A prophecy and a viking

by Cpt.Carnage

Taken by a dragon as a baby Hiccup is taken to a far away land where a prophecy tells about a child who will end a long war. Meanwhile things turn grim on Berk as the village is broken in two factions. Years later the lost heir return to his land of birth on a mission to uphold political stability. All while in service of the Draconian Empire.

14. Chapter 14: Back on Berk

This chapter was kind of fun to write. I mean really, a lot of you people have been waiting for it so I deliver. Fair warning, when reading crank your imagination up to maximum. You won't regret it.

Enjoy

Chapter 14: Back on Berk

(One week later)

Berk town square, afternoon, 266 ADF

It had been three hectic weeks since Hicca was abducted during the Outcast-Berserker raid. It took Berk a while to notice since Hicca was as good as invisible to them, they also were busy recovering from the attack. But what really shook them was the fact that Ryder, the kind traveller who had arrived just a week before the attack turned out to be much more than he let out. He was what they had come to call… a dragon rider.

Though Stoick placed his full concern with the abduction of his daughter. At first he had the entire island searched, then he ordered an expedition to Outcast Island because that was the most likely place where she might be held. However when they arrived they didn't find the heavily fortified Outcast stronghold. They found a ruined island. The entire stronghold was ravaged by what seemed to be an enraged dragon horde. Towers and houses were destroyed, the underground fortifications were demolished and the iconic iron-grated cage over the island had collapsed. Spread over the island they found the remnants of the joint Outcast-Berserker army that attacked the village. In the ruins they also found a barely alive Dagur, who looked like he was beat up and then trampled by what they deduced was the same dragon horde that destroyed the island.

They didn't get much out of Dagur, being gravely injured as he was. They did however learn that Hicca was gone and he gave a vague description of what Ryder looked like in his armour. This led to the belief that he was much further involved than originally thought.

The Berk expedition soon returned to their home island leaving Dagur behind, since he was of no use and had no idea where Hicca could be. Stoick did however inflict some more bodily harm on him during the interrogation.

Afterwards a meeting was called about the turn of events. In this meeting there were several Vikings voicing their concerns that Ryder had been here for a reason. They thought it was his mission to abduct the young heir for a yet unknown reason. They also thought that he might be more than a normal spy since Astrid told them she recognised a saddle and various packs on the Nightfury's back when Ryder flew off on it. What scared them the most was that almost all these items carried the Draconian insignia.

Some Vikings believed that this was a sign that Ryder was actively working for the empire, and that they sent him here for some reason unknown. Stoick was enraged by this and immediately wanted to mount an expedition to Draconia to find his daughter. Though other important Vikings voiced against this because of several reasons. The first being that they had no idea where or how far away Draconia was, seeing that the only map containing the continent they had seen was owned by Ryder. Second being that they had no idea if Hicca was even there. Seeing that they were right Stoick ordered everyone to find as much information about Draconia as possible so they may find a route to it. But meanwhile three weeks had passed and the chances of ever finding Hicca were growing slim.

Stoick however never gave up hope, he would not lose another child. And while he wasn't doing his chiefly duties or trying to find Hicca he was comforting his wife Valka. Who had been devastated by the abduction of her child, again. Therefore Stoick had ordered another meeting which was to start in about twenty minutes. Astrid and the rest of the gang minus Snotlout were hanging around talking at the town square, to kill the time before the meeting would start.

"Do you think we'll ever find her?" Ruffnut asked.

"I don't know, it's been three weeks already. The chances are growing very slim." Fishlegs answered.

"But what if we travel to this Draconia place? We should find her there right?" Tuffnut said.

"You know that's highly unlikely Tuff, firstly we don't even know she is there. And second, Draconia is a big place. At least that's what he said." Fishlegs said.

"Yeah, him. I still can't really believe Ryder was a spy. I mean I joked about it but I really thought he could be trusted." Tuffnut said.

"Well, you weren't the only one who trusted him." Ruffnut said giving a glance to a very silent Astrid.

Astrid had been very silent for the last few weeks, for several reasons. Firstly for Hicca's disappearance and secondly for Ryder's betrayal.

"Yes Ruff, I know. You can stop mentioning it." Astrid said wryly.

"Yeah, but really. Wasn't there something going on between you two?" Ruffnut asked.

"Ruffnut…" Astrid growled.

"Oh don't tell me it isn't true. We all saw how you two were together. You actually were kind of cute together." Ruffnut said.

"Gods! Ruffnut!" Astrid signed.

"Well, she does have a point Astrid. You two were pretty close." Fishlegs cut in.

"Gods! Alright! Fine, I did. First man I actually like that doesn't obnoxiously flirt with me." Astrid finally said. She then closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. "And in the end he turns out to be a liar and a traitor…" She signed.

"Yeah, he lied to all of us, got close to the Chief's daughter and used this to abduct her. And he rides a dragon." Tuffnut said.

Fishlegs, who had been trying to think logically about everything that had happened and was trying his best to find out more about Draconia frowned. Something didn't really make sense to him.

"Yes, but there is still something I don't understand." Fishlegs said.

"And what would that be? You have been researching Draconia for weeks now." Astrid asked.

"Yes I have, but there is so little to be found. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. What I don't understand though, is why?" Fishlegs said. "Why would he even abduct Hicca? What would he gain by doing that?"

"Well, abduct her and ask for ransom money." Tuffnut said.

