His foot falls were silent. As mountainous of a man he was, there was no crunch, no click of the heel, it was if he didn't touch the ground at all. Stoick moved listlessly in the dark landscape, the black horizon unfamiliar and strange. His toes sunk into the sand and the waves licked at his feet. There was music, wordless, and haunting. It beckoned and called him, each step bringing him deeper and deeper into the wake.

Stoick…

He stopped. The voice of a woman jarred him from his aimless wanderings.

Stoick…

A phantasmagoric woman took shape from the black water that came to his waist. She held out her hand.

"Who are you?" He narrowed his eyes, distrusting.

Her clear lips twitched upwards. "Dear Stoick…chief of the Hooligans, I've known you from a very small boy. Take my hand."

"But who are you?"

"Take my hand, Stoick. Valka is waiting…"

The question flew from his mind. "Valka? My wife?"

"Yes, and Hiccup…they are waiting for you. Take my hand…join in my wet embrace."

He reached forward, but his hand twitched. "But…who is that merman in the forge? Is that not…?"

"Take my hand, Stoick." She urged. "And all will be made known…"

Stoick…There was a loud pounding noise.

He reached forward again.

Stoick…

Thwack

"STOICK!"

The chief startled awake from his nightmarish dream. Someone was at the door, and it sounded like an emergency. He stood from his bed and hurried to the main room.

Astrid was on the stairs, prepared to answer if he couldn't, but he waved her away. "Go back to bed, child."

Spitlout was at the door, panting and out of breath.

"Dragon problem?" That was the last thing he expected.

"No…" he huffed. "The centurion spotted a boat coming towards Berk." He held out a scroll, made of an arrow. "This came for you."

—

Of all the times things had to go wrong, this had to be the worst. The village was in a state of instability, as the people were still trying to get accustomed to the dragons. Not to mention Hiccup and all the trouble he brought with him. Stoick shook his head.

He sat at a table in his lodge. His chiefing duties had been put aside for the moment as he read the missive over and over again, making sure he understood it. He was a brave man, and a good chief, but this was proving to be difficult. He had to consult his friend, and his heir.

Luckily, they were both at the same place, as Astrid had gone to deliver Hiccup some breakfast. He walked swiftly to the forge, doing his best to avoid curious villagers. No doubt Spitlout had started rumors already. At the door, he glanced at each of them.

"Mornin'!" Chirped Gobber, fixing a sword.

The chief acknowledged it with a nod, and made himself busy closing the windows.

"Something wrong?" Asked Astrid, sitting on the counter by the basin. Hiccup watched curiously.

"I'm afraid there is." He stated, a bit too calmly. He took a seat at the center table and beckoned them together. "I received this last night." He set the scroll on the table.

Astird nodded, not moving. "Yes, I know, who is it from?"

His nostrils flared. "It's from the Berserkers."

"Something wrong with Osvald?" Asked Gobber.

"He's dead."

The blacksmith lowered his hammer sadly, and joined his friend at the table.

"This letter is from his son, Dagur. It's a warning. He's coming in three days, because he has something important he needs to speak to us about."

"Oh, well, maybe it's just that he's trying to adjust to being chief." Gobber suggested.

Astrid shook her head. "Dagur doesn't need any help. He's been preparing for this."

"Exactly," nodded Stoick. "I think I know what this is about, but I fear it."

"What?" Asked Hiccup, curiosity biting at his lips. Then he ducked his head. "Oh, sorry, none of my business…"

"No, it is your business." Stoick confirmed. "I think he's coming for you."

"Me?" Hiccup placed a hand on his chest. "I…no, how would he know about me? I've never heard of him!"

"While you and Astrid were gone while the Gaul's visited, there was talk about you in the town. Blackmold caught wind of the rumors and asked me personally. I denied them, but I suspect he didn't believe me."

"But—…" Astrid paused.

"It was stated earlier, the value of a mermaid. I think Dagur wants a chance to scope out the village and see for himself."

"What are we going to do?" Asked Gobber.

"I could go with Toothless, back to my cave. Astrid could come, just like with the Gauls."

"I need Astrid here this time. Dagur won't believe that she's visiting a foreign island. And, I'd like you to stay somewhere we could keep an eye on you."

"Why?"

Stoick glared at him. "Ever since you arrived, there has been odd goings-on in the village. I'm not sure if I want to leave you unattended just yet."

"You still don't trust me? After everything I've done?" He accused.

"Look, it would be easier to to trust you, if you had legs."

Hiccup looked hurt.

"I know it's not fair. But just…do as I ask."

Hiccup could tell he was being very serious, this wasn't a time to battle for his pride. He nodded. "Yes sir."

