Author's Note: Back with another chapter, a good one I hope. I would have updated yesterday but i got busy. Either way, here it is and I hope you all enjoy this one, can't say much as I don't want to give anything away. Enjoy
Disclaimer: I had trouble researching the layout of Berk, and everything in it. I tried finding maps and places where everyone's homes are listed but couldn't find anything solid. So I did the best I could with the descriptions, I hope none of you are confused, and if you are im sorry about it.
Chapter 4: Back in the Village
Hiccup wasn't even sure what he was doing, or why he was doing it. It was crazy, it was dangerous…and foolish. Yup, that pretty much summed up all of the one-legged teen's plans that he always comes up with. Yet, the circumstances in which he found himself in only made the matters worse, and the idea more foolish, but he continued like always. Still blanketed by the cover of darkness the teen had long since left the Cove, heading back towards the village. His footsteps were light as a feather as he decided to take a slow pace, ducking behind the trees and bushes for added precaution every few moments. Thankfully his choices were well made, as at one point he dived into the foliage upon hearing footsteps. Looking through the small gaps he could see some light, a torch, as well as a small group of Beserkers walking about.
"He has to be around here somewhere," one of them said.
"Don't worry he couldn't have gone too far," the second one said.
"Remember, Dagur wants him alive," the third voice said.
Hiccup's breathing hitched upon hearing that, of course Dagur would be sending a whole search party for him, and only him. Yet, a bit of dread coursed through him as he concluded that if they are only searching for him, then it only confirms that no one else made it out of the village, and he's truly on his own. "Dad…Toothless…" he couldn't help but say upon knowing his father and dragon are now being held captive. Who knows what the Deranged Berserker leader could be doing with them…with Dagur's cruel mind anything could happen, yet the teen had to shake the image from his mind and focus on the patrol.
Thankfully they passed by unsuspecting, but Hiccup waited for a moment longer just to be sure before crawling out and resuming his trek. He picked up the speed a bit as he didn't want to risk running into anymore patrols, but also knew that if he made a sound it would be over for him, yet he's just anxious to get this done with. Nothing could be heard in the forest except for his beating heart, which is filled with some anxiety at the moment. Still, he managed to steel himself and keep focus. A minute later he came to a sudden halt upon seeing light ahead. He immediately went behind a tree, pressing himself against it as his chest is heaving as some fright seeped into him. His body frozen, as if the temperature dropped to zero, trying to steel his breathing to be as quiet as possible. A few agonizing seconds passed but nothing else was heard, which gave Hiccup some hope.
Being careful he peered out and looked ahead, eyes widening as Outcasts stood in the distance, standing in his path some fifty yards away. He kept watching, only to realize that they aren't moving, as their torch seems to be embedded into the ground. "Oh no," Hiccup couldn't help but say as he realized this must be a checkpoint of some sorts. It looked like they were guarding that spot and weren't going to be moving anytime. The main problem is that they are standing in the middle of the path Hiccup needed to go in order to get behind his home. Going down that road would have made his goal faster and easier, but it seems that plan is in jeopardy. Pulling his head back he softly hit the trunk of the tree in anger, now a new plan needed to be thought of.
There was another path that led into the village, the only problem is that it would put him a good distance from his home. Meaning he'll have to cross the, most likely, enemy populated streets without being spotted. Too bad he doesn't have his notebook which had a sketch of the island on it, as it would help him big time with planning his route. Yet now that he thought about it, he would be closer to the forge if he went through the alternate path.
"My bag…" Hiccup suddenly said, remembering that his satchel is with Toothless' saddle bag, which he needed to carry his stuff. Now thinking about it the teen did need supplies and would have to have something to carry them in. Plus, the forge does have supplies he would need if he wanted to survive out here…but would it be worth the risk going for it? Chances are it's being picked clean of it's contents…yet they would only go for the weapons nothing else. Yet, if he was wrong it would be a time waster.
What should he do? Take the alternate path and hope he can get to the forge, or should he just go through the path ahead, stick along the edges and keep low. Hopefully he could remain undetected, go to his house and grab the Book of Dragon and Bork's notes. He could carry both of them in a sack lying around at his home…but most likely he wouldn't be able to get any other supplies he would need to survive out in the forest. Two different choices…yet which one would work out better for him?
