Anything Is Possible

Rated: M
Pairing: Hiccup & OC-Runa
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the HTTYD or Frozen characters. Everything belongs to its original creator. However, I do own all my characters.

Chapter 36.

=Normal POV=
[December 11; Night]
[Hunter Isle; Grimborn House]

From the lunch between Gobber and Hiccup to supper time now, Hiccup spent the afternoon hours showing Gobber around Hunter Isle and having him meet a few people. Ulrik was among them, and then Gobber, Ulrik, and Hiccup ended up all talking for an hour or so because Ulrik had to commend Gobber's mentoring of Hiccup in the art of blacksmithing. Hiccup showed Gobber the villagers huts with a walkthrough, and then Gobber got to see the markets with all the shops and stands. Gobber commented that it was pretty crafty and useful to have a village set up the way that the dragon hunters had theirs. There was a small walk to where the dragons were staying, then back into town, and Hiccup took Gobber the Grimborn Home, so he could officially meet everyone. Gobber could see that the dragon hunters, despite what they did for business, were a tribe just like the others. As it happened to work out, Viggo and Ryker were also heading to the house, so the four males met at the door. Toothless had already headed around back to get upstairs into the loft space, and he had eaten before Hiccup and Gobber arrived, now the Night Fury could relax.

"Joining us for dinner?" Ryker asked Hiccup and Gobber.

"As long as your family doesn't mind, if not, we can eat at the inn," Hiccup replied.

"Nonsense, you're always welcome to eat with us, and your friend too," Viggo informed as he opened the door and allowed Hiccup and Gobber to enter first, then Ryker and himself last. Inside the home, the family seemed to already be downstairs and waiting for them. Hiccup assumed that meant Viggo and Ryker wanted them prepared ahead of time, so they made sure that dinner was set up and they were all there on time.

"Are we ready to eat?" Truda inquired.

"Yes," Ryker nodded.

"And then after that, I can introduce you to everyone," Hiccup told Gobber as they made their way to the table with the rest of the Grimborn family. Gobber nodded, and once everyone was seated and served; they began to eat. Roughly, an hour later, everyone finished their meals and then clean up began. Hiccup showed Gobber around the house a little, and his space in the loft before they returned to the main level and found everyone sitting around the fire in chairs or on couches. "So, seeing everything now, do you feel better about me being here?" Hiccup asked Gobber as they reached the living room space.

"Seeing everything now, I think I should be here too," Gobber laughed a little.

"You're welcome to!" Hertha informed cheerfully. "We told Hiccup he could stay too,"

"As kind as the offer is, I do have to return to my home island. You know they don't have blacksmith if they lose you and me. Plus, we've got this possible situation you mentioned, lad; I can't leave them unprotected," Gobber replied respectfully.

"I know, but you could always mentor someone else," Hiccup joked. "Or find someone to take over. I met a few out of work blacksmiths in my travels with Viggo and Ryker; I could take Toothless out and send them to you to verify," He added.

"Perhaps, but it'd be up to your dad for them to stay as part of the tribe, and you know how he is," Gobber reminded.

"Unfortunately," Hiccup sighed. "Anyway, you said you'd stay for a few days at least, so I'm taking advantage of it…I'll introduce you to the Grimborn family," He continued. "You know Viggo, Chief of the Dragon Hunters, and his older brother Ryker, who is the Second in Command of the tribe," Hiccup paused as Gobber nodded. "Well, beside Viggo is Truda, his wife, and then their two kids are over there," Hiccup motioned to Viggo and Truda's children. "Brynjar and Runa. The over here next to Ryker is Hertha, and their children, Vera and Agnar," Hiccup said. "And to all of you, this is my mentor in blacksmithing, and the man who basically raised me as his, Gobber," Hiccup smiled.

"A pleasure to meet you, Gobber," Truda stated gently.

"Aye, same to all of you. I'm glad Hiccup is with such good people," Gobber replied calmly, then looked at Ryker and Viggo. "And…Thank you to you both…For saving him that day, and taking care of him all this time," He added.

"You're welcome," Ryker said.

"He's a good man. Very smart, sarcastic, and talented too," Viggo smiled.

"Oh, I know he's sarcastic," Gobber chuckled some, ruffling Hiccup's hair.

"Come on, cut it out! I'm almost twenty for Odin's sake…" Hiccup muttered, trying to get away from his father-figure.

"You'll never be too old for me to pick on, laddie," Gobber smiled. "No matter how old you are, or how tall you grow; you'll always be the little hiccup I raised."

