Welcome back folks. Let me say again that I appreciate y'all hanging in there with me as I cut my teeth on my first story.
I know there's been some less than great chapters, poor grammar, and some plot dragging, but I hope I'm slowly improving.
I've introduced my main characters and given sufficient background to now move forward with my evil and totally twisted plot. I know it took awhile, but I'm trying to develop the skills needed to write a novel, so let me say again how I appreciate your patience.
I realize now that I did a poor job introducing Spitelout, Gobber and Stoick in my first chapter after the prologue. I didn't give any physical description, or any real substance as characters. Oh well, newbie error. I'll know better next time.
My beta reader (who only mildly snickers at my plotting and grammatical errors) tells me that this chapter, and some of my other chapters, might push the story past the "T" rating. So consider this a heads up... yeah, totally creeped out my beta. I'm not sure if this means I'm getting too dark and creepy, or that my beta is a lightweight. You'll have to let me know. :-)
Anyway, I'll try to put appropriate labels on each of the chapters so that you can gauge for yourselves if the material is too dark and creepy to handle. My feeling is that I'm still in the "T" realm - maybe a creepy "T", but "T" nonetheless. However, after reading the ratings criteria I'm going to rate this chapter "M" just in case. I don't need the FF police paying a visit to my account and handcuffing my account.
If I'm getting too dark and creepy, let me know, I think I can tone it down without losing the power of the overall story arc - at least I'm pretty sure I can do this.
**CONTENT WARNING**: This chapter deals with physical and emotional abuse and unwanted sexual advances. It contains mild (from my perspective) physical torture and strong offensive language. If these are trigger issues for you, or you find these topics troubling or offensive, please don't read. This chapter and story in no way intends to degrade people's life choices, it's done only for an emotional impact on the main character. If I offend anyone with this work, I'm sincerely sorry.
First Warning: Copious amounts of porr speling and ton and tonss and lots of stuff like badd grammer exist.
Final Warning: Buckle up, Buttercup. I've got the no filters flag on, and I'm running full throttle on High Octane! Things are about to get creepy fast.
Chapter 5:
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Astrid's eyes followed the fleeing teen, narrowing as she caught sight of the thugs in hot pursuit. Pouting her lips, she furrowed her brow and grunted angrily, shaking her head in exasperation at the silly boy's penchance for disaster.
Hiccup's feet pounded the mud and his heart raced as he gasped for breath. After darting through several alleyways and weaving between countless houses, the sounds of pursuit finally died off in the distance. Confident that he had eluded them, he slowed his pace and took a moment to catch his breath, grateful he dodged the bully bullet one more day.
The warmth of the rising sun and uncharacteristically warm, moist air clung to his body like a blanket, increasing his lethargy as he slowly plodded home. Swiping a hand across his forehead, he languidly listened to the early morning sounds of happily buzzing insects, and tender birdsong melodies that echoed through gently swaying trees, re-awakened by the night's downpour.
Glancing about, he noticed the grass, once dry and brown, now shimmered a bright green. Flowers that were drooping now glowed with intensified color, their petals affectionately reaching upward to greet the warm morning sun. That's when Hiccup's dull mind had a flash of brilliance.
'The flower...' he thought excitedly. His eyes widened as a smile broke across his face. What could possibly be a better gift than the Meadowrue flower. Blissfully happy, Hiccup closed his eyes and lifted his face towards the rising sun, inhaling deeply through his nose. Elated that he now had a proper offering, his steps became energized, quickening as he headed home.
The slow passage of time caused his weary mind to wander back to his almost-conversation with the earthbound goddess. Her beauty and grace lingered in his thoughts like a ghostly image of perfection, making his palms sweat and his body tingle with excitement. All memories of his prior bumbling behavior suddenly erased as visions of her loveliness danced in his head.
Shaking his head violently to dislodge the far too tantalizing imagery that sprung forth in his overactive adolescent mind, the awkward youth decided that he needed to be suave at their next meeting, erasing his previous un-Vikingish faux pas.