"If that were the case we would already have heard news. And there are better targets if that was the goal. Like the Bog's Burglars." Fishlegs deduced.

"Power?" Ruffnut guessed.

"Unlikely. Berk might be a major player in the Archipelago, but outside of that we are nothing. Guys…, we're going up against an empire here." Fishlegs said.

"So… he might be working on orders of his leaders?" Tuffnut asked.

"Then he would be a servant of his throne." Ruffnut added.

"No, I'm not saying that. I just…" Fishlegs began.

"He could have been a rogue." Ruffnut interjected.

"No… he was too well equipped to be a loner." Astrid deduced. "If you remember all that fancy gear he sported during the raid. Definitely a professional."

"What if he was working with the Outcasts?" Tuffnut asked.

"No, he couldn't have. He killed a lot of Outcasts and Berserkers during the raid, and most importantly he beheaded Alvin in front of me." Astrid said, shuddering at the memory.

"Yeah, he even managed to blow up a few. I saw the remains. That wasn't pretty. Though it would be pretty cool to cause explosions like that." Tuffnut said.

Fishlegs and Astrid shuddered at the image of the twins getting their hands of whatever explosive device Ryder used.

"Okay, let's not think of that. His assault on the Outcasts and Berserkers during the raid brings up another question though. Since he wasn't the one who took Hicca in the first place. We all saw him leave on the back of that Nightfury. At that point Hicca was already gone." Fishlegs said.

"What are you saying Fish?" Astrid asked.

"All I'm saying is he wasn't the one who took Hicca from the island. Actually come to think about it the only thing that links him to this whole affair is the destruction of Outcast Island. Which we believe he played a large part in." Fishlegs explained.

"Uh, meaning?" Ruffnut asked.

"I mean…, what if he found out about the abduction and went after her?" Fishlegs asked.

"Come on Fishlegs, that's ridiculous!" Astrid said. "Why would he go after her?"

"Because he was her friend?" Fishlegs answered uncertainly. "All I know is that this whole thing just doesn't make sense. It's like we're missing something. There is a piece of the puzzle where not seeing." Fishlegs deduced.

"Maybe, either way Ryder is a traitor. He rides a dragon for Thor's sake." Astrid vented. "Come on, the meeting is about to start."

The rest of the group nodded and they made their way to the great hall. To another meeting that would likely take a long time and leave them with nothing again.

Astrid however had been thinking of Fishlegs' last words. In a way he was right, something didn't really make sense. But it was the best lead they had and multiple clans were convinced he was guilty. But somewhere deep inside her she hoped Fishlegs was right and he was innocent. But then was the question… who was guilty?

When they entered the great hall, none of them spotted three large and dark shapes in the clouds nearing the island. Only about thirty minutes away.

(Meanwhile on the Draconian command-ship's bridge)

Hiccup and his sister were standing on the bridge of the command ship. During their week of travel Hiccup had furthered Hicca's training and they had grown closer both as siblings and as soldiers. They had also been practicing dragon training with Toothless, Elysia and a few other riders from the third legion. Right now they were on the bridge because they were getting very close to the island of Berk.

"We can't see the island through the thick clouds but scouts informed us it is there. And were getting very close. Do you remember the plan sis?" Hiccup asked.

"Yup, we basically hold the island hostage, I reveal myself, we get Spitelout and his cronies and so on…" Hicca said.

"Pretty much…, now I've had most dragon riders moved to the ship to our right. All except the Raptors. This ship and the one left of us will land on Berk and deploy our forces here." Hiccup explained while pointing to the open space next to the great hall and behind the village. Mapping the island did become handy.

"The third ship will keep circling the village and provide cover fire if necessary." Hiccup continued.

"I hope you don't plan on actually firing on Berk!?" Hicca asked wide eyed.

"If everything goes to plan we won't have to. Otherwise I will not hesitate to. But don't worry, they have my orders to only fire single shots at defensive structures. Like the catapults." Hiccup comforted.

"Then let's hope everything goes to plan." Hicca said. "Are you nervous…? I mean, to meet mom and dad?" She asked.

"Maybe a little. We'll see how it goes." Hiccup said. "We'll be arriving shortly, you should prepare." He said while putting his helmet back on.

"Agreed. Commander…" Hicca answered with a smirk before putting her own helmet back on.

The three ships continued to cut through the clouds. Their destination certain…, their mission known…, their resolve unbreakable.

Showtime.

(A few moment earlier)

Berk Great-Hall, Afternoon, 266 ADF

When they arrived in the Great-Hall the gang had split off and went to seat with their respective families, as was expected during these kind of meetings. They saw Stoick and Valka in the front. Stoick looked like he hadn't slept for days and Valka looked even more like an emotional wreck. Astrid couldn't blame her though, this had been the second time her child was taken.

"Alright, settle down." Stoick commanded. The murmurs in the Great-Hall tuned down and everyone turned towards their chief.

"I again thank all of you to come here today. And I'll go straight to the point. Have we learned anything new?" Stoick asked.

There were a few murmurs but unlike the last meeting no one stood up to say anything.

"What… no one has anything? Nothing?!" Stoick asked worried.

Then Angus stood up, he had been searching for a solution with the loyalists but they hadn't found anything. "I'm sorry chief… But we haven't found anything. There are no records of the land on Berk or the nearby villages. The only things we know are the things he told us." He said dejected.

"Then go search again! All of you! We won't stop until our heir and my daughter is found!" Stoick shouted.

