Any Villager could say there had never been a more bustling waterfront in the history of Berk, not even when Stoick called his war alliance together twelve years prior in hopes to vanquish the dragon's nest. It was a sense of poetry then that it was the exact anniversary of that day.
For Hiccup it was a day he had lost his leg and gained a whole new world—dragging everyone around him into it as well. He had often wondered if he had done the right thing by not leaving the day he was cast out by his tribe—ridding them of himself, his unorthodox ideas and uselessness forever, but considering the overwhelming positive response to his actions, he could be sure of himself that what he had done was good.
You live life until the end all based on your choices, his father's words were clear in his mind though Stoick had been gone for some long years; always reminding him that once he made decisions he couldn't take them back.
Though he convinced himself and most others that that peace was the way to a better world, there was that sudden unsure, edgy, off feeling right in his gut about it—but couldn't reason why. He ignored it, figuring himself to be second-guessing. He had built alliances; not one enemy clan had attempted raiding Berk in over fifteen years, and even if there were lingering clans holding grudges against the clan, they still wouldn't dare. Yes, things were so much better in the realm of peace thanks to Hiccup's efforts.
There was meant to be a great feast and week long celebration in honor of the day that changed the Vikings' world. The day they learned that not all dragons were enemies.
Speaking of dragons and friends, he wondered where Toothless was. The last he saw the Night Fury was when the dragon took off after the Haddock sons as they ran toward the Mead Hall after breakfast. Toothless seemed so taken with the boys that sometimes he would prefer to be their company on the days he thought Hiccup was 'boring.' Hiccup had changed as he grew,but so did the Night Fury—nothing was changed between them though, they would be friends until their end days and fiercely protect one another if in harm's way. Hiccup had seen the docks earlier, most spaces had filled with longships that had laid anchor. He would be looking forward to a rather large amount of guests.
Friends and allies were arriving, some had shown up a few days prior and made home in the communal lodge that had finally been completed under Hiccup's designs. If anything, the vibrant culture around them all was proof that Hiccup had turned an unremarkable little village on a rock into a place of intrigue, respect and of flavor and flair.
The feast had been held in years prior, but every time it came about more and more arrived to take part in the anniversary—to honor Hiccup and what he'd done.
Meatheads, Bog women, and many other a caliber of tribes and people were expected to gather on the isle. The crowd would be good for commerce and for those with spare rooms to rent to the visiting ones who couldn't fit inside the lodge due to the increased number. Some even brought their own tents and camped in the meadows, newly cleared after harvest. There was food to go around, mead and ale to refill the many mugs. It was a merry and fruitful time for all.
Hiccup stood on one of the platform landings adhered to the cliff-face that over looked the docks and bay below. It was a balmy autumn day—a nice long summer had warmed the air into the next season. The water effervesced sunlight in its rippling peaks. It was perfect.
Though the setting was picturesque for such a day, it didn't help that Snotlout was still abroad for Celtic negotiations. A chief without his right hand man was limited in making sure everything was safe for his people. He chose to appoint Tuffnut as a temporary replacement until Snotlout could return.
Thorston needed the work to take his mind off his shattered home life. No one openly talked about it, but everyone knew he wasn't in a good place when he was alone—usually found drinking himself to a stupor most nights. With a somewhat renewed sense of purpose he seemed to take the tasks Hiccup gave him without a complaint.
"How many ships we have in?" Hiccup asked Tuffnut who had just appeared at his side, out of breath from the steep climb from below.
"Full capacity," he answered heavily inhaling.
"Wow, that's never happened before."
Tuffnut nodded, "I asked the newer arrivals to lay anchor on the lower bank—maybe we should build more docks."
"No need, this is the only time we have this many ships in the bay—we're not exactly a trade port. You've done a good job though keeping everything in line," Hiccup encouraged him with a friendly slap on the back. He never had much exposure to Tuffnut, only the headlocks and tricks that him and Snotlout had administered on the russet-haired Viking when they were younger.
Something caught the corner of Hiccup's eye, something on the horizon, a striking spot of color, before he could give his full attention he felt Tuff shrug, "So, Big Day huh?"
"You could say that."
"Will everyone be at the feast?"
"I suppose."
"Harkin too?"
Hiccup could have sworn Tuff's voice caught saying her name. He could have heard hope too.
"I don't know."
They both knew Tuffnut wouldn't go near her, but not because he couldn't stand her—because he couldn't stand himself; it had been nearly eight months since the incident but Hiccup knew then that if there were any chance of Harkin being in the Mead Hall to celebrate that day, Tuffnut would stay away and probably sulk around the docks in his own shame.
Tuffnut only shrugged, "Can I ask you a question?"
"Uhm, sure?"
"Have you ever done something terrible but didn't have any regret about it?"