Grinning, Hiccup fantasized how his smooth and uber-cool future self would utter seductive phrases to the beautiful maiden, sweeping her off her feet and into his waiting arms. He pictured his inherent machismo kicking in, making him irresistible, as silky and confident words flowed effortlessly off his lips. He couldn't help but smile as he imagined how she'd stare at him with enamored eyes, her body speaking the language of wanton lust, begging him to take her. And of course, he'd gladly oblige. Being a studly love machine, he would sweep her into his arms and their naked bodies would melt into one. He'd then slowly slide his hands down over the soft smooth skin of her stomach and sides, past her hips, toward her...
"Going somewhere?!" Startled, Hiccup stumbled back as a huge, angry face suddenly materialized before him. His mind immediately flashed to the last thing his sweaty cousin had screamed. 'Next time I see you, Useless, we're gonna have lots of fun!' The words rang in Hiccup's ears as a sign of his approaching punishment.
Lost in the joy of his daydream, he saw neither the shuffling bushes aside the secluded road, nor heard the hushed mumbling. Instead, Hiccup just trudged forward, his mind captivated by his imagination until it was far too late.
Scrambling backwards, Hiccup collided with something large and hard. Shooting his head up over his shoulder, he found himself staring into the face of Snotlout's prime henchman, Warthog (the Sloppy) Finnbogason - a churlish and deplorable teen, three years Hiccup's senior, who made it his life's goal to torment and torture him.
Warthog peered down and grinned at his terrified, soon-to-be victim. His straight black hair hung low on his shoulders and into his cold brown eyes, which glinted with evil intent. As the small boy turned and began cautiously moving away from his two attackers, Warthog hunched his shoulders in a posture of attack, excitement coursing through his body. With a half-smile, he licked his lips and whispered huskily, "Breakfast..."
Sandwiched between two brutes looking to exact their pound of flesh, Hiccup quickly scanned the area, his mind searching for a quick avenue of escape. As his eyes darted about, he realized that his initial hesitation had allowed three other attackers to vie for position of dominance around him, too.
"Oh, no..." he muttered fearfully, silently cursing his wandering mind for not alerting him sooner, causing him fall into an otherwise easily avoided trap.
Within seconds, Hiccup was flanked by Rattail (the Dim) Roduulfson, Pondscum (the Confused) Gillingson and Snaketongue (the Despot) Kolson, each in search of vengeance for some imaginary trespass. The unruly and bumptious trio of eighteen year olds specialized in punching, kicking and biting; three of Hiccup's least favorite forms of personal expression.
Rattail and Pondscum were a pair of towhead-teens known to have fighting skills far beyond their years. Each had deep blue eyes and were easily a foot taller (and wider) than Hiccup. While Snaketongue was the shortest of the group, and resembled Hiccup's cousin, albeit darker and more corpulent, he was by far the most vicious. As a child he was known for reveling in the sadistic pleasure he derived from torturing small animals, and then sumptuously dining on their pitiful cries of agony.
'Great...' Hiccup thought sardonically. 'That's just what I need, five against one. Brilliant! My day is getting better by the minute.' Hoping to talk his way out of a beating, Hiccup brought his hands up in front of his chest, palms out as if to stop a pending charge. "Ah, nice morning for a walk. You guys out for a stroll too?" A nervous chuckle broke from his throat, forcing a nervous half-smile as his eyes darting between the hulking figures encircling him.
An almost imperceptible nod by their leader caused the gaggle of goons to approach, each pounding a closed fist into an open palm. In a rush of simultaneous voices, all muddled together like an inharmonious chorus, insults were thrown fast and furious as the older boys barked, "Useless I'm gonna smash your face, asshole!"... "I'm gonna beat you till you bleed, you little fucking prick!"... "I'm gonna kick the shit out of you, dickhead!"
The worst threat came from his cold-blooded cousin who spat, "You son of a bitch, I'm gonna fuck you up so bad you'll beg for your dead Mommy!" The deliberate emphasis on the word 'dead', sent a cold shiver up Hiccup's spine.
Hiccup's head whipped back and forth desperately, his feet spun and shuffled in the dirt, whirling his body around as he tried to watch each attacker. The trapped boy felt panic rising in his chest, threatening to suffocate him, as the hard, cold truth hit him like a slap to the face; he was truly alone and completely on his own.
