Sooo sorry this took so long guys. I'll try to get on the ball with this story now that we're kinda past the introduction part of it now. I haven't forgotten you guys, or given up on this I promise!
Disclaimer: The only thing HTTYD related that I own, are tickets to go see the sequel this weekend. Which is good enough for me! For now (slinks into dark corner while laughing maniacally)
The boat definitely had room for his dragon.
Probably three, in fact.
With enough extra space to fit a herd of sheep and twenty other Vikings.
In his whole life, Hiccup had never seen a ship on Berk that matched the valor of the one before him.
The ship, much to Hiccup's surprise, was in very good condition. It stood on the shore, held up off the ground by a set of wooden racks, as mighty as a freshly built longship.
The wood had little signs of wear and decay. The outer layer of tarred animal skins looked to have been replaced recently, and would do a wonderful job at minimizing the water damage to the hull. The bow and stern of the ship both molded elegantly into the neck of a dragon. The wooden heads sat up top, their eyes gazing past their long muzzles into the distance. Precise detail was carved into the wood for the scales, teeth, and horns. It looked like it was made to sail to the end of the horizon and off the edge of the world.
Hiccup stared at the vessel with wide eyes, "This…is the smallest ship from your fleet?"
Eirik nodded, "The others were twice its size, if I remember correctly."
Hiccup could only give the young chief an incredulous look, "Is this even going to be small enough to fit through the tunnels."
The shrug Eirik gave him in no way helped lower his skepticism, "The other two made it through the tunnel opening with room to spare-"
Hiccup started at that, he held up a hand to Eirik,"Wait, wait, wait. What do you mean 'the other two'?"
Eirik made a vague gesture out towards the tunnel opening, "Seven ships torn apart to help the village. Of course, I have not been the first one to read the writing on the wall. A previous chieftain and a warrior thought they were meant to travel downriver. Each took a ship, some men, and supplies and went off to find the Scale Reader for themselves."
Hiccup felt a twisted feeling in his gut, "And they didn't make it back. Shocking."
It was more of a statement than a question. He surprisingly felt little fear at the thought. Instead, he felt a rising sense of anticipation. Hiccup looked at the gaping mouth of the tunnel. It seemed to swallow the small amount of light around it, keeping it's depths concealed. The churning river willingly flowed into the dark, taunting the dragon rider to follow. Hiccup took it in not with wariness, but with a faint sense of curiosity. Something he hadn't felt so strongly since he first saw Toothless, crippled yet fierce, in the cove all that time ago. He wondered if he was always going to be this entranced with anything dangerous.
Eirik clapped a hand on Hiccup's shoulder, "That is a great observation. What a chief you'll make Master Haddock."
Hiccup laughed softly at the jest, and Eirik gave the younger man a warm smile.
"Go find your friends. I'll have my men get the ship ready, as well as supplies. It would be best to head out as soon as possible."
"Which will be when?"
"Whenever we are ready," Eirik gave him a light shove in the general direction of the Great Hall, "Eat. Sleep. I have a felling we will all need it."
Hiccup gave another glance at the ship before walking off. He stopped after a few steps and turned on the spot.
"The other men. Why didn't they make it back? What stopped them?"
Eirik tapped his walking stick against the ground harshly. The dense clack echoed off the cavern walls, "I guess we'll find out, won't we?"
When that seemed to be all the insight Eirik would give on the subject, Hiccup gave lingering look to the longship before he headed back to the village, the cavern mist swirling at his ankles.
H~~T~~T~~Y~~D
"So…are you sure about this?"
Astrid leaned against a nearby stalagmite, watching Hiccup scrub roughly at his dragon on the edge of the river. Shirtless because of the heat in the enclosed space, with thin trails of soapy river water sliding down his arms and sides. He was sure it was the biggest reason Astrid kept staring at him, not that he was complaining. He'd get a punch to the gut for that.
Toothless stood stock still, eying a group of nearby Cave Winkers lazily as he enjoyed the thorough rubdown his rider was working at.
"What makes you think I'm not sure?"
Astrid gave him a small smirk as she watched, "You always busy yourself with dragons when you're second guessing yourself. It makes you feel like you know what you're doing, I can tell."
Hiccup thought about giving an annoyed huff, but thought better of it as he watched the blonde Viking. She was right. He had thought things over since seeing the ship. What was once curiosity and even excitement was now doubt and anxiousness. All the things that could go wrong, all the things he couldn't count on. Maybe this was a bad idea.