Hiccup withdrew his hand, his mind going straight to the incident he had heard of involving Tuffnut and Harkin and hoped to the Gods that wasn't what Tuffnut was referring to. But no—it couldn't have been because he had just heard through Tuff's tone, in his words of how much he loved Harkin, with all the regret of his actions subtly woven through.
Hiccup thought for a moment, not recalling, "I don't think so why?"
"I mean there's things you do and regret but if you do something horrible and you don't regret it does it make you a horrible person?"
What is he talking about?
"What did you do?"
"Who said I did anything?" Tuffnut glanced at the horizon blankly, "Besides it doesn't matter now."
"Do tell."
"I'd rather not."
"What have you done, Tuffnut?" Hiccup's voice grew cold, knowing he was being given the runaround. Tuffnut was never known to be a deep thinker and Hiccup had been thrown off by the sudden philosophical nature of Tuffnut's questions. Tuffnut wasn't good at pulling it off. He had done something horrible and he was not referring to the incidence with Harkin, which meant it was something that Hiccup didn't know about and needed to as Chief.
"You ain't gonna like it."
Hiccup had a feeling of that already. He knew a day couldn't seem as perfect and not go on without something going wrong.
"Tuffnut," he insisted.
He took in a breath, "I killed."
Hiccup's stomach gave a flop for two reasons, one—Tuffnut had let him have his answer so easily which either meant he was giving up—not caring to hide it anymore—or else he had come to Hiccup for help thus admitting to his deed. Both reasons were highly uncharacteristic for what Hiccup knew of the man; both reasons indicating he was a broken man at that. The bigger flop of Hiccup's insides came from knowing who the victim had ben immediately—he had been investigating the issue for months and got a chill realizing the murderer was right in front of him and that Tuffnut had admitted not feeling regret. It was disturbing.
"You killed Calvin, didn't you? That was you."
"I've killed a lot of guys, but this man—this man I had to, you don't understand…"
How could Tuffnut be so glib about such a heavy deed? Surely he knew there was no excuse for committing bloodshed in the village not in a time of war or self-defense. He was curious though—because he never thought Tuff a horrible person and Tuffnut had always been brazen but never so bent to end a life. Perhaps this was why Tuffnut needed help. But he couldn't do anything to help if Tuff wouldn't talk.
"Please explain, or else your looking to be Myrkrstaðr's newest acquisition."
He saw the subtle fear rise in Tuff's eyes at the mention of that horrible place; it was the threat he needed to force the truth from Tuffnut. Tuff looked away and then back to the Chief with some manner of contempt—then stepped closer and leaned in and uttered a reason that caused Hiccup to prickle.
Hiccup withdrew his ear and studied Tuffnut carefully, seeing the displeasure, the heartbreak, the anger at having to disclose such an unfortunate truth. A reason so vile it even made Hiccup feel regret and a bit of rage to know that it had happened and he was just learning about it. It was clear that the murder wasn't an unjust one. Thinking back—Hiccup remembered the almost overnight disappearance of Calvin the Lecherous and all those disconcerting looks he had given to the young women of the village in those weeks of his stay.
He remembered how withdrawn Harkin seemed to be—figuring it was a moody, teenage phase but it only had happened after Calvin's departure. His stomach stopped flopping and dropped outright, realizing he had failed to protect those of his village—he really had let a wild cat into a bird's nest.
Poor Harkin.
But why did Calvin return? That was the bigger issue to wonder about. Though now it couldn't be answered since the man was gone forever. Hopefully any intent of foul deeds along with him. Hiccup cursed himself for being so taken in the man's rouse as a decent man.
"I'm so sorry, Tuffnut."
"You still gonna throw me in Myrkrstaðr?"
Hiccup shook his head, "No, but the next time you even think of committing such an act—come to me first to sort out the issue. What if you would have had the wrong man? You'd be no better."
"I am no better anyway," Tuff glared out to sea and turned to face Hiccup, "Don't tell anyone about it—I don't want her to be shamed."
"I won't," Hiccup promised. He was relieved that Calvin was gone—for who knows how many more girls would suffer under those lecherous hands while he stayed in Berk the second time. Hiccup should have never allowed him back after his abrupt disappearance which he now had an idea to the cause.
Tuff slumped off, "I think there might be more ships coming, better see to them."
The bright color had gotten larger in the distance, and Hiccup was ready to turn an eye on it but he suddenly jumped as he felt something latch into his legs. No, two things, no three. He looked down and saw three pairs of eyes staring back at him.
"Mama is this the Hiccup?"
"Mommy this leg is metals!"
"Mom! This guy looks funny!"
Hiccup had no idea how to react to the three small girls attached to him.
"Yes, that's the Hiccup, and yes his leg is made of metal, and yes he has always looked kind of funny," he heard a familiar voice full of laughter and looked up to see none other than Camicazi, Cheiftress of the Bogs. Still short, still a head full of wild hair, and still looking fierce.
