"It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
But it'll be alright

Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing"

- "What Faith Can Do" by Kutless

Chapter 23

Harald and I caught up with Viggo in the center of town. He had fought in the battle as well, and we invited him to join us at the School. Harald picked up Leopold, and then we were off. When we arrived at the School, I noticed the headmaster pacing anxiously near the chasm. "Hey!" I called to him as the two Skrills landed.

The headmaster brightened. "Ah! A messenger of news - good news, I hope. Please, come here and regale me with the tales of New Berk." He frowned when he noticed Harald dismount behind me. "You brought him again?"

"Nice to see you too," Harald said sarcastically.

"It took him a long time to get used to me," Viggo said to his friend.

From the way the headmaster eyed Viggo, it seemed he still did not completely trust him. "Brennda," he said, "your choice in companions is-"

"Amazing?" I said, earning an amused smirk from Harald.

"It's certainly something." The headmaster shook his head. "Anyway, tell me everything. Did Heather reach New Berk in time? Did the antidote work? Are our dragons safe?"

I gave him a quick recap of the day's events. I mentioned how Toothless and the Light Fury even helped us out. I ended with Valka's warning and decision to hold a meeting about the Hidden World.

"As much as I hope that is the last time we hear of Grimmel, I know in my heart that is not the case," the headmaster said. "A man like that will only stop when he has accomplished his goals. We cannot let him do so; nay, we will not let him."

"Of course not," I said. "We'll be ready for him."

"And Valka is right. The Hidden World Annex will be a tasty target to our enemies. We cannot keep it hidden forever. Enemy ships probe our defenses every week and it will only be a matter of time before they find this cave entrance. If they find the Annex, they can find the Hidden World... and that is unacceptable."

"Don't look at me," Harald said. "I'm not going to tell anyone."

"You're the reason it's exposed in the first place."

"How was I supposed to know it was down there?"

"Interesting question," Viggo said thoughtfully.

"But a rhetorical one, right?" I said, looking from Viggo to Harald.

"The others are arriving," Harald said, looking at the sky. "Let's go already." He climbed onto Bolt, and I followed suit.

Viggo looked at the headmaster after mounting Sanna. "Do you need a lift?"

The headmaster hesitated, and I was unsure if he was wondering whether he should trust Viggo or the Skrill. Finally, he accepted his hand and allowed him to help him onto the dragon. "Thank you."

Bolt and Sanna took off and dove down into the Hidden World Annex. It was not long before we were joined by Hiccup, Valka, Astrid, Toothless, and the Light Fury. The Furies sat back to watch the Vikings as we gathered in a circle.

"My word!" the headmaster said. "The beauty of this strange and mysterious place takes my breath away each time I see it. It astounds me that it was below our School this whole time." He looked around the cave, and his eyes stopped on Valka and Cloudjumper. "Valka! All is well?"

Valka offered him a small smile. "Thank you, Heyral. Cloudjumper is shaken, but it will take more than the likes of Grimmel to shatter his spirit. Cloudjumper took a flight around New Berk to clear his head, and now he seems as dedicated and strong as ever." She turned to me. "He wanted to thank you himself, Brennda. Would you talk to him?"

I smiled. "Of course." I walked up to the large dragon and stared into his eyes. He let out a low noise. "You're welcome." He appeared satisfied at this. I gave him a small pat and then returned to my spot in between Harald and Viggo.

"Great, now we can get started," Hiccup said. "I have discussed our options and made a decision regarding the Hidden World."

"This should be good," Harald muttered. I elbowed him to shut him up.

"This will be the start of a new organization," Astrid said, "the Defenders of the Hidden World. Our job will be to protect the Annex and protect dragons everywhere. Once the students of the School of Dragons learn enough about dragons to be able to defend them, they'll join us."

My eyes narrowed in suspicion. "And what does this entail exactly? How is it different from what we're doing now?"

"The Hidden World will be our focus," Hiccup said. "We finally have a safe place we can bring dragons. It will be much easier to defend one location, don't you think?" He shot me a nervous smile.

"It's an ambitious plan," Viggo said. "Your goal is to move all dragons to this Hidden World?"

