=Normal POV=
{Sunday, June 19, 2022-1 pm}
(Berk; Haddock Manor)
Saturday after graduation was spent with families, but today was their party. Hiccup was having everyone over Haddock Manor for their celebration of becoming High School graduates. Their days at Archian Preparatory were over, and now the rest of their lives had begun. Hiccup invited his friends, their parents, Viggo, Ryker, Verena, Katja, Kelda, Brenden, Maeva, Bard, and Birger over. Hiccup tried to include the Holgerson family in everything big; he knew it kept them busy and part of things. Plus; they were family since Hiccup and Olivia had been married before she passed away, just because Liv was gone now didn't mean Hiccup would annex her family from his and Runa's lives. Everyone together made coping easier. The party was beginning, and it was going to be something none of them ever forgot; everyone arrived, and introductions were over. Now, the fun could begin.
"Come on, Hiccup," Astrid giggled.
"What?" Hiccup asked.
"Start the party!" the friends yelled at him as he blinked while holding Runa.
"Dada, sing," Runa clapped her hands.
"Oh, alright…Jeeze…" Hiccup muttered as he handed Runa off to Astrid, who offered to take her from him. "Huh, thought I didn't finish that one…"
"What one?" Valka asked.
"It was something I started on before writing the song you heard at graduation. Couldn't think of what to add after a certain point, so I stopped; then got the inspiration from Astrid to write The Climb," Hiccup stated.
"Can we hear it?" Mogadon asked.
"I just said I never finished it. Music isn't done, and the lyrics stop by the second verse. The original message of the song was that after graduation, we all move on. But we hold onto our friendships, and know that no matter how long the time or distance apart; we'll stay friends, and see each other again one day," Hiccup explained.
"Good message," Dagur nodded.
"So, can't we hear up until what you have?" Astrid inquired.
"If you must," Hiccup sighed as he pressed the button and the music started with a piano tune. "Oh, yeah. Here we are now; everything's about to change. We face tomorrow as we say goodbye to yesterday. A chapter's ending, but the story has only just begun. A page is turning for everyone!"
"So I'm moving on. Letting go. Holding onto tomorrow. I've always got the memories while I'm finding out who I'm gonna be. We might be apart, but I hope you'll always know…You'll be with me…Wherever I go. Wherever I go…" Hiccup sang, then he closed his eyes; it looked like he was thinking about something.
"This is where it was supposed to stop, wasn't it?" Snotlout asked.
"So excited; I can barely even catch my breath," Hiccup continued as Astrid smiled softly.
"Wait, what's going on?" Eret inquired.
"Ssh; he's finishing it," Gobber told them.
"We have each other to lean on for the road ahead. This happy ending is the start of all our dreams. And I know your heart is with me! So I'm moving on. Letting go. Holding onto tomorrow. I've always got the memories while I'm finding out who I'm gonna be. We might be apart, but I hope you'll always know…You'll be with me…Wherever I go," Hiccup opened his eyes.
"It's time to show the worlds we've got something to say; a song to sing out loud. We'll never fade away. I know I'll miss you, but we'll meet again someday! We'll never fade away!" Hiccup sang out.
"I thought he never knew what to put," Ragna asked.
"Sometimes; it just comes to him, and he finishes it," Stoick chuckled a bit.
"So I'm moving on. Letting go. Holding onto tomorrow. I've always got the memories while I'm finding out who I'm gonna be. We might be apart, but I hope you'll always know…You'll be with me…Wherever I go. So I'm moving on. Letting go. Holding onto tomorrow. I've always got the memories while I'm finding out who I'm gonna be. We might be apart, but I hope you'll always know…You'll be with me…Yeah, yeah. Wherever I go. Wherever I…Wherever I go," Hiccup stopped now and shrugged a bit.
"Would have loved to see how that turned out with the music. It would have been a hit as the end of graduation song," Mogadon stated softly.
"Well, I guess now; we can start this," Hiccup smiled.
"Master Hiccup," Sigurd called, coming outside with a man in a military uniform behind him and two guards. "You have a visitor, sir," Sigurd bowed and then turned to return to his post.
"Hiccup Haddock; it is a pleasure to meet you face to face finally," the man smiled, offering his hand. Hiccup took his and shook it a few times.
"I would like to say the same, but I regret to inform that I do not know you," Hiccup stated. "And how do you know me? We've never met before, have we?"
"No, we have not, son," the man smiled broadly. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Chairman of the Archia Isle Military; Askel Gundersen,"
"Well, in that case; it's an honor to meet you, sir," Hiccup enlightened respectfully. "What can I do for you?"
