{Hiccup's POV}
[Berk]
If being a full-time Chief was anything like what I've had to do the last two weeks in my father's absence, then I wasn't sure I wanted to become the next ruler of Berk. I was needed everywhere all the time, and often; I didn't have help. Thank the Gods I at least had Toothless for getting where I had to go to handle situations. Viggo and Ryker lent a hand when they could, but ultimately; it was my job. I didn't like running the village because it felt like everyone was waiting for me to screw up somehow as I used to when I was younger. It wasn't a pleasant feeling, but when my dad returned; Gobber told him what a fantastic job I did. As soon as my father took back his position and relieved me of my duties; I grabbed Toothless and went for a long flight, but I didn't let anyone come with me. A month has passed since the day I started recalling things, and I got most of it back now. I knew about Red Death, and that I lost my left leg in that. I recalled the village accepting me, and integrating dragons into our everyday lives. I remembered Alvin and the Outcasts turning allies, meeting Heather, then Dagur and the Berserker war before he was locked up on Outcast Island for three years. I know that Dagur broke out and located the Dragon Eye, but I stole it from him, then me and the riders began our lives on Dragon's Edge. I have seen the full memories from all this stuff, even learning that Heather is Dagur's little sister, and he turned ally too. Everything involving the hunters came forth, and how that ended, but now all this nonsense with Drago, and the painful year I spent as his prisoner.
I could confidently say I remembered everything, but it wouldn't be correct. There was something else, but it seemed to be staying blocked. I didn't know what it was, and I was aware it had to do with Drago raping me; I knew it was tied to that. Whatever this last memory was; it got overthrown by Drago and his men abusing me plus the rapes. I assumed that I might never recover whatever this was, but maybe I wasn't meant to remember? I didn't know anymore, but I was sick of living every day like nothing happened in the past. I had remembered the last five years, minus this one thing that wouldn't come forward, but I was well aware what happened in the nine days I had forgotten. My Tribe ignored me, watching to see if I'd mess up since I thought I was fifteen again, and began working on old inventions that used to destroy things if they failed. I spent all my time in the forge with Gobber, but my dad, the people I thought were my friends, the Hooligans; everyone just stayed away. Why had Toothless been the only one to come close even though he knew I couldn't recall him? Why was Toothless the one who though to recreate how we bonded to make me remember? Why hadn't these people treated me like a member of the Tribe; to make me believe that they did care instead of the other way around where it was precisely like five years ago before Toothless and I risked our lives to save them? I couldn't shake the feeling that maybe I really didn't mean anything to them before Toothless came into my life.
I get it; I messed up a lot back then and I was teased for being a hiccup, but how can all that be my fault? My dad stuck me with Gobber every day, which is how the man became my mentor, and taught me all about blacksmithing. My father never took me with him while he was Chiefing, and he didn't show me much about life. I was picked on for my small size, and I didn't have any friends. The whole Tribe ignored me and only took notice if I was getting publically scolded by my old man. I met Toothless, and saved their lives, losing my leg, and then they love and accept me? That's when I got friends? After going against everything a Viking stood for, got abandoned by them all; they cared after I nearly died for them. Hell, I would be dead if it weren't for Toothless. So I owe all this to my best friend? My life changed because I had him, and nothing else. If I hadn't met Toothless, nothing would be any different. How could I not see it this way? I lost my memories for nine days; didn't remember Toothless or anything like that and my Tribe, supposed friends, and even father just went back to the way things were before Toothless five years ago? Everyone was all over me after Toothless and I re-bonded, so how can I see this any other way? Without Toothless; I have nothing. And I absolutely hated that is how it was, rather; it is. It's sad to realize that this is the truth I have been faced with accepting, and honestly, being in this village pains me with that knowledge in mind. It hurt five years ago, and it hurts now.
I didn't know what to do, and it was becoming too much to deal with. I was trying to cope with the torture, the rapes, and the fact the I mean nothing to my Tribe without my dragon. It's been like this for two weeks, and I just wanted to get away for a bit. This is why when my father let me off the Acting Chief duties; I went flying, but alone.
~Flashback~
I was walking past the docks as I saw a ship coming in; Dad was finally back! Thank the Gods! Dagur landed on Sleuther as Heather rushed to greet her elder brother. I watched dad's ship pull in as I went to meet him.
