The Lights In The Dark

by Raydara12

All it took was one misunderstanding to ruin everything. Fic written by Raydara12 (BBWoulf) and Sparkyfan1

2. An Old Hideout

Chapter Two - An Old Hideout

Clang.

Clang.

Clang.

The pounding of metal echoed through the back of the forge. A hammer etching into scorching heated metal against the anvil. Warmth filled the atmosphere where the large, raised, stoned furnace stood at full strength. A marvelous pit for smithing, but can be suffocating with the hot temperatures. However, with the structure of the forge itself, it helped with the overbearing heat.

After dragon raids evolved into a common occurrence, the small inclosed forge became a nuisance and unbearable to maneuver in during the rush. With investment voted by the council, the forge went through a massive and quick renovation into space almost three times the previous structure. With an open-aired design that for the circulation of cool archipelago air to flow through the heated building. Along with extra storage and shelving space to hang tools and supplies.

Clang.

Clang.

Clang.

With another set of pounding from the hammer, the partial beaten metal was lifted and soaked into a barrel of cold water. Steam sizzled off the surface of the water allowing some of the newly added formations of a blade taking shape underneath.

Pulled out from the barrel, the young blacksmith walked over to the furnace and laid the still current warped blade onto the heated platform that rested above the coals. A leather glove swiped across his forehead, wiping the beads of sweat. Not that it helped much. He had multiple lines of sweat streaming down his face, falling along the curve of his cheek to the sharpened jawline, and dripping off his chin.

Making another swipe at the sweat gathering under his chin, the young man looked back at the embers and flames of the furnace's center. The red hues of the flames dancing in the reflection of his green eyes as he silently stared, taking in the silence around him. It was one of the few things that offered comfort.

"Hiccup!"

The young blacksmith jolted and spun to find Gobber hobbling out of the back storage room.

"Ya still doin' alright out 'ere?" he asked his once apprentice.

When Hiccup reached fifteen Gobber appointed the young man as an official blacksmith, feeling he was capable of the responsibilities of running the smithy on his own. The young man was unsure at first but gave in simply from the proud smiles that Astrid and Heather gave when they heard. Besides, nothing against Gobber, but he was really the only one who was capable of blacksmithing the quickest. Ever since he gained the upper body strength from working as a blacksmith at thirteen, he was able to maneuver and work all the heavy equipment on his own.

Now at sixteen and as much as he cared for his old mentor, most days felt like it was only him that ran the shop. Not that he couldn't handle it, His overall body strength stronger than when he started gaining it at thirteen. The majority of the village were unaware of his strength, except for Astrid, Heather, and their parents, which tends to keep it that way.

Hiccup gave Gobber a forced smile, unnoticed by the older blacksmith, has he waved his metaphorical uncle off.

"I'm good out here, Gobber. Continue your sorting in the back."

Gobber gave the young man a nod and turned around back into the storage room. Once the sounds of metals being moved were heard, Hiccup dropped his smile, the false emotions in his eyes dead. Nothing but longing suffering, lasting anger still burning below his freckled skin that matched the rage of the flames of the furnace.

It had been six years since that day of the Frightmare incident. Everything in his life had been nothing but downhill. After the incident, he had taken time to grieve over the betrayal of his people, and even worse, his father's. So much anger burned within that still raged to this day. How could his father simply turn his back on his only son?

He spent the first few months trying to regain the respect from his people, his father, in hopes to achieve that sense of value that he got from the village before. Though the gods must have hated him since many of his attempts ended in failure. Hiccup knew he was strong, but his mind was always the strongest. So with the intelligence he possessed, he started working on his inventions. Working hard during the evenings and nights to bring his ideas to reality in hopes to benefit the village.

After a few of his inventions malfunctioning and a couple causing some injuries and minor destructions, he held off performing his inventions, easily picking up the anger and disapproving glares sent his way. To his lasting luck, the Hofferson's never once chastised him from his failings with his ideas. They knew it was his way of trying to get his life back to a sense of normality. Now, he simply drew out his ideas on paper and invented, hiding his creations away without testing them in public.

However, it never stopped the other children of the village to continue making his life worse. Ever since his inventions caused trouble, some of the kids would sneak in and find some of his inventions and end up breaking things around the village. Of course, not a surprise to him, that the people of Berk blamed it all on him like everything else. He was simply becoming the scapegoat. His creations, his responsibility. Which only added to the disappointment of him in the village, adding salt to the wound with being called useless.

Hiccup heard a pop from in front and focused back on the bent blade in the furnace. Finding the blade well enough heated, he grabbed the handle and pulled out the metal and walked back to the anvil. Grabbing his hammer, he pounded the blade straightening the bent metal, placing harsher hammering near the end.

Putting the hammer down, Hiccup lifted the blade to eye level glancing over his work. There were a few more little warpings near the middle. Deciding on the final verdict, one last round of hammering should finish up the client's sword. While the blade still had some remaining heat, Hiccup took the hammer and pounded the center where the warping was visible.

Clang.

Clang.

Clang.

Lifting the hammer for another blow, a set of knocking was heard near the front of the forge. Setting his tool and blade down, Hiccup ran his gloved hands across his face wiping away some sweat as he walked over to the front of the forge.

Upon moving closer, the young blacksmith saw one of the common clients of the blacksmith shop, Ujarak. He was one of the members that gathered wood from the island, so it made sense with his constant visits at the forge. Though that didn't excuse the treatment of his weapons when it came to fighting the dragons. It was like the man had no intelligence with caring for his tools of fighting.

Hiccup groaned at the thought of helping this man. Ujarak was never an easy customer to deal with, even for Gobber. But, if he had to truly think it over, he'd rather deal with Ujarak than the old goat, Mildew.

Removing his gloves, Hiccup greeted the man, "Hello, Ujarak. What can I do for you?"

The older man looked at Hiccup and glared, "Oh, it's you."

Hiccup only glared back, annoyed. It's not like he wanted to talk to him either.

"Yea, it's me. Were you expecting some other blacksmith to magically appear?"

The man growled, "Watch it, boy."

"Oh I'm so scared," Hiccup replied sarcastically, before huffing and glaring in return. "What do you need? I'm busy if you can't tell by the piles of disfigured weapons behind me."

"I came to pick up me weapon. Where is it?"

Hiccup moved to the side away from the window to the pile of papers filled with unfinished orders. Looking through each paper, he went over the completed work orders but unable to find Ujarak's order. Grabbing the list of items still needing to be complete, the young blacksmith found the man's work order near the middle of the page. Walking back over to the window, he set aside the papers and looked back at the older man.

"It looks like your weapon is still in the works. Give it another day and come back tomorrow."

"What?!" Ujarak yelled, slamming his fists on the wooden frame. "Listen 'ere, boy! Yer gonna get my weapon completed now. Or so-"

"No, you listen here." Hiccup shouted, cutting off Ujarak. "We have rules here and you'll wait until I get to your work order. I'm not gonna skip orders just to finish a disrespectful man's beck and call. You'll get your weapon when I'm finished with it."

The attack came swiftly.

Hiccup felt the fist impact his jaw before he could make a move back to avoid the punch. The pain was the first thing he felt against the lower part of his jaw. The second sensation of pain reached his back as the pressure of Ujarak's attack launched him back against the edge of the thick oak work table. The final sense of pain reached the back of his head as it also hit against the edge of the table when falling from the loss of balance caused by the hit.

A groan escaped Hiccup as he dropped to the ground. If there was one thing that was true about Ujarak, that his punch represented the meaning behind his name, he thought. The impact of the punch definitely felt like getting hit by a rock.

Pushing himself up quickly, the front of his apron was grabbed, getting pulled forcefully against the shop's window frame. Ujarak glared at the young blacksmith, only getting a glare from Hiccup in return. The young man snarled, ignoring the slight pain of his split lip as he glared down at the older man.

He watched Ujarak pull his arm back, preparing to throw another punch at Hiccup when an ax suddenly flew between them, embedding its self to the side of the frame for the window.

The older Viking released Hiccup in a moment of shock, jumping back from the weapon as Hiccup landed with unbalance and resting against the side of the work table, holding himself up as both men looked at the ax clinging into the wood that glistened in the morning sun.

The next thing the young blacksmith saw was a flash of blonde and a fist making contact with the older man's face. Hiccup watched the man fall back against the ground. To say he was stunned was an understatement because what he wanted to know was where in the Helheim did Astrid come from.

Silent and unmoving from his spot, Hiccup watched with pride and love seeing Astrid glaring and standing over Ujarak. His precious Valkyrie whos strength he admired most. Watching his fiancee tear down others was so soothing.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?!" Astrid's glare could bring a good many cowering in fear, even a few older Vikings of the village. "How dare you attack my fiance!"

