The week had never gone by so fast and Hiccup stood in his room putting on his formal attire which wasn't really all that different from his normal clothing just colors and a few add-ons. Hiccup now wore all black and brown with a few reds and silvers, a creation of his own that he spent all week on. Hiccup's outfit consisted of a long dark gray tunic that reached his upper thighs, black pants, and dark brown boots. His armor was black, with gray under it. It was mainly a leather dipped in colored paint, another one of Hiccup's ideas that worked out well. Hiccup's armor involved two black arm guards that wrapped around from his wrists to a few inches below his elbows, then a padded but reinforced with Toothless's discarded scales chest and back armor, his shoulders were protected by two screaming death scales painted a dark gray, the one on the right had the symbol of a Night Fury on it with a red left tail fin, just like Toothless had. Draped over Hiccup's back to complete the look was a black cape, again reinforced with Toothless's scales.
Toothless's tail had been redone as well, everything black to blend in with him, just like Hiccup's outfit. They were impossible to see at night. Only thing not black was the left tail fin, that was red with the symbol of a white Night Fury's open jaws and eyes but the top of the head looked like a Viking helmet. Hiccup's design to show the peace between humans and dragons. Hiccup had always been a bit of an artist, one of his many skills besides designing the village, inventing, and dragon flying. Hiccup heard a knock on the door as he turned a bit, "Come in." Hiccup stated.
Alvin and Cami walked in smiling. "Wow, Hiccup you look amazing." Cami blushed.
"Heh, thanks...I think? Not to much?" Hiccup asked looking at Alvin.
"Looks fine to me." Alvin nodded.
"Good...Everything ready?" Hiccup faced them now as he put his shield on his back, the sword in its sheath attached to his belt.
"It is, we're just waiting for you." Cami smiled as she hugged him, Hiccup returned it.
"The chief is never late, everyone else is early." Hiccup winked at her before kissing her softly. Cami blushed as they broke it and Alvin chuckled.
"Lets go you two." Alvin said. They nodded and headed out of Hiccup's house and to the great hall where the ceremony was being held. Cami went in with Toothless and took their seats at the front, Alvin went next since he was the one preforming the ceremony. When Hiccup heard everyone settle down he knew it was time. He watched the doors open as he looked forward, all eyes were on him. A feeling he didn't miss from that day on Berk, but these eyes were different. These eyes were the ones of people who understood and accepted him, the people he would now be leading.
His eyes fell on Alvin, the father figure he'd had for the last year. Hiccup gave a confident smile as he started his walk down the makeshift isle. When he stood before Alvin, the doors were shut and the room came to a hush. "State your name." Alvin instructed formally. This was something he didn't want to do, he hated using his full name because it was part of his past on Berk. But he knew for this he had too. Once he was chief he'd be changing a few things in order to ensure his secret didn't get out.
"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third. Former son and heir of Stoick Haddock, chief of Berk. Currently Hiccup Holgerson son and heir of Alvin Holgerson, chief of Outcast Island." Hiccup stated calmly but with firmness to his tone, he watched Alvin smile when he'd called himself Alvin's son. Why not, it was true for all intensive purposes.
"All assembled here today, are to bear witness to a great moment. Today, my son becomes the chief of this tribe and he's already done so much. I can stand here and say that no one is more proud than myself of everything he has done, and will do in the future." Alvin announced as his eyes fell on Hiccup. Alvin held the chief helmet with a smile.
"Hiccup Holgerson. Raise your right hand, and place your left over your heart." Savage instructed to him. Hiccup took a deep breath as he raised his right hand, and placed his left over his heart looking at his father. It gave him such a warm feeling to see the happiness in his eyes. "Do you swear by Odin, the heathen Gods to protect the island of the Outcasts and the members of the outcast tribe even if it means risking your own life. Do you swear to do your best to lead your people to peace and prosperity as far as you're able too. Do you swear to cast aside all personal feelings, to place your people and village before you no matter the cost? Do you swear to uphold the duties given to you?" Savage recited to him.
