Chapter 18
In another world

Jack woke up with a smile. It hadn't happened to him in such a long time, still he left his slumber with a good mood. Some warm aura was surrounding him. It had nothing to do with Sharpshot, he could feel on of the dragon's wings brushing the top of his head. This aura was not coming from the small dragon, for sure. It wa ssurounding the boy, mainly on the front, but also on the shoulder he was not resting on.

Blinking his eyes open, Jack got a somewhat blurred view on a steel medallion hanging from a dark leather lace. The pendant was finely detailed and seemed to have been sculpted by hand. A round coin with carvings, a dragon figure spiralling. The shape was stylized but it reminded Jack more of Hookfang than Toothless. Jack blinked in try to clear his sight and observing the pendant, not even wondering what is was and where it was coming from. At least, until he noticed what was surrounding the object. Edges of a large V-neck red tunic, unveiling sun-kissed and freckled skin. Shadows were highlighting collarbone and the birth of a toned chest. Hiccup's chest. Jack's face flushed as embarrassment slapped him, his heart sent in a panicked looping that made him start. Instantly, he felt the arm resting on his shoulder lift, the body in front of him moving, clear sign that the auburnet was awake, and probably had been for a while.

It took a lot of guts for Jack to dare lift his head and risk a glance at him. He was met with a smile and squinted, amused green eyes.

''Good morning,'' the auburnet greeted with a voice as soft as always.

''Mornin'…'' Jack slurred.

''Did you sleep well ?''

''Surprinsingly, yes. Valka was right, it was good to let it all out. Though I was not expecting to actually tell you everything. I spent so much time burrying it in that I suppose I just couldn't keep it in anymore.''

''I'm happy you didn't.''

Jack allowed himself to smile. ''Me too.''

Looking down, he almost wanted to close his eyes and go back to sleep. hiccup's warmth was like a balm he was swimming in, so comforting and comfortable he wanted to enjoy it as long as possible. The soft morning light seeping through the open window surely didn't mean he wanted to get up. Though he didn't dare ask Hiccup to stay with him. Even if the auburnet was not giving any sign of leaving. The both of them knew they would have to get up soon, especially when they started to hear their fellow circus members getting out of their rooms.

Someone came to knock next-door, to Hiccup's room, and both could hear Valka's voice ask him ''Son, are you awake ?''

Obvisouly, noone was goign to answer her there, but it didn't worry the two young men. Hiccup sighed and turned his head back to Jack, tearing his eyes from the door.

''We should get up.''

Jack replied with a mutted 'hum', devoid of any motivation. Even if he was feeling lighter than the previous day, he didn't really know how to deal with the upcoming day. He barely blinked when Hiccup rose from the bed, waking up Sharpshot by the matress' moving. The small dragon hissed before slipping under the blanket, rubbing along Jack's back. Said boy's eyes couldn't leave the tamer as he circled the bed, reaching for the foot of it so he could lean in and touch something there.

''Wake up, bud, it's time.''

A low groal, then a black mass moved to reaveal a large, ebony head with a gaping, yawning mouth showing off toothless gums. Jack smiled as he realised the Fury had spent the night there, with them. Toothless bounced to his paws with his usual energy and licked hs tamer's face, who half-laughed, half-grunted in disgust.

''Stop it, Toothless, you know that doesn't wash off.''

The dragon didn't mind it, warbling before he bounced on the bed, nudging Jack in the hair as a 'good morning', bouncing again so he could bump the door open. Well, try to bump it open. Hiccup chuckled and opened it, letting his best friend out, noticing the twins quickly stepping aside befre being toppled over by the neergic, lively dragon.

''Hiccup ?'' Tuffnut gawked, ''what are you going here ?''

''Huh… Keeping company to Jack ?'' Hiccup hesitated.

Said Jack tried all his might to prevent the blush from covering his whole face, but surely he had failed seeing the smirks creeping on the twins' lips.

''Ooooh I see…'' Tuffnut snickered.

''Then we won't bother you any longer !'' Ruffnut added.

Both left arm in arm, like accomplices just having filled a satisfying task, but not before giving a wink à Jack, only making him blush harder. Hiding his face in his hands, he tried to sooth the warmth, before letting out a loooong sigh. Hiccup had an amused smile, thought the way he was rubbing his neck was betraying his own embarrassment, his cheeks a light pink.

