FORTY SEVEN: A Brave New World

It was almost twilight when Toothless landed back in Dragonia but the hanger was brilliantly lit and Fishlegs and Zephyr were waiting as the aircraft pulled into its space alongside Dagur's Ship, which was powered down and deserted and everyone sighed with relief as Toothless's engines finally powered down. There was an ambulance waiting as well, the paramedics hovering and also a police van and an undertaker's hearse. As soon as the hatch opened, the girl was running forward with Fishlegs lumbering close behind. The twins appeared first, helping Dagur limp down, a blood stained scarf tied around his left leg. The paramedics surged forward and helped the mercenary onto the stretcher then wheeled him towards the ambulance. Snotlout walked down and headed straight for the police van, his face grave as he began to speak swiftly with the officers. Zephyr's face paled and she stopped, staring up the stairs-until a familiar bruised shape appeared. Fink's eyes widened as he saw his sister.

"ZEPH! Thank Thor…I thought…" And then he was scrambling down the stairs to hug her fiercely, burying his head in her shoulder. "I'm glad you're safe…"

"Oh Fink…" she said as she closed her arms around him-and then she burst into tears. "I thought I'd lost you…" Arriving at the top of the ladder, Hiccup and Astrid looked at their children and the woman turned to look up into Hiccup's eyes.

"Thank you," she murmured. He smiled wanly, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead.

"I've been absent for the whole of their lives except the last two days," he sighed. "I couldn't lose them-or let you lose them." Then he grimaced as he tried to put weight through his left leg.

"You need to get that looked at, Mr Skinny," she told him, her arm winding firmly around his waist. He pouted, the effect causing her to laugh.

"Haven't I got enough names already?" he asked her teasingly. She made a show of thinking as she helped him slowly down the ladder.

"I think Mr Skinny kinda suits you," she pointed out.

"I'm rather fond of Tallon Fury," he pointed out, grimacing every time he put weight on his leg.

"So am I…but that leg needs seeing to," she told him seriously. "I don't want you losing any more legs."

"Hey-it's the same leg and I only lost about a third before," he protested as she led him towards the ambulance. Dagur was already within and Hiccup gestured. "I'll be fine…" Astrid glared.

"Can you call another ambulance please?" she ordered the paramedics. "This idiot was stabbed in the leg…" The paramedic took in Hiccup's blood-splattered appearance and gasped, grabbing his arm and hauling him towards the ambulance.

"Oh Thor…" he murmured as Hiccup cast her a helpless look.

"I could always be driven to the hospital…" he offered as the paramedic sat him down and urgently wrapped a bandage around his leg. Then he looked up at Astrid. "We're taking him to Blessed Freya University Hospital," he said and slammed the door. She paused-and then she wrenched the door open.

"I'm coming," she said firmly. "The last time he was driven away without me in an official van, I didn't see him for sixteen years." Then she looked over. "FISHLEGS! Bring the kids to Blessed Freya! I'm going with H…Tallon!" The lawyer, wrapped in Ruffnut-who was doing a fair impression of an octopus-looked up and nodded. He managed to get a hand free long enough for a thumb's up.

"I'll phone Director Thorkild!" he shouted as Astrid darted into the ambulance and slammed the door behind her. Fink and Zephyr looked scared but the husky lawyer disentangled himself from Ruff and turned to the children. "We'll go after your parents,' he said and looked over at the others.

"I'll go and see Heather," Cami said. "I need a bit of relaxation and-no offence-you guys aren't even slightly relaxing…"

"I have my own relaxing teddy bear here," Ruff said smugly, grabbing Fishlegs's hand. Tuff trotted across to join them. Snotlout looked up.

"I need to finish this here,' he said absently. "I'll get a taxi to the hotel-and I'll arrange Fink a room. Let me know how Hicc is." Fishlegs headed for the car as Cami leapt into the driver's seat.

"Okay-I'll drive you there…but one of you will need to drive yourselves back-NOT Tuff!" she added hastily.

"Hey!"