"As much as possible. They'll be safe, and they'll have Toothless as their alpha. Since the Annex is below our School, we will still be able to visit the dragons when we please. We can all be safe and happy."

"At least you finally have a plan," Harald said. "Unfortunately, it is doomed from the start."

Astrid glared at him. "You-"

"Let's not jump to conclusions, Astrid. I am not a threat to your plan. She is." He swept his arm to me and then narrowed his eyes at Hiccup. "If you think there is anything she would find acceptable about this plan, you have lost your senses."

Hiccup looked at me anxiously. "Listen, Brennda, I wish that it didn't have to be this way. I wish that dragons could live in harmony, but we can't change our world. What we can do is keep everyone safe."

Harald scoffed. "Good luck with that."

I gave Hiccup a forced smile. "Yeah, I have to disagree. Harald understands because this is the exact same kind of thinking I fought against him for the past two years."

"You're comparing Hiccup to Harald?" Astrid said incredulously.

"Don't say that like it's an insult," Harald said. "It was a brilliant plan, but it seems you do not know the details. You may tell them, Brennda, if it will help you make your point."

I smiled at him. "Thank you." Then my eyes hardened as I turned back to Hiccup. "You sound like him because he concocted a whole scheme to make me think he doesn't love me just to keep me safe. He thought it was dangerous for me to be with him, so he stayed away from me to protect me. That's essentially what you're proposing here. Maybe we would still be able to see the dragons, but it wouldn't be the same, and you know it."

Hiccup sighed. "Brennda, what else are we supposed to do? Our enemies are constantly multiplying, and we can't keep up. Dragons will always be in danger unless we do something about it."

"You don't get it, do you? It's the premise I disagree with: protecting dragons at all cost."

Astrid lifted her eyebrows. "You don't think we should protect dragons?"

I shook my head. "No, that's not what I want any more than I don't want Harald to protect me. Protection is one act of love out of many. I simply disagree that we should sacrifice all other acts of love for the sake of this one. I do not want to worship the alter of safety, and I don't think dragons do either. Because, you know what? Harald is right; I'm not safe. Nothing in my life has been safe since I became friends with dragons or since I met him, but I would not trade either for anything in the world. I don't want to be protected if it means we have to part.

"If we want to be safe, we should hide on our island and break off contact with the outside world. But what price would we pay? With no one to challenge us, how would we grow? Of we no longer had to defend anything, how would we know what we believe in? My life is nothing but risks, but I am stronger for having overcome the challenges. I am becoming who I am supposed to be. Can I dare say dragons feel the same way? Life isn't supposed to be safe, for Vikings or dragons.

"Maybe we could be safer if we were apart, but then what? Are we really going to give up the benefits of our friendship for the sake of physical safety? Yes, Vikings can do terrible things to dragons, but we can also do amazing things for them. We're stronger together. Wasn't that what you originally proved with Toothless? Would you rob all dragons of the opportunity to experience something so wonderful? They should at least get the choice, don't you think?"

"I'm not suggesting we force anyone to do anything," Hiccup said. "Maybe we can find a way to live with dragons in the Hidden World. It won't be the same, but it will be something."

"Then you would rob all other Vikings from the opportunity to know dragons."

"Most of them would rather kill dragons if give the choice. We can't change everyone's minds. When the time comes that the world is ready for dragons, they can come back."

I let out a bitter laugh. "That's a ridiculous idea. Have you not been paying attention? Do you not realize what it takes to change someone's mind? If the dragons all leave, how is anyone supposed to know they are good? People fear the unknown. If they learn about dragons, they will naturally fear them - perhaps even more than they do now. That kind of fear can only be destroyed by direct, contradictory evidence. People need positive interactions with dragons to learn to love them, which is impossible if there are no dragons around! Do you forget how recently everyone on Berk hated dragons?"

"They saw the light because they are good people. We can't expect that from everyone."

"I see. So that's what it is. You don't think we can change people's hearts." I looked around at everyone, my gaze lingering longer on Harald and Viggo. "You know, I used to think we were the same in that we saw the best in people, whereas Astrid was quick to see the worst. But you're actually more like her than me. You two exist on opposite ends of the same line. People are either good or evil. You may try to see the good first, but with enough evidence, you see the evil. The reverse goes for Astrid.