"Hey, son!" Stoick grabbed me with a tight hug.
"Ow," I winced. "Hi, Dad. Welcome back," I said. Stoick released me as I found my balance. Pretty sad that I'm nearing twenty-years-old and my old man could still lift me off the ground with one of his iron-tight bear hugs. My birthday would be in four more months; maybe this one would be better than last year when I was getting tortured to the brink of death and back. Johann was behind that one, revealing to Drago and Krogan when my birthday was so they could give me a special day. Yep, no; it was awful and I believe it was the day that I found out Ryker and Viggo were at the fortress too.
"How have things been here?" Stoick inquired.
"Average," I affirmed.
"No problems?" Stoick arched a brow. "You didn't need any help? I was concerned about leaving you as Acting Chief because we've never done any training for it and the last time when you were younger; you replaced the Annual Regatta with Dragon Racing," he muttered.
"I was fifteen, almost sixteen then. I think I've matured, and why are you complaining? Everyone loves Dragon Racing," I rolled my eyes. "Viggo helped me out,"
"Viggo!? Why him?" Stoick glared, very much not liking the idea. "You could have gone to Gobber,"
"Gobber isn't a Chief, Dad, and Viggo is, or was to the Dragon Hunters. It's not like he made any decisions; just offered some suggestions for me to deal with things. Ryker and Viggo both assisted me," I informed.
"I don't like how close you're getting to them," Stoick scoffed.
"At least Viggo and Ryker didn't sit around waiting for me to screw up like everyone else did," I turned my head from my father. Gobber and the Dragon Riders showed up. "Since you're back, am I off Acting Chief duty?"
"Yes, Hiccup; you are," Stoick replied.
"Good. I'm going flying," I whistled for Toothless who jumped a few levels and landed beside me as I got on his back.
"We'll come with you," Astrid said quickly.
"No thanks," I retorted a little coldly. "I just want to be alone right now," with that, Toothless shot into the sky.
~End Flasback~
That was about four days ago, and I didn't end up coming back until late that night. I haven't really spoken to anyone since plus I was still dealing with everything. The more I stayed in this village, the harder it was to cope with everything. I needed to get away, but I knew I couldn't go far because of the Drago situation. The Cove sounded like a good idea right now, then have Viggo and Ryker come too since they were under my protection. How was I supposed to leave, though? There was supposed to be a Chieftain meeting today, and of course, I am a part of it; Viggo and Ryker too. I had no doubts that the riders would be joining also. I knew not everyone was coming, but our allied Tribes were. This meant Hysteria Isle, Bog-Burglar Islands, Berserker Island, Peaceable Country, Outcast Island, Visithug Isle, Meathead Isle, and the Shivering Shores. The rest didn't want to get involved even though it included everyone that Drago wished to conquer. I didn't want this meeting, but I guess it had to happen sooner or later.
…
{Normal POV}
[Stoick's Hut]
Hiccup remained in his house until Stoick had gotten the Chieftains rounded up in the Mead Hall, and then Hiccup decided it was time to go over with Viggo and Ryker. Hiccup stood up slowly and closed his eyes.
"Hiccup? You don't seem well today," Viggo pointed out.
"Aye, you're slower and paler than usual," Ryker added.
"I'm okay, thanks for the concern, though," Hiccup replied calmly.
"Try not to push yourself," Viggo advised.
"I'll bear that in mind. Let's join the meeting, shall we?" Hiccup said as the two got up and followed Hiccup outside and over to the Mead Hall.
…
[Mead Hall]
Hiccup pushed open the doors and walked in with Viggo and Ryker behind him. Of course, Hiccup didn't expect there to be an uproar from the gathered Chieftains upon seeing the Grimborn brothers enter.
"Hiccup! Behind you!" Bertha called.
"Why are they here?!" Thurmond, Chief of the Peaceables.
Hiccup glanced at his father now. "You didn't tell them?" he inquired.
"It might have slipped my mind to mention those two were living here for the time being," Stoick rubbed the back of his head.
