Author's Note: Hi there, i'm so sorry for the long wait you had to endure. Something happened that required my attention and as a result I had shooting lower back pain that plagued me for a whole week. It hurt when I tried to even sit up when I laid down. The pain made me unfocused so I couldn't write for a week. I'm good now and i'm back to 100%. Anyway here's the chapter, enjoy.
Chapter 15: Planning Part 2
The Riders were wide eyed after those words left Hiccup's lips, not believing it at first as they assumed, they misheard. But by the determined expression on his face, nor the fact there is no joking intent at all. Their leader seems to be really serious about all this, yet it didn't make sense to them at all. This is something that Hiccup has never suggested, nor had done before…still, it confused them and weren't sure how to respond. "G-Get information? How?" Astrid responded, wanting to make sure they heard right.
"By force…which I hope it doesn't come to that," Hiccup responded, gulping a bit and shuddering at the mere thought of what force could mean. All in all, this is a new tactic Hiccup thought of, one he never done before, but it was the only thing he could think of right now, one that could guarantee them information they needed. Judging by the Berserkers position they must have oversaw everything that was happening within Berk, so if they were the same people in all its entirety, hopefully, then they could have seen everything and it was their best bet. "it's all I got right now."
"B-But…do you think that is wise?" Fishlegs responded nervously, the tips of his fingers tapping against one another. "I mean what if we spook them and they run and inform their friends?"
"Then maybe we shouldn't let them run," Snotlout responded, seemingly on board with the plan. He wasn't going to question things, not now, especially as Hiccup is still in a good state of mind, plus he wanted to get his hands dirty at the moment.
"Um…ok," Astrid responded back, still on the fence about all this but decided to go along with it. "Even if we get them how do we get them to talk?"
"Maybe threats could help," Tuffnut suggested.
"That or you can talk them into submission," Ruffnut responded next. "Your stories tend to get on peoples nerves."
"Yeah…wait what?" the male twin questioned as he looked back at his sister in confusion.
No one else answered as Hiccup rummaged through his bag that he thankfully brought, pulling out the length of rope that he brought. He smiled as he stared at the coarse thread, "I knew I could get some more use out of this."
"Oh, good idea," Astrid nodded with a smile, solving one question. "At least we have something to bind them with."
Hiccup nodded as he looked back at everyone, "Ok, now all we need to do is lure one over quietly so that way-"
*Snap!*
All talk stopped as eyes went over to Fishlegs, who is frozen stiff with wide eyes and a panicked expression on his face. He gulped and shakingly looked down at his boot, seeing a broken stick underneath. All eyes widen as the thought of him moving and stepping on it.
"Who's there!" a voice called out, causing them all to freeze, knowing it was one of the Berserkers. They all held their breaths and didn't move a muscle in fear of being discovered.
"I heard it too," the second Berserker said, faint footsteps quickly being heard before stopping. "It sounded close."
"Maybe too close," the first voice spoke up as small, delayed, footsteps could be heard, getting a bit louder with every step.
Hiccup was the only one who decided to muster up some courage and turn around to look through the bushes quietly. Both eyes rose upon seeing both Berserkers looking their way, but not spotting them. One of the two started to move forward slowly, crossbow in hand and aiming it forward in caution. Worry started to swell up as it seemed like his current course is heading right towards them!
Now some panic started to course through him as they needed to do something now or else they will get spotted.
"Someone do something," Fishlegs whispered out loud, worried about getting spotted.
"Quiet or they'll hear us," Astrid silenced him, which caused his mouth to clam up upon realizing what he did. They all remained quiet after that, all but Hiccup able to see the one Berserker approaching. They waited with baited breaths as he got closer, and closer till he was right next to the bushes, looking it over.
*Rustle*
Everyone froze as the sound is heard, but this time from way behind them…near where the dragons would be. Everyone's eyes rose up upon realizing this, now knowing that this is bad. "There it is again…but further," the first Berserker said.
"Someone is definitely here," the second one said, pulling out his sword, and preparing himself. The Riders watched as the two slowly started to divert from their course, slowly passing the bush the teens were in and heading down the slope with caution.