"I'm not sure if I should take that as an insult that you inadvertently called me a runt, or thank you for always taking care of and loving me," Hiccup folded his arms over one another and huffed a bit.

"Take it however you want, boy, but no matter how you do; both statements are true," Gobber grinned.

"Well said," Viggo nodded. "You're loved by many, Hiccup. Embrace it because they are the ones who will always be on your side,"

Hiccup nodded, smiling, and would definitely hold onto Viggo's words, and Gobber's too. "Now, let's all relax a little," Ryker motioned for Gobber and Hiccup to join them around the fire.

Gobber and Hiccup sat down, enjoying their time together and with the Grimborn's. The time now was only about 6:45 pm, and Hiccup planned to take Gobber back to the inn before the night was over. Hiccup still wanted to know what happened on Berk before Gobber came to search for him, but felt it shouldn't be revealed with the others around. Hiccup didn't want a lot getting out on who he was, or rather, used to be. It would probably come out in time, and Hiccup honestly didn't minds remaining on Hunter Isle permanently, but Hiccup needed to see what would happen if his powers were known to all of the tribe; that would be his deciding factor in residing there from now on.

. . .

[Night]
[Hunter Isle; Guest House]

Around 9:45 pm, just three hours later from hanging out with the Grimborn family to talk and have some laughs, Hiccup was walking Gobber back to the inn, along with Viggo and Ryker as escorts to ensure Hiccup reached the house safely; there was no telling if Johann was slinking around and they didn't want anything happening to Hiccup as Hiccup mentioned to that Johann and whoever he worked with or for caught Hiccup off guard when he was alone.

"So, still want to know what happened with Berk before I left to find you?" Gobber asked Hiccup.

"You say that in such a grim tone that I'm afraid to know…But yes, still want to know…" Hiccup replied.

"Well, it started with me trying to leave the island on a trip for more supplies under the excuse we hadn't see Johann in a while," Gobber stated.

"Gee…Wonder why," Hiccup retorted. "You're not going to tell my dad about all that, are you?"

"I'm not gonna say a word about anything, Hiccup…But I want in on the fight because I'm not gonna let that coward get away with what he did to you…So you best come get me, or send word…Understand?" Gobber demanded firmly.

"Yes, Dad," Hiccup remarked with a nod and smile. Gobber laughed and shoved him a bit, then Hiccup chuckled a little too. "When this crap breaks out, I promise that you will be the first one I call in for help. Now…Tell me what happened," He added.

"Alright, cool if they know?" Gobber wondered, motioning to the brothers.

"Yeah, it's fine," Hiccup nodded.

"Okay, as I said, this started before I was about to leave," Gobber began.

/Flashback; Start/
/12-5/

Gobber decided to give things a few weeks before he started his adventure to locating Hiccup, it wouldn't be wise to head right out after the riders returned and fed Stoick all those partial lies. Gobber knew from the Berserker siblings and Fishlegs what was true, and what wasn't. Hiccup wasn't cruel or heartless; he'd never hurt anyone unless he was defending himself. Gobber knew that everything Stoick said about what the four riders who lost their dragons wasn't supposed to be made out that Hiccup was the bad guy, but the riders made it seem that way because they were sore over their mistake and Hiccup taking away their dragons. So, Gobber took some time to figure out his excuse to leave, and let things cool down a little. Stoick knew Hiccup was a man of his word above all else, and if he said he would remove the dragons from Berk; Hiccup meant it, so it was best not to test the boy. Gobber knew he would be safe, though; Hiccup wouldn't punish him.

Finally, it Gobber made the decision two days ago to leave on a journey to one of the ports that always had material available if Trader Johann didn't come through on time. Gobber packed up a bag for a week or so, then his gear for riding Grump. Gobber locked up the smithy tight, and prepared to leave early morning; there was a note on the forge's door that he was on a material run to the Northern Markets since Johann hadn't been around and he needed things to keep the shop going. However, Stoick was awake and striding towards Gobber once the blacksmith had mounted Grump to leave.

"Gobber? Where are you going at this hour?" Came Stoick's voice.

"Northern Markets, Johann's trips have been coming less and less. I need more materials for the shop," Gobber replied calmly.

"Trader Johann doesn't come much these months; the weather is uncertain. So where are ya really going? Northern Markets is three days, at best, and you're packed for a week or two," Stoick commented.

"None your business, Stoick." Gobber remarked.

"You're going to find, Hiccup, aren't you?" Astrid remarked, hands on her hips. At this point, most the village was awake and out, wondering what was happening. Gobber decided that he might as well own up to it, and call everyone out on what they did to Hiccup, their heir, and future chief of the tribe.