''Well, I'll give you some time to wake Sharpshot up. If you can, at least. I'll see you at breakfast ?''

''Okay.''

Hiccup nodded and opened the door again. The others had visibly left judging by the silence. The auburnet was about to leave when Jack stopped him.

''Hey, Hiccup ?''

the tamer instantly stopped and even took a step back to get back in, giving the boy his full attention.

''If you want to tell the others, you can.''

''You sure ?''

Jack nodded, his eyes unfocusing as he layed. It lasted a short moment before he closed them.

''Since you know, I don't see why hiding it from them. Though I don't think I would be able to tell everything again.''

he felt the mattress move as something heavy rested on it, near his knees, then a familiar, warm hand came to rest on his arm.

''You don't have to, especially now.'' Hiccup assured, ''you're not in a rush. Telling me doesn't mean you have to tell everyone. I can keep the secret if you want me to.''

Once again, Hiccup's unlimited support lifted Jack's spirits and made him smile. Blue eyes wandered back to the auburn-haired young man, revealing in the artic color a long-lost spark coming back to life.

''Thank you, but I think it's better they know.''

''I just want to make sure that's what you want, that you don't feel pressured to do it.''

''I want to.''

Hiccup gave him what looked like a faked smile, running his hand on the boy's arm. Silence flew for a moment, until that smile widened and turned genuine.

''You don't have to worry, they will still see you the same way.''

Jack's heart swelled with joy. ''I highly doubt anything could help me more than that.''

this time, Hiccup's smile couldn't be truer, then something changed in the forest eyes, a sudden shine Jack could only guess being an idea. An idea that seemed to wake up Hiccup's enthusiasm.

''You know what ? We shouldn't go to the festival, today.''

''Should we ?''

''You need to think about something else, get some fresh air. So today, Toothless and I will give you a tour of the best places of Broch.''

Jack couldn't find words. He remained still, surely looking a bit dumb, while his heart was racing like crazy in his chest. He had to admit that spending the whole day with Hiccup and Toothless, mostly Hiccup, was more than tempting. He had always liked these privileged moments spent with the tamer, and he had to admit he had missed it since their arrival to Broch, so he wasn't going to miss that chance.

He was about to gladly accept, but any attempt to open his mouth was cut short by a grumpy Sharpshot leaping to his shoulder, wrapping his lithe tail around the boy while hissing at Hiccup, who chuckled.

''Obviously, Sharpshot can tag along.''

The small dragon warbled with delight, soothing his grip on Jack, who roled his eyes with a smile before taking his in his arms, flipping him on his back so he could scratch/ tickle his belly. The Terror loved that as much as Toothless loved to be scratched under the chin.

Since Sharpshot was awake, Jack didn't need much time to get ready. He cleaned himself, changed his clothes – happily finding back Astrid's blue hoodie like he liked to call it – then adjusted the dye on his hair , and he was good to go. He met Hiccup by the entrance of the castle, the auburnet explaining him he had seen Goober and Astrid and warned them they weren't participating in the festival for the day, then they left.

A morning flight proved to be a good starter to feed Jack's good mood, especially when Sharpshot decided it was a good idea to challenge in a race a dragon way bigger and larger than himself. Obviously, a Terrible Terror couldn't match a Night Fury, even if he had been as big as him, since no dragon was as fast as a Night Fury. Hiccup was constantly proudly claiming that is best friend was the fastest of dragons, almost bragging about it everytime they were taking Jack to a flight. This time was no exception, still Jack insisted on slowing down for the sake of the small dragon, he was getting anxious just by loosing sight of him.

''Relax,'' Hiccup teased. ''You'll turn into a mother hen if you keep on like this.''

Jack got vexed and made it clear by slapping the tamer's arm, only feeding the tamer's laugh and his own pout. They waited a few more seconds before Sharpshot managed to catch up with them. Exhausted, the small Terror dropped in Jack's arms, who scratched his neck as comfort, before giving him a quick massage of his small wings. That earned him the loudest purr the small dragon had ever expressed.

