The annual holiday had come. It was Snoggletog and the village had never been happier about it. However as per something Hiccup started because it was Cami's favorite holiday, every year since her death they'd all gather on the beach as a memorial to her and repeat the events of her funeral. It was times like these like with the anniversary of her death that Hiccup didn't like to be bothered but he promised Cami he'd be there for their kids, and the village because they all needed him still so he would hold firm and stay strong on a day like this.
The hooligans didn't know what was going on but it was easy to tell that while it was Snoggletog and people were happy, there was something else going on. They were all sitting in Stoick's room again as they did most mornings while waiting for their guide to arrive which would either be Strike, Cloud, or Alvin. Today however when Stoick opened the door he saw Savage and blinked a little confused as to why he was there instead of one of the others. "Um...morning, Savage?" Stoick greeted.
"Aye. Morning, Stoick and others of the Hooligan tribe. Happy Snoggletog to you all." Savage replied to him.
"So uh...what's going on?" Gobber asked now.
"All in the village are to meet on the beach. Its time for the memorial and I've been given strict instructions to inform you that you are not to talk, or ask questions about it. It will make sense when we get there...And also today would not be a good day to make the chief angry for any reason at all." Savage informed them.
"Alright...lead the way then?" Stoick said as they all filed out in line behind Savage. The walk was silent, and took 15 minutes to reach the beach. As they walked they noticed others beside them, in front, or behind them. The entire village was headed towards the beach. Reaching the sand now they could see Strike standing at the edge facing the water, his kids beside him as well Cloud and Alvin. It slowly started to make sense now, this was the beach where the memorial stone for the chief's wife was and today was a memorial for her.
"Remain here." Savage instructed, the hooligans stopped and stood with the rest of the village. Everyone was staying quiet as Savage made his way behind the chief and offered a bow. "The hooligans have been retrieved in accordance to your instructions chief." Savage said.
"Good...then we can start." Hiccup replied calmly as he took a breath and faced everyone quietly at first. Astrid noticed there was a small rowboat at the edge, no body on it but she assumed it was part of the memorial. She frowned sadly, so this was an every year thing for the tribe. To pay a tribute to their fallen chieftess. "Dreki tribe...and guests. I thank you for coming, both myself and my family can't tell you how grateful we are that you join us every year to celebrate her life for the time she was with us." Hiccup began calmly before turning around again and facing the water as Alvin handed him a shield with Camicazi's picture on it.
"Wow...she's beautiful..." Astrid breathed out quietly. Hiccup had heard it of course, the area was silent except for the soft waves coming on to the shore.
"Whenever you're ready son..." Alvin said softly.
"To those who have been here, you all remember what she was like. To those who haven't been...She was strong, brave, funny, smart, and beautiful. First time I ever saw her she captured my heart, and ever since even with her gone...it still belongs to her. She was everything and anything you needed her to be and more. A builder, a fisher, a farmer, dragon rider, friend, mother, wife...and she was taken from us too soon. But here we stand like every year to remember her and all she did, and to never forget she is always with us." Hiccup began trying to keep a steady voice. Sunflower whined sadly as Hiccup reached over and rubbed her head.
Hiccup put the shield on the small boat as he stepped back and looked to his father. "Archers. To your positions..." Alvin ordered. Valka, Savage, Runa, Viggo, Thora, and Alvin all moved in a line behind Hiccup holding their bows and an arrow. Sunflower lit the small log before them on fire. Hiccup took his metal shield off his back and held it at his side.
"Uhh...isn't the chief supposed to fire an arrow?" Tuffnut asked, Astrid punched him in the arm.
"We were told to be quiet and not ask questions. Shut up..." Astrid whispered harshly to him looking forward again.
"I–I'll never...l–let g–go...I pro–prom..ise..." Hiccup choked out before stepping towards the back of the ship and pushed it into the water. It moved slowly through the water and when out enough, Hiccup gave a nod to Alvin.
"May the valkyries welcome you and lead you through Odin's great battle field. May they sing your name with love and fury, so that we might hear it rise from the depths of Valhalla. And know that you've taken your rightful place at the table of kings and queens. For a great woman has fallen: A wife. A chieftess. A mother. A warrior. A friend." Alvin said sadly as Hiccup let a tear slide down his cheek as he bent down and lit the tip of his arrow, now taking his stance and holding up the shield flat.
The hooligans watched with amazement almost as the shield changed, opening up to a crossbow as he loaded the arrow on the string and pulled it back. "I love you, Camicazi. And I will forever more..." Hiccup whispered before he let the arrow go, it landed perfectly on the ship. After him was Alvin, Savage, Valka, Runa, Viggo, and Thora did the same. Lighting the tips of their arrows and firing towards the ship. All each hitting perfectly. The ship caught fire and began a slow burn. Hiccup had his eyes closed as he turned and walked towards his kids.