She reached for her ax and pulled it out from the window frame, never leaving her gaze from Ujarak.

Snapping back from the sudden hit, Ujarak pushed himself back to his feet as he stood before the young woman, and with a glare of his own staring down Astrid.

"Yer pushin' boundaries, lass. Gettin' in the way of a man's personal business."

Astrid snarled as she shoved the top curve of her ax blade against the man's neck, pushing him back a bit. She stared head on, holding her ground.

"I'm practically married you, troll-brained nitwit. Any issues towards Hiccup are mine as well." She pushed her ax roughly closer against the man's neck. "Never. Touch. Him again."

Heather's arms wrapped around her sister's waist and pulled Astrid away, only managing a few inches. The dark-haired teen swears it's like moving a stubborn boulder.

"He's not worth it, Astrid." Heather advised, trying to pull her sister further away. Though it didn't stop herself from glaring at the older man. It was hard not to glare when you watch an older Viking man beating up a young man, but also a teen; who also was one of your best friends and brother.

"Wat 'en blue blazes is goin' on out 'ere?!"

All four members looked over to find an angry Gobber hobbling out of the main entrance of the blacksmith shop looking between everyone. He looked over at the two sisters in a defensive stance, Astrid still holding her ax out against one of the villagers.

Looking over to his once apprentice to find Hiccup covered with some cuts and bruising that started surfacing along his face. Gobber sighed and shook his head. He swore that these three were going to be the death of him. Leave it to these three to be caught in a majority of the arguments and altercation around Berk.

The older blacksmith looked at the girls, "Lasses, head in an' take care of 'Iccup. I'll handle it from 'ere."

Lowering her ax, Astrid and Heather walked away from Ujarak and passed Gobber as they headed in the shop. Once Gobber saw the girls and Hiccup disappear further into the shop, he hobbled over to the man to talk.

~.~.~.~.~

Inside the shop, Hiccup was lowered into a chair near his back desk. The impact from hitting against the work table caused him to hiss in pain when his back rested against the back of the chair. Also taking notice of the swelling in his lower jaw when his jaw muscles clenched. He was sure the bruise would last for a few days.

A wet cloth touched the split in his lip. The stinging surfacing, though he remained still as he felt the sliding motion of the cloth; most likely removing the bit of dried blood.

Once he felt the cloth removed, he opened his eyes to find Astrid with the wet cloth in her hands with Heather beside her holding a small bucket of cold water. They both sat on small stools as they treated his small cuts. Both girls looked at him with care and protectiveness, though he could easily see the anger below.

It wasn't that he couldn't protect himself, his strength proving so. Rather, it was more of whether he would accidentally harm someone more than intended. He'd even go as far to say he feared about possibly killing someone if his limit was pushed over the edge far enough that his own control was no longer there.

Ever since his mistreatment from the village, his temper became hard to control. In the beginning, after the incident, he struggled, especially after the months of the trail of failed inventions and destruction caused by them. He still remembers the worried looks from his family. The Hofferson's never hid their love and care for him which he always thanked the gods for, because he honestly believes that it's because of them that he manages to keep hold of his inner turmoil. They were like a warm fur blanket from the coldness that was the people of Berk.

The best control he had from his limit breaking was his use of sarcasm. If he had, to be honest, it was probably one of his greatest reliefs against his people. Seeing the results of his sass and sarcastic comebacks and responses brought great fulfillment in his daily routine. But, it didn't mean he was invincible from every encounter.

Anger is an everlasting emotion for him when dealing with yak asses of Berk's Vikings. It didn't go unnoticed by all three teenagers when they heard the older man mumble 'useless' under his breath when the three of them departed to the back of the forge. The most common name the villagers used to describe him. Which is surprising to him when he's one of the main reasons that the village had working weapons.

"I know it's stupid to ask, but are you okay, babe?"

Hiccup looked up and gave Astrid a small smile.

"I should be fine in a day or two. I'll just have more bruises to add with the others."

Astrid's brows furrowed at his response, her own frustration and anger coursing through her seeing Hiccup talk about the treatment like it was nothing. His behavior to the attacks and beatings he gets from the other teens and adults doesn't sit well. Her fiance shouldn't have to deal with this unfair treatment and for so many years.

Yet, what angered her most was that their chief, his father, never does a damn thing when it comes to his son's well being. He ignores the marks, the evidence of mistreatment. It showed her chief's true colors, just like the rest of Berk. Why couldn't they, especially Stoick, see the incredible man that Hiccup was?

She reached up and gripped his chin, pushing his head up to finish wiping the dried blood on his face. Once finished, she moved aside as Heather grabbed a healing ointment from her small travel bag and began applying the cream along Hiccup's cut lip and other cuts found along his face.

"I can't believe that man," Heather stated softly, the hint of disdain visible. "Getting upset over his weapon not being finished."

"Don't worry about it you two," Hiccup said, giving a smirk, "when I get to his weapon, I'll be sure to make it as weak as possible. So when he has to fight in the next raid, it won't last the first attack."

Astrid and Heather gave Hiccup a smile, brightening up a bit.

Soon they heard a set of footsteps and wood scraping along the dirt floor. Looking over, all three saw Gobber hobbling over towards them.

"Hiccup, I want ya to start on Ujarak's order when yer ready to begin workin' again."

The young man shot to his feet and looked at Gobber with gritted teeth. He looked at the seriousness in the older blacksmith's eyes.

"What the fuck, Gobber?!"

"Are you serious?" yelled Astrid.

"You can't be serious," shouted Heather.

"Listen t-"

"No! He can wait properly like everyone else can." He breathed heavily, getting worked up over Gobber's little betrayal. "What's the point of placing rules for the forge if you're not gonna enforce them."

Gobber was growing frustrated himself, it had been a long morning, and Hiccup could easily see it as he argued against the older man. He was sure his uncle never expected him to fight back against his orders.

"Hiccup, it's my forge. What I says goes 'nd what I says is te start Ujarak's order."

"Your forge?" Hiccup laughed bitterly. "How is it your forge when I'm the one who does the majority of the workaround here?!"

He watched Gobber's eyes widen and felt proud to finally release his frustrations and witness his old mentor's stunned reaction. Gobber needed to hear it and he wasn't going to hold back. So, he counted off his statements with his fingers.

"Who does majority of the smithing? Me! Who stays behind every. Single. Night to clean? Me! Who takes all the shit from the people? Me!"

"Watch it, Hiccup," Gobber responded, his frustration returning and looking at the teen who was still catching his breath. "I'll not take yer disrespect." -pointing a finger at Hiccup- "If it weren't fer me, you'd 'ave nothin'."

The moment the words left his mouth, Gobber's eyes went wide, stunning himself silent.

Hiccup looked at Gobber without a flinch, the anger within him still lingering as he looked at his old mentor with a cold stare. Moving his arms behind his back, he untied his apron and removed it. Pulling it off, he tossed it roughly onto his work desk.

"I'm finished here for today. You want to disregard the rules we agreed on to please a yak-ass of a man, then go right ahead. You can take over and fix the weapon yourself, since it's your forge and all." He turned around and started walking out of the forge before stating one more thing to Gobber. "Thanks for the support, Gobber."

He disappeared through the back entrance of the forge, Astrid and Heather watching the young man leave. Both sisters looked at one another and gave a nod, making their way towards the back entrance to follow Hiccup. Before leaving, Astrid looked back at Gobber, anger visible in her eyes as she stared at the older blacksmith.

"For the record, Gobber, you're wrong. Hiccup wouldn't have nothing. He'd have me, Heather, and our parents."

Astrid and Heather left through the back door that Hiccup escaped through after calling out Gobber. They didn't care for Gobber much either, not after the way Gobber demeaned the boy. And the way Hiccup rushed out worried not just Astrid, but Heather as well. They knew, were aware that Hiccup spent most of his time holding his emotions and turmoil within. And now they think he might have reached those small limitations with his frustrations.

When they reached outside, they could see a glimpse of Hiccup out in the distance through the dense forest. For someone of the leaner side compared to the other bulker Vikings, he sure could move quickly. Then again, who wouldn't want to escape a village that tormented and abused you on a regular basis?

Walking in a hurry, the leaves on the forest floor crunched below their boots as they rushed towards Hiccup's location. Even from their spot a few mere feet behind him, they could see the visible stress oozing from their friend's body. His body, more clearly in his shoulders were stiff with the overwhelming weight of the piling frustration and anger. Who knew the last time Hiccup had a chance to truly release his pent up turmoil and clear his mind?

They were far from the village when the two Viking teens heard it. Walking in pure silence other than the crunching foliage beneath their feet, they didn't expect an anguished filled yell to echo off the trees of the thick forest.

