Author's Note: Hey there, sorry for the wait. Just been busy and Allergies have been swelling up and messing with my head. Either way here's the newest chapter, and i'm pleased to say that this story is almost done with. For now enjoy.
Chapter 24: One Step Forward
"Son, are you sure about this?" Stoick asked questioningly to his son, who nodded back slowly.
"I'll be ok…really," Hiccup responded, trying to put on a confident tone. On the outside he may look ok and calm, but in reality, he's shaking like a leaf on the inside. But he wouldn't let his father know about it.
Another day had passed since the teen's talk with Astrid, It was pleasant and welcoming. Yet, her words staying with him throughout the day as he mulled over them. Especially the last thing mentioned, about Gobber wanting to speak with him. That was something he wasn't expecting at all. What is it he would want to speak with him about? Thoughts rapidly plagued his mind since then as curiosity held them…yet there was the bad part. Mainly as that Gobber wanted him to go out to the forge, stating that he has been busy with his own duties. Very plausible, but from experience Hiccup knew his mentor is using that as an excuse to make him go out. One of many tactics he would use in order to get the teen to do many things, as it seemed like he wanted Hiccup to step out of the house and walk bac amongst the people. Something the teen has been very hesitant about. What many people didn't know is that this is the blacksmith's way of helping the teen in trying to reintegrate back into the village. Unorthodox to many, but effective but it didn't mean that Hiccup liked it at times.
He had mulled over this piece of information during the night, being kept awake for a long while before being able to drift off. Sleep wasn't sound but was able to shake it off without suspicion. That morning, he explained things to his father, as they sat down for breakfast, where they are at currently. Yet, he left out the part with Gobber being his intended reason for going out, as he didn't need to know everything, right?
"I mean, it's good you want to go out, but are you sure you're ready for it?" the chief asked, knowing about his son's mood throughout the days, and how he has been holding up within the house. He didn't push his son to try and reintegrate back into the village, as the teen needed time. After everything he has been through, space is what he needed. Plus, his decision with Dagur still weighs heavily on his mind. He tried to help the best he could, but the rest would be on the child.
"I have to do it sometime," Hiccup lowly responded, still trying to seem confident and collected. "Besides, I can't stay here forever."
Stoick was silent as he just looked his son over, seeing his averting eye contact, a clear sign that something was amidst. So many instances where similar things happened in the past, but the chief figured there was another reason why he wanted to go out. He wanted to question it, but decided not to, just to allow his son to do what he wanted to do and hope it'll make him feel better. He really did miss the life that would always inhabit his son and wanted it back. Having him running about in the village, smiling, laughing and cries of joy…those just seem so far now.
In the end he nodded, "If it gets too much for you, no shame in coming back home, understand?"
"Yes, dad…thank you," Hiccup mentally sighed in relief, glad that his reasons weren't pressed, as he honestly had nothing else to add. Besides what he said is true, as he would need to leave one day. Might as well rip the band aid off and just do it. Besides, part of him were hanging off of Astrid's words at what the other villagers would think and react to him. He can't live in fear forever, he won't be able to heal unless he stops trying to hide from everyone.
Soon Stoick got up from his seat, walking around and putting his helmet on, before stopping next to his son. "Take your time, don't rush it…I'll be around if you need me," he ruffled the child's auburn locks, earning a smile from him.
"Thanks," he said again, nodding as he watched as his father head for the door, and in a matter of seconds it opened and closed, leaving boy and dragon alone. The chief had wanted to be with his child as he walked among the village, but knew Hiccup wanted to do this on his own. He didn't have to ask, he could sense it. And in all honesty, the last thing a teen would want is to have his hand held, in a metaphorical way.
A few seconds passed before Hiccup turned over to his dragon, the Night Fury looking back at him, ears pointed up, and eyes normal, "Well, you ready bud?"
"Only if you're ready, I'm up for anything," Toothless responded back confidently.
He nodded and got up from his seat, turning and heading for the door himself. His footsteps, and prosthetic thumping as the two walked. Hiccup then stopped right in front of the door, his green eyes leering at the wooden object separating him from the outside and the rest of the populace. Heart started to race, and hands trembled a bit as he was subconsciously trying not to reach for the handle. Part of him wants nothing more than to step away and just forget the whole thing, that or just wait a bit longer. Still, he's trying to fight off the anxiety that is swelling up, not wanting it to win like it had in the past. He closed his eyes to try and take a few jagged breaths…only to cringe as the faint silhouettes of the men he killed threatened to appear, prompting him to open his eyes up.