"You made it!" he felt his smile return.
"Of course I did, and these three couldn't wait to see you. They have so much curiosity towards the men-folk," she teased and gave him a fond embrace.
"Your daughters, I take it?"
"Indeed," she smiled wryly and gave a clapping order, "Off the Chief girls!"
They scrambled off of him.
They looked to be between his son's ages.
Hiccup hadn't seen Camicazi since her last visit but had learned of her offspring through exchange of correspondence through the Terror Mail. He made a point to stay in contact with her as they were both leaders as well as friends. She had gone campaigning for fun through the East Continent—part of the Roman Empire. She never succeeded in conquering Rome but apparently did succeed in conquering some of it's soldiers—and not in the destructive way one would assume.
Wild women were a strange manner of creature. Human in every sense like the rest of them—Vikings even—but very odd in their ways. Wild women did not take husbands but sought men out to repopulate their tribes—keeping any female children to raise and sending any sons they might have off with the fathers when of age. In fact it was such a common occurrence that most places considered Bog-sons legitimate heirs to their father's estates. It was a near perfect solution for those men who needed to pass their bloodlines but couldn't stomach the thought of a wife. Bad luck for any man to actually fall for one because it was futile to propose to a wild woman; they loved their freedom too much to consider loving any one man.
A black blur passed him, nearly pushing him over and he yelped and caught his balance and saw Toothless sniffing around all of the ladies, questioning.
"Toothless! Don't be rude!" Hiccup grabbed him by the saddle upon his neck and pulled him away, "I'm sorry, he hasn't done this to anyone else, you all must smell nice."
"Or he's looking for her," Camicazi pointed to the sky and Hiccup craned his neck and saw a sleek gold shape lazily catching the updrafts in the clouds. Toothless pawed the ground in a whine.
"OH, that's right, Thunderfly."
"Stormfly," one of Camicazi's daughter's corrected.
"Yeah, sorry why is he looking for her?" Hiccup was bemused.
Camicazi just smiled, not willing to indulge him.
Toothless whined again nudging Hiccup insistently. He didn't have time to fly, the feast would begin soon and he could be late for his own feast.
Camicazi gave a shrill whistle and soon enough the Mood Dragon spiraled downward, making everyone who was watching a bit dizzy.
Toothless nipped up what seemed to be the youngest daughter by her tunic and set her in front of Stormfly. He seemed to wait expectantly.
"He did not just use my child as an offering," the Chieftress frowned, at once going in and picking her daughter up. Stormfly only seemed amused and bent over gracefully touching her nose to the Night Fury's.
At once he acquired the dopey half-smile he had first mimicked from Hiccup and became still as stone.
"Toothless? Come on, you did this last time. Stop fooling around..."
"Leave him, it will wear off. The bog is full of male dragons who fugue once Stormfly noses them. She has that effect, what can I do?"
He watched as the Mood dragon was no longer gold but a light pinkish color—brushing around the seemingly frozen Night Fury in the manner of a cat at a person's legs.
"What is she doing to him?"
"You're the dragon expert," Camicazi made a sing-song and went forth, beckoning her girls to follow.
"So where's your entourage? Did you leave them at home?"
"They are still docking, my girls were growing tired of being at sea and wanted to come ashore as quickly as possible."
"The oceans big!" one of her daughters interjected.
"There might have been a whaler!" the one Camicazi carried pipped up.
"A whaler?"
"She means whale. How is your little guy?"
"I have two now."
"That's right! Yucky?"
"No, Icky."
Camicazi laughed and her daughters did too. Hiccup gave a slight roll of eye at them.
"It's a good thing you finally showed up. Now Thuggory can stop chewing my ear off asking about you."
Camicazi's laugh faded and her eyes widened, "Thuggory? Thuggory's here?"
"Well yes, he was invited..."
"Hmm, can you show my girls toward the Hall. I need to go check on a few things," Camicazi handed over the daughter she was holding into his arms and seemed to hastily backtrack to the docks.
Hiccup stood awkwardly. He never had any daughters. How did a man handle three little girls?
The girl he held grabbed his beard, "You've got hair on your face!"
"Ewww!" the other two squealed.
Hiccup gave a nervous laugh and set her down, "Most guys do—well when they are my age. What's your name?"
The oldest butted in before the youngest could even try, "That's Laeda! I'm Katana, and she is Avvelen!"
"Kata'aa you inverubted me! Mommy says that's rude! You're rude!"
Before he knew it they were pulling each other's hair and he thanked Odin for not giving Astrid daughters.
"Okay up you go!" He lifted little Laeda who was now in tears and holding her hair close to her in a protective manner. Gods, Camicazi had bred three fierce little girls and how could she just leave like that and expect him to handle them? Mini-Wild-Women. Gods!