"Yeah, me too," Dagur put a finger up. Hiccup dropped his head into his hand, sighing heavily. Gods, he didn't need this today. Also, it was now that Hiccup could see other Chieftains there who he didn't expect to see. Madguts, Chief of the Murderous Tribe, Gunnar, Chief of the Bashem Oiks, and UG, Chief of the Ulithugs. Why were they here? Was pretty sure they weren't in the allied circle, and Hiccup was sure his father said they didn't want to be a part of this. Hiccup groaned; he had a pounding headache and didn't feel well. Shocking that only Ryker and Viggo seemed to notice, but no one else.
"They cannot be trusted; this is their fault for ticking the Drago guy off in the first place!" Madguts was first to his feet to attack Viggo and Ryker; the two brothers put their hands up as a way to say they didn't want to fight. Hiccup was not dealing with this. Eyes narrowed, Hiccup he grabbed his shield off his back and stood between Madguts and the Grimborn brothers. There was a clang as Madgut's sword and the Gronckle Iron shield as Hiccup held it off while pulling his sword next and igniting the flame. Hiccup pushed Madgut's weapon back then swung his sword to knock it Madgut's away from him. One the blade was out of Madgut's hand, Hiccup struck a second time to cut it in half sending both parts to the ground.
Hiccup glared as he swept Madgut's leg out from under him, then whacked him in the face. Madguts hit the stone floor hard as Hiccup pointed his sword at Madgut's throat; forcing the Murderous Chief to stay still. The whole room was silent and staring at Hiccup in shock. Everyone couldn't believe what Hiccup just did; he protected Viggo and Ryker. "As my father failed to inform you; the Grimborn brothers are under the full protection of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third; Heir to the throne of Berk. The next person, ally or not who makes an attempt to hurt them will end up in the same position as Chief Madguts here, or worse. I'm in no mood to be tested today. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Hiccup," the Chieftains replied, even Stoick too. Dousing the flame of his sword; Hiccup returned that and his shield to his back.
"Thank you, Hiccup," Viggo bowed his head.
"I said if you got me away from Drago's Fortress, then you were safe. Hiccup Haddock does not go back on his word," Hiccup assured the brothers. "I trust you two as much as I do my dragon, and I trust Toothless with my life. Don't ever betray that because its more than anyone in this room has from me right now,"
"After everything they put us through; you trust them more than us?" Astrid asked, wide-eyed at Hiccup's confession.
"Oh, I'm sorry; does that hurt you to know?" Hiccup remarked. "Well, it's the truth,"
"How can you say that, son; they were your enemies," Stoick said, stunned as well.
"At least they never tried to hide that, or flip sides after I risked my life for them," Hiccup stated with his arms folded over his chest.
"That's exactly what they did!" Heather argued.
"Oh, so if that's the case then you're not allowed to trust Dagur with your life, right?" Hiccup retorted.
"Dagur is my brother!" Heather countered.
"But he was your enemy, right?" Heather bit back at Hiccup's comment. "Alvin and Dagur were both enemies at one point. Alvin became an ally when he helped me save my dad from Dagur. And Dagur, hah! You wanted Dagur dead until you learned he was your brother, Heather! Remember? For killing your adoptive family. Oh, but Dagur redeemed himself too; by betraying Viggo to set you free, and again in the shipyard,"
"Yeah, but they-," Astrid tried.
"But they nothing, Astrid!" Hiccup yelled. "Alvin tried to destroy Berk on multiple occasions for the knowledge to train dragons! Dagur started a WAR with Berk over the dragon riding thing, and then three years later; joined the Dragon Hunters! Both of them were able to become allies after their actions of redemption, so don't you dare start with me about Viggo and Ryker being enemies turned partner! Yes, I trust them with my life because they saved it! Viggo and Ryker became prisoners to Drago for doing the right thing and destroying the Dragon Eye when they knew that Drago would use it to conquer people and dragons! They put themselves on the line twice for the good of everyone. Once to destroy the Dragon Eye, and two; to save me. I didn't ask them to help me; I was ready to die there after what happened. Viggo and Ryker got me out and only asked that I protect them from Drago, but it looks like I have to keep them safe from all of you too!"
"Hiccup, it's not…like that," Fishlegs mentioned.
"Enough!" Hiccup raged. Viggo put his hand on Hiccup's shoulder.
"Hiccup, easy now," Viggo instructed.
