A Changing World
Act 2
Chapter 21: Epilogue One
A/N: Here is the first of a bunch of epilogues. I'm not even sure how many there are going to be, but I'm looking forward to writing them all.
Slightly tamer, but still M-rated stuff in this chapter, everyone. You have been warned.
…
Hiccup was jerked awake by a gentle jab to the stomach, as he lay on a bed covered by furs, clad only in his underwear. His eyes snapped open to meet mischievous blue.
"Hey babe," Astrid greeted.
"Morning, Milady." He mumbled before he slowly sat up, regarding her standing a few meters away as he began to rub the sleep from his eyes.
"You're already dressed," he noted, eyeing her red top, brown spiked shirt, leggings and boots. "Planning on going somewhere?"
"Outcast Island. We need to see if Viggo and the other prisoners are still there, remember?" She told him, already turning to head for the door.
"So soon? We got back just yesterday. Surely that can wait a few hours more."
"We could," she agreed. "But there is an incentive for you if we go now."
"What?"
She simply smirked and pointed to his right side. "Look over there."
He did so, and blushed, his jaw dropping, as he was greeted by the sight of her linen underwear laying on the furs that stretched out beside him, over one side of their bed.
He looked back at her, and she giggled at his now flushed face and expression of shock, only to turn around and head for the door, hips purposefully swaying as she walked, feeling his eyes gazing at her behind.
Opening the door, she looked back at him, smirk still in place. "I'll be waiting with our dragons, Hiccup. Hurry up and get dressed." She sent a wink his way, then was gone.
Glancing over at her underwear again, then his own which concealed a slow rising part of him, he sighed before getting up to collect the rest of his clothes.
You're playing with fire, Astrid. You better hope you can last after I'm done with you.
Stepping out into the morning Berkian air once dressed, Hiccup noted the sun had just peeked over the horizon as he stepped toward Astrid while she stroked Stormfly's left flank.
Opening the door caused Toothless to look his way, with Stormfly preoccupied with preening the scales of her right wing. Astrid made to turn around, noticing Toothless' as he started to gaze at the house behind her, so Hiccup quickly closed the distance, reaching her just before she could finish turning.
His hands encircled her waist and he pulled her back so that she was flush against him, earning himself a giggle at his antics. "Someone's eager today."
"What are you doing Milady, wearing nothing under that skirt?"
She turned in his grasp to look at him. "As I said, it's an incentive."
She followed up her words by rubbing her rear against him until he grew fully erect, and groans began rumbling deep in Hiccup's throat, sounding almost like he was growling as she continued to tease him.
"Astrid, please stop before I lose control and we end up going nowhere for a while," he half-warned half-begged her after experiencing the - in his opinion torturous - act for a few seconds.
She giggled yet again, not stopping even for a second. "Maybe I want you to know what I've felt after waking up on some of these past few days, babe."
At her words, Hiccup looked around to ensure nobody was around to see them, before his right hand trailed from her waist to her rear and lower still, slipping under her skirt.
There, he squeezed her behind once, before using his palm to rub her lower lips, causing Astrid to cease in the act of teasing her betrothed and let out a gasp. However it didn't take long before she started to moan as the act continued and the familiar inferno sparked to life, burning hot deep within her and turning her legs to jelly.
She would have fallen then, if not for the grip Hiccup had on her waist still.
Then, all too soon, his hand withdrew from her gradually moistening opening and out from under her skirt, causing Astrid to whine in disappointment, wanting him to continue in his ministrations.
Hiccup chuckled as he heard the sound and took in her now flushed face and half-lidded eyes. "Don't play with fire if you don't want to get burned, Milady. This is one competition you'll never win. Now, I do believe you wanted us to go to Outcast Island, didn't you?"
She stared at him with an unwitting smile. "You better not think you've won this, Hiccup. When we get back, you're mine."
Hiccup approached and mounted Toothless before smirking at her, even as his eyes went a shade darker with lust. "Yeah, yeah. Save the rematch for when we get back, Milady." Then rider and dragon took off.
Astrid stared after the gradually diminishing black blur before climbing onto the saddle atop her dragon, trying to ignore how her core felt and legs almost buckled as she sat down.
This wasn't the best idea to act on, before riding a dragon, thought Astrid. Nevertheless, she managed to ensure that her voice didn't waver as she addressed her dragon. "C'mon Stormfly. Let's catch up with the boys. Wouldn't want to keep them waiting."
Stormfly bobbed her head, showing her acknowledgement of her riders words before she took off, flapping her wings hard to chase after her ebony companion and his human.
…
Outcast Island was a slate grey landmass with not a single leaf-bearing tree in sight; every single one in view entirely barren. And there weren't many trees, to begin with.
As far as signs of civilization went, there was a dome-shaped dragon training arena on the far side of the island, complete with an overhead net made of interlocking chains, just like the one back on Berk.