They finally reached the hall. Hiccup was finally at peace and the celebration could now start.
The feast had commenced as had the dancing. It brought an indescribable happiness to Hiccup at seeing the merriment of his people—and knowing he was responsible for it. He saw Ireth Netherland with flowers tied in her long blonde hair as she shyly stood on the ridge of the circle of onlookers before being pulled in by Gobber's nephew. Hiccup suspected Rune carried a fancy for the healer's apprentice.
Ruffnut whose family sat at the same long table as Hiccup was busy chiding Frostbite who had apparently put a tart on her brother's head—though Splint didn't seem to mind, just break off bits and eat them. Fishlegs was looking to help clean the mess but Hiccup saw him sneak a bite too.
He spotted Harkin dancing with Slugwing, intellect and wound expert of the village; it was bittersweet to witness for Tuff's sake because a rare smile spread across her cheeks after the last few months of heartbreak. Her children, the girl known as Briarprick and the son Bludegeonstick were playing with Icky, Svenan, both sets of Snotlout's and Camicazi's daughters in the corner of the room, out of way, while they nibbled on honey cakes and took turns shooting marbles. Snotlout's son he had seen wander off nearer toward the music.
Camicazi was in the dance ring as well, sharing a dance with Thuggory who had to beg her to accept his invitation in the first place. He was bright and she was unamused and it shouldn't have been so humorous to Hiccup as he observed.
Finally he turned to see the perfect being that lay on his arm—already finished with her meal and observing people as he was and he wouldn't have Astrid any other way but content.
It was a place for friends and family and though dragons weren't allowed in the hall—there was barely enough room for one let alone more—he knew his best friend was happily swaying along with the rest of the dragons to the rhapsody wafting from the door cracks, that was, if Toothless was yet free of the wiles of Stormfly.
"You should make a toast," he heard Astrid suggested leaning up to grab her goblet and refill it with the wine Camicazi had brought.
"Oh?"
"They're here for you, all of them. They'd drink your words if words were honey."
"You're exaggerating. Are you intoxicated?"
She gave a raise of her brow which didn't give him a definitive answer. She took a sip of her drink and smiled instead.
Hiccup stood and grabbed his own goblet calling for a silence, "Hey um—everyone!"
"CHIEF SPEECH!" Spitelout bellowed, apparently seeing Hiccup's failings at commanding the attention of the guests. His uncle gave him a wink and he smiled gratefully.
The room heard his call and the music and movement waned.
"I—I wanted to thank all who came. I hope you are enjoying yourselves and..." Hiccup stalled, he had never been a hundred percent comfortable addressing large groups. His charisma was learned through the years of being Chief. But he focused on that happy feeling inside him that he got from seeing so many people living in peace with the dragons.
"Look at us!" a smile blazed across his face, "We used to fight dragons and now they are our some of our dearest friends. We used to raid to survive but have made many advances in trading which in turn has boosted our riches. We don't live in fear of being attacked and it's not just my doing but all of you who have been brave enough to follow. So really...really, really this celebration honors us all and I thank you!" He raised his mead, "To Peace!"
"Skål!" was the unanimous cheer.
Hiccup threw a swing of his mead back to complete the toast. The tall doors to the hall were opened then and Hiccup nearly choked his alcohol back up at seeing what had entered.
"I assume my invitation was lost?" came the seething sarcastic tone of the figure.
"Alvin," the name tore from Hiccup's lips, drenched with every facet of displeasure in the tone.
He felt not only Alvin's gaze, but everyones on him. Everyone was curious to whom made the Chief so pale.
"Yes, I was just checking up on my brother but I see I am interrupting your party so I'll cut to the question. Where is Calvin? He was supposed to return to me by now. Where is he?"
If there were any murmurs they went silent. He could feel Astrid work out the truth as his eye saw her breath catch and her gaze narrow.
He hadn't told a soul that Calvin was Alvin's brother. Most everyone of the adult generation had heard of Alvin's legendary wickedness and they would have run Calvin out if they had known the relation. Hiccup knew now it would have been deserved. Hiccup had often wondered if Alvin would ever return, dreaded it, and composed explanations in his head should this day come. Though all of it was forgotten, sucked out of his mind so sudden it was like he never planned words at all.
"I'm sorry but Calvin is dead," Hiccup finally swallowed and said. Alvin's smug grin dropped with disbelief.
"What? Calvin...dead? But HOW?"
"Murdered."
Alvin's glare darkened, "I demand justice!" he turned and caught his hook into a hanging tapestry, ripping it a long tear before turning and advancing in a fury, "Do you know who has done it?"
There was silence but Hiccup knew it would be futile to lie any more so he took a breath.
"Yes."