"Good."

"What about the dragons?" Asked Astrid.

"I'll tell Toothless to take them to the other side of the island, to keep them safe." Suggested the merman.

Stoick nodded in agreement.

"So," Gobber asked, tapping his fingers on the table top. "What are we going to do about the fish stick?"

There was silence as the group thought it over.

"If this is Dagur we're talking about, he'll tear the village apart if he so much as finds a scale."

More agreed nodding.

"Hiccup, how long can you go without water?"

The boy blinked. "I start to get sick after two days."

A smile appeared on Gobber's face. "Dagur's coming in three days? I think I might have an idea."

—

Hiccup scratched at the sleeves on his arms. Tuffnut had lent the boy some old tunics that he had grown out of. The green complimented his tail and eyes, not that he cared. The fur vest was a welcomed article as it kept him plenty warm.

He sat in a wheel chair. Literally a chair with two large wheels on the back, and two smaller in the front. The first of its kind. It took Gobber a day to figure it out and build it, and then it took him two to learn how to use it. So now, he was quasi-capable in getting around. It was a great improvement over his previous state of immobility.

Gobber's idea was pretty ingenious. Hide Hiccup in plain sight, as a normal villager. The boy was smart enough to blend in, and any flaws in behavior could be attributed to him not being native to the island. The merman had the slightest of accents, that was only noticeable when talking with him for a while. That would be a benefit for him, since Dagur had never seen him before.

But, there were multiple flaws in the plan. For instance, he could only get down from the Great Hall, someone had to carry him up the stairs. The other thing was that the boy was forced to sit on his tail, and it became uncomfortable at points. But he needed to have the appearance of just not having legs. A thick wool blanket draped over his lap. The villagers had learned about the set up through rumors and gossiping. But for the most part, everyone was on board.

Currently, he was up in the Great Hall. The chief, Astrid, and the rest of the village elders were down at the docks, greeting their unwelcomed guests. He was seated at the end of the table with his sketchbook, working on his prosthetic design. Fishlegs sat nearby, watching him in fascination.

"Where did you learn to draw?"

Hiccup answered, not looking away from his pencil. "Uh...Well, I taught myself. A few years ago, I found a book that had been thrown overboard. The designs were very beautiful, and I attempted to copy them with a rock on a cliff face. Then there was an illustration of a man drawing in a book with a stick. After that, it was just experimenting and practice." He smirked, flipping back and showing off the designs.

"You're really good."

He glanced up, "Thank you."

More people began to fill the hall as Dagur and his men finally arrived. The teenage chief seemed agitated. "I said, we're not hungry!"

Gobber laughed. "Nonsense! You've had a long trip! We can see it on everyone's faces!"

Stoick joined in, "Take a break, eat, drink! We'll give you the traditional tour later!"

Dagur sighed obnoxiously. "Fine!" The boy, with his crew, sat a table near the fire before a woman came and waited on them.

Astrid took a seat by Hiccup and Fishlegs, she looked exhausted, and it had only been an hour or so.

"So, that's Dagur?" Asked Hiccup.

"Yeah, ugly isn't he?"

"One time, he made me eat week old chum that was just sitting in the sun, and then when I puked on him, he punched me in the face."

Hiccup frowned. "What a barnacle."

Astrid actually laughed. "Yeah, that's one word for him."

The meal went along relatively well, Astrid stayed with Hiccup and Fishlegs for the majority of it, before Stoick called her over to at least be cordial. She grimaced hard.

"Tell me something encouraging," she muttered to Hiccup.

"You're beautiful."

She rolled her eyes. "You've said that before."

"It's never a bad thing to repeat it. It's not something I want you to forget."

"Well, thanks." She stood. "Gods I wish I could have a vacation."

"Just remember the night in the cave."

"Wait, with the alcohol or the pool?"

"Whichever one makes you feel better."

She smiled, half hearted, and stood, ruffling his hair. "Thanks."

After she had left, Fishlegs asked, "What about alcohol?"

"It's a long story, best not to ask."

He nodded once with an 'ah'.

Hiccup continued with his drawing, Fishlegs asking questions every once in while, mostly about the dragons. Hiccup told him the story of how he came to meet his best friend, and how they saved each other. The stouter boy was fascinated, and proclaimed that he hoped he could develop a bond like that with his Gronkle, which he had dubbed 'Meatlug'.

"Any idea how things are going with Snotlout and the Monstrous Nightmare?" Hiccup asked.

"I believe he tried to communicate with it again, this time more carefully." Fishlegs glanced over to the boy who was roasting a fish over the fire. He and the twins would most likely join them later. "I think he really learned his lesson. Especially since he still can't sit down."