Hiccup took a deep breath as he held a seriousness in his eyes, "I, Hiccup Holgerson, solemnly swear to uphold the duties given to me." Hiccup said in a firm tone. His father looked proud and he could hear Camicazi crying softly. Savage stepped back now as Alvin stepped forward and motioned for him to kneel. Hiccup kneeled down, his hands resting on his knee.
Alvin held the helmet as Hiccup bowed his head as Alvin placed the helmet on his head gently, "This helmet, given to remind you to always think before you act, to handle situations with tact and diplomacy." Alvin said, Hiccup opened his eyes and got to his feet again.
"Face your people Hiccup..." Savage told him. Hiccup slowly turned around facing the people of the island. He still held his sword and shield against him as Savage began again. "You have sworn to the duties bestowed upon you and it gives me great pleasure to name you Chief Hiccup Holgerson the Wise, of the Outcast Tribe!" Savage announced loudly. The crowd jumped up clapping and cheering his name. Hiccup finally let out the breath he'd been holding in and smiled softly, nodding as he looked around to everyone.
Cami was up and hugging him instantly, they shared another kiss. "You did great, Hiccup!" Cami said excitedly.
"Thank you milady." Hiccup replied holding her in his arms as Toothless licked his cheek. "And thank you too, Toothless." Hiccup chuckled.
"Is there anything you'd like to say to your people, Hiccup?" Alvin asked him.
"I do actually..." Hiccup said as he put his sword and shield away facing everyone now. "Now...I've already run this by my father before the I accepted becoming chief, but he felt I should be the one to announce it...I know we are all outcasts but...we aren't here in our village. Here we are family, all of us even the dragons. So...I would like to at this time make it known that we will no longer be referred to as the outcasts, outcast tribe, or outcast island." Hiccup said to them with a smile.
"What are we then!" Someone asked him.
"Glad you asked. From here on out...Our island will be called Dragons Edge. We will be known as the Riddaris of the Dreki Tribe. And if anyone wants to know what that means...Riddaris means Riders, and Dreki means Dragon in old norse...So we are the Riders of the Dragon Tribe to Dragons Edge." Hiccup smiled. "And for outsiders...No one is to use my name as Hiccup...Refer to me as Strike, sir, or chief. Understood?" Hiccup stated.
"Aye chief!" They answered. Hiccup nodded to them, he couldn't take the chance if they were out and someone catching his name. He had to protect what he built for himself and others like him. This was his tribe now, the one he vowed to protect.
"Now...Enough seriousness...Its time to celebrate!" Hiccup called out proudly. The room cheered as Hiccup pointed to group designated for playing music, they began as everyone got up and began to talk, move around, and dance. Hiccup snapped his fingers as the food was brought out and set on a large table in the back of the hall. Hiccup led Cami to the dance floor. "As for me...I want my first dance as chief with you milady." Hiccup chuckled as he twirled her around making her blush.
"B–but I don't...know how to dance?" Cami admitted putting her head down.
"You will after tonight." Hiccup smiled as he placed her right hand on his left shoulder, his left hand on her back and pulled her close to his figure. His right hand grasped her left and locked them in place as he began to move to the beat of the slow music playing. Cami blushed deeper now letting Hiccup lead her around the room.
"I didn't know you could dance." Camicazi said softly.
"I'm always full of surprises babe." Hiccup told her with a wink. They danced for hours it seemed, they took breaks in between to get food for themselves and relax, then make their way around the room talking with others. Hiccup was happier than ever, he never knew there was such a great life outside of Berk and now all of this was his. His home. Nothing would take it from him. He had Alvin who was like a father to him, he even referred to Hiccup as his son, just like Hiccup had taken his last name Holgerson during the ceremony.
Hiccup also had Toothless who started it all for him and they were still close as could be. Finally, Hiccup had Camcazi. His beloved girlfriend who he was madly in love with and planned to marry down the line. He knew there was no one else for him, she was perfect for him. For now they were just taking it slow with him just becoming chief and until he got into the swing of things would be busy. He refused to be like his real father, who never had time for anyone but the village. No. Hiccup wanted time for his wife, and children when that finally happened.