"Fine, yes, I am," Gobber shrugged casually.

"I forbid it, Gobber. You heard Hiccup's warning…Anyone comes after him, and they get locked up and we lose all the dragons," Stoick stated firmly, hands on his hips.

"I heard that the lad was betrayed by people who were supposed to care for, love, accept, and support him," Gobber crossed his arms as Stoick's eyes widened a bit. "I heard that the lad was hurt, and attacked. And I heard that he's protecting the dragons from those who were abusing their power as riders," Gobber added, taking many surprise.

"Hiccup was with Viggo and Ryker Grimborn! With Dragon Hunters and calling them his friends!" Astrid yelled, narrowing her eyes.

"I'm aware," Gobber said as she blinked a few times. "I'm also aware that Hiccup called you his betrothed, and he called the riders his friends, these people his tribe, and you, Stoick, his father…But look at the only person who is ignoring the warning to go make sure he's alright? Make sure he knows that someone, anyone cares about him and that he hasn't lost everything that ever meant anything to him!" He yelled sternly now, taking many by surprise.

"Gobber…What are you saying?" Stoick asked.

"Listen here, Stoick…And listen good," Gobber started, staring intently. "All of you listen…" He added, glancing around. "We all know that Hiccup Haddock is different, and the boy always has been. Okay? Hiccup has never been like other Vikings. Hiccup didn't like to fight; he wanted peace and by Thor; he and his Night Fury friend ended a three-hundred year old war. Hiccup doesn't like to train with weapons, he prefers knowledge through books or watching. Hiccup isn't a fighting; he's a thinker and that's his strongest weapon. Hiccup likes to invent, to makes things easier or better. Maybe they don't always work on the first try, but he never gives up until he succeeds. Hiccup's efforts have saved this village and it's people countless times!" Gobber paused as he noticed others looking down, or flinching.

Gobber was not one to get angry, or scold anyone, but he'd had enough of these people acting like Hiccup was some kind of monster who didn't belong among them just because he had powers. "Hiccup risked his and Toothless's lives to stop Red Death, and give you all the dragon/human peace we have today. Hiccup, the boy you cast aside for befriending a Night Fury. The dragon who he shot down, and built a fake tail for so the dragon could fly with his help. Hiccup, the boy abandoned five years ago for siding with the enemy, the enemy who is now one of our strongest and most treasured allies who none of us could bear to part with. But Hiccup still came out to save the tribe, despite what you did to him. Despite knowing he was different and you'd never see him differently."

"Hiccup taught you how to train and ride dragons, how to earn their trust, bond…" Gobber reminded. "Hiccup gave himself up to Alvin to save the tribe, and turned the Outcasts into our allies. What about Dagur and the Berserkers? Hiccup reunited Dagur and Heather as siblings, and Dagur learned family was more important than anything else, forsaking his evil to become a dragon rider and proper chief to his people. And now the Berserkers are our allies. Hiccup has always put himself first to save this island, this tribe…To save all of you, like any chief would for their people. And Hiccup might not have been chief, but he was more than ready to give his life like one…" Gobber paused as his eyes narrowed now.

"And for what?" Gobber continued. "For the tribe that abandoned him a second time? The people who cast him aside? The tribe who betrayed their heir and future chief? And for what reason any of you have to do that to the boy, excuse me…Young man, who has put his life on the line so many times for the people who treated him like an outcast!" Gobber yelled angrily. "Because he has powers? So what. You were so quick to judge him, throw him aside, but you never bothered to ask why? Or did everyone just see that Hiccup has these abilities and he must be cursed? Did anyone bother to ask why he has them? How long? For all any of you know, those powers were a blessing from the Gods…For all Hiccup has done for the world…For all of you. In that case, good job, Hooligans! You just inadvertently betrayed a gift from your Gods; I'm sure that's why we've had such an awful year,"

Now, people looked down, feeling ashamed. "Good, I'm glad you feel hurt. I'm sure it doesn't even brace the surface of what Hiccup is feeling. And the worst part…Again, none of you were there for him. How do you know that wasn't the first time Hiccup learned of these abilities too, and that's why he can't control them? All Hiccup wanted to do, was protect the woman he loves, and that's what he did. But did anyone see heroism, bravery? No, you saw a big barrier-thing, and abandoned him over the course of one week. And you, Astrid and Stoick, were the worst of the tribe. Astrid, Hiccup was going to be your husband! And you left him, on a lie in your fear, the night before that wedding. Stoick…Oh, I can't even believe you turned your back on your ONLY son! What would Valka think!?"

"Don't you bring her into this!" Stoick demanded.

