Here I am again. And I will not keep you busy longer than necessary. This chapter is longer than most. And it is a long awaited one. Enjoy.
Chapter 9: Jorgenson conspiracies
Undisclosed location, unknown time, somewhere between 263 and 266 ADF
Rain and snow was streaming out of a dark and gloomy heaven. Thunder strikes were seen far and close by, Hiccup stood ready in his full armour getting drenched waiting for what was to come. His Marshall-Commander was barking orders. They were going to have to break through a heavy Norn fortification under heavy gunfire and during the storm. This was the definition of hell.
The next moment he was flying on Toothless in formation next to his comrades. The weather had worsened even more and the winds were threatening to blow them away. Meanwhile the artillery below was thundering with the same ferocity as the storm itself. Hiccup saw the shells flying by, a weapon he was involved in creating. A weapon that brought only death and destruction.
They weaved around the Norn battlements, blasting and slashing whoever stood in their way. This mountain fortress needed to fall.
Hiccup shot another arrow out of his crossbow, which hit its target right in the neck as they flew at breakneck speed. At this steed the rain started to feel like tiny pebbles hitting his armour and visor. Any faster and he wouldn't see a thing. Then he heard a whizzing sound getting louder and louder.
There was an artillery shell coming his way, FAST. The shell exploded right in front of him making one fiery explosion. Hiccup was too close to evade and chose to just break right through the fireball. Luckily his armour and Toothless are fireproof.
He flew through the orange blaze and when he came out the rain had stopped and the setting changed. He was flying at top speed to evade the angry behemoth of a dragon that was following him. The Red Death as they had called it.
The battle had been going on for some time and many troopers had already given their lives to stop this ferocious beast. Even one of the airship was blown to bits when the monster firs erupted through the mountain. This needed to end soon.
"Okay bud, time to disappear!" Hiccup commanded. Toothless roared in conformation and shot up into the clouds. Hoping the giant dragon would follow.
And it did. As seen from the ground Toothless and Hiccup became a mere black speck high in the clouds followed by the enormous bulk of the Red Death. The troops on the ground held their breath for what was about to happen. For a moment it was silent. Then several nightfury shots were heard and the sky and clouds lit up every time painting an enormous silhouette in the clouds.
"Alright Toothless it seems to be working." Hiccup said.
But then the raging queen set loose an enormous stream of fire in the clouds. Hoping to hit the nightfury and its rider.
"Whoa, shit! Toothless! DOWN!" Hiccup screamed through his helmet.
The pair shot down back to the ground like a missile to evade the Red Death's fire. The behemoth saw this and pursued them as quickly as possible. Now the they were all flying straight down towards the ground.
"Let's hope this works!" Hiccup screamed over the whizzing of the air.
The Red Death positioned herself right behind the pair and squinted her six eyes to take aim. She would not miss this time. She let the highly flammable gas build up in her throat to take the final shot.
Hiccup heard the distinctive sound of a gas build-up and calmed his nerves to become completely stoic. "Hold Toothless…" He said. The pair closed their eyes in preparation for what they were about to do.
Just as the queen was about to fire they took action. "NOW!" Hiccup commanded. The pair immediately spun around and Toothless shot a single blast down the open mouth of the behemoth.
The gas present violently exploded and the fire spread itself through the throat of the great beast. It roared and screamed trying to get the fire out of her. Then the ground appeared below, her eyes widened and she spread her wings to hope and slow down her fall. But due to Hiccup and Toothless's well placed shots her wings were now full of holes. The sudden resistance of opening her wings tore the ravaged membrane apart. She had no chance of slowing down and fell down screeching.
Toothless spread his wings and flew away over the Red Death to safety.
The behemoth impacted on the ground with a deafening bang and her body erupted in a massive fireball. The troops present on the ground were thrown back by she resulting shockwave. Luckily no-one was present on the area of impact. The fiery blaze spread itself upward towards Hiccup and Toothless.
"Oh shit, we need to move Toothless!" Hiccup exclaimed. The nightfury didn't wait to answer and shot away out of the fireball's path.
Several minutes later the entire island was silent. Ash was raining down and the Draconian troops were starting to get up and wondered what had happened and furthermore where the young Hiccup and his companion were.
They got their answer when the sleek black dragon came gliding and slightly crashed into the ground. Hiccup was thrown of his friend's back due to the impact but he didn't care. He was too exhausted to care.
