A Son of Ice and Fire

A/N: This chapter has a lot of callbacks to the first HTTYD movie, see if you can spot them all :)

Guest: Your idea does seem like a good idea for a crossover, but I just don't have the same passion or knowledge to write about the mass effect or far cry world. I do however have 4 or 5 ideas written down for crossovers in the future that will be a lot shorter than this one, so when this one is complete I'll move onto other things.

Sam Hill: I'm sorry if it was a bit too much, but there is a reason to the things I write. I wanted to make a world where there are consequences, and no character is safe. I'm not writing it that dark because I enjoy it, it's just something that needed to happen for S3 to have the impact that I want it to. This chapter is far on the other side of the spectrum.

Guest (x2): Rhaegar would still be heir, because women have very little claim to the throne in this world. Even though Valka is older, the second Rhaegar was born, he would be the crown prince and would be next in line for the throne

Guest: It is entirely possible women could still get pregnant after something like that. Just like Jon says to Daenerys in season 7 about the witch who told her she couldn't have children, "Maybe she wasn't a reliable source of information." Maybe Ruff can have children, maybe not, but she believes 100% she can't because of Viggo.

Guest: Not going to lie, I can't wait until later on in the story where Dany comes to Westeros. I can see myself probably extending the last 2 seasons to like 100k words each because of all the reunions and new meetings that will come into play at that stage.

Guest: Following the lord of light is the most controversial religion I agree, but it's probably the only one that actually seems to do anything to affect the GOT story. You don't see any shadow babies or visions from the old Gods or the faith of the seven now do you? ;) Melisandre won't be in this story until season 4, but you may hate her a bit less in this one.

Chapter 42: That's for everything else

Hiccup

He pinned his forehead to the metal, allowing the long, ragged hairs of his beard to flood through the bars of the cell. Alvin's immense size cast a shadow engulfing the entirety of his cell, as he clasped his hands around the cold steel and growled down at me, "COME TO TAKE MY 'EAD BOY?"

"Not exactly." I chuckled, reaching into my coat, and pulling out the key. One quick click later, and the lock was open, much to Alvin's surprise.

He cast me a suspicious glare, looking to either side of me, "What game yer playing? What trick is this?" One step forward and he was so close I could feel his breath against my skin. His shoulders were poised, his posture strong and self-assured, but that confidence wasn't reflected on his face. His eyes constantly wandering in all directions, as his lip curled into a displeasing grimace. Why's he so nervous?

I looked him straight in the eyes, "No game. No trick. You're free to go." I couldn't gauge his reaction, as he stood there motionless, eyes squinting at me. His skin still patchy in parts, but overall, he looks a lot better than what he did yesterday. At least the worst of his symptoms seem to have passed. "Astrid told me what happened to you. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help, but I had idea about any of that. I'll do all I can to get to the bottom of this. You have my word."

He inched another step forward, but his towering figure now seemed less frightening. Yet I still had to fight the urge to flinch back when he thrust his hand forwards towards me. Thank the Gods he didn't hit me. I reached my own hand forward, locking arms with him, as his icy demeanor seemed to soften. "Then you're a better man than your father." He sighed, closing his eyes, before he began to walk away.

"What's that supposed to mean, what happened between you two anyway?" I called after him. The question brought him to a halt. Frozen like an icicle, his shoulders slumped, as if the heat of the burning candles was melting him in his step.

"It's in the past." He growled under his breath. "That's where it should stay."

Lights flickered all around, as I made my way towards him, "I need to know. What happened between you and Dad?"

Alvin stood there in defiance, for what felt like minutes, but as he spoke, his hands curled into fists, "I'm a soldier 'Iccup. I did what I 'ad to do." He took a deep breath, hanging his head. "I did what Stoick told me. 'Storm the castle, Alvin. Show no mercy, Alvin. Help me end this rebellion, Alvin'. I did it all. I took the castle. Killed every Ironborn scum in my path. Even after all I did for 'im, Stoick still locked me up." Dad never told me anything about the wars. I always thought it was because the memories were too painful. Maybe there was more to it. But locking Alvin up. Just for following orders. That doesn't sound like dad. I didn't reply, just ushered him to continue, as he turned and struck his fist at the bars of an empty cell. "We were good friends, me and 'im, fought back to back. Then 'e betrayed me."

"Betrayed you, what did he do?" I asked nervously.