"Val was different from everyone else! Would you have done to her what you did to Hiccup if she had powers?" Gobber asked.

"Of course not!" Stoick glared.

"THEN WHY DID YOU DO IT TO HICCUP?! You're his father! The only piece of your wife you have left, and you threw him aside! You didn't even comfort him! I tried, and you wouldn't let me. And the next morning, he was gone. Now he's been out there, all this time, and Thor only knows what could have happened to him! Do you even care?! He's your son! He's their heir, and future chief! But you let them break him down to the point of running away. You could have stood up for him, you could have stood by his side, supporting, loving, and accepting him. All of you could have, but you didn't! So he felt betrayed, hurt, abandoned, rejected, or whatever else and decided to leave. And it's all your faults; I hope it eats away at you for the rest of your lives!"

Silence. "Now…I don't know what happened for him to become friends with the Grimborn brothers, or the dragon hunters…But I intend to go out, and hopefully get some answers. I know that Hiccup knows I would never intentionally hurt him, so he won't see that threat through to all of you against me. All of you should be ashamed of yourselves, and I don't blame Hiccup if he never comes back; I wouldn't either if you did to me what you did to him…Maybe you should think about what you've done instead of what he did and had no control over for whatever reason, but I know you should have stood with him, helped him…And maybe things would be different right now. I know that a lot of things…" Gobber paused, glaring at Stoick.

"…Should have been done differently," Gobber finished the sentence as he got on Grump and prepared to head South. "You can all sit with that and go over your mistakes while I attempt to find the heir and next chief of Berk…I tell you this now, I'm not going to ask him to come back, or defend any of ya. You don't deserve it, and if you want to make up for things; then that's on you, but I'm not helping. I'm going to check on the boy I raised, to make sure he's okay, and let him know that I'm still here for him no matter what because I love him." Gobber stated. "Hiccup has always known that I support, accept, and love him for who he is…"

"Powers will not change that, ever. Nothing will change it for me, and nothing should have ever changed it for any of you either. Hiccup didn't, doesn't, and has never deserved the awful treatment he has received over the years just because he's different. Especially so that he's the heir and future chief of this tribe. Now, I'll be back in a couple of weeks, whether I find Hiccup or not. But understand this, I will not tell you if I've found him or not when I return because you don't deserve to know anything about the boy you all tossed aside for nothing." Grump darted off, and Gobber never bothered to look back at all the looks of shame on their faces, but he knew they were there.

/Flashback End/

Standing in front of the Guest House, Hiccup was quiet and shocked at the story he heard. Gobber completely ignored orders and told the entire tribe off about what they'd done.

"So you see, lad…I'm always on your side. I always have your back. And I am always in your corner. Those people don't matter to me, maybe they did before you were born…But you're the only one who matters to me now. I raised you as my own, Hiccup, so I will always be here for and protect you, near or far. All I want is for you to be safe, and happy. And I don't ever want you to forget that I love you, son," Gobber smiled, stroking Hiccup's cheek with his thumb.

"I love you too, Dad," Hiccup forced a smile, trying not to cry.

"Good. Now, it's getting late. Off to bed with you, laddie." Gobber chuckled.

"Aye, sir," Hiccup saluted. Gobber nodded, headed into the guest house, then out of sight to reach his room. Hiccup turned and began walking back to the Grimborn home with Viggo and Ryker. It was a silent walk, the brothers felt like Hiccup was deep in thought about what Gobber revealed to him before leaving to find him, and then just now with the rest of that little speech about always being there for him. Reaching the house, the brothers got inside after Hiccup. "Well, guess I'll head to bed then. And thank you…For letting him stay, at least until he decides to go back to the island,"

"You're very welcome, Hiccup," Viggo said.

"Sleep well," Ryker added.

Hiccup nodded, preparing to get to the stairs. "And Hiccup?" Viggo stopped him, and Hiccup looked over his shoulder. "The same as Gobber said; we're here for you too. All of us."

Hiccup smiled. "Thank you," Hiccup replied. "I won't forget, and you have no idea how much it means to me to have all this again." Hiccup said. "Goodnight,"

"Goodnight, Hiccup!" The Grimborn family called to Hiccup as he got upstairs and went out of sight to get to his room.

Hiccup used the bathroom, changed into something comfortable, then got into bed. Shockingly, as he drifted off to sleep; there was a smile on his face because he was just so happy to have people in his life who cared about him, and loved him. People who were on his side, and willing to fight beside him. To Hiccup, that was the best feeling in the world and he desperately hoped that it would last as he drifted off to sleep.