As the months passed, Hiccup seemed to return to normal. The autumn and winter soon surrendered into warmer seasons. He resumed his role at the Dragon Academy, and flew daily with Toothless. He and Astrid were becoming closer and closer. Things seemed to be normal once more. But something inside of Hiccup just wouldn't seem to cease.
A feeling. A presence.
Hiccup normally ignored it, but one summer day, while Stoick and Hiccup were out together on a flight, they stopped at the Cove to rest. The pale sunlight leaked through the leaves and seared the water's surface. Glistening like diamonds.
Hiccup suddenly, just randomly walked to the edge of the water. He stared at himself for a while.
The scars were fading, almost gone, but something in Hiccup's brain made them seem so fresh. He watched as his father walked up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You're not that man anymore, Hiccup." Stoick said.
Hiccup's shoulders drooped, and he looked away from the reflection.
"It's a new day, Hiccup. You're here. You're safe. It's over." He said.
Hiccup looked up to his father and smiled. Stoick retuned his smile and after patting his shoulder he walked over to Thornado and petted his snout.
Hiccup returned his gaze to the water. A soft chuckle vibrated in his chest. Hiccup brought his hand to his chest to see if his heartbeat was normal. He looked up and saw a green leaf get gently picked off of the branch by the wind.
It rode the wave of air, swayed from side to side, and tentatively landing on the surface of the water. It sent ripples riding along the glass-like surface, disturbing its peace.
Hiccup stared at himself again, and when the ripples distorted his image, once it settled, his heart stopped.
His body went numb, yet a queer yet familiar tingling emendated from within. It crept upon him, pervading his senses like the dull, faint prickle of a limb gone numb.
His hair was pitch black and the scars had multiplied in numbers.
Eyes a cold shade of faded jade. Outlined in charcoal.
Shoulder pads, and armor adorned his body.
Hiccup brought his hand to his cheek, feeling smooth skin even though he saw a scar clearly slashed on it. His reflection mimicked him. He dropped his hand and looked at it, then back at the reflection.
He wasn't staring at himself.
He stared at Hadrian.
It's over. He replayed his father's words in his head.
Hadrian stared at Hiccup, a familiar cruel smile spreading across his lips.
The water rippled again, and in an instant, Hadrian was gone.
"No," Hiccup murmured. "This, was just the beginning."