A Queen's Hero
Disclaimer: I do not own How to train your dragon
KEY
'Thoughts/memories'
"foreign language/projected thoughts"
Emphasis/yelling
(A/N: Wow, what a journey. Almost a year since I started this story, 24 Chapters, 121,701 words, 143 favs, 178 follows and 133 reviews. I honestly thought I wouldn't be able to finish but here we are, the last chapter. Due to CynderX's review, I decided to change Heather's fate. I'll start working on the 'special' chapter after I finish the epilogue, since I got permission from my favorite author.)
Review responses
CajunBear73: - Dagny will not let anything get between her and her vengeance, even her own people.
- Only them, Fishlegs and Snotlout will be spared from the wrath of the prince.
- Yep, they'll spit the blood out of their mouth and wrap their knuckles.
- Sounds like a plan.
Arraia: Thank you and here's the last one… unless I write an epilogue.
OechsnerC: Yes… yes it was.
PastaShark000: Yeah, this is it… the end. I'm happy you enjoyed it.
atomicsub927: Thank you. Yes, Two Steps from Hell-Battlecry album. Exactly, who wants to play a game where you'll always win no matter what. Hiccup's "Mortal", so given enough enemies and time, he would fall just like the rest of us. It's a nice complaint to hear.
Drinkingdragons: Never seen Hunter x hunter, not my prefered genre. Yes, the gears of war 2 ending did inspire the climax.
Guest: here.
Umbra Lycan: Thank you.
Back to the action
Chapter 24: Terminus
Nar POV
Ivor stood on the porch of his two-story house, 'It's been nearly two weeks since we got here'. He looked down at his tribe's village, each hut and shop were designed with Viking architecture and built using hive polymer and steel. The chief, now regarded as governor, of New Beartooth walked down towards his village.
"Mornin' sir!", a pair of guards saluted, dressed in armor designed by Hiccup. Like the prince, they wore mid-tone gray armor pieces that attached to a fitted undersuit. The pieces themselves were angular and sleek, as opposed to normal Viking armor that was bulky and designed to intimidate. The name and rank of the owner was etched on the upper left of the chest piece since Ivor and Hiccup had decided to reorganize Beartooth's military force.
Ivor gave a curt nod, the guards returned to patrolling the village. From what Hiccup had told him, the prince had spent hours arguing with his mother about letting his people settle on the Citadel. 'That young man may not be a Viking, but he sure has the stubbornness of one', the queen relented and allowed the humans to settle on a small open section of the island. Hiccup gave Ivor the rank of his 'governor' and permitted him rule over the province of 'Haven'.
"Mornin', chief", Lodin greeted from his bakery, many of Hiccup's innovations were built into the shop. Although his people were unsure about the prince's inventions, they grew to enjoy them as the gadgets and designs made life easy. Signy stepped out from the shop; her orange fury-pup followed happily after her while holding the grip of her basket in its mouth. Ivor chuckled, remembering the unease his people felt when they first arrived.
Flashback, five days after the battle
The Scin'Faxi led fleet finally sees the fogbank of Helheim's gate, Hiccup and Mira had left with Donnager the day before to speak with his mother. Hosvir walked up to his chief standing on the bow, "Sir, is that what I think it is?".
"Aye, Helheim's gate", only his family and Hosvir were trusted with the secret of the dragon's nest fall. As the fleet drew closer, more and more of the refugees began to mutter fearfully. Harek patted his wife's hand and reassured her.
"Chief?", the blacksmith spoke up behind Ivor, "Is this?".
"Aye, it is", he turned back to the fogbank, "Our new home". Tempest and her pod slowed to a stop just outside the fog, causing the boats to lurch slightly. Everyone aboard began muttering questionably, Ivor ignored them and patiently scanned the mist. A low thumping echoed out among the sea spires, growing louder as a shadow appeared within the fog.
Donnager emerged carrying Hiccup, his powerful wingbeats churning the mist. The colossi hovered over to Ivor's flagship, the prince leapt off and landed gracefully in front of the chief and Hosvir. "Well, it took hours of discussing things with mother, but it's done", the chieftain and those within earshot waited. "I'll guide you to your new home for the duration of the war", that brought some relief to them.
