Chapter 8
The last hurrah

He slept off most of the day in hopes time would pass faster and he would gather enough energy for the night. Emma was in his dreams, as she was when alive. Joyful, smiling and giggling at his jokes, pouting when he teased her. It felt like she was there to welcome him, telling him she was waiting for him in death, at the bottom of the pond. As gruesome as it could sound, this idea gave him strength and courage.

When he opened his eyes, he saw a shiny sky of mid-afternoon. There was still a lot of time before the sunset, enough for him to get ready. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, noticing they were puffy. It didn't matter, there was enough time for it to go back to normal before he went to the circus. He pulled himself from under the blanket and scooted to the pond so he could wash his face. Though it was just the beginning of fall, temperatures were already low, and his cold hands made the water freezing. It felt nice.

He wetted his face two times before putting some in his hair too. He stopped as he noticed his hands covered with diluted dye. That made him pause. Should he wash it off ? Should he better try and keep as much dye as possible ? But he didn't have anything to fix it since he didn't have access anymore to Mary's workshop.

It was the last time he was going to see Hiccup and the others, and he didn't want his last memories of them, or their last memories of him, to be the discovery of his curse, the arguing that would follow, nore the rejection. So he looked at his reflection in the water and tried to see how was the dye. He couldn't see clearly, but his hair still seemed dark enough to be human. Granted it was not the same dark chestnut as the previous night, it got lighter, but at least it was not white.

He sighed and used his blanket to dry his face and carefully pat his hair. More stains spoiled the beige fabric. He winced and stopped before he ruined the dye. Then he looked at his clothes and remembered he only had a nightgown and cape left. He couldn't decently present himself dressed like that at the circus. Granted he would be hidden in the crowd at first, but if he was going to visit the artists afterhand, he needed pants. And some coins for the entry.

He sighed heavily as he realised he had to go back to the village, some way or another. He had never stealed before, even the few coins from Jonathan were actually coming from his previous pocket money, from when he was human. He had always been honest, so having to steal something – even as tiny as a pair of pants and four copper coins – it made him feel guilty.

So he decided to wash the blanket and take it with him. He would feel better if he made an exchange. A pair of pants were worth the blanket, even if all the dye hadn't come off, maybe even two copper coins with it ? He made sure to pull his hood over his head before he spotted the village's houses. He looked from afar the goes and backs of the villagers, busy with their day. He finally found something interesting as he spotted a drying rack behind one of the houses. An old lady was sitting on a bench near by, but aside from her there was noone. She was the only one who could see him, so he only had to distract her.

He thought about it for a long moment before he got an idea as he saw a plant pot a few steps from her. He picked up a pebble and aimed. With the countless snowball fights he had thrown in his childhood and his teenage years, he had become an expert and had bragged he was never missing his target. He swiftly threw the peeble and hit the pot, managing to topple it. He winced as the clay broke on the wooden floorboard, the earth and flowers spreading out.

The old lady startled and got up to quickly get a closer look. She looked at the pot, then around her, looking for the culprit. Jack stayed hidden behind a tree as she lifted a fist and scolded despite her tired voice.

''Bloody brats ! Go back home right away before I catch you !''

She grumbled and focused back on the pot, bending to gather the debrits and the dirt. It was Jack's shot. Coming out of his hiding spot, he dashed to the drying rack. He had spotted a pair of pants which seemed to fit him and quickly took it, leaving the blanket in exchange, then rushed back to the woods just as fast as he came. Back to safety by the cover of the trees, he slipped his thin legs in the pants. It was slightly too large but, at the same time, too short. It ended just under his calves, so he rolled down the bottom to make it look like he did it on purpose. However, it was slipping on his hips. He groaned, exasperated, and decided to tear off a band from his nightgown to turn it into a belt. He slipped the remains of the nightgown in his pants and convinced himself he was decent. Since he couldn't do any better, he could only hope his cape would be enough to hide it.

Then he needed the coins, and he knew it would be easier to find some at Burgess than at the village, so he didn't wait to head there. The more he was getting away from the wooden houses, the lighter he felt. And when he finally reach the city, he felt even better. There was so many people in the street no one was paying him attention.

Naturally joyful and social, Jack had never liked being ignored, but in this moment, he liked this kind of invisibility which had nothing to do with the one he had suffered since the accident. For almost four years, no one at the village was able to see him being his demonic appearance. In this moment, people were just too busy to notice him. It wasn't personal, so it wasn't hurting him. Actually, he smiled. Good mood bloomed in him, making him bounce on his feet, trotting among the crowd as he searched for money.