Hiccup stood at his fullest height, leaning back and releasing another loud yell that bounced around them. A few birds within the vicinity of the trees screeched and scurried off from the disturbance. He walked to the nearest tree and gripped it with a strength that only one with so much anger could hold. Auburn hair slipped around his face as he rested his head against the rough and jagged texture of bark. The strands of his copper like hair falling around like a curtain, hiding his face from his surroundings.

Breathing heavily, he gritted his teeth and released a third piercing and heated yell. The sound's vibrations rippling through his own body. Even being felt through the rough and dry bark between his calloused fingers.

There was so much pain and hurt, he didn't know what to do at times. He felt...defeated right now.

Watching the young man drop to his knees, head still resting against the trunk of the tree, Heather raised her hand and gripped her sister's shoulder. Coated silence still hovering over them, the raven-haired teen wasn't prepared to disturb the noiseless surroundings. She kept her voice to a whisper as she called for Astrid's attention.

"I'm going to go fetch some food and refreshments for us. While I'm gone, talk with him. It's clear that there's a lot weighing on him right now. Do whatever you can to get him to release this leech of emotions that's building up on him and open up a bit."

Heather felt Astrid place her hand on top of hers.

"I'm worried, Heather," Whispered Astrid. "I'm afraid the village is finally reaching the limit on his sanity. I don't know how much more he can take."

"Me too, Astrid. Mom and Dad as well. Right now, we're the only ones who can protect him. We just have to keep trying and hope for the best."

Astrid gave her sister a nod in understanding; her attention never leaving Hiccup's form. Giving Heather's hand one last squeeze before retreating her hand to her side. She heard her sister's leave from the indication of crunching leaves and fallen twigs receding back towards the destination of the village.

Once the silence returned between them, her sister long gone, Astrid took a deep breath and exhaled through her nose, taking in the little aura of calmness they had. She knew she needed to be calm and collected. Yes, she was nervous and frustrated herself for what happened to her betrothed, but Hiccup didn't need another emotional and overwhelmed person surrounding him.

Feeling a wave of calmness and confidence move through her, the young warrior began striding her way slowly and patiently towards her betrothed. The young blonde didn't know what she'd have to do to help him at this moment, but if the past six years have shown her anything, it was that together they were strongest and could weather through any storm that brewed their way. And as a warrior, she would be his shield from those that torment her beloved.

Astrid stood behind him, resting a hand on his right shoulder. The stiff tension in his shoulders easily visible. She could feel his muscles below his skin twitch underneath the ministrations of her thumb as she rubbed circles along the small patch of skin between the space of his neck and shoulder.

"I'm sorry."

The broken tone in his voice crushed her heart. Hearing the hurt and bearing witness to it, wasn't something she should be seeing come from Hiccup. Her betrothed should be smiling. Should be enjoying his life to the fullest like the earlier years of their childhood.

"I'm sorry you have to witness this."

Astrid dropped to her knees behind him and wrapped her arms around his chest with a crushing hold. She laid her head against the contours of his back and took in all that she could, accepting his own inner turmoil into her body as well. There was no way to begin to imagine what was swirling in that head of his.

"You have nothing to apologize for, babe. Let it out. Please."

"You shouldn't be seeing me like this, Astrid." Hiccup softly spoke. "You shouldn't have to bear witness to my uncontrolled and wavering emotions."

It was the honest truth. Losing his pent up anger in front of Astrid, Heather, and even her parents felt wrong. Those four shouldn't have to bear witness to his struggles. He knew it agonized them when he felt depressed and overwhelmed from the treatment of the village and the past mishaps to try and attain normality again.

It was why he always tried to be the old Hiccup back when he was ten, before the incident of the Frightmare. At most times when it was just him and the Hofferson's, he was well, he was in pure happiness. But it's the people of Berk, the people he trusted that drag him back to the darkened state that not even his beloved and her family could chase away.

Even now, it's still a lingering fear of his that penetrates the back of his mind. The fear that his only true family leaving him due to the terror of his darkening behavior. Truthfully, he knew none of them would abandon him. Not Astrid, not any of the Hofferson's. All four of them are the only reason he has that small sense of normality left. That sense of love and happiness that drives away that small seed of doubt when he reaches that state of vulnerability.

"Do you not trust me, babe?" Astrid asked, a hint of hurt clear as day to Hiccup.

He snapped his eyes open, staring at the dry and crumbled dirt below him. The view of her arms securely wrapped around his chest.

Hiccup raised one of his own hands from the trunk of the tree to a top her hands, "I trust you with my life, m'lady."

The grip around his midsection tightened as she pushed herself closer to his body, "Then trust me to bear your struggles and pain as well. Let me be there for you. Remember what you told me the night of our first kiss?" She moved one of her hands until it laid above his heart. "There will always be?"

She left the rest open and waited to see if her beloved would complete the line. Their own personal oath between each other.

Elation flowed through her body when she felt Hiccup cover her hand with his above his heart and give a strong squeeze and the words that tumbled through his mouth.

"There will always be a Hiccup and Astrid."

Astrid could hear the wavering smile echo along with the words. Her own smile etching along her lips.

"And that includes me shouldering your turmoil too. No matter what, we tackle this together, Hiccup."

She pushed herself up until she stood on her feet. Hiccup pushed himself away from leaning against the tree trunk and pushed himself up to his feet, Astrid standing beside him for assistance. She felt the shaky inhale vibrate through his body when she placed herself at his side.

Throwing his right arm around her shoulders, Astrid pushed themselves forward until they started walking further into the dense forest.

"Did Heather leave?"

"She went to go find us some food and something to drink. We'll keep walking until she returns."

Hiccup's brows furrowed, "Shouldn't we wait for her?"

He heard Astrid chuckle softly.

"She's a tracker remember. Heather will find us when she makes her way to us. For now, let's find a place where we can relax. Yes?"

"Of course," Hiccup responded as they dwelled deeper along the island.

The early afternoon was calm with a light breeze flowing through the trees, nipping against their skin and blowing through their hair. It was moments like these that allowed full solace from the village of Berk. To think the feelings of freedom and normality of their happiness was attained more through the tranquility of the forest than their own home.

Crossing over a large fallen pine tree, the tree line expanded into a further spacious area as the open sun shone down, brightening the fresh green grass and moss-covered boulders.

Sounds of trickling water penetrated the area as well as small splashes of water. Bewildered, the couple trekked closer towards the wall of boulders. Silently, the two Vikings walked along the wall of boulders until an old faded pathway appeared leading to a sunken section of terrain appeared. Releasing their hold from each other, Hiccup took the lead down the path, Astrid following closely behind as they became coated in shade from an archway of rocks. Pushing aside a dangling curtain of leaves and moss, the couple came across a small opening to a hidden cove.

The cove was large and wide open. Protected by a wall of earth and tree roots. Near the back a small waterfall pouring down to a medium-sized pond filled with fish that surfaced every few moments, others making a splash on the water's surface. It was calming where they stood, hidden from view above and that tranquil aura flowing around.

"I remember this place," Hiccup whispered as they continued to glance around. His feet started walking further into the cove, Astrid following as the two teens moved along the pond.

"It does feel familiar," He heard Astrid softly speak behind him.

Another splash echoed through the cove, a trout diving back down into the water. The sound of a few birds chirping as they launched off one branch to another across the cove. A lightness filled Hiccup's eyes as the familiar terrain sunk in.

"This was our old hideout when we were kids. We must be around Raven Point."

"Really? I forgot how beautiful it was here."

Taking in the memories of the old hideout, Astrid and Hiccup began to remember the fun they shared along with Heather when they were younger. The days they traveled over this part of the island to go swimming in the pond or to go fishing and make small campfires. Back when days were brighter.

Looking back at the pond, Astrid reached for Hiccup's hand and pulled him towards the pond's edge. Sitting down, she removed her boots and set them aside, signally for her betrothed to do the same. Giving Astrid a playful smirk, he did as he was told and removed his boots too. Once he set them aside, he felt Astrid's hand grip his and pull his arm, and motioning him to sit between her legs.

"Lay your head on my lap," said Astrid, patting her thighs.

She crossed her legs to give Hiccup some cushion for his neck and head as he laid down. The moment he rested his head in her lap, he felt the callousness of her fingers from hard work caressing through his copper locks, her nails scratching along his scalp every few moments. Feeling her fingers comb through his hair brought on a soothing and comfy blanket blocking the issues back at the blacksmith shop.

Eyes closed, he rested his hands atop his chest and kept a steady breathing pattern, focusing on Astrid's fingers and the small warmth of the sun beating down on top of them.