"I'm sure he'll get over it." He laughed.

Suddenly, there was an clatter from the visitor's table as Dagur leapt to his feet and stuck a finger in Stoick's face. "I will not be tricked! There is a merman here, and I will rip this village apart board by board until I find him!"

The hall went still, and Hiccup heard Gobber gulp heavily.

Risking everything, Hiccup burst into uproarious laughter, which made the attention shift to him. Astrid stared at him wide-eyed, terrified for him. They had done a lot to hide him, he couldn't ruin it!

The merman pushed away from the table and rolled over to where Dagur stood. "Forgive me for laughing, but you said Merman, yes?"

"And what of it?" The young chief accused.

"I just thought a man of your status would know that there is no such thing as a merman."

"There have been sightings, not this many people could have the same delusion."

"I'm afraid you misunderstood me." The boy stated, holding up his hand. "Mermen do not exist, but mermaids…they are very real."

Dagur furrowed his brow. "Who are you anyway? I've never seen you before."

"My name is Hiccup," he stated, pleasantly.

Gobber interrupted, "He's my son!"

"Son? I wasn't aware you had a son…"

Gobber patted the head of the chair-bound boy. "Ah yes, I fell in love with a woman, and after a passionate night…we decided it was best if we went our separate ways."

Dagur was skeptical, not seeing much resemblance between the two.

"He's the spitting image of…Hella. Yes, that's where the red hair comes from."

Dagur quirked his eyebrow. "So, what brings him here?"

"Well—…" Gobber started, but Hiccup butted in.

"I was in a fishing accident. Caught in the rigging." He gestured vaguely to his nonexistent legs. "My mother couldn't take care of me, so she sent me to be with my father." He nodded.

That seemed to sedate Dagur's curiosity. "Very well. About the Mermaids, you were saying?"

"Oh! Yes. Well, as I said, Mermaid's are very real."

"I knew it! Then there must have just been some mix up in communication. There's one here on Berk! I know it!"

Again, Hiccup laughed, like he pitied the Berserker.

"What is so funny?"

"The rumor of a mermaid…and the fact you want to find one!"

"But you just said—…."

"I know." Hiccup glanced around, suddenly hyperaware that everyone was watching him. Stoick was white with rage, and Astrid looked horrified. He cleared his throat. "Mermaids are definitely one of the most beautiful and valuable creatures on earth. But trust me, you never, ever want to cross one."

"Explain," Dagur demanded.

Hiccup remembered the mermaids that had cared for him in his younger years. The beauty, offset by sheer brutality. "There's no need for mermen, since the females mate with humans." He explained.

Dagur smirked, "Oh? So, I don't want to find one, because she'll fall in love with me and I'll have to break her heart? I think I can live with that." He laughed.

Hiccup shook his head. "They aren't capable of love. Their looks are deceiving. They sing like song birds, and lure men into the water. Then, when the man can't escape, they show their true form. Eyes black like ink, and mouths that stretch far up into their cheeks." He drew a line with his fingers that came up almost to his eyes. "They have two sets of teeth; one normal human-esque set, and one that's razor sharp that fills up the whole maw. The mermaid takes the man and swims to the ocean floor where she brutality rapes him, and then drowns him. After he is dead, she eats his flesh and makes tools from his bones."

Dagur stood wide-eyed in dread. "Oh." Then he scratched his head in thought. "Well, if she's on land, then there's nothing she can do." He reasoned.

"I told you, they're tricky creatures. She'd sing for you, and send you into a trance. You'd do whatever she said, and even if you killed her, her voice would torment you until the day you die." The humor he had earlier was far gone, as he realized telling the truth about his kind would scare not only Dagur, but the Berkians as well. "They are cursed by the gods. I urge you to end this hunt before it begins."

Dagur swallowed. "How do you know all this?"

Hiccup stuttered, "I-I met one…as a child." Not a lie, at least. "I grew up in a city that had many rivers and canals, and I fell in. Children are immune to the mermaids' song, so she saved me. She warned me of the future, of when I became older and would be poisoned by their singing. Luckily, I never encountered another…"

"What about women?" Asked Astrid, out of the blue. "Are—Are they susceptible to the trance?"

"Yes. But the mermaids would only drown them. Less competition that way."

She sucked in a breath and backed away.

There was silence through the hall. No doubt, everyone was thinking about what he had said.

Dagur snorted, and shook his head. "So, you expect me to believe you, even though this so called mermaid encounter was when you were a child? You have no proof."