"'e punished me for doing my duty. When we pushed through the castle, we found them there. Two boys. Younger than you are now. I followed orders. Showed no mercy. I charged at them. They died. End of story." He growled out, shaking the bars of the cell so hard in his grasp that it's a surprise he didn't rip them clean off. "'THEY WERE BOYS, ALVIN. THEY WERE JUST BOYS. THEY WERE SURRENDERING'. That's what your father yelled that at me that night. I screamed back at him that they were the enemy. If not now, then in the future, they would come for us. He didn't listen. Said that I didn't follow orders an' I wasn't fit to serve 'im. When we got back 'ere, 'e stripped me o' my place on the council; it was never the same after that…" He trailed off sadly, a look of regret in his eyes.

I placed a hand on his shoulder, "You've paid for it. Now I just need you to keep it together. We still have to fight on." He looked at me for a second, before shrugging me off and traipsing down the corridor slowly.

"I will never stop paying for it." He snapped sharply, turning back to face me. "'They were boys, Alvin'. Yer father's words never left me. I still see their faces. Even now. All a soldier wants is an honourable death. They didn't get that. Nor will I." His face dropped once more, as he trudged away. Now I understand. That look. It's not just regret. It's guilt.

"Alvin, I…"

"…I told yer 'Iccup. The past is where it should stay." His heavy footsteps beating as he climbed the stairs, he didn't look anyway but down, as he vanished from sight. I began to follow, but just as my foot touched the bottom step, a croaky voice sniggered at me from one of the far cells. I ignored it, but just as I thought I had left it behind, Mildew's hoarse voice clawed at me from the darkness.

"THERE IS A STORM COMING, HICCUP. YOU MAY THINK YOU HAVE WON, BUT THERE IS A STORM COMING…"

Nearly a month had passed since Alvin had been released, and a lasting peace seemed to have been achieved in Dragon's edge. Everyone seemed happy, or as happy as you could be with loved ones still off at war. The council had decided to keep Mildew in the cells until we can acquire a permanent maester to take his place. He still claims it was an accident, but he still nearly killed Alvin and did kill nearly half of our horses. As much as I want to believe him, I don't trust him one bit. I haven't seen him since the day after he was imprisoned, and all that yelling about a storm coming just adds to the proof he's gone mad. We need Mildew alive for now, just in case someone requires his help, but after that, I fear what I'll have to do. I don't think I could do it. Execute someone in cold blood. Even after all he's done, I couldn't do that. I just hope I'm not put in that position.

Gobber practically locked the door to the forge for three weeks after I returned, just so I didn't get any ideas and pushed myself too far, but that didn't stop me from sneaking in and working on a few things while he slept. My chest has all but healed now, except for the hideous scar that'll be there forever. Thanks for that 'Savage'. I could still see the tip of it, looking down at my shirt, but that's not what drew my attention. I couldn't help fiddling with the metal ring on my wrist. Lost in thought, I was just spinning it in circles, when the door to the forge slammed open and an angry looking Astrid stormed in. I slipped behind Gobber, "Can you stall her for a few minutes?" Before getting an answer, I quickly made a break for the back room, hoping to slide past unnoticed and failing miserably.

I saw her shadow only for a second, before I abruptly closed the door behind me, "HICCUP HADDOCK, GET OUT HERE RIGHT NOW!" Oh no, I am in so much trouble. I rushed towards the desk, quickly shoving all the scrap papers into one of the side drawers.

"Lass, just hold on a sec…" Gobber attempted, but even he knew better to block her way for long. I had just finished ridding the surface of drawings and designs, when the door burst open behind me. I took the last second to reach into the wide top drawer and pull something special out. I placed it on the centre of the desk directly in front of me, before I slowly turned to face her. She was stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips, eyes fixed on me. Gods help me.

She moved inside, approaching me like a lioness stalking her pray. "What's going on here? Heather says you were needed on urgent business. I've hardly seen you for the last week." As she spoke, she started to prod me in the chest with her index finger, but after the third time, I blocked her with my own and pushed her hand backwards. She continued staring at me in frustration, but the pressure on her finger snapped her from it and caused her to look down. Her eyes locked onto the band on my wrist, as she reached towards it. "Is this…?"

I nodded to her, carefully sliding it off. The black leather I'd molded to the inside of the ring allowed it to comfortably rest on my arm, making it tight enough to never accidentally slip off. "You were right. I couldn't just leave it in a drawer to collect dust. I'd wear it like yours, but I don't think a necklace would suit me as well as you," I chuckled.