'Why couldn't every day be like this?' he thought to himself, the contentment with his lady taking the stress away.

He would gladly live his life out in the forest away from the village. Here he could build them a home here in the cove. Give her a life of happiness without the lingering darkness inside him caused by the past and village. They could live a happy long life and start a family free from the despicable people back in Berk.

"Talk to me, babe," he heard Astrid state softly above him.

He took another breath, releasing it slowly through his nose, "Talk about what?"

"Don't start Hiccup Haddock. You know what I'm talking about," she said softly.

"But we've already talked."

"You know what I'm aiming at, babe. I can still feel the tension within your body. Remember, you and I are going to tackle this together. You need not keep this burning inside you."

He let the comfort of her fingers running through his hair ground him as he pulled his thoughts together.

"I feel betrayed," he finally spoke. "I feel like Gobber betrayed me by succumbing to Ujarak and telling me to work on his order. There was still some hope left inside me that could rely on him...but now...I'm not sure I can trust him anymore." His brows furrowed, lips thinning into a line as he went into deep thought. "Does that make me horrible for feeling that I can't trust him?"

Soft lips brushed against his forehead as Astrid placed a kiss to show her love and support, speaking as her lips brushed against his skin.

"No. It doesn't make you a horrible person, babe. I trusted Gobber too and believed he was one of the last people of the village to support you. Clearly we were both wrong to believe in him."

She pushed back up and continued her ministrations through his hair; taking a few strands below his right ear and splitting his hair into parts and started braiding.

"What are you doing m'lady?" He chuckled, the light touches of her fingers and hair tickling against his cheek and ear.

"Giving you a piece to remember me by." Astrid finished the braiding, tying off the ends until Hiccup possessed two small braids behind his ear. "Now you'll have a piece of me with you when I can't be. Though with the daily baths they'll come undone now that I think about it."

"Nah. I'll be careful so they don't come untangled and only seek for the rebraiding when they need it."

Smiling, she brushed his bangs aside above his head and took a moment to admire the colors of his hair; copper, some reds, and brown. All the colors were visible easily when the light hit it just right. The comfort and silence around them and admiring her betrothed could easily keep her entertained alone.

Continuing with shifting and playing with his hair, she let herself get lost with the constellations of his freckles. It was a small part of him that she adored and tended to memorize. The sight of seeing her betrothed in a quiet and calm state is a relief to herself.

"Have you gotten back to inventing yet? I know you mentioned about possibly starting up again."

He felt her fingers glide along the shape of his nose and up towards the center between his eyes. How could simple gestures of her fingers against his skin be so calming and soothing? The impression of her fingers moved to trace the contours of his developing jawline and back up towards the top of his head where her fingers disappeared into his hair. If he could purr like a cat he would.

"I haven't started yet." He took a deep breath and exhaled through his nose. "There hasn't been anything that's...inspired me yet. I know there's nothing I want to do for the village, but personality-wise I haven't thought of anything worthwhile."

He could hear Astrid hum above as her fingers continued to play along his skin.

"Perhaps we need to spend more time away from the village to help you find your muse again. Clearly the villagers have sucked up all the creative fun."

Astrid heard Hiccup chuckle below her and the sound brought a smile to her lips. If all she could get was a chuckle or laugh, then she knew she was having some positive effect on him. And for that, she'll take this as a win so far,

"Perhaps," he responded. "But, as long as I have you and your family, then I'm sure creativity will appear nonetheless. We are quite the odd group."

"Odd? How so, Haddock," she chuckled.

"Well, for one, your parents let me sleep with you in bed. Quite scandalous don't you think?"

"Pfft, as I've said, you and I are practically married as is. Besides, they, as well as you and I know without a doubt wouldn't anything remotely intimate under the roof."

"Okay, fair point. That's not something I want anyone other than between us to hear."

"Yea, yea, chalk it up as a win." Grumbling under his breath, "You always win."

"And you love it."

Hiccup opened his eyes to look up and find Astrid staring down at him with a warming smile. Her lips parting into a small open grin. The very lips that send a spark through his skin every time. And in return, his lips split into a small grin as well.

"That I do, my little Valkyrie."

Astrid's eyes gleamed with pride and love from hearing the nickname. With a quick maneuver, she slipped her legs from under Hiccup's head, catching it and settling his head down before swiftly moving until she laid herself on top her betrothed. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled them down into a deep kiss.

Sliding her hand to his lower neck, she played with the strands of his hair. Astrid felt a hand glide into her blonde locks, expert fingers removing the bands that held her hair in place. Not much of a surprise since Hiccup had a habit of removing her ties from her hair to allow it to flow freely. Partially it annoyed her since she would have to retie her hair, though she's been beginning to wonder if it's best to start letting her hair flow free more to make it easier for herself.

They broke apart and rested against one another, Astrid's head resting comfortably against Hiccup's chest. Moments like this, just the two of them, was something they needed to do more often. She wanted more moments to see Hiccup have the chance to be at ease, but most importantly the opportunity to relax and not feel like he had to constantly look over his shoulder.

"I wish we could marry now," she whispered between them.

This wasn't the first time she's thought or mentioned it. Astrid was simply tired of waiting when they've already been together for six years. But, in honesty, she desired more to just get Hiccup permanently under her home with her family. It was obvious since the Frightmare that he was feeling unwelcome in his own home.

Seeing the fatigue from his restless nights showed how uncomfortable he had become around his father. As a blacksmith, she knew how important it was for him to have a restful night or he'd be risking his safety working with an unbalanced mind. Since then her home was open to him when he felt like he couldn't stay under his father's roof, the term home long gone. Most nights consisted of her or Heather dragging Hiccup to the Hofferson home so he could rest and feel safe.

By now he practically lived there. Which was perfectly fine with her knowing that he was safe in her arms and the protection of the family.

"Just two more years, m'lady." He smiled, then heard her grumble below him.

"Honestly, we'd be saving Gothi time by doing it now."

He raised his head and placed a kiss above her head.

"I would love to marry you now, but having two more years would allow me to finish the designs for our home. I have a few more modifications and then I can start building."

Never once had Hiccup mentioned he was planning their future home. A home where they would retire from a long day's work and raise a family. The thought of having their own space, a place they could raise their children brought a smile upon her face.

"You've designed a home for us? Why haven't you mentioned anything?"

Hiccup could hear the playfulness and smile in her tone and couldn't help but smile himself. This is what he needed. Being there in the cove away from everything and expectations.

"Forgive me for wanting to surprise m'lady with a grand and special home." He placed another kiss on top of her head. "However, is there anything that you desire for our home before I finalize the draft?"

Astrid shifted in his hold; sliding down to his right side to gaze up into the trees, humming in thought. Though a smile played on her lips. There wasn't much to think about when it came to her future home with Hiccup. She wasn't one who sought for extravagant items and high-end quality stuff, but knowing her blacksmith soon-to-be husband, he'll be going over the top.

"Nothing extravagant. Just a large enough home for our family."

She looked up and found Hiccup looking back at her with red-tinted cheeks, then gave him a wink.

For her, the mentions of their future family was a promise to herself that she would give Hiccup a family he deserved. One that he could love and receive love in return. He gave her one of his toothy smiles that showed that small gap between his front teeth. One of his true smiles.

"Then, if that's what you want, m'lady."

"Aww, look at the two of you. All snuggled together."

Astrid and Hiccup jumped from the new presence. An all too familiar voice.

They heard her footsteps move towards them and Heather's laughter from their reaction.

"You two were so deep in your own space you didn't even hear me enter the cove."

The two groaned her name out of embarrassment of being caught. Leave it to Heather to catch them at the random of moments.

"Oh knock it off you two. It's not like I haven't seen you get all mushy and cozy before." Heather stated rounding near the pond's bank and dropped herself next to the two love birds. She pulled a tan sack from over shoulder and set it on the ground, pulling out the contents within the bag. "So, I snagged us some mutton, chicken, bread, and a water bag full of mead."

Astrid took the water bag of mead and took a sip. Her eyes went wide and gulped down the mead, coughing out and catching her breath.

"Oh gods," -giving off another set of coughs- "That's stronger than some of the other meads in the Great Hall. Is it a new batch? I don't remember any of their batches being this strong."

Heather laughed and took the water bag, taking a sip for herself. Feeling the warmth of the mead flow down her throat, a shiver made its way up through her body, causing her to break out in a cough as well. Giving a groan, "You weren't kidding. And to answer your question, it's not from the Great Hall. It's actually one of dad's homemade batches."

"Dad made this?" Her sister asked in astonishment. "I knew he liked mead with a kick but gods."