Hiccup shrugged. "Fine, don't believe me…for now. But you will later, when it's too late."

Dagur's captain leaned in closer. "Maybe we should listen to him."

The boy scoffed. "Of course. Right. Sure." He answered, sarcastically.

Astrid looked to the young chief, her face pale. "Dagur, Hiccup wouldn't lie. Not about this. Don't be foolish."

Dagur swallowed hard and flicked his gaze around those gathered. "You know what? I'm not going to bother with it. Not because I'm scared, or anything…it just seems like too much effort." And with that, he finally sat down.

Stoick gave a silent sigh of relief. Hiccup mirrored it, mostly surprised that it worked.

Astrid glanced over to the merman, an unreadable look on her face. It made Hiccup stay where he was instead of rolling back to Fishlegs.

Dagur folded his hands, cracking his knuckles. "Alright Stoick, if we've got that out of the way, I may as well talk to you about the real reason I came."

Real reason? Oh boy. Hiccup lamented.

"Now, I don't care so much about this as some of the counsel members. But, I can see their point of view. Since my father is…retired, and I'm now chief. Well, we think it's best if we get a back up in place."

"You're talking about…an heir?" Stoick clarified.

"You can have Snotlout." Hiccup joked.

Astrid cupped her hand over her mouth to stifled her laughter.

Dagur rolled his eyes. "Anyways, yes. And well, since I'm chief, it needs to be legitimate. Unlike that guy." He waved in Hiccup's direction.

The merman frowned at the unnecessary comment.

"So, I need a wife. And why not kill two birds with one stone, and marry Astrid so we can unite our tribes. You have a powerful armada, sort of, and I could use the resources you have to offer. So, what do you say?"

If it was possible, Astrid had gone even more pale. Hiccup feared she would pass out. He glanced to Stoick, who actually seemed to be considering it.

Astrid was livid, but she knew better than argue. She bit her lip in wrath.

"You can't." A young man said.

Dagur's head swiveled over to the invalid. "You again?!"

Hiccup was firm, but could feel the anger pouring from the elders at the table. "Yes, Astrid is not eligible for marriage."

"And why not?"

"Because she's already promised."

"What? To you?"

Hiccup nodded, his hands tightening into fists.

"Prove it."

He opened his mouth, but quickly realized that he knew nothing about marriage.

Astrid stood quickly, "my ring!" She showed the Berserker's her hand. "He gave me a ring as a betrothal band."

Gobber joined in, "Right, it was my idea. Since I'm busy in the forge all day, he could really use someone to help him."

Astrid walked over and sat on Hiccup's lap. "And, I don't mind, I hold him close to my heart." In a literal sense, she did, as she pulled his head to her chest.

Dagur looked to Stoick for confirmation.

"Yep, it was all arranged awhile ago."

Dagur rubbed a hand across his face. "Unbelievable."

"But," inserted Astrid. "If you really need a bride, I heard Darla's desperate—er, available."

Dagur shuttered visibly. "If I so much as think about mating with her, my penis is going to shrivel up and fall off."

Gobber burst out into laughter while Astrid slid off Hiccup.

"Well, that's just great." Dagur lamented. "So, neither the reasons I came for matter. What was the point?"

"We can at least renew the treaty," Stoick offered. "So you don't have to come again in the spring."

"I suppose."

Astrid gripped the back of Hiccup's chair. "While you two take care of that, I'm going to take Hiccup home."

"Alright lass."

The chair jerked as she yanked him back and began to push him toward the doors. He swallowed hard, assuming the worst. The blonde was silent as she pushed him back to the forge, a struggle as the wheels bumped on the stairs.

Finally, Astrid escorted him to the back room of the forge, where a hammock was strung out. As soon as she closed the door, the words were spilling out of his mouth.

"I'm so sorry Astrid! I don't know what came over me! I just—I couldn't stand the thought of you being in a political marriage, especially after what we talked about—…"

Astrid silenced him, however, with a kiss to the cheek.

He looked to her in question, his cheeks instantly red.

"I'm not mad." She clarified.

"But—…"

"Look," she crouched so she could be at eye level and took his hands. "You jut saved my butt, big time. He's called Dagur the Deranged for a reason. We have no proof, but I'm likely to believe that he killed his father. No doubt, he would kill me after my use ran out."

Hiccup's eyes were wide with horror. "I didn't realize…"

"It's okay." She whispered, and kissed his temple. "Oh, it's okay…"

There were other things she worried about. Especially what he had divulged about mermaids. Had he lied, to scare off the Berserkers? Or was he warning everyone?

As she met his shy eyes, she decided she didn't want to think of it. "Thank you."