DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters from the HTTYD series or any of the ideas to the plots. My ideas are inspired by a collective of stories that I have come across. But I am always open for any ideas that could help with the story. I might also mess up with some details but I will try my best for the story. Without a further ado I will let you get on with the reading, enjoy!
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Astrid felt as if she was just hit with a thousand boulders after hearing Hiccup say that. She slowly sat up and he kept the same expression as he watched her.
"What," Astrid managed to say, her mouth incredibly dry and her voice was quiet.
"I'm taking you back to Berk," he said in a slow way as he looked at her. Astrid just shook her head as she got out of bed and started to pace around the large room. She didn't understand how he seemed so emotionless saying those words.
"Why," Astrid finally asked him as she stopped walking around and stopped to face him. "Why now, after I said I love you." She didn't mean to, but Astrid heard her voice crack slightly and it was raised.
"That's exactly why I'm taking you back," Hiccup said in the same flat voice. "I can't watch someone I love be in danger."
"I can take care of myself," she said to him as he placed her hands on her hips.
"Trust me I know you can," he said with a sigh, "But I still blame myself every time you get hurt, and I won't be able to live with myself if you die because of me." His voice was quiet as he looked down at the floor. "I said I would take you back when I could trust you to not give away anything, now I can."
"I'll just tell them everything," Astrid said but she knew it was a lie and so did Hiccup. He looked back up at her with a small smirk on his face and he stood up from the bed. He didn't say anything at first as he just walked over towards the opening of the wall. He leaned forward so his forearms rested on the stone and he stared out into the night sky.
"You and I both know you won't do that," he said as he shook his head. "Even if you did, they wouldn't find anything here besides whatever I would leave behind."
"That's it," Astrid asked him, "You would just leave here and everything you've worked for." Hiccup continued to look outside and then he picked up a small stone on the ledge and tossed it around in his hand.
"Who knows," he said with a shrug, "Could see the world that way, find out its secrets and discover all the unknown things."
"How are you so calm with all of this," Astrid asked him angrily, "This isn't just something you say and show no emotion to."
"Trust me I have a lot of emotions going on right now," Hiccup said as he tossed the stone away. "And right now I'm trying my best to not completely lose it right now."
"Then why are you so sure about this," she asked as she walked over towards him and leaned against the wall. He kept facing forward and she expected to see the same stone cold expression on his face, but now he had a sad look, almost depressed.
"Sometimes to live we have to do things we don't like," he said in a slow voice as he quoted her. "I've left people and people have left me, sure it hurts but in the end it is always better than what would have happened."
"And what's that," Astrid asked as she watched him seem to reminisce from all his past relationships.
"Heartbreak," he said flatly and then he looked over at her with a pair of sad eyes staring at her. "Every relationship I will ever have will end in heartbreak."
"How do you know that," Astrid asked as she slowly walked forward, "We had some good moments and some good times."
"There's always a calm before a storm," he told her as they now stood side by side. Astrid reached out and touched his arm but he didn't give any response to her action. She got up and felt her anger wash over her as she walked around.
"How can you be so unattached," she asked as she walked over to a table that had a few things on it.
"Astrid don't do this," Hiccup said with a shake of his head, "I know you're angry, but don't do this."
"Why do you care," she asked angrily as she picked up a book and held it in her hands. "It won't matter for you since you're just shipping me away."
"Can you stop treating me like the bad guy," Hiccup asked her as he turned around to face her. "I don't like any of this either but it is the best thing to happen."
"For me or for you," Astrid asked with a bitter tone, maybe a bit more than she wanted.
"Why does it have to be a split," Hiccup asked, "Why can't it be good for the both of us."
"Because it's not," she shouted as she threw the book across the room. She saw Toothless jump slightly in his spot in the corner and Hiccup continued to watch her. "I love you Hiccup and I want to stay here with you." She heard Hiccup sigh and bow his head which made Astrid feel even worse. He rubbed his forehead and ran his hand through his hair but he remained silent.