The first place Hiccup took them was an impressive waterfall. It was so high you could see the whole forest landscape of the Broch county, spot the sea in the background, reflecting the sun in shimmering glitters, but also the castle perched on its cliff. From as far as the boys and dragons were, they could hardly know there was a giant festival going on there. Even if the wind has been strong enough to carry bribes of music, Jack doubted they coudl have heard anything among the roar of the waterfall. Hiccup took profit of the waterfall's high to show Jack one of his favorite tricks with Toothless.

Without a warning, under the widened gaze of the boy, the auburnet jumped from the top of the waterfall, letting a long shout of joy. Toothless dove in after him, head first. Jack rushed to the edge of the cliff, looking down to see them fall, swirling around one another, until the tamer quietly grabbed the dragon's saddle to climb on his back. Toothless kept on diving, waiting for th last moment to tretch out his wings, stopping their fall, before gliding up in a spiral. Dragon and rider let out another joyful exclaim, the roar echoing in the valley.

Jack stared at them with aw, and watched as they made other aerial tricks. Those ones were even more complex and impressive than the few ones Jack had witnesses on stage, but it was no surprise : not only did the sky was infinitively vaster than a simple stage, but he also knew that Hiccup was closer to Toothless than his other dragons.

In this very moment, while the two were swirlign and gliding freely above the forest, Jack noticed their synchronisation and the way Hiccup was following each of Hiccup's movements, moving his body along not to make any air resistance. They were moving as one. And when the ebony dragon came back to land in front of the boy, Jack swore there was another sun on Toothless' back seeing how Hiccup was beaming. There was no doubt the tamer belonged in the sky.

''Come on,'' the auburnet chirped, pulling him out of his thoughts. ''Shall we continue ?''

Jack picked up Sharpshot – until then busy with wrestling with a big fish he was trying to catch – before joining him on the saddle. They spent the day flying above various places in the forest and the county. As promised, Hiccup gave him a tour of the most beautiful places, but also his favourite ones. They glided above a long mountain chain – the only place filled with snow in this time of the year – they stopped by a particularly windy cliff where birds, but also Toothless and Sharpshot, had fun gliding and floating on the strong ascending wind current blowing there.

They spent a few hours by a beach where they fished their meal, went deep into the forest to find a large glade filled with long grass. Hiccup explained that, by nightime, it was filled with so much fireflies it was drawing streams of light on their path. None of it was visibly by daytime, but it didn't deter the boys and dragons to race each other by foot. Sharpshot cheated as he quickly took off to zip above the grass, while Toothless had an asset in his four paws so he was winning with flying colours. However, between Jack and Hiccup, the skinny boy proved faster despite his lack of training and muscles.

Hiccup pretended he had let him win, lauching them in a banter fight as Jack insisted it was actually because of his peg leg and Jack's incredible skills that Hiccup couldn't keep up.

By mid-afternoon, they had run out of places to tour, except the last one Hiccup wanted to show Jack. Since the auburnet was so convinced Jack would like this last place, he followed him eagerly in the heart of the forest. They landed a bit farther and resumed by foot since Hiccup didn't want to spoil the surprise. And the surprise was complete for Jack when they finally reached the location.

Deep in the heart of the forest was a completely unique place. A small glade was surrounded by standing stones circling it. The stones were like guarding sentinels standing high, natural towers protecting and mystifying the glade. Inside the circle, there was not a single tree, making a clear opening on the sky, the light basking the area. Jack silently followed Hiccup and Toothless, mouth agape, nearly breaking his neck as he was lifting his head so he could stare at the giantness of the stones. However, as they passed the stones to enter the glade, Jack stopped.

Pricklings covered his skin, tickling his arms and along his back, rising the hair on his nape. There were strange waves around him, pulsating in the air and reverberating in his chest.

''Wow, do you feel that ?''

Hiccup looked above his shoulder and noticed how te boy was lifting his hands to check them, wiggling his fingers while he was analysing this surprising sensation.

''What is it ?'' The auburnet hesitated.

Jack glanced at him and noticed how the tamer wasn't feeling anything. There was only one explanation he could think of.

''This place… there's something in the air, it's… it's…''

Hiccup's shoulders sagged. ''Yes, it's magic.''

Jack froze, eyes solidly fixed on the tamer who was coming back next ot him, looking almost quilty. The boy felt the urge to run away, flee this place, but the prickling was not unpleasant. Actually, it was comfortable, and oddly reassuring. Somehow familiar. It felt like his whole being was awoken, all ears to the waves around him. that's why he didn't move, his eyes slowly gazing at the standing stones.

