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 46.

=Hiccup's POV=
[February 26; Night]
[Hunter Isle; Grimborn Home]

If I wasn't already depressed enough from all the bad I've hone through, it had to be topped off with realizing that my twentieth birthday is in two days. I hate it, and I know that I shouldn't hate my birthday, but for me its just another year older where the tribe I was born into, where my own father, hates me because I'm different. That's all it is and ever will be, twenty years of hate for being different from everyone else. I didn't want my birthday to come; I didn't want to see anyone. Not like anyone would want to see me for it, no one would remember, as its been for so many years before. Gobber usually remembers, but its sad that he's the only one. I might just take off that day, go look for Johann, maybe get some answers about all this bad operation that he is clearly a part of. No, I didn't want my birthday. One year older doesn't mean anything to me, as it never has to anyone else.

Honestly, I want to see Gobber again. I need a hug from him, maybe that would help me feel better. It usually did, or maybe I'm just holding so much pain in that I need to let it out. I've been considering to tell Viggo and Ryker, they offered to help me get through al this, but I just can't seem to bring myself to ask them if they'd sit down and just let me get everything out. I also don't want to reveal everything that happened while I was captured by Johann. That's still a subject that I don't want to talk about. I couldn't even do it with Gobber, mostly because I couldn't remember a lot of the actual torture bits, just big things that had a big effect, such as being hurt, starved, and raped. No, I couldn't tell people that. I'm already seen differently. People didn't need to know I have these powers and refused to use them to save myself.

I needed Gobber. It's not even a want anymore, I need him. I need the man who raised, supported, accepted, and loved me. I needed the man I consider to be my father. I know Gobber said visits would depend on his availability to get away without questions, but I don't care if he has to tell them it's because he's coming to see me. I need him because I can't do this by myself. When Gobber sends his reply to me, probably my birthday letter because I know he won't forget; I'm gonna ask him to come. I'm drained as I was six days ago, emotionally and physically. I have no appetite, I can't sleep more than a few hours a night. I keep having nightmares, and the worst part; I'm starting to remember more and more of the explicit details from what I endured, and that makes me so upset that I end up feeling sick.

It's supper time now, 7:00 pm, and I'm just choosing not to eat because I'm trying not to breakdown from everything. It's only so late because we decided to do a night flying lesson. The others are doing good, I watch their practice in the ring. I've got others on fly training too because the island needed sky patrols as well as ground. It was beneficial to have dragons part of both teams because they have the heightened senses of hearing, sight, and smell to help out. I've been running several classes a day for dragon training, and bigger groups. More and more tribe members are bonding to dragons, and everyone wants to learn, which is great, but it's a lot of work for one person. I know I have the classification trainers, but they're only handling dragons in their classification to teach about shot limits, and what not.

I handle the actual training, caring for, and flying. I'm also trying to help Ulrik in the forge because everyone wants to get their weapons sharpened or fixed, and straight up ordering weapons for use. It's been so crazy that I've barely gotten to fly with Toothless. I just need a break, but this is the worst time to do nothing. Johann and whoever else is involved in that operation could be waiting to strike. I didn't know what to do, and I don't think I can handle it anymore.

A knock on the door made me look up from my place on the bed where my head had been in my hands and Toothless's head in my lap while trying to comfort me. "Yes?" I asked.

"Hiccup, it's time to eat. Are you coming down?" I heard Viggo ask.

"No thanks," I replied.

"You missed lunch because of dragon training lessons, and you barely ate breakfast this morning too." Viggo stated.

"I'm not hungry…" I said.

"Hiccup, you need to eat, lad. It's been like this for days," Ryker's voice joined the conversation.

"I'm just…Not hungry, guys," I repeated, trying not to let my voice break.

"Very well," Viggo sighed.

"We'll set you some aside, if you change your mind later tonight," Ryker added. I heard their footsteps heading downstairs as I lowered my head back into my hands, closing my eyes and trying to keep the tears that formed from falling. Toothless crooned at me, trying to get his face to mine to comfort me; I gave in and started crying. With everything going on, I just couldn't be strong and hold it back anymore.