The road was deserted and isolated. No one knew where he was, and no one would hear his screams. Even if his cries were heard, he doubted anyone cared enough to help. Hiccup had taken beatings many times before, but never from so many, and never from some of the worst bullies in the village.
His eyes filled with terror, his hands shook, and his heart raced. He realized there was no talking his way out of this. With this inescapable reality looming, one phrase continually repeated in his mind, "Please...oh Thor...please...not again..."
When the clique of thugs reached several arm lengths away, Snotlout's hand suddenly reached out and grabbed Hiccup's tunic at the chest, pulling the frightened teen toward his snarling face. Hiccup's forward facing palms did little to keep the frightened boy from colliding hard with his burly cousin, his small hands ramming into the larger boy's chest.
Snotlout hissed, his breath hot on Hiccup's face, "I hear you were causing your usual disasters again last night." He looked down at the two mummified hands pressing against his chest and jeered, "Is that why you're wrapped up like a freak, Useless?"
As the small non-Viking jolted backwards, frantically wiggling and fighting to free himself from his cousin's strong grasp, Warthog stepped forward, bumping his large chest into the back of the struggling boy. Sandwiched between, Hiccup yelped and stopped writhing when a strong hand reached up and grabbed his hair, yanking his head back hard, exposing his vulnerable throat to his tormenters; like a lamb being led to slaughter.
When presented with Hiccup's throat, Snotlout released his iron-fisted grasp on the tunic, and slowly, deliberately moved his open palm up Hiccup's chest to his throat, maximizing the boy's fear. Hiccup coughed and gasped when the large boy squeezed viciously. Clawing at the strangling meathook around his neck, the young future chief frantically tried to pry the fingers loose, desperate to get just a scant more precious air.
Snotlout leaned in close and rotated the the gasping youth's head left and right before throwing an amused look over his shoulder to the ruffians eagerly waiting behind. "Hel, Useless, there ain't one hair on your face or neck. It's like you ain't even a man!" Raucous laughter erupted from the rowdy teens. Snickering, Pondscum stepped forward and spat on Hiccup's face, causing the terrorized boy to flinch. With his rough, dirty index finger, he began wiping his saliva around Hiccup's chin and neck, teasing in a low voice, "Hel, maybe if we water it, something will grow!"
As the spittle ran down Hiccup's neck, he opened his mouth and tried to croak out a plea for more air, but only a stiffled gasp emerged. Turning pale, his eyes fluttered and rolled back in his head as as he felt himself starting to go limp. Sensing an impending blackout, Snotlout loosened the vice-like grip allowing the young teen to gulp in air and refill his air-starved lungs.
"Oh, no, no, no, little fucked up Hiccup... Can't have you passing out on us..." Snotlout paused and continued with a chuckle in his voice. "... well, not just yet, anyway. We still have a whole day of fun planned ahead for you."
Shooting a look to Warthog, the hand in Hiccup's hair vanished, only to be replaced by two massive, squeezing arms which wrapped around his small chest, pinning his arms to his sides, making it difficult to breathe. Once the boy's head was released, it instinctively dropped to his chest, lying limp and submissive. Surveying his younger cousin's posture with glee, Snotlout used the hand still latched onto Hiccup's throat to gently lift his chin, forcing their eyes to meet.
Glaring, Snotlout curled his lip into a snarl, sucked in a deep breath and shouted, "I asked you a question, Useless! You are to answer your superiors!", spit erupting from his mouth from the ferocity of his roar.
"Why. Are. You. Wrapped. Up. Like. A. Freak. Useless?" His fat index finger repeatedly thumped Hiccup hard on the forehead, causing the boy's head to forcefully bob backwards as he punctuated each word.
When the thumping stopped, Hiccup hesitated, still staring into Snotlout's face, eyes wide and mouth agape. Involuntarily he looked down at his arms, still wrapped in the soft, white linen from the forge. "They were burned in the fire." Hiccup answered meekly, his voice sincere and honest.