"I'm going to go to the forge," he said in a soft voice, "You can take the bed and then we will leave in the morning." He didn't say anything else as he walked past her and into the tunnel to head off into the forge. Astrid remained silent as she watched him go, wishing that he would stop and turn back to face her. However, he just kept walking and disappeared into the hallway, making Astrid's heart drop even more. As she turned back around she felt tears start to build up on her eyes and eventually roll down her cheeks. For the first time in a while Astrid cried, and to be honest, she didn't know what to do next.
When Astrid woke up she felt terrible due to the lack of sleep she got from the previous night. She was constantly tossing and turning in bed as she tried to get some sleep but she couldn't stop herself from thinking about what all happened. A small part of her hoped that it was all a bad dream and she would wake up back to reality but it never happened. She also wished that Hiccup would have come back to bed but he stayed elsewhere the whole night. She slowly sat up in the bed and looked around to see a few bags were placed in the center of the room. Astrid got out of the bed and walked over to the bags to see that they were all packed with her things. All of her clothes and all of her personal items that she collected along the way were all stored away in the bags.
She continued to look through the bags when she heard the sound of footsteps come towards the main room. She looked up to see Hiccup now standing in the hallway. He paused for a second and then nodded without saying anything as he walked over to the kitchen. She watched as he seemed to fix up a quick breakfast and he set two bowls out on the table. He sat down and began eating while Astrid just remained silent as she stood in the center of the room. Finally Astrid's stomach gave in and she walked over to the table and began to eat. The two ate in silence and Astrid was constantly looking up to see if Hiccup was ever watching her but it seemed that he was only focused on his food.
When she finished she pushed her bowl to the center of the table and a few seconds later Hiccup took it off of the table along with his bowl and placed it in the sink. He turned and left it to be dealt with later as he walked over to one of the cabinets. Astrid watched as he continued to pick through them and pull out anything that belonged to Astrid. He paused for a second when he pulled out her riding gear and Astrid saw a look of confliction on his face.
"Are you not going to pack that," she asked as he still held onto it.
"Well if I did then it probably wouldn't end well for you," he suggested as he placed it back in the cabinet. "I don't think any of the villagers at Berk would enjoy the news that you were a part of the raids." He said the last bit with a small smirk but Astrid didn't return it as she just looked at the bags in the center of the room. She heard him sigh and watched as he walked over to the table and back over to the chair. Astrid turned around halfway so that she could see him but she didn't fully face him. He leaned forward and brought his hands up on top of the table.
"I know what I did isn't right," he finally admitted, "And I know you hate me for it."
"I don't want you to apologize," she said in a quiet voice, "And I don't hate you."
"You don't," he asked and Astrid shook her head as she shifted so that she was now facing him.
"You're trying to keep me safe," she told him, "You want to help people and you don't want to see them get hurt." Hiccup didn't say anything as he just watched her and then he slowly leaned back in his chair.
"Why couldn't I have just stayed on Berk," he asked out loud as he looked at the ceiling, "Then everything wouldn't have to be so complicated."
"Maybe," Astrid said, "But then all of this wouldn't have happened either." Hiccup looked down at her and watched her with a small smile on his face.
"Are you glad all of this happened," he asked with raised eyebrows.
"I am," she said with a small smile of her own. Hiccup seemed to sigh in relief after hearing that and some tension was released from his shoulders. After a few minutes he slowly stood up and the smile on his face faded. Astrid quickly realized why and her smile faded as well as she stood up. He didn't have to say anything as they both walked over to the bags and started to secure them to Toothless and Stormfly. After about thirty minutes they were all situated and left for Berk. The flight over was pretty uneventful and silent as they made a quick pace to reach the island. By about midday they spotted the island and made an approach on the far side of the island so nobody in the village would see them.
Once they circled around the island they flew closer in and landed in an open spot. As they landed Astrid looked around to see a familiar area. They were back in the cove where Astrid thought that Hiccup had died.
"Back where it all started," she heard Hiccup say and she looked down to see him standing on the ground as he looked around the area.
"It's funny how it all happened," she admitted as she hopped out of the saddle and onto the ground.