Hiccup leaned forward and Heather passed the bag over for him to take a drink too. The girls watched in amusement at the faces Hiccup pulled as the mead made its way down his throat. The young man groaned and took a breath in, "Ugh, damn. Your father must be tougher than I imagined if he drinks this. He must have an iron stomach."

Even with the horrible taste of the homemade mead, the drink managed to calm his nerves and loosen some of his remaining tense muscles. Plus, with Heather here now he could feel more relaxed knowing he had part of his family with him. Who needed family by blood when there was a family that accepted him through relation.

The three young Vikings divided the food between each other.

Hiccup and Heather took the mutton while Astrid took the chicken, and shared the mead back and forth. Together they ate lunch while making small conversations between each other.

"Have you seen your father today?" asked Hiccup, keeping the conversation going. "I know he tends to try and stop by the blacksmith's shop during the day."

Heather gave nod as she swallowed her food. "I actually ran into him while I was gathering lunch. Dad was the one who gave me his homemade mead."

She watched as Hiccup and Astrid blinked, surprised that Trygve gave them some stronger mead than usual.

"He thought his special homemade brew would help us relax. Preferably Hiccup" She grabbed the water bag and took another sip of mead. Swallowing, "Dad heard about what happened at the forge. Word travels fast among the village of people who apparently have nothing better to do than gossip. I'm sure you could imagine how furious he was to hear that someone attacked you."

The auburn teen closed his eyes and groaned, "I swear Trygve is going to pick the wrong people someday. He shouldn't be fighting against villagers for my sake. Your father's too valuable to the tribe to be worrying about me all the time."

"Babe," Astrid jumped in, placing her hand atop his, "don't concern yourself. Dad knows what he's doing. Besides, he wouldn't leave a member of his family on their own."

His betroth gave him a smile.

"She's right, brother," Heather jumped in. "Dad knows what he's doing. He considers you his son and he's not going to let you deal with all this hate alone. He's very protective of his children."

The thought of Trygve always standing up for him brought a smile to his face. Leave it to an honorable man like their father to value loyalty above all else. To see and hear a warrior like Trygve value him, someone he considers family, to be more important and priority than the people of the village. A village he made an oath to protect as a warrior.

"Your father is a great man. Both him and your mother. I can't begin to thank them enough for letting me literally live with you. I know I haven't mentioned it to him, but he's been such a great father figure. He's practically raising me and not once has he ever asked for anything in return."

"You should tell him," Heather said, "I know he'd appreciate hearing how much his support has helped. Sometimes I think he worries that he's not succeeding, but if he hears that he has been making a difference, I know he'd be pleased, especially hearing it from you."

Astrid snapped her fingers as she remembered something of importance.

"You know, I think dad would really appreciate some father and son time."

Hiccup jerked in surprise, "What?"

"That's a great idea," Heather beamed. "I know you hide your skills from everyone but us; though you should tag along with Dad when he goes on his next hunting trip this week. It'll give you two alone time and you can show off some of your hunting skills. He already knows it's been you that's caught the rabbits and squirrels for us through the past few years."

"Why would you tell him? Villagers wouldn't take the game if they knew it were coming from me."

"Relax, babe," Astrid stated softly. "He doesn't mention it to the traders and buyers. He just wants to experience the skills of Hiccup Haddock, skilled hunter."

Hiccup shook his head, "I learned all my skills from you and Heather. There's nothing different than if you two went."

"Wrong, brother. Sure you learned hunting skills from us, but it's nothing different from what you've already known. What makes your hunting skills better is that you have better strategic thinking than what we can ponder. Your unique plans have a higher chance for success than some of our traditional ways."

"And," Astrid spoke, "He just really wants to have a day to spend with you. You're his son whether we're married or not. Give him a day to spend together."

The auburn teen thought about it. He never lied when he said he valued Trygve.

Trygve was his father if he wanted to be honest with himself. If he wanted to, not that he hadn't thought of it before, he wouldn't counter the thought of taking the Hofferson name. Perhaps having one on one time with his father-in-law would offer the chance to bring up the possible idea.

Hiccup gave a nod, "That actually sounds nice. I'll tell your father I'll join him on his hunt this week."

"Awesome!" Heather jumped up, a bright gleam shining in her green eyes and a grin on her face. "Now that that's settled, we can let loose and relax."

Reaching into her sack, Heather pulled out Astrid's ax, "You left this behind at the blacksmith's."

Astrid grabbed her ax and thanked her sister, "I thought my back felt lighter. Thanks, Heather."

Giving her sister a nod, she dug back into the sack and pulled out two daggers. She gripped them by the handle and smirked at Hiccup.

"Do these look familiar?"

Speechless, Hiccup grabbed the two daggers in his left hand. It had been a few years since he saw these two particular sets. The last time being six years ago before things changed. Though he had a different set back in his private room at the blacksmith shop, it was nice to see that his first set of daggers. One's that he made as a kid when he first started as an apprentice. The daggers still looked in great condition.

"I can't believe you've kept them all this time."

"It was actually dad who's been taking care of them," Astrid said proudly. Her tone was filled with gratitude and appreciation she's always held in regard to her father.

Hiccup looked at her with brows raised and silent questions running through his mind.

"It was not long after the incident. I believe it was the night you first came over to our house drained and wounded from Snotlout and the others. While you were being treated and patched up by Mom, Dad walked over to your house to talk with your father. We don't know what happened other than mom knowing, but I remember Dad being upset. I'm sure you remember when he came baring some of your clothes to stay with us. I think that was when he found your daggers somewhere near the forest boundary."

"I remember having them with me when talking with your uncle. Must have left them behind after the Frightmare left and the town ganging on us. Had to have been too distraught to realize I left them behind. It never occurred to me that I was even missing them to begin with. Figured they were somewhere in my house or room."

Heather started walking off towards a section of the cove on the other side, pulling her own ax from her strap. Halfway walking along the edge of the pond, Heather pulled out a small hatchet and chucked it into an old tree trunk.

She looks back at Hiccup.

"Then, I say we get some fun practice in the works. It has been a distant time since we've done some target practice. And we can see if you still know how to throw those blades."

With newfound confidence Hiccup, gripping the daggers, pulled himself up. It had been a long time since they've gone into the woods and thrown their knives and axes in the forest. A good stress reliever to rid his overwhelming hatred burning underneath his skin.

"You're on, Heather," Hiccup replied with a smirk and a gleam of challenge in his eyes.

Watching Heather continue her way, Hiccup turned to reach a hand out to Astrid and helped her up. He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek and winked.

Aswell of serene comfort enveloped Astrid at the sight of Hiccup's newfound determination. It was a good distraction for him and she couldn't have thanked her sister well enough. Perhaps seeing her betroth's change in behavior was a good sign that there's a chance to rid the overshadowing plague that surrounds him.

Only time would tell, and she was going to be at his side all the way.

~.~.~.~.~

The sounds of their breathless pants filled the cove as the three teens eased their weapons to the ground. They had been at it for a few hours, throwing their weapons at the rooted coated walls of the cove. The markings of axes and daggers visible in the bark.

Looking through the treetops, the late afternoon of the setting sun seeped through the leaves as dinner time was soon approaching.

With sweat beading down his forehead, Hiccup tied his daggers to his belt strap, ensuring they were secured before bending back into a stretch.

"That was quite the workout," he moaned out as his back popped.

Beside him, Astrid stretched, twisting her hips and waist until her back gave out a pop of her own. Raising her arms above her and bending back until another set of popping echoed out.

"Agreed," Heather spoke as she picked up her ax and hooked it to her back straps. She looked around, a soft smile taking place on her lips, "It brought back a lot of memories of when we were kids." -exhaling- "Back when we didn't have many worries."

"And back to the life of worries we go."

Both Astrid and Heather look to Hiccup, watching as the uneasiness seeped its way back into his body. His shoulders moving to a stiff, the gleam of enjoyment now faded to a mere ember as they knew they had to return to the village.

Double-checking they had all their belongings, the three teens hiked their way out of the cove, making promises to find another day they could all schedule a family gathering of target practice.

Heather took the lead, clearing the entrance as Hiccup and Astrid followed behind. The couple grasping hand in hand as they walked together side by side. Astrid leaned against his side, her head resting on his shoulder.

Silence of the forest filled the air between all of them as they trekked back to the village.

The closer they approached the village, the more Hiccup internally cringed. He wasn't ready to step foot back into the depressing atmosphere that was his tribe. Furthermore, he wasn't prepared to run into Gobber, or worse, his father.

There was no doubt that Gobber would relate to his father what occurred earlier that morning in the forge. And aware that he would undoubtedly get a ferocious shouting the moment his father saw him. He was not in the mood to being shouted at, mainly if there was a chance that it occurred around others.