This was connected to a roofed hallway, containing numerous cells and leading to the island's dock and the other halls on the island, including the biggest; which belonged to one Alvin the Treacherous.
Then a strong smell graced their nostrils as they flew towards the arena, like a punch to the face.
"Yuck! What is that?" asked Astrid, grimacing as her hand flew to her nose.
Hiccup did the same. "Smells like rotting flesh."
"Outcasts?" They shared a look, then spoke in unison. "Who's guarding the prisoners?"
"Take us towards Alvin's hall bud, and hurry!" Toothless crooned, folding his wings slightly and diving towards the wooden building.
"After them, Stormfly!" Astrid ordered in turn. Stormfly chirped and complied, despite the smell, which must be maddening for both dragons. It was practically overwhelming for both riders.
After both dragons landed outside Alvin's hall, Hiccup was the first to dismount, before he immediately held both hands to his nose and forced the bile that the smell induced, back down again as it threatened to overwhelm him. "We need to do something about the smell. Any ideas Milady?"
"Got one. Hold on." So Hiccup waited, with the sight of Toothless' left flank, blue skies and slate grey ground stretching on as far as he could see.
Hiccup heard the tearing of cloth, after a few seconds, followed by Astrid's voice after a few more seconds. "Here, take this," she said, her voice ever so slightly muffled.
Hiccup turned and saw Astrid holding a strip of light grey cloth out and above Toothless' saddle. The cloth was torn jaggedly on one end, with an equal measure of it wrapped around her nose and mouth, tied behind her head.
Hiccup quirked an eyebrow at her in surprise. "You tore your breast bindings in half?"
"I can get new breast bindings later, we need them to handle the smell and it will mean less time spent taking off all our clothes later. No problem." Astrid said, listing each reason off with a finger.
"Alright then," Hiccup shrugged and took the material, wrapping it around his face in the same way Astrid had done, before tying both ends together. Thankfully, the smell of rotting flesh diminished from overwhelming to sickening.
"Let's head in there to go find Alvin. Hopefully, he's not already dead."
Stepping into the house, they both found the wooden furniture within had been enveloped by fire, as evidenced by the smell of smoke that lingered and the black ash on the remains.
The furniture in question was the crumbling remains of what was once a bed frame, a storage chest reduced to a rectangle of wood an inch high and a table without legs.
"Well obviously there's nobody here, but I wonder if this hall has a basement," mused Hiccup
"Basement? What is a basement?" Asked Astrid.
"It's a room underground that is used for storage. You'd have to go downstairs to reach it. It's where we kept our food," Hiccup told her.
"Oh, look at you Mr rich-kid. Everyone else had to go collect food from the storage halls."
"Yeah, I noticed that. I suspect that was part of the reason Snotlout used to bully me; for having something that he doesn't. Anyway, let's see if I can find loose floorboards under that piece of wood over there."
Moving aside the ash-covered top section of the table, Hiccup stooped and rapped his knuckles against the blackened floorboards. It broke in half easily and with no prior warning, resulting in Hiccup's closed fist striking the stone step below, with more receding into darkness.
"Ow," he muttered, withdrawing and shaking his hand before proceeding to lift away three more of the floorboards that were adjacent to the first.
"You okay?" She asked after a moment of laughter at his misfortune.
"Glad you found that amusing, Milady," He said flatly, as he rose and approached her.
She simply shrugged. "My lower half is almost literally on fire. I'm sure you can handle hitting your hand, particularly with aura or those gloves you have on babe."
"Touché. Well, anyway, let's head down there."
She linked her arm with his. "Lead the way, babe."
They descended the stairs carefully, Hiccup lighting the way ahead with his flame enveloped right hand. When they reached the bottom, they found it illuminated somewhat via light streaming through the top of a locked iron door.
The room was big enough that despite the light emitted by his flaming right hand, and the light coming through the door, most of it was still hidden in darkness, with neither Hiccup nor Astrid entirely sure of its shape or whether it contained anything of note.
"That must be the hallway that leads to the Outcast Island dragon arena and the dock," mused Hiccup. "I wonder if we can open it from this side."
"N-not a-ah ch-hance," a vaguely familiar voice rasped, before a bout of coughing filled the room.
Crossing the room briskly to find who had spoken, the huge frame of a hairy-faced man greeted them, illuminated by a flickering orange glow.
"Alvin the Treacherous. Good thing we found you, huh."
"Hiccup, look!" Astrid said, before pointing. At his feet lay the frame of a smaller man, one Astrid recognised with a hiss. "Viggo Grimborn."
"Well, we can get two sides of the tale about what happened here out of them. That'll be interesting."
"Good idea babe," smiled Astrid.