He was hoping to find some on the ground, luckily people were distracted and clumsy enough to loose a few coins. Jack decided to go to the market place, the place where most money was exchanged.

However, his stomach told him he disagreement. Jack had not eaten anything in the day, he had spent quite a lot of energy since waking up, and the smells of food reminded him of this fact. Grumbles and a stomach ache started to follow him around, catching attention from bystanders and traders. After what felt like forever, he found his first coin on the pavement. He quickly picked it up with a broad grin on his face and put it in his pants pocket before resuming his inspection with renewed motivation.

Soon after, he found a second one, but as he had just picked up the third one, he started as he was called out by the trader of the stall he was next to.

''Hey, kid ! What do you think you're doing ?!''

Jack faced him with hesitation. The man in his early fifties was glaring at him as if he had rubbed him. The boy didn't dare to answer, the man was making him feel like he was doing something bad, but he wasn't. There was nothing wrong in picking up abandoned coins.

''Stop lurking around my stall, you're scaring off my clients !''

''Calm down, Rupert,'' a woman chuckled.

Judging by the way this Rupert man quieted down, she seemed to be a regular client, and he visibly fancied her, wanting to make a good impression in front of her.

''This boy is hungry, is all.'' She added.

She walked to Jack with a bright smile and offered him an apple, making him confused and uneasy.

''Here, my boy, take it.''

She smiled and came closer, holding the fruit to him. He ended up taking it hesitantly, before nodding and thanking her in a whisper. The woman chuckled at that while the trader seemed admiring the woman's gesture, but disapproving it at the same time. Jack didn't stay and quickly went to pick the coin he had spotted, luckily it was still there.

That made it three, only one left to go. As he was reaching his goal, the prospect of staying at the market was less appealing. Indeed, the trader named Rupert wasn't the only one to watch him suspiciously. It was clear they didn't like him being here, nore lurk around their stalls. He could understand that, he looked like a thief, they surely were suspecting him to empty their clients' pockets.

He took a moment to sit and eat the apple generously given to him, taking all his time to munch it and convince his mind he was eating something more hearty. He ate as close to the core as possible and almost choked on a pip, then he got up and threw the thin remains in a crate full of rotten fruits. The vendor glared at the boy, visibly not liking to have more waste even if it was a tiny one. Jack averted his eyes and adjusted his hood on his head before moving on. Still he could feel that glare burn on his back, so he tried to ignore it. One more coin to find, just one, then he could go to the circus. The sun was starting to set.

He checked three times the whole market place, making his pout growing as he couldn't find anything anymore. It looked like people were being more careful with their money as they saw him wandering around. His ears twitched as he heard metallic tinkling on the pavement, but when he found where it came from, he saw a chubby man bending to pick up the three lost coins. None rolled farther, and he didn't forget a single one.

Jack's smile turned back into a pout and he burried his hands in his pockets as he kept on walking. Casting a glance to the sky, he noticed it was starting to turn purple. The circus show wasn't starting before night, so he still had a bit of time. But not that much.

He sighed and tried to convince himself that the market place couldn't help him anymore, the clients had scattered and left, even the traders were starting to pack up. Maybe he would be lucky enough to find the last coin on his way to the circus ? He had to try. So he turned around and was about to left, but he heard a voice in his back.

''There he is ! Look, he's trying to escape !''

''Kid, stop !''

Jack froze and looked over his shoulder. Much to his dismay, Rupert was pointing at him, gesturing to two people he seemed to have called to take care of the boy. Even if this system didn't exist at his village, he had visited Burgess enough times to know about it. There was a group of men and women who volunteered to solve disputes or muggings. They acted like some guards and were wearing red armbands so people could identify them.

Jack realised he was in trouble when two men wearing the red sign walked towards him, looking angry. The boy thought quickly but he could only find two options. Either he was running away and was pursued, the 'guards' would certainly catch up with him quickly and hold him off, punishing him, which would unable him to see the show. Either he just waited to see what they wanted, would eventually loose the three coins he had found, but then he could still find them elsewhere and that would only delay him.

He decided to be cautious and choose the second option, so he remained still while the two authority figures were towering over him, looking down at him.

''So, we've been told you're robbing money from the clients, kid.''

''I d-didn't !'' He stuttered, intimidated.

Obviously, the men didn't believe him and one of them gestured to his belt.

''Empty your pockets. We'll give this all back to your victims.''

''I didn't steal anything ! I was just picking coins from the ground.''