"But I-" I looked at Harald, who watched me with an unreadable expression. "I see both at the same time. It may be more difficult to deal with, but it is closer to reality. I think... there are no heroes, but there are no villains either. There are only people who perform heroic or villainous deeds. So, people don't really change; they just decide to be the other part of themselves." I returned my gaze to Hiccup. "You fear the darkness. You thought the world was full of light, but the dark has you scared. I am not blind to the evil we are up against. But it's the ideas and actions that are evil, not the people. If you need proof, look at those we've won over, like Viggo, Dagur, Eret... and Harald.

"You've had me interact with our enemies countless times to gain information. Well, I couldn't do my job if I didn't latch onto what little good I could see in them. I don't think any of them are hopeless. Most probably don't even realize they're doing anything wrong. I bet many dragon hunters engage in such a reckless career because it is the only way they think they can survive. You've been privileged to not know what it is like to worry about hunger and shelter. When people can't cover their basic needs, how are they supposed to care about a whole different species?

"I don't know what we can do, but it has to be something better than this. I'm not willing to give up on the rest of the world just because there's a portion that will never change. I think everyone else deserves the chance to choose to be better. Our strength has always been our friendship with dragons and each other. We should be building alliances so the burden isn't all on us. We might not be able to change the world overnight, but we can do it if we think long-range. If we have to pass on the mission to our children, so be it. I believe there's value in the fight. We may not be able to achieve perfection, but can achieve a lot of good if we're alright with that.

"Grimmel hates our way of life because it threatens his. He fears our ideas will spread. If we follow the path you propose, we're giving into him. We're letting him win. That is intolerable. I am not willing to give up so easily. If you insist on this plan, I will have to oppose you. Remember, I follow you by choice. I will leave if you force me to go against what I believe. And I bet Dagur would be more willing to see things my way."

Stunned silence followed. Neither Hiccup nor anyone else appeared to know what to say. It did not last long.

"Well," Harald said loudly, "if this is what you want, Brennda, then I will join you."

I looked to him in surprise. "If you don't believe what I just said, you don't have to-"

"I want to. I may not have faith in your vision on its own, but I do have faith in you. I do not doubt you will accomplish what you set out to achieve, and it would be my honor to stand by your side."

Warmth flowed through me at his words. My previous anger was forgotten as I smiled at him. "Thank you, Harald. I want that too." And maybe one day he would want to fight with me because he believed in my dream too.

Harald shot Hiccup a smug look. "This is why you are doomed, my friend. You stand no chance against the two of us united. We are the best team in the archipelago. You are going to lose if you challenge us."

Hiccup looked at him helplessly. "It's not like I want to be right."

At this, Harald's expression softened. "I know what you mean."

"They will have me as well," Viggo said. "And there are a few others who will certainly join us."

Hiccup nodded. "Good. I think this is a great idea. Brennda, if you really think your way is better, you should gather a team and try to prove me wrong. If we have a fair fight, hopefully we'll arrive at the best solution."

"That is very mature of you, Hiccup," Valka said.

"So, you wouldn't have a problem if I invited Harald over to New Berk and the School to strategize and train? And maybe help him bond with Elska?"

Hiccup hesitated. "Well..."

"That doesn't sound like a good idea," Astrid said.

"It would be kept secret from my allies, of course," Harald said. "But the last time we tried to meet without your permission, it did not turn out so well."

Hiccup winced. "Yes, I remember." He took a deep breath and faced me. "Brennda, I'll leave that up to you. I trust you to do what is best for Berk and the School."

I smiled. "Thank you, Hiccup."

"But if he does anything..." Astrid warned.

"He won't," I said. "I promise."

"I'm glad that's settled," the headmaster said. "Perhaps now we can celebrate our victory?"

Everyone heartily agreed.

First, we spread the news of Grimmel's defeat throughout the School. Then we returned to New Berk to celebrate. The party lasted until the evening. Finally, Harald and I retired at my house. I made sure Leopold curled up the main room, and then I pushed Harald into my bedroom and closed the door.

"I love everyone here," I said, "but... it's good to be alone."

Harald smirked. "I was thinking the same thing. Your fiery speech today was very... hot." He moved in until his face was inches from mine.