''This place is the center of several local legends.'' Hiccup explained, ''it is said to be where a group of druids used to meet and practice magic through potions, and it was the place of worship of the sun and moon. It is also said that there was a few appearances of mystical beings, such as will-o-the-wisps.''

''Why did you bring me here ?''

looking back at the auburnet, Jack spotted something near worry in his eyes, whereas the rest of his body languague was saying nothing but determination. Especially his clenched fists.

''Because I think it's the best place for you to understand what magic actually is.''

Jack took a step back by reflex. He couldn't hel pit. He knew he could trust Hiccup, especially after he had told him everything about the pond and White the Cursed, but talking about magic… that was too much asking. Hiccup saw his reluctance, stepping closer to hold his wrist. His grip was firm enought to hold him back, gentle enough not to hurt him.

Jack relaxed without realising, his eyes glued to this shine in Hiccup's own orbs, who was staring right back at him, without any trace of fear. Only that relentless, genuine kindness of him.

''The others and I have met magicians before. Like I told you, magic is rare, but it can manifest anywhere really. You have to understand that magic is not evil, Jack. Only its use can be. And, most of all, there is only two ways of obtaining it : either through a long and tiring training during several years – if not an entire life – either having it since the beginning.''

Jack's throat tightened as his mouth became dry, his breath getting caught in it.

''What are you trying to say ?''

Hiccup sighed and let go of Jack's wrist, his warms fingers brushing his skin as he, instead, took his hand. The way he was holding his hand, so gently, like it could break if he wasn't careful enough, reminded Jack of the previous night, when he was giving him an anchor while Jack was reliving the most traumatic expirience of his whole life. So Jack knew bad news were coming.

''You didn't train, Jack, so the only other explaination is that… you were born with it.''

Cold shower. Icy cold shower right on Jack's face. His whole body tensed and froze, the temperature even dropping around him. He was born with that magic ? So it was confirming his suspicions, the village's suspicions. He was not born as Jackson Overland, he was born way later, when that other boy had died.

''So…'' He gasped, voice and lips trembling, ''so I'm not… So I really was born that night at the pond-''

''No, Jack, that's not what I meant-''

''How do you explain this, then ? I didn't have these powers before the accident, I was just your average human, everything went down since that night !''

feeling anger boil inside of him, Jack tore his hand from Hiccup's, stepping back until he was outside of the standing stones, turning his back on the tamer so he could massage his temples and try and slow down his ragging breath. Not feeling the magical waves anymore left him with an ood empty feeling, but he ignored it.

For a long moment, there was nothing else but silence, only interrupted by the two oblivious dragons whow ere playing and chasing each other, zigzaging between the stones and in the grass. Then a warm aura neared Jack's back, Hiccup's voice reaching him, solid but not harsh.

''Jack, I'd like you to listen to what I have to say. No interruptions, and please don't draw hasty conclusions until I'm finished, please.''

After taking a deep breath in in try to gather his courage, Jack faced him, nodding emotionlessly. Why was he feeling so numb and empty, all of a sudden ?

''I'm going to tell you all that I know about magic.''

Jack accepted to listen, without interruptions, trying not to let his thoughts wander and link the new informations to what he had went through. Hiccup sat them in the grass, outside of the circle, and told him everything he had learnt from the few sorcerers the circus had met. It was mainly thanks to Fishleg's thirst of knowledge they had gathered these informations, since none of the other troupe members had been concerned by it back then.

And what the sorcerers had told them was that those gifted with magic by birth never knew at first they had been. Because, by birth, the magic was dormant. It could awake naturally during childhood, or remain unseen. Some sorcerers discovered their powers pretty much late in their life. And, generally, it needed a push to awake this magic. A threat, a rush of fear or adrenaline, a trigger. A trauma.

''I'm convinced that's what happened to you, Jack. Your magic was dormant during all your childhood, up until that accident at the pond. This near-death experience has woken up your magic, which protected and saved you. Your people got afraid only because they didn't know about it, that doesn't make you a monster. I told you, you're not a monster, and people tend to reject what they don't understand. You don't have to be ashamed of your magic, even less be afraid of it.''