A backhand came flying out of nowhere and landed hard on Hiccup's cheek, snapping his head back, sending black spots swimming across his vision. With his open hand still raised, Snotlout suddenly clenched it into a fist. His bare knuckles were fiery red from the force of the blow he just dealt.
Acknowledging the silent signal, Warthog intensified his crushing squeeze, holding the weak-kneed boy tighter. Leaning in close, Snotlout spoke pragmatically, a strange, twisted logic at work in his head. "Interesting... but I don't think a few superficial burns is payment enough for the damage you caused last night. I think Gobber needs to be payed back with blood."
Pulling back and standing erect, the bad-tempered brute quickly created a plan of attack designed to cause the most damage to Hiccup's body and spirit. Licking his lips, anticipating the sweet taste of pain, the hoodlum started slowly deriding his captive. "I hear that you burned down the forge because you are a complete and utter fuck up, and are as useless at that job as you are at being a Chief's son." A smirk crossed his face as his words provoked a shamed look from his small cousin.
Encouraged, Snotlout circled the boy as he spoke, "I know I've been waiting at least a week for my new weapon." An emphasis placed dramatically on the word 'I've', as his hand landed on his chest with a thump, deliberately accentuating his exasperation. "I think my colleagues here have been too," he continued, stopping in front of the thin, beleaguered boy, his hand gesture sweeping broadly to include the surrounding people.
Snotlout sighed disappointedly and pouted. "Tsk-tsk, Useless," he mocked, wagging his dirty finger side to side in front of Hiccup's face. "I suppose you're as incompetent at smithing as you are at everything else."
"I hear your Dad is completely humiliated and ashamed by having the village cursed runt, and a total waste of space, I might add, as his son," he ridiculed. "Did you know that? Hmm?" The corners of his mouth upturned into a smirk, his brows raised, suggesting his blatant insult warranted a serious response.
"That's a lie!" Hiccup blurted in defense.
"A lie, you say?" Snotlout threw his head back, cackling wildly.
"My own father told me so in confidence. He said your Dad confessed that you are a huge disappointment, and he regrets not throwing you into the sea when you were born," Seeing Hiccup's eyes widen and his face contort in pain, Snotlout moved in for the verbal kill.
"I'm sure it breaks the old man's heart to suffer every day seeing his brother have a proper Viking for an offspring, and then having to go home to you. His girly boy. Incapable of doing anything right." Snotlout moved his hand to his chest and clutched his tunic.
Making sniffling noises he mimicked severe sadness, his face and voice leaking artificial grief, "Oh, the poor man. He will die in complete shame one day, and on his death bed, he will admit he wished he had a proper son to carry on his name."
As the poisonous words burrowed into Hiccup, his eyes closed and he slumped. The suspected truth of the words ripped into his heart like a dull-edged dagger.
Egged on by the sweet nectar of humiliation, a wicked smile crossed Snotlout's lips. "I know it's hard to hear these things, but I feel it's my duty, as your blood cousin, to let you know the things your own Dad tells others, but can't seem to bring himself to tell you to your pathetic face."
"Honestly, I think you should be thanking me for having the guts to tell you this stuff. It's far better to have it come from family, than a stranger... I mean, that's what we're here for, right?"
"Family..." Hiccup huffed ironically.
"What's that, Useless? did you say something about family?"
Suddenly, Snotlout grabbed Hiccup by the shirt and yanked him forward, his small chest ramming against his captor's arms, forcing an exhaled groan. "Speaking of family, what are you going to bring to the celebration, Useless? Kind of hard to bring a gift for your dead Mom, seeing that you're the one that killed her!" Hiccup's green eyes shot upward to look directly at his cousin, eyes wide with surprise.
A triumphant smile splashed across the tormentor's face. He had found the chink in his victim's armor. The killer instinct now kicked in, as he twisted his proverbial blade. "Ah, I see you know you're the one that killed you Mom. Mmmm... How nice," he hissed with pleasure. Hiccup's eyes never left his cousin's face as he spoke, his silence confirming the vicious
words.
Snotlout broke eye contact to circle his target, his body language confident and predatory. His deep, slightly sibilant voice was suddenly right aside Hiccup's ear, making him jump. "I suppose if I had killed my Mom, I'd understand why my Dad hated me too."