"It sure is," Hiccup said with a smile as he undid the bags from Toothless' saddle. Astrid did the same and set the bags on the ground. They stood awkwardly for a few seconds and Astrid didn't want to do what needed to happen next. "Well," Hiccup said and then she heard him laugh softly. Astrid didn't say anything as she turned around to face him to see him standing awkwardly. She slowly walked forward and he seemed to have a questioning look on his face but he didn't say anything. She brought her arms around his waist and leaned up to kiss him. She didn't know why but this time it felt different, it felt almost like there were fireworks going off around them. She backed up slowly and smiled when she watched him slowly open his eyes and look down at her. "You're amazing," he said in a soft voice as he continued to hold onto her.
"You're alright I guess," she said with a smirk and he just shook his head with a chuckle.
"Look on the bright side," he told her, "At least you'll get to see Bella again."
"But I won't be able to see you," she told him in a quiet voice. Hiccup sighed and nodded as they walked over to the bags. Astrid picked up one bag and got it situated before Hiccup handed her the other one.
"I love you milady," he said as he kissed the top of her head.
"I love you to fishbone," she said with a playful smile and then turned to the two dragons who were watching them. "I'll miss you too," she told the two as she hugged the both of them. With one final wave hug and kiss goodbye Astrid made her way through the forest and into Berk. After a few minutes of walking she finally made it to the edge of the village. She looked around and saw a few people walking around but nobody seemed to notice her. She heard a scream close by and looked up to see her mother staring at her. She watched as her mother ran towards her and wrapped her into a tight embrace.
"My baby's home," Ingrid yelled out as she swung around in a circle, "Astrid's home." The rest of the village took notice now and a crowd started to gather. Astrid heard a lot of questions being asked but all she wanted was to get home and be out of the spotlight. She felt someone grab onto her waist and she looked down to see Bella hugging her now.
"I missed you," she said as she looked up at Astrid.
"I missed you too," Astrid said with a smile as she hugged her sister. Suddenly all the voices became hushed and Astrid saw why. Stoick approached the crowd with a serious look on his face. The crowd parted so that their chief could be in the center now.
"How are you here," he asked with a flat tone in his voice.
"The Dragon Master brought me back," Astrid told him, earning a few murmurs from the crowd.
"He just brought you back," Stoick asked in a slow voice as he stared down at her.
"Yes," Astrid answered quickly as she stared back at him.
"Why didn't you kill him," Stoick asked as he seemed to almost stand over her now.
"Because he said he would eventually take me home," Astrid told him, "Which he did. Besides I didn't know I was being shipped off as a sacrifice and to be a killer." Stoick's eyes narrowed at that comment and the crowd continued to murmur.
"And what of that," he asked as he gestured to the necklace she got at the merchant stand a while ago.
"A gift I got from him," she told him as lightly touched the necklace.
"A gift," Stoick asked with raised eyebrows, "He gave you a gift, what else did he do, did he show his face to you?"
"He did actually," Astrid said with a matter of fact tone, hearing a few gasps from the crowd around her.
"Who is he," Stoick pressed on for information from her.
"Why does it matter," she asked, "You won't be able to kill him, let alone capture him."
"You seem like you're defending him, I don't think you want to do that," Stoick warned.
"Why not," Astrid asked with a sudden bite to her voice, "Are you just going to ship me off again."
"Astrid dear," Ingrid said in a warning tone, one that was trying to help her not anger Stoick. Astrid ignored her mother and continued to stare at Stoick in the eyes.
"I'd be careful girl," Stoick said as he started to turn around, "You almost seem like you're in love with that devil."
"Well maybe it's because I am," Astrid said suddenly and her heart froze after hearing herself say it. However, she didn't let her face show it as she stood her ground as Stoick turned back to face her.
"What did you say," he asked in an angered tone but he tried to keep his voice level.
"You heard me," Astrid said with a cold tone, "I meant what I said."
"Are you sure," Stoick asked as he faced her.
"Definitely," Astrid told him as she stood up straighter now.
"Very well," Stoick said as he rested a hand on his belt, "The Dragon Master is an enemy to Berk and the Archipelago and any of his allies are treated the same. You, Astrid Hofferson, have been marked an ally of the Dragon Master and will be dealt with accordingly. The punishment for aiding the Dragon Master is death." Astrid didn't show it but she felt her heart stop again after hearing those words.