"It's not what you can do for me, but rather, what you have done for this island is why I am here," Askel said. "I've heard a lot about you, Hiccup Haddock. You selflessly battled a Red Death, endangering yours and your Night Fury's life to protect your home and all the people who reside here back in April. And today, as I learned; you risked your life a second time to defeat a man who wanted to take away our way of life, and freedom,"
"It was nothing, sir; I only did what needed to be done at the time," Hiccup remarked.
"But why, Hiccup? That is what I'd like the answer to. It's the military's job to control island threats, but you threw yourself into the fire, literally, as I understand it. Why?" Askel inquired.
"It may not have been my job, but it was still a job that needed to be done, and there was no time to waste. Toothless was the only dragon who could withstand the homing signal that Red Death emitted. And I'm the only person who can fly him at his full potential. And as for today; Drago Bludvist was the man behind Red Death, and the Bewilderbeast. He was after me, so what choice did I have? Had I run, people would have been in danger because of me. So I chose to fight, no matter what the outcome would have been; even if I died. I would have rather died fighting to protect my home and the people I love, than just give up because it seemed hopeless and impossible," Hiccup shrugged a little.
Toothless came beside Hiccup now and sat down beside him as Hiccup rubbed his head. "I did it because it needed to be done, and if I had to go back and do it all over again; I wouldn't change a thing. I would still be more than happy to risk my life or sacrifice it if it means the people I care about, and my home is safe," Hiccup informed.
The area was quiet as Askel finally smiled and nodded. "Well, Hiccup; you are an extraordinary young man. Brave, kind, selfless, caring, smart, courageous, fearless. You charged into battles that even trained members of my military would have likely suggested we evacuate out of fear. In the military; we have a medal that is the highest award a serviceman or woman can achieve. Perhaps you know of it?" Askel inquired.
"Of course. I did a bunch of research about the military because I wanted to join after High School. The Medal of Honor is the highest decoration given to military personnel for acts of valor. Awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty," Hiccup recited.
"Correct," Askel nodded. "Its awarded to military members who perform life-risking acts of heroism,"
"So what does it have to do with me?" Hiccup wondered.
"You're a hero, son," Askel reminded. "And someone here made a request that you be recognized with a medal as such, so you'd never forget,"
"I'm…Honored, Chairman Gundersen, but I'm a civilian; it's illegal to award me the Medal of Honor," Hiccup reminded.
"I know, which is why you won't be receiving it. However, you will still be recognized as a hero for your acts of valor in protecting Archia Isle not once, but twice. And I feel that it only fits that I call upon the individual who made the request and is the reason I'm before you today," Askel paused and smiled as he offered his hand to Astrid. Hiccup's eyes widened as Astrid looked off to the side a bit; then handed Runa to Heather as Askel led Astrid forward and standing in front of him while his hands were on her shoulders.
"A-Astrid?" Hiccup asked. "I-I don't understand…"
"This young lady went through many channels, requesting that something be done to recognize your selfless acts," Askel enlightened as he pulled a letter from his uniform. "This is the letter that reached my desk. Astrid, may I read your words?" Astrid nodded to him.
"April 29, 2022
To whom it may concern,
My name is Astrid Hofferson, and I'm writing this to whoever can make it happen. There's an unrecognized hero on our island, and everyone knows it except that person. Let me tell you a little about this amazing person. He's a young man, eighteen-years-old, with auburn hair and green eyes. He lives at Berkian Estates with his parents, Godfather, and beautiful ten-month-old daughter. This man is a father, son, nephew, godson, dragon trainer/rider, and exception friend. But to me; he's so much more. This man is kind, compassionate, caring, intelligent, funny, and sarcastic. We've been best friends for years, but somewhere along the lines; I messed up. I became rich and popular. I abandoned the friends I had. I didn't know what I had until I let it go, and then lost everything. My parents, my home, my car, etc. When I was at my lowest point, sleeping on the streets, and would have frozen to death in a January snowstorm; this man came to my rescue.
After everything I did to him, even forgetting the years of friendship we had; he helped me when I didn't deserve it. I was targeted by the person who had my parents killed, but this man put himself in danger to be my bodyguard and make sure I was safe. And in all this; I got my best friend back. When the island faced a grave threat of a Red Death; he showed no fear and took it on alone with his Night Fury, who was the only dragon immune to the homing signal that controlled all the others. The battle was terrifying, but he and his dragon defeated the beast, and it cost him his dream. You see, this man always wanted to join the Archia Isle Army and defend his home. He stayed in peak form, did his research, and even filled out all the paperwork; then pre-dated it for after High School graduation. He was ready, until the battle took place April 1st, 2022. This man lost his left leg, and his dream to be a soldier. He puts on a brave front, but I know how much it hurts him because he told me that all he ever wanted to do was protect his home as a hero like his Godfather did, and other members of the military.