Reaching the edge of the village, Hiccup lead them back towards the blacksmith shop. He had something he wanted to do now that he was clear of mind.

Though he needed to make sure that he would be alone.

Arriving behind the back of the blacksmith shop, they were greeted with silence. Unnoticed by the girls, Hiccup perked at the possibility that the shop was empty. His eyes lighting up with the chance of luck from the gods that he would be alone.

Opening the back door, Hiccup ushered Astrid and Heather inside, quickly taking a glance around to ensure no one was in the vicinity to catch them returning.

Stepping into the main shop area, Hiccup was relieved with the assurance that Gobber was long gone from the shop. If the old blacksmith's routine was exact, he was sure the older man was already down at the Great Hall filling his belly with mead.

Heading towards the windows, the young blacksmith started going through all the windows and shutting the covers.

"Not surprised that Gobber's already gone," Astrid spoke up, a look of frustration clear on her face.

"No doubt already getting drunk," added Heather.

They heard Hiccup hum as he closed the final window, securing the wooden rail.

"Which I could care less about. I'd rather not speak to him at the moment. Not in the mood for it." -turning to the girls- "Why don't you two head out. I have something I need to do and I don't think I'll be able to do it if I have distractions."

Hiccup gave them a smirk, trying to hide the awaiting urge to be alone. Typically he's good at hiding his emotions, though when it came to the Hofferson's it was never easy. He's sure by this point they know his emotions and don't question him when he asks for periods of alone time.

Not raising any questions, Heather gave her brother a nod and walked forward to give him a hug. Moving aside, Astrid moved forward, catching Hiccup's attention as they silently stared at one another; taking on a silent conversation which Heather remained silent herself, waiting patiently.

Astrid knew there was something flowing through her betroth's mind. As much as she wanted to speak out about it, she figured it wasn't best to call him out with the day he had earlier. She'd have to find another day where she can drag him away so they could return to the discussion.

"We'll see you at dinner, right?" She offered him a smile, dragging away from the curiosity.

His lips morphed into a soft smile, thankful he had someone so understanding like Astrid. Hiccup reached down and grabbed her hands and gave them a squeeze.

"Of course, my lady. I'll see you and your family in a bit for dinner. This won't take long anyways."

Satisfied enough, she leaned up and gave him a kiss. Relief flooded her body when she felt him lean in and return the kiss, feeling his arms pull her close. If she had her way she'd keep them in their current position just to keep him distracted.

"I know what you're thinking, my little minx." She felt his smirk against their lips.

'Damn. He knows me too well.'

He pushed himself back from their kiss. She could see that playful and hazy lust glaze filling his eyes. Too bad Heather was in their presence.

She sighed deeply, "Oh, alright. I guess another time." She gave him a wink.

Giving him another peck on the lips, "Heather and I will wait for you on the steps of the Great Hall when the sun sinks below the horizon. Not a moment too late or I'm coming to search for you."

He chuckled, "I have no doubt you would."

Hiccup watched Astrid and Heather leave through the front doors. He watched them walk up the pathway and waited for a few moments until they were a couple of feet away before locking up the front entrance. Once everything was closed and secured, he made his way back towards the rear of the shop.

Hidden in his own private quarters of the shop, in the private small room; Hiccup made his way towards the wooden ladder leading up to the loft above the shop. Heading up and reaching the top, he looked around to see the familiar small sanctuary he created a few years back.

In the farther corner, he saw his custom haystacks for his makeshift bed along with two rolled-up wool blankets on the side. All the memories of nights that he would run away from his father's home and camp out up in the loft. Running from the large bear of a man that glared or looked down at him coldly. Those green eyes that were once bright now burned down to a coolish greenish-grey.

'No.'

He shook his head, trying to clear his mind from the memories. There was no need to bring up those memories again. His safety was with the Hofferson's now. No longer would he have to worry about his father's glares while being under the same roof.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed away those old memories and pushed himself up into the lofted area of the shop. Walking along the paths of the wooden beams supporting the roof, the young blacksmith found his way to his little hideout, settling down on one of the haystacks.

To the side, a small rectangular slit bored into one of the wooden pillars laid waiting. Hiccup stared at the rugged opening, its miasma of shadows calling to him.

Bending down, the teen reached his hand in the opening and pulled out a worn long-lived booklet, old stains seeped into the faded yak hide cover. Fingers brushed along the top, taking in the cross-grained texture beneath the calloused fingertips. Pages tattered upon opening, a few pages clear with tear stains of the past.

Pushing himself up into a more comfortable position against the haystacks, Hiccup unclipped the small buckle holding the booklet locked, and flipping to an open free page. Each page of parchment passing filled with runes of his writing. Names of villagers coating the page above. Scribbles of anger, rage, and anguish splattered along the sides or crossed out words.

Descriptions of his full hatred on the wrongdoings they inflicted upon him, etched forever to see. Scrawls of defined planning of punishments he could inflict upon the people that cause him Hel.

Flipping through the pages made Hiccup realize that his small journal was more than half full. After six years of torment and sorrow, it felt as if he had the entire village written in the palm of his hands.

Sliding another page over, the name of his beloved scribbled a top in the corner. Across from her name, he saw Heather's. Below, written in neat, loving, and clarity, were the runes, My Guardian Angels.

The parchment across theirs was the name of their parents, Trygve and Hilda. Only a short phrase like Astrid and Heather's page. The runes, My Protectors, written in the clarity as their daughters.

Out of all the names written in the journal, they were the only four people that obtained kindness from his wrath against the others. The only four to constantly prove why he cherished them so dearly.

Taking in the four names for another moment, Hiccup flipped through a few more pages before coming upon a blank one, empty and waiting for the unwritten words that he has had a desire to let out since this morning. Opening his vest, he pulled out a charcoal pen. Letting the unspoken words of hate for his old mentor bleed across the page.

Gobber

Betrayed for an unruly man with a disregard to respect. Far to focus on filling his belly with mead and leaving me with all the work at the forge. The one to deal with all the backlash from customers when work falls behind.

'What kind of punishment would be suitable for his old mentor?'

He stared at the page, eyes hazing over in thought. A punishment easily manageable to cover up.

'Why not poison?'

Hiccup blinked away the haze. Listening to the dark, harden voice surfacing from his inner thoughts. However, the idea suggested was...promising.

'Poison?' His brows furrowed.

'Yes.' -a chuckle crackling in his head- 'What better way to get rid of the lazy, washed-up man than by poison. Slip it in the mead and no one would be none the wiser.'

"Possibly," he mumbled out. Would it truly work though?

'Only one way to find out.'

Looking down on the page, Hiccup took the charcoal pen and wrote down punishments; scribbling poison below as a possible method to use against Gobber. To think, he never thought he'd have to write down someone he once trusted under as an enemy to himself. Sure there were times that Gobber annoyed and frustrated him, the older man would bring about a smile every now and then when he had a bad day.

But he just had to ruin that view of himself by siding and caving to a man who threw a fit for an unfinished order. Why couldn't Gobber just follow the simplest of rules we agreed on?

'Perhaps he's trying to sabotage you,' the inner voice whispered.

Hiccup shook his head. Yes, he hates Gobber, but the older man wouldn't purposely sabotage him.

'How would you know? When was the last time he stood up for you?'

There was truth to that statement. He couldn't remember the last time Gobber had stood up for him. Now the more he thought about it, Hiccup realized that Gobber hadn't assisted him or helped him with any of the backlash from the village for the past few years.

More anger flooded his body as he scowled down at the journal. Gripping the charcoal stick tightly, he harshly pushed the tip of the charcoal against the parchment; harsh enough to snap little crumbles of the charcoal onto the paper. With frustrated strokes, Hiccup scribbled along the page, filling in more runes as he let his anger out through words.

He couldn't honestly recall how long he sat there in the upper loft writing away. Plotting out 'what if' scenarios to satisfy those impenitent itches he shelter away, especially those he holds dear.

The loft grew darker as it became more difficult to write, signaling that he was due for dinner time with Astrid and her family. With a sigh, he closed the journal and strapped the lock tight before placing the booklet back into the wooden wall. For now, he wrote enough down to release all the jumbled thoughts that plagued him earlier in the day. Now, it was time to move that part of him to focus on the better part of his life; his beloved and her family.

Heading down the stairs back to the main level of the shop, Hiccup ensured that all tools and final clean up was completed before heading out to the town square of the village. Walking down the dirt path, he ignored the sideways glances and glares as the island's disgrace member of society grazed along the path towards the Great Hall. Thankfully, as Astrid stated, she and Heather were there to the side on the great steps waiting for his arrival.

Upon his arrival, Astrid rushed over and pulled him into a hug, following up with a kiss.

"Best kind of greeting," Hiccup mumbled against her lips.