Hiccup returned a smile before focusing on Alvin again. "Since he seems to be conscious, we'll help him up first. Alvin, can you walk?"
"H-haven't 'alked in d-days. No f-food or water n-neither. Not s-since 'e and the o-other p-prisoners 'ot out. 'ave a broken leg as well." Alvin rasped, pointing at Viggo as he spoke, with his pointing finger barely raised into the air.
"Right. Well, can you try to stand? We need to get you out of here." At Alvin's uncertain nod, Hiccup looked at Astrid.
"Astrid, take Viggo then come back and help me with him."
"With pleasure," she said, proceeding to take hold of his arms and pull him to his feet, roughly, before slinging him over one shoulder and heading in the direction of the stairs.
"Right, try to stand up if you can. Then lean on me. We have to get you up those stairs and back to Berk."
"No, n-not Berk. B-best 'eave m-me 'ere to die. A-ah can't go back t-there. Am a-an Outcast f-fer a reason."
"I'm sure my father will forget about that for now, and if not, I'll make sure you live."
Alvin blinked up at him. "'ow?"
"You'll see, eventually. Now, up you get." Alvin slowly and silently levered himself up, then Hiccup took hold of one of his arms and placed the huge limb across his shoulders. Then, when the Outcast was leaning securely on him, the pair headed for the stairs.
The first two steps were tackled with some difficulty, mostly due to the weight difference between the two, but then both men heard Astrid's returning footsteps, and it wasn't long until she had draped Alvin's left arm over her shoulders.
At that point, with the load split three ways, things were a breeze. It was only after they entered the remains of Alvin's hall and proceeded to step out into the open air, did they spot their next challenge: getting Alvin's huge form onto dragon back, particularly with his broken leg.
"Probably would be easier to carry him in the claws of our dragons. Toothless for instance. We've done it before, and I'm going to have Stormfly do the same with him," replied Astrid, glancing over at Viggo, who she had laid on his back against Stormfly's left flank.
"Worth a shot. Up for carrying him that way, bud?" Hiccup asked Toothless.
Toothless crooned and spread his wings, making his answer clear. "Alright then. Um, we need to put you down for a minute, Alvin."
Once the large man was sitting as comfortably as possible, the duo mounted their respective dragons. Then, Toothless took to the air and picked up Alvin, gripping him by the shoulders before flying away east, back to Berk with Stormfly following suit after picking up Viggo as directed by Astrid.
Astrid looked down at the still unconscious form of the former dragon hunter.
What an unusual day, she thought to herself as she observed him. I look forward to what explanation you have for what happened here, you monster. Then, you will face Gobber, for having Grump killed.
But first…
Astrid's thoughts drifted somewhere else as she looked up and gazed after her betrothed.
…
"HICCUP!"
"ASTRID!"
Astrid collapsed onto Hiccup after their unified cries of ecstasy, her breasts swaying with every breath as she panted.
Below her, Hiccup was also panting, following his orgasm, his cock going soft and slipping out of her, coated in their mixed cum. Astrid wasted no time in taking his length into her mouth to consume their fluids and savour the taste, before releasing him a few seconds later.
Hiccup then wrapped his arms around her as he lay on the fur-covered bed and drew her lips to his for a gentle, sensual and brief kiss. One that was readily returned, unwittingly savouring their taste which lingered on her lips and tongue, as they kissed.
"Just a thought, but how about we save all of this for when we're not busy with other stuff?" He asked once their lips parted.
Astrid ran her hands down his torso, exploring the dips of his lean muscles and the outline of his scars while speaking. "Nah. It's more fun this way. Besides, when will we ever not be busy?"
"Good points, Milady. Also, I must say, you look amazing like this," he muttered, gazing at her chest.
Astrid smirked and returned the favour. "Likewise, babe. But which part of me looks the best?"
He quirked an eyebrow at her. "Your butt. Haven't we been over this? It's what started our relationship. It even broke your axe, a few years ago. Though your breasts are a close second."
"Hmm. Well, the best looking part of you is your chest, even with those scars. But of course, the bad boy creates the best feelings."
Hiccup smirked. "Not my tongue? You sure about that?"
"Mhm. Doesn't quite compare to when I climaxed at first, over in Mistral." She paused to mentally compare the two feelings. "Actually, I think it's a tie."
"Alright. We should probably head back to find my mother. She's going to have questions about us dropping Alvin and Viggo at her and Gobber's feet, or foot in his case, requesting that they get Gothi to take care of them both and flying off without explaining how or where we found them."
"It was so worth it. But yeah, we should head back there now."
They returned to the Haddock hall atop their dragons, but not before the pair cleaned themselves of any remaining cum using some linen cloth they found in the hall.
The blond-haired minx in question was still forgoing wearing her underwear and of course, had no cloth to use as breast bindings.
