=Hiccup's POV=
(Laugardgr, Goi; Midday)
(Berk; The Great Hall)
Trying to be Drage Riddari the Dragon Master and Hiccup Haddock the Chief of Berk was going to be the death of me. Drage by night, Hiccup by day was proving to be extremely challenging for me, and what was worse; I think Drago Bludvist is narrowing down where to hit as far as raids go to draw me out. I've noticed that Drago is sending raids every night to multiple islands now; trying to find where Drage Riddari is from. Of course, this is what I wanted, for Drago to come out of hiding, so I could defeat him and put an end to all this fighting. The hard part was managing raids at night and being Chief during the day. Thankfully, my method of Chiefing allowed me a lot of free time to relax at home and nap occasionally until I was needed. I had Sharpshot flying around to report to me, and I used the excuse I was working on documents in my home office.
I hated doing it, but I had to for the time being. Today was the Chieftain meeting; I scheduled it late because I needed time to get into the groove of being Chief first. Now, that was set, and I had a routine that made things a bit easier. Right now, everyone is in the Great Hall for lunch, and then I was starting the meeting afterward. However, while everyone was having a good time eating and chatting; I was quiet and listening to everything around me. Something about today didn't feel right, and I couldn't figure out why.
"Hiccup?" Brenna got my attention.
"Yes, Milady?" I replied.
"Are you okay?" Brenna inquired.
"Never better, why?" I answered.
"You seem not here, like your body is, but not your attention," Valka mentioned.
"I'm fine," I stated.
"A-Are you sure?" Brenna tried again.
"I agree with your wife, man," Davyn stepped in now. "You're not here right now,"
"You're on edge about something," Ander pointed out. "We all see it, Hiccup. It's in your eyes; something has you on guard,"
"Out with it," Colden.
"I'm the Chief; I'm always on guard, guys," I remarked as they eyed me and I shot them a look as if to say that we'd talk about things later. My friends, thankfully, understood.
"You sure you're okay?" Brenna put a hand on my shoulder.
Yeah, I'm good, babe. Don't worry," I smiled, leaning over and kissing her cheek. Brenna smiled, laying her head on my shoulder as I tipped my head to be on hers slightly. "How about you? Are you alright?"
Brenna nodded. "I'm great, Hiccup. How was the first half of your day?"
"Quiet as usual," I stated softly. "Everything is where is should be for this time of year, but I did send word to Johann to obtain some materials for me. Stuff for clothes, blankets, boots, and socks to have a backup in the supplies shack,"
"Do you think we can have a private dinner at the house tonight?" Brenna inquired hopefully.
"I think I can make some arrangements to accommodate such a request," I smiled. Brenna leaned against me again; I knew she loved these little private meals we had together, usually because it would lead into cuddling, and then us making love before going to sleep. But I knew it was mostly for us to spend time together, which was fine for me. Lunch was almost over, and then we'd be starting the Chieftain meeting; I'm sure Drage Riddari would become a topic we discussed.
I wasn't looking forward to it, but I'd deter them as much as possible. It was clear that Drage wasn't having an easy time because the dragons were beginning to raid more frequently and in larger groups. I knew that Drago was behind this; he was trying to lure Drage out to follow him, and find out where he lived to attack directly. I have all my available dragons around the island scouting and keeping me posted with things. That's why I was getting a weird feeling about today, something was going to happen real soon, and I needed to be ready for it.
I felt like it was happening right now; there had been a shift in the air I was picking up. All of my senses were active, but it didn't help that there was so much noise in the Great Hall. I closed my eyes, trying to block everything else out and focus. There was something going on outside; that's as much as I'd made out already.
"Hiccup?" Brenna said, and I heard her, but there was another sound that had my attention. Roaring. I sensed a lot of dragons around, more than usual. I felt Brenna try to shake me, but I was trying to figure something out. "Hiccup!" she said louder this time.
"Bren…Ssh for a second," I told her.
"What's up, Chief," Krogan asked. Seeing that I was trying to focus on something, Krogan must have got the room to silence.
"Talk to us, Hiccup," Colden stated.
"Would you shut up for a minute, please?" I growled.