What he doesn't see is that he already is what he wanted to become. And I want him to understand that what he did is exactly what he always wanted to do; he just did it as a civilian instead of a soldier, and maybe that's what makes it more heroic. Because he didn't have to do it; he chose to. I want him to that he's a hero in my eyes, and many other's too, so this is my request. This man deserves to be recognized for his selfless act to take on a mountain-sized dragon with his Night Fury, and protect his home with no regard for his own safety or the outcome of the battle. I think it's time he sees himself as everyone else does, as I do. He is my best friend, the man I love, and his name is Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third. Please help me find a way to show him what he is; a hero.
Thank you,
~Astrid Hofferson."
Askel lowered the paper as Hiccup's eyes never left Astrid's figure while everyone else was just in shock of the words they heard Astrid write in this letter. Hiccup couldn't believe it. Astrid sent that message out, and it reached the Chairman of the Archia Isle Military?! Astrid did this for him?
"And now, I think it's time we fulfill the request," Askel stated as he snapped his fingers and the guards came forward with their arms out, but a cloth covering both sets. Askel turned and removed the fabric to reveal a square box, which he then opened, but blocked from sight. "Miss. Hofferson, would you like the honors?"
"Yes, please?" Astrid asked as she turned to take something from Askel, then she carefully faced Hiccup holding something in her hand.
"Astrid…What are you doing…" Hiccup asked.
"Hiccup, you risked your life and were willing to die if it meant your home and the people you care about remained safe from the threats that plagued Archia Isle over the last couple of months. You defeated the Red Death, destroyed the Dragon Eye, and stopped a madman from taking over the world. I know your biggest dream was to join the army and be a soldier…A hero like the others who serve and protect our home. After the Red Death, the dream was lost with your left leg. You keep saying that you'll never get to be what you always wanted to become, but you don't realize that you already are everything you wanted to be. You have more than earned the Medal of Honor for the things you've done for this island. I know we can't give it to you because it's for military people, but the best part about that is that you did these things as a civilian by choice, and there is a little something Chairman Gundersen, and I came up with to award your selfless acts of valor," Astrid began as she stepped towards him and pinned something to his shirt on the left side.
"This is the Archia Isle Medal of Heroism. It's the equivalent of the military's Medal of Honor; only this one is for citizens who go above and beyond while risking their lives for their home," Askel informed as Hiccup's eyes widened while Astrid placed something around his neck; it had a green, white, and brown strap. And dangling at the bottom was the Archia Isle crest in silver reading the words on a metal ribbon as; Citizen Hero.
Hiccup couldn't believe this; her truly couldn't as his eyes never left Astrid's figure when she stepped back a bit. "You're a hero, Hiccup. You didn't ever have to be a soldier to become one; you were just you, babe. You are a hero to everyone here, on the island…And to me. And now I hope you will believe it as well," Astrid smiled.
"Also, there is one more thing…" Askel stated. "That leg of yours; you built it yourself?"
"Y-Yes?" Hiccup replied, still shocked.
"And you do everything on it that you could before you lost your leg?" Askel asked.
"Yeah…" Hiccup nodded, trying to recover as Astrid moved beside him; holding Hiccup's hand.
"Would you still join the army if allowed?" Askel arched a brow.
"In a heartbeat, but we both know that it's not poss-," Hiccup started.
"Good; then I expect to see you at the Archian Military Processing Station on August 1st, 2022 at 0500 hours," Askel interrupted. Hiccup's mouth dropped open with eyes as wide as saucers.
"HUH?!" Hiccup asked, completely blown away by what he was told.
"You heard me, boy," Askel remarked. "August 1st, 2022. 0500 hours for military entrance processing," he said again.
"Wait-I thought-But…I-I can't…My leg," Hiccup stammered.
"Your leg was built by you and works as good as if you never lost the original. I assume you know how to maintain it regularly, so I don't see the problem in why you can't. You said it was your dream to join the army, and would if you could, did you not?" Askel inquired.
"Yes, but…" Hiccup began.
Askel held up a folder and Hiccup recognized it instantly; it was his with all his military signup forms in it. "This is your application to join, given to me by your girlfriend upon request after I got her letter that you were ready to join after High School. It has been reviewed, accepted, and approved. Your next step is processing; then swearing in. From there, you will get your Reception Week ship date, likely sometime in early to mid-September," Askel said.
"I-I can join?" Hiccup asked. Askel nodded. "I-I don't have the words…Thank you,"
"Report to the central city processing station August 1st at 0500, recruit," Askel stated firmly.
"Sir, yes sir!" Hiccup replied as he snapped to position and gave a salute.