"Imagine the humiliation your Dad has to suffer daily. He's a Viking Chief for Thor's sake, and has a sansorðinn for a son!" The other boys laughed uproariously as the venomous words spilled from their leader's mouth.
Watching the pain break across his quarry's face, he silently thanked the Gods that Hiccup wore his heart on his sleeve. 'You make this too easy...' he thought as his lips curled, threatening to break into a full-on grin.
The perverted game intensified as Snotlout crossed his arms and stroked his chin as if deep in thought, purposely speaking slowly. "You do understand that, don't you Useless? Your Dad can't stand the sight of you because you killed the only woman he ever loved." Hiccup's eyes suddenly locked onto his cousin's smiling face. His mind flooded with the dark thoughts he tried earlier
to suppress.
"No. That's not true..." Hiccup retorted, his voice weak and trembling, lacking any conviction.
Snotlout sighed heavily, "Accused of telling another lie, am I?" He asked, his questioning voice feigning innocence.
Deepening and dropping in volume, his tone quickly became deadly serious. "Think about this Useless. If your Dad had the chance to choose who'd die when you were born, do you think he would have chosen your Mom instead of you? Even you have to know deep inside that your Dad hates you, because you are... well... you... A completely useless Viking. I mean, even you aren't that slow in the brain," emphasizing the word 'that' as his cohorts laughed hysterically from behind.
After waiting for the laughter to subside, he smirked, "But, I could be wrong..." He threw a questioning hand in the air as he turned his back to Hiccup.
"You see... you're cursed. We all know this. You're destined to kill everything that's ever loved you. I mean, I think your Mom wanted to die, just so that she didn't have to live with the shame of having a kid like you. A loser; a disaster; a freak of nature."
Raucous laughter erupted from the group as they gloried in watching a single tear force its way down one of Hiccup's flushed cheeks. Hiccup felt broken, all his worst and darkest fears laid bare before him by the lucky guesses of a knuckle-dragging creep. Deep down, in the recesses of his mind, he knew it was all true. It had to be. It made perfect sense and summed up his whole life.
Reveling in his emotional victory, and determined to follow up with a physical one, a huge fist suddenly landed on Hiccup's unprotected stomach. The violent blow winded the skinny teen, causing him to lurch forward and struggle to draw breath.
Still held immobile by Warthog's massive arms, the weak youngster could do little to stop the follow-up blow from pounding his already sore ribs, causing another wave of pain. As Hiccup screamed, he could hear more laughter erupt.
The sound of Rattail's jubilant voice shrieking "Hit the freak again!" rang in Hiccup's ears as rough hands grabbed his shoulders and a knee was thrust into his side, colliding with his ribs again. The strong arms wrapped aggressively around his upper torso suddenly released, allowing his bruised and beaten body to collapse onto the muddy ground. Hiccup protectively covered his mid section as he coughed and gasped for air, his pained moans echoing into the early morning air with biting clarity.
Rattail stepped forward and stood next to Hiccup as he laid on the ground. Brandishing a knife, he bent at the waist and grabbed the boys left arm taut. Struggling to break free from the powerful grip, Hiccup squirmed only to have Rattail place his heavy foot on his sore ribs. With a quick slash from his dagger, Hiccup's bandages were cut away, exposing the raw and blistered skin to the warm morning air.
Putting his dagger back into his belt, Rattail extended Hiccup's wounded arm toward Snaketongue as he approached. The dark teen positioned himself directly above the trapped boy and cautiously removed a small, innocuous pouch from his tunic. A small grin creeped across his face and his eyes glistened as he surveyed his helpless, struggling victim.
Hiccup looked up with pain-filled eyes which begged for mercy, something the green orbs knew wouldn't be given. The delinquent opened the pouch and hesitated before pouring the contents onto his arm, maximizing the fear of anticipation.
Looking down at the helplessly squirming figure, his eyes cold and menacing, Snaketongue snickered, "Wow, little boy, you have such skinny arms. I better make sure I aim accurately, or I might miss." With great care, the powder was slowly sprinkled onto the small boy's arm and hand.