Eye in eye, Jack felt like he had been turned to stone under Hiccup's unfailing gaze. These green eyes were no waggering, not averting his, not one second. Jack couldn't see any trace of doubt in it. There was nothing but this genuine kindness and honesty. Again and always this kindness.

''You… You think so ?'' He asked, his voice so small and weak, a familiar burning sensation in the back of his eyes.

Hiccup gave a firm nod as a reply, he looked almost angry, as if he was refusing Jack to think otherwise. The boy ended up lowering his head, looking down at his pale palms. Could it really be like Hiccup said ? Had he really had this magic all along, since the beginning ? Now he was thinking about it, Jack couldn't help but search his memories, trying to find hints. And he found some. Since he was a little kid, he had always been resistant to the cold, he could go barefeet in the snow and never catch a cold. He had also always been fascinated by snow and winter, never afraid of snowstorms. His mother used to say that, when he was so small he couldn't remember himself, he was always saying that snow was his friend.

''I… I had it in me this whole time…''

It was not a question, neither an incredulous repeat. It was an observation. The hints were proof for him. And despite how this explanation was tearing apart everything he had known and questioning his whole life, everything he had been believing in until then, and everything the villagers had been saying again and again, Jack had no trouble accepting it.

''This magic is not a curse, Jack. Far from it, it's a gift. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.''

Jack's tears rolled down his cheeks, but that didn't prevent this broad, bright smile to bloom in his lips. When arriving at this circle of standing stones, when Hiccup had wanted to talk about magic, he had almost run away, but no he was realising this conversation had brought him so much more relief than he could have dreamt of. A heavy weight had just been lifted from his shoulders, the weight of doubts and fear. It was so freeing, as if someone had just cut the last bounds chaining him to White the Cursed.

Hiccup stepped closer, rising an arm to him. Jack closed his eyes in anticipation, expecting the auburnet to take him onto his arms to comfort him. The much wanted hug didn't came. Sharpshot did. Popping out of nowhere, the small dragon litterally jumped at Jack's face, dropping in his arms before climbing on his chest and putting his small paws on the boy's face so he could lick his cold tears, whining in worry. Jack burst in laughter, especially seeing Hiccup's dumbstrucj face, then he hugged the Terror close to him, wiping his face on his sleeve.

Sharpshot tilted his head on the side, big eyes looking at him in utter confusion as his beloved human was both crying and smiling broadly. So, to reassure him, Jack gave him a rasperry kiss on the belly, tickling him, chuckling at the small dragon wiggling in try to escape the tickles attack. He managed to slip from Jack's arms, grumbling a bit and going back to play with Toothless, away from that human madness.

Jack eased his laugher, feeling way more light and free than he had ever be after the accident. Comfortable silence surrounded them while Hiccup and him looked at the playign dragons.

''Wanna unwind ?'' Hiccup offered.

Jack's silver eyebrow disappeared somewhere under his dyed hair, curious and lost blue eyes looking at green ones. Hiccup's small smile broadened a bit.

''I was talking about your magic. Wanna test it out, see what you can do with it ? I bet you never really had an occasion to do so.''

Jack contemplated the idea for a moment. It was true he had never tried exploring his magic. He had never tested it, too scared to even use it. He knew he could spread frost on surfaces aroudn him while being carried away by his emotions, the wind was following too when he really was upset, and there also had been that ice explosion which had frost-bit the twins and Snotlout, the first night he had met the circus.

But aside of that, Jack didn't know what he could do, and where were his limits. Now that he was ridden of the conviction this magic was evil, he had to admit he was curious.

''Is it really okay ?'' He hesitated.

Hiccup smirked and opened his arms, vaguely pointing at the glade.

''What better place for this than a magic stone circle ?''

Jack dhad to admit he had a point, there. Clenching his fists, he took a breath in and got to his feet.

''Okay.''

''Really ?'' Hiccup beamed.

Jack nodded, enthusiasm building up inside of him like bubbles, making him want to bounce on his feet. Thought that enthusiasm dropped as he found himself again inside of the circle. His shoulders tensed and he shrunk on himself, gritting his teeth in embarrassment.

''Something's wrong ?'' Hiccup worried.

''Huh…'' Jack gave him a sheepish smile, ''I really want to test out my magic, it's just that… I have no idea how to.''

