Chapter Twenty One

Stoick had a vein in his neck bulge out. Seeing his son on his knees with an axe over his head caused a rage swell up inside of him. No matter how much bigger Strogg was, he could kill him right then and there if he had the chance to do so. Unable to really vent his anger, he simply looked away and swallowed it. He had to get his son away from that maniac. Finally looking at Strogg in the eye, he shouted "You hurt him in any way, and I'll make sure you don't leave this island alive!"

"I'm sure." Strogg replied coldly, his eyes narrowing at Stoick "I'm not wanting to negotiate for your son. Not yet at least. This is just a warning. If I see anything that looks like a dragon fly over us, he and his Night Fury are dead! I'm demanding that you let us be for the night, and in return, I won't kill him."

Stoick glared at Strogg, seeing that he was just buying himself time to set up his forces. Unable to refuse or counter the demand, he simply nodded. Stepping forward, he shouted "You and your men aren't to leave that spot! If I see anything that looks like you're trying to do anything to give you more of an advantage, we'll charge in with our dragons, and save him ourselves!"

"A dream's chance." Strogg spat back. Then, in a more calming tone, agreed "I just want to rest my men from the slaughter you did to them. Just like those Crevites before."

"You invaded us! Do not blame your men's deaths on us!" Stoick quickly snapped "And don't pretend you're noble in your quest to end the last Crevite! You're just like them! Murderer!"

"Enough!" Strogg roared, glaring at Stoick "Meet me here as the sun sets! We'll talk about what you can do to get your son and his Night Fury back!"

Stoick just glared at Strogg as he grabbed Hiccup's arm and dragged him back where his men had started to set up camp. Reluctantly, as Hiccup disappeared from his view, he turned and whispered "Fall back. I want guards along the cliffs in case they try to climb them at night. Keep the bulk of the men by the docks." Turning to Gobber and Ukiah, he whispered "Come with me. We need to talk."

Ukiah could only nod. He stared at where the Thariin soldiers were setting up barricades and tents. All he could think about was that Hiccup and Toothless shouldn't be there. They didn't deserve to be captured! It was his fault! His people's fault! A cold anger swept over him, strangely calming him. He had to kill Strogg. He had too.

"Ukiah! Let's go!" Stoick's gruff voice called out.

Letting out an angry breath, Ukiah let Arrow turn and follow the army of Berkians away from the Thariin camp; leaving Hiccup and Toothless behind.

The three arrived into the Chief's house. After setting up some sentries along the cliffs above the beach, Stoick asked the remaining dragon riders, minus Ukiah, to patrol behind the village, just in case Strogg had another ship try to sneak behind. Astrid, though begrudgingly because she wanted to be with Stoick and Ukiah, took charge of the patrols and sent each rider on their own path.

Ukiah opened the door, holding it open for Stoick and Gobber. The trek was silent, leaving each to their own thoughts. As they walked in, and Ukiah closed the door, Stoick sat down in his chair, staring blankly at the fireless fire pit.

Ukiah couldn't help but feel the guilt cut through his heart. Here was the man willing to defend him, in the shadow of the possibility of losing his only child. His son.

With furrowing eyes, Stoick looked up at Ukiah, who looked like he was pondering the situation as well. "We all know what he's going to ask for Hiccup, right?" He asked aloud.

"A free