"Is it that obvious?"
Toothless grumbled out an agreement, halfhearted as it was.
Hiccup pulled out a loose scale, "Nobody asked you."
Toothless and Astrid scoffed at the same time, it seemed they were spending way too much time together for his dragon and girlfriend to start thinking alike. He twirled the dark scale between his fingers, torchlight gleamed off of it in long lines, and he felt a twinge in his gut from homesickness. He wished instead it gleamed with starlight on an midnight flight. Hiccup ran the pad of his thumb over the silky surface, and then he tucked the scale into his pocket.
Astrid watched him from her place against the rock, "Why keep them?"
Hiccup shrugged, "I've been saving them. They're hard, they might make good armor."
He was confused by Astrid's knowing smile, "See, that's what I've been waiting for."
"Um…it is? Wait, is it because you want me to make you new arm guards or something? Because you're going to have to get in line behind all the other-"
"No, idiot. That thinking outside of Viking thought. You plan, Hiccup. For everything. We don't need new armor, but you're thinking up ways of making new versions anyway!"
Hiccup kept his uncomprehending gaze on Toothless' wing and let his arms go limp at his sides, "Okay, I'm completely confused. You're comparing dragon scale armor to searching for an item made by the gods. What exactly are you getting at?"
"If there's anything I've learned about you Hiccup Haddock, it's that you never do things halfway. You know what we're up against here, going into those tunnels. You've considered every possible thing that could happen. And you've found a way we can get out alive, or else you wouldn't be letting us go in the first place. So why are you second guessing?"
"Because I don't know Astrid. I don't know what's in there. I don't know if we'll come out of there unharmed-"
"You didn't with the Green Death either."
All emotion flew off of Hiccup's face as he abandoned his task to look Astrid in the eye, "And I lost a leg, Astrid. Look how well that went. How are you being so optimistic about this?"
Astrid straightened from her spot and walked over to Hiccup, her feet felt the warm chill of the water through her shoes.
"Because we're following you," she punched his arm much more lightly that either of them were used to, "Yes. We don't know if we'll come out alright. But you're going to do it anyway. For the same reason you went out to save Toothless and your dad and everyone else back home."
Hiccup let out a puff of breath, "Because I'm...crazy?"
"Because helping people is what you do."
Astrid ran a hand up his arm, feeling a warmth and steadiness that was just so…Hiccup.
Astrid felt him sigh, his shoulders and chest expanding and sinking back slowly. She saw his emerald eyes flare with green dragon fire as he smiled down at her.
"Why is it you know me better than even I do?"
"Because I'm smarter than you."
"Okay, now that is entirely untr-"
Astrid tugged his hair, and thus Hiccup's head, down, cutting off his tirade with a kiss. She heard the soft sploosh of the brush being tossed to the water from Hiccup's hands as he brought them up to her waist. Astrid found herself being enveloped in his presence. Was Hiccup's skin always that smooth? His stance always so solid? Has he always moved this gracefully? Her hands involuntarily drew paths against his chest, their mouths teasing, turning, taunting. Her blood raced and sang for the young man in front of her. She would follow him to the end. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
He kissed her once more, and pulled away slightly, the sides of their noses caressing and their breath hot against each of their faces.
Hiccup hummed, "Well…maybe it's a little true."
"Of course it is."
"But only by a little bit. I'm still Berk's golden prodigy," she flicked his nose and his chuckle was like fireflies in her lungs, she had no other option but to laugh back.
It was then that Snotlout came waltzing out from out of seemingly thin air, a large rucksack slung over his shoulder.
"We are rea-dy! Let's get moving guys! Put your shirt on, cousin, before we all go blind."
Astrid bent down, grabbed the forgotten brush, and chucked it at Snotlout's head. She muttered irritatedly, "I'll show you blind."
Hiccup, having ignored the jibe, spoke around his girlfriend's glare, "Snotlout, we don't have to go yet. Eirik said we could take time to eat, sleep, whatever. We don't know how long we'll be gone, or what we'll run into..."
Snotlout scoffed, "Oh come on, we're vikings! We get excited about danger, even you do! We, as in all of us, not just me, are ready. The others are waiting for the freaking boat as we speak. Let's go!"
Hiccup looked at the raging water of the river, contemplating. He shook his head to get the water out, spraying Astrid in the process, "Ok, head to the boat. I'll gather our stuff and tell Eirik we're ready."