The Scin'Faxi entered first and one by one, the following ships formed up in a single file line, "Hiccup?"
He turned to Ivor, "Don't worry, the area has been already cleared and prepared to begin building housing for your people".
The line slithered through the maze of spires, the fog casting a grey light on the ships, "It's not that". Inquisitive chittering and trills sounded around the boats, "Are we staying here just to ride out the war?".
"Not exactly", fluttering wings joined in as sekärs would pass above, moving from tower to tower. "I'm saying, you don't have to stay here if you don't want to after it's over, you're free to leave if you want", Curious sekärs flew closer to the ships as the fog thinned.
"We're free to-", blinding sunlight cut Ivor off, the sound of awed gasping came from around him. "Oh, my Thor", he could only describe the sight as paradise. Warm sunlight bathed the luscious forest that covered island, colorful birds flew out of the trees. Small swarms of sekärs circled the skies above, the soft white sculpted mountain glisten like a monolith.
"Are we in Valhalla?", Harek couldn't believe this was going to be their home. Everyone aboard the boats had similar sentiments, not believing such a blissful land could exist in the archipelago. The fleet neared a small bay surrounded by a carved seawall; a soft beach led to a sloping hillside. Mira waved from atop the embankment, elder crimson stood beside her to greet their new neighbors.
Flashback end
By now, most of the villagers had a bonded hive kin. Cavern furies were common with hunters, sentinels with the guards and cutters for the children and elderly. Ivor paused to let a violet cutter scurry pass; a pair of children giggled as they sat upon its saddle. He sees builders working on a second story, sekärs ferrying supplies to them.
The chief arrived at an open field near the sea, Hosvir was overseeing the training of a company of their warriors. His cobalt blue sentinel stood beside him as he yelled out at the sparring pairs, the captain spots his chief and let's his group rest. "Morning sir", he salutes Ivor, his sentinel trills and bowed its head.
"How are they lookin'?", Hosvir smiled.
"Better, Hiccup's techniques are proving to be very effective", the warriors sat in groups, talking and enjoying their snacks.
"I see, have you seen him?", the captain saddens.
"Once or twice, when he comes to check on their progress", Ivor knew, Hiccup hasn't been in the best mood ever since the fall of their home.
"Ah, I hope he'll come around", he patted Hosvir's shoulder, "Keep up the good work".
"Yes sir", the captain saluted.
Later, near Ivor's house
Mira trotted up to her friend's house, she hadn't seen Heather in days. She and Hiccup had spent most of their time helping their kin adjust to the villagers, some even bonded with a few. The hybrid was about to knock until the door opened, Ivor looked at her with a small smile, "Mira, what brings you here?".
"I was wondering if Heather was well enough to see?", her cheeriness was met with a depress look from Ivor.
"I'm not so sure", he stepped aside, "It's best if we talk". Ivor sat down on his chair, Mira took a seat in a chair opposite of him and waited.
"Did her infection come back?", she asked with concern.
"No, her wounds are healin' just fine", the chief sighed, "I…I just don't know". He held his hands, "Heather hasn't left the house since she woke up, now she's locked herself away in her room". Mira's anxiety grew at his tone, "She's stopped eating several days ago, I'm afraid she's givin' up".
"C-can I talk to her, maybe I can do something?", she stood up from her seat.
"Please, if you can do anythin', we can't lose our little girl", he got up and led Mira up the stairs. They see Arnora leaving Heather's room with an untouched food tray, "Honey?".
The chieftess shook her head, "She says she's not hungry", she sighed.
Ivor walked up to her door and knocked, "Heather sweety?".
"Go away", they heard her groan from inside.
He knocked again, "You've got a visitor".
"I don't want to see anyone!", she yelled.
Ivor stepped aside to let Mira by, "Heather, it's me". She heard some scuffling, "Can I please talk to you?".