"Are you gonna sing your song for her daddy?" Thora asked gently.
"Everyone remembers the song Camicazi and I danced to at our wedding 5 years ago...The one song a chief and chieftess sing together. And this...is something I wrote for her after she died..." Hiccup sighed.
"Son...you're not referring to...The Fallen and The Sleeping are you?" Cloud asked slowly, he gave a nod.
"The Fallen and The Sleeping?..." Stoick questioned now, Cloud faced him.
"Its a reprise of the Dancing and the Dreaming. Chief wrote it himself...Now be quiet." Alvin said before Cloud could.
"My dearest one. My darling dear..." He started slow. "My mighty one has fallen...And children weep for their protector. And loved ones will be praying..." There was a long pause as he took a breath, "So we part again my love, my darling one...So the Gods above will bless you." Hiccup sang out, his kids hugged his arms or legs sadly.
"Well if that doesn't make you cry, I don't know what will..." Gobber mumbled a little choked up.
Hiccup bent down and pulled them in to a hug before standing up again and facing the group. "Daddy, can I sing something for mommy?" Runa asked, this took Hiccup a little by surprise but he wasn't about to deny her. Hiccup nodded softly to Runa as she looked out towards the sea. Runa was only 7 but she had an amazing voice like Cami had, even though Runa wasn't their blood child.
"Mamma. You gave life to me...Turned a baby into a lady. And mamma, All you had to offer...Was the promise of a lifetime of love." Runa began softly taking everyone by surprise. Hiccup just stood there holding Viggo and Thora's hands watching his eldest daughter sing about her mother. "Now I know...There is no other...Love like a mother's love for her child. And I know...A love so complete, someday must leave. Must say goodbye..." Runa sang her eyes never facing the group, just staring out to sea.
"Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear. Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near. Someday you'll say that word and I will cry...It'll break my heart to hear you say goodbye..." Runa smiled as she heard her father gasp, as well as her grandmother and grandfather. She was 7 how in the name of Odin did she come up with such a beautiful song on her own?!
"Mamma. You gave love to me...Turned a young one into a woman. And mamma, All I ever needed...Was a guarantee of you loving me. 'Cause I know...There is no other...Love like a mother's love for her child! And it hurts so...That something so strong, someday will be gone, must say goodbye..." Runa now forced herself to turn around and face the group as she smiled at Viggo and Thora.
"Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear. Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near. Someday you'll say that word and I will cry...It'll break my heart to hear you say goodbye!" Runa sang out as Viggo and Thora let go of Hiccup's hands now and walked forward standing beside Runa holding her hands while they continued.
"But the love you gave me will always live! You'll always be there every time I fall. You are to me the greatest love of all...You take my weakness and you make me strong! And I will always love you 'til forever comes!" The three sang together now. Hiccup couldn't believe it, all three of them were singing now and in perfect harmony too. "And when you need me!...I'll be there for you always! I'll be there your whole life through! I'll be there this I promise you, Mamma!" Runa did on her own.
"I'll be your beacon through the darkest nights. I'll be the wings that guide your broken flight...I'll be your shelter through the raging storm. And I will love you 'till forever comes!" The three children sang together. Hiccup felt tears rolling down his cheeks but his mask was on so no one else saw it.
"Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear. Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near. Someday you'll say that word and I will cry...It'll break my heart to hear you say goodbye..." Runa's voice softened now. "'Till we meet again...Until then...Goodbye..." Her voice stopped with a whisper.
No one said anything, who could? Hiccup walked up to them and pulled them in to a tight hug. "Oh kids...That was beautiful and I know you're mother loved it as much as I did...Thank you." Hiccup said gently to them.
"Daddy...don't you remember what mommy said...that no matter where we go or what we do...she'll always be with us in our hearts." Runa told him. Hiccup only hugged them tighter before standing up and facing everyone.
"Alright, enough sadness...this is Snoggletog and I know my late wife well...she'll start a raging snow storm if we don't start having fun soon. Ain't that right, Cami?" Hiccup asked looking up now as a cool breeze blew through the area making everyone laugh now.
"Hi mommy!" The three kids yelled waving at the sky now.
"Hey babe. I knew you wouldn't miss Snoggletog, its your favorite holiday. To the hall everyone, its time to celebrate!" Hiccup announced as people cheered and started making their way off the beach, Hiccup was last walking with Stoick, Astrid, Fishlegs, and the others including his mother, father, and Savage. Runa rushed ahead and giggled grabbing Astrid's hand and walking with her, it took her by surprise.
"Hi Runa." Astrid greeted her lightly.
"Hi Astrid! Did you like the song for my mommy?" Runa asked her.