Many Vikings in the hall signed, there wasn't much hope left that they would ever find her. And it was slowly driving their chief insane. However there was one rather toxic Viking who had to speak out.

"You can't be serious Stoick! We've been searching for months!" Mildew, the village's old grouch shouted.

"I am serious Mildew! I won't stop until my little girl is found! I won't lose another child!" Stoick shouted back enraged by Mildew's statement.

"Yes Stoick about that. You know this has been the second time. Don't you think this has to be a sign?!" Mildew shouted to the crowd.

"WHAT!" Stoick shouted. "HOW DARE YOU MILDEW!"

"Come on Stoick, admit it! When your first runt was taken we should have seen the signs!" Mildew continued to rile up the crowd.

Several Vikings had begun murmuring amongst each other as Mildew was spreading the doubt. At the Jorgenson table Spitelout was subtly smiling but no-one saw.

"It has been a message from the Gods! But you wouldn't see it Stoick!" Mildew continued.

""MILDEW! THAT'S ENOUGH!" Stoick shouted seeing the expression on Valka's face.

"They try to give us a sign Stoick! But you wouldn't listen! They want to say that we must change! A new chief is necessary!" Mildew proclaimed.

Astrid's, Angus', and other Vikings from the Loyalist's eyes went wide. They were using Hicca's abduction as a reason to usurp power from Stoick. They never would have expected them to go this low.

'I can't believe it. They are using the poor girl's disappearance to grab power…. Why does this seem so convenient?" Astrid thought to herself.

"Alright Mildew, stop! Now you are really going too far!" Spitelout suddenly interjected.

Now the Vikings from the Loyalists group were beyond confused. Wasn't taking power from Stoick Spitelout's plan?

"No Spitelout, this has to happen! For the good of the tribe and Viking culture Stoick must be replaced!" Mildew shouted back, getting some support from the other Vikings on Spitelout's traitor group. Everything was going to plan for them.

"AND WHO WOULD?!" Stoick shouted.

"The village will need to vote. For a strong and traditional Viking heir from a high standing clan! One who can lead us to glory!" Mildew proclaimed.

Several Vikings began shouting their approval. Though all of them were aware and part of Spitelout's plan. Then one name was shouted.

"Snotlout for heir!" Was shouted.

Soon enough multiple Vikings were chanting Snotlout's name. The latter looking very proud and his father had a smug smile, as if he wanted to say 'I win'.

Astrid and her father were horrified. They actually had the guts to go through with their sick plan. And it looked like they had succeeded. Meanwhile Valka was watching the entire scene with wide eyes and a horrified expression. If Stoick was usurped she would never see her little girl again, and she would suffer the same fate as baby Hiccup.

Angus then noticed Spitelout's smug smile, he then knew what was going on. And he'd rather be dead then let Spitelout succeed. He was about to stand up and object when the doors to the Great-Hall flew open and one of the guards who are on lookout duty stumbled in.

"CH...CHIEF!" The guard shouted out of breath.

"What is it!?" Stoick asked seeing that something was likely very wrong. Otherwise the guard wouldn't have entered like that.

"OU…OUTSIDE! YOU NEED TO SEE THIS!" The guard shouted before running back out.

Stoick and the rest of the village knew this was serious. They made their way outside with Stoick and Valka at the front. Valka secretly hoping her daughter was back. Before they went outside Stoick did give a murdering glare at Mildew.

Once they were outside they stopped and stared wide eyed to the sky. For out of the clouds right above the village had broken three large flying things. They had two fish shaped balloon like things on top with a cabin larger than a storage barn hanging underneath it. They were huge, and they came right for the village.

"What in Thor's name are those?" Gobber asked.

"I have no idea." Stoick answered.

Then two of the things broke of and began lowering towards the village while the third remained in the air circling the village.

"They're coming down!" Someone shouted.

"It's the Gods! The end of the world!" Another shouted.

Soon the crowd was in a full blown panic screaming and shouting things like end of the world and Ragnarök. It was chaos, children were crying and running everywhere while their parents desperately tried to find them to hold them close. The only ones who were not panicking were Stoick, Valka, Angus, Gobber, the teens and the Jorgensons.

Stoick looked closer to the strange things in the sky and saw they had some glass panelling on the front of the cabin. He looked closer and then he saw people behind it. His eyes widened realising that this was a human creation. He again looked closer… then on the side of the fish shaped balloons he saw an insignia he would never forget.

"It's them…" Stoick said.

"What…?" Gobber asked.

"EVERYONE CALM DOWN! THESE ARE NOT GODS! LOOK AT THE SIDE!" Stoick shouted while pointing at the insignia.

Due to Stoick's loud voice the crowd stopped screaming and looked to where he was pointing. When they saw it they knew what was coming at them, for they all recognised the insignia they were all searching information for. The Draconian Imperial crest was prominently visible on the side.

"What… Draconia?" Astrid said really surprised.

"He came back…" Stoick growled.

"All men grab your weapons!" Spitelout ordered. Truthfully he was worried. If Ryder was on board he could ruin his entire plan. "We will show these traitors what we are made of."

"NO! STAND DOWN!" Stoick shouted. He thought more rationally about this. If he were back he wanted something. There was no other reason he would come, and there was a chance he could get his daughter back. "LET THEM LAND!" He ordered.

"Stoick! Are you insane!?" Spitelout asked angrily.

"If it is Ryder, he could have my daughter! I want her back at any cost!" Stoick answered shouting.

"But…" Spitelout began.