The party went on for hours, some had left but only those with young children. Hiccup talked about plans he had for the village, more security measures, and more. Cami stayed beside him, as did Toothless. Hiccup had already sent the men for patrol and the party would probably be ending afterwards because it was late and it'd been a long day already.
(3 Hours Later)
The party ran smoothly and it was finally time to call it a night, just as Hiccup prepared to get their attention one of the riders he'd sent on patrol returned, running in panting. "Chief!" Hiccup walked to him.
"Hey, breathe...talk to me." Hiccup ordered calmly.
"Mysterious rider spotted in the forest. In full armor and masked face." The man said quickly.
"Where? What kind of dragon?" Hiccup asked.
"North Woods, and the dragon isn't one we've seen before..." The man replied.
"I'll handle it. Get everyone to their homes safely." Hiccup stated as he turned to Toothless and gave a whistle which had him run over, Hiccup jumped on his back and Toothless walked to the door. Cami held his hand with worry in her blue eyes.
Be safe..." She whispered, Hiccup kissed her deeply before pulling away and nodded.
"I will. Get home. I'll let everyone know when its okay to come out." Hiccup told her, she nodded as Hiccup opened Toothless's tail and they took to the sky.
"Alright. You heard the chief. Get to your homes!" Cami called out, people began moving out of the hall and back to their homes, shutting the doors and locking them. Dragons stood guard as they were trained to do, Hiccup raced to the woods on Toothless and spotted the mysterious rider retreating.
"HEY!" Hiccup called to the rider. "Cut them off, Toothless." Hiccup ordered. Toothless sped in front of the rider and its dragon. "Fire a warning shot." Hiccup stated. Toothless shot a blast at the dragon, it missed but the rider fell off. Hiccup urged Toothless forward and they caught rider and landed in the village square. His men came to his side and held the rider by its arms, the dragon came down roaring at Hiccup who only held out his hand and pressed it to the dragons nose, it calmed down. Hiccup gave a hand command for it to lay down and settle which it followed.
"How did you...do that?" The rider asked through the mask, Hiccup could already tell it was a she.
"My people don't harm dragons. This is my village, I'll ask the questions. Who are you and what were you doing hiding in the woods." Hiccup crossed his arms over his chest firmly.
"I–I had heard rumors of this village, a place where humans and dragons resided in peace...I came to see if it was true..." The woman replied slowly.
"As you can see, it very much is true. Now who are you." Hiccup asked.
"You're just a young boy...How are you chief here?..." The woman asked.
"Give me your name." Hiccup ordered.
"Cloud...That is the name I go by. I will not give you my real one. I have spent to long trying to escape my past." The woman now known as Cloud said.
"I am Strike. Likewise, I will not give you my name for the same reasons you gave me. You are a dragon rider so you understand dragons mean no harm. You respect them, love them. Am I right?" Hiccup asked her.
"You are. I did not know there were others like me." Cloud replied. "Where...is this place?" She asked next.
"This Dragons Edge. Formally known as Outcast Island." Hiccup informed her. "I will have my men release you if you do not take off." Hiccup stated. The woman nodded to him as Hiccup snapped his fingers and the two men holding her let go as she stood up slowly.
"Sir, should we inform the people it is safe?" Asked one of the men.
"Yes. Summon Alvin, Camicazi, and the council to the hall please. I will speak to Cloud first before deciding if she can be trusted or not. Escort her to the hall." Hiccup said firmly. They nodded and gave Cloud a shock to follow him, she did.
(The Hall)
Hiccup remained standing as Cloud was sitting at a table, the two men behind her making sure she didn't try anything. Alvin, Cami, and the other members of the council sat around the table as well. "Where did you come from." Hiccup asked.
"I cannot disclose such to you." Cloud replied.
"If you can't give me anything other than your name than I will have no choice but to lock you in the prison until you talk. I have spent the last year building this place and I will not have it ruined because you refuse to talk. Now I've asked nicely once...next time it won't be. Where did you come from." Hiccup ordered.