Astrid pulled away slightly and looked up to give him a knowing smirk. What she got in return was a wink. Rolling her eyes playfully, she reaches for his hand and the three of them finish walking up the stairs and head into the Great Hall.

Entering the large room, many of the villagers were already gathered among their separate niches. Everyone had their roles, gifts, skills that made them stand out or well known. Their little groups that welcomed them with open arms.

Who wanted to be associated with a group of people that would stab you in the back at the sign of weakness? Hiccup silently scoffed as they walked along the side of the hall, his eyes still gazing around the room at the tables of rowdy villagers, some already appearing drunk.

The further they walked towards the tables to gather food, it didn't go unnoticed of the glares sent his way. It seemed just his very being was enough to annoy and receive glares from the tribe. What else is new?

Gathering their portions, the teens headed off towards the back of the Great Hall where they saw Trygve and Hilda already sitting with their food waiting for them. They were halfway from the table when Trygve and Hilda caught them in their sights and offered them a beaming smile. Hiccup, Astrid, and Heather gave the parents a smile in return; the young blacksmith feeling a calming air surround him as they approached the table.

'This is home.'

Taking a seat, the teens sat across from Trygve and Hilda, the small family together again for a family meal.

"I was beginnin' to wonder if my three children had gotten lost," the man chuckled. "Was 'bout to start eatin' without ya."

"Sorry about that, Trygve, I was trying to finish up some last-minute tasks back at the forge," responded Hiccup.

The older man swiped his hand back and forth, shooing off Hiccup's response. "It's nothin' to worry 'bout, son. I'm just messin' with ya. I'm glad you were able to join us for dinner."

Hiccup saw the knowing look Trygve gave him. It wasn't unknown with the Hofferson's that he tended to avoid eating in the Great Hall quite often. Mainly if it ended with him being alone in the hall. It wasn't that he worried about the villagers causing trouble with him but rather that he wished to not stretch his mental limit. If he was being honest with himself, he wouldn't know how long it would take to slam a random tormentor's head against the thick oak table. Who knows, maybe it would be a good way to show that he wasn't the thin and weak Viking he pretends to be. Perhaps he should consider showing people he wasn't to be messed with.

"It's always a pleasure to be with the family, Try," Hiccup gave the father a smile.

The family fell into small conversations together, most general topics from each other's daily chores and duties to anything new upcoming to look forward towards.

"So, tell me, Hiccup," Said teen looked up from his food to the father, listening. "How's those plans for your home coming along? Anything new since the last time you showed me the sketches."

A smirk took place on Hiccup's lips when he heard Astrid mumble, "Of course dad knew".

"The plans are coming along quite well, thanks for asking. I'm pretty much at the finalized stage and getting preparations settled for building. I just can't wait to finally build the home for Astrid and I."

"Where are you planning on building the home, dear?" Asked Hilda.

"There's an empty section a couple feet behind your home. If you don't mind Astrid and I living next to you, I was planning on using the trees that would be cut down to help build the foundations of our home."

Hilda was thrilled to hear that her daughter and Hiccup were planning on living close by. Call it an instinct as a mother, but she always felt calmer knowing her children were close by.

"I think it would be marvelous to 'ave you 'nd Astrid close by. Would make it easier to 'ave family dinners once in a while," she said.

"And let us know when you begin building, son," added Trygve. "We'll assist in yer building so it can be ready when Astrid and yerself get married."

"I would appreciate that, thank you."

The evening was proving well as the small family continued in their family discussions when the entire Great Hall fell silent at the blaring echo of the warning horn. Villagers scrambled into chaos as the signaling of an approaching raid.

Trygve and Hilda rushed to their feet and shouted at the children to remain safe and speed out of the Great Hall with the other warriors of the village. Leaving their food behind, the three young Vikings rushed out of the hall, being one of the few last members of the tribe to exit. And it was indeed chaos. Viking warriors running in full battle mode as the dragons started to descend onto Berk.

"We have to go!" Heather shouted, a bit in panic but also in determination to do her job.

It had only been a year since Heather and Astrid graduated Dragon Training, Astrid being the one to win the honor of killing the Monstrous Nightmare. It was a beautiful creature, covered in blues and greens, but it was outshined by Astrid and her abilities alone. Sure, it was sad to see the creature beheaded, but he had never seen his lady so in tune and flawless in her fighting until that day of her initiation into Viking hood. Heather was the second top warrior of their generations.

The Hofferson sisters were not to be messed with and they had indeed proven themselves with their first raid at fifteen after the training and continued to prove themselves now at sixteen. Hiccup was certain they out skilled even some of the more warriors, but he would never say that out loud without starting a possible fight with the older warriors who feel offended at such a claim.

"Please look out for each other," he said to both of them.

The girls gave him a nod and Heather was the first to rush down the steps, giving a shout back to be safe himself.

Astrid looked back at Hiccup and both fell into a kiss.

"Please be safe, m'lady," he whispered between them.

She gave another peck, "I will. And you do the same, alright?"

Hiccup gave his lady a nod and the young shieldmaiden rushed down the stairs after her sister. And he knew the blacksmith shop was waiting for him to help assist in weapon repairs.

Rushing down the steps, Hiccup remembered the event from earlier and slowed his running. A smirk took place as he decided to turn and run between some of the houses towards the forest. Gobber could handle the chaos on his own, he didn't want to be around Gobber still and he couldn't confirm for himself that he wouldn't snap on sight.

Finding one of the houses further away from the center of the village, Hiccup used the crates to climb up on one of the home's roofs. It was a good spot, covered in the shadows of the overgrown branches; he could remain secluded as he watched the battle to unfold.

And unfold it did; Hiccup watched in an urge of euphoria as homes burned in dragon fire. Even from his location, he was able to make out the homes of the Birger clan and Knud clan. A satisfied smile stretched across his face as he watched the homes of two of his many tormentors burn in a glorious blaze, the woods snapping and crumbling. It was as if the gods were beginning to give the people he hated their just retribution and he never thought he'd feel such pride and happiness.

Down below, he watched a group of Vikings capture a herd of Nadders in the midst of snatching a herd of sheep. The large rope netting forcing the dragons down to the ground and creating a last-ditch effort to escape their captors and bellowing fire blasts towards the men and women. The warriors dodging and jumping on their the dragons' heads and attempting to keep their snouts closed to prevent further harm. Carefully, the group of Nadders were being dragged and transported towards the main center of the village.

Screams soon filled the air as the young auburn-haired teen assumed that a few Vikings would have some major injuries if the intensity of the screams had any indication.

Suddenly, Hiccup felt the roof he sat on tremble, scraping and shingles on the roof dropping to the ground below. Growling rumbled behind him, his body standing straight and stiff, hearing claws scrape against the roof as it moved slowly closer. Quietly, Hiccup slowly turned until his sights came face to face with a wild Nadder.

Coated in reds and blues, the teen grazed his eyes along the entire creature and took in the battle scars that covered multiple areas of the body. This beast was definitely a veteran of raids and fights, whether it was against a Viking or fellow dragon. Externally, he was remaining still and appearance of calm, internally, he knew he was in deep yak shit for being found by a dragon. He's praying to the gods and asking Odin to help him escape scratch-free or he'd never hear the end of it from Astrid.

The Nadder gave another deep, low growl as it prowled closer, slowly; spikes all displayed and spread out in preparations for an attack.

'Good going, idiot. Now you got yourself in danger!'

'SHUT UP!' he shouted internally in anger, pushing the darker voice away.

The Nadder jerked to a halt, a few feet before him, frozen in his prowl as the dragon's pupils altered. Stunned, Hiccup watched the dragon walk back, away from him and falling into a submissive form. Giving Hiccup a chirp, the Nadder launched off the roof and fled into the air, soaring towards another area of Berk.

'What the in the Helheim just happened?'

Before he could think further, a roar shook through his location and his head spun to his left of the village. To his utter horror, he saw two of the four people he held close trapped between one of the largest Nightmares he's ever seen.

Stuck in a corner, he watched in despair as Astrid and Heather stood against the Nightmare, the creature bearing teeth and releasing a growl that he could feel from his position. In fear, he silently moved across the other roofs to make his way over to the girls, if it came to it, he would offer his life to keep them safe. He would not lose them, not while he was capable.

Knowing the girls, he was sure the two of them could handle the dragon, but there was something within him that was saying otherwise. He watched as Astrid and Heather part from each other, each moving to the left and right side of the beast. Surely the dragon couldn't take two at once, especially those two.

As Astrid and Heather crouched into attacking positions, getting ready to enact their plan; the familiar screeching sound filled the cool night air. He watched the girls' eyes widen in familiarity, no doubt like his too as the rest of the village fell silent. The stealthiest dragon known to Viking knowledge. The unholy offspring of lightning and death itself.