They arrived at the hall to find no sign of Gobber, Alvin or Viggo, only Hiccup's mother when they entered.
"Where did they go?" They asked her in unison.
"Gothi came here, glanced at them, then told Gobber to move them both to the Great Hall," replied Valka.
"Okay, guess we'll go there then. Oh, and good morning, mum."
"Good morning Valka," Astrid followed up with.
Valka smiled. "Nice to see you both again so soon."
"How was it?" She then asked them, as they turned to leave.
"How was what?"
"Your lovemaking session." Seeing their expressions of shock, Valka smirked. "What, you didn't seriously think I wouldn't figure out why you left so suddenly after dropping off Alvin and the other man here? Stoick and I were the same as you two, you know. We've gotten back into it recently, as a matter of fact."
"Right… and that's something I could have gone a lifetime without knowing. Thanks, mum," Hiccup muttered dryly.
Valka's smirk turned to a mischievous smile. "Just doing my job. It's the rules: parents always have the right to embarrass their children."
Astrid smirked then. "Well, then I'm safe. But it was great. It always is with him."
Hiccup flushed crimson. "Can we go now that Astrid has answered your embarrassing question, please?"
"Yeah, go on now you two. I've held you both up long enough. But your father has some embarrassing stories he can tell us all later."
"Oh for the love of Thor," Hiccup groaned, flushing a shade darker as he stepped towards the door, followed by the laughter of both Astrid and Valka. "You've formed a team. My face is going to be permanently red after this."
"Oh, I sure hope not. I like your face just the way it is." Astrid called after him, before looking at Valka. "But anyway, I really should go now. Bye Valka."
"Goodbye, dear. Come back for the stories I promised you, tonight if you can."
Astrid grinned broadly. "I sure will."
…
"What is she saying?" Asked Jaune, as he gazed at the runes Gothi was etching into the floor of the Great Hall.
"She wants you to help lift him onto the table there. Then pull his leg back into place. It's dislocated," Hiccup informed him, translating only after Gothi finished scarring the wooden floor of the massive building.
"I can't do that!" He protested. "What if it goes wrong?"
"Hey, you volunteered Jaune. Besides, Astrid and I can help you if you tell us what to do."
"Alright. First things first. I'll take his left side, you take the right side. Gobber, take hold of his legs and lift them when I tell you. Astrid, keep his head as level as possible."
They got into position around Alvin's unconscious form, with Gothi watching appreciatively. "On three, one, two, three!" Once that was done, Gothi motioned for them all to give her room as she stepped forward to examine Alvin's leg more closely as he lay on the table.
"It's a good thing Gothi gave him the elk brew because he is asleep now. Makes this easier."
"Elk brew?" Asked Jaune.
"It's Elk pee. Puts you to sleep and tastes horrible, or so I've been told by Gobber."
"Aye, not a pleasant experience. Be glad you didn't lose limbs while on Berk, laddie."
"So how did you survive the Thorstons, Jaune? Must have been terrible with Yang, Nora and the twins chatting away like old friends, as we saw happen last night," Astrid commented.
"Kinda used to it already, as I have seven sisters," he replied. "Anyway, we should probably focus on those two."
Later, once Alvin's leg had been tended to, and the man had been given food and water, Gobber slapped Viggo awake. "W-where a-am I?" the man rasped, finding himself sitting on a bench, facing Stoick, Hiccup and Astrid.
A grunt slipped past his mouth as Gobber roughly shoved a tankard of water into his chest before stepping back and scowling at the shorter man.
"Welcome to your own personal Helheim," began Stoick, as he had been informed of what was going on in the Great Hall and arrived by that point. "We have questions for you, Viggo Grimborn."
Viggo took a sip from the tankard he had received before responding. "Ah, Chief Stoick. We meet face to face again. I presume I am on the island of Berk now."
"Yes, you were found on Outcast Island by allies of mine. Care to explain what happened? And make it quick, before I decide your ribs could use a little widening."
Viggo paled a little at the threat. "Alright. Krogan, my brother and myself were escaping from the island by fighting against the Outcasts alongside the remains of Dragon's army. We captured Alvin's heir, a black-haired, green-eyed girl by the name of Heather I believe."
Viggo paused to drink more water from his tankard. "My brother took her away after he and a portion of Drago's army found and incapacitated Alvin before trapping him in the basement of his house via a network of hallways that spread across a large section of the island. Krogan then suggested that I loot his hall. It turns out that was a ruse to trap me inside and set fire to the wooden doors of the hall in an attempt to kill me. I overlooked it like a fool, but managed to use the furs on Alvin's bed to eventually snuff it out."
Viggo drank more water. "Then, some of Drago's men found me when I tried to escape, and I was recaptured. I managed to escape again, traversing the hallways illuminated only by moonlight, eventually finding an unlocked door that opened to a darkened room that led nowhere but was actually the basement beneath Alvin's hall. Alvin had regained consciousness by that time, and he punched me, making me lose consciousness with one punch. Next thing I know, I'm here conversing with you, Chief Stoick."