After a minute of waiting, "Ok", Ivor nodded and left with his wife. She opened the door and stepped in, the room was stuffy and dimly lit. The curtains were pulled closed just enough to let a sliver of light in, she scanned the room until spotting Heather on her side. "What do you want?", Mira walked over and sat by her bedside.
"I haven't seen you in days, Heather", she didn't move from her spot. "I kinda wanted to show you my home…, I still do", her friend squirmed a bit. Mira sighed, "Please, can you tell me what's wrong?", she muttered something from under the covers. "Heather?", she could hear whimpering from her friend.
"It's over", Mira could barely hear it.
"What?".
"It's over, you won", Heather rolled over and sat up. Her hair was a mess, the blanket hung on her shoulders. Her eye was red from crying for days, bags under it stood in contrast to her pale skin. She let her blanket fall, revealing her somewhat bandaged arm and shoulder.
Mira was shocked at her condition, but composed herself, "I-it's not t-that bad".
Heather whipped her head at her and snarled, "Not that bad, Not that bad!". She held up her forearm, the scarred flesh poked out from under her dressings, "Look at me, I'm… I'm hideous!". Tears ran down her untouched eye, while her covered eye's bandage grew soaked. "He'll never be able to look at me!", she placed her face in her hands, "He'll never love me!".
Mira reached for her friend, "You don't know that, I'm sure Hic-".
"Shut up!", Heather screamed as tears flowed freely, "J-just get out!".
"Heath-", her throat became dry.
"GO!", she grabbed a pillow and threw it at Mira, "Leave me alone!". She walked backwards to the door, unable to look away from her heartbroken friend. Heather screamed as she closed the door, she sees Ivor standing by the stairs.
Mira squeezed her hands tightly, "We need to find Hiccup".
"I'm sorry, I… I don't know where he is right now", he sighed.
She took a deep breath, "I do".
Hiccup's homestead
Mira stepped into the clearing, she scanned the house for any signs he was home. 'Where is he?', if he weren't there, she knew of only one other place he could be. The female hybrid jogged into a different entrance to the forest.
'He seems so distant', Mira placed her hand on a pine to catch her breath. She dug her fingers into the bark, 'Why doesn't he talk to me?'. She resumed her brisk walk down a faint trail, her mind going back to their meetings over the past two weeks. 'He hasn't smiled, not once!', the more she thought, the more it agitated her. His lack of joy seemed to hurt her, she was supposed to be important to him, 'When I find him, I'm gonna-'.
Mira spots Toothless sitting on his haunches, lowly whining as he stood guard. He perked up as she neared, "Mira?".
She walked up to the fury, "Where is he?", a slight edge to her tone.
"In his 'special' place'", he clicked while motioning towards the path between a pair of tall boulders. She moved to enter, Toothless's tail blocked her path like a bar gate, "Brother asked me not to let anyone see him".
Mira placed her hand on his appendage and smoothed down his spines, "I need to talk to him, it's important".
"But-".
"Hiding isn't going to help him", she sighed, "He knows that…, and you know that". She looked at him pleadingly, "I want to help him", the fury relented and pulled away his tail. He trilled and nudged her forward, she smiled, "Thank you". Toothless moved to block the entrance as she walked down the path, a slight breeze brushed her hair.
As the path broaden, Mira notices fist-sized dents in the trunks of trees surrounding her. She gently touched the depression, then heard grunts in the distance. She jogs towards the sound, a bit nervous, 'Hiccup'. The murmurs became clear when she reached an open area, the sun gently bathed it in warm light. Another blow dug into a tree as the prince seethed out his gritted teeth.
"Why?", he whispered to no one, then threw another blow at his punching bag. "No matter how strong or fast you become, you'll always fail", Hiccup let his arm fall and walked to an aged stump. Mira scanned the surrounding trees, all of them had both old and new dents.
A sniffle brought her back to him, "Hic-cup?", she choked out.
His head whipped over to her, "M-mira?", she took a step back. He stood up, "Toothless, I told you I didn't want to be disturbed", he yelled behind her. Hiccup looked away, "Mira, could you please leave, I… I want to be alone", the wind carried a few leaves with it.
"Hiccup", she stepped into the clearing.