Hiccup looked back around to look at the stationary guards, neither one of them having moved. He had to make a choice now, but where to? He remained behind the tree for a moment before groaning, knowing where he had to go. Trying to sneak passed those Outcasts would be too risky as the torch lights spread far, and they seemed to be on guard. So, he had to take the alternate path. Taking one last look at the small checkpoint, Hiccup took a few breaths calming breathes.
"Odin help me," the teen spoke before he hastily moved down the other way, going away and out of the path going towards his house. It would take him longer but at least it would be safer. Hopefully.
It may have taken a bit longer, but Hiccup finally emerged from the trees and into the village. He took off into a blind sprint and did a slide down underneath one of the houses. Once fully covered Hiccup crawled to the other side of the home, peering out to the streets. His heart started to race upon seeing lit up torches, which are being held by Berserkers and Outcasts who were patrolling the streets. Thankfully none of them saw the teen entering the village as they kept on walking unaware. Hiccup mentally thought of where he was and realized that he's on the other side of the great hall, opposite of his house. Yet he's about seven or eight houses away from the forge, and if he can keep to the shadows and stay hidden, he should make it.
"Ok Hiccup…you've done this before when Alvin invaded…you can do this again," Hiccup whispered to himself, trying to mentally prepare himself to move. Back when Alvin invaded, he could remember running through the streets hiding from him, yet back then not all the Outcasts had made it onto the island, and he wasn't the only ones they were looking for. That would make things considerably harder as two tribes were already stationed in the two…looking for him only. This only made him doubt his plan even more, and second thoughts flooded his mind. Still, he needs to try, and hopefully most of the Outcasts and Berserkers were out in the forest searching, leaving the village less guarded. If that's the case this could just work.
Once the street in front of him was cleared Hiccup moved out from under the house, rushing down the street and passing the various homes lining the streets. He kept his ears and eyes peeled out for anymore Outcasts patrols, footsteps or lights from the torches. Thankfully he encountered less patrols, and had more places to hide in, so the trek towards the forge was going on without a problem. He could see it in the distance… but as he got closer his heart sank upon seeing lights on within! Hiccup skidded to a stop and went to hide behind one of the houses, peaking around and focusing on the building ahead. He could clearly see two Berserkers walking out of the forge, carrying what looked like weapons.
"No…they're raiding the forge…like I knew they would," Hiccup said to himself upon seeing one of them carrying a lantern, the source of the light inside. That made the teen sigh out in relief, upon realizing that they were the only ones inside, meaning it would be clear for him to enter. Yet should he take that risk? If he did, he would be working against the clock as he wasn't sure if they would be back at any moment. Still, maybe there was something he could still use inside, hopefully his bag. Deciding then, he took a moment to make sure the two Berserkers were out of sight, and checking to be sure no one else is around, before running out towards the forge. His footsteps crunched into the dirt, but he managed to get inside the darken building without any problem.
The first thing the teen could see is the lack of weapons hanging on the walls and on the shelves. There still were some axes and swords, but not as much. This only made Hiccup's heart race as he knew those two will be back soon, so he had to hurry. Looking to one of the shelves he spotted Toothless' riding gear, which thankfully is undisturbed. Grabbing at it he found his bag, and removed it from the saddle, slinging the strap onto his shoulder, and a bit of comfort overtook him at having it. The leather sack was large enough so he could carry quite a few items, so having it was real welcoming. Taking one look outside he found it clear so he resumed his search for anything he could use. He spotted a length of rope hanging on one of the wall mounts, he wasn't sure why, but he felt that this could come in handy, so he grabbed the rope and stuffed it into the bag. Turning back to the shelves he scanned around what was left, finding most of the tools gone. Both eyes locked onto a flint and tinder on the shelf, even though a fire would surely give him away he could possibly light one for a quiet moment. Despite him trying to go unnoticed it still got cold and he would need some heat, so he collected both items and stuffed them in his pack.
As he continued to search, a sudden thought came to mind as Hiccup looked in the direction of his workspace. D-Did they check over there? Is that place still safe? No, no, there was nothing there they could want…right? Hiccup wanted to keep on checking the forge for anything else he could use, but the thought kept nagging at him, like a bug that wouldn't go away. He kept trying to force his mind to focus as there is nothing in his workspace, they could want but, there is always that one thought that could be right, still he couldn't afford to waste time. Sighing deeply, he relented and made his way out of the building and walked around, heading for the entrance of his workspace. Ducking behind the curtain he stopped in his tracks with his eyes widened. Despite the darkness within he could still see, thanks to his eyes adjusting to the dark. What he found only made his heart wrench as some of his plans, his blueprints, charts and notes, were packed up into some containers on the floor! His breathing started to increase upon seeing one container filled with stuff and the other partially filled. Walking forward Hiccup knelt by one them and picked up one of the blueprints sticking out.