Fink cautiously clambered into the back next to his sister, his body tense as Zephyr sat next to him and the twins squeezed in. Fishlegs sat in the front next to Cami as they pulled away. Tuff-who was sitting on the floor-looked up at Fink and offered him his hand.

"Welcome to the family," he said.

oOo

By the time they arrived at the Blessed Freya University Hospital and parked up, Hiccup was already in with the Director of Traumatology, a woman named Vera Janssen who Director Thorkild had personally asked to tend to the billionaire. Dagur was being assessed as well by her skilled and professional team and was grumbling that this would hold up his fitness regime though he had accepted he would be off his feet for a while.

After a short but anxious while that everyone spent pacing the waiting room, Astrid emerged and gave the group a generic update before beckoning Zephyr and Nuffink forward. The children were anxious, sticking close to each other as their mother led them confidently through, her head up and looking far more like the young woman she had been than the beaten-down and mostly cowed woman she had been as Eret's wife. She arrived at a cubicle and paused.

"You decent, Babe?" she asked and there was a sigh.

"As much as is possible," Hiccup's voice conceded so the trio entered the space, to find him lying on a trolley, swathed in a hospital gown and covered from the waist down with a green blanket. He looked tired and it was obvious that his left leg ended mid-shin under the blanket. The children froze though Fink recovered much more quickly, recalling that he had seen the man's disability before.

"Is your leg okay, sir?" he asked, his brow furrowed as Hiccup winced.

"Not sir," he asked softly. "Thor, that makes me sound so old! I know you can't call me Dad but you could try Tallon…or Hiccup…whichever you prefer…"

"I think…I would like to try…Dad," Zephyr said slowly as Fink paused.

"Tallon…for now…" he admitted, chewing his thumb self-consciously. "I mean, I associate Dad with…him." His eyes looked pained. "And he was willing to hand me over to Drago, to use me as a pawn against you…" He chewed his lip. "I…"

"It's okay, Fink," Hiccup said understandingly. "You've seen things you should never have to. And I am sorry…but in the end, he was trying to kill me. And you."

"I know," the young man said and he closed his eyes. He was shaking. "But he…he was going to shoot…" Hiccup sat up and reached out, grabbing the young man's arm and pulling him forward. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around the young man and Fink clung to him, shaking quietly.

"I'm sorry," Hiccup murmured. "I know he was your Dad. But I couldn't let him kill you or your Mom. Or me."

"M'sorry," Fink mumbled. "He always said I was weak and he said a proper man never cried and…"

"You know he was a complete idiot, right?" Hiccup asked him roughly, tightening his hug. "Look, Fink, being a man doesn't mean having no emotions and just being a bastard to everyone while betraying your nearest and dearest. Being a man means being strong enough to stand up for what you believe in, for what is right. To do the right thing no matter the odds. To remain true to who you are, despite what life throws at you. To keep on fighting, despite insurmountable odds because you can never be certain that there isn't a chance you could still succeed. To cherish your family and friends and defend them against the evils of this world. And to support and protect them, giving everything you can to ensure that they are safe, even if it costs you everything."

"But…"

Hiccup sighed.

"I saw my father cry when my Mom died," he said. "He was a huge bear of a man, a Viking Chieftain by any other name, with an enormous flaming beard and piercing green eyes. And a voice you could hear two islands over-but he cried like a baby when Mom passed. He loved me without hesitation or qualification. And all he said to me was 'Try your best, son and always be a decent man. Be the man your friends are proud to know.' I almost forgot that today-but your Mom reminded me."

"I'm proud you're my Dad," Fink murmured, pulling back and looking into Hiccup's tired face. "Are you okay?"

"I need stitches," he admitted. "And then I am signing myself out and going back to the hotel, having a meal with my friends and sleeping for about two days straight. Are you okay?" Fink shrugged.

"I'm a bit bruised…" he began.