"NO EXCUSES!" Stoick ordered.

Meanwhile the teens were watching the two flying machines with great interest while they descended towards the village. It looked like they were going to land behind it next to the Great-Hall.

"By Thor, a manmade machine that has the capability to fly. Amazing." Fishlegs analysed.

"That's what you're thinking about?" Astrid asked incredulously. She was more worried about the fact there were two likely very dangerous machines flying over the village, and the fact Ryder may be on board.

"Do you think he is on one of those?" Ruffnut asked.

"I don't know. The question is, is he alone?" Astrid answered.

The teens gulped with the prospect of something much more dangerous being on board.

By now the ships were low enough that they began to extend their landing legs. The mechanical sound was heard until deep into the village. The crowd watched as six mechanical legs extended from some sort of housing on both ships. Then they touched down.

The sound of the ships making contact with the ground sent shivers down the spines of the watching Vikings. It was a deep, metallic boom noise that indicated the entire weight of the ships now rested on their island. The ships lowered a little on the legs and the sound of engines powering down filled the air. The Viking spectators waited with baited breath.

Then the doors on the front of the ships unlocked and lowered themselves like a boarding ramp with a sound of gears spinning around. But what came out shook them even more.

When the ramps were fully lowered they could only see the blackness inside. But they could hear something, it sounded like a rhythm. It sounded like multiple steel boots hitting the floor all at the same time.

Then they came out, out of the ships came an enormously long row of what looked like soldiers marching. They were going in rows with two next to each other. Once they were of the ramp they split of in in left and right direction to form rows of soldiers in front of the ships. The Vikings did notice that they were all wearing the same or almost the same armour. The armour Ryder wore. They kept coming out of both ships and filling up the space in front of them. Suddenly something else exited the ships alongside the soldiers. Out of every ship came six large reptiles walking on their hind legs with another soldier wearing the identical armour on its back.

The Vikings were stunned. Some of them even backed away a bit. Out of both craft came an army's worth of heavily armed soldiers. The sound of their boots hitting the ground simultaneously vibrated in their spines. They stood at attention in front of them but they hadn't turned their faces to them yet. After a while the seemingly endless stream of soldiers came to an end and in front of them were four rectangle formations of what they guessed were about forty troops.

"BATTALION…TURN!" One of them suddenly shouted.

In an instant every single one of them turned to the crowd of Vikings at the exact same moment and stood there with their feet at shoulders width and their hands behind their back. Behind them were the six riders and their reptilian mounts. All staying stoically still, but their presence brought an air of terror over the Vikings.

"Are those… Raptors?" Fishlegs asked observing the reptiles.

"I think they are Fish, they're dragon riders." Astrid answered.

"They all look the same. Which one is Ryder?" Ruffnut asked.

Astrid observed the line for a while and found that she couldn't find him. At first sight they looked identical, but every single one of them was still different. She didn't get the chance to answer though.

Out of the left ship two extra figures exited. One looking like the rest of the soldiers armour wise though with some additions and modifications, the other in a plain white armour which was seemingly from the same type but wore a different type of helmet with T-visor. They walked casually, not in the marching pace the rest of them had done. They walked a little while until they stopped a little ways in front of the main force and waited there.

Now that they had stopped Astrid was able to better study the newcomers. It took her a second but then she recognised the man who had been on Berk a few weeks earlier. She gasped at her revelation, but she wasn't the only one who had noticed.

"Ryder! What is the meaning of this! Where is my daughter! You cursed traitor!" Stoick yelled at him.

Ryder however didn't flinch. He just remained standing still next to the person in white armour who did seem a little shorter than him.

"ANSWER ME! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER!" Stoick shouted.

Then the person in white took a step forward and spoke.

"Calm down dad, you're really overreacting." Hicca said while taking her helmet off.

Many in the Village's mouths fell open in surprise. In front of them was Hicca, safe and sound. And she even made it seem like this wasn't so special.

The members of Spitelout's group of traitors were stunned even more. This wasn't part of the plan. Spitelout himself became nervous as his plan was basically ruined and he could very well be exposed.

"What…? HICCA! GET AWAY FROM THEM!" Stoick ordered.

"Dad…" Hicca began.

"AND WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WEARING!" Stoick shouted without listening.

"Dad…." Hicca tried again.

"ARE YOU NOT LISTENING?! GET HERE THIS….!" Stoick screamed before he was interrupted.

"DAD, SHUT UP AND LISTEN!" Hicca shouted back with a volume that could rival Stoick's.

Stoick and the rest of the village was stunned. Hicca had never displayed that much of her voice.

"For my entire life our conversations have been one-sided like you just demonstrated! Well not anymore! Right now you are going to shut up and listen!" Hicca shouted.

Stoick being too surprised to object just nodded.

"First of all these people are far from traitors. Hell, without them I wouldn't be standing here. Without them I would be dead… or worse." Hicca said. "The truth is dad, if you are looking for a traitor you need to look to the village and not the Draconians."

The crowd gasped at this. There was a traitor amongst them? Yet none of them saw that Spitelout was swearing under his breath.

"Hicca? What do you mean? The only traitor here is him." Stoick said while pointing at Hiccup, who just kept standing still and seemingly didn't respond to Stoick's accusing. "He's riding a dragon for Thor's sake. They all are!" Stoick said while pointing at the Raptors on the back line.