"Everyone be quiet," Krogan ordered. My eyes opened as I looked towards the door eyes narrowing a little. I got up and moved to the door looking outside of it to see the mass of dragons heading in. I sensed Krogan next to me, so was Davyn, Eirik, Jolgeir, Ander, Colden, and Sigvard.
"He's coming, isn't he?" I heard my mom ask. I nodded.
"Without a doubt," I replied.
"What's the plan?" Davyn inquired.
"Nothing, for now. I need to know why he's come first…I'm not rushing into battle and endangering everyone…Not until I know his play," I stated. "Colden, Krogan…Grab our visitor and bring him to the hall for an audience with me, politely, of course,"
"Got it," Colden and Krogan said before heading out.
"Sigvard, you stay with me. The rest of you grab your dragons and take up your guard positions at the previously planned locations. I want eyes on everything," I ordered.
"We're on it, Chief," the five replied.
"Hiccup…What's going on?" Brenna inquired. "I'm scared,"
"You have nothing to fear, Milady," I assured, kissing her cheek.
"What can I do, son?" Valka questioned.
"Stay out of the way," I told her.
"But…I-I want to help!" Valka tried.
"You can help by staying out of the way, Mom. I do not involve more people than necessary, so sit down and be quiet. You're too emotional, and you'll act irrationally. I'm not looking to fight a battle today, so if you could just listen to me, for once…Maybe I stand a chance at making sure this doesn't become war. I'm the Chief…I'll deal with it," I remarked. I didn't need anyone else getting caught up in this mess; I had my guys do it because we've been preparing for a battle. I hoped it wouldn't come to such, but I didn't have high hopes that things would be so easy.
=Normal POV=
No one understood what was happening, but it was clear that Hiccup was taking charge of things without questioning, and still being cautious. It wasn't long until Krogan and Colden returned with another man; he was big, dark skin, dreads of black hair. Hiccup stood up firmly to greet the man that he'd seen as Drage Riddari. Hiccup wondered why Drago came directly to Berk. He must suspect that Drage lives here.
"Welcome to Berk, stranger," Hiccup stated.
"Personal escorts for an audience with the Chief; I like that," Drago said. "I assume you are the Chief?"
"You'd be correct. Chief Hiccup Haddock of the Hooligan Tribe," Hiccup extended his hand. "And you are?"
"Drago Bludvist," Drago introduced, shaking Hiccup's hand.
"What brings you to Berk, Drago?" Hiccup inquired.
"I'm trying to find the one they call Drage Riddari," Drago stated plainly.
"What makes you think he is here?" Hiccup asked. "Drage comes during raids to stop them,"
"Yes, yes. I know," Drago informed. "You see…He's becoming a bit of a problem for me as I also work in the business of…Controlling dragons," Hiccup eyed him carefully. "It seems our line of work is conflicting with one another as the dragons are acting out because they are confused as to who to follow,"
"So you go around stopping raids as well?" Stoick asked.
"Father, silence," Hiccup remarked.
"No…Hiccup, I know him. Don't believe a word he says," Stoick stood now. Now, Hiccup's attention had been grasped.
"Do continue," Hiccup said.
"Years ago, there was a gathering of Chieftains to discuss the dragon scourge we all faced. Into our midst came a man who called himself Drago Bludvist, and said he was a man of the people and he alone could control the dragons. He said he would help if we all bowed to him. We laughed, and then he wrapped himself in his cloak saying see how well you do without me. From above descended armored dragons, they burned the hall to the ground…I was the only one to escape," Stoick explained.
Hiccup was listening, but his eyes were paying attention to Drago, who was becoming tense and annoyed. "He's also the one who I've faced off against in many battles, Hiccup…" Valka stated. "He's the one building the dragon army…"
"So, it seems your intentions are false, and you are merely looking to be rid of the one person standing in your way. Is that the way of it?" Hiccup asked sternly now.
"That about sums it up, yes. Now, if you'd be so kind to tell me where he is?" Drago asked.
"Drage only comes when there's a raid…" Dagur said.
"Well, then let's draw him out, shall we?" Drago asked.
"My friend, if you do this; you will not like the outcome…I promise you this," Hiccup replied calmly.
"Are you threatening me?" Drago smirked.