Unrolling it, both eyes widen upon seeing It was plans for one of his earlier inventions, a fishing net that could be sot out of a small launcher and be reeled in. Still doable, but something he put off for a number of reasons. The next piece of paper happens to be the drawling designs of Toothless' tail fin and how it worked. Hiccup's heart raced and breathing increased as he realized that they planned on taking his designs and ideas…Stealing years of work he put into planning…maybe to use against them.
The mere thought of this made the teen's breathing race as his mind went into overdrive thinking what could happen if Dagur managed to get these ideas to work. If the village somehow got freed, then what's to stop him from using his own plans against Berk and everyone? His own plans could even lead to others dying, especially the dragons….and it would be his fault. "No…I can't let that happen, none of these can't fall in their hands."
Hiccup looked through all the containers carefully, checking every single one, but sighed in relief upon finding all his plans still here, nothing was missing. Ok, so they didn't take them yet…but why not? Did they prioritize the weapons more than his stuff? Despite the reason the teen got lucky but couldn't allow them to take anyone of these…but there's a problem. He couldn't take any of this stuff with him. It would take up too much room in his bag, and he needs the extra space for other essentials he would need. He took one peak outside to check for anyone and thankfully no one could be seen. Turning back to the containers he knew he couldn't leave them, but also couldn't take them as well. Something had to be done to keep them out of the wrong hands, but what? Both eyes widen as a thought came to mind….a terrible one as it would mean years of work being lost, yet it would keep all of it out of Dagur's hands. He couldn't even fathom the idea, but it was the only other way, as if he hid them, they could get found. In the end…he knew what had to be done, "I can't believe I'm going to do this."
With that he moved about, grabbing whatever blueprints were left on the shelves and stuffing them into the containers, making sure he got everything. Every single note he took, every single blueprint, and all the designs he came up with…all of them being stuffed into the containers. Yet stopped when he picked up a parchment that was eye-catching. Unfolding it he found it was a map of Berk, yet there were some circled points on the map with some writing on it.
"Dragon traps?" Hiccup said in confusion. "Didn't we dismantle some of these?" the teen looked at this map for a while longer before he folded it back up and stuffed it into his bag, figuring this could come in handle later.
He went back to emptying his workspace, before he picked up the containers, well picked up one as he had to drag the second. Small grunts could be heard as he exited his workspace, exerting as much force as he could, wishing he was stronger by this point, but made do with what he had. Once out he went around behind the forge…to the cliffside edge.
Reaching the edge, Hiccup looked back to make sure no one is watching, thankfully the forge is blocking him from view before he shifted his gaze back over the edge. Looking, he saw it was a long way down, yet nothing but water and jagged rocks could be seen. The teen continued to stare with unease and hesitation as he knew what he had to do…what he was going to do. Destroy everything he worked so hard on…effectively making him have to go back to square one if he survived this. He started to have second thoughts, and considered just hiding these, but didn't want to risk it. Throwing these items over the edge is like throwing part of his life away…it wasn't an easy thing to do.
"You can always start over Hiccup…you can always do that," the teen said to himself, trying to believe in his words and trying to instill fortitude to go through with it. Yet, it was like his body won't respond…truly showing how hard it was.
After trying to force himself for a few moments he picked up the first container, looking back over the edge. His hands held onto the sides with an iron grip, his body subconsciously not wanting to let go. With as much will possible Hiccup reared back and chucked it over, watching as the container and its contents plummeted down towards the water. As Hiccup watched this, he couldn't help but see memories of the past flash before his mind. How he always came up with designs and showed Gobber, getting his opinion on them. How the Blacksmith kept encouraging him to continue, and one day would be successful…despite all his attempts resulting in disaster. A silent splash could be heard as the objects made contact with the water, soaking everything and causing them to sink down.