"Would a traitor drop everything and race after me to rescue me when I was kidnapped? Would a traitor put his life on the line for me? Would a traitor get reinforcements to free me from enemy imprisonment? It doesn't matter if he rides a dragon or not. The real traitor is amongst you. Or did you think this entire abduction was random? It was all set up by one of your own dad." Hicca explained.

The Vikings began looking around wondering who could do something like that.

"Who was it then lass? And do ye have proof?" Gobber asked when Stoick didn't speak.

"I don't… but he has." Hicca said while pointing at Hiccup. "Commander, continue please." She ordered.

The title commander was whispered amongst the Vikings several times. Including the teens whose eyes had grown wide after Hicca's proclamation. He was very important after all.

"Affirmative miss." Hiccup answered playing his role. He then walked forward towards Stoick and spoke. "Chief, on behalf of the empire I would like to apologise for the deception. But it was necessary if our attempts to stop a coup were to be successful." Hiccup apologised. Stoick watched him with weary eyes but did nothing to stop him. "That being said…" Hiccup continued. He then reached for the leather cylinder, took it from his belt and took the recovered documents out. "These documents were recovered from Outcast island during the rescue operation for you daughter. They contain some sensitive information about the traitor you might find very interesting." He said while giving Stoick the papers and putting the cylinder back.

Spitelout knew he had to intervene now or he would be very screwed. Since he knew what was in those documents. He cursed himself for being so careless.

"LIES! You're just trying to cover for yourself! Stoick those documents are obviously fake!" Spitelout shouted to try to get Stoick on his side.

But the attempt was in vain as Stoick was already reading the papers and was frowning more and more as the seconds passed. Then he turned to Spitelout with a murderous glare.

"Spitelout… You did this?! You traitorous BASTARD!" Stoick shouted. All eyes of the Vikings not on Spitelout's group of traitors were on the latter instantly.

Spitelout knew he was stuck and tried to lie himself out of it as a last ditch effort. "What… Stoick are you mad? I'm your brother-in-law, I would never…" He tried but he was interrupted.

"NO MORE LIES SPITELOUT! THIS IS YOUR HANDWRITING, IT HAS YOUR SINATURE AND YOUR FAMILY CREST ON IT!" Stoick shouted while pointing at the offending documents. He then gave them to Valka for reference.

"You're right! This is Spitelout's writing!" Valka said surprised and angry.

Spitelout, knowing he was exposed tried to rile up the villagers in hopes to turn this in his favour. He and his conspirators had formed a tight group and Spitelout went in verbal confrontation with Stoick as he had no other option.

"Yes, I did! For the good of the village! You have always been a pacifist Stoick and this is what happens!" He said gesturing to Hiccup and his troops. "Berk gets invaded! And what about your heir? Everyone knows the village would collapse the moment she becomes chief!"

Hicca looked at Hiccup after this proclamation but he just shook his head to say she shouldn't listen to him. That he was wrong. Though no-one else saw this interaction.

"My son would be a much better successor! He is the embodiment of Vikingness! Strong, brave,…" Spitelout said.

"Stupid, egocentric, jealous,… Should I continue?" Hiccup suddenly quipped.

Several Vikings from the crowd snickered. Ryder hadn't lost his sense of sarcasm. Snotlout and Spitelout however were fuming.

"You stay out of it traitor! Without you all of this would have worked! I had everything planned out! I even have a large part of the village behind me!" Spitelout lied. He only had a group of about thirty Vikings, about ten percent of the population. "And you can't stop me Stoick! You don't even know who you can trust."

Stoick's eyes widened at this, Spitelout had a point. He had no idea they were even planning a coup on him much less who was on his side. The only people he could trust were Valka, Hicca and maybe Gobber. Everyone else was an unknown.

Seeing that Stoick was stuck Angus was about to step forward and help him out but he was once again interrupted, by Hicca.

"Unfortunately for you Spitelout…, I do know who I can trust." Hicca said with a smirk.

Several Vikings looked at the girl and she had a look like she knew something they didn't. Angus wondered if she knew about the loyalists. Though what she did next no one expected.

Hicca then turned to Hiccup. "Commander…you know what to do." She said.

"Affirmative Miss Haddock." Hiccup answered. The Vikings were stunned that Ryder, obviously an important figure in the Draconian empire allowed himself to be commanded by Hicca.

"Wha…" Spitelout said.

Hiccup then raised his right hand with two fingers extended he also drew his sword with his left hand and extended it. Instantly one of the four rectangles of troops shot into action and simultaneously drew their weapons. At was a mash up of different types, many had single or dual swords, there were axes, one of the bigger guys even had a hammer and there was one with a glaive. All had drawn their weapons and took a step forward. Six of the raptors had also moved.

The Viking crowd took a step back seeing this slightly aggressive move. Then Ryder spoke.

"By order of the Hairy Hooligan heir and the authority of the Draconian Empire, Spitelout Jorgenson and associates are under arrest for charges of treason and attempted murder of the Hairy Hooligan Heir. Surrender peacefully and you will be treated fairly. Resist…, and we will use deadly force." Hiccup said stepping forward with the squad of troops and Raptors following uniformly.

The Vikings made wide eyes. Ryder had just threatened to attack Spitelout and his henchmen if they didn't surrender. And with the army behind him and the third ship in the air above them. Though they didn't know its full capabilities though its presence was menacing.

"You don't scare me Draconian! We can take you on any day!" Spitelout shouted to Ryder pulling a sword. His henchmen also pulling their weapons.