"We have to do something now," Ruffnut urgently whispered to them all, worried about the dragons.
"I know but what!?" Snotlout whispered back, not sure how to go about this as well.
Hiccup's hands clenched as a thought came to mind, but they trembled as he had to suppress a small bout of anxiety. The memories of earlier coming back to haunt him for a brief moment, as he couldn't fathom the idea. Yet, he needed to do something and not break down from it to keep the dragons from being spotted. He tried not to think about the sudden memories as his body reacted, hand grabbing at his shield on his back and rushed out. He dashed for the second Berserker, back towards the riders, as he reared his shield back before swinging it with all his might.
*Clang!*
Metal echoed as they collided with one another, the vibration and forced causing the man to cry out in agony, losing the grip on his sword as both hands reached up to clutch his head. Both of his legs moved, as his body tilted to the side as his equilibrium is off and soon fell to the floor with a loud thump. Unfortunately, with a pained groan, Hiccup's plan didn't go the way he wanted it as the guy is still awake, and the noise drew attention.
"You!" the second Berserker shouted as he turned and saw the teen. He instantly brought up his crossbow and aimed for the teen. Hiccup saw the point of the bolt aimed right at him and stood completely froze as his body failed to respond, his mind screaming at him to move.
All of a sudden Astrid jumped out of the bush, letting out a small shout, axe in hand as she slashed at the wooden weapon. The blade getting lodged into it, but the force, and unexpectedness caused the weapon's aim to move downward, the arrow firing and hitting the ground. That caught the Berserker off guard, yet was in for another surprise as Snotlout popped out next and shoulder rushed the attacker, the small amount of momentum and force managed to knock him down to the ground. A choked grunt escaped him as he tried to get back to his feet but stopped as the blade of the axe is held right in front of him, Astrid looking down at him with a glare, "If I were you, I'd stay down."
His body froze, automatically complying with the warning for some reason. Both eyes looked over at his groaning companion as he kept clutching his helmet as the metal most likely scrambled his mind from the blow. They he looked as heard heavy footsteps and paled at what came next. The teens on the other hand relieved to see that it's their dragons, who rushed to their position, most likely hearing the commotion and coming to their aid.
"Perfect timing," Snotlout said in relief, as he pointed to the down Berserker, "Hookfang, guard him." The Monstrous Nightmare nodded and listened to his rider this time as he got closer, sticking his snot closer to the guard, puffing out steam from his nostril, much to the misfortune of the Berserker.
Astrid sighed in relief as she pulled the axe away and hurried up to Hiccup who seemed to be breathing a bit heavily as the danger passed. His body finally unfrozen as he's bent over slightly with both hands on his knees. She looked upon him with concerned eyes, "Are you ok?"
"J-Just need a moment," he panted and looked down at the ground just as the others emerged from the bushes as well, taking in the situation now that it's safe.
"Uh…he's still conscious," Tuffnut pointed out.
They looked over to the other Berserker, apparently regaining his composure as he shook his head, clearing his mind some. Astrid of course saw this, and being next to him, held her axe wielding arm out and opened her hand. The weapon fell down, the butt end making contact with the metal.
*Clang!*
"Ugh!" The Berserker's head falling back down again from the blow and his movements stopped as he's stunned once more.
The axe bounced back up as Astrid caught it in her hand, "Not anymore."
Hiccup relaxed a bit more as the two were disabled, taking a few easy breaths to calm down a bit easier. Yet, he stopped as his mind is bit puzzled as to why he froze. Before he could take one of them out like he did and still be able to run, but this time around that wasn't the case. His body locked up and fear overcame him….why? What made him- He shook his head, deciding not to question it right now as he reached into his bag and pulled out the rope. He tried his best to get his mind off of his thoughts and stick to what's going on before him. "Ok, lets get them restrained while we still can."
