Author's note: The final ch! Some adult context ahead.
Five years have passed since Ivar's death. Those left behind in the storm were only the beginning. Dragons have slowly trickled back into the skies once more. A widely speculated result of the alpha's commands to its flock. Plants that once were thought to be extinct have been found. Thriving in dragon occupied territories. Bringing life to a whole new ecosystem.
Humans have had to adjust to life with the large carnivores in their lives once more. Sides have often clashed on the sensitive subject. These creatures have often been the subject of many debates. Whether they benefit from their existence, or without. Religious zealots have preached of the end of times being upon them. With the return of the fire breathing devils. And have often picketed at events to preach their fear mongering bigotry. This commonly leads to clashes with dragon mount police units.
Lives have insurmountably clashed with dragons at a cost. Often as wildlife encounters where there have been fatal casualties on both sides. Where we use to worry about crashing into deer on highways. For the first few years, pilots had to worry about mid air collisions with these flying reptiles. Now airlines are equipped with special radar that can pick up on the creatures unique body heat. To further avoid midair casualties. While search lights are positioned across airway strips. To deter the creatures humanely from flying near or coming in to roost on the expanse properties.
Because they're categorized as large, carnivorous and dangerous wildlife. Dragons are not as widely owned as one would have thought. A special captive wildlife permit is required. As well as registry on the Dragon database. Dragons are restricted from being owned within confined areas such as cities. Suburban or otherwise. Due to high risk of tension and temperament.
Even when it seems its darkest, there's always a ray of hope. Forces are prevalent, working all hours. Hoping to achieve peace between mankind and dragons that Berk once achieved.
Where Ivar's camp once stood. An Academy complete with classroom buildings, auditoriums, and dorm cabins were built. The buildings have been rebuilt from the ground up. To resemble that of Berk's architecture and lifestyle. While classroom buildings held a more modern flair to them. Atop the administration building which nestled at the fore front of the property. A clock complete with bell tower. Vast gardens featuring dragon friendly flora litter the landscape. While walking trails for students and staff weaved throughout. Flocks of colorful dragons of all types could be seen throughout the expanse campus. A safe haven from the noise of the city and dangers of the wild. They had come to call this paradise home.
To the east of the large nine hundred plus acre campus, a manmade lake. At one thousand acres in total, this eighty foot deep lake is fed by rerouted fresh water springs. Which drain off from local rivers. Erected for staff and student body, as well as the local wildlife. It is open to the public for recreational use. The most important rule. Civilians must respect the reptiles that common the waters.
The staff of the Academy itself is comprised of Ivar's followers. They chose to work at the Academy over jail time when the opportunity presented itself. From security, to janitorial, and even professors. Everyone pitches in to help keep the Academy running in tip top order.
A vibrant blur whooshes by. Jet leads the Academy's varsity team in for a landing at the colorfully painted stables. Tired after a long morning of practice. Their letter jackets bearing the school's crest on their backs with pride. These stables are well equipped with internal heating and cooling systems. To help regulate a dragon's body heat during intense weather.
What was once the chieftain's hut is, well. Still the chieftain's hut. Like the other buildings, it too was rebuilt and expanded to match the architecture. Carved on the overhang above the small porch was the crest of the school. Adopted from Berk's own.
Inside the spacious administrative building. It was decorated to reflect the lifestyle of Berk vikings. Weapons and shields alike were mounted on the walls like trophies. The common room was open and spacious. Being back lit by large windows. It was decorated not only with varying weapons and shields, but trophy mounts as well. Giving it a hunter's cabin appeal.
Where Ivar's quarters were, now an office replaces it. Inside was very comfortable. A circular brick fire place sat in the middle of a sunken floor. To entertain guests and warm the building during winter. Varying framed newspaper clippings and paintings hung on the walls. Sitting atop a raised platform to the back of the spacious room, a modern desk. Complete with modern facilities to keep a school well oiled. Behind this desk, a painted portrait of a familiar young man hung on the wall behind a glass frame.
It is here we see a now nineteen year old Renee speaking with a naval officer. She had grown into a proper young woman. A wild bushy mane frames her slender face. A familiar scar stands out against her now darkened freckles. Though she doesn't show it, she does have muscle tone in those lean arms of hers. Abs to match lie hidden beneath her business suit which hung off her body.
"Considering the problems we face with IEDs. If we had dragons to locate them, we would be ahead of the game. We would have less casualties." The naval officer bargained.
"If you're to use a dragon to seek this type of device, you would need a tracker class. Your best choice would be Rumblehorns. They're faster at finding their target than a bomb detecting hound. We've tested their tracking skills. Turns out they can seek out victims buried alive. Up to ten feet below the surface within a fifteen mile radius of their location." Renee explained matter-of-factly. Not a high nor hair of a squeak in her voice as she spoke professionally.
"But, a dragon is not a weapon to be used to win wars. I was taught this several years ago." She continued. She stood and skirted her desk. The sight and sound of her movement alerted a tawny colored furry body. That lay asleep in a plush bed behind her desk. A corgi jerked out of slumber as he looked towards her. Seeing her take another step away, he was quick to his feet. His collar jingling in his wake. She glanced in brief to a framed case that housed the painting on the wall behind her.