"I've asked Dr Thorkild to assess you," Hiccup told him sternly. "You hit the ground hard when you crashed-and I don't want anything to happen, especially after your serious concussion recently. I'm sure he'll want a scan…maybe observation…"

"I'm not staying in if you don't," Fink told him stubbornly. "Mom and Zeph can watch me. If I go loopy, you can bring me back here…"

"If anyone noticed you going loopy given the company I keep," Hiccup muttered as Astrid burst out laughing.

"We would notice," she said, her arm around Zephyr. "You, young sir, are getting your scan and check up. And then we are all going back to the hotel-as a family."

"Yes, Mom," Fink said, recognising the tone of voice.

"Yes, Mom," Zephyr smiled.

"Yes, Milady," Hiccup added ironically. Astrid gave a satisfied smile.

"I need to look after my boys," she announced as Hiccup cast a mildly humorous look at his son.

"Her boys," he mused. "Hmm. I like the sound of that…but I suspect a lifetime of being Astrid-pecked will be the result." He grinned. "I think I could live with that…"

oOo

By the time they arrived back at the hotel, it was late but Hiccup ordered food in the room and the twins, Fishlegs and Snotlout all joined them for anything from nachos and soup to a triple cheeseburger with extra pickles and fries as the group talked about everything except what had happened that day. The twins and Fishlegs had left straight after the meal but Snotlout had lingered, his face filled with shame. Hiccup sipped his beer and then glanced at him.

"Spit it out, Snot," he sighed as the stocky man stalked back and forth.

"I failed you," he said suddenly. "I let you get away and Eret tried to kill you before I even arrived. He could have killed you and Astrid and I was…nowhere!" Hiccup sighed.

"It was my fault, Snot," he admitted. "I ran off ahead and threw myself at him because I knew he would get to Fink before me. And he took my entire life from me. I thought…I prayed it was over and even when I learned he was gone, I wasn't unhappy because I taken it all off him and left him with what I had: nothing. Until I learned the kids were mine, not his. And though I hadn't been there for them…I wasn't letting him steal anything else of mine. Especially getting Fink killed on Icefell. I knew I could handle myself. Because I had to. Dad would have done that for me and in that moment…I would have given my life to save him." He ran his hand through his hair. "It's crazy. I mean…in every way that counts, I haven't been his father, just the man who started the whole process and then was sent off to die…but in that moment, I would have torn Eret apart with my bare hands to protect Fink and Astrid."

"But you gave him the chance to walk away. You urged him to go. He chose to try to kill you…having even seen you fight. You had no choice." Astrid's voice was quiet, her hand finding his.

"Snotlout, I trust you completely…but this was something I had to do," Hiccup explained. "You didn't fail-I did. I allowed revenge to blind me-and it nearly cost Zeph and Fink their lives."

"To be fair, no one would even believe he would do what he did!" Zephyr reminded him, her voice firm. "We're all alive, we're all safe and Dad is never going to try any stunts like that ever again-are you?" Hiccup chuckled.

"Oh Thor…Astrid and Zephyr-pecked," he muttered humorously. "Can I become a smuggler again?"

"Only if I come-and what example would be for the children?" Astrid asked him smartly, smiling.

"Actually, it would be kinda cool," Fink commented.

"And may I remind you, I am still a convicted traitor as well as a smuggler, aircraft designer, engineer, pilot and billionaire," Hiccup told her, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"And, I think, hot water bottle," Astrid murmured, leaning close. His eyes widened.

"Are you sure?" he murmured. She nodded.

"I almost lost you today-again," she told him softly. "I want to keep my eye on you." He rested his head against hers.

"I'm not going anywhere," he reassured her. "I'm very bruised. I'm going to just sleep…"

"In my arms," Astrid told him. "Unless…" He smiled.

"I can't think of anything better," he admitted as she glanced at her daughter.

"You don't mind-do you, Zeph?" she checked but her daughter pulled a face.

"Thor, no!" she said. "You fidget. And you snore. And mumble. I'll be fine. And let's not forget the whispering and giggling this morning with…" She gave a pointed look at Hiccup. The pair blushed.

"Oh Thor…I can definitely see whose daughter she is!" Hiccup muttered as Fink smiled. "Will you be okay?" The boy nodded.