"I loved it, and I think she'd be very proud of you for doing it." Astrid replied happily.
"A–are you okay with Runa getting close to her?" Valka whispered now.
"I'm not sure how I feel about it, she saved Runa's life...just like Cami did...that might be why she's close, because Astrid reminds her of Cami and Runa wants to feel close to her mother again..." Hiccup answered softly. How did he feel about it? Hiccup didn't know, Runa getting close to Astrid? That could be bad because Runa might not want her to leave, or it could risk his secret of who he was. For now he'd have to watch and see what happened, it was Snoggletog and he didn't want that ruined.
Reaching the great hall now with everyone inside, there was a feast laid out as well as a tree made of wood planks and painted green with shields and other decorations on it. The entire hall was decorated in fact and it looked great. The hooligans were impressed, not even they went out and they loved Snoggletog as much as any other Viking did. Everyone got some food and sat down, people were laughing and singing Snoggletog songs together. It was amazing, mainly to Stoick. There was a giant dragon queen looking for them but none of these people seemed to care, they just carried out their normal day.
Hiccup looked around smiling under the mask, could this get any better? His people were safe, his children were happy. What more could a chief ask for? Even though his wife wasn't with him like always, she was there in spirit and that was enough. It was still unfair she had to be taken from him so early, their lives had been perfect. Two children, great family and friends. But Hiccup learned young as in when he was cast out that sometimes bad things had to happen for greater things to come to light. Hiccup had to be cast out in order for him to find his place in the world. Who knew? It was one of life's mysteries that he would never come to understand.
Hiccup saw his children playing with the other village kids, his people were eating, laughing, and having a good time. Even with the threat of the Red Death looming over his village, everyone was still keeping high spirits. Hiccup still worried about the queen and if anyone could see his face they would see that worry clearly. He hated wearing his mask almost all the time but he didn't want his former tribe to realize who he was. He knew he couldn't hide it forever, especially since Astrid and Fishlegs were about to become dragon riders and if they chose to stay on Dragons Edge...that was it. Secret was out and they would take the first chance they had to tell Stoick about Hiccup being alive.
He sighed now and stayed in his seat just watching everything. His mother was shockingly enough dancing with Alvin, they'd gotten close in the last few years but his mother's heart still longed for Stoick, and Hiccup knew that well. He knew why she hadn't told him about being alive yet, because when they all first met on Berk he referred to his kids saying their grandmother would be worried so that showed whoever Cloud was, was in fact Strike's mother, as Alvin was his father well adopted at that.
His mother was holding back telling for his sake and Hiccup didn't think that was fair to her. But also, Valka wasn't saying anything because she wasn't ready to face Stoick for how he treated Hiccup. Not just casting him out but also all Hiccup suffered before being cast out. Hiccup closed his eyes leaning back in his chair, he heard footsteps coming towards him. Toothless growled a bit. Hiccup was sure it was the hooligan tribe members because Toothless never growled at Dreki members. "If you're attempting to sneak up on me, you forget my Night Fury can hear you miles away." Hiccup stated.
"How'd you know!" Tuffnut exclaimed. Hiccup sat up now and turned his head to face Astrid, Tuffnut, Ruffnut, Fishlegs, and Snotlout standing there. Stoick and Gobber standing behind.
"Toothless made me aware. What do you want?" Hiccup asked in a bored tone.
"You looked alone, thought we might keep you company?" Astrid offered lightly.
"I'm just watching my people have a good time is all." Hiccup replied.
"You're the chief, you should take part in it..." Fishlegs smiled.
"I will later. Its still quite early, I'm just waiting for the inevitable..." Hiccup sighed. He'd almost forgotten what Snoggletog was, dragon mating season. The dragons always left for about a week to mate and lay their eggs, then return after 7 days.
"Waiting for?..." Snotlout asked. Before Hiccup could answer he heard a roar outside it was Sunflower.
"That..." Hiccup sighed as he got up now and looked to Toothless who let out another roar to bring the room to silence. "Alright everyone. You know what that means, time to let the dragons go for their annual egg laying." Hiccup announced. There were some sighs and mumbles. "Yes I know...its sucks but they do it every year and they will be back like they always do. Come on, everyone outside to say goodbye." Hiccup told them. Slowly they all made their way outside as the dragons were gathering in a circle over the village.
Cloud came up to Hiccup handing him his staff as he stepped forward and began whirling it around until it gave a whistling sound then finally slammed it down against the ground. The roar of the alpha was heard as the dragons began heading North away from the island. Hiccup smiled as he rubbed Toothless's head. There were always a few dragons who didn't leave, like Toothless and Sunflower, Cloud Jumper, Sharpshot, the alpha, and some others.