He bowed his head and squeezed his hands, "Please, just-".
"No", he lifted his head, "We need to talk!".
"There's no point!".
"You can't keep running from your mistakes!", Mira stopped halfway between him and the edge.
"The farther I am from everyone, the less hurt and loss I can bring them!", he yelled at her.
"Hurt? Loss? You saved Ivor and his people!".
"I couldn't save their home!", a few tears ran down his reddening face, "I-I thought I was smarter than those brutes!". He roughly brushed his hair back, "But no, I just end up screwing up!". Hiccup began to pace back and forth, "I haven't changed, I'm still just a screw up. All I do is disappoint and fail, nothing I do ever works. I can try and try but I'll always fail, it's useless". Mira narrows her eyes, "I'm… usel-", he gets wheeled around.
She reels back and delivers the harshest slap he ever felt, "DON'T YOU EVER SAY THAT!". Hiccup was stunned, "Everyone moves on, Ivor and his people did. You don't need to feel sorry for something you couldn't do, just be happy about what you did do!".
"But-", Mira slaps him again, sending him to a knee.
"BUT NOTHING!", the pain makes his blood boil. He springs up and pins her to a tree. In his emotionally unstable state, his primal instinct triggered to protect him from harm. "Hic-", he tightens his hold on her shoulders, her chitin barely held off his claws as his graspers snatched and held hers. She looks at him, his glazed over eyes glared as he snarled. 'I have to do something!', tears swelled in his eyes. Mira could sense him struggling against his overwhelming rage and sorrow from inside, 'Anythi-'.
Mira fought through the pain and pushed forward, pressing her lips to his. The reaction as immediate, his inside's agonizing twisting relaxed. Hiccup's grip loosens until he softly held her, she broke free and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pulled back and broke their kiss, only for him to move forward to capture her lips once more. All his anguish he felt over the weeks just evaporated, replaced by a blissful warmth spreading from his mouth to his entire body. His need for air was the only thing that made him pull away from her, still retaining the warmth.
"Mira?", tears threaten to spill, of joy not of pain.
She wiped them from his glistening eyes, closing her eyes while smiling, "Don't cry, it hurts me when the one I love cries".
"Love? Y-you love-?", she locked her golden pools with his forest-green and nodded.
"Yes, since we first met", she bit her lip, "D-do you l-love me too?".
"I do", Hiccup went for another kiss, this one gentle instead of passionate. There was only one thing that still plagued Mira amongst her happiness, he felt her tense up, "What's wrong?".
"Hiccup, do you love me?", she reached up and cupped his cheek.
"More than anything", he smiled and placed his hand on hers.
"Then swear on that love that you'll do what I ask".
"I will", Hiccup held her hand.
"Save her… please save Heather", with a look of determination, he nodded and smiled.
The next day, Hive surface gate
"Listen closely Ivor, we'll only have one chance at this", Hiccup and Ivor walked towards the Hive's surface gate. His black armor had been enhanced with gold inlay and trim for his meeting with his mother. The chieftain tried to pay attention while being mesmerized by the towering entryway, marble-like polymer and gold trim shimmered in the morning sunlight. The door faces had extraordinary sculpted designs and etched hive script inlaid with gold.
'They're like the gates to Asgard itself', Hiccup patted his shoulder to break him free, a pair of cloaked honor guard sentinels revealed themselves when his group neared the entrance. Hosvir volunteered to join his chief and the prince on their journey to meet Vera. No one outside the Hive had ever seen the queen, Hiccup's sparse descriptions only fueled their curiosity. The massive gates groaned as they were pushed open from the inside by interior guards.
"I had to call in a favor from each Alpha of our kin", the trio climbed the steps of the entranceway. Ivor and Hosvir managed to maintain their composure when they walked into the halls, just as ornate as the gates. The amount of activity increased the deeper they walked, cutters carried materials using the catwalks, Sekärs flew above with supplies clutched under their bodies and Sentinels patrolled the halls. All hive kin that came across the three trilled or clicked curiously.
"Sir?", asked Hosvir, some unease in his voice.