This only reminded him of the reason why he needed to do this, why he had to get over this. He wouldn't allow his actions to get the better of him, he wouldn't allow this to stop him from living. A warm nudge pushed at his hand, prompting him to look down, seeing Toothless looking back with concerned eyes.
"Are you sure you're ready for this?" He asked, seeing the hesitation, and making him worry some.
"I'm ok bud…just…fighting off the nerves," Hiccup smiled, reaching down and giving the dragon a few pets before looking back at the door. Taking a deep breath his shaky hand reached out and slowly approached the handle before firmly clasping it. The shaking momentarily stopped as he had to urge himself to pull. Just like that the door opened and the morning sun started to spill within. Both legs walked forward as he crossed the threshold, and out in the cold morning air.
Boy and dragon now stood outside of the house, fully embraced by the sun's rays as the door closed behind them. Hiccup looked out at the village before him, automatically seeing Vikings walking about, carrying wood, pushing carts, carrying buckets, and the like. Even some dragons could be seen carrying items about, truly showing that man and dragon were working together for their home.
A small smile graced the teen's face as he saw this, knowing full well that the village is prospering due to this teamwork, and soon enough their home will be returned back to its glorious self. He took a moment, just standing there gazing upon the village. Feeling a sense of relief…and peace upon witnessing everyone working without fear, something he was thankful for. Soon enough both eyes landed on the forge in the distance, his destination. His body tightened some upon looking down at the distance between there and his home, as the usual short walk he would do just seemed so far away for some reason. Still, he had to do it, and took a deep breath before shakingly taking a step forward, palms sweating and heart beating.
"Hey, Hiccup!" a random voice called out.
The boy cringed and stopped upon hearing that, but immediately put on a neutral face as he looked over, seeing a few Vikings walking up to the lad.
"Good to see you up and about lad!" one voice happily said.
"You feeling ok?" a second one spoke.
A small crowd formed, all of them all greeted the teen, most of them wearing elated expressions upon seeing their heir outside. Just seeing them all here made the teen's stomach flutter from uneasiness, not loving the sudden attention being bestowed upon him all of a sudden. Yet, it did remind him from after he woke from his coma, and everyone greeted him…a moment he would cherish forever as he was finally accepted and made him feel good. Yet, this time it's different…mainly as he instantly feared any negative reactions, and mentally braced himself for anything of the like…yet those feelings seemed to be overshadowed. Everyone seemed to have a positive attitude towards him, making him surprised to see them caring for his wellbeing once more…which is good. Mainly, as It eased some of the anxiety from within…but not all of it.
"Hey there…i'm ok, just…just out for a walk," Hiccup responded, averting his gaze, and rubbing the back of his head. He could smack himself for that remark, as it just made him come across as lazy and not helping.
And dare he say Useless…
A few hearty chuckles came out of them, a hand clasping on his shoulder, "A good walk can help, can't be healthy staying inside all day." Ok, that was surprising.
"Just take it one step at a time," Another one said.
"Everyone will be at ease seeing you around," one more then said, making the boy mentally cringe. Thankfully no one noticed it, as he didn't want to explain that. His only saving grace is that slowly they disbursed.
"Take care Hiccup," one more voice spoke as they all started to leave the boy be, as the small meet and greet ended so soon. Hiccup gave some quiet thanks to them all as they disbursed, and soon enough was by himself, along with Toothless. He released a large breath which he didn't know he was hold, glad to be left alone.
"You ok?" Toothless asked.
"I wasn't expecting that," Hiccup responded, glad the small ambush was over with, but tried to steel himself. Everyone seemed happy to see him up and about, actually checking to see how he's doing. Still, so far, so good as nothing negative or the like was shown. Maybe he was worrying for nothing, but he couldn't shake that lingering feeling.
"We can still head back if it's too much," Toothless nudged, sensing the small panic within his rider. He didn't want this to happen to him, and worried for his safety.
Hiccup looked down at the dragon, seeing his concerned expression, and tried smiling, "I'll be ok bud…trust me."
"I know you…but I'll trust your judgment," The Night Fury warbled, deciding to allow it to play out…for now.
"Thanks," He reached out, giving his dragon's chin a scratch before continuing his walk. Slow and steady down into the village. The further he walked the more Vikings ended up greeting their heir, some giving polite waves, positive words, some moods lifted with seeing him walking about. Not wanting to be rude the teen returned the gestures as polite as possible, yet there were still some that walked up greet and ask him about his condition. Which he's causally and simply explained, without much words, which took up a lot of time, but still put him at ease for a bit.