"Methinks-yes," he said. "Finally, I think it's all going to be okay."

oOo

The next morning, Hiccup was stiff and could barely move-and despite her unsympathetic laughter as he moved around like an old man, Astrid had helped him dress and had gone out and purchased a walking stick to help ease the pressure on his recently stitched leg. The children came round for breakfast but the others spent the morning doing their own thing: Fishlegs and Ruffnut went sightseeing, Snotlout went on a long run and Tuffnut had managed to get onto the roof of the hotel-naked-and was live-streaming himself meditating. Hiccup contacted the hospital and learned that Dagur was making good progress and was going to be released later that day-and that he would be staying with Heather on Dragon Isle. The billionaire promised to visit before he left for Berk.

The clerk from the Presidential Palace had contacted them after breakfast and asked that Tallon Fury come for an audience with the President at eleven. Astrid had seen Hiccup tense up at the summons and had contacted Cami to ask her if she could drive them-via Aurora so that Fink could get some clothes. Then the family had split and got ready, emerging at ten with Hiccup in his trademark shades, a lightweight charcoal silk suit, white silk shirt and patent shoes; Astrid in her azure dress, silver strappy heels and purse and Zephyr in black slim-fit jeans, moss-green shirt and bronze camisole with black slave sandals. Fink was in his old clothes but cleaned up and Hiccup reassured him that they would stop to provide him with a more suitable outfit. Cami greeted them with a grin and got them to the department store in record time-and against his better judgement, they all went in, Hiccup with Fink and Astrid and Zephyr. They emerged with Fink smart in chinos and a smart sky-blue button-down and a couple of bags full of new clothes-and the girls also arriving with more bags of clothes. Hiccup chuckled.

"I think…I may need to sell even more aircraft to pay for you," he teased Astrid as she punched him in the arm. "Ow!"

"I think…you can afford a couple of dresses for your long-lost daughter," Astrid retorted and grabbed his shirt, kissing him fiercely. He smiled against her lips.

"Could get to like this," he mumbled. Fink nudged his sister.

"Are they like this…all the time?" he asked in a low voice. She nodded.

"I've never seen Mom like this," she replied thoughtfully. "We all know D..Eret…was pretty vile to her. She was always wary and guarded with him…but she's happy with Dad." Fink arched an eyebrow.

"I think…they're in love," he murmured. "I don't think Mom ever loved…Eret. It was always Tallon, wasn't it?"

"Hiccup. Her first boyfriend. The guy Eret betrayed and got sent away for life for his own treason. The guy who everyone was told was dead but was actually still locked away for eleven years before he escaped and managed to create his new life. I don't understand it all…but Eret spent his life using people and creating victims while he stole and swindled and indulged his own desires at the cost of everyone else's feelings or peace of mind…or sometimes, life. And every member of this family was a victim of him." Zephyr smiled. "I think…this is how they should always have been-together, in love…happy. These are the parents we should have had, if Eret hadn't framed Dad!" Fink nudged her arm and grinned.

"This is going to be interesting," he admitted as they got into the car and were driven up to the Presidential Palace. This time, they were conducted in almost immediately and found themselves facing the President of the Archipelago once more. Mala Wing rose and walked to Hiccup, immediately taking his hand and shaking it without hesitation.

"My friend-thank you," she said honestly, her green eyes filled with gratitude. "I cannot express what I feel-but know that today, the Archipelago is a much safer place than it was yesterday morning." Then she turned to Astrid. "Ms Hofferson-thank you for your courage." Then she turned to Zephyr. "You should be very proud of your family, Zephyr Eretson," she added before turning to Fink.

"My son, Nuffink Eretson," Hiccup murmured as Mala gave a sweet smile. She took Fink's hand and shook it.

"The Berk Motocross Champion," she said, causing the boy's eyes to widen in shock. "Throk is a huge fan, though he would never admit it aloud. I am glad Tallon managed to get to you in time and that you are safe." Then she gestured to the chairs arrayed in front of the desk. "Please take a seat."