"Once you've earned his trust. There is nothing a dragon won't do for you." She spoke.
"I understand madame. But they would be improving the safety of our soldiers overseas. We would not use them in combat." He vowed.
Renee takes a moment to look him over. Seeing the sincerity in his eyes as he stood to face her. She smiled warmly.
"I'll give your request a consideration." Renee offered. She extended a hand, gesturing her guest forward. She escorted him out. Followed shortly by the tawny corgi who took up the rear.
"I appreciate the time out of your busy schedule to see me." The man saluted her before walking out to his waiting vehicle.
Renee watched as the corgi burst through her legs, almost knocking her off her feet. He chased after terrible terrors that had roosted nearby on the green. Barking at the tiny reptiles. "Hiccup!" Renee shouted in exasperation, watching as the dog ignores her command. He looks to the sky, barking in excitement as the reptiles flew overhead. Seeking out a less noisy spot to perch.
"I thought he'd never leave." Helga spoke as she emerged from the doorway. She too had grown into a beautiful young woman. Renee watched as her four legged companion came prancing back up to the porch as the jeep started. It made its way slowly through a roundabout.
Upholding her promise she made to Hiccup years ago. She honored him as founding father of her modern era Dragon Academy. A bronze statue of the young viking chief stood proudly at the central island of the roundabout. At the base, an honorary plaque. In raised gold lettering. The Academy's motto —In order to accomplish greatness, you must believe in yourself—
Renee's attention soon turned to Helga who by now had draped herself over her shoulders.
"Well, I couldn't turn him away. He'd been waiting to see me since June." Renee explained. Smiling as Helga rested her jaw against the crook of her neck. And snaked her arms around Renee's stomach.
"That's another thing. I haven't seen you all summer. I've been rather lonely." She swayed Renee back and forth with her body suggestively. Before pecking her gently on her neck.
"What do you say we run away for the weekend? Catch up on old times?" Helga suggested.
"I can't this weekend. I'm to be in Europe. I have to pick up grandfather's will and deed to the Du'món estate Saturday. And then I'm to be knighted by the Queen Sunday." Renee explained in a nervous tone.
"Well. You're not busy now. What do you say we give our offering to Freyja?" Helga proposed, her lips hovering near Renee's ear as she whispered. Renee gulped. She understood exactly what Helga meant. It was her code for wanting sex. She could remember the last time they'd bed down together sexually. It was the first night of their return. And of course they were young and naive. But they were in love. Their love may have hit snags over the years. As was expected for every couple. But they were still as in love as they were back then.
"Well I, uh…" Renee stammered. A clearing throat had caught their attention. Helga eased up off of Renee as the two girls looked to the door. Agnes stood, watching the two interact. A knowing smile drawn across her lips.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Agnes chortled. Seeing the flush in Renee's cheeks.
"How much of that, did you hear?" Renee had asked. Swallowing hard.
"Couldn't. You two were speaking in that language of yours." Agnes spoke, calming Renee's worries. Renee breathed deep, calming her rattled heart.
Renee watched as Agnes hobbled forward to join them at the railing. She looked out across the campus. Watching as life unfolded before them on the flourishing campus. Students sat in study groups on the green or relaxed among friends. Tossing frisbees and footballs between each other. Others scuttled to classes, juggling an armful of books. Her smile grew as she breathed in deep of the beautiful sight before her.
"It's amazing what four years can do. This place you built. It's an amazing sight." Agnes looked up. Watching as a terrible terror flew in towards them. It took perch on Agnes' stretched arm before crawling to rest at her shoulder. Agnes proceeded to scratch the tiny reptile's jaw. Who trilled in response to the gentle finger. Hiccup barked. Excited to see the reptile, before being hushed and picked up by Helga.
"And you, you've blossomed into a beautiful young woman. You've come such a long way from that scrawny wee thing that could hardly hold no less than ten pounds. Your mother would have been proud of the woman you've grown into." Agnes spoke, cupping Renee's jaw into her hand. Renee looked on, hurt at the mention of her mother. But beamed with pride once the moment passed.
"Well, time has a funny way of changing us." Renee admitted with a cheeky grin. Her eyes lit and animated.
"Could I… Borrow her for a private matter of family business?" Agnes looked to Helga, knowing the two were making plans. Helga urged Renee to follow as Agnes turned into the building.
Curiosity fueled her to follow as Renee grew concerned. They cross through the common room and up a flight of stairs.
"Do you know where you come from child?" Agnes asked as they crossed the threshold to her quarters. Renee stood at the doorway, not sure what she speaks of. Remembering a chance encounter she once had years ago that only told her of what she is and why she was there. She looked to Agnes anxiously.
"I uh… I don't." Renee forced. Gulping. Agnes lowered her arm down towards the baseboard of her bed.
"Twister, fetch." Agnes commanded. Without delay, the tiny reptile scurried down her arm and disappeared beneath the bed. Renee stood on the balls of her feet as she looked over. Watching. A deposit box had been pushed out into the open from beneath the bed to Agnes' waiting hand. "Thank you Twister." Chore done, the dragon scurried back up the elder woman's arm. Agnes picked up the box and from within her bosom, withdrew a golden key. She inserted the key and turned it. The tumblers clicked and the lid popped open ajar.