Snotlout practically pranced at the river's edge, "Sweet! Meet you there. Don't hold us up with your incredible urge to make out. If I can resist it, you can too."
Hiccup gave a soft laugh. Astrid glared at him for it, "Don t encourage him, Hiccup."
"Fine, fine," he leaned over and gave her a chaste kiss. Once on her cheek, then her mouth, "Go get your things, I'll get the lizard and myself dry."
"Ok, but remember what we talked about before. And...if you have anymore doubts, talk to me."
Hiccup gave her a soft smile of gratitude, "I will. Thanks Astrid."
She nodded and Hiccup watched, with a dazed expression, as she made her way back to the village. Toothless came up beside him, and stared at his rider with large, teasing eyes. The Night Fury snorted and shook his head at Hiccup's ridiculousness.
Hiccup saw his dragon's reaction and patted his shoulder, "Some things never change. Do they, Bud?
H~~~T~~~T~~~Y~~~D
Hiccup watched from outskirts of the riverside as some of the villagers readied the longship to go down the river.
Toothless stood beside him, content after his bath, watching as well. The dragon shifted on his feet, warbbled, and nudged his rider with his nose.
Hiccup smiled at him, putting a hand on his snout, "I know Bud, me too."
Excitement bubbled up in him. Snotlout had been right,strangely enough. He was excited by danger. He was ready to get out of this village, away from the moist air and torches.
The other Berkians were gathering food, an errand Eirik sent them on while they waited for the ship to be ready to set sail.
The blonde chief seemed as ready as they were, so no arguments were made to delay the trip any longer. Hiccup was grateful, he didn't know how much whining he could take from his friends if they had to wait.
The russet-haired teen sighed, and looked over the ship again. It really was grand, and he could definitely see the similarities between it and the ships back on Berk.
One of the villagers saw him watching and signaled a thumbs up to him. Well, now was the time. The ship was ready.
With a sharp tap of his prosthetic leg, Hiccup stood straight from his position leaning against the rock and patted his dragon's neck, "Alright, Toothless. Let's go fetch everyone else. Time to go on an adventure—AH!"
Hiccup looked over and jumped in shock. Toothless let out a surprised roar behind him.
An old woman, very old judging from the wrinkled skin and deep eyes that held much knowledge, suddenly was standing by his side. Hiccup must have been out of it, he hadn't even heard her appear. As he looked, he recognized her as one of the three he saw just a few hours ago, knitting on the street near the blacksmith's shop. He smiled and bowed his head to her in respect.
"Good evening Ma'am," Toothless sniffed her curiously from his rider's side, peridot eyes shining in the dim light.
The elder woman smiled, seeming unperturbed by the Night Fury, "What nice manners you have young Lord."
She eyed the ship the men were preparing on the river, Hiccup followed her gaze, "No more nice than the manners held by you and your people."
She gave a mirthless laugh, "Living down here, you learn that you can't afford to go down the petty path of hatred and cruelty. We need each other to survive. Which is why I've come, young Lord, to give you this."
She held out a bundle Hiccup hadn't realized she carried with her. As he took the bundle in his hands, it unraveled into a long, thin strip of black, fabric.
"A scarf?" He jerked it to the side as Toothless tried to nip at the end of it.
The old woman nodded, "My sisters and I made it for you. As a gift of gratitude, from the village to you and your friends. You are saving more than you know."
He didn't bother correcting her on the fact that it was much too warm to think about wearing the scarf, nor how it would serve more purpose to the villagers. The illogicality of the gift dangled in the air, in his lungs, before dissipating in his politeness.
"I…thank you."
The woman nodded slowly, wisps of gray hair escaping from her braid to frame her withered face. She turned and started shuffling away, "Keep it around your neck, Hiccup Haddock. You never know when the winter chill will bite."
He watched in silence until she turned a corner and was no longer in sight.
He looked over at his dragon, who gave him a wide-eyed stare and a dragon version of a shrug.
"It's a nice gesture."
Toothless snorted.
"Hm, you're right. They do need to get out more. Guess that's why we're here."
Hiccup smiled and gazed over the length of fabric in his hands once more, feeling the soft wool fibers beneath his fingertips. Perhaps it would be useful.
He slipped it into the pack laying at his feet before going to find his friends.
H~~~T~~~T~~~Y~~~D
Astrid didn't understand why she felt upset. She was fine moments ago. Perfectly fine. Nothing was wrong—is wrong. But she felt the familiar slither of annoyance curling in her stomach, reaching up her neck and into her brain to give her a headache.