I slipped my arms around his neck. "So was the way you backed me up. I love having you on my side." I pushed his head down and kissed him hard. He grabbed my hips and pulled me into him. Desire filled me as he deepened the kiss. I stroked his hair and then trailed my hands down his neck to his shoulders. "Harald," I murmured when we broke for air, "I want you."

Harald smiled down at me, and his eyes twinkled mischievously. "I've wanted you since-"

"If you say since we met-"

"-since the day we wished on a star. I wished for you."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Really? All the way back then?"

"Mhm." Harald started kissing my neck. "What did you wish for?"

"I-" The feeling of his lips on my skin made it hard to think. "I wished for love. Real love."

Harald pulled back and smirked at me. "It looks like wishes do come true. You just have to pay a heavy price for them."

I brushed my hand across his cheek, smiling. "But it was worth it. I've wanted you since the day I took you yo Icestorm island... when we watched the Northern Lights."

Harald's smirk widened. "No, that's when you stopped denying it."

I shrugged, conceding the point. My hand fell to his chest and gripped the collar of his shirt. "How long have you loved me?" I did not know if I expected a specific answer from him. It was hard for me to pinpoint the moment it happened on my end. Still, I was curious.

"Since I received this." Harald held up his hand, showing off his ring.

"Oh, the love festival. That was pretty long time ago."

Harald smiled. "And I stopped denying it when you told me you loved me."

I smiled back at him. "So, the truth is a great strategy for me." I gripped his shirt with both hands to bring him closer to me. He cupped my face and kissed me again. My right hand drifted over and touched his shoulder saddle, and I drew back.

Harald stepped back and removed the offending object. I followed his lead and removed my weapons and bracers. I shed my winter coat, leaving only a light short sleeve shirt. Harald took off everything from the waist up. I stared at the light bruises on his chest, momentarily distracted.

"Still think I'm beautiful?" he teased.

I smiled. "Yes." I reached out my hand and grazed it across his chest. "Does that hurt?"

Harald closed his eyes. "No. It feels good."

Pleased, I moved in closer and touched him with both hands. Then I lightly pressed my lips to his skin. He sucked in a sharp breath. I moved around to his back and touched those wounds before kissing them as well. Then I gave his scar the same treatment.

I returned to where I started and kissed Harald's chest once more before lifting my shirt over my head. I got rid of my skirt as well, leaving myself standing in my light pants and breast bindings. Harald gazed at me for a long moment. Then he grabbed my shoulders and pulled me into a heated kiss. I eagerly kissed him back while slowly moving forward. When we reached my bed, I pushed him down onto his back and crawled on top of him.

Harald's looked at me in surprise. "What are you-?"

I silenced him by kissing his chest. "Harald..." I murmured. "I want you now." My hands roamed his body while I kissed everywhere I could find. I moved up, kissing his neck and then his face. Finally, I kissed his lips. I did not remain in control for long. Harald put his arms around me and pulled me down so our bodies touched. His hands moved up and down my waist, setting fire to my skin.

Harald gazed at me with love and passion. "Are you sure about this? I am a pirate." His eyes told me he was only half joking.

I slipped out of my pants, and Harald moaned as I straddled his waist. My eyes fell to the symbol on his arm. I leaned down and kissed it. "You're my pirate." I brought my face to his and kissed his nose. "I love you more than anyone, and I want to be yours in all ways possible."

Harald gave me the brilliant smile that always made my heart melt. "I love you, Brennda. I never thought I belonged anywhere, but now I know I belong with you." I allowed him to flip us so he towered over me. He looked all the way down my body and up again with adoration in his eyes. "You are so beautiful..." He quickly shed his pants and tossed them aside. He gazed at me for a moment longer before crashing his lips to mine.

For the first time, I allowed passion to take over without fear of where we would stand once it was over. Harald loved me. That was an indisputable truth I vowed to cling to always. Finally, we were one.

We fell asleep in each other's arms, exhausted but satisfied. We now completely belonged to each other, and no one could ever change that.

A/N: Well! The Hidden World is done. If you can't tell, I have some serious problems with the movie. However, the game does give me an opportunity to work out a better ending. I hope you approve!