There was a short delay between when the substance hit Hiccup's arm, and when the burn of a million suns hit his body. The pain was so intense Hiccup found himself teetering on the verge of unconsciousness. His body involuntarily convulsed as the powder was absorbed into his open wounds. At the sound of small boy's agonizing screams, cold pleasure suffused into Snaketongue's eyes, dark joy filling him with each scream. It was like a sweet melody played just for him, and he enjoyed every bitter chord.
After drinking down his fill of shrieks, he lunged at Hiccup and covered his mouth, stifling the cries. "Silence... Shhhhh..." he crooned into the smaller teen's ear, "We don't want to attract any..." he paused, using his free hand to gently move Hiccup's sweat-darkened bangs from his forehead, "unwanted attention while we play." Hiccup screamed through the hand-muzzle clamped across his mouth. Writhing with pain beneath his imprisoner's meaty hand, tears streaked down his face as he silently begged for release from his torment.
Snaketongue continued to keep a tight grip on Hiccup's mouth while his other hand moved from his hair to his face, almost lovelingly wiping the boy's tears from his cheeks. "Shh... little boy. It's all right. It's my own special blend. I tested it on a lot of animals before I got the recipe... just right." He pinched his thumb and index fingers together, bobbing his hand, as he spoke the last two words of his sentence.
"Hmmmm," he purred, as if he was tasting some delicious food. "I've never had the opportunity to test this on a person before. I see by your reaction, you approve of my..." pausing again for fearful emphasis, "creativity."
Rattail dropped Hiccup's arm when his breathing returned to normal and his groans lessened. Roughly latching onto the other arm, he again removed the protective bandages, revealing the burned and blistered skin beneath. Realizing their intent, Hiccup struggled to free himself, but his weakened and drained body lacked any real resistance. With fear widened eyes, Hiccup watched Snaketongue again reach for his pouch of pain and hover it threateningly, shaking it slighly. "Oh Gods no... please, not again." Hiccup quietly pleaded as he exhaled.
"What's that I hear, little boy, are you begging me to spare you? Beg again little Hiccup." Snaketongue demanded as he gripped Hiccup's jaw. "Beg for it little boy. I want to hear you grovel for mercy," he growled. His grip tightened painfully as if trying to squeeze the words from Hiccup's mouth.
"I want to hear the Chief's brilliant little son beg me," he laughed contemptuously. "So where do all those brains and no brawn get ya now kid? Nowhere, that's where. Because you're nothin'. You're less than nothin'. You're a Hiccup. The curse and embarrassment of the tribe." Snaketongue's fingers dug into Hiccup's cheek drawing blood as the barrage of insults flowed effortlessly from his lips.
A heat derived from pure anger rose up in Hiccup's chest as he yelled, "No! I won't beg. Do whatever you damn well want! I won't beg for anything!" Hiccup couldn't believe the ferocity of his own words. Slamming his eyes shut he prepared himself for the inevitable consequences. A joyous chant built up around him, "Do it! Do it! Do it!" The volume rose until it was almost deafening.
"Suit yourself, young, little chiefling. But I think we'd all like to hear the mighty Chief's son scream again." The pleasure in Snaketongue's taunt was unmistakable.
The powder was again carefully sprinkled onto his open wounds. Hiccup bit his bottom lip drawing blood as he fought back his screams. Tears rolled down his cheeks and mixed with the blood on his chin, the bloody fluid dripping off his face and onto his dirtied neck.
As he writhed on the ground, a heavy boot was pressed harshly on his chest, increasing with pressure as he thrashed. Even as the pain mounted Hiccup remained silent, allowing only quiet moans to escaped his lips, refusing to be entertainment for the group of low-life stooges tormenting him.
For what seemed like an eternity, Hiccup's body burned. His muffled moans barely echoed into the post-dawn light until eventually the pain lessened and his frame became slack. Sweaty and sore from his flailing, he laid breathless and shaking on the sun-warmed earth.
Rattail released Hiccup's arm and watched it fall limply beside the small boy's spent body. He then lifted his large foot off the youth's chest and stomped close to Hiccup's head, enjoying the resulting flinch.