The troops present exhaled in relief. The prophesised one was safe. The legion commander stepped forward to the exhausted boy and sat next to him on his knees. "You did well son, you saved the lives of a lot of people and dragons today." He said.
"I'm never doing that again!" Hiccup slurred.
The commander took of Hiccup's helmet and checked for any injuries. Other troops had already reached Toothless and did the same for him. "Close your eyes and rest for a bit lad. We'll take care of things." He said. Then the old officer chuckled. "I think you'll be a great successor to me Hiccup. Well done." He said when Hiccup drifted asleep.
Hiccup opened his eyes but his vision was very blurry. He could see the shapes of two people standing over him. But he couldn't make out who they were. Then one of the shapes spoke.
"He looks so frail, so fragile. I fear he might not make it." A female voice said worried.
"Don't worry love, he'll make it. I have no doubt that one day he'll be the strongest of them all." A male voice comforted.
Berk, Hiccup inn room, morning, 266 ADF
Hiccup woke up with a start. He just had another flashback nightmare.
"Damn, that was weird." Hiccup said to himself. "One hell of a flashback. The siege of Carathras and the battle with the Red Death. Not the moments I wish to remember."
But the last of the images he saw intrigued him. From what he knew that weren't memories from any battle or anything he could remember. "What was that last one about? I can't remember anything like that?" He said while sitting up and holding his head trying to remember.
"Subconscious memories? From what?" He thought. "It felt like a long time ago. Could those people have been my parents? But why here? Why now?" He questioned. 'One day I'll find out I guess.' He thought.
He stood up and prepared himself for the day. He remembered the events from the evening before. The argument and challenge from Snotlout were amongst the less memorable, but there were some nice memories as well. Like the time and hug he spend with Astrid. He did start to like the girl more and more. Even though they have such a different past and upbringing.
He donned himself in his cloak and put his hood on. One could never be too careful. Once he was done he set out for breakfast. Hopefully he could have a nice conversation with the resident nerds.
When he arrived at the great-hall of the village he noticed the table he and Hicca regularly shared was now occupied by the latter joined by Astrid and a Fishlegs Ingerman, whom he had 'officially' met last night. Astrid noticed him enter and donned a smile on her face when she waved him over. When he made his way there he could see Snotlout scowling at him. Hiccup grinned, he was able to capture the attention of the girl Snotlout wanted so badly. Being a gentleman pays off it seems, and it really is his fault he can't take a hint.
"Hey Ryder, had a good night's rest?" Astrid asked.
"Well, if you ignore the headache I got from all that mead from last night then yes." Hiccup joked back, earning a few chuckles from around the table, seeing as he really wasn't drunk last night.
"So? Not too nervous about what you'll have to do this afternoon?" Fishlegs asked.
"Should I be?" Hiccup answered casually.
Right on that moment Gobber walked by and overheard. "Well maybe you should lad. Snotlout may be arrogant but he is still on of this generation's best fighters. Apart from Astrid of course." Gobber said.
"I can certainly understand why." Hiccup said while glancing at Astrid who blushed faintly. "Don't worry about me Gobber. I still have some tricks up my sleeve."
Gobber chuckled. "Aye, and you're quite the ladies' man as well. I hope Snot doesn't bruise your face too much. I would hate it if his girlfriend dumped him for that." Gobber laughed when he walked away.
"Heh, I like him." Hiccup chuckled.
Hicca was laughing along as well, she did spend almost all her time with the man. "So Ryder? Do you have anyone special back at your home?" She inquired.
Astrid subtlety stopped laughing and listened intently. This was a question that kind of interested her as well but she never wanted to ask.
Hiccup chuckled. "No Hicca, I have not. I've never had a girlfriend in my life, I've been eternally single." He answered.
"Ooh, that's nice to hear isn't it Astrid." Hicca sassily remarked.
Fishlegs sucked in a surprised breath. Saying something like that to Astrid was literally a death wish.
Astrid however got extremely red in a matter of seconds and glared at Hicca. "I … uh … I have no idea what you're talking about." She stuttered back. Which resulted in Hicca laughing even harder. Hiccup chuckled along as well, but no one could see he was just as red under his hood as well.
Their conversation progressed further as they left the subject behind and talked about the daily and mundane things. After breakfast they went to do their respective jobs and Hiccup just wandered the island drawing and generally being at peace. He could however not erase a certain smile from his head.