"You come from a rich heritage. You are of Irish and Norwegian descent. Your ancestors migrated from the bitter north to Europe so many years ago. And with them, they brought this…" She presented the box before Renee. And urged her to lift the lid.
Renee stood insecure. Agnes spoke with high regards of the content in this box. It left her worried about what might be waiting for her. Hesitant. Renee placed her hands on the lid. Taking a deep breath, she pried open the box. The contents inside that greeted her were not what she was expecting. Her eyes lit with shock and awe.
"The… Inferno?" Renee had asked. Aghast to see an all too familiar sight. Now corroded with rust and marks of old battle wounds.
"It never had a name. Or perhaps it did and your ancestors have since forgotten." Her aunt chuckled. Watching as Renee reached in and carefully picked up the shaft. She held it with great respect, as though she were holding the Holy Grail.
"Your grandfather gave this to me, all those years ago once he heard your plans to open a school. He was very proud to hear your ideas to share your knowledge with future generations. This ancient Norse artifact has been passed down in your family for generations. From father to son. After successfully taking over the family business. Or starting a thriving business of their own. It's said to have been owned by the boy king himself. It's a symbol of wealth, luck, and prosperity — Oh…" She watched, startled as Renee pressed a rusty button. Triggering a spring loaded blade to extend and lock into place. She brandished it before her. Entranced to be holding something she held great respect for.
"I, didn't know it was a weapon." Agnes admitted, staring agape as Renee inspected it.
"Eleven years ago, you disappeared. Leaving me worried that Ivar had done harm to you. Only to learn that you pulled through. Coming back anew. Defeating your power hungry uncle. And protecting your friends from his wrath," Renee retracted the blade. "You've raised this place of peace and knowledge from the ashes of his tyranny. You've more than earned your right to carry on your family tradition." Agnes closed the lid, preventing Renee from returning the weapon.
Renee stood, speechless. She wasn't sure what to do, or say. She was the descendent of Astrid and Hiccup. That she had protected not only her friends, but her ancestors. And she understood her place. To carry on Hiccup's work. She extended the blade once more as she held it out before her. Staring in reverence.
A sharp gasp from the doorway had startled Renee. She turned to see Helga. She stared, eyes wide to see Renee holding a weapon she too was all too familiar with.
"It is true. I wasn't imagining things." Helga said, letting Hiccup on the ground as she approached. Confusing Renee.
"Look," Helga took her chin into her hand and gently turned her head towards the vanity mirror on her left. Gesturing to her reflection. "You look like him." Taken aback. Renee stared. Helga was right. She did bare a resemblance to her ancestor. She raised a hand up to her face. There were considerable differences. The shape of her face was more round with a raised forehead. She had a rosy pigment to her skin and freckles for miles that darkened with age. Her nose was smaller and tapered. A genetic inheritance from her father's Irish genes. And the scar across her face which she received from facing Edmund years ago. But she had her mother's large, expressive emerald eyes. And her lush brunette hair. Distinct features that she shared with Hiccup.
"This is… All too much to take in," Renee flustered. Breathless. "I knew. I knew from the start that I was to carry on the legacy of being 'Dragon Master'. But. To learn all this. That I'm a… A HADDOCK! It's… It's all so much!" Renee fell back after tripping up on Hiccup. Helga caught her and steadied her back onto her feet.
"Well, you got what you wished for." Renee looked up at Helga once she was back on her feet.
"That makes us… Very distant cousins." She gulped. Looking at Helga in panic. Her eyes wide as saucer plates.
"Only by name," Helga pulled away sheepishly. "See, my father remarried after my mother passed. THAT woman was a Jorgenson. Uncle Spitelout and my mother go way back. My mother knew my father did not want to deal with raising a hiccup like me. And so he agreed to take me in at her behest. So as it is customary, I took Spitelout's name." Helga explained.
"And you didn't think to tell me this before?" Renee demanded.
"It never came up." Helga shrugged in defense.
Renee stared at her. Dumbfounded at first. Then her anger grew.
"You are insufferable sometimes! You had me terrified I was sleeping with my COUSIN!" Renee went on, ranting at Helga as she storms out of the room.
Agnes watches. Shaken. Still unused to Renee's unusual habit of speaking in foreign tongue when she's mad. She forgets many times that the child was raised by Anglo-Saxon barbarians for seven years. And that the child has still not yet integrated back to modern society. Earning her the nickname Feral Child. Or Wild Child.
"She may look like chief Hiccup, but she's got Astrid's fiery spirit." Helga looks back at Agnes with an apologetic smile before chasing after Renee. Agnes chuckles despite herself and follows the two girls back out to the front porch. Watching as Helga rushes to catch up with Renee.
"Ah, to be young and in love." Agnes chuckled. Observing as Renee and Helga interact. The two argue between each other before Helga pulls a retreating Renee into her arms. The two topple over, laughing. Renee no longer mad.