Tearing his eyes away, Hiccup felt a pain in his heart as he grabbed the second container, with shaky hands. His body didn't want to listen anymore, but his brain had to force him to finish it as he came this far. Fighting back tears he chucked the second one over, watching it fall to join the others. Another set of memories flashing by, only this time his father praising him for one of his ideas working, like the dragon perches. Despite what happened with those, the pride in his father's eyes made him feel like his ideas were successful…yet now they were being destroyed. Another splash is heard as they joined the others, being destroyed as well.
Hiccup couldn't tear his eyes away from where they landed, as he fell to his knees, not believing what he had to do…but it had to be done. It pained him a lot to do it, but there was no going back now as he had more important things to focus on. He wasted too much time doing this, so he tore himself away from the edge and ran back to the front of the forge, intending on going back inside and checking for items, only to stop as he saw light in the distance. Eyes widening Hiccup took off for one of the houses, trying to hide behind it. Reaching safety, he pressed himself against the building, keeping out of sight.
Moving to the other side of the building Hiccup peeked around to look, but also staying out of sight. Before him is the village square, still some distance away, but Hiccup saw his home, still a good distance away…yet the problem was that a large number of Outcasts and Berserkers seem to be near the town square. There was no way he could cross and head directly to his home, as the area is too open. Also, his house rested on a large hill, which could make him be easily spotted if he wasn't careful.
"I'm going to need a to take another detour…This is taking longer than I wanted it to. I better not stay in the villager longer than I have to, yet I can probably sneak out through the backdoor," Hiccup whispered as he tried to think of an alternate route. The more direct route wouldn't be good, so he would have to take a longer way. Going back around Hiccup looked towards the forge, seeing the same two Berserkers going back into the building, most likely going to collect more weapons. The forge is a no go anymore, as who knows how long they will take. Besides, best to go while two of them are distracted. "Well…here we go."
He broke out in a fast sprint, keeping low and out of sight, until he came to another set of buildings, ducking underneath. On his belly he then started to crawl through the underside, taking a moment to adjust his bag as it shifted. He kept to the back parts of the houses, where small alleyways are, hopefully there's no one patrolling these areas as he wasn't sure how he could proceed. Thankfully, it didn't come to that as he approached the end of the underside of the home. Looking around he found no one around, prompting him to crawl out and head for the next-
"Hold it!" A loud, yet familiar voice called out, causing Hiccup to go wide eyed and froze in place, causing his heart to skip a beat…Especially as the voice as so familiar.
"Dagur," Hiccup gulped as he knew he was caught.
"What are you doing!? I told you to look for Hiccup!" Dagur's voice suddenly said, causing Hiccup to raise his head in confusion. His heart then raced upon hearing footsteps, prompting the teen to jump underneath another home. Thankfully the timing is right as he heard rapid footsteps coming from two directions. Looking back he saw one Outcast and then Dagur appear, the leader seemingly irritated.
"I…I was only doing what I was being told and-" the Outcast responded nervously yet seemed to crumble at the death glare he is receiving.
"Yet I tell you differently," Dagur seethed as he grabbed the larger male's hand and started twisting it, a cry of pain coming from the Outcast as the grip is solid and wasn't released. "Now, go and find him, or else I'll break your hand!"
"O-Ok!" the man cried out as a few pops could be heard, and thankfully he was released. Hiccup's breathing increased, causing him to cover his mouth to reduce the sound. Without even thinking he backed up, heart pounding into him as he didn't want to be anywhere near Dagur and had to put distance between themselves. The mere sight of Dagur's cruelty only made the boy fear for his life and didn't want to think what would be done to him if caught. Thankfully, the attention wasn't on him as Hiccup was allowed to retreat the opposite way, climbing out from under the house and rushing away from the scene. Hiccup didn't know where he was going but he kept going and going, and before he knew it, he was clear of the houses, and in the open.
"Oh no," he said to himself as he frantically searched for a place to hide. Quickly he spotted a building in not too far away, which he sprinted to, he didn't care which building it was, as long as it provided him some cover. Rushing behind the building, he spotted another cliffside before him, perfect cover as no one would come behind there. Hiccup pressed himself against the back wall, panting and placing a hand on his chest, feeling every single beat of his heart. He never felt the fright hit him like it did just now, and to be honest he thought he was going to get caught. Well at least he's still undetected and all. "Ok…that was close…just need to make sure to-AH!"
The teen jumped in fright upon feeling a hand grab him on the shoulder, immediately panic shot through him as he tried to move away, but the hand has him and isn't letting go, "Hiccup!" a familiar voice whispered out.