Some minutes later both Berserkers were still conscious, sitting on the ground back-to-back, hands behind their backs and tied to one another. The Rope Hiccup used is tied around both of them, effectively trapping them. Their weapons had been taken from them, and any other items that were on them, rendering them defenseless. Now despite this the two would have tried to free themselves…but giving the fact that they had four dragons surrounding them, their eyes locked onto them dangerous. They were just waiting for one of the two to make a move so they could roast them, this discouraged any thoughts of trying to break free. As far as they knew it, staying alive was their primary concern. As this happened the teens were a bit of a distance away, laying prone on the ground as they looked over the edge of the cliff, looking at the village below. They had decided to scout things out first and let the two sweat a bit from the dragons before questioning them. Maybe all that fear could loosen their lips quicker without hassle.
Thankfully, Astrid handed Hiccup a spare spy glass as a few of them looked at the village. The bird's eye view giving them a perfect perspective and allowing them to see most of the village along with the sea. The one-legged teen tried to see if he could spot Dagur, or at least any traces of Toothless, wanting some confirmation of his dragon's safety. If he could spot him then it would bring him some peace of mind. Sadly, all he can see are Berserkers and Outcasts patrolling, no sign of their leader at all, which caused an irritating sigh to come out of his mouth.
"Can't see Dagur or Toothless," he responded, removing the spy glass from his eye.
"Maybe they have him somewhere else," Astrid commented as she continued to look through hers. "Well, they got one entrance of the village guarded….I see about six Outcasts standing some distance away from your home.
"Man, they must really not want to risk anyone getting in," Snotlout responded as he too had his own spy glass. Hiccup made it a habit of giving all his friends one, because you may never know. They scoffed at not needing it at first, but still accepted it. It looks like they were glad to have it now, "On another note, it looks like the forge isn't as protected."
"Meaning they must have emptied it already…but where did they move the weapons to?" Fishlegs responded as he looked around as well. "I see about four Berserkers standing guard at the Great Hall."
"I think that's where they are keeping everyone else, so that's something," Astrid commented next, pulling the spy glass away from her eye. Not much more could be found by looking at the moment.
"Wow guys you should see those two sweating," they heard Tuffnut commenting, causing the others to look back. The Twins offered to help the dragons watch their prisoners, finding their worried faces pleasing to them for some reason.
"I'm surprised they haven't started crying out yet," Ruffnut couldn't help but laugh upon seeing their dragons glaring at the two, who were still looking back at the dragons nervously. "Tuff would have done it already."
"Yeah…hey," Tuffnut responded with a smile, before it fell upon realizing what was said.
Hiccup then returned the spy glass, getting up, "I think we best see if we can get anything out of them, there's still plenty of things we need to know if we're going to formulate a plan."
"True," Astrid agreed as the others moved away from the edge and planned to walk over to them…but she then looked and found Hiccup trying to steel himself, looking a bit worried. "You ok?"
"Y-Yeah…just trying to compose myself," Hiccup responded, figuring it was best to be truthful now.
"You don't have to do this you know," Astrid commented next, knowing that he must be in a fragile state still.
"No, I need to know about Toothless…I have to do this," Hiccup responded, and without any further word walked over to the duo. Everyone else watched him for a moment before following right after. The dragons seeing them and parted ways to allow them entry.
The two Berserkers looked over and saw the teens approaching, their back bones coming back upon seeing them, knowing what is coming next. The first one couldn't help but sneer at them, "It's bad enough we were chasing after one of you, but seeing more? This is just great."
"Oh, shut it," Snotlout rolled his eyes at this, not in the mood for this usual kind of banter.
Astrid looked over at Hiccup, seeing that he's a bit hesitant and she figured he wouldn't be able to take charge right now. So, she decided to take over for him, hoping at least that would help him. "Ok, here's how things are going to go, you're going to tell us everything we need to know, and you're going to do it without hesitation, or problems…or else things will get ugly for you."
"As if we would betray Dagur like that," the second Berserker said, scoffing at the question. "He would kill us if we did that."
"Even worse than what the dragons could do?" Tuffnut ended up saying next, trying to put more pressure on them. The dragons giving more menacing looks as their sharp teeth are exposed.