His answer got a surprised response from the villagers. As far as they knew the killer hadn't been caught. He could feel his wife's grip on his arm tighten with ire. He had kept information from her. They just didn't know he had just that morning learned the truth.
"I expect you have shown them the kindness they bestowed upon my brother."
Again, a moment passed before Hiccup responded, his thoughts tumbling in his mind about the past, present, and future.
"They are free."
An even greater anger blazed through Alvin's features, though he kept his voice straight and low and with more condescending that ever dripped from his mangy lips, "Surly the mighty leader of Berk wouldn't let a criminal run free among his people."
Hiccup couldn't help but to make a subtle grin despite the very serious atmosphere, Alvin was a greater threat to him than anything, "If you insist that I arrest you that can be arranged."
He shouldn't have made that snarky remark because it only caused Alvin to become angrier.
"Fool, what will you do about my brother's killer?"
"Calvin was no innocent. He had committed certain crimes I won't name out loud and he suffered for it. The murder was not without cause, the killer stays free; they are not a present threat."
"But you can't!"
"I can. I am charged with this island and I decide what happens on it, to it, and for it."
"This is an outrage. You insult me and you will pay!"
Hiccup ignored the threat, not seeing how Alvin could do anything damaging with everyone standing there and able to take him out within seconds; he kept company of Camicazi, the greatest sword-fighter, Thuggory of the greatest strength, Fishlegs the Berserker and not to mention his wife who had never been bested with an axe.
"You may leave Alvin, and I ask that you never step foot on this island again."
At least Hiccup was sparing him, which he rightfully shouldn't have considering the past. Alvin had done nothing this time though, just had convinced Hiccup to teach a brother how to Train a dragon. If Alvin was still as treacherous as the old days, Hiccup still couldn't guess what the end game to that scheme was. Perhaps he was becoming senile.
Alvin took a look around and must have realized his disadvantage, then he adjusted his cloak and turned but not without a glare that promised of Hiccup's demise.
Hiccup's muscles relaxed at sensing the end of the confrontation, Astrid leaned in and whispered sharply, "You lied."
Her voice as well as her gaze was insistent and displeased encompassed in disappointment. He sighed, knowing he would have to explain himself but they were at the middle of a celebration, it wasn't the time for it.
"I will have to tell you everything later, it's not pleasant but I only learned the facts today..." Hiccup trailed off because he witnessed something that sent his heart into a sear of dreaded panic.
Alvin had been leaving as he should have but had quickly grabbed one of the children up from the marble game near the entrance, pressing them close with his hooked hand touching dangerously close to their face. But it wasn't just any child.
Wide green eyes full of fear and confusion stared back at the Chief.
"Icky!" Hiccup choked out and Astrid stood immediately grabbing up the nearest axe that adorned the mead hall but he had to restrain her. Alvin quite quickly had the upper-hand now. Both men knew it.
"Ah hah you think I cannot hurt you Chief but what do I have? By the looks of him, your son –the same hair and godsawful freckles you always have had."
"Daddy?" Icky questioned with fear, struggling a little until Alvin yanked him roughly causing the boy to emit a sharp whine.
"Don't you think it fair Hiccup? A life for a life?" Alvin taunted, the hook grazing across Icky's right cheek.
"Only yours," Astrid swore, the promise of death aimed at the treacherous and ripped her arm out of Hiccup's grasp.
"Astrid!"
She only glared, determined to take back her son.
He didn't even have time to feel her anger his mind was only concerned with their son's safety. "Stay back!"
"Not until Alvin's blood is on this axe," in her determination she failed to see every step closer to them put more pressure of a hook into the boy.
"ASTRID!" Hiccup stood, slamming his hand onto the table and it was clear by the inflection he should be obeyed. "Retreat! And that's an order."
She halted and gave him a scowl but obeyed when she saw her actions were really more harm than good. She dropped her weapon, it's metal head clanged to the stone in a sound of heartbreak and stared at the man holding her son and then to Hiccup, halfway between either of them. Then her frown melted into a face of a desperate mother whose young was in danger. She shot a look to the Chief pleading he do something then if she couldn't. Hiccup hated the triumphant sneer spread across Alvin's face.
Hiccup withdrew a sword he wore at his belt. He wore it for official image purposes as leader; he knew how to use it but never found reason to but now.
Now was the time to face Alvin.
"Let him go, your fight is with me," He pointed the sword level with his outstretched arm straight at Alvin's remaining eye, "it's always been with me."
"Are you finally ready to face me like a man?"
Hiccup ignored the jilted insult and stepped out from where he had been, into the open.
Alvin grinned wickedly and pushed Icky away with a hard shove but not without dragging his hook across the small lad's face first.
Hiccup heard a piercing cry and saw his son fall to the ground but had already lunged forward to strike—in a sudden rage that had never before been seen. It felt like the pit of him was hollow, a burning ignited—casting flames that animated him only to fight that vile man.