The boy stopped all movement as he recognized the voice…but it couldn't be. Slowly he turned around and two things became apparent. First off, he realized that he was at Berk's jail, and he is standing underneath one of the barred windows. The second most important thing is who he saw through those bars, "D-Dad?"
"Hiccup…you're ok," Stoick blew out a sigh of relief, his arm barely being able to fit through the bars, but still is able to make contact with his child. He had been sitting in the cell until he heard a voice, he couldn't believe it when he found it to be his son and couldn't help but reach out to touch him.
"Dad!" Hiccup cried out as he moved forward, hands clutching onto his father's arm. He felt so relieved seeing him that he could cry, in fact a small tear rolled down his face, yet he didn't care. Everything that has happened momentarily forgotten as he's glad to see a familiar face….especially it being his dad
Stoick's hand clutched both of his son's hands easily, the weight lifted off of him knowing he's alright. A moment passed as they let the feeling sink in some more, Thor knows how much Hiccup needed this…yet the feeling was short lived as he realized the situation his son is in. "Hiccup, what are you doing here? It's too dangerous to be in the village."
"I…I had to come back, I had to take the long way back into the village but…I have to get the Book of Dragons and Bork's notes, I can't let that fall into Dagur's hands," Hiccup explained, his body trembling as he continued to hold onto his father, not wanting to lose contact at all.
"Hiccup it's too dangerous to be worrying about those, Dagur sent most of his men to hunt you down, they could find you here," Stoick explained, looking back at the cell door but relieved that no one is there.
"I…I know…I...Dad…" Hiccup tried to explain things, but his mind is too jumbled up with too many thoughts. He just said the first thing that came to mind, "Toothless was caught, he gave himself up to save me."
"I know son…Dagur has him somewhere but I don't know where exactly," the chief nodded, sad to hear that the Night Fury wasn't with him, yet his son managed to get free. Yet, he then started to feel bad as he remembers telling his son where to go, realizing he must have been alone at the Cove. The chief's head bowed, as he gently squeezed his boy's hands, "I'm sorry son…"
"W-What?" Hiccup raised his eyes in confusion and surprise.
"I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the Cove…I got overwhelmed when trying to save everyone else," Stoick responded back. "I didn't want to leave you alone like that, but it was unavoidable."
"Dad it's alright, I know you did your best…I don't blame you," Both of Hiccup's eyes closed as his head bowed a bit. "At least you're still alive."
"So are you son…just seeing you puts my mind at ease," Stoick wanted to hug his son so bad right now, but the bars prevented that one comfort. So close yet so far.
"Dad, can't you break the door down easily? We could both leave the village and form a plan and-" Hiccup tried to explain, a bit of hope rising up as if his dad could be with him them maybe this could make things easier. Yet, that hope was extinguished.
"I can't," Stoick sadly responded, earning a devastating face from his son. "I was warned if I tried escaping Dagur will kill someone…I can't let that happen Hiccup, I can't let anyone die because of my actions."
"B..,But dad…I need you with me," Hiccup responded back.
"I know…I know, but believe me I want the same thing," Stoick tried to reassure, hating the look on his child's face.
Another small tear fell down the teen's face as the devestatiion took him, having to be alone once more. He hated it, but this is his reality…yet he then remembered what happened after leaving the village during the attack...The memory so vivid in his mind, causing his hands to squeeze back, "D-Dad…something happened after I got separated from Toothless."
That caught the chief off guard, immediately fearing the worst, yet wasn't sure how as his child is standing before him, "What is it?"
"D-Dad…I…I…well it's…a…" Hiccup had trouble trying to say it, he wasn't sure why but just talking about it was too hard for him. Bad memories and feelings were swelling up as It took him a moment to compose himself before he looked back up at his father, another tear falling from his eye. "Dad…it happened again…I-I…I killed someone again."
Silence enveloped the small area as both of Stoick's eyes rose in shock, he didn't expect that to happen at all, yet he heard it clear as day. This wasn't good, especially after all the progress the teen had been experiencing the last couple of months…who knows what this latest kill could have done to him, "Oh…son…what happened?" he asked in a gentle voice. The desire to hug him grew more.
"I…I didn't want to do it dad but…I would have been caught if I hadn't. One of the outcasts snuck up and grabbed me…he called out, exposing our location. I fought back the best I could and managed to stun him to the point where he couldn't call out. I only had seconds to decide on what to do, and only one thing came to mind," Hiccup's body shivered as he could see himself lunging at the Outcast, stabbing him. "I stabbed him in the face…I killed him to prevent him from calling out."