"Don't worry, I had Jun spread the word that we would be getting visitors and besides-", Hiccup motioned to passes made from his chitin hanging from their necks, "Those badges show that you two are under my protection". The chief and captain breathed easier knowing they weren't in any danger, their escort of honor guard sentinels chirped assuredly. They walked for several more minutes, hive kin eyeing them all the way until they came to the doors to the throne room.
"Such flawless craftsmanship", Ivor examined Vera's visage on either door.
"Thank you", Hiccup beamed before his demeanor became deathly serious, "When we enter, follow my directions to the letter". The two nodded, "I can't stress how serious any infraction is in the queen's presence, no matter how small they may be". The doors creaked as the swung, "Keep your heads bowed until I say otherwise, understood?", Ivor and Hosvir both nod once.
The leading pair of honor guards entered first, followed by the trio and then the trailing guards. The sentinels left them and fell into line with the rest of the guards lining the walls. Hiccup came to a stop near the center of the room and bowed while taking a knee, as did Ivor and Hosvir. The pair waited until they heard a series of powerful trills, "Rise".
The prince turned to his guests, "Stand but keep your heads bowed".
They did as Hiccup said, "You are permitted to raise your heads".
"You can look, but not a word", the two looked up and held their amazement in check, finally seeing the mysterious queen herself. Vera sat upon her massive throne, holding up her head with her arm resting on her armrest as she looked down at her child's guests. The titanic ruler eyed them with curiosity and caution, the alphas of each species that resided in her nest stood beside either side of her throne.
Vera motioned to Mira standing on the intermediate landing halfway between her throne and the floor. The female hybrid was dressed in her armor and like Hiccup's, it was gilded for this audience. She nods and turns to the group, "The queen will speak through me, so please forgive any affront that may come". Both silently nod, Vera clicked and Mira translated, "You may begin".
"My people are deeply grateful to you for allowing us to settle on your island", Ivor spoke in the most respectful tone he could muster, Hosvir kept his head bowed.
"Indeed, were it not for my child's council, I would never allow outsiders to enter our territory", the chieftain didn't blame her distrust of his fellow Vikings. "Now… what is the true motive for your audience with me?", Vera sat up on her throne.
Ivor breathed in deep, "Like your majesty, I too have a child". The red queen emitted a growl-like hum, "She was hurt during the attack on our former home. Although her wounds healed, the scars have now caused her to fall into deep despair". He looked up to Mira, "Hiccup has told me of a way to heal her scars, which may free her from her hopelessness".
"Correct, our kind does indeed have such a ritual", Ivor felt a sliver of hope.
"I implore you, please-", Vera held her hand up.
"However, with the healing comes great power, power we cannot allow to fall in the wrong hands", he could feel his hope slip away. "Even with the support of the Alphas currently present, with the exception of Donnager of the colossi and Tempest of the hunters, I cannot grant your child the gift of 'conversion'", Ivor felt his hope vanish.
"I-I understand, your highness", he kept his composure as sadness flooded his soul. He went down to a knee, which intrigued Vera. "I beg you", the proud former-Viking chieftain prostrated himself before the queen, "I'll do anything you ask if you save my daughter!".
Vera narrowed her eyes, "Are you asking me as a Viking Chieftain or as a Governor under my child?".
"Neither", Hosvir's respect for Ivor grew, "I'm begging as a father"
"Although I cannot grant it to her as a gift, I may be persuaded to offer it as an assurance", Ivor felt skeptical towards Vera's reason. "You may have learned that my child has chosen Mira as his mate-to-be", the female hybrid fought to remain composed, much to the delight of Vera and Eir. "As such, she will eventually produce an heir for my child", Ivor could feel an ominous aura come from the quietly muttering prince.
"Can I request your majesty elaborate?", Vera 'smiled' with lower halves of her face.
"Even under ideal conditions, the union of Hybrids rarely results in a child being conceived", being spoken through by the queen was becoming awkward for Mira. "If my child were to have more than one mate, the chances of an heir being born drastically increase", Hiccup could remain quiet no longer.