"NIGHT FURY"

At the shout of the dragon's name, all the villagers crouched down. The explosion that followed echoed through the air as the purple blast made contact with one of the catapults. Hiccup watched as Vikings on the weapon jumped down in attempts to avoid the attack. He was sure there would be injuries to follow after jumping off from that height.

However, it was a distraction that betrayed Astrid and Heather's attack. The large Nightmare burst into flames and launched a fire blast as Heather; the raven-haired teen dodging to her left and against Astrid. Flames scorching the house that Heather stood against. And it was exactly what the beast wanted.

With a swipe of its thick tail, the Monstrous Nightmare smacked into Astrid and Heather, launching them across the ground. A scream escaped both of them as the tail ripped and cut into the sides of their bodies from the blow. Hiccup watched in worry as the girls gripped their sides, small spots of blood dripping from their wounds.

He didn't hesitate, he wasn't going to allow the woman he loved and the closest thing to a sister he had, be killed by these beasts.

Jumping down to the ground, Hiccup ran towards the girls' location. Along the way, he saw an abandoned hammer and picked it up without a second thought. With practice and instinct from training with Astrid and Heather, Hiccup gripped the handle in his left hand and chucked the hammer at the Nightmare.

The hammer made contact with the intended target and smacked into the side of the Nightmare's head. It was loud enough for the noise to grab the attention of the girls as they looked up to find Hiccup standing across a few feet from them. And their eyes widen in shock and fear.

"Babe!"

"Hiccup!"

Hiccup cast a quick glance before shouting at the Nightmare to attack him. He took off in a run as the dragon chased after him, the pain of hearing the girls' screams fading behind him. It didn't matter. As long as they were safe he could care what happened to him. He would not fail his promise set six years ago.

Fire scorched passed him as he continued to dodge the attacks, mazing through between the houses as he attempted to keep his distance from the dragon. The sounds of crackling was evident enough that the houses behind him were scorched in flames. Odin help him, he was sure he was already going to get an ear full from Astrid, he didn't need to obtain injuries to further his lady's wrath.

Dodging, he nearly missed a few swipes from the Nightmare's claws as he used the scattered crates, wagons, and other various objects distance himself from the dragon.

Coming upon one of the hilltops and cobbled paths, Hiccup caught a glimpse of one of the wooden pillars of the large torches that he could get some form of covered from the fire blasts. Staying in a constant run, he soon heard the telltale sign of gas hissing as the dragon was preparing another attack.

He was able to feel the heat as he dodged to his left, the molten lava-like blast coating over the wooden pillar before dropping to the ground. Before he could get back up, the Nightmare trapped him below his claws as the dragon growled over him. The only thing running through his head was not being there for Astrid now that death was upon him.

He watched the Nightmare's jaw open wide and lower; he turned his face aside waiting for the teeth to pierce his skin when he heard a battle cry to the side of him.

In an instant, the claws disappeared as he saw a fury of red hair pass by and the Nightmare pushed back. Hiccup pushed himself up to find his father taking on the Nightmare. The chief stood strong as he faced the Nightmare, both glaring at the other.

"Come on ye devil!"

The Nightmare opened it's jaw to let out another blast, only for a small drizzle to breach out as the dragon gurgled in dismay.

Stoick chuckled, "Yer all out."

Rushing forward, Stoick used his bare hands and punched the dragon's jaw and face, getting a couple of throws before the Nightmare scattered away and flew off for their own safety.

With the Nightmare gone, the chief set his gaze back onto Hiccup. The sight of the teen bringing a glare as his cold green eyes took in the sweaty and ragged son of his. And it was clear with the emotions that Hiccup could see floating in Stoick's eyes.

Footsteps of villagers began gathering towards their location when the crackling behind him creaked. The weakening of the pillar and weight succumbed as the wood snapped. Embers from the wood falling as the pillar dropped to the ground; the top half oval pan of wood and fire rolled down the hill. The pan of flame covered wood running over some of the captured dragons, burning the ropes of the nets allowing the dragons to escape.

The tribe watched in complete silence as the remaining dragons flew off away from the island, some of their livestock being carried off in the claws of their enemy.

Once the dragons were a mere speck in the sky, all faces turned back towards Hiccup. He didn't hesitate to look back at the chief.

"Dad."

"Ya just couldn't be where yer were supposed to be," Stoick growled.

"It's not what you-"

"I don't need yer excuses!" Stoick cut him off, glaring at his son. "Why do ya have to keep bein' a disappointment?!"

He knew he should have been used to it, but hearing it again shattered more within him. His father would never understand. Better yet, his father never cared to listen and understand.

"Winter is almost upon us and yer just had to go and screw us over cause ya couldn't be where yer were supposed to be. I 'ave an entire village to feed and care for, and now half our livestock is gone!"

Hiccup looked over the people of the tribe and took in a majority of the appearances. He looked back at his father.

"You sure? Between you and me, a good amount of the villagers could use a little less feeding. A couple could lose a good few pounds." His eyes flicked to the chief, his eyes trailing up and down his father's large mass. He knew pushing his sarcastic wit at his father wasn't the smartest thing to do, especially with the temper that the man possessed, but he wasn't going to regret what happened. He was just trying to stay alive.

Stoick's glare heightened and began moving towards the teen.

"Why you lit-"

Before Stoick could finish his sentence and make his way to Hiccup, the chief stopped short when Trygve stood between them. The chief watched in surprise at seeing his old friend placing himself between his boy.

Soon, Stoick's glare returned and stared at Trygve.

"Move aside, Trygve."

Stoick watched Trygve's own glare pierce back to him, holding his stance as he didn't budge from his chief's orders.

"You will not lay a hand nor come near my son," Trygve gowled out.

Hiccup watched in shock as Trygve was protecting him and facing off his father. He also watched in satisfaction at his father's surprise from the Hofferson's declaration.

Stoick's fist clamped tight as he returned his glare to his friend and then swept to the side landing on Hiccup.

"Get him out of my sight. I have his mess to clean up."

'Not my mess you yakass.' Hiccup glared back at the chief.

Once Stoick began shouting out orders, Trygve turned and placed his hand against Hiccup's back, leading him towards the Hofferson home. Along the way, ignoring the side glares from the villagers and snide remarks of the other teens, Trygve glaring in return towards random people.

Seeing the Hofferson's home a few feet away, he could see Astrid, Heather, and Hilda waiting for them in front of the house. He could also see that Astrid and Heather's sides bandaged.

As soon as he was close, Astrid rushed forwards and wrapped her arms around him. She held him tight as he returned her embrace with his own.

"You idiot," he heard her mumble against the skin of his neck.

"You and Heather are safe. That's all that matters."

He could feel the faint poundings of her fist against his back. Hiccup knew she would be upset, but her worry for his safety took priority as she embraced him tighter.

"Let's head inside," Trygve softly ordered.

The small family headed inside as Hilda walked into the and grabbed for the small bucket of water and a wet rag.

"Sit down, dear," Hilda signaled Hiccup to the nearest chair. "Let's get those scratches and dirt around them cleaned off. Then we all can take turns bathing to clean the rest of the dirt and sweat off us."

Hiccup followed Hilda's orders and sat down on the nearest chair.

"Astrid and Heather told us what happened, son."

The auburn-haired teen looked up towards Trygve as he sat himself on a chair by the fire.

"Thank you, fer protecting our girls, Hiccup. Yer a fine warrior and I couldn't be more proud of the man you've become."

He wouldn't cry at the words. But he wouldn't hold back the unshed tears that were visible along the lining of his eyes.

"I know I'm not yer father, but just know, as a father, I am unbelievably proud of ya."

Trygve watched Hiccup nod as his wife continued to clean his scratch marks.

"Yer gonna make a fine chief one day," the father beamed.

Though the small scoff changed the mood of the household.

"I wish that were true, Try."

"What are ye talkin' about, son." The man leaned forward in his chair.

"I've heard whispers from my father and some other villagers recently that he has plans on removing me as heir."

"What?" Trygve straightened in anger. "Is that man tryin' to ruin our future?"

"Who is he plannin' to use as a replacement?" Hilda asked, finishing up the last bit of cleaning. Astrid and Heather sat across the dinner table in shock at the news, completely startled silent.

"Snotlout," Hiccup responded, the hint of anger visible in his eyes. If he was removed as heir that was fine. But he wouldn't want Snotlout to replace him when there were better candidates for the position. "So, it seems Berk will receive a new heir coming next council meeting."

Trygve stood from his chair, fury in his eyes, determination blazing beneath.

"Not while I 'ave a say 'bout it."