami only wants his happiness. It will be slow but it will happen. For now all we can do is watch him, and help in necessary. But this is something he'll have to figure out on his own." Alvin replied. Hiccup and Astrid continued their dance silently until the music ended. People were about to clap when Valka put a hand up seeing her son staring in to Astrid's eyes.
Neither of them looked away from one another, they seemed to be locked in a trance. This was her chance to tell him, and she didn't care that there was a room of people watching. "Hiccup...I–I...have to tell you something..." Astrid started.
"Tell me then..." Hiccup said quietly.
"I–I'm in–..." She didn't get to finish because Hiccup's eyes narrowed as he adjusted his arms and pulled her behind him quickly, taking her by surprise as he reached for his shield and blocked the daggers flying their way. He deflected them easily and looked forward seeing a dark figure standing in the shadows. Toothless began to growl lowly coming beside Hiccup now, snarling. Astrid was in shock, those daggers had been heading for her and Hiccup saved her life.
"I would highly advise whoever you are to come out of hiding right now..." Hiccup warned in a cold tone. The figure stepped in to the light as Hiccup's eyes widened slightly. "Dagur...?" Hiccup breathed out.
"The one and only brother." Dagur replied with a snicker.