Maybe it was Snotlout and Tuffnutt's bickering. Maybe it was the fact that they weren't on their way down the river yet. Maybe it was Eirik's bodyguard, Ylva, with her hard stare that made her uneasy.
Whatever it was, it was definitely not Liva's presence onboard the boat.
Nope.
Definitely not.
She watched as the younger girl practically skipped over to Hiccup to talk to him about her dragon, which he was holding in his outstretched hands.
Okay...maybe it was her.
Jealousy was very unbecoming of her, she knew this. In fact, it was hard for her to think about being jealous at all. She didn't even have any reason to be. She had complete faith that hiccup wouldn't leave her for any girl that batted her eyelashes at him. She knew that the stupid (adorable) look of wonder Hiccup was showing was all for the dragon. Not the short girl with curls in her hair and admiration in her eyes.
Alright, maybe jealous wasn't the right word. Protective seemed to fit more nicely.
The blonde sighed and settled against the side of the boat. She figured she should get a hold on her irritation, seeing how Liva would be joining them on their quest. She saw the merit in it, of course a healer, even one still in training, would be of use.
Joining them also was Ylva and Liva's brother, who Eirik was conversing with on the river's edge. All together, two guards and a healer to join Dromundr's chief and their merry band of Berkians. Plus one Night Fury, who was looking at the mast like he was about to make it a scratching post. The longship could have held many more, but she didn't mind. Small numbers were good for this expedition.
They didn't want too many people hindering the way, or losing their lives, depending on what they'd find.
It was all fine with Astrid. She found the undergrounders nice, but she was wary to trust them as of yet.
She hid a grimace as she listened to Hiccup's laughter, accompanied by Liva's. The back of her neck burned where she felt Ylva's eyes on her.
Yes, she was very wary indeed.
Her attention drifted as Axel walked up the wooden board that led to the ship's deck. Her eyes narrowed when she saw the hard line of his mouth mixed with his bloodless face.
"Everything okay, Axel?"
He started when she spoke, and gave her a nervous smile. His hand twirled his spear around absently, "I don't fare too well on the water. Don't be surprised if you see my lunch going for a swim soon."
Astrid sympathized with him, "I'm sure the feeling will pass. If not, I'm bet your sister can give you something for it."
His expression turned somber again, "Yeah, sure."
Astrid furrowed her brow I confusion as he dismissed himself. Perhaps she wasn't the only one who was anxious about going on this journey. But if they wanted to be able stay alive, they'd need everyone on this boat.
A loud clunking appeared on the wooden floor of the boat, and everyone straightened to attention as Eirik came aboard, his walking stick making it easy to get everyone's attention. Wearing the purple tunic he wore when they first met, along with strong metal armor around his chest and shoulders and a long sword hanging from his belt, not even his crutch offset the air of authority about him.
"So, we're all here, yes? Me, Ylva, the Halvander siblings, and our friends from Berk," He smiled as addressed each person, "Now, we don't know how long this will take, or what is down there. But I expect everyone to work together. Respect each other and protect each other."
Eirik turned to Hiccup, his eyes flashing in the torchlight. Hiccup straightened to meet his gaze head-on.
The chief of Dromundr waked up to Hiccup. His mutter was loud enough for all us to hear, but was directed only at our dragon tamer, "Help us get through this, and we will be forever in your debt, Hiccup Haddock III."
Hiccup nodded and raised his hand out towards Eirik. The blonde chief shook Hiccup's hand.
That was it, the truce struck. Astrid looked over towards the tunnel entrance. It's gaping maw outlined in jagged rocks and promising only the darkened riving inside of it. Waiting to swallow their ship whole. Astrid's hands tightened against the ship's railing. She wasn't sure what the darkness held.
Whatever it was, they were ready for it.
In the words of Bilbo Baggins: I'M GOING ON AN ADVENTURE!
Mutually...as writer/readers. Which is the best kind of adventuer :)
Ok, last chapter's question winner! Congratulations to MissLevinLover, HTTYD 2 does indeed come out June 13 (friday!)
Ok, so, strangely enough, this story was inspired by another movie series
other than HTTYD. A vast majority of it is about ships, mythical sea curses, and fun, actiony, adventure.
There are four movies in the series.
Anyone want to take a guess?
Thanks for all the reviews/favs/and alerts guys!
~Oliver