"My home is due North of here, a dragon sanctuary. No riders besides me. I rescue dragons who have been captured and ordered to death...I keep them safe..." Cloud sighed.
"Have you always been a dragon rider?" Hiccup asked now.
"The last 15 years. I was...taken from my former home by the dragon I came in on. I learned with him that dragons were not dangerous and from there I chose to reside with them since the village I was taken from believed the only answer was to kill them. I believed peace was possible, it was an unpopular opinion." Cloud said.
"What type of dragon is he." Hiccup stated.
"I call him a Storm Cutter. His name is Cloud Jumper..." Cloud said.
"Why were you hiding in the woods. If you had heard of this place, then you clearly were curious. You could have just asked. Taking off makes you look guilty." Hiccup folded his arms over his chest with a huff.
"I am...sorry...I believed I was the only rider around, I did not know others shared my desire to protect them, to have peace with them." Cloud replied looking down.
"You said you were taken from your village, from which did you reside?" Hiccup asked.
"An island by the name of Berk." Hiccup's eyes widened a bit, she was from Berk? "I was taken from my family but I knew they'd never accept dragons among them so I never returned." Cloud said. Hiccup was in shock. Why did...this story of hers seem familiar?
"Leave us. Cami, Alvin. You may stay." Hiccup ordered calmly, his men looked at one another then nodded and left the hall leaving just Cloud, Toothless, Camicazi, Alvin, and himself there now under the dim lights of the torches burning. "Take off your mask. I have not hidden myself. You will not do the same." Hiccup told her. The woman reached up and removed her mask, Hiccup saw a woman with medium brown hair, and green eyes. She looked to be in her late 40's, early 50's. Why did she look like some he knew, a distant memory that was blurred from him. She was from Berk, his former home. She had been taken from her family. Who was she? He had to know.
"This was once Outcast Island, does that mean...You were cast out from your home?" Cloud asked him. "I promise, I won't hurt your people. I just want to understand this place...Its incredible. You did it all yourself?" Cloud looked around.
"I did with help. Yes, I was cast out. Made a home here, and traveled to find others like myself. I offer them a place they can be themselves and not have to fear being found out or forced to kill dragons." Hiccup stated.
"Where are you from?" Cloud said curiously.
"You do not need to know such information about me." Hiccup replied coldly.
"Sorry..." Cloud said quickly. "How...is it you are chief?" She added slowly.
"I am chief here because I built this place, the people trust me as their leader and I showed them there is nothing to fear about dragons. I was made chief this evening, before you arrived." Hiccup stated.
"You're so young...You must be...16 or so." Cloud smiled lightly.
"That I am. I was cast out a year ago from my former home because my father could not accept I refused to kill dragons. He couldn't accept I trained a Night Fury so I was cast out and I'd never been more happy to leave a place that hated me." Hiccup stated.
"Cruel people. My husband was the same way, stubborn and set in his ways. I wasn't sad to leave him behind, I was concerned for my son...I still wonder how he turned out, wonder if he was like me or his father..." Hiccup opened his eyes now looking at her.
"I can tell you're being honest. Therefore I will be as well. I too, am from Berk. My father was the chief, and couldn't accept I befriended a dragon, a Night Fury no less. He cast me out and I've been here since. I've never looked back." Hiccup said. Cloud's eyes widened now as she looked at Hiccup closely, in the light she could see something in the right side of his chin. A scar. She gasped now.
"Hiccup..." She asked in almost a shocked tone. "Ca–can it be?..." She whispered out, "How is this possible?..."
Hiccup moved back now, she knew his name? She wasn't making sense and it was freaking him out. "Sh–should I...know you?" Hiccup asked slowly.
"No..." She trailed off slowly, "You were only a babe..." She said looking away then looking back at him once he gasped with wide eyes. "But a mother...Never forgets." Hiccup backed up in to Alvin, afraid. This woman...was his mother? She couldn't be. His mother was killed by a dragon. It wasn't possible, this wasn't possible. It couldn't be.