Hiccup worry got replaced by a large smile, the way he was bitting his lips and his eyes were shining proved he was trying not to laugh. Jack could have been offended if it had been anyone else, but he knew Hiccup would never make fun of him.

''Not at all ?'' The auburnet prompted.

Jack thought about it. He was not used to intentionally draw in his magic, he had only done it twice. The first time to give a small demonstration to the circus troupe, the second time in try to chase away Hiccup and the dragons from the pond, when Burgess' village was coming for Jack's head.

''The only times I intentionally used my powers, I wasn't thinking. It almost worked on itself. Did your wizards tell you how it works ?''

Hiccup kept his smile and shrugged. ''I didn't really pay attention on this part, sorry.''

''Great…'' Jack mumbled.

Il bit his lip, wrapping his arms aroudn himself. That was just his luck. For the first time he was given permission to use his magic and actually wanted to, but he couldn't ince he didn't know how. Hiccup shook his head and joined him, taking the boy's hands to unwrap this limb cocoon around him.

''I don't think there is a manual for this, but I'm sure you don't need one.''

''How can you be so sure ?''

''You said it yourself : it worked on itself. So that must go with your instincts, right ?''

Jack took a moment to think about it. It did make sens, actually. Each time he had been distressed, desperate and had needed help, his powers had somewhat come to his rescue. The wind had blown on him to help him run away from the bullies of his village, it had also answered his call each time he had tried to chase someone away from him. There was also this time when he had tried to protect Hiccup, Toothless and Sharpshot from the arrows of his village, how he had managed to raise a wall of ice, just by the desire of protecting them.

It was not that he knew how to use his powers, that he could give it precise shape with his mind, but this magic was following his emotions and his will.

Keeping this in mind, Jack took a breath in, ready to try. He told Hiccup so, who nodded and let go of his hands, stepping back to give him some space, but still remaining there with him. Jack focused on a steady breath to keep himself calm, taking long, deep breath in and out. He closed his eyes and let his arms hang along his body, his hands slightly apart in case it was working. Cleaning his head off any distracting thought, he blocked out the sounds of the warbling dragons and their rushed stomps of paws or flaps of wings. He only focused on the magical waves of the place. He tried to visualize what his magic could look like if he really could see it pulsing within him. All he could picture was a blueish light in the center of his chest, pulsing in rythm with his heart. He imagines having control on this light, making it grow so it could spread out of his body. He was so focused he didn't notice the crystal sounds cracking at his feet, nore did he felt the air getting colder just around him.

Only Hiccup's voice reached him, amazed and cheerful. ''It works, Jack ! I don't know what you're doing but it works !''

Jack smiled at that, feeling his excitment bubble in him again. That's when eh felt something brush on his face, like a feather landing on his skin. A cold, wet, really small feather. A surprised gasp coming from Hiccup prompted him to open up his eyes, enabling him to see they were now surounded by snowflakes. There wasn't much, slowly and gracefully swirling down around Jack mainly. He tentatively lifted a hand to gather some. Hiccup came right in front of him, sparkling eyes fixed on the pale, snowlike palm, then looked up to meet equally sparkling blue eyes.

''You did it !''

Hiccup's smile got contagious, feeding the bubbling energy in Jack. It encouraged him to try something else. The snow was quite sparse, only localized around the wintery boy, until it tickened with his surge of joy. Hiccup smiled even more, a teasing look adressed to Jack.

''Looks like your powers are linked to your emotions.''

That's what Jack had thought too. He didn't know why, surely it was silly of him, but the fact Hiccup and him had drawn the same conclusion made him smile. That thought died as he saw Toothless and Sharpshot stop their race, big round sparkly eyes focused on the snowflakes. It took not much than a shared look and the two changed their game, goign after the snow stars and trying to catch – or eat ? – them. Toothlees jumped and clacked his teeth in the air before dropping back, slipping on the wet grass.

Seeing the green glasse slowly disappear in the white brought back memories to Jack. Snow had always been thick during winter at Burgess, turning into the perfect playfield for children. How many snowball fights had they had in the streets or near the woods ? Emma and him used to love them, and he had claimed himself unbeated master of this discipline.

An asymetrical smirk streched his lips to the left while he got an idea, feeding even more the light snow. Snowflakes gathered to become a thick veil, thick but only contained within the Standing Stones. Hiccup ended up tearing his eyes from the wintery view to stare at Jack. Said boy tried not to laugh seeing all the snowflakes caught in the aubur hair.