"Where are they going?" Stoick asked.
"Mating season. Every year they leave for about a week then come back with their babies." Hiccup explained.
"Huh, you know your dragons well don't you?" Gobber stated.
"Well to live in peace with them you have too. Their likes and dislikes, lifestyles, mating patterns. In order to live with them, you have you combine both lifestyles and make it livable for both species." Hiccup replied now.
"That's...impressive." Astrid smiled, she felt something stand beside her and lick her cheek, she looked to see Stormfly standing there. "Hm...hey Stormfly. Shouldn't you be going with the others?" Astrid asked looking at Strike for help now.
"She wanted to say goodbye first." Hiccup chuckled.
"Oh well in that case...Have a safe flight and come back seen girl. Go on, I'll be alright." Astrid said as she smiled and wrapped her arms around Stormfly's neck as far as she could get them. Stormfly squawked and then stepped back taking off, Meatlug right behind her after saying bye to Fishlegs. "So this happens every year?" Astrid asked now.
"Without fail. Sunflower keeps watch for when the dragons from other islands ascend and fly over, once they do I order the alpha to tell them its time to go." Hiccup said.
"The alpha?" Stoick blinked. Hiccup smirked almost and motioned for them to follow him, the group did all the way to the back of Dragons Edge where the ice nest was. It took a good 25 minutes to get there on foot but it was worth it.
"I'd stand back if I were you..." Hiccup warned as he lifted the staff once more and whirled it around giving a dragon call with his mouth. The ground began to shake a bit as before their eyes they saw the massive beast rise from the water and stare at them. All their mouths hung open in shock seeing it.
"What in the name of Thor is that! Its huge..." Gobber blinked a few times.
"This magnificent, yet graceful giant is known as the Bewilderbeast. The alpha species and one of the many few that still exist." Hiccup explained now.
"You mean...there are...more of these dragons? Its bigger than the queen! And you're worried about her?" Astrid asked in shock.
"The Red Death kills without reason. She wants destruction, the Bewilderbeast wants peace. He protects us. Every nest has its queen but this...he is the king of all dragons. He built this nest for the dragons we have. Its how we house so many of them." Hiccup chuckled now. The looks on their faces were priceless. "I call him B-King. Ain't that right big guy?" Hiccup said as he reached his hand over and placed it on the dragon's snout. The dragon blew a cold mist on them, a frost setting on their hair.
"Wow..." They said in shock.
"He likes ya." Hiccup said now.
"How can you tell?" Astrid asked him.
"Because he's calm. Alright B-King, back to your nest." Hiccup told him, it gave a light nod and receded back underwater. "Tidal class 10 dragon right there for you, Fishlegs. Thought you'd appreciate him." Hiccup added.
"That's just amazing and he's under your command?" Fishlegs asked.
"We work together. You could see he's the chief of the dragons, as I am chief of dragons edge. We work together to protect our kind so we can live in peace together." Hiccup explained.
"Still awesome...So how come Toothless, and a few others dragons didn't go?" Astrid asked now.
"Toothless can't fly without me, and so far no other Night Fury has been found. The others just have no desire to go. You could say they take turns that way our island isn't left unguarded especially at a time like this where the Red Death is on the loose." Hiccup said as he led them away and back in to the village.
"Makes sense. This place is incredible...I still can't believe Hiccup designed all this, made it all happen..." Fishlegs sighed looking around still.
"Yeah, he was an amazing young man. Something you would of seen if you'd given him a chance to be who he was." Hiccup said coldly before disappearing in to the hall. The hooligans looked at one another and all sighed before entering the hall as well to enjoy the rest of Snoggletog. Granted it was only just now lunch time, this is how it would be all day and in to the night. Relaxing in the hall, singing songs, partying which is something dragons edge did well on big events.
Hiccup hadn't meant to be cold with them but honestly, was it so hard to believe he built this place from the ground up? That he made an island that had peace with dragons? This former tribe of his forced him to have to be this way, because they couldn't accept who he was but now that they think he is dead and seeing the place he built, now they care? Now they see what he could of done if only given the chance? Hardly fair.
He sighed just watching everything again, his former tribe really knew how to kill a mood. Hiccup didn't do much the rest of Snoggletog except sit in his chair keeping an eye on everything, he had a really bad feeling that something bad was going to happen tonight but he didn't know what or when it would happen so he felt just be on guard for anything. At least if something did happen they were in the hall and he could evacuate people in to the bunkers quickly. Hiccup finally got up when it was around 4 and moved outside the hall doors to sit on the stone steps and just watch the sky. Toothless crooned sadly and sat beside his friend. "I don't know what it is bud...but something big is gonna happen tonight...I feel it." Hiccup whispered rubbing the top of Toothless's head.