"It would have been easier if I had just died…" I sobbed.

. . .

=Normal POV=

As the brothers started down the stairs, they caught the sound of Hiccup beginning to cry and had stopped to listen when he said it would have been easier to just die. That was all the brothers needed to hear on top of everything else over the last six days with Hiccup not eating a lot, saying he's sleeping, but not looking like he's sleeping at all. Viggo and Ryker knew that Hiccup was stressed out with everything going on, and it was time to contact Gobber; it was a good thing they managed to send their own message with a Terrible Terror they trained to go to Gobber; it was the dragon they used while sailing to communicate with the other ships, and they had named it Ember. Viggo sent Ember to follow Sharpshot with their own letter to Gobber, wording their concerns about Hiccup's mood, and also that they hoped he could come for Hiccup's surprise party on the 28th, which now, was in two days. The message was sent yesterday, so it hopefully reached Gobber safely.

"I hope Ember made it to Gobber. This is worse than a few days ago," Ryker stated.

"I'm hoping Gobber comes, and can cheer him up to enjoy the surprise we've planned," Viggo added. After a few more moments, they made it downstairs to join their kids and wives.

"No Hiccup?" Hertha frowned.

"He claims he's not hungry," Ryker informed.

"Is that really what it is about though?" Runa wondered softly. "Or is he suffering from whatever he's going through?"

"I believe the suffering may be affecting his appetite and sleep," Viggo replied.

"Can't we do anything for him?" Vera asked.

"It's up to Hiccup to talk about what's bothering him, or we can't offer anything to help him," Ryker stated.

"We've called for Gobber yesterday in a Terror Mail, we're hoping he comes to get Hiccup out of the slump, and also for the surprise in two days. We believe it should assist a little," Viggo informed.

The family nodded and began to eat their meal. Some was set aside for Hiccup when they finished and cleaned up, but Hiccup never came down to eat and it was assumed by 10:00 pm, that he was sleeping. Between 10:30-11 pm, the rest of the family was in bed for the night and the remainder of the evening was peaceful, as they all hoped for a better tomorrow.

. . .

[February 27; Midday]
[Isle of Berk; Forge]

Gobber got the message first thing this morning after Sharpshot arrived the night before. As soon as he saw it, Gobber knew that he needed to get to Hunter Isle and as fast as Grump could get him there. Hiccup's letter had explained that dragon training was going well with the hunters, and they were starting to discuss plans for how to deal with the operation Johann was involved in, but first needed to figure out what the operation was. The second letter came by Ember; an orange, black, and red Terrible Terror and Gobber realized through that message it was Viggo and Ryker's Terror, and they sent it to follow Sharpshot to him because of their concerns for Hiccup, and also an invitation to the surprise party tomorrow. Gobber was glad to be invited to the celebration; he was sure it would brighten Hiccup's day that the hunters remembered, but Gobber needed to be there now to help Hiccup come out of the slump he was in.

Gobber spent all morning making sure the forge was shut down, and he began packing for the tribe, expecting to be there at least three days. If he left now, Gobber suspected he could arrive by dinner or just a bit after. Regardless, Gobber didn't plan to tell Hiccup he was there to help him, just that he knew it was his birthday and wouldn't miss it for anything. Gobber finished his packing into his bag, then loaded it onto Grump. Gobber did a final check and then prepared to leave when the forge was locked up, he grabbed a few food items for the sky ride, then got on to leave.

"Off to look for Hiccup again," Snotlout asked as he came up with Stoick.

"I won't stop looking for him. I won't stay out there for months on end, I know I'm needed here…But I'm not giving up on the lad because unlike the rest you people; I care about him and I will not be thrown into the same group as you all turned your backs on him! So now that the holidays are over, I'm gonna go look for him again. I'll be back in a few days because I know Trader Johann should be coming next week and I need new materials for weapons. Used to have Hiccup to help me out, but you know…The tribe betrayed him, so I'm left to do it myself again…" Gobber retorted.