"I must protest, my que-!", Vera tapping her claws on her armrest sent a clear message, "Mother". The red queen relaxed, "Forcing Heather to bear my child is unfair, no, it's beyond cruel!".
"Hiccup", he turned to a rising Ivor, "You know Heather loves you very much".
"B-but".
"You care for her as well", he smiled, "I can trust that you'll make her happy and keep her safe". Hiccup bit his lip; he could not say anything against his words. Ivor looks up to a pleased Vera, "I'm sure my daughter will accept your offer".
"Excellent", the queen turns to an ecstatic Eir, "Begin the preparations for her conversion". The white healer bowed, "All that remains is to find a willing progenitor for her". There was a commotion behind the line of sentinels to her left, a slightly smaller viridian green female pushed her way through the guards.
'Lily?', Ivor recognized her daughter's bonded hive kin.
"Lily, daughter of lime, what is the meaning behind this disturbance?", the young female bowed.
"I volunteer to be my human's progenitor", Ivor smiled, as did Vera.
Later, Ivor's house
Ivor, Hosvir and Mira had rushed back to his house, Hiccup remain to reluctantly oversee the preparations. When they delivered the news, Arnora leapt into her husband's arms out of overwhelming joy. He and Mira stood outside Heather's room, "Do you want me to deliver the news?".
Ivor smiled, "Yes, it's best if she hears it from you".
Mira knocked, "Go away".
"Heather, it's me again", she heard no response, "Can I come in?". She waited for a bit, "Heather?", she could hear her muttering. "Alright, fine", Mira placed her hands on her hips, "I guess I'll go get Hiccup".
"No don't!", she cried, "Y-you can come in". Ivor and Mira opened her door and stepped in, "What do you want?", their smiles confused her.
Much later, Eir's haven
"You know, you don't have to do this, Heather", Hiccup called out as leaned on the outer side of the wall, the entrance to the healer's sanctum to his left. They both had swapped their armor for their leisure outfits.
"Hey, no peeking!", Mira warned as she helped Heather remove her clothes and dressings.
"I-I'm not!", Hiccup nervously hollered, "Besides, Eir's keeping an eye on me!".
"Naughty Hiccup, I didn't know you were such a deviant", said Healer giggled, he groaned.
"It's alright, I'm more than okay with it", Mira handed her a robe to wear. "I mean, If I go through with it, we're basically married right?", she fastened her robe's ties. "And I don't mind as long as it's yours", Hiccup squeaked in embarrassment.
"Easy friend, or should I say sister", Mira growled, "I was chosen first, so I take priority".
Heather held up her hands, "I'm fine with that, just as long as Hiccup loves us equally".
"It's not like he has a choice", Mira said with a smirk. The girls looked over to the cocoon, lily stood beside the woven egg-shaped structure. The female bit into her arm, then let her yellowish green blood ooze into the ichor fluid inside the cocoon. Eir mended her wound and waited for her to disrobe, the healer gently picked up Heather, "See you soon, Sister".
"I look forward to it, Sister", Eir lowered her into the mixture. Mira left while the white elder began to seal the cocoon, she sniffed and wiped a lone tear away.
"Don't worry, we'll see her again", Hiccup rubbed her shoulder. Mira hugged him around his chest and buried her face into his chest, "Please don't cry, it hurts me when the one I love cries".
She looks up to him smirking, "I said that to you first".
Hiccup kissed his pouting girlfriend's forehead, "I know", she smiles.
"So, what happens now?", Mira asked as they walk down the halls holding hands.
"I have to go see Mogadon and Bertha, they have to know about Ivor and his people", his girlfriend crushes his hand when he mentions the Bog-burglars. Hiccup winces, "After that, we have a war to wage". He turns to face Mira when they reach an open chamber, "Hopefully the war ends before Heather changes".
He cups her cheek, "I'll look forward to that", she snuggles her face into his palm.
"Me too", with his friends and family safe, Hiccup felt at peace for the first time in his life.
(A/N: Whoo! Finally made it to the finish, thank you all for going through this journey with me. I was wondering, when I do write an epilogue, should I include a fully hybridized Heather or save her for the sequel?)