"Um…true but we rather not risk it," the first one responded back, looking a bit nervous until his resolve came back. "Besides why would we tell a bunch of kids anything?'
"They aren't giving in," Fishlegs leaned in to whisper to Astrid.
"I know, just have to turn up the heat," she responded back, resting her axe upon her shoulder, trying to give a visual threat to them. "Well, these kids, have done enough damage to your ranks many times. You know what we're capable of."
The two saw the axe, a bit worried for a moment before scoffing at it, a bit of realization coming to them. The first Berserker voicing his thoughts. "You won't do anything; from what I can tell you need us; besides I doubt that any of you even have the guts to physically harm us." A bit of nervousness flashed in their eyes as they looked at Hiccup but looked away from him. Yet the one-legged teen saw this and it gave an indication of their mind set. An idea came to mind but he let it lingered and continued to watch, hoping it didn't come down to that.
"True, but it doesn't mean you have to be comfortable the whole time," Snotlout said with folded arms.
"Better facing your wrath instead of Dagur's," the second Berserker responded. The situation not appealing in either way, but he rather live and being killed by Dagur's hands would be worse.
"Our lips our sealed, there's nothing you could do," the first one responded, clamming up, yet Hiccup then noticed the worried glances back at him. That was odd, why would they be making those small faces at him? Unless…they knew what he did, and they were…afraid of him? No that couldn't be…but there was no other explanation for it…still it made him think of a way to get them to talk but….he doesn't want to resort to that. There's no way he could do that, especially as he's trying to keep himself composed right now.
"Then why don't we try and loosening them?" Snotlout responded as he looked up at his dragon. "Hookfang, attack!"
The Monstrous Nightmare smiled as he looked at the two and got ready to maul them…that is until he is stopped.
"No wait," Hiccup spoke up, all actions stopping as all eyes turned to look at him. They saw him just standing there, looking the two over and not moving. They were curious as to why he stopped him, but they didn't say anything nor do anything. Hiccup on the other hand couldn't believe what he's going to do, but it had to be done, as it could be the only thing that could loosen their lips. He could be risking his sanity right now but if it could help benefit them saving the village then he would do it. Right now, he had to steel his nerves and keep from showing fear or nervousness. If he's going to be playing on their fears, then he can't show any weakness.
Astrid picked up on something and whispered, "Are you sure?" Hiccup just nodded in response, walking over with confidence, and steeling his face and putting on a neutral face as he kneeled down in front of them. The Berserkers eyes now locked with his as any comments and movement stopped.
"You and your men have been searching for me, right? Well, here I am…but here's the thing, do you all know about the so-called trouble I have been causing?" Hiccup spoke in a tone, in which surprised everyone. His voice low, but the way it was said made their eyes raise in surprise, any chance of commenting was silence upon hearing it.
"Yes," one of them responded, yet nothing else came out after that. There was plenty more he wanted to say but had to wait a moment before being able to. "I'm surprised no one could have found you."
"There's a reason for that….and I'm pretty sure you know why," Hiccup continued on speaking in the same tone, raising a bit of uneasiness within everyone. Tension could slowly be felt rising as the riders saw their leader doing something unlike him. They saw him speaking to the two, being intimidating, something he never did before which baffled them. Yet with Hiccup he could feel his stomach churning, and fear swelling up within. He's trying his best not to break down right now, even though his body feels as if it would betray him. What kept him from doing so is when he saw the Berserkers eyes raise slightly, a positive sign so far, so he would need to keep riding this wave the best he could. "Some of them are no longer alive…because of me."
"Y-Yes…that is what we heard," the first Berserker commented, stumbling over his words some. Both remembering the news that spread out amongst everyone in the village about how several of their men were found dead. It was logical to figure out who was behind them as there was only one Berkian out there unaccounted for. It was unheard of, and many refused to believe the scrawny heir could kill any of them, but the evidence didn't lie. They even had a few eyewitness accounts of Hiccup being near when the bodies were found, which only confirmed things to them. They had to be cautious when searching for the tribe's heir, but the two never thought they would come face to face with him now. It would have been easier finding him alone, but now others have joined him, including dragons, and now that task would be harder than before. "I still don't know how someone like you could have killed any of them. You don't pose a huge threat to anyone."