"Thank you for seeing us, Madame President," Hiccup said once they were all seated. "How can I help you?"

"I think I should be asking how I can help you?" Mala commented. "Colonel Oddvar has tendered a full report that details your heroism in the battle. Our forces were pinned down and losing. Our limited air support had been shot down by some very unexpected missiles and you flew in, blasted their command and took out their missiles and their gun emplacements…and then broke their line. After that, Oddvar and his men turned the tide and defeated Drago's forces. His stronghold has been taken, his men captured or scattered and all the records of his organisation have fallen into our hands. And better-you brought him down, killed his second-in-command and captured him. Throk has him in the Maximum Security Facility on Caldera Cay. And more-the records prove that two of our own Generals have been feeding him information and have been blocking any move to attack him over the last ten years."

"That's shocking," Astrid commented, her eyes hard. "But not unexpected. Johann used to boast that he held the Archipelago in the palm of his hand-irrespective who sat in the Granite Office." Her hand found her daughter's and Zephyr squeezed.

"Indeed," Mala conceded. "But thanks to your actions, Tallon, their plans are undone. Drago's army is destroyed or scattered, the man is captured and his supporters in the Army and Government are uncovered. There are traitors on other islands-Meathead and Jaegerby most notably-but they can be dealt with in due course."

"I am glad, Madame President," Hiccup said calmly. "But ultimately, my only priority was to rescue my son." There was a knock on the door and Throk entered. He looked tired and haggard but there was a triumphant air to his expression.

"You also brought Eretson back," he said without preamble. "You killed him?"

"In combat," Hiccup admitted. "Fink had crashed his snowcat and was stunned. Eret was going for him. I jumped and knocked him off his snowcat and asked him to walk away. He attacked me with a knife…I have a hole in my left leg, courtesy of that-and we fought. He was trying to strangle me. I stabbed him in the neck. But he grabbed a gun and was going to shoot Fink and Astrid…so I shot him as well."

"I think you need to explain in more detail," Throk suggested after sharing a confused look with Mala. So Astrid, Fink and Hiccup detailed the whole story, leaving the President and her Special Agent nodding in understanding. "I have retrospectively granted you immunity for any actions you took as part of the mission. And it is clear that you only took the actions you did in protection of your family. You do not need to fear about any legal consequences for the actions you took in protecting your family."

"Thank you," Hiccup said with a relieved sigh. He shrugged. "May I ask what has happened to the body?"

"Why do you ask?" Throk's brow was furrowed.

"Because I will arrange for a burial on his home island of Berk," Hiccup said evenly. "In my youth, he was my friend and business partner. And though he betrayed me and the Archipelago, I have his former wife and the young people raised in his house with me. It is only…the decent thing to do to offer him what he did not offer me or my father: a proper funeral." He exhaled heavily. "I have to be the better man. As Astrid pointed out, I cannot let him take that from me as well."

"You are a unique individual, Tallon Fury," the President said. "And you have my promise that your case will be reopened. Please ask your attorney to forward the evidence and I will ensure that your conviction is quashed. Maybe then, you can finally regain your name, at least." Hiccup smiled.

"It would be nice," he confessed, "though I think in business, Tallon Fury is a much stronger brand than being a Hiccup…" Astrid elbowed him gently.

"Well, if you could do all of this as Ingen…as No One…think what you could do when you're upgraded to a Hiccup!" she pointed out. He burst out laughing and then wrapped his arms around her, kissing her passionately.

"I think I might like being a Hiccup again," he commented as the President and Throk both smiled as well.

"Thank you, Tallon Fury," she said, rising. "And I will contact you as soon as I have news." He nodded.

"Thank you, Madame President," he said, rising. "I am honoured to serve." The others rose as well, sensing the interview was over. Mala smiled.

"I wish you every happiness and success," she said honestly. "And if you ever need my help, I am at your disposal." Hiccup nodded, his face grateful as he glanced as his companions.

"Thank you, President Wing. But all I want right now is to go home with my family," he said.