"I'll have to thank Alvin for what he did to you, then. Though unfortunately, you seem to be in good shape despite that."
"I can fix that if required, Stoick," growled Alvin as he stood behind Viggo, revealing his presence to him.
Viggo looked back at the larger man behind him, who was leaning on a wooden crutch. "Let's not be hasty. I come offering the likely location of Krogan and my traitorous brother, as well as Drago's army to you all."
"Why should we believe anything you just told us? Give me a good reason, Viggo," Astrid demanded, as Alvin awkwardly sat down at the end of their bench, next to Hiccup.
"Because, Miss Hofferson, I have nothing to gain from lying. I have no home, no business, no tribe and now no family. I only lie to gain something as a result, omitting information if necessary. In the time we've fought each other, I'm sure you and Gobber both know this to be true."
"Aye, like the time you set up an ambush at the northern markets for us while we were on the way to sign a truce. There you had Grump killed. What's to say that you won't try the same thing now?"
"Grump?" Stoick and Alvin asked in unison.
"His dragon," Hiccup and Astrid replied.
"I can't assure you there will be no ambush waiting for us at the location I can provide, but as I will be with you, I will be equally vulnerable."
"Wait, with us? You're not coming with us. Not a chance in Midgard," Astrid spat.
"I will tell you the possible location of my former allies on the condition that I join you and get released afterwards to go on my way. Those are the only conditions I want to be fulfilled."
"Yeah, no. The last time we negotiated with a criminal, it was one who wanted to escape from a bigger fish. A Raven, to be more specific," Hiccup, Astrid and Gobber each laughed at that, while the others looked on in confusion.
Hiccup continued after he stopped laughing. "You don't strike me as the same kind of person. You look like another Raven, another Drago - whatever you want to call yourself - so if you want to get away free after this, prove to us that you aren't just like Drago, but instead are like Roman and Neo."
"I don't know who Raven, Roman or Neo are, but I promise you that I'm not trying to trick you. If you still don't believe me, why not observe the location on your dragons while you lock me away? I can hardly be the blame if things go wrong for you then, can I?"
"I find myself in favour of that idea. Where are your allies?"
Viggo adopted the barest hint of a smile before answering. "At an island, one would find if they travelled south-east from here. I believe it is called Berserker island."
"Gobber, take Viggo to the cells. Make sure his hands and feet are bound in chains. Don't let him escape again."
"Right away, Stoick."
Once they had left, he turned to Hiccup. "Can you, the lass and Gobber take care of this son? I'd rather not lose any other Berkians in this."
"Right away. Just got to come up with a plan first," said Hiccup.
He then brought a hand to his chin, looking thoughtful. "Berserker island, huh. Wonderful. I'll have to deal with Dagur the deranged on the battlefield, with his armada and what's left of Drago's army working together, not to mention the Berserkers as well. Conveniently, he didn't mention how exactly they all got off the island, but if Dagur is on their side now, it makes perfect sense."
"But how did they contact him so they could have his armada waiting to pick them up? That shouldn't have been possible, as they don't get to send or receive letters while imprisoned on my island," Alvin wondered.
"Perhaps they had one or more people who were on their side. That person or people could be the reason that door to your basement was left unlocked. Unless you usually leave it unlocked," mused Stoick.
"I don't, so who could the person be?" Alvin paused as a thought seemingly came to him. "Guess it doesn't matter now. I will join you when you are ready to fight Dagur and the leaders of Drago's army," declared Alvin, his voice turning to a growl as he continued. "They killed most, if not all of my men and kidnapped my 'eir, so it's time I paid them back for that."
"Probably shouldn't fight with your leg in the state that it is currently. We had a friend who had a similar injury. Didn't end well for her."
"Aye, but I'm not going to sit around and do nothing. As I said, I'm out for revenge."
Hiccup shrugged. "Your funeral I guess. Is that okay with you, Dad?"
"No objections here, son, as long as he doesn't come back here afterwards since he isn't meant to because he's an Outcast and all that. Now, I think you and my future daughter in law should go and take a look at what you'll be up against, now."
"Yeah, we should. C'mon Milady," Hiccup muttered, getting up.
"Right behind you, Hiccup."
…
"What do you think Alvin will do when he wakes up?" Asked Heather, as she addressed Ryker, Krogan and Dagur in Dagur's Hall.
The sun was now at the highest point it would reach in the sky.
"I wouldn't worry about him. It's been over a week since we left him there. If he's not already dead, he will be soon. And even if he does somehow survive, what can he possibly do? His tribe is all but dead, his second in command and our former prison warden a traitor, his heir captured and we're long gone," assured Krogan.