''Of course you were.'' The shorter man of the two snorted. ''Empty your pockets, now.''

Jack sighed but held himself from rolling his eyes. He dove his hands in both his pockets and took out the three coins, which he placed in the outstretched hand of the man. To enphazise he had nothing else, he pulled his pockets inside out and opened up his cape to reveal there was no other pockets. The man to whom he had given the coins stared at it, startled. They were a bit dirty and wet, and worn down for staying on the ground for days. And since there was only three coins, it was obvious Jack had not been stealing anybody, or else he would have had way more coins than that, and cleaner ones.

Visibly, both men realised that, they exchanged a look and the one with the coins cleared his throat before giving them back to Jack, who blinked with surprise.

''Looks like it's a mistake. Sorry, kid, you can have it back.''

Jack took it and put it back in his pocket, while both men remained in front of him. The second one, the taller who had remained silent up until now, took a step closer and leant a bit forward.

''Looks like you've not been roofless for a long time, boy.''

Jack hesitated but ended up nodding as a reply. He saw sadness flash in the men's eyes.

''Picking up abandoned coins won't be enough to feed you. You should try to beg, instead.''

The boy felt moved by their concern. Clearly they couldn't do much for him but they were still trying to advice him. He had not known this kind of care for a long time, which made him smile broadly to the confused men.

''Thank you, but I don't need much. I just need four coppers for tonight.''

They exchanged another look.

''What are you expecting to do with only four copper ? It's not even enough to buy bread.''

''It's for the circus.''

He didn't really know what to expect from these men, but if he had had to guess, he would have lost. The taller man opened up a small pouch and took out a copper from the few ones he had, and threw it to Jack. The boy caught it in mid-air, having troubles realising what that meant. Both men smiled at him.

''Go have your fun, kid.''

They left with this smile and the taller one even patted Jack's head as he passed him. The boy didn't mind it, too busy staring at the coin. It took him a few seconds to realise what had just happened, then he turned to look at the retreating silhouettes and spoke higher to call after them.

''Thank you !''

Without waiting, he slipped the coin in his pocket with the others and dashed away, towards the city gates. His heart was pounding wildly, a silly grin plastered on his face, he ran so fast he didn't watch his breath. His hood was toppled in his rush but he didn't mind it. Night was starting to fall all around him as he was travelling the path hugging the edge of the forest before entering it. He saw other spectators and, soon, spotted the torches at the entrance of the circus.

There was a waiting line, so he decided to go along with it and wait for his turn. He could hear chatting around him, and recognized a few faces from the previous night. Looked like there was a lot of new spectators, but still a few coming back for a second time, perhaps a third time. It didn't surprise him, the show was really good, and since it was the last representation, it was logical people wanted to come back to see it one last time before the circus left.

While waiting, Jack pulled out the coind and tried to clean il a bit with the edge of his cape. He used the fabric to scratch and scrub the copper, hoping to take out the slightly wet dirt, while the file was moving. He vaguely heard Ruffnut's voice welcome the visitors and tell them the price for entry. What he could hear the most was the tickling sounds as she was shaking the jar of coins, increasingly louder as it was being filled.

Ruffnut seemed in a better mood than the previous day, she was flashing toothy grins to the visitors and telling greetings and 'have a great show' to each and one of them. Surely she was that happy because there was more spectators than the previous night. The line was moving slowly but Jack remained patient. The more he was getting closer to the entrance, the less he could hold back his smile. He wondered what would be the blonde's reaction when seeing him, and quickly got the answer as her eyes landed on him. Her grin widdened and her greyish-blue orbs filled with sparkles. She rose her free arm and started to wave wildly at him.

''Jackie Jack !''

The boy remained silent for a moment, too taken aback by the nickname to even react. Still he kept on moving, dragged by the crowd's movement. Ruffnut shook her head and focused back on the clients holding out their money to her. She presented the jar and nodded as thanks, wishing them a pleasant evening, though it was obvious that she was now distracted judging by how fast she was takling, not even checking the coins while her eyes couldn't help but dart towards Jack. And when the boy finally reached her, giving her the coins, she startled him by wrapping an arm around his neck to hug him.

''That's so good you came ! I know some ones who'll be ecstatic to see you ! You have to come and see us after the show !''

''That was part of the plan,'' he admitted with a chuckle, even if he didn't dare hug her back.

''That's awesome, I'm so happy !''

''Excuse us, miss ?'' A client cleared his throat.

Ruffnut let go of Jack and both turned to see a couple looking more refined than the other farmers.