His sword clashed with metallic sounds against what was the iron of the hook adhered to Calvin.
Astrid went to Icky immediately, scooping him away and out of harm's way between the men with sharp weapons. Hiccup could see his son's face spilling red from the gash. He was only four years old. Alvin was far more treacherous than he had ever known.
The doors to the Hall were flung open once more and an alert Night Fury was ready to pounce on whomever was causing harm. He was obviously over Stormfly for gave a sniff and must have seen the injured young and the man who was his friend in danger. Toothless let out a sharp growl and flattened his ears. Camicazi as well as the other Vikings at the table had risen, ready to aid him as well. Together they could all surely dispatch the man who had haunted the archipelago for more than two decades.
"Man to man!" Alvin reminded him.
"Stand back!" Hiccup demanded of those closing in. Toothless kept advancing.
"You too Toothless!"
The dragon had always been by Hiccup's side in danger. Toothless couldn't comprehend why this situation was different. Hiccup tried to give him an apologetic look but in his wavering attention to make sure it was a fair fight, Alvin came up behind him and hit his iron hook against Hiccup's head. The world was a sudden blur and Hiccup staggered hearing shouts and a deafening roar of outrage.
"No!" Hiccup insisted and met the Night Fury's charge and Toothless was not about to trample Hiccup to liquify Alvin. "He's mine, leave him to me."
He turned around with his sword ready, his vision had cleared but his head was sore naturally from the cheap shot.
"You made my son bleed," Hiccup growled.
"My brother is dead and you spare no sympathy, why should I?"
"He was no better than you."
"And neither are you."
Hiccup let out a bellow and struck again, this time meeting Alvin's shoulder with the blade. Alvin was a leathery viking and could take a few hits as proven by his missing parts and various scars, but it was enough to surprise the man. He had never before had a taste of Hiccup's skill with sword or his wrath.
His anger at Alvin had never been greater, for Alvin could spend the rest of his life threatening death upon Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III but harm Hiccup's family and the Chief would make sure that Alvin would meet his end.
The sword blade was next to Alvin's cheek, and it had forced the man down. In all the years they had been adversaries this was the one time Hiccup was meaning to truly harm the man.
"You shouldn't even be alive," Hiccup stated coldly, pressing the cold blade closer still. A few more inches and no more Alvin. He had thought the man dead many times, rightfully dead but Alvin always returned like an unwanted malicious pest.
"What then? You're going to kill me?" Alvin should not have had such laughter or doubt in his voice in his position. "You? The Chief of peace? You're going to kill me in front of all these witnesses. You kill me and there will be whispers of your false pacifism—even if you could. You can't—you don't have the stomach, you're a whelp, and you're too soft."
His strength nor his attention to the blade wavered but he had to consider the people—they had just toasted to peace and here Hiccup was ready to end a life in front of them all. This day was celebrating understanding and peace and murdering was so far from what Hiccup had wanted to accomplish. He could make them all safer in one sharp strike though.
Children, even his own were watching, what would they think seeing their first murder, by him no less? Even Astrid had once told him that what made Hiccup different, admirable even was the care held for life. Indeed Alvin brought the worst out in Hiccup. He'd be no better.
He gave a deep frown and leaned over, so very close that Alvin involuntarily leaned away, for once intimidated.
"I am a Viking."
Hiccup then pushed Alvin backwards with his good foot and in one clean strike severed a piece of the man's ear from head. That would be a lesson to him not to cross the Chief ever again. Never to touch his children, nor anyone he loved.
Alvin was right, Hiccup couldn't willingly kill, not even the man who had harmed his son. But in his anger, he could do so much more.
Alvin was shouting curses and trying to cover his wound which was spilling. Hiccup couldn't kill but he could make sure Alvin would never return.
"Tie him to his mast and ship him out," Hiccup commanded to those men who had finally saw fit to gather him and for once there was not even a flicker of regret in Hiccup's mind.
Icky was crying so loudly, Astrid used her skirt and sleeves to stop the blood.
"This is your fault, this is all your fault!" She screamed, cradling her son's face and it really all was Hiccup's fault. He should have never let Alvin nor Calvin return, even just for a second. Slugwing and Ireth were already around the boy to help clean the gash. Slugwing was threading a needle, "Hold him down, we have to get it closed or else it will infect."
Hiccup looked away but heard Icky's cries heighten, Astrid's Shh-shhh-shhh's become more insistent. He didn't want to leave but he had to, he had to make sure Alvin was gone for good.
He found himself standing at the place he was that morning, observing the clamor below.
He could have thrown Alvin to Myrkrstaðr, but truly just wanted Alvin away, gone from the island never to taint it again.