"That's assuming my brother doesn't help him and join his side. He's smart. Smarter than you might think. Makes up for not being as strong as me," muttered Ryker.
"If you're worried, why did you turn on him?" Asked Dagur.
"I didn't. Krogan did. Besides, being smart won't be enough to deal with all of us, even if he remembers where we agreed to go when we escaped."
"He could ally with Berk, however unlikely it is that they believe him. I should probably ensure the job is finished, soon."
"Yeah, how about tomorrow m-" Ryker began, before the characteristic whistle of a Night Fury became audible.
All four individuals inside the hall exchanged looks as the sound grew louder before they were rocked off their feet by an explosion that shook the building's foundations, before the whistle stopped, followed by two thuds outside.
Next, the door to the hall was blown off its hinges by another explosion, with Gobber, Astrid and Hiccup entering.
Gobber lunged at Ryker, grabbing him by the collar with his good hand and slamming his forehead against the floor once, dazing him, before resting his peg leg on Ryker's back, making moving or looking around significantly more difficult for him.
Astrid went for Dagur, holding the blade of her axe right in front of his face, discouraging movement from him.
"Ahhh!" Yelled Krogan, as he was immobilized by a lightning Dust round. Then Hiccup looked at Heather and spoke. "I recommend you stay where you are."
"Got it," Heather said immediately, having seen what had happened to Krogan and not wishing to experience the same.
"Now then, Dagur and Ryker. This is your time to surrender. You and your allies. As Krogan is incapacitated, he has already surrendered as far as I'm concerned. So, what will it be?"
Toothless' characteristic whistle started up as soon as Hiccup finished speaking, followed by a moment's pause and then some distant, but loud cursing.
"Those Vikings out there aren't that smart, are they? I mean, trying to threaten both a Night Fury and a Deadly Nadder in broad daylight, on almost flat terrain, with both dragons having a view of everything for leagues. Hopefully, the people who are in charge in this room are smarter than they are."
Heather giggled at that. "I never thought I'd hear that from the son of Stoick the Vast. You're not a normal Viking, are you?"
Hiccup shrugged. "I'm not sure I qualify as a Viking at all at this point, but I guess not. What's your name?"
"Heather. Alvin's kidnapped heir. What's your name?"
"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the third. Like you said, son of Stoick the Vast. Over there is Gobber, former blacksmith to Berk, and my betrothed, Astrid Hofferson."
"Divine beauty, huh? A fitting name."
"It definitely does fit," responded Hiccup, winking at Astrid after saying the words.
"There is a time and a place to be charming, Hiccup. This is neither," murmured Astrid, though she was smiling.
"Anyway, I'm still waiting for an answer from you two. Heather, I take it you've surrendered already?"
She nodded, opening her mouth to speak, but was cut off. "I will never surrender to Berk. I'm the Berserker chief!" Spat Dagur.
Gobber rolled his eyes at that. "If you have to remind people that you're the chief of an island, then you're not really the chief, laddie."
"I want it known that I also will never surrender," said Ryker.
"Not really in a position to do much else at the moment," muttered Gobber.
"Alright, how about we withdraw until tonight. Then, I and some friends of mine - including Alvin - will fight everyone you can throw at us on our way to you. We manage it, and then you're done. How does that sound to you two muttonheads?"
"Good," Ryker grinned sadistically. "I'll look forward to finishing Alvin off and bathing in your blood, Haddock."
"Me as well, brother," muttered Dagur with a matching grin.
"Oh, give it a rest. I've beaten you twice before, Ryker, and you're no match for me, now, Dagur."
"Not to mention the battle that occurred on Berk some time ago. Face it, boys, you have no chance," added Astrid.
"Right, enough of this. C'mon Heather."
"Wait, you're going with them?" They both asked, sounding surprised.
"Of course. I was never on your side. Only let you think that so that I would survive Outcast Island."
"Well played. You and my brother have one thing in common," said Ryker.
"No, we don't. And don't ever say that to me again."
Heather then looked at Hiccup, ignoring Dagur as he muttered how much he hated traitors and how he would kill her like he had killed Savage as she spoke up again. "I take it you captured Viggo and rescued Alvin?"
"Yeah. You want to talk to Alvin?"
Heather nodded. "Alright. Alvin? Come in now."
The large man squeezed through the door, war hammer in hand, crutch in the other. "Finally. I was starting to think that I'd be stuck with those beasties of yours forever."
"Sorry about that. But anyway, you can tend to Ryker and Dagur now."
Alvin grinned. "With pleasure, 'iccup."
"Oh, and by the way, gentlemen. Earlier, when I mentioned the possibility of you two getting time to prepare for battle tonight? I was lying."
"Heather, you best stand back. I'd hate to get your clothes messy."