"No. No; you know what? I'm just done with this. I'm not gonna sit here and explain it to them; it was my decree you two remain here and under my protection. And it's my choice who I trust," Hiccup mentioned.
"We're your friends! This is your Tribe!" Snotlout pointed a finger at him. "We've been here for you more than them!"
"Have you really?" Hiccup huffed. Their eyes widened. "I'm sorry; I couldn't tell when I didn't matter to anyone before Toothless came into my life,"
"Hi-Hiccup, that's not…true," Gobber stepped forward.
"Yeah, it is. Come on; we all know how it went before I befriended Toothless. Picked on and teased for being a runt. Scolded publically for invention tests going wrong. No friends. My father's disappointment. Nobody in this village gave a damn about me; I was mainly invisible unless I was in trouble, which was all the time. I was hated for being alive; that's what it felt like to me before Toothless. Oh, but after the truth came out, what happened? That's right, I remember. What did you tell me again, Dad? You're not a Viking. You're not my son. That's what you said when I warned you how dangerous the Dragon's Nest was, but you took my friend away; my BEST FRIEND and risked everyone's lives while abandoning me!" Hiccup glared.
Stoick looked down, ashamed. "I-I know, Hiccup, and I'm sorry. I told you that,"
"Does it matter?" Hiccup asked as Stoick looked at him quickly. "Does it take away everything the happened?" Stoick shook his head. "I was hurt, betrayed, and abandoned. I had nothing left, but I still showed up and protected this Tribe after everything over the years. And when I woke up; I finally got the one thing I always wanted; acceptance. But I wonder this; if I hadn't met Toothless, would anything have changed?" Silence. "Heh, I didn't think so. All this got proven when I lost my memory for nine days; and you didn't treat me any differently than back then. Everyone staying away, ignoring me, or waiting for me to screw up since I thought I was fifteen again,"
"We just…didn't want to trigger you, and make things worse." Astrid frowned.
"So you treat me like you don't care at all, making me feel no different than I did five years ago? Gods, anything would have been better than letting me believe that without Toothless; I have nothing," Hiccup said. "Do you want to know why I trust Viggo and Ryker with my life, aside from them rescuing me? It's because unlike all of you; they think I can do it,"
"What…does that mean?" Gobber asked.
"Ryker and Viggo were prisoners like me, and they knew they couldn't defeat Drago without help, and they firmly believe that because I have my dragon and I'm smart; I can do it. When I was Acting Chief for two weeks, and needed help because I didn't know what to do; Viggo and Ryker stepped in to help instead of standing around like most of you did, waiting for me to fail. I remember telling them when they asked why everyone just stood around when I was stuck on what to do that nobody believed I could be Chief back then, and they still don't think it now. Why is it that Viggo and Ryker, complete outsiders, believe in me more than the Tribe I would be running? I don't know about any of you, but that kind'a sucks to know. And I've had enough feeling like I have to risk my ass to matter,"
"Hiccup, what are you saying, son?" Stoick said, not sure how to take that statement.
"I'm saying that until further notice; I'm leaving the village. I won't go off the island, but I need time away before I lose it. I'm taking Toothless to the cove; Viggo and Ryker are coming with me as they're under my protection." Hiccup informed as they gasped. "Gobber, you're welcome to visit, but nobody else. If the rest of you care at all; you'll respect my decision and just back off for a bit. Sorry, but I just…can't cope with being here right now knowing what I do and feel on top of everything else,"
"What about…Drago?" Gobber asked.
"I'll cross that bridge when it's time to," Hiccup affirmed before closing his eyes and turning from them. Viggo and Ryker didn't say anything, but they followed Hiccup leaving the rest in complete shock. Hiccup returned to Stoick's house, packed a bag of things while Ryker and Viggo grabbed what little they had. After that, Hiccup whistled for Toothless and rubbed his head. "CINDER!" Hiccup called. A Titan Wing Monstrous Nightmare came out of the woods, and descended next to Hiccup. "Get on him," Hiccup said as he got on Toothless. Viggo and Ryker mounted the Nightmare as soon both dragons were in the air, and gone towards the cove. Hiccup took a deep breath; yes, to deal with everything he'd been through, Hiccup needed some space away.