Finally, the sound of metal pounding metal could be heard, followed by the familiar heat of the hearth could be felt as Hiccup made it to the forge. Walking inside, Hiccup couldn't help but smile upon seeing his mentor pounding away at a sword, straightening it out.
"Hey Gobber," he greeted.
It all stopped, as the Blacksmith turned around, a wide smile gracing his face as he stopped all his work, "Hiccup!" He walked over and embraced the teen, lifting him off of his feet. Hiccup smiling as he returned the embrace, being held up for a few seconds before being placed down. Already he could feel his nerves dwindle away just having his mentor here. Something he really needed.
"I'm glad to finally see you, lad. I thought nothing would ever get you out of that house," Gobber smiled as he stepped back, glad to see his apprentice in the forge.
"Well…you know, I can't hide from the world forever," Hiccup forced a smile, as he rubbed his shoulder a bit. Not bothering to add in how Gobber wanted to see him had any influence on him coming out.
Unfortunately, his mentor picked up on this, upon witnessing his body language. Normally he wouldn't address this issue, but decided against it this time around, putting a spotlight on it. "Are you sure it had nothing to do with the message I relayed to Astrid?"
"Um…well…" Hiccup looked away, not sure how to answer that, but thankfully a chuckle saved him.
"You don't have to answer that, of course it was," Gobber smiled as he went back to the anvil to continue his work. "I would have gone to you, but of course with what happened and all, I'm swamped with work."
That was a subtle way Gobber hid his tracks, fully knowing he was using it as an excuse to get Hiccup to come out. As usual it worked, but he didn't need to fully express it. Although he suspected Hiccup knew about it, but he didn't press the issue, which is good. Every now and then his apprentice needed a push, or in this case a shove, as it would take him forever as he would always drag his feet.
"I can see," Hiccup looked around and saw weapons hanging that needed some work. A frown appeared on his face as he realized his mentor had to tend to all of this or had been tending to them. How he must have been tending to them these last few days as it looked like he could use help. "You know, I can help you out-"
"Nope, I got it," Gobber interrupted with a shake of his head, as he resumed his work. "Besides, I've dealt with worse, I can handle it."
"But it's just that you're all alone here, and it's also my duty to-"
"Hiccup," Gobber interrupted in a gentle tone. "Don't worry about it…besides, I figured you wouldn't be in the right frame of mind to even concentrate. Besides, the last time you worked after…well…you know…you ended up having a panic attack."
"Oh…r-right," the teen nodded, remembering how after his first kill, he went back to work. He ended up pricking himself and seeing blood…which made him anxious and nearly broke down. Remember the Outcast he had killed, not one of his proudest moments.
"Are you feeling ok at least?" Gobber asked, this question being on his mind for the most part. Now that he's here, might as well get this piece of much needed info.
Hiccup was quiet at first, yet not worried. Out of everyone Gobber is the one person the teen could trust the most, especially with being open. Besides, he owed him a lot in that regard, "On and off…but I'm enduring the best I can."
"Your father helping you out?" the Blacksmith asked, not taking his eyes off the kid.
"Yes…matter of fact he has been terrific in that," Hiccup walked over and sat down on a barrel. Smiling at the fact at how wonderful his dad has been during all this. He is really grateful for this and didn't know how lucky he was for it. He was just glad his father is more understanding of his issues and is comforting for it. "I don't think I could have made it that well if it wasn't for him."
"Good for him, I knew you could count on him during a time like this…Last thing I need is for you to be down in that deep hole you found yourself in," Gobber nodded, glad that his friend is taking his role as a father seriously, especially during the trauma his child went through. He spotted the smile on the kid's face and then decided to change the subject. "So, how was your walk through town?"
"Actually….it is pleasant so far…" Hiccup looked out the open service window, seeing more Vikings walking about working. "They've…been really concerned towards me, it's really surprising."
"Well, you are a hot topic around the village, everything you endured being spread about," Gobber responded back simply, picking up the current weapon he had and inspecting it.
"Really?" the teen looked over with a raised eye.
"Yes, but I'll tell you something," Gobber started off, going to put the weapon up before looking back at his apprentice. "Most have been concerned about your well-being. You're a hero to them, you basically helped save everyone, and they all feel indebted to you."
"They don't owe me anything," Hiccup spoke in a low voice, his mind going back to the gifts that were given to him. Not wanting to be thanked in that way, as they could have gone to others who needed it.