As she took it in her hand and inspected it, her eyes lit up and a smile crossed her lips for a second, before she corrected it with her angry glare. "I'm still angry at you." I couldn't help but chuckle at her conviction. Her body glowed with indignation, but her eyes were as calm as the waters of the cove. She passed the ring back, and I slotted it back onto my wrist immediately, running my fingers over the metal a few times before looking back to her.

"I have something else for you." I teased, reaching behind to the desk. She eyed me quizzically, squinting slightly before her curiosity won over. She attempted to look past me, but I put my other arm forward, placing a palm on her chest. "It's a surprise. Close your eyes."

"Hiccup, seriously…" She sighed, making one last try to get a better view.

I held her there, as she huffed and crossed her arms, "Just do it, Astrid."

"You know I hate surprises."

"Trust me, I think you'll like this one," I grinned. She sighed, but sure enough, she reluctantly closed them. I turned around to the table, picking it up and holding it in both hands, before I returned to facing her. "Put your arms out in front of you." I could see every urge in her to ruin the surprise and just open them, but she kept her eyes closed, as she hesitantly put both arms forward. I used one hand to move her so her palms were facing each other, before slotting the handle down into her grasp. Her fingers caressed it tentatively, before she began to run her fingers along the smooth wood. "Now you can open them." Before I even finished speaking, her eyes shot open, almost as quickly as her mouth dropped. She seemed paralyzed in her place, as I took my hand off of hers and allowed her to feel the full weight of her new axe. "Well, I did promise I'd make one for you."

She didn't respond, just stood there in silence, as she ran her finger along one of the two blades. Please like it. Please. I saw her pause as she reached the first engraving. Along the curve of one edge sat her House's words, 'No turning back.' A sly smile crossed her lips, before she flipped to the other side where the words, 'Fearless Astrid Hofferson' were carved across the curve of the steel. I waited for her reaction, but there wasn't one. She's speechless. That's either really good, or really really bad. "I know it's a bit late... They wouldn't let me start for three weeks… And then Gobber kept forcing me take breaks… If it's not right, then…" I mumbled.

Before I had to time to doubt any more, she jumped forward, wrapping her arms around me, "It's perfect, Hiccup… It's perfect." She was practically bouncing on the spot, as I embraced her tightly. "Thank you." She beamed, as her mouth widened into a smile from ear to ear. That smile. What I wouldn't do for that smile. The bright blue in her eyes could be mistaken to be as cold as ice, but I saw them flicker to life in the candlelight. Igniting a spark, because, after all, the hottest fires always burn blue. I couldn't help it. I reached out my arm, placing a soft palm on her cheek. Her skin was a raging flame, burning on the touch, but nothing felt more right. She tilted her head slightly, resting her head in my hand, as her cheeks mellowed to a rose red. We were just locked there, until I heard the telltale sound of clopping outside the door. Not now Gobber. Please.

"Yer haven't killed my apprentice, have yer lass?" The peg-legged blacksmith voiced loudly, as he emerged at the doorway. Damn it Gobber. One way to kill the moment. I brought my hand to cover my eyes, facepalming hard, as she laughed softly under her breath. "Oh err, sorry Hiccup. Astrid. As yer were." He mumbled quickly, before rushing back off.

Before I knew it, I was being dragged past Gobber out of the back room. Astrid turned back to him with a wink, "I just need to borrow him for a few minutes." That got a bemused look from both me and Gobber, before she huffed under her breath, "No. Not like that. Hiccup and I have a date." Gobber seemed to accept that explanation, while I was still as confused, and still being tugged along. Eventually we were nearing the exit to the forge, and she finally turned back to me, "Well, you can't give a girl an axe, and not expect her to test it out, can you?" She giggled excitedly, now noticeably less fierce wildcat, more kitty with a ball of string. "Come on. Please." I gave her a deadpan look, telling her no, but she stood there staring at me and pouting pleadingly.

"Fine." I agreed reluctantly, reaching over one of the tables and picking up part of my armour. This shouldn't be too intense. I only grabbed my chest protection, just an added layer to make sure no further damage done. I pulled my two swords from their sheaths on my waistband I'd left on the chair. It'd only taken me a few seconds to get ready, but the moment I stepped out the door into the main courtyard, she was already in full battle stance. She had equipped her shoulder armour, as well as an additional layer of brown leather from her waist to her neck. Looking around, it seemed like half the castle had come out to watch, and more and more people were crowding around. Mum was standing up on one of the elevated platforms, with Heather in front of her holding on to the railing. Soon the entire castle had erupted into a cacophony of hoots and cheers, as the two of us stood opposite each other.