''Can I know what you're thinking about ?'' The tamer asked, thought he was still smiling.

Jack shrugged nonchalantly, trying to look innocent and harmless. He burried his hands in his front pocket, turning his back on Hiccup and feigngin a stroll.

''I don't know what you're talking about…''

He didn't give him time to brace himself as he quickly bent to pick a handful od snow, swiflt packing it in a ball and throwing it at him. It hit the tamer's arm, exploding in a white splash making him start.

''That's one for me !'' Jack laughed before running away from retaliation.

Scandalized surprise on Hiccup's face quickly vanished to give place to a smirk and defiant frown. Hicup picked some snow too, but Jack was too fast for him and, before the auburnet could pack a ball, the boy gave him a glimpse of his accute throwing. The tamer's yelp caught the dragon's attention, who spottd their human starting a terrible snowball fight, running and laughing at each other.

Soon, three teams were formed. Jack, more or less helped by Sharpshot who was remaining by his side but was trying to catch the balls instead of avoiding them. Hiccup on his own, nd Toothless who had unshamefully betrayed him by splashing snow on his tamer whereas said tamer thought he was his ally. Hiccup was slowed down by his peg leg, slipping on ice and digging deep in the snow, deeper than his valide foot, while Jack just seemed to float on it, as light as a feather on water. The wind was also on his side, deflecting the attacking snowballs.

Hiccup called on cheating several times, to which Jack simply replied he was using all the assets he had. Toothless was too, using his large wings and his tail to rise waves of snow on them. Jack was aiming right evey single time, having hit Hiccup once in the arm, twice in the chest, and once behind his head. As to Toothless, he had not quite liked receiving the same treatment, so he used his tail to trip Jack and lay him face first in the snow, earning instant reprisals from Sharpshot.

So Jack learnt not to mess with the mighty Night Fury and focused his attacks on Hiccup, who had as much trouble dodging than aiming his target. Jack was soundly beating him, no doubts there. At least, that's what he thought, until Hiccup managed to sneak behind him and take him by surprise, wrapping his arms around the boy's waist and sending them both in the snow. That only fed Jack's giggles, even as Hiccup kept his grip and half-burying him in the white powder, the boy wiggling in try to escape, but not to avail.

''Ready to give up ?'' The auburnet asked.

''Never !'' Jack retorted, squirming even more, kicking some snow with his feet and sending it on the tamer's back. ''I'm the king of snowballs, no one can beat me !''

''Looks like 'your Majesty' doesn't have the higher ground here, though.''

''That's a trick, obviously. I'm only waiting for you to let your guard down so I can use my secret weapon.''

''Are you now ? And what would that secret weapon of yours be ?''

''You asked for it.''

Jack slipped a hand between their bodies and drew it close to his face. With a soft blow, he summoned a single snowflake between his fingers. Jack smirked and knew that Hiccup guessed what he was planning. taht's why the auburnet quickly jumped back, barely dodging the snowy explosion. He still found himself with iced spikes in his hair, which sent Jack into another laughter fit. The boy clenched his middle and wiggled his feet, rolling on his side. He was even shedding tears of laughter.

Until he noticed something. His giggle stopped as he rose his hands in front of his face, observing them.

''Wow…'' He breathed.

''What is it ?'' Hiccup asked, now laying beside him.

Jack was too distracted to notice, focused on his hands, wondering at their state.

''I'm not shivering. That's the first time I'm not after using my magic.''

''Maybe it was because, this time, you were ready to use it ? And you meant to ?''

''Yeah, maybe.''

Jack lowered his hands, resting them on his belly, his eyes lost in the small swirls of snowflakes still falling around them.

''It's good to see you like this.''

Jack's eyebrows shot up as he heard how calm and tender Hiccup's voice was. Looking to his side, he finally noticed how close they were. His heart skipped a beat while butterflies suddenly filled his belly.

''Like what ?''

''Like this. You look like you're living again.''

Jack hesitated for a bit. The snow stopped falling and the one on the ground already started to melt as his magic received. He looked like he was living again ? No wonder, it was exactly how he was feeling since he had left Burgess, since he had joined the circus. It had taken time, especially at the beginning, but he had made huge progress recently. And he knew he owed it to Hiccup.