"Try telling them that," Gobber retorted, knowing about his apprentice's mindset. Despite him not wanting the attention, the blacksmith figured that the teen had earned this recognition. Mainly after hearing everything that he had been through, it was a marvel he survived. Especially with evading many Berserkers and Outcasts. Despite not liking it, Hiccup showed true strength. He knew deep down that he can survive this and return back to his normal self.
"It's kind of hard," Hiccup retorted. "Besides I figured everyone would still be focused on me sparing Dagur."
"You're still on that?" He raised an eye, earning a nod in return. It just made Gobber shake his head, "Hiccup, believe me, you have nothing to worry about in that regard."
That made the teen perk his head up, "How do you-"
"People talk Hiccup, and yes I heard mention about it, but other than that nothing else."
"I just…I just find that hard to believe and-"
Once again Hiccup is cut off, "Hiccup…This may have been a big decision that you made, but it's already been made. You may not like the outcome but believe me when I say that you did what you thought was best. You showed true character to everyone, and I can guarantee that you earned much respect from everyone. Don't feel bad about it, just keep going on, be the same person you were before."
Hiccup was silent after that, those words mulling over in his mind. He wanted to immediately respond but the words were caught in his throat as he started to see some truth behind the words. Out of everyone Gobber's words always seem to hit home with him. His mentor always gave him guidance for as far as he could remember, and always being right, well most of the time. The decision was already made, and there's no changing it. So far, there hasn't been any negativity from anyone, as they all seemed to be concerned over his wellbeing. Nothing about his choice was brought up or anything that went along with it. Can it be that easy to move on?
"But…after everything I did…wouldn't they be expecting more of me?" Which is true in his mind. After killing so many, and surviving on his own would it mean that people will see him in a different light, and treat me accordingly?
"Hiccup…just be yourself, there is nothing wrong with it," Gobber responded back calmly, his words just seemingly having some effect but not as much. He decided to move on and do something that will most definitely help. "Now…to the main reason why I wanted you to see me."
That knocked the teen out of his train of thought, looking over to him, "Oh, right. What was it?" He was curious as to the main reason why his mentor would want him to be here. He only watched the man go over to the back room.
"I decided to put in a rush order on it, as I figured you would need it," Gobber said as he rummaged about for a few moments before returning back.
Both of Hiccup's eyes widened and mood elated upon seeing a familiar folded up tail fin, and leather saddle wrapped up around it. The blacksmith smiled upon seeing the shocked expression, knowing he would make that kind of face, and glad for it. "G-Gobber…you fixed it?"
It was handed over to him, as the older male nodded, "Yes, I figured you missed flying ever since it tore. Besides, I know you do your best thinking up in the air rather than the ground."
Hiccup had to silently agree with this, he missed being able to fly in the air, wind rushing past him as a sense of freedom would always take him. It was the only time he felt alive and free. Plus, he was right in how his sense of mind would change once in the sky, as it was only him and Toothless. Plus, not having the harness for days made him miss it.
"Thank you Gobber, really, this means a lot," Hiccup gave a genuine smile. Slowly feeling a bit better from just this one gift.
"Anytime Hiccup, now go on and have fun, take as much time as you need," Gobber smiled as he waved his apprentice off.
"Alright, thanks again," Hiccup nodded, part of him wanting to chat a bit longer. But the itch to be back in the air just overtook him. Nodding his head he turned and walked out, to a positively warbling Night Fury, who saw the gear. "I see you're excited, bud."
"You have no idea; I'm just itching to get my paws off the ground!" Toothless warbled happily, missing being in the air as well. For being a dragon, he is meant to be flying instead of down on the ground.
In mere moments a recognizable click could be heard as Hiccup's prosthetic snapped into place. Moving it to test it, as the fin moved, closing and opening like it usually did. The teen smiled as he sat atop on the Night Fury's back, saddle and harness in place on Toothless. Oh man how good it felt to be back like this, and to think he hadn't started flying yet.
"Ready bud?" The teen gave his dragon a small pat.
"Always!" He cheerfully shouted.
Smiling Hiccup pressed down on the stirrup, opening the tail fin, feeling this Toothless reared up before launching himself up into the air. Hiccup and Toothless now taking flight, and once again back up in the air, no longer grounded.
A/N: Hope you like. Well I wonder how many of you were expecting that. Well I figured Hiccup would be in need of Flying, something he always took joy in. Maybe this can help him with his mindset and help him process through everything. Well we can only wait and find out. I'll try and not take too long with the next one. I really want to finish and get started on my next story, which will be good. Please tell me what you think, feedback is welcomed. Till next time.