''Right, sorry !'' The blonde chuckled before holding out the jar, ''enjoy the show !''

The man rolled his eyes snobbishly, deposited the coins and pulled his spouse along with him, skirting Jack while avoiding to touch him as if he was infected. The boy was used to this kind of behavior, but at least this time it was just a wealthy man avoiding to touch a 'poor'. Jack had to admit he looked a bit raggedy, with his oversized clothes stained by some dirt after sleeping on the ground. So he let it go and focused back on Ruffnut, who was still grinning at him.

''We'll talk later, okay ?'' She winked at him.

He smiled and nodded before following the line inside the circus, leaving Ruffnut to her job.

Finding himself back inside the giant tent was kind of weird, it was both familiar and foreign at the same time. It was the same tent, but it was arranged differently. There was one more row of logs and the others were tighter. Jack suspected it was due to having more visitors. He found a place by the third row and sat between a fat woman smelling like floor and a broad-shoulded man dressed with a patched shirt. The woman was accompanied by a younger one who seemed to be her daughter, the man had two ten years old kids with him. Said kids were chatting excitedly, speaking so fast Jack couldn't understand half of their words. It didn't matter, it was still lively while waiting for the show to begin. And when it did, Jack held his breath by reflex.

He was amazed seeing how the show was both alike and different from the first one he had seen. Valka showed up first with a welcome speech, announcing the acts. The speech was almost identical, but her energy was different. She seemed tired but more joyful. This time, Snotlout didn't pass first, the show started with a parade. The redhead guy and the black-haired woman entered first, swirling inflamed staffs in each of their hands. Snotlout was just behind them, lifting a hug rock painted with an angry face and celtic patterns. Hiccup followed with Sharpshot perched on his arm as if he was a bird of prey, and finally the two knife throwers ended the parade while jiggling with their daggers.

Jack joined in the round of applause filling the whole tent, then to each preceding and following the different acts. Eret and Astrid were even more impressive with their accurate throws of knife. They even stabbed targets hanging at the end of a rope. Snotlout showed off his strength by lifting heavier weights than the previous night, including the empty dragon cage. The fire dancer named Heather seemed tired but it didn't prevent her to smile and look graceful in the middle of the flames. Dagur, the other fire master, scared the crowd when he suddenly stopped his jiggling to jump through his ignited hoops

And when Hiccup's turn came, Jack was smiling in anticipation. Now that he knew the dragons were already tamed, he saw details he had not noticed during the first act. The dragon shown this time was Stormfly, described at the 'beautiful but dreadful Deadly Nadder'. Jack noticed that, while tossing in the cage, she looked more annoyed than furious, and she calmed down instantly as she saw the tamer. He also noticed her round pupils following each gesture he was doing, even before he sarted pretending to soothe and coax her. She was forcing herself to keep calm but wanted to play, it was visible by her wiggling spiked tail that was making harsh stops. But the most obvious sign, which should have put the bug in Jack's ear in the first act, was the total lack of discomfort when Hiccup climbed her back, showing she was used to it.

And when the tamer flashed that bright enthusiastic smile while asking who wanted to come and pet the dragon, Jack held back with all his might from volunteering. Of course, he would have been glad to join the auburnet on stage once more, and approach Stormfly, but he wanted to let someone else get this chance too. If someone had the courage to ask. If no one was going to, then he would, but not before. His eyes scanned the crowd and only found reluctant, scared expressions. One little girl still decided she wanted to try, but her mother quickly pulled her hand back down, hushing her and scolding her lowly. Jack's smile dropped seeing this. He waited a bit longer while silence was reigning, and noticed on Hiccup's face how the tamer was used to this kind of reactions. He seemed jaded.

''That case,'' he claimed, ''we'll just continue and-''

''Wait !''

Jack looked around towards the source of the voice and spotted the young woman it belonged to. She looked in her early twenties, dark-brown hair and slightly tanned skin, the archetype of a burgian inhabitant. She stood and smoothed her hand on her yellow dress, before adjusting her white lace cap.

''I… I'd like to try.'' She asked shyly.

Jack smiled without his control, then looked back to Hiccup to check his reaction. The young man was smiling and extended his hand towards her while climbing down Stormfly's back.

''Then come here.''

The young woman walked the rows and reached the dirt circle, placing herself next to Hiccup, barely daring to look at the dragon.

''What's your name ?'' Hiccup asked.

''A-Amelie.''

''Have you met dragons before, Amelie ?''