"Threaten you?" Hiccup laughed a little. "No, no…You misunderstood me. I don't make threats, Drago. I promise you will not like the outcome," he stated again.
"What can you possibly do to stop me? I have an army of dragons that answer to my every call," Drago grinned.
"You have a Bewilderbeast that you no doubt tortured to do as you say," Hiccup informed. "You sir, are the one with nothing,"
"You don't intend to believe you can take me on, do you?" Drago asked.
"Oh, I can…And I will if you persist. This is your only chance to give, Drago. If you pursue the matter of world domination by dragons; your venture both begins and ends here because I will stop you," Hiccup said.
"You? The runt son of Stoick the Vast? What shame he must feel…" Drago remarked.
"Shame or not, I'm still the Chief here, and you're threatening my island and my Tribe. So, no matter what it may take…I will stop you," Hiccup said.
"You have nothing," Drago stated.
"We have Drage Riddari! too" Astrid huffed. "He's a man of the people and won't let you or your dragons hurt us!"
"Where then?" Drago asked, raising his arms with a smile. "Where is Drage when you need him? I'm here, ready to go with a mass amount of dragons…All of you stand before me in fear, but where is your precious Dragon Master?" Drago asked.
No one had an answer; it was true. Where was Drage? Surely he had to be watching Drago, and would come, wouldn't he? Hiccup felt the emotions of the room shift; everyone beginning to doubt Drage Riddari's words about helping them and wanting peace.
"Drage Riddari is always around to help," Brenna remarked coldly. Hiccup already had begun to consider that it was time to reveal the truth.
"Toothless…It's time. Come to the Great Hall, but don't enter until I give you the signal," Hiccup told his friend.
"Got it," Toothless replied.
"Show him then," Drago invited with a smirk. "Come on out, Drage Riddari! Are you here? Are you hiding among the crowd? Are you scared to face me, or is it fear of everything finding out who is under the mask?!" he yelled out. Everyone looked around, seeing if Drage would reveal himself or was already there. Hiccup sighed heavily.
"I'm here," Toothless reported.
"See…Your Dragon Master isn't here to protect you. He doesn't care, or he knows he can't defeat me…" Drago shrugged.
"Drage Riddari does not run from battle, and he won't give up his pursuit of peace between humans and dragons. And he certainly isn't afraid of you, Drago," Hiccup said.
"Then where is he to tell me that himself?" Drago glared. Hiccup crossed his arms over his chest as he stepped forward.
"He's right here," Hiccup responded calmly.
"Where?" Drago asked.
"Here, in front of you," Hiccup said.
"No, you are here. Where is Drage?" Stoick stepped in now.
"Oh, my-Drage Riddari is right here, Dad!" Hiccup yelled. "I'm Drage Riddari…" there were audible gasps and eyes widening all around the room. Even Drago looked surprised, and in disbelief.
"What? You? The infamous Drage Riddari? Dragon Master? The rider of a Night Fury? You're him?!" Drago asked.
"I can go put the suit on if you want; it's in my house," Hiccup offered. "But yes, I am him,"
"Prove it…Where's your dragon? The Night Fury never leaves Drage Riddari's side!" Drago accused.
Hiccup rolled his eyes. "My dragon is never far, I assure you," he stated. "Come on, bud," Hiccup chuckled. Suddenly, there were heavy steps heard approaching, and then everyone saw it. The Night Fury entering the Great Hall and standing behind Drago with a menacing growl. "Drago Bludvist…I'd like for you to meet Toothless, the Night Fury. Say hi, bud," Toothless came around and stood behind Hiccup. Drago's looked shocked, and maybe angry. Hiccup snapped his fingers once and pointing at Drago.
Krogan and Colden, quickly moved aside as Toothless charged a small blast and fired it at Drago, effectively sending the man back and out of the Great Hall. No one knew what to say or do; Hiccup had been Drage Riddari the entire time? Well, it certainly made sense why he was so good with dragons now, and why he was never around when Drage was. Still; it was a shock to everyone, and they all wanted an explanation, so they hoped to get one later when all this was settled. For now; it seemed Drago and Hiccup were going to face off to stop the Viking and Dragon War.