"Yeah, you'll do fine, kid," Askel chuckled. "It's going to be an honor having you with us. At ease," Hiccup relaxed. Askel rounded up his two guards and exited the backyard as Hiccup slowly turned and looked right at Astrid.
"Surprise?" Astrid said with her shoulders raised a bit and hands out.
"You did all this for me?" Hiccup stared.
"Well…The recognition as a hero idea, yes; I did do that. But Askel was behind the whole letting you join thing. He got my letter two weeks after I sent it to Denmark since we're part of them. Somehow; it got to Chairman Gundersen, and he contacted me about everything. I…took your application at his request once we talked about how you couldn't join. I mentioned you building Toothless's tail, your leg…That you do everything as if you never lost yours in the Red Death battle, and he told me to mail it to him. So I did…And…Here we are. Now, you can join the army and be a soldier, just like you dreamed of doing," Astrid said softly.
Hiccup didn't say anything at first; he couldn't believe what Astrid had done for him, and he still had no idea how it was even happening, but why should he question the opportunity he was being given.
"Oh, what did you want to tell me yesterday? At graduation before it started?" Astrid asked. Hiccup knew what she meant right away; he was going to tell her that he loved her and then everything happened.
"I shouldn't have waited so long," Hiccup said. Before Astrid could question anything; Hiccup lightly cupped her cheeks and drew her face to his for a kiss. And it was like nothing anyone had ever seen them share before.
"Oh, my," Valka blinked.
Hiccup broke the kiss almost twenty seconds later as he stared into her eyes. "Wow…" Astrid breathed out slowly.
"I love you," Hiccup confessed as Astrid snapped out of her dream-like state quickly, staring in shock.
"Wh-What did you say?" Astrid asked.
"I love you," Hiccup repeated as Astrid's eyes widened a little. "I wasn't sleeping when you said it to me. I heard you Friday morning after we finished making love,"
"What? They did what!?" Valka started as Stoick put his hand over her mouth and shook his head at her to leave it alone. Valka nodded as Stoick moved his hand.
"Why…Didn't you say anything then?" Astrid inquired. Hiccup sighed, holding her hands in front of them now.
"Because I was scared. So afraid to feel this way again, and I told you why the first time we made love after Prom. When you told me you loved me Friday morning at 5 am; I froze and didn't know what to say. The fear of falling and losing everything took over; I started questioning myself, my feelings…But after I saw you nearly get killed trying to protect me from Toothless under the Bewilderbeast's control…It was like losing Olivia all over again, Astrid; I nearly lost it. I wanted Drago dead, and I wanted to be the one to do it; to kill him. But it was in that moment I realized you weren't gone, and I hadn't lost you. Everything became so clear, and the fear of falling vanished because I already had. I fell for you a long time ago, and even though some shit happened; my feelings never truly died," Hiccup expressed.
"Hiccup…" Astrid said in shock.
"We've been through everything, and we can handle anything. Astrid, you have me no matter what. Whatever that means, whatever you want it to mean; I am with you. There will always be a Hiccup and Astrid. Always," Hiccup released one of her hands as he pulled something out of his pocket. "I promise," he said as he slipped something on her finger sneakily. Astrid quickly looked down to see a thin, silver band on her left-hand ring finger. It had half of a gold heart with a single diamond in the arch while it read; His underneath the diamond.
"Oh, my Gods!" Astrid brought a hand to her mouth as she watched Hiccup slip on a larger, thicker band with half of a black heart that would match Astrid's as far as placement to make one heart if the rings were next to one another. And inside the arch of the heart were the words; Hers. "Hiccup…Is this…-,"
"One day, I'll present you with a ring on one knee and ask you to bind your life to mine in marriage. Until then, will you wear this as a symbol that I'm with you forever?" Hiccup asked.
Astrid let a few tears slip as she nodded. "Yes…Yes, I promise I will as long as you do the same with yours," Astrid replied.
"I promise," Hiccup vowed. Astrid brought his face in by wrapping her arms around his neck; they kissed deeply, then broke it.
"I love you, Hiccup Haddock," Astrid pressed her forehead to his.
"I love you, Astrid Hofferson…One day to be Haddock," Hiccup winked. Astrid kissed him again as everything started clapping and cheering. Astrid and Hiccup faced everyone else after a moment or two, revealing the pair of rings they wore at the demanding request of everyone else; they were promise rings, but the meaning was clear that sometime in the future, there would be a wedding between them as Hiccup was promising to ask Astrid to marry him, and she accepted the ring with a promise to say yes. Hiccup and Astrid loved this moment, and for both of them; it had been well worth the wait for them to confess to loving one another.