Stoick now understood that a confrontation was inevitable but the Draconian Imperial troops were presumably on their side. Well, at least on Hicca's side. He knew he couldn't allow the rest of the village to mix in this fight since that wouldn't end well. So he took action.

"Any Viking who is still loyal to me will stand down! Let them handle this!" Stoick ordered to the great surprise of many, but they obeyed and backed off.

Snotlout, having recovered reasonably from his earlier defeat against Ryder was hungry for revenge and charged without thinking. He hoped to get the jump on him and take him down quickly. He had no idea what he was running into.

Hiccup saw him coming from miles away and unlike last time he had no reason to hold back. Snotlout swung his sword down in a wide arc, Hiccup dodged to the left and hooked his sword behind Snotlout's. Sending it flying with one firm tug. Then before Snot could react Hiccup grabbed his throat and swung him over his shoulder sending him flying and face-planting in the dirt a few meters behind him before turning towards Spitelout again.

"Restrain him!" Hiccup ordered. Immediately after two troops grabbed a still dazed Snotlout by the shoulders of the ground and dragged him away.

Spitelout, seeing what had happened to his overzealous son was enraged and charged Hiccup, his henchmen following after him with a mighty war cry.

Hiccup stopped in his tracks, raised his right fist and then pointed towards the group with two extended fingers. Signalling his troops to attack.

The response came quickly as the squad broke into a sprint and almost barrelled into the oncoming but disorganised horde of Vikings.

The Draconian troops and the Vikings clashed. There were two major differences in their fighting though. While the Vikings were fighting to kill the troops, the Draconians were only here to subdue them. The other difference was that while Vikings were reasonable fighters, the Draconian troops were professionals.

Spitelout went straight for Hiccup seeing that he was the force's Commander. Their swords met and Spitelout gave it his all. Yet Hiccup didn't budge at all. Hiccup then wrenched their swords apart and used this opening to hit Spitelout right across the face, making him stumble backwards. Spitelout however recovered quickly and jumped right back in.

Their swords met again and Spitelout thought it was a good idea to try and taunt his opponent. Like that ever worked.

"Give it up Ryder! You can't hope to ever win against us Vikings!" Spitelout said smugly.

"Oh no? Then I guess you better take a good look around Spitelout. Then you'll see whose winning." Hiccup said back.

And it was true, the Vikings were overwhelmed by the sheer skill and numbers of the Imperial troops. Their weapons were batted away, they were forced on the ground and dragged away, they were being incapacitated by the flat of their swords or a hit from a blunt weapon. The Raptors and their riders were rampaging through the Viking ranks. Head-butting Vikings up into the air or stepping on them to knock them out. Instead of sharp weapons or their crossbows their riders were using their blunt batons, designed to knock their targets out cold.

Spitelout saw this while trying to land a hit on Hiccup and went eyes wide. Hiccup spoke again when their swords locked the next time. "As you can see we're not the ones losing Spitelout." Hiccup said.

He then forced Spitelout sword away and kicked him in the knees. Spitelout bucked forwards and was met by an armoured kneepad in his face. The force of the impact made him drop his sword and stumble backwards onto the ground.

There he saw that his force was getting overrun at every corner. Some of the Vikings had realised that this was a battle they couldn't win and made a run for it. An alert rider saw this however and grabbed a special kind of grenade from his belt, activated it and threw it at the Vikings trying to escape. The grenade exploded in a blue mist and the ones trying to escape seemed to be frozen in place. They were then also dragged away by Imperial troops.

Spitelout got back up and attempted to do damage to Hiccup by throwing random punches, screaming with every try. "I…WILL…NEVER…SURRENDER!" He shouted.

Spitelout was then slashed across the cheek, hit by several punches and got an armoured boot in the face. He fell on his back and tried to get up but Hiccup kicked him in the face again, rolling him over. He still tried to get up though.

"You really never give up do you?" Hiccup said. He then turned to a nearby Raptor and his rider and pointed at Spitelout. "Hold him down!" He ordered.

The rider nodded and the Raptor put one of his legs on Spitelout's back forcing him back on the ground.

By now the fight was as good as over with a very clear victory as the final remaining Vikings of Spitelout's group threw down their weapons and surrendered. Hiccup and his troops had won.

Hiccup was looking around for any casualties when his attention was grabbed by one of the officers. A female sergeant called to him. "Commander, could you come here for a second?" She asked.

When he arrived he found the sergeant holding the Thorston twin by their necks in front of him.

"What should we do with these two? They seemed really clueless about what was going on." The sergeant said.

"Do you know what's going on?" Tuffnut asked his sister confused.

"I have no idea…. That armour is cool though." Ruffnut answered.

Hiccup looked around and saw both the twins' parents being restrained on the ground. Then he remembered that the twins were total idiots and they were never present at one of the meetings.

'They likely were left out because they would spill in an instant. Like Fishlegs.' Hiccup thought. "They're idiots. Let them go. They had no involvement in this coup, it would be wrong to prosecute the when innocent." Hiccup ordered.

"Very well sir." She said. She then released the twins from her hold and motioned for them to move to the main Viking crowd. "You're free to go. Please move." She said. The twins did what they were told and quickly moved to where Stoick and the rest of the Vikings were standing.

"ALRIGHT! LINE THEM UP! STRAIGHT LINE, ON THEIR KNEES!" Hiccup ordered. The now imprisoned traitors were dragged into a line and forced on their knees with multiple troops behind them to make sure they remained seated.