"Hiccup, it's alright," Stoick calmly said, freeing his hand to gently rub at his son's head. "It had to be done…I know you may have not wanted to, but it was the only way to keep yourself safe. You may not have liked it but nothing else could have been done."
"Dad…it's just…it's really scaring me again…l-like before," Hiccup admitted, remembering the nightmare he faced earlier. "Everything I did before came back to me…only for me to realize that…that…I can't…I didn't want to do it either way."
"I know son…but as sad as It may be, this is a time of war…with survival being the most important aspect," Stoick started to explain. "Right now, you're free, and it was because of your quick actions. Now you need to get off of Berk."
"Dad I can't, Toothless was my only chance," Hiccup explained how it wasn't possible. "Plus, I can't find any other dragons around, they might have been taken out by Dagur and the others. There's no other way for me to leave here at all. My best option is to wait for the others to come back."
"The Riders…right," Stoick closed his eyes, trying to think of a way to keep his son safe. Hearing about him killing brought weight to his mind, but at least he's alright. Still, his boy is on his own, and needed to stay safe for the time being. Still, the only way is to wait for his friends to come back, but that could take a long while. Still, it was the only option they had, prompting the chief to sigh. "Hiccup, listen to me carefully."
"Y-Yes?" Hiccup responded back, giving his undivided attention.
"if you're going to wait, you need to survive till then, by any means necessary…I know this is something you don't want to hear, but you may have to kill again if the situation demands it," Stoick said in a serious tone.
"W-What? D-Dad I'm not sure if I can," Hiccup responded in surprise, not expecting to hear that at all. The fear swelling up as it made him sick just thinking about taking another life. He can't do it…not again.
"I know, but Hiccup this is serious, if you hadn't killed that one Outcast like you did Dagur would have you. Son, I know you may not want to, but if it comes down to it, you may have to kill more, it'll be the only way for you to survive. And believe me son I want nothing more than for you to be safe."
"I…I don't think I can do this," Hiccup said, breathing quickening and deepening.
"Remember son, only if it can't be avoided," Stoick added in, not wanting a repeat of last time where his son misinterpreted his words.
Hiccup opened his mouth but got interrupted
"He's in the village!" A loud voice rang out, alerting the both of them.
"Oh no," Hiccup responded back in fright, knowing that they must have figured they found his empty workspace.
Panic now started to fill Stoick as looked back at his son, "Hiccup you have to leave now."
"D-Dad…I can't leave you," the boy responded back.
"You have to," the chief assured. He wanted more time with his son, but couldn't risk it, "You can't get caught."
"D-Dad…I need someone, anyone, I can't be alone, not after what happened," Hiccup responded back, now, more tears threatening to fall.
A hard exhale of air left Stoick, knowing fully what his son is talking about. He is afraid of being alone with his thoughts, as he needed someone to talk to and keep his mind busy because of the kill. Sadly, there was no one available for that, so as much as he didn't want to, Hiccup had to go at it solo. And the chief had to pray to Odin to keep him safe. "I know son…I'm so sorry I can't be there for you, but you have to go now."
"O-Ok," Hiccup nodded reluctantly, not before giving his father's arm a small hug.
"Remember, only if it can't be avoided," Stoick responded back. "That…and…I love you son."
"I love you too dad," Hiccup responded as he reluctantly released his father's arm, stepping a few feet back.
"Go!" Stoick said, and just like that watched his child run off as the voices in the background get louder. In no time he lost complete sight of the boy, causing a heavy sigh to leave his mouth. "Be safe my son."
A/N: Hope you like. A lot went on in this chapter right? Especially with Hiccup throwing all his work over the edge. That was an idea I came up with last minute when writing the chapter but I'm glad I did so, as I figured it was something that added more stake of Hiccup returning to the village. All in all Hiccups designs are a part of him, and having to do that would hurt him greatly as it represent years of work. Plus, I figured him talking to Stoick would be a good touch as it give Hiccup some relief and some much needed words. Both of them needed to see one another, but it was short lived. Now Hiccup is on the run again as everyone is alerted to him being in the village. I know it's another cliffhanger, but that's something I felt would be good to end off on. Originally this one was one whole chapter but had to be split up. Still hope it was good, let me know what you think.