"Don't you go easy on me." She grinned, swirling the weapon loosely within her fingers and maneuvering it within precision. This isn't going to be a friendly spar, is it? I should have brought my full armour. Well, it's too late now.

Almost as one, we charged. Metal struck wood, as my blade skimmed across her handle. Dodging sideways, she raised her axe and struck down from above. Like gravity was dragging the weapon down, my left hand could barely hold the weight of the blow. The power in her strike caused me to skid backwards on the dirt, and only using my right to swipe at her legs forced her to back off and release the pressure. Sparks flew into the sky, as the edge of my sword locked with the head of her axe. She is good. Very good. Out of nowhere, she turned to her side, spinning her leg up and around towards my head. I'd love to see Mulch try that. I ducked sharply, narrowly avoiding the boot destined for my temple. A swipe to her right caused her to jump backwards, sliding a few feet further once landing in the spongy mud. Her handle rose in the nick of time, cushioning my blow as my sword emerged from the sky towards her. I continued the barrage, as she ducked and rolled to the side, allowing my blade to pierce the soil. It stuck there temporarily, and in the second of hesitation, I nearly missed her counter-offensive. She screamed as she jumped down on me, but I managed to withdraw my sword and use it to deflect her thunderous strike. The edge of her weapon dug into the ground, the sharp blade lodging firmly into the damp earth. She strained to remove the blade, and her inability to free it in time gave me just enough time to sweep my legs across the back of hers. In one quick motion, her feet were ousted from the ground, as she hung in the air for a moment, before landing with a thud. The move was welcomed by a loud ovation, as Astrid reached over and plucked her axe out of the swampy mud.

I held my hand out to her, as she grasped it, and pulled herself up. A determined grin crossed her lips, as her eyes closed to slits. Combat ensued once more, her sword-shattering strikes raining down so strongly I needed both swords up to block them. In a flurry of strikes, I managed to gain ground, but one precise diagonal blow she executed whipped the sword straight out of my weaker hand. We lunged in unison, both weapons grinding roughly against each other.

"Call it a draw?" She called out, every muscle in her arms forcing the curve of her axe down the length of my sword.

I grasped the hilt with two hands, "Not a chance. I've got you right where I…" Before I managed to finish, she crashed the other side of her blade across and down onto my sword, knocking it far off to the side. Without a second to defend myself, she rushed towards me. Sliding under my swing, she snaked the handle of her axe behind my legs, dragging it forward. A sense of weightlessness shot through me for a moment, but reality soon hit home, and my back landed firmly into the dirt. It was over. An axe was at my throat and a boot on my stomach, but losing never felt so good. I moved my arms to either side to yield, and she squealed excitedly, pumping a fist into the air in celebration, before she released me and offered her hand. I just laid there staring into the sky, a dumb smile on my face, as people began to cheer out all round. Man, she's amazing. How will I possibly get by when she has to go home…?

I locked my hand around her wrist, as she pulled me back to my feet. The rain and light snow the past few works had made the ground into a sludge, and we were both covered in the brown sludge, nearly causing us to both slip and fall once more into the mud. She planted her boots firmly, steadying herself, as she looked at me. "So… this…" She gestured to her axe. "…is the urgent business Heather told me you were on."

"Guilty." I chuckled, walking over, and collecting my other sword, before laying them down against the outside of the forge. People started to scatter, as Astrid's shadow appeared on the wall of the forge next to where I was standing. "I did ask her to obscure the truth, just a little." As I turned to face her, a jolt of pain surged through my arm, and I reached my hand across to rub it. What now? Why did you just hit me?

Her hand trickled back to her side, "That's for lying to me." I looked up to my mum and Heather for support, but got no response. Before I could look back down to Astrid, I felt her lips press against my cheek. Is this real life? "That's for… everything else." She added nervously, brushing the hair from her eyes, as she gave a shy smile. One last look and she was gone, running off up the stairs. Mum was looking on with a troubled smile, while Heather was beaming brightly, nearly leaping over the railing as Astrid made her way up the steps. I couldn't move. I could only watch on as she bounded away. No. I can't lose her. I can't.