"Hiccup's a coward! Do you serve a coward!" Alvin's wretched voice rose upward, bouncing off he cliffs in a last attempt to sway opinion to the negative. The damage was already done even if opinion stayed in his favor. Hiccup had failed to protect his family, failed at making the right decision, and had failed at personally ending his long time enemy. There didn't seem a more disappointing day in his life. He saw Alvin's boat pushed off, the sails forced open to let the wind carry him to a watery or frozen grave. He was tied in triple knots secure to the mast and there wasn't an island for days surrounding Berk, and by then Alvin would bleed out from his wound or succumb to nature or maybe the birds would peck him to death. He watched that boat until it's red sails disappeared beyond the horizon.
Toothless sat quietly beside him, Hiccup had barely noticed the dragon stealthily creep up next to him. He gave a disparaging whine at the state of things.
"You've said it bud," Hiccup crumpled against him, sliding down to the prickly grass and burying his face shamefully into the dragon's hide. Not shame for what he had done to Alvin but for what he had let happen to Icky. He ended up collapsing into Toothless who nuzzled him, trying to comfort him. But he buried his face in his hands and willed that tight sadness in him not to uncoil. He was a leader, he was a peacemaker, and only cried about things when nothing more could be done about them. He took in a breath and wrapped his arms around the dragon's muzzle with a squeezing embrace.
"Toothless I screwed up so bad."
The dragon tried to reply with a noise but it was muffled due to Hiccup's clasping. He let go. He was so worried for Icky but was too afraid to go to him, to feel that crushing guilt when looking upon his son's face evermore and and seeing a scar that he could have prevented. No doubt it would scar, a wound so deep would if it didn't kill.
"What's done is done," Stoick would have said but he doubted his father would have sat back and let it happen in the first place.
He pulled away from Toothless who was nosing the top of Hiccup's head attempting to comfort him and mussing his hair simultaneously. He wasn't surprised to see a streak of moisture glistening on the dragon scales.
"I have to see to him, Toothless but how can he forgive me? How can Astrid?"
An assuring croon was his answer and started to bump his head into Hiccup's chest, effectively moving him until the Chief stood and knew he had to go back. There was a more somber air in the Hall, still a music played and people feasted but it all felt forced to him.
He saw Astrid sitting and holding Icky tight, and Svenan was gnawing on a left over piece of Turkey leg. Icky was still whimpering into Astrid's shoulder and Hiccup couldn't ignore the drying red splotches in the folds of her garment.
"Is he going to be okay?"
Astrid frowned but didn't look at him, "He will."
Hiccup bent over and examined the stitch-work Slugwing had done; it was horrible to see his son's face like that, a series of dark zags of thread over a bright fresh wound. He sighed.
"It's going to scar," Astrid said. No emotion betrayed, it was just a spoken fact.
"You always liked scars," Hiccup reminded her.
"Not on my four-year-old child," she bit, stood, and mumbled, "I should take him home. We're a mess."
He followed her out, neglecting the celebration; Svenan followed as well. He looked upset that his brother was harmed.
As soon as they left the Hall Astrid set Icky down and she still hadn't looked at her husband. After a moment she finally spoke.
"Don't come home tonight."
Out of all the words that were ever spoken at him, the taunts, the teases, the doubts, the insults, even the time his father denounced him as a son—none had ever hurt quite so much as what Astrid had uttered.
"But—"
She silenced him with a look, finally, though it was a cold blue stare reminiscent of a cloudy winter afternoon. She was furious at him, yet her voice was low and even,"But nothing, you told me that I was always in your head when you made decisions but I can clearly see I was not when you decided to lie to me and everyone—to just—" She must have been too frustrated to continue for she whirled back around and hauled Icky up into her arms. Though he was a bit big to be carried, she still managed and continued forward.
"Come Svenan," she snapped and the elder of the two boys followed obediently knowing not to argue when her demeanor became so tense and chilling.
He watched his family walk away, home and without him. He stumbled backward a bit from all that had happened. Alvin was gone, Calvin too so why did he feel no drop of relief nor happiness? Everyone was safe now right?
But it was true, he had lied, he had put everyone in danger because of it; his own son was wounded. The boy would live but still he should have never had to experience such a dreadful event. It was tragic that Hiccup only meant to protect them by not saying the truth. Though now the logic seemed fuzzy and irrelevant.
He felt a push to his backside and let out a yelp, seeing it was Toothless his dark shadow of support. But Toothless was pushing him away.
"You want me to leave too?" Hiccup asked. Hopeless.
Toothless barked out a soft roar and then unfolded a wing, casing it around the Viking. It was as close as a pat on the shoulder Hiccup would get from his dragon. The thin, black-leathery appendage brushed against his arm and neck.
He glanced back to his home, standing down there at the top of the hill below the Mead Hall.
He didn't want to be like Tuffnut, a broken man without his family. An alienated husband, or like his own father, a man unforgiven for years by a son. He wouldn't let that happen, couldn't.