As Hiccup laid helpless on the ground, fighting to stay conscious through stilted breaths, a laughing Snotlout knelt down and jeered, "That's payback for part of Gobber's forge, Useless..." With a snap of his fingers Hiccup was unceremoniously grabbed and hauled to his feet. Teetering on weak legs, the small boy looked resolutely into his cousin's eyes as rough hands gripped his arms tightly.
With as much conviction as he could muster, Hiccup gasped through the pain and replied, "I... I didn't burn down the forge. It... it was the lightning. I told you that already." Snotlout's face instantly contorted with hate as he swung the back of his hand, making contact with Hiccup's cheek, snapping the youth's head backward.
The barely conscious teen stood swaying on shaky legs, refusing to crumble. Warthog released one of his arms and seized his chin with his hand, forcing the boy's face upward to stare into the malicious eyes of his cousin. "Now, where was I before I was so rudely interrupted."
"Ah, yes. We were discussing your punishment. Let's see... What shall the second part of your punishment be for your crimes, Useless?" The large teen stroked his chin thoughtfully as he paced back and forth. "Well, seeing you burnt down a man's building, I think you should have to pay with some flesh." A devious sparkle flashed in his eyes, "Wouldn't you agree, Useless?" Hiccup stood impassive and steadfast, knowing the answer was already preordained.
Snotlout stared into the defiant eyes of his cousin, "I asked you a question, Useless." he growled softly. "It's best for you if you're a good little boy, and answer me," his breath putrid with the stifling scent of mead.
With obvious annoyance, Snotlout stepped back a few feet, turned his back to Hiccup and raised the level of his voice. "Don't you agree you should have to pay for your crime?" his voice filled with venom. Hiccup responded gently, his voice shaky but firm, "I.. I told you. I didn't burn down the forge. It... it was the lightning."
Upon hearing Hiccup's response, Snotlout spun on his heals and bolted to within inches of the boy's face, "Who do you think you are, contradicting me?" he demanded incredulously. Hiccup, drained of all strength, dead-panned, "No one of consequence."
Snotlout reeled back, "What does that mean?" he shouted. "Are you insulting me, you useless piece of shit!?" Letting his hand fly again, Hiccup felt the blow to his face, the force knocking him off his feet. Sprawled on the ground, he curled in on himself, trying to protect his head from the blows he knew would soon follow.
A slew of invectives poured through his attackers' mouths as Hiccup sucked in a breath and felt the kicks and blows begin to rain down on his body. The pain was overwhelming, but Hiccup refused to scream and allow his attackers to feast on his cries. As he was held motionless on the ground, he told himself he wouldn't cry out and give them the satisfaction of seeing him defeated.
Suddenly the sharp pains stopped and were replaced by dull aches. Hiccup's mind slowly came back into focus as he realized the blows had stopped and the hands on his legs and arms were gone. As he panted heavily, he could hear shuffling movements around him, and then suddenly felt hot breath against his cheek. Turning, he saw a pair of half lidded, amused eyes staring cruelly at him.
Snaketongue spoke in a soft, gentle tone, as if he was speaking to a small child. "Good boy, Hiccup. Yes, I know it hurts. But your pain is just so... delicious," he hummed, slowly stroking the smaller boy's hair and face. Snaketongue's eyes sparkled with pleasure as he continued, "Snotlout, I think we need to leave our little friend here with a reminder of our day of fun together. Something..." he paused and tilted his head to the side, "...permanent."
A vicious grin crossed Snotlout's face. "I agree," he said congenially. With a snap of his fingers, Pondscum ran off. Using his full weight, Warthog placed his palms on Hiccup's shoulders and pinned the boy on the ground. To exhausted to fight back, Hiccup's pliable body was easily maneuvered so his arms were trapped over his head.
Snaketongue continued stroking Hiccup's face and hair, running his eyes over his body hungrily. At the sound of Pondscum's return, Snaketongue moved his hand slowly down Hiccup's chest, caressing the fabric, until it stopped at the bottom of his tunic. Gingerly, he grabbed the hem and slowly pulled the garment up towards Hiccup's collar bone, exposing his pink and freckled skin now littered with deep black and purple bruises.