Hiccup marched along the entire line to inspect, then turned and moved back towards Hicca where he saluted and reported. "All traitors apprehended and restrained Miss Haddock." Hiccup said while tucking away his sword.

"Good work Commander, at ease." Hicca said, making the most of the only time Hiccup allowed her to command him.

Stoick stepped forward from the crowd and went to Spitelout. "I never thought you would be the one betraying me. You were my brother Spitelout…. I'll make sur your punishment is very severe." Stoick said to him. He was only met with a harsh glare on a bruised and bloody face.

"And you…" Stoick said while pointing and moving towards Hiccup. He stopped a few meters in front of him, dropped his arm and his face gloomy but with small traces of regret. "…I owe you an apology. You may be a dragon rider, but you also saved my daughter and stopped a coup attempt. And for that I am grateful. Plus my daughter seems to trust you and maybe I should trust her judgement more." Stoick signed.

"All part of the job chief." Hiccup answered.

"Good now that that is all done, we should move on to other news." Hicca said.

"Hicca, can it wait? We should first make sure these traitors are locked up secure. Though I have no doubt in the skills of these people, I'll feel much more secure when they are behind bars." Stoick said, he then turned around to find loyal Vikings who would help him take the traitors to the prisons when Hicca stopped him.

"Actually dad, I think they need to see this." Hicca said.

"See what?" Stoick asked while turning back around.

"It's about his true identity." Hicca said while pointing at Hiccup.

The remaining Viking crowd turned their heads to the man they knew as Ryder, but that was obviously not his name.

'So his name isn't Ryder?' Astrid thought.

The Vikings were intrigued. It made sense for a spy to hide his true name. But what was so special to make him reveal it now?

Stoick turned to Hiccup. "Your true identity? So your name isn't Ryder?" He asked.

Hiccup scratched the back of his neck nervously. "Well,…uh…I'm not really sure how to break this to you sir…but…" Hiccup said nervously.

Stoick looked at him curiously, why was he so nervous? Hicca however just face palmed.

"Oh for Thor's sake Hic! Just take off your helmet!" Hicca said.

"Did she just call him Hic?" Gobber asked.

Hiccup nodded. "Right…" He then reached behind his helmet. There were several clicking sounds when the helmet unlocked and Hiccup then slowly removed it from his head. Several antagonizingly long seconds later the helmet was off and clipped to his belt, revealing a young man with shaggy auburn hair with a long, single braid of hair behind his right ear. He looked at them with vibrant, emerald green eyes.

The crowd gasped, Valka hit her hands over her mouth and made wide eyes. Stoick gasped and dropped his hammer at the sight. While the teens were clueless about why everyone was reacting like that.

Several Vikings about Stoick's age began whispering. "By Thor…I don't believe it" "He's alive." "Splitting image." "But he was killed." "Can't be possible." "The lad lives." And many more lines were whispered.

Valka stepped forward in wonder, her heart beating rapidly in her chest. "C…could it be…, after all these years?" She asked. When she was right in front of him she tried to touch his cheek when she noticed the small scar on his chin. Then she gasped. "The scar… the one you got when you were taken… Hiccup?" She asked with tears in her eyes.

"… Hey mom…" Hiccup answered.

That was all Valka needed to hear as she flung herself around his shoulders and cried of happiness. She had her son back. Unfortunately someone had to try and ruin this moment.

"THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE! YOUR RUNT DIED EIGHTEEN YEARS AGO! HE'S A FAKE!" Spitelout screamed.

Hiccup rolled his eyes and motioned for his troops to shut him up. Which they did by knocking Spitelout out.

"Don't listen to anything he says. He is the real one. He can prove it." Hicca said.

Hiccup nodded and Valka released him for a moment. Hiccup then pulled his necklace containing the bracelet from under his armour and showed it to his mother. "The only thing I've had with me for my entire life." He said showing the bracelet.

"Hiccup H. H. III" Valka read. "It is really you!"

Now the teens understood who he really was and now did Astrid understand why she thought he looked so familiar when she saw his face for the first time.

Then Stoick snapped out of his daze and walked towards Hiccup and Valka who still wouldn't release each other. "After eighteen years… I never dared to hope you might have been alive." He said.

"The world might surprise you dad…" Hiccup answered.

Then Stoick grabbed both his wife and son and began hugging them to death. "Welcome home son..." He said equally tearful as Valka.

"Hello dad." Hiccup said.

Stoick laughed. "Tonight we feast! For my daughter has returned… and my son is alive!" He proclaimed. The Vikings cheered at this. "But first we must lock these traitors away, we'll decide their fate later.

"Allow me dad." Hiccup said. He then was released by both his parents and turned to his troops holding the traitors down. "Alright, listen up! Escort all these traitors to the village prison blocks, do not let them escape! Afterwards report back here!" He ordered.

"Sir?" One of the soldiers asked.

"Yes what is it?" Hiccup asked.

"Where are the Village prisons?" The soldier asked. Hiccup opened his mouth to speak but then he remembered he didn't know where they were, so he just stood there like a gaping fish for a second. Gobber saw this and anticipated.

"I got it lad. Follow me! I'll lead the way!" Gobber said to Hiccup's troops. To which Hiccup motioned them to follow.

"Follow him. Double time!" Hiccup ordered.

The traitors were hefted onto their feet and led away by the Draconians who were following Gobber.

Stoick chuckled. "Commanding your own army. You really must have a story to tell. Let's go home so you can tell all about it."