"That is what happened with the last guy I faced…He believed he could kill me for what I did to him…but the same thing happened to him just like everyone else," Hiccup responded, hands clenching and the bones popping from the amount of pressure used as the thought came to him. The Berserkers raised an eye of concern from that, not sure what it meant. Hiccup's nails dug into his palm as he tried to suppress a shudder from that memory, he had to keep himself under control.
The second Berserker looked at the teen in alarm, the words getting to him as he then realized what he was being told. Nervously he spoke back, "So…you're the one that killed Sten?" The other Berserker and the Rider's eyes widen upon hearing that, all of them looking at Hiccup in shock and surprise. Many of them in disbelief as they heard this. What Hiccup didn't know is Sten was a good warrior and had a good position within the Berserkers ranks. They all got wind of his death not too long ago and were some still in disbelief about Hiccup killing him…but hearing that only confirmed their suspicions and it made the worry in them grow.
The Riders themselves were stunned into a deeper silence once more as they heard it. Most of them were still in disbelief about killing but the confession he just made only made things that more undeniable. Yet the way he's saying it so calmly and casually disturbed them a lot. This is definitely not their leader right now, he's…changed somehow.
Hiccup could see the worry in them, and calmly could see he is getting to them, he just needed to push them further over the edge right now, yet something drastic would need to be done. A thought came to mind and he had to suppress a gag as bile threaten to expel itself and lingered the more, he fathomed it. This was something he didn't want to do, but it had to be done, he had to do this. He had to steel himself as his insides are all jumbled up. He had to dig his nails into his palm once more to suppress another shudder as he went for his belt, skin making contact with the hilt of his blood-stained dagger. His hand enclosed around and pulled it out. He had to mentally raise his eyes upon finding that he kept a steady hand. He wanted to question why this had happened but refrained, whatever kept him from breaking down the better in this situation. The reddish blade being brandished, and the sight made the captives eyes raise and move back a bit.
The tip is threateningly pointed at them, inching closer to the two as the teen kept a harden face the whole time. The Riders saw this, and it shocked them even more, all frozen in place and words caught in their throat. Now this is definitely not the Hiccup they knew, he never threatened anyone like this before, and seeing his calm demeanor only made them worry even more. The opposite could be said about Hiccup as on the inside he had to try and fight back more bile as he's threatening them, something new to him, but had to fight through the fear he's experiencing it, especially the nausea. He didn't want to kill anymore, yet this is close to it and he is having trouble keeping it together.
"H-Hiccup…I think that is going a bit t-too far," Fishlegs was the first one to find his voice, but a rather shaky one.
"Y-Yeah Cuz…This might be a bit extreme," Snotlout responded, hoping the added voice of reason could help. Yet, Hiccup didn't make a response or batted an eye at them, yet none of them went to stop him. Part of them still hoping this was an act but that thought slowly leaving them right now as it seemed so real. It made them concerned for their leader's wellbeing mentally and were worried that what happened during his time alone had changed him.
"Since you know what I can do then you know how easily it'll be for me to kill you both right here and now…only your deaths will be slow, so you can feel everything," Hiccup threatened, his words sending chills down their spines. His friend's interjecting words seemed to help in frightening them, which is a plus and minus here, but he couldn't mull that over right now.
"Y-You wouldn't…" the first one said, thinking it's a bluff.
"He would…you saw Sten, how his body was riddled with stabs," the second one whispered back, as they had saw Sten's body and were surprised at the damage to it. Just that one reminder made the fear grow even more.
"You can avoid that…tell us what we want to know, and I won't have to use this," Hiccup leaned in, as did the knife as the tip is moved side to side, mere inches away from making contact with the skin. His hand still surprisingly still for something he didn't want to do, as he wanted to pull it away and end this, but he couldn't yet, he just needed to hang in there for a while longer. This tactic seemed to be doing its trick, so he had to see if it truly worked, "Where is my dragon?"