Lunch came more quickly than expected and afterwards Hiccup excused himself quickly so he could get ready for the now inevitable duel. When he entered the kill-ring no one was there yet, seeing as he was an hour early.
"Hmm, no audience yet. Well get comfortable I guess." Hiccup said to himself.
He then sat down cross legged at the edge of the kill-ring on the opposite side of the entrance and waited. He even started to meditate and whistle the Imperial marching tune to kill the time. It stayed quiet for some time until he heard voices coming his way.
"Hah, I bet that wimp won't have the guts to show up." He heard Snotlout say.
"Actually, has anyone seen him recently?" Another voice said. It was probably one of the twins, he couldn't tell.
"Well, I saw him at lunch but then he just disappeared. And I don't know where he went." Fishlegs said. Hiccup started grinning under his hood. They were in for a shock when they find him here.
"He said he wanted to go ahead and prepare himself." A voice clearly recognised as Astrid's said.
"Babe you know he's a loser. I bet he just ran off because he was too scared." Snotlout tried to sound manly.
"Snotlout, call me that again and I'll make sure Ryder doesn't have an opponent to fight anymore." Astrid said with a voice of malice.
Hiccup heard someone squeak and had a hard time not bursting out into laughter. Astrid kind of reminded him of some intimidating figures in the military. She would fit in.
Multiple Vikings started to appear above the kill-ring in the spectator's area though none seemed to have noticed him yet. None but one.
"Hey Ryder! There you are!" Hicca exclaimed from above him. Suddenly the Vikings all noticed Ryder sitting cross-legged in the arena without a care at all. Some even looked surprised, they likely thought he was going to chicken out.
"Hello Hicca. Nice arena you got here, although it's not very comfortable for sitting." Hiccup called out waving his hand.
"Yeah I guess so. What are you doing?" Hicca asked.
"Meditation. It helps calm your mind." Hiccup answered.
"Puff… you don't need a calm mind to fight. You only need these muscles." Snotlout scoffed while flexing.
"Keep believing that man." Hiccup said sarcastically.
"You can still surrender you know. It will spare you the disgrace of losing. Although that wouldn't matter to you anyway, as you can't be any lower as you already are. I'm surprised you even have the guts to show up." Snotlout insulted.
"Trash talking will get you nowhere Snotlout." Hiccup said with a bored tone.
"Shut up loser!" Snotlout shot back unsuccessfully.
Meanwhile Snotlout had entered the kill-ring, a crowd had formed and chief Stoick had taken place in his chair.
"Snotlout, I you're planning to talk me into submission you're not doing a good job at it." Hiccup said while still seated on the arena floor.
"Alright silence!" Stoick bellowed and everybody shut up. "We are here today because Snotlout here has challenged our village guest Ryder to a duel. I expect a clean and honest fight from both of you. Gobber, would you go over the rules?"
"Yes chief. This will be a fight where the first person to get the other to submit or injure beyond continuing wins." Gobber began.
"That'll be me!" Snotlout interrupted.
Gobber send a hard glare Snotlout's way to shut him up and continued. "You each may choose your weapon from the rack if necessary and wait for Stoick's order to begin."
Snotlout turned to the rack and picked a large sword and a shield. Hiccup however just stayed seated and did nothing. To great confusion of the watching Vikings.
"Why isn't he moving?" A random Viking whispered.
"What's the matter wimp? Can't stand up?" Snotlout sneered.
"Hum… if I must…" Hiccup said. He then bend back and untangled his feet. He then planted his hands behind his head and thrusted his entire body upwards feet first. He literally flipped upright in one move and was now standing.
"Whoa…" Hicca whispered to herself. "I never saw anyone do that."
Snotlout was also surprised of what he did but hid it very well. "Puff… neat trick. Now pick your weapon I can beat you."
"I already have my weapon Jorgenson." Hiccup answered.
"Ha-ha… are you seriously thinking you can beat me with that puny dagger on your back?" Snotlout laughed.
"Yes… And it's not a dagger Snotlout." Hiccup smirked.
He got every Viking present's attention. In the entire crowd there were only two people who had seen what this 'dagger' could do. Hiccup smirked under his hood and drew his sword and held it in his left hand. The Vikings looked at the weapon with raised eyebrows. It looked very weird to them, like it consisted out of many parts. Hiccup began spinning around the blade in his hand, doing some spins until he did a complete 360 with his body waving his sword and pressing the release button. In a second the sword sprang out and unfolded to its full length.