Hiccup held out his hand to stop Stoick. "I'm going to stop you right there. You'll have to wait until tonight to hear my story since I still have a lot to do. Seeing that we will be staying here for a while." Hiccup said gesturing to the rest of his troops.

Stoick looked a little bit dejected but accepted anyway. "Alright, then we'll see you at the feast." He said, he then looked up to the Draconians behind Hiccup. "And bring your troops as well. From now on they are our guests!"

Hiccup nodded gratefully and turned around. "Alright, set up camp around the landing site! Perform a perimeter sweep around the area and store the dragons back inside afterwards! No diplomatic incidents anymore!" He ordered. He then gazed into the sky and motioned for the third airship to land.

"SIR, YES SIR!" Came the answer.

Stoick looked proud to the man his son had grown into and he was dying to know the stories he had to tell. But then his eye fell on an approaching blonde teen with a battle axe. And she didn't look very happy. 'Oh no…' He thought.

Hiccup turned back around after giving out the orders only to come face to face with an angry looking Shield-maiden. Before he could say anything she slapped him in the face…hard.

Several Vikings cringed as that looked like it hurt. And it did.

Hiccup held his cheek and cringed. "Ouch, yep… I deserve that one."

"You…" Astrid began shakenly.

Hiccup stopped her before she could say anything. "Astrid, wait… before you say anything let me speak first."

Astrid said nothing and Hiccup continued.

"I know I lied and I'm truly sorry. Should the situation have been any different I wouldn't have. I genuinely liked the time we spend together. I really did. I just couldn't tell you the truth." Hiccup said. "If I did you would all have shipped me away instantly and my mission would have failed…. I know you must hate me, and I understand if you don't want to talk to me ever again after this. I just wanted to say I'm sorry."

Astrid raised her hand again and Hiccup braced himself for another hit. But it never came. Astrid just signed. "You lied, yes. But I can't help but think you had a reason to. I won't forgive you so easily." She said while pointing at him. "But I am willing to listen…you better have a damn good story to tell Haddock!"

"Very well miss Hofferson." Hiccup answered. To which he got a fierce glare which he backed away from a bit. "Astrid… I get it, Astrid." He corrected.

Astrid made a smug smile, then she frowned again. "But don't you ever lie to me again…" She seethed.

"Affirmative." Hiccup nodded nervously.

Astrid then walked away and Hicca came up next to her brother. "Looks like you dodged a crossbow bolt there." She joked.

"Yup, she can be scary…" Hiccup answered.

Stoick chuckled. "Aye, she definitely can son. But you were really brave to say the truth to her. Well done."

"Yeah thanks." Hiccup answered.

"So, let's get to work right?" Hicca asked.

Hiccup smiled and took his helmet from his belt. "Alright pipsqueak, let's go." He said laughing.

"What are you going to do?" Valka asked.

"I'm helping him out. See you all tonight." Hicca said while she put her helmet back on and ran to the now rising encampment.

Hiccup looked at her running of, shrugged, saluted to Valka and Stoick and ran off himself.

Valka and Stoick just stood there wondering what had happened between those two when they were gone.

Alright, this was like eight thousand and a bit words so I think it's long enough. And I really wanted to cram all of this in it. All these events just needed to be in one chapter, otherwise it would be weird in my opinion.

Anyhow I don't really know what to say. This chapter has been flying around my head for a long time and I hope I did a good job putting it on paper. So anyways Spitelout has been captured, Hiccup has been revealed and a storytelling chapter with more reveals is coming up. Also did I capture Astrid's reaction right?

By the way, I love the reveal scene for the airships and the landing sequence. Also the Hiccup reveal though. Let me know what you think.

Reviews:

OechsnerC: well I hope you're satisfied.

TheKingOfAll: I'm not planning on any more plot twists no. Hicca leaving will be explained next chapter and you saw what Astrid thought. More about that also next chapters.

mc arno: indeed thank you. I have decided to keep the period in which the Haddock siblings are on Berk reasonably short. They still have other things to do.

5: hmm, I don't think Hiccup is that vicious. Nah, just keep it a blood eagle. And the bazooka invention is maybe an idea for a sequel. When they are on Berk permanently, invent it and it then falls in the hands of the twins for instance.

Stormfly1124: thanks for giving your opinion. I'll see what I'll do with it.

orca3553: I hope I captured Valka's reaction to your liking. But taking them back to Draconia doesn't really work for the further plot. Also I'm glad you asked about Draco since I already have his backstory thought out and have a solid reason why he won't be appearing. I can give that explanation in the next chapter during Hiccup's story time if you wish.

Thearizona: that is exactly what I thought as well.

KittyWithAKnife: I think they had their share of scares now. PS: any louder and they might hear you. Lol.

Ghost Dragon Master: don't feel sorry for him, he's an asshole. Also Haddock just means dangerous dragons in canon. (Nightfury, Stormcutter, Rumblehorn…) See what I mean.

assasins death: nah don't worry about it mate. As for pairing Hicca, I'm not going to do that. At least not in this story. I think that would make it even more complicated. And thanks for the compliments.

Vfuertejr: hope you're satisfied. Also how do you pronounce that name?

Looperst: or C, follow the plot that has been written out since the beginning. It's an interesting idea but it doesn't really fit here. But I could have Snotlout return in a sequel. Hmmm….. interesting.

Anyway, this chapter has been a blast. Until next time everyone.

Dismissed