Lashing Out

Astrid glared at Hiccup, every muscle in her body tensing.

"Astrid please," Hiccup said, stepping away from the cage. "I can explain."

"How in the name of Thor could you explain this?" Astrid demanded. "Your own brother is in there!"

"He's not my brother," Hiccup responded instantly. "Look, I'm doing this for all of us."

"What are you talking about?" Astrid demanded, growing angrier by the second. "Erik is barely alive! He's not threatening to a mouse let alone to us."

"This is for precaution," Hiccup said, his gaze unforgiving. Astrid narrowed her eyes, sensing something that was off. There was another reason Hiccup was doing this.

"Hiccup, this isn't you," Astrid tried to reason. "You're supposed to be merciful. Doing this makes you as bad as he is."

"See? You even admit it," Hiccup shot back. "He's a danger to us all. That's why this is necessary."

"You seem to be forgetting he saved my life. I could've and would've died if he hadn't helped me. That was his choice," Astrid spit out.

"You're forgetting that he's the one who put your life at stake in the first place," HIccup retorted. "You have to trust me."

"Trust you?" Astrid asked in disbelief. "How could I possibly trust you right now? You just imprisoned your brother, who is barely alive in a dragon cage!" She moved towards the cage, but Hiccup blocked her.

"Get out of my way," she said, trying to push past.

"No," Hiccup said firmly. "I'm in charge here. And what I say goes." Astrid felt a wave of hurt wash over her. At the same time, disappointment and fear pierced her like an arrow.

"You're not the Hiccup I know. And you're the furthest thing from the one I love." With that, Astrid stomped off, leaving Hiccup with his thoughts.

You're doing the right thing," Hiccup told himself for the hundredth time. He ran his hands through his hair, replaying that conversation with Astrid. Each and every one of her words had pierced his heart.

But he had to hold strong. He couldn't let yet another bad guy escape. He couldn't afford to give Erik a second chance. Not when the people who he loved were at stake.

You did with Daguar," said a small voice in his head. He almost immediately shook it out. His fear was blocking out his common sense. He felt like a cornered animal, lashing out at the person who he blamed. Erik. Hiccup glanced at the cage, seeing Erik huddled in it.

"He saved my life," said Astrid's voice in his head.

"But it's his fault your life was ever at stake," Hiccup practically hissed. He ran his hands through his hair again, and headed back down the island.

He headed for the houses, just wanting to get away for a while. But, the riders were gathered near his house, and there was no way Hiccup wanted to confront them now.

He was about to go, when he noticed that they seemed to be reaching some final decision. He watched with curiosity as Astrid pointed to Snotlout, before gesturing away from the island.

They both mounted their dragons, and headed away. Hiccup played with the idea of asking the remaining riders what was going on, but abandoned it. He contemplated what to do for a full two minutes after that. Finally, he decided he needed to be alone for a while, and headed off into the woods.

"Are you sure this is gonna work?" Snotlout asked, flying closer so he could talk to Astrid. She ignored him for a few moments.

"This is our only choice. You weren't with him when I talked to him. He's scared Snotlout. He's lashing out because of anger."

"Wait, so you're not mad at him?" Snotlout asked in confusion.

"Well, I wanna twist his arm until he sees some sense, but I'm more disappointed than angry." Snotlout nodded, then moved slightly away.

"We will help Hiccup. I hate to admit this, but he's a good leader. When he's not wrapped up in you," Snotlout added raising his eyebrow slightly. Astrid gave him a look, but didn't say anything. She knew he was right. That was something she and Hiccup needed to work on. A balance between their romance, and the edge.

She preoccupied herself with those thoughts as they flew to the island. Anything to keep her thoughts drifting to the looming problem at the time.

"Astrid," Snotlout called out, alerting her to the fact that they had landed on the island. They both hopped off, leading their dragons further into the island.

"Astrid?" came a surprised voice. Astrid turned around, smiling when she saw the person.

"Heather, it's so good to see you."

"It's great to see you too. And you Snotlout," Heather said, already leading them into the village.

"Is Daguar here?" Astrid asked, rather hurriedly. Heather gave her a confused look, but responded "Umm, yes." She looked at both of them. "Can I ask why?"

"It's about Hiccup," Astrid explained as Heather led them to the great hall. "He captured Erik as a prisoner."

"But, that's good right?" Heather asked.

"Yeah, but then Hiccup shoved him into a dragon cage, and is currently waiting for him to die," Snotlout said, looking down at his fingers. Heather raised her eyebrows, and turned to Astrid. Astrid hated the fact that she couldn't deny it. Her lack of response confirmed that Snotlout was correct.

"Really?" Heather asked as they entered the great hall.

"He's lashing out," Astrid explained, still trying to see the good in Hiccup.

"By torturing his own brother?" Heather asked.

"Hiccup doesn't see Erik as his brother. Think of how you felt with Daguar." Heather nodded, accepting Astrid's point.

"Daguar? Astrid and Snotlout are here to see you." Daguar turned around, a welcoming smile on his face.

"Astrid, Snothat, good to see you both. What brings you to Berserker island?"

"I need your help. It's about Hiccup. He's out of control." Astrid took a deep breath, and stared at the Berserker chief.

"We need your help."

Wow, that took a long time. I'm super sorry about that. So, maybe 2 more chapters. Then, a new arc if you guys want it. I already have a plot line.

Next time… Hiccup struggles with inner demons, with a little help from Daguar. However, Daguar might be helping Erik as well.

You guys are amazing R&R

NightLightning21