Several Vikings' jaws hit the floor, including Gobber's.
"What is that?" Gobber said slack jawed.
"So? Are we going to stand here all day? Or are we going to fight?" Hiccup joked.
"Fighters Ready? GO!" Stoick shouted starting the duel.
Snotlout didn't hesitate a second and immediately charged Hiccup while shouting a loud battle cry. Hiccup braced himself and analysed his opponent.
'His advantage: his shield, my advantage: superior training and he underestimates me. Take away the shield.' Hiccup analysed. 'Time for action.'
By now Snotlout had reached Hiccup and raised his sword high to hit him with all his might. Hiccup saw it coming and rolled under his strike, ending up behind his opponent.
Snotlout however corrected quickly and used his momentum to turn all the way to strike again. And Hiccup was waiting for him. Their swords clashed and Snotlout was the least bit surprised when Hiccup didn't move an inch. Hiccup pushed back on the sword and effectively pushed Snotlout back. Snotlout then tried to shove him with his shield but Hiccup jumped back to avoid the blow. Snotlout then swung his sword wildly in an effort to hit Hiccup but he just weaved out of the way and dodged every blow.
Snotlout, who was getting madder with the second lashed out. "STAND STILL SO I CAN HIT YOU! YOU BASTARD!"
"So in a real battle you expect your enemy to stand still and let himself be killed just because you ask them? Great strategy." Hiccup quipped, only enraging Snotlout further.
"SHUT UP AND DIE ALREADY!" Snotlout raged.
They continued their dance of blocking and dodging blows. Although Hiccup was more dodging and blocking while Snotlout's attack became more erratic. He was letting his anger get to him. And that was just the opening Hiccup needed.
He had already gotten a good look at the shield Snotlout was using and now knew where he had to hit it to break it of his arm.
Hiccup dodged two more swings and timed it just right so he got on the left side behind Snotlout. He then gave a mighty kick against the back side of the shield. The shield's structure couldn't hold and shattered of Snotlout's arm. It also sent Snotlout flying several meters. Safe to say he was stunned, along with the rest of the crowd. This stranger had just smashed a sturdy wooden shield of his arm.
Snotlout got back up and gripped his sword with both hands. He was now madder than ever, he would never lose to a scrawny wimp like Ryder, NEVER!
Hiccup readied himself he could see that Snotlout was becoming more aggressive by the minute and was barely thinking anymore. All the more fun to toy with him.
'Let's take him for a little chase." Hiccup thought.
Snotlout charged again and this time Hiccup met him head on, their swords clashed and Hiccup gave Snotlout a kick to the knee. Snotlout buckled down and as a result Hiccup could release the sword-block and slashed Snotlout across the jaw. Leaving a decent cut behind and stepped back again.
Snotlout stopped and brought a hand to his face, he drew back when he touched the cut and looked at his blood-stained hand. He could not believe that this man just sliced him across his face.
That was it, Snotlout was beyond mad now. Not only could he not hit Ryder but he got a cut from him instead. He would end this right here and now.
"RAAAH!" Snotlout screamed. "GET OVER HERE!"
Snotlout started chasing Hiccup in blind rage, he didn't think. All he was focused on was beheading Hiccup with his sword, nothing else mattered.
This was exactly what Hiccup wanted. Might as well give these Vikings a good show and do some training at the same time. He started doing laps around the arena with Snotlout chasing behind him. Occasionally he would change directions to make Snotlout stumble to keep up with him. Then he began running straight at a wall with no indication of slowing down.
'Alright, no hesitation. This has to be done perfectly' Hiccup thought.
Hiccup ran up to the wall and basically ran up the wall letting his momentum carry him upward. Once he was on his highest point he set off and back flipped over Snotlout who stormed under him. Snotlout had no idea where he was going so he smashed full speed into the arena's stone wall. A crunch indicated he had likely broken his nose on the impact. And Hiccup landed behind him on both feet, while Snotlout sank to the floor temporarily dazed.
Snotlout was beyond humiliated and mad. But now he started to realise that his opponent might be more capable than anticipated. He got back up and raised his sword again. He had to go on.