"No worries Alvin. Astrid, can I borrow that axe of yours? I'll be needing it."
"Uh… sure."
Accepting the weapon, she offered it to Ryker. "Take this. Maybe you can handle yourself as well as you did before."
"Alright, Alvin, do your worst-" said Ryker. He fell silent when a sickening crunch was heard, followed by a soft thud and a clang.
"Your turn Dagur. Pick up the axe."
"I've… never used an axe before."
"Your funeral Dagur," Alvin grinned viciously.
"Wait, wait wait! Let me live! I'll do any-" Dagur voice begged, his voice rising by an octave.
"No second chances. I'm not a merciful man. Though I'm happy you killed Savage for me. Saved me the trouble of killing my second in command. And to think he could be swayed so easily after working with me for years. They grow up so fast," said Alvin, wiping away an imaginary tear before raising his hammer to strike again.
"Wait! I can-" but Dagur was silenced by another sickening crunch before he could finish begging for his life.
A final crunch was heard as Alvin brought his hammer down on Krogan and it was all over.
The silence was broken by the sight and sound of Hiccup, Heather and Astrid darting outside and emptying their stomachs into the grass outside.
"Really shouldn't have eaten that mutton stew before we left," Hiccup groaned.
"Yeah, but who knew seeing that would make us sick?" Wondered Astrid.
"Not me," muttered Heather. "So what's the plan now?"
"We show whoever is next in charge that Dagur is dead, requiring that they agree to surrender. Probably won't go well, so we'll have to tell them that the Bog Burglars are on their way here," responded Hiccup.
"Would help if we explain what happened on Outcast Island first, laddie," said Gobber. "If a chief's tribe is wiped out, then he is well within his rights to seek revenge, as according to the Barbaric Archipelago's universally accepted treaty."
"Alright, all this talking is making me restless. Lead the way to the Great Hall, 'eir of mine."
"With pleasure, Chief."
Astrid retrieved her axe, and Gobber picked up Dagur's body, crushed skull and all, before they set off, Toothless and Stormfly bringing up the rear.
Heather led them to the Great Hall on the island, where two Vikings, wearing chainmail and armed with spears, noticed them coming and stood in their way.
"Stop, or face our spears, ahhh!-" The man who spoke cried out, finding himself hit by a lightning Dust round, followed by his companion.
The group paid them no further mind, moving past and entering the Great Hall.
There, they were faced by a room full of armoured and armed Vikings, of all shapes, sizes and varied skin tones, who rose and drew their weapons as soon as they entered. "Huh, I stand corrected. You do have some brains," muttered Hiccup, earning a bark of laughter from Heather.
"Let's find out exactly how much. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bog Burglars are on their way here. Who wants to face them? Surrender, and they won't come to fight."
"You come here carrying the corpse of our chief and threatening us with a battle against the Bog Burglars for what reason?" Someone among the Vikings in the hall loudly demanded.
"The decimation of the Outcast tribe, with only myself and my heir still alive." bellowed Alvin. "We have killed the leaders of those responsible and wish for the Berserkers and Drago's army to surrender to us."
"What is your proof of this claim?" Another voice demanded.
"I am Alvin the Treacherous, Chief of the Outcasts. This is my heir, Heather. And here is the body of Dagur the Deranged as you have already seen."
As Alvin finished, Gobber tossed Dagur's corpse forward. Then the man continued. "The rest of those responsible for the attack on my tribe can be found in Dagur's hall. You now have two options. Surrender and live with your dignity intact, ready to choose a new chief, or wait for the Bog Burglars to arrive, and fight with nothing but your skivvies to ward them away."
Then, the sound of Toothless building up yet another blast could be heard, before a pause and distant cursing was also heard.
Are those the same mutton-headed Vikings from earlier? Wondered Hiccup, before addressing the now noticeably scared crowd in the hall with him.
"That was a Night Fury as I'm sure you know already. Specifically, my Night Fury, who listens to me. If anyone here still wants to deal with my dragon and the Bog Burglars, instead of surrendering, let me know. I can arrange that for you."
It didn't take long for them to choose the first option Alvin suggested, after receiving a reminder of what the Bog Burglars could and would do before the battle, combined with the prospect of dealing with a Night Fury as well, so they moved onto choosing a new chief for the island.
"Smart choice. Now then, who is the 'eir of this island?"
"There isn't an heir. Dagur didn't assign anyone as his heir, and he killed all his known relatives out of paranoia." Said a man, stepping forward.
"Who are you?" Asked Alvin.
"Frode Agnarsson. Former second in command to Oswald the Agreeable," the man introduced himself.
He was a short bald, muscular man with a long brown braided beard and Hazel eyes. "However, can I ask whether I heard you correctly? Did you say your heir was named Heather?"
"Yes, I did. Why?"