"Y-Your dragon?" The first Berserker questioned, not sure if he understood properly.
"The Night Fury, where is he?" Hiccup asked, wanting that question answered most of all.
The two were silent after hearing that question but were hesitant in responding to it. Both of them did know where it was yet were sweating a bit on revealing that. The confliction from earlier coming back from dying now or later by Dagur. Either one wasn't a preference, but they knew that the teen before them could kill, so they knew he wasn't bluffing. They thought about the choices and weighed what would be best. Yet as they kept looking at the knife and how it was threateningly pointed at them it sort of helped them in making up their minds as living just a bit longer outweighed anything.
"He's in the food storage shed…Dagur is keeping it there for now…until he finds you," the first one ended up speaking, spilling the beans, now a pang a fear within him.
"H-He's alive! Oh, thank Thor!" Hiccup thought to himself as a huge wave of relief washed over him. How he wanted to jump for joy but refrained, but then came the next odd question. He's puzzled as to why Dagur is keeping him alive, it didn't seem like him at all, especially after all the threats against Toothless. As much as he wanted to soak in the information of his dragon being alive, he needed to keep going, and get as much information out of them, so he pushed it to the side. "Where are the weapons being stored at?"
Again, silence filled the area as the two Berserkers thought about the question, already regretting talking in the first place. Either way, they already said one answer, might as well just give him the rest. "One of the barns near the farmlands, he figured that would be the last place anyone would look."
Everyone listened and were stunned at the answers being given to them. They were once again speechless that this new approach from Hiccup actually worked, and they were being fed the answers that they needed. Still, some of them were a bit weary of Hiccup at the moment as they weren't sure what this could mean. This new Hiccup still frightened them and weren't sure if this would be used on them. It sort of made them not want to say anything else and interfere in worry. So, they listened on as they were being told everything.
"What about the other dragons?" Hiccup then asked, knowing they were a priority as well.
"In the kill arena, they are being kept under lock and key," the first one said next.
Hiccup nodded at this but then spied his hand shake a tad bit, both eyes mentally widening upon seeing that. The teen knew what this meant and what a bad time for this to happen. He can't break down like this, not when he's so close. The bile within his stomach is churning as a chill shot down his spine. His breathing started elevating and he is fighting everything in his power to suppress it.
Everyone then watched as Hiccup, without warning, pulled the knife away, standing up and putting the knife back. He spoke without looking at either one of them, keeping both eyes locked onto the confused Berserkers, "I'll be back…keep questioning them."
"Uh…s-sure," Snotlout nodded for them all and without hearing a further response saw Hiccup walk off. A few of them blowing out the breaths they were surprised to find out they were holding, as well as their captives who were relieved to see Hiccup gone. This surprised them yet again, never thinking that anyone would be scared of Hiccup like that. The burly teen decided to keep up the tough front as he got in their faces. "Alright unless you want us to call him back you best keep talking."
That seemed to instill some more fear into them as they were speechless for a moment.
Astrid watched where Hiccup was walking off to, the whole exchange surprising her big time. Knowing Hiccup for the time they had this turn of events made her heart pang. The true extend of what he went through were apparently being displayed through this whole entire interrogation. Yet, seeing him walk away like that is surprising. She needed to make sure he was ok, so she gave Fishlegs a look, he saw her give an indication that she will be back as well, and he nodded back. Astrid then started to walk, following Hiccup's path until the voices couldn't be heard from the others. Soon enough she came to a stop with widened eyes upon seeing him leaning against a tree with his arm, hunched over a bit as his other hand is rubbing over his face. Both ears could pick up his uneasy breathing and…sob? That last one came out of nowhere and Instantly made the concern swelled up within her as she approached.
"Hiccup, are you-"
"Whoa!" he jumped upon hearing her voice, sharply turning in fright with his hand placed against his chest. His heavy breathing started to calm down upon seeing her.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you," she responded, not expecting that and stepping back at it.