"Stoick you can't do that," Ingrid cried, "That's insane." The chief didn't show any sign of changing his verdict as he stood there and watched Astrid.
"She stands by her decision and I stand by mine," Stoick told Ingrid and then he walked forward and grabbed tightly onto Astrid. "You will be dealt with by tomorrow morning," he said in an angered tone. Astrid heard cries from her mother and sister and looked back to see people holding them both back. She tried to break free from the chief's grip but he had a strong hold on her. As she started to give up and accept her fate she heard a loud cry from the sky and looked up to see a black blur coming towards them. The blur landed on the ground with a thud and dirt was sent flying everywhere. As the dust settled the crowd gasped and Astrid looked up to see Toothless and Hiccup in front of her.
"I wouldn't do that, Stoick," she heard Hiccup say as he got out of Toothless' saddle and got onto the ground.
"And why's that," Stoick asked with more anger in his voice than before.
"Because if you do then it will be hell to pay," Hiccup warned, "Plus you won't get to hear me deal."
"I don't make deals with devils like you," Stoick said as he reached for his sword but stopped after Toothless gave a low growl.
"This one you'll like," Hiccup assured him as the two watched each other.
"Alright then," Stoick said as he took his hand off of his sword but still seemed on edge, "What is it then?"
"First I want you to swear that Astrid Hofferson will not be harmed by any means," Hiccup said. "I want you to swear on the people of Berk, your life, and everything you love that she will not be punished."
"Fine," Stoick said with a short tone but he didn't say anything else as he watched Hiccup.
"I want you to say it so all these people can hear it," Hiccup told him. "So they can hear what you promise so you can't go back on your word." Stoick seemed to not budge for a second but then he clenched his fist and sighed.
"I swear on all of those terms that Astrid Hofferson will not be harmed," Stoick promised through gritted teeth. "Now what is your deal?"
"In return for letting Astrid stay safe and not being shipped away to any other place, you'll get me," Hiccup proposed. Astrid felt her blood run cold and started to make a move to say something but she saw Hiccup shake his head as he saw her.
"No strings attached," Stoick asked in a doubtful tone.
"No strings attached," Hiccup promised, "So do we have a deal?"
"We do," Stoick agreed after a few seconds of debating. Hiccup nodded and then quickly turned around before adjusting something on Toothless' saddle and then he made a gesture to the dragon. He was hesitant for a second but after more encouragement the dragon took off into the sky. "Get him," Stoick barked to the vikings standing around watching the whole scene unfold. The men snapped into action and approached Hiccup who already had his arms behind his back. Two men grabbed his arms and started to walk him to the prison in the center of the village.
"Don't you want to see the man behind the mask," Hiccup asked, causing his escorts to stop and look back at Stoick. The chief made a gesture and the two men brought Hiccup back over towards the group. As they stopped in front of Stoick Astrid felt her heart stop again as he removed the helmet. As the helmet came off and she saw Hiccup's auburn hair come out into full view. The crowd didn't even gasp as they were shocked into silence at the sight.
"How are you dad," Hiccup asked with a smug tone as he looked up at Stoick who looked like he saw a ghost.
Ayo, it's me, hopefully everyone enjoyed the chapter even though I thought it was pretty lackluster in content. I was kinda stuck on ideas and I have felt like shit this entire week so writing has not gone well for me. Although I wanted to get a chapter out because I don't know when I'll be able to post next because my summer job is going to pick up real soon. If I manage to crank out some stuff I'll make sure to make it good because I would call this a filler chapter almost.
INFERN0BOLT: Hopefully I lived up to your expectations if you had any going from the previous chapter. I tried to make it interesting and something to go off into for the remainder of the story to play out on.
dragoncraft2103: I share the same thought and don't think having Hiccup just leave would be any interesting. Hopefully this continues to add some flare to it and can continue to be fun to read.
I honestly don't know how much longer this will go on for as we are now twenty-one chapters deep and I still have a couple more ideas that can spread out for a decent bit. All I will say is that this will primarily stick to Berk now for the most part. As always if you have any thoughts, reviews, and/or questions please leave them as they are always helpful and peace out!