"Simply a curiosity of mine. Because many years ago, Oswald had a daughter named Heather with green eyes and black hair who was sent to live away from Berserker Island as she could never inherit the chiefdom. She was meant to live with the Bog Burglars, but the ship she was on was attacked by pirates and that was the end of that. It may be wishful thinking on my part, but what is your last name, Heather?"
"I-I don't have one, but what you're suggesting is impossible. T-there has to be some mistake. I-I can't be his brother."
"Well, I intend to find out either way. Do you know your parents?"
"No, they died when I was young. The last thing I remember of them was being taken from them by someone-" Heather suddenly looked ill as it hit her.
"Oh Odin, it's true. I'm related to him," she whispered, gazing at Dagur's still form on the floor.
Astrid laid a hand on Heather's shoulder, gently pulling her away. "Give me a minute to talk to her, sir. She clearly needs it."
"Indeed. Take all the time you need," nodded Frode.
When the door closed after them, Alvin stared at the man. "Is this really true?"
"Yes. If you need more proof, then I can tell you that, at the time of her birth, Oswald and Chief Stoick conversed, with Stoick sending him his congratulations in getting a daughter, as well as a gift for the child, as is the custom among allied chiefs. If I can find the letters, I can sort out this matter."
"Well, if she is related to Dagur, and an 'eir of this place, who should be my 'eir in her place?"
"I know two people who might be willing to become chief and chieftess of the Berserker tribe. Emphasis on might, by the way. They're not from Berk."
"Well, any solution would be good if Heather isn't related to Dagur," said Frode. "Could just be my old eyes."
"I'll be back if they agree to become chief and chieftess. But for now, we'll be taking our leave. Nice to meet you, Frode. C'mon Gobber. You two Alvin. We'll drop you and Heather off on Outcast Island."
"Nice to meet you all as well. But if you so desire, I can arrange for a ship to take you and Heather home. Only fair, to make up for the decimation of your tribe, Chief Alvin."
"Aye, I'll take you up on that."
"Splendid. Now, we'll just wait for Heather to return."
"Alright then," shrugged Hiccup.
…
"Ah, here we are boys! Berk at last!" Eret called out.
He was standing on the prow of his ship as the craft pulled up and the crew began the process of mooring, not even waiting for the ship to come to a complete stop behind the line of longboats that led to the shoreline.
Leaping from the prow to the long jetty with a dull thud, Eret gazed at the longboats moored on the opposite side of the jetty, before turning his attention to the ramped path on the left that led up the overlooking cliff and into the village itself.
I wonder if he is here, now, thought Eret.
"I can tell you're thinking about him, you know," a voice said.
Eret turned around to see one of his crewmen staring at him. "Yeah, Ug. I've told you that he's not that bad."
"Yeah, the guy who had his dragon pick you up is not a bad person," Ug replied with an eyebrow raised. "Totally sane to ride a dragon. A Night Fury no less."
At those words, Eret glanced up and was surprised to notice a black scaled dragon flapping its wings furiously and heading towards him, being chased by a bigger dragon with blue and yellow scales. Both the creatures and their riders silhouetted against the orange, pink and red sky as they flew.
"Well, now you can find out the truth in person," Eret told Ug, pointing out the dragons.
Ug turned and froze. "Am I dreaming? It's like my words brought him into existence."
Eret nodded. "Sure seems like it. Guess the author couldn't think of a better way to make them show up."
Ug turned and looked at him oddly. "What?"
"What?" Eret returned.
"What do you mean by 'author'?"
"I have no idea. Just felt right to say, for some reason."
"Right…"
…
"Right, now we just have to find Ren and Nora and tell them about the possibility of becoming chief and chieftess," Hiccup said, addressing Astrid and Gobber after they landed in the village square.
"Yeah, good luck with that, laddie. I'm off to tell Viggo about Ryker's fate," Gobber informed them as he dismounted Stormfly.
"Uh, okay. That's quite out of the blue," Hiccup muttered, watching the man head off before he and Astrid also dismounted. "Anyway, to find Ren we'll need to go to the Ingerman Hall. Maybe Ren and Fishlegs are discussing Berk's culture right now. They both seemed equally interested in the subject last night, which was a surprise."
"Mhm. It sure was." Astrid said distractedly. Her tone drew Hiccup's eyes to her, finding her staring at something in the distance. "Found Ren I think. Looks like he's with Nora over there. They might be kissing, but I can't really tell because of how far away they are from us."
"Well there's only one way to find out for sure, isn't there? Let's go, Milady."
She looked his way and nodded. "Right behind you. Also, that was a nice bluff, mentioning the Bog Burglars to those Berserkers."
"Thank you, Milady. Nice idea on how we could handle Dagur, Ryker and Krogan as well."
"Thanks, babe."
…
A/N: So how was that? Let me know!"