"N-No…I am, I'm…I'm still jumpy and guess I haven't gotten used to having you all around again," Hiccup explained, turning his head away and his hand rubbing his face. Trying to make sure nothing visible can be seen right now. Astrid sneaking up on him like that brought him back to being alone again and hearing someone's voice unexpectedly made him feel like he was spotted by the enemy. Thankfully that wasn't the case.
Astrid sighed in relief, seeing that he seems back to normal, but not quite as she spotted him rubbing at his face, but now as they locked eyes, she could see the same fear as before, yet only slightly. "It's ok…but…Hiccup are you ok? I mean you just threaten them like that…you never done something like that before. It was so…unlike you."
Hiccup stiffened upon hearing that, the chills and trembles coming back, but this time it was nearly impossible to suppress them. His breathing turned uneven as he looked down at the ground, being reminded of what he did just brought the memories back to him…and he couldn't believe he had done what he had did. It stuck to his mind like glue, and it caused his eyes moisten up a bit. "S-Sorry…I…I didn't mean for you all to…It just came over me."
"So….that was all an act then?" Astrid's eyes rose in surprise, moving a bit closer, stunned at what she heard.
He just nodded, "I saw them looking at me nervously…I…It seemed like they were nervous around me and…I had to take a chance and use it to my advantage. You have no idea how much restraint I needed to keep from falling apart."
Astrid moved to his side, placing a comforting on his shoulder, but the words that were about to come out were stopped as she noticed the tears in her friend's eyes and how they were trying to fall. She was surprised at this, never seeing Hiccup cry before nor tear up as it only made the concern within her grow more. Holding her tongue for a moment she looked around before speaking. Knowing what her friend needed, "Hiccup…let it out-"
"N-No, I can't," Hiccup shook his head, hand coming up to wipe his eyes, feeling a shiver overcome him.
"But it will help," the blond urged, wanting to help him but is surprised he's refusing. She knew that Hiccup didn't have to be strong around her especially, and he knew that…but why is he refusing?
"I can't Astrid…not now. If I let loose right now…I won't be able to stop…I'll be useless again…and I can't let that happen…not now," Hiccup moved away, turning his back to her as both of his arms folded. The teen trying to rein in his emotions, but it's getting harder and harder. His breathing still deep and a sob threatened to escape him every second.
That statement and action made Astrid freeze in place and worried even more. Hiccup has a lot of emotions being bottled up within, and apparently that confrontation with the two Berserkers nearly pushed him over the edge again….well is pushing him. She mentally cursed herself knowing him doing it was a bad idea, even though it got them the information they needed, "Hiccup you can't keep going on like this, it's wearing you down."
"I'll be fine…j-just need to collect myself," He responded, taking a few more seconds to compose himself before turning around, and to her surprise looked a bit fine like earlier. No visible stress, or signs of crying, escape for his eyes looking a bit reddish as he gave a weak smile. "What's keeping me going is knowing that Toothless is still alive…and I know where he is."
Astrid couldn't help but return the smile, knowing it was a front still, and hoped it would have some effect, "That is true and I'm glad, but you know you can rely on me if you get to this point again."
Hiccup nodded, the smile getting bigger as he was glad to have his friends here with him. He was no longer alone and had someone watching out for him, something he needed…and he's talking to someone just like he wanted. He could keep things together for a while longer, only if he couldn't do something like that again.
Footsteps are heard as they looked up but saw Fishlegs approaching, he looked a bit relieved to be away from the scene as he saw his two friends. "We got more information from that…what should we do now?"
Silence filled the room as both he and Astrid look at Hiccup. The one-legged teen mulling over a bit to compose himself and try to return to his normal self once again. Thankfully the tears were gone as he looked back at Fishlegs.
"We plan now."
A/N: Hope you like. Things are picking up aren't they? Well I wanted to display what being alone on the island done to Hiccup and how he used that brutality to get through the Berserkers to get them to talk. I know it may be out of character for him but this is how I saw things going. Hope it wasn't distracting or deterring for you. Still hope it got you all anxious for the next one as it'll be time for them to try and plan the rescue. I'll try and not take too long like last time. Till next time.