''N-No, it's the first time… Oh my God, it's huge…''

''I know it can be impressive, but don't worry. She won't attack as long as she doesn't feel threatened.''

''She ?''

Hiccup gave her a reassuring smile and left her to go to Stormfly, stroking her side. The blue and yellow dragon shook her shoulders and cackled happily before her big yellow eyes landed on the young peasant girl. Well, eye, since she was turning her head to look from the side. Jack chuckled at this detail. Hiccup kept on stroking her and took his time to reassure the intimidated young woman. Amelie looked like she was about to run away in the second.

''Alright Amelie, try not to move, I'll bring her to you. Present her your hand, like this.''

He showed her the appropriate gesture and Stormfly cackled before pressing her big, horned snout against the open freckled palm. The dark-haired young woman tensed, her fists pressed against her chest in fear.

''Extend your hand and close your eyes, that way she'll see you're not a threat and that you trust her.''

''She's not going to bite off my hand, is she ?''

Hiccup chuckled, though Jack noticed the sound was really different from the ones he had heard before. This chuckled seemed fake, if not pained.

''Don't worry, she prefers chicken.''

This answer earned a few laughter in the crowd, and that seemed to give courage to Amelie. She took a deep breath and held her hand towards Stormfly, closing her eyes. Jack watched attentively while Hiccup was coaxing Stormfly closer. The dragon followed with bouncing steps, visibly happy to play, but she didn't seem much interested in the young woman in front of her. After one more prompt from the tamer, she blew from her nostrils and lowered her head to press her snout against the slightly tanned palm. Amelie jumped and almost backed.

Jack then noticed Hiccup was keeping his distance, contrary to when the boy had been on stage. He recalled Hiccup standing very close to him, as reassurance and encouragement.

''You can open your eyes, now.''

Amelie obliged and stared wide eyed at the dragon against her palm. The big yellow eyes were closed too, and the dragon was taking deep, slow breaths. Stormfly was very calm, but that wasn't enough to ease the young woman's fear. Jack then realised why Hiccup told him not everyone was able to see dragons as sensitive beings. Visibly Amelie, even though she had volunteered to come and pet Stormfly, was still afraid of her. Hiccup stepped closer and spoke lower, but Jack had an idea of what he was telling her. Or rather, asking her. Because he had done the same with him, the previous night. Surely he was asking her if she was feeling this connexion with the dragon, if she was feeling Stormfly was more than just an animal. But it didn't look like so. Amelie was still tensed and didn't wait to retreive her hand, rubbing her fingers as if she had touched something unpleasant.

''She's coarse.'' She said.

Jack spotted disappointment on Hiccup's face. The auburnet lowered his head and seemed to hold back a sigh, before he softly patted Stormfly's cheek. She lifted her head and shook her wings and back, then the tamer turned to the crowd and opened his arms wide.

''The dragon has been tamed !''

New cheers erupted but Jack didn't join it, this time. He was too distracted as he met Stormfly's eyes. She reacted and seemed to recognize him, she wiggled her wings and cackled louder, straightening more. Jack grinned while Hiccup remained oblivious of the exchange, too buzy politely sending Amelie back to her seat.

The show ended the same way it did the previous time, with a gathering of all the artists of the troupe, Valka's thanks – which seemed greater this time, surely due to it being the last night at Burgess – then the curtains closed and the visitors were invited to leave. Jack remained on his seat as long as possible, a smile playing on his lips as he stared at the tent emptying. He waited until he was the last one left, then got up to exit the tent.

He spotted Ruffnut at the entrance, saying goodbye to the visitors, then Tuffnut joined her and helped her closing a fence between the two pole supporting the signs, before blowing out the lantherns and torches.

The twins turned around and Jack grinned as he stood in the middle of the way. Ruffnut snickered while her brother's jaw dropped, then the dreadlock guy got a hold of himself and threw himself in a dash to the shorter boy. Jack didn't react first, expecting him to slow down and come to a stop in front of him, but he realised his mistake as the blond threw himself at him. Jack got tackled on the ground, engulfed in a bear hug that stole his breath away.

''Jack ! I'm so happy to see you, dude !''

The boy chuckled and tried to catch his breath as the blond decided to let go of him, then help him up on his feet.

''We'll throw a party,'' Ruffnut explained. ''We always do the last night, you have to join us !''

''Okay.''

''Wicked ! Come on !''

Each of the twins grabbed one of his arms and they dragged him so fast he nearly tripped on his own feet. He shook his head in amusement. The night was promissing to be more entertaining than he had expected.