With abject horror, Hiccup watched his cousin extend his arm and index finger toward him. "Prepare him!" He shouted.
Snaketongue moved his hand tenderly down Hiccup's exposed chest, examining his thin torso in an apparent search. Hiccup's stomach flinched at the light touch, his small chest heaving with panicked breaths, making Snaketongue almost giggle with delight.
Snaketongue's hand continued to roam freely over the smooth freckled skin. "My, my, little boy," Snaketongue chuckled, "There doesn't appear to be one hair on this chest. You really do look like a maiden." A chorus of laughter erupted amidst the group.
"Get your hands off me!" Hiccup shouted, thrashing and twisting, his legs lashing out to strike his captors. Snaketongue smiled at his feisty prey. "Oh, please struggle little boy. It makes this so much sweeter for me."
Ignoring Hiccup's demand, Snaketongue's hand slowly crept further down the boy's stomach, stroking his skin almost amorously. Grabbing the top of Hiccup's leggings, he slowly pulled the band down exposing his protruding left hip bone. Stroking the soft inner skin on his hip he purred, "Here... That's where the mark needs to be."
"Stop it!" Hiccup shouted desperately. "Get off!" His voice clearly saturated with panic as he started fighting against the strong hold on his shoulders.
The sheer terror threaded through the screaming boy's voice caused Snaketongue's breathing to increase. Almost panting, he licked his lips with desire. "Not long now, my little gift. Soon you'll have my, er, our mark."
Realizing his mistake, Snaketongue looked up apologetically at Snotlout. "Of course, it's our mark," he clarified. "I wouldn't assume the pretty little chiefling belonged solely to me..." he smirked. Leaning down, he finished the last part of his sentence as a whisper in Hiccup's ear, "well, at least not yet, anyway..." Pulling back, he locked eyes with Hiccup and pressed his index finger to his pursed lips, "Shhh..." he quietly soothed. Hiccup's eyes widened and his mouth fell agape as he tried to contemplate the meaning of the words. There was something odd lurking behind Snaketongue's eyes; a darkness, an excitement, a lust.
As if on queue, Pondscum approached holding a branding iron. Hiccup broke eye contact with Snaketongue as he shifted his eyes to the approaching teen. The small boy gulped audibly as he saw the unfamiliar snake like swirl and the two straight line design on the tip of the rod glowing like red hot fire.
"Gods, no, no, no!" Hiccup begged. "Please, stop... Don't do this!"
At the sound of the boy's pleas, Snaketongue bent over and gently kissed Hiccup on the forehead and then his cheek, whispering into his ear, "Don't worry. It will be over soon. The pain won't last long, and the scar will forever remind you of me. It's a special design that was given to me by, well..." Snaketongue hesitated, smiling sinisterly, "... someone very important, or soon will be. But that's a conversation for us to have another day... my young wannabe chieftain". As if privy to some inside joke, he pulled back chuckling, the sound electrifying Hiccup's already uncontrolled panic.
Snotlout moved closer to Hiccup and extended his hand, wiggling his fingers for the hot iron. Once in his grip, he bent down toward the boy and laughed with verve, "This is going to hurt like Hel, Useless!" A chorus of riotous laughter erupted as the group of teens moved closer to get a better view.
As Snotlout placed his left hand on Hiccup's hip, to steady the wriggling youth, his eyes sparkled and he grimaced, "Just like old times, Useless. Here's your reminder of all the fun we've had, and all the fun yet to come."
Digging sharp nails into soft flesh, he drew a sharp pained gasp from the restrained boy. "Oh, and don't even think about telling anyone about this, because, if you do, I promise the next time will be far worse."
As the weapon was brought close, Hiccup could feel the burning heat from the iron's blazing tip. Closing his eyes, he tried to steady his breathing, preparing his mind and body for the white hot pain that was about to resonate through his core, leaving a permanent mark that would forever remind him of this humiliating day..
Just when he could almost feel the blazing iron touching his skin, and almost smell his burning flesh, his eyes snapped open to the sound of a voice, deadly calm and icy.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."