He began to descend the steps, hoping he could talk to Astrid. When she was angry she never felt like talking, only stewing but he didn't want her to stew on what had happened for too long or else she might end up hating him.
His pace increased speed and almost stumbled forward a few times, but tried going fast as his bad leg would let him go. He opened the door and saw Astrid on the floor, Icky sitting in her lap. She had been singing to him, he thought he had heard the lingering notes of the Nordic song. He had never seen her so affectionate with their sons, apparently the incident had shaken her, and she wasn't to blame.
"Astrid, please let me just talk."
"Leave us," she requested, her voice back to it's displeased low.
He sunk to the floor, to her level, "You know I could never do that."
Icky was staring at him, his eyes wide and damp and Hiccup couldn't bear it. "I'm sorry."
He crawled closer, "I'm sorry I couldn't save you."
He felt Astrid's hand land on his back, probably with the intent to get him away and not traumatize their youngest any further but he grabbed her hand and held it, kissed the back of it, looking to her now with a wild desperation in his eyes, "I'm sorry. I was wrong. I was wrong!"
And his vision of her blurred because of the wetness leaking through his eyes, but he did see her scowl lift to something else. It didn't matter now, he turned frantically back to his son—never wanting their relationship to become sour as he and Stoick's had. Never wanting the boy to look at his reflection and think of Hiccup in contempt.
"Icky, please forgive me, please—I'm sorry I couldn't stop him. If I could go back I would though, I swear I would!"
He ignored the nagging mantra of his late father, urging him that he could blame himself until the Ragnarok but it would be for naught. His father was right but Hiccup didn't care, he wanted Icky to know that if in his power he would bend back time to prevent it.
"Hiccup," Astrid said quietly, but he was intent on obtaining Icky's forgiveness.
"Please?" he leaned in closer into the mirror of himself at that age.
Icky just stared at him as though he had gone mad, probably didn't understand why his father was so distraught—but after a moment he reached out, young fingers tickling the hairs of his beard, "It's okay Daddy, I love you."
Hiccup snatched Icky up at once and hugged him. "And I love you, so so much, son."
"What about me?" Svenan demanded; Hiccup had forgotten Svenan was still there.
"Of course you too!" He sniffed his tears back and made a lopsided smile. He opened his arm to let Svenan in on the hug and the boy crushed himself into Hiccup. A happy croon revealed Toothless at the door, who then immediately pounced to the huddle to be surely included in Hiccup's love. It made Icky and Svenan laugh and their laughter sent his spirits high. He realized Astrid was right behind him and he looked over his shoulder, "And especially you."
He meant it with all he had in him.
She regarded him still with a chilly expression, still not pleased but must have seen he was trying—he had apologized, and admitted he was wrong all greatly sincere. She gave a nod and joined the group in his arms, though he knew her forgiveness would not be so easy to earn as his sons'.
He knew then, that the wish of unlimited peace was impossible. He had tried, oh he had tried but Astrid was right. There were people who weren't willing to make peace, who would sooner slaughter than speak and they couldn't be persuaded. He knew this because there were people like Alvin out there in the dark corners of the islands. There were bandits and pirates and a slough of evil creatures and Hiccup had been the fool to believe otherwise. They would all have to keep fighting to find a suitable medium, no war, no peace but the edge in between—the upper hand, the point at which they could be decent and deflect all the stings and slivers and slices of life but just as well serve them back if needed.
He squeezed them all for a few more moments, all of them piled together on the floor of the room underneath the mural of his family—he was glad they were alive and healthy and his and he would do everything to make sure it would always be that way.
A/N:
Right-O!
So yet another 'Turning-Autumn-esque' finale event that causes Hiccup to reevaluate his methods as a leader. Though it has more of an adult feel than before. Less naïve maybe, a look into regrets. I do hope it had enough heart, because I took long enough writing it and trying to call upon all these emotions. I hope this story as a whole provided you with the feeling you were glancing into windows of the characters' lives and seeing the the humorous, joyful, and melancholy moments.
BIG THANKS to everyone who reviewed and everyone in the fandom, because without fans, it would cease to exist. I do love you all.
And if you could, or would, leave a line on what your favorite or least favorite chapter was out of this thing for my reference. I always like polls, they help me determine what was the best/worst
You say you want more? Well... ;) There are plans as always. The HTTYD gravy Train hasn't run dry, in writing nor art. Though I'll need a hiatus.
Fun facts on Camicazi Daughter nameology:
'Katana' is a Japanese Blade
'Laeda' is Latin for 'strike' or 'harm'
Avvelen is a derivative of 'poison' in Italian.
Ireth and Rune © of Yamilink of Deviant Art
HTTYD © Dreamworks Animation/Ms. Cressida Cowell.