Now it was time for Hiccup to go on the offensive. Snotlout was bruised and tired from the fight and he could still go for hours. Hiccup swung his sword and Snotlout blocked but was pushed to the defensive. And he was having a hard time. Hiccup kept spinning his sword around keeping Snotlout in the defensive.
Snotlout kept his sword vertical in front of him to block the next blow. Hiccup was doing a 360 degree spin and was underway to hit him full force. What happened next stunned everyone but Hiccup himself.
The two blades met but they didn't meet and stop. Hiccup's blade just sliced right through Snotlout's.
'The beauty of Gronkle-iron.' Hiccup thought.
When Hiccup sword went through Snotlout's he didn't stop his momentum. Even before Snotlout had the time to react, Hiccup smashed his right fist on Snotlout's wrist. Effectively breaking it.
Snotlout screamed out in pain. But Hiccup didn't stop there, He swiped Snotlout's feet from under him knocking him to the ground. He rolled backwards and onto his feet a few meters further but Hiccup was immediately back on top of him. Snotlout got hit in the stomach and face by Hiccup's sword hilt and fist respectively. Snotlout tried to fight back but he could not focus with all the pain and the multiple hits coming in. Only now he realised what kind of a mistake he made.
Hiccup then hit him across the face with his right fist but immediately grabbed with his left where he was holding his sword in a reverse hold and pulled him back. Then Hiccup drew back his fist for the last time and socked him fight between the eyes, sending him flying backwards onto the arena floor where he stayed and didn't move at all.
Snotlout was completely unmoving sprawled on the floor with Hiccup standing a few meters away.
The entire crowd was shocked silent. Never had they seen anyone get such a brutal beating. Ryder was virtually uninjured while Snotlout was in a much worse state.
"Did he just kill him?" Someone whispered.
"I don't know." Someone else answered.
Several Vikings were murmuring about what happened so Hiccup knew he had to check if he hadn't accidently killed Snotlout.
While still holding his sword in reverse grip he stepped closer to Snotlout, crouched down and put two fingers against his neck in search of a heartbeat, which he luckily found.
"Okay it's all right." Hiccup said while standing back up and sheathing his sword. "He's just unconscious." He proclaimed.
Several gasps of relief were heard in the crowd and someone started clapping. Hiccup searched for the person doing this and quickly found his answer in the form of Hicca. Soon several others started clapping including: Astrid, Fishlegs, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, Angus Hofferson, Gobber and Stoick. All for different reasons. The twins were just happy with the show they got, Astrid and Angus were glad someone beat the living crap out of Snotlout and the rest did because they were being polite and liked the show.
Hiccup did a small bow as a thanks and looked at the unconscious Snotlout on the floor.
'I can't leave him here, no matter how much I hate him.' Hiccup thought. He then reached down towards the unconscious body, grabbed one of its arms and hauled him onto his shoulders to transport him. Several Vikings were surprised by this gesture, most of them would leave him then and there.
"Can someone show me the way to the village healer? I think this one needs it." Hiccup asked.
He got a response from a small, old, grey woman that waved her staff around. 'Probably the village elder.' He thought. He then exited the kill-ring and proceeded to follow the old lady.
"Ryder, that was amazing! I never seen anything like it!" Hicca said running up next to him.
"I told you I had some tricks up my sleeve." Hiccup answered. He was then punched on the shoulder by a certain blonde haired Viking.
"Ow, what was that for?" He asked to the offending teen.
"That's for not making it last longer." Astrid said before she leaned closer and kissed him on the cheek. She then looked really surprised with herself and backed away shyly. "And.. t-that's for all the rest." She quickly stuttered before she zoomed away.
Hiccup only stood there frozen. Astrid had just kissed him, he didn't know what to think when he touched his cheek. Definitely something to think about.
He was snapped out of his frozen state when the old woman hit him on the head with her staff and motioned him to follow her, which he did without question.
The rest of the Viking teens stayed rooted on the ground because of what they just saw. Astrid had never done that with anyone. But they weren't the only ones that had noticed. Angus Hofferson stood a little ways back and appeared to be thinking.
'First the hug and now this? I am definitely having a talk with Ryder tomorrow.' Angus thought.
(An hour later)
Berk Forge, afternoon, 266 ADF
"I still don't understand, Ryder beat the shit out of Snotlout and not only that but he literally cut his sword in two." Gobber said.
"Well it could have just broke. You know how Snotlout is with his weapons." Hicca answered.