''Thank you.'' He murmured.

''Come on, no need to thank me.'' The tamer grinned.

Jack smiled back, then they fell back into silence and calmness. Both remained like this, laying on the ground, staring up at the sky, listening to so faraway birds chirping and singing while the snow was melting around them, the wetness of their clothes drying gently in the wind. Soon they were back into an ordinary glade, well if you didn't mind the Standing Stones surrouunding it. Laying like this next to each other, Jack spotted Hiccup's necklace had been pulled out of his tunic, surely during their wrestling in the snow. When the blue eyes landed on the pendant, the boy tentatively took a hold of it so he could watch it closely.

''What is this ?''

Hiccup sighed in a way that sounded nostalgic, his warm fingers wrapping around Jack's to turn the medallion around so the boy could see it properly.

''A souvenir.''

Jack didn't speak. He was curious and wanted to know more, but he didn't dare ask. Seeing how Hiccup was nostalgic, he suspected it to be a sensitive topic. He tried to tell himself that talking about it would do good to his friend, like it did to him, but at the same time he convinced himself Hiccup had plenty of time to confide in Toothless, or his mother, or the other performers.

''Berk.''

''Hm ?'' Jack started and gave a confused look to the auburnet.

It earned him a chuckle and soft smile, which teinted his cheeks with unwanted colors.

''That's Berk crest,'' Hiccup explained. ''That's where me and most of the troupe are from. We were a clan of fierce viking warriors, and one of the first to make peace with dragons, whereas others used to fight them in war.''

this information chocked Jack, he had to admit it. ''You… You used to fight dragons ?''

''Yes,'' the auburnet admitted with guilt. ''But things changed when I was a teenager and met Toothless. From the moment we made peace, Berk became a wonderful place, for both vikings and dragons.''

Jack smiled as he tried to imagine what it could have looked like. But his imagination had limits and when he was trying to picture a viking riding a dragon, this viking was instantly turning into Hiccup. He was only picturing Hiccup riding Toothless, or Hookfang or Stormfly like he had seen on stage. Picturing the stage raised other questions.

''What happened for you guys to end up here ?''

He barely dared asking. Until then, he had not realised that each member of the troupe must had left home and family to join in the circus adventure. So he wondered what were their reasons to. This question died for a moment as he felt Hiccup's thumb caressing the back of his hand. Looking him closely, he could see melancolia flooding all his face.

''Peace was not to everyone's liking. Other clans were too attached to traditions and prejudices to see there was another way than war. Berk got destroyed. We could save most of the dragons, but only a few of us vikings made it through.''

Jack's heart broke hearing this, a painful pinch filled his chest, making him wonder if he was actually made of ice and had cracked.

''I'm so sorry…''

Hiccup replied with that special smile of his. Without a word, he drew their hands closer to his face and pressed a kiss on Jack's fingers, unknowingly sending the boy's heart into a looping fit.

''It was a long time ago.'' Hiccup assured.

Jack stared at him in silence, trying to tidy his thoughts. The performers of the troupe were all looking joyful, he had troubles believing they could have such a tragic history, that they had lost home and family too, like him.

''Does this pain ever fade away ?'' He asked in a whisper.

Hiccup looked at him straight in the eye before answering. He seemed so sad behind that calm face.

''Not entirely, no. With time, it gets lighter, we manage to live with it, but we never really forget. And that's a good thing. We mustn't forget. We just have to focus on the good parts instead of regretting it was over. That's why we called our circus like this, actually. We wanted to keep a part of Berk with us, so we gave it the name of our clan.''

''The Hairy Hooligans ?''

''Quite catchy, isn't it ?'' Hiccup smirked.

''Sounds like you're a bunch of rogues, no ?''

''Maybe, but it suits our viking origins.''

''So, you all are from Berk ?''

''Not all of us, but the majority is. Heather and Dagur are from the Berserkers, Mala comes from the Defensors of the Wings, Eret from the Wild Sailors. And you're from Burgess.''

Jack's heart skipped another beat as Hiccup included him in the list. Surely the boy knew where he was from and didn't need a reminder, still Hiccup had included him as a true member of the troupe, and that gave him a feeling of belonging like he had never knew before.