"Are you ever going to stop using that against me?" Stoick muttered.

"No, because you deserve it, Stoick. All of you do as members of this tribe, you as their chief, and as that boy's father! I'm not trying to be harsh because you're my oldest and truest friends, Stoick…But in your absence over the years, I raised Hiccup. Alright? You kept putting him in the forge with me, and I understood that when he was younger, but how about when he was older? Thirteen or so, as a teenager, he should have been at his father's side, learning how to be chief for an hour or so a day. As Hiccup got older, he cared less and less about being chief, and there are so many things you should have done with him and didn't! I wouldn't be surprised if he forgives everyone else, but not you," Gobber noted as Stoick looked down. "Or is that what he told you in his letter? That he won't forgive you? Come on, Stoick…Be honest, what did Hiccup tell you?"

Stoick closed his eyes and sighed as he dug the letter out from between his tunic and armor, then handed it to Gobber. The blacksmith unfolded the letter and began to read what Hiccup wrote to Stoick almost two months ago now.

'Father,
I'm not going to lie to you, and this will hurt you as it did me. This letter is not an apology as I have nothing to apologize for. I did everything you wanted me to do, and yet, I'm the one who ended up losing everything I ever cared about. You're just as guilty as the Hooligans because you rejected, and abandoned me as they did. When, for once, I needed the tribe to be there for me; you all walked away and betrayed me. Having nothing left on Berk, I chose to leave with Toothless. So to clear up any lies you may have heard; Viggo and Ryker are still alive, but the dragon hunters did not take capture and take me prisoner. I am with them because they saved my life after I was separated from Toothless and on the brink of death. Viggo and Ryker, along with their hunters, earned my trust and friendship. I don't want to hear anything about it because the same was done with Alvin, and Dagur when they were enemies. I'm here because I choose to be and have nowhere else to go. Not sure I'll stay with them; I may go out again to find my place in the world, but I know it's not there on your island.

So just to be clear; I will not be coming back. Not as heir, not as a member of the tribe, and not as your son. I can't be things that no one sees me as. And I'm not returning to Berk because that's not my home. It never was, I don't belong, and nobody wants me there. I'm different, always have been, and always will be. Perhaps one day, we'll cross paths again and I hope if that time comes; you'll have felt the pain I do long enough to understand why I refuse to come back. I may or may not forgive the tribe with time, but I will not forgive you because you didn't just betray me as chief, it was as my father too. The one person in the world who is always supposed to protect, accept, support and love in my life is you…And you haven't done any of those things for me when I really needed you to. So forgiveness or not, I will not come back.

I meant what I said to the riders, if there comes a time I am needed to help; I will assist. But I will never come back to live there. Consider this my official self-exile from everything that ties me to the Hooligan Tribe, Berk, and you. All we share is the blood that you are my father, but that is it. I abdicate my right to throne of Berk as first and only son to the chief, and I exile myself as a member of the tribe, and member of the Haddock family. Tell the others, or don't. It makes no difference to me, but know that I will not take it back, and I will not return. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, Chief Stoick of Berk.

Thank you for showing me the truth. Do not forget my warning.

Oh, one more thing. When I say tribe, Gobber is not included because I know he would never betray me. He never has.

-Hiccup.'

Gobber gave a tch sound as he folded it up and handed it back. "I am to assume the reason Snotlout is tailing your every step now is because of that letter?" Gobber asked. Stock nodded once. "You may want to tell the tribe of the changes," He added calmly, preparing to leave with Grump. "But what would I know? I'm just the blacksmith, and you don't have to listen to me when I suggest something for you to do. You never have…" Gobber eyed him coldly. "Maybe if you had, things would be different…And Hiccup would still be with us." Gobber retorted. "I'll be back in a few days." Grump took to the sky, going out of sight above the clouds, then heading Southwest to get to Hunter Isle for Hiccup.

"What did he mean, Stoick?" Snotlout asked as the other riders were walking up.

"Walk with me, Snotlout. We'll need to grab your father and discuss a few things with the council," Stoick sighed, and began walking again.

. . .

[February 28; Morning]
[Hunter Isle; Grimborn House]

The Grimborn family had whipped up a wonderous breakfast spread for Hiccup's birthday, and had planned a great picnic for lunch, and obviously, the dinner was in the Great Hall for the surprise party. Unfortunately, Hiccup seemed especially unwilling to do anything today and refused to come down claiming that he didn't feel well. No one could make him do anything, but it was starting to look like today would be a bust for their planning unless a miracle suddenly happened to turn things around. Currently, it was about 8:00 am as Hertha came down, shaking her head to the others were hoping they could get another response from Hiccup if one of the women went. No such luck.

"I did my best, but he refuses," Hertha sighed.

"Perhaps Hiccup suspects today will be like the others in the past with his birthday? That no one would remember his birthday, and he's used to spending them alone," Brynjar suggested.

"Hiccup did mention birthdays in the past being very lonely, and only Gobber remembering it, also the one to cheer him up too," Ryker noted from past conversations. The group sighed, preparing to move to the table for breakfast. Suddenly there was a knock on the door as the family looked at one another before Runa, who was closest, went to open it and find Gobber standing there.

"Gobber!" Runa smiled wildly. The whole family looked relieved to see him.

"Where is he?" Gobber asked as Viggo motioned for him to come in.

"Upstairs in his room. We've all tried for the past couple of hours to get him to come down, but he claims he isn't feeling well," Viggo informed. "Agnar, take Gobber's dragon to the stables, please?"

"Yes, Uncle Viggo," Agnar nodded, heading outside to lead Grump into the stables and get him some fish, and water too.

"Not feeling well how?" Gobber inquired.

"Headache, tired. The same thing it's been for days now," Ryker stated.

"Why didn't you contact me?" Gobber sighed.

"We were about to, but figured you might come for the birthday, and as we expressed previously how things were. That has only increased since the letter we sent on the 25th with concerns. Hiccup misses most meals, eating only once a day," Viggo enlightened.

"Hiccup misses training now too. He's barely left the loft space except to wash up and use the bathroom," Ryker added.

"We think the decline might be because it's his birthday, and he's mentioned to us on the ship nobody but you remembers, and no one celebrates it," Viggo stated.

"It's possible. I'll talk to him," Gobber reassured. "Don't you worry, he can't turn me down. Call for him to come down, say there's something up with the dragons. I'll surprise him," He offered.

"I'll do it," Runa smiled. "HICCUP! Can you come down, please?"

"I already said I wasn't feeling well and not hungry!" Hiccup called back.

"It's not about that, Nightstar is acting weird and you're the Night Fury expert!" Runa yelled. "She won't eat, I've been trying all morning," She added. Not more than five minutes later, there were footsteps on the stairs and Gobber hid from sight when Hiccup came down.

"You made sure there were no eels, right?" Hiccup asked.

"Yes, but she just refuses to eat," Runa faked being upset and looking down. "Nightstar just lays there, won't even come out of the stable for a flight…"

"I'll take a look at her," Hiccup said, heading for the door. Gobber came out of hiding when Hiccup had his eyes closed and not paying attention. Hiccup bumped right into him, opening his eyes to see Gobber there with a smile and arms spread out for a hug. "G-Gobber?"

"Surprise! Happy birthday, lad!" Gobber announced. The shock on Hiccup's face was all anyone needed to see, but it became apparent that Hiccup had needed his father figure because the tears welled up in Hiccup's eyes and he instantly hugged the man as much as he could get his arms around the portly Viking. Gobber sighed with some relief and hugged Hiccup back. "Alright, easy…Old Gobber's got ya, kiddo," Gobber promised. Truda and Hertha motioned for the others to come away from the pair and give them their moment while they started on breakfast and hoped Hiccup, and obviously, Gobber would join shortly.