Gobber turned to Hicca and held up the destroyed sword hilt. "Hicca, I have the weapon right here and I know the difference between cutting and breaking. And this was definitely cut." He said and ran his finger across the cut. "And it's sharp too. What was that lad using because this isn't like anything I have ever seen?"
"I did hold it yesterday, but I thought it was just normal metal. Apart from the crazy contraption on the inside." Hicca said.
"He let you hold it?!" Gobber said amazed. "What did it feel like?"
"I was sharp and excellently balanced. But it was very light though, at first I thought it was because it was hollow. But now that I think about it, that sword was way too light and too strong to be normal." Hicca described.
"Aye, it's possible it's made from a different metal that we don't know." Gobber concluded.
"Seems likely." Hicca confirmed.
"One thing's for certain, I'm going to have a little chat with the lad tomorrow." Gobber said.
Berk Great-hall, evening, 266 ADF
All the Vikings of Berk were now enjoying their dinner in the great-hall. Many were still talking about Ryder's astonishing win over Snotlout. Many wondered how and where he learned to fight like that, since he absolutely didn't look like a fighter for Viking standards.
"So? Anyone have any thoughts about what happened today?" Fishlegs began.
"Snotlout got destroyed if that's what you're asking." Tuffnut answered.
"Yeah, and he looked like it was nothing at all. He didn't break a sweat… . And that's hot." Ruffnut added dreamily.
"Okay yuck." Tuffnut gagged.
"But she has a point though. He didn't seem like he had a hard time fighting Snotlout. It was like he was trained to do something like this." Fishlegs added.
"But why hide that? I had a sparring fight with him yesterday and I didn't have the impression he was holding back…" Astrid said absent minded. "I think it's a good idea we talk to him about this."
"Agreed." The rest of the teens said in unison.
The cove, evening, 266 ADF
After bringing Snotlout to the healer Hiccup decided to disappear for a while and left for the forest. After making sure he wasn't followed he made his way to Toothless in the cove. Where he was as usual showered with licks. He remained there for the rest of the afternoon and talked to Toothless about everything what had happened so far and what he had learned so far. They also opted to have dinner there instead of Hiccup going to the Great-hall. Dinner over a campfire with a few fishes like old times.
"And then afterwards she just kissed me and I don't know what to think anymore." Hiccup said frustrated. "I feel like I'm beginning to grow attachments here."
"You know that's very dangerous. What if they find out who you really are? They won't take kindly on a foreign soldier and dragon-rider." Toothless crooned in response.
"I know bud. It's all so difficult. I feel like I'm losing sight of what I'm here for." Hiccup said.
"It would be better if you finish your mission soon so we can go home. Like it or not Hiccup but there is nothing here for you now. I'm sorry." Toothless responded.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. I just need to find a solution and then we can leave." Hiccup signed.
"Don't worry, you'll survive." Toothless crooned with a toothless grin.
"Alright, I better get going. Otherwise they might come looking for me." Hiccup said while standing up. "I'll be back soon bud." He said while walking out of the cove.
Village centre, later evening, 266 ADF
Hiccup was quietly strolling back to his room when he suddenly heard something nearby. Out of pure instinct he ducked behind a few barrels nearby and waited.
His instincts had been proven right when two Vikings who seemed to be in a hurry. They also regularly looked over their shoulder as if to check that they weren't being followed. This got Hiccup's attention and he opted to follow the two in hopes of finding the answers he was looking for.
After a few minutes of stalking the Vikings arrived at a house he knew all too well. The Jorgenson's house.
One of the two knocked the door. When it opened another Viking's head appeared. "Are you sure you weren't followed?" the Viking asked.
"Yes, we're sure." One of the two answered.
The Viking inside nodded and let the two inside, he then looked around before closing the door.
Hiccup had to act fast. This was the event he was waiting for, if he was correct in thinking this was another secret meeting. There was no secluded space on the roof for him to hide so he needed an alternative. Then he noticed there was some space between the ground and the floor under the house.
He checked if the coast was clear and zipped over to the house and silently dived underneath it. Now he was in a perfect position to eavesdrop.
It wasn't long before he started hearing voices from above.
"Alright, everybody settle down so we can begin." A voice he recognized as Spitelout's said. There was some shuffling and soon everybody in the room was seated. He tried to find a better spot so he could see and eventually he found a crack in the floor that gave him sufficient room to view the insides of the room.
He could see multiple Vikings seated around a round table with Spitelout at the head. He recognized several faces like the Thorston family, the twins' parents and a still gravely injured and bandaged Snotlout. He couldn't see the twins though. There was also something on the table but he couldn't see what it was.
"Let us begin with this meeting. As you all know the moment of our strike draws very close so we'll make sure everyone is set and ready. I'm sure everybody is aware of the plan?" Spitelout asked.
Everyone in the room voiced their confirmation or nodded.
"Good, then are there any points of attention left before our strike?" Spitelout continued.
"Yes, it's about the stranger Ryder. Are you sure he won't interfere with our plans? He showed us today that he doesn't mess around." The female Thorston asked.
"Don't you dare mention that name in this house!" Snotlout seethed nasally. His broken nose caused him some speech problems.
"Snotlout, quiet." Spitelout ordered. "Yes I am aware that this Ryder fella is more dangerous than we expected. And no he won't be a problem. He's only one man and can't possibly stop us."
"But what if he sides against us afterwards. He seems to be on good terms with Stoick." Another Viking voiced.
"Don't worry about that. After our strike against Stoick tomorrow we can take steps to blame him. He already made himself suspicious by being a good fighter and he's just the perfect scapegoat. After tomorrow nobody will trust him anymore." Spitelout said.
"Good, I want that cheater dead. I'll do it myself tomorrow if I get the chance." Snotlout said angrily.
"Snotlout, you are too injured to do that. The guy broke your nose and wrist, you are in no condition to fight." Spitelout began.
"But dad…!" Snotlout interrupted.
"Silence! This is final Snotlout. You can't participate tomorrow, it is best if you stay indoors. You'll get your chance afterwards." Spitelout finished.
"Grmm… Fine." Snotlout conceded.
"Alright then, anymore points of attention?" Spitelout asked. Nobody said anything. "Good, then let us have a toast… on the last day of Stoick's rule."
Hiccup's eyes widened, this was horrifying. That so many people were conspiring to overthrow Stoick and it was happening tomorrow! He didn't need to hear anything more and quickly hurried out from under the house and to his rented room.
When he arrived he sank onto his bed and held his head in his hands. 'This is it, tomorrow it is happening. I need to be extra alert and never let Stoick out of my sight. For he is the likely target.' Hiccup thought.
'All or nothing now.' He thought when he undressed and went for bed.
'Just hope I can stop them…' Were his last thought before succumbing to sleep.
Wow, that was a really long one. Though I think you guys deserve it. I made it extra-long as a compensation for the last chapter. That's also why it took a little longer to write, I wanted to und this arc here and now. I am certain this one will please you all.
To make thing a little clear the beginning scenes are all memories from Hiccups early years in the military. They give a glimpse at what he's been through and what horror's he has seen and hardened him. The last scene is obvious I think.
Also no Hiccup reveal, some of you were likely thinking I would reveal his identity after the fight but I didn't. I have a much more dramatic reveal planned further on. Also I thing a reveal after the big fight is a bit cliché. So everyone is still in the dark and the story is shifting into a higher gear. Also this will be the last chapter with Hiccup in disguise, next chapter it's back to Draconian trooper armour. What will happen? That's for me to know and for you to forever wonder about. Well at least for a week or so.
Reviews:
OechsnerC: why thank you.
assasins death: an enormously long review as always. But sadly no review as I have mentioned earlier. As for some extra guest's from the Empire, they will be coming. And as for pairings I'm not really planning on pairing Hicca with someone just yet. Maybe in a sequel.
PS: I aim to please.
Grima: No he doesn't know about his identity but he is drawing some parallels. He is getting interested in the man who his daughter is showing an interest in.
Jak Fortune: Sir? I like that. Thanks for the compliment by the way.
Secret: well, years of training and a dragon tend to make you awesome. As for the faces, just you wait.
mc arno: Snotlout indeed didn't like it one bit.
JHawkins: Reading that gives a tremendous boost to my confidence you know. And if you like lore and background, I'm working on a Danny Phantom story concept with tons of lore and backstory. Unfortunately it won't go into production until at earliest September.
CartoonLoverBecky: one demolished Snotlout on a silver plate. Bon appetit.
Phew, that was it for me today. I hope you all enjoyed and stay tuned. Now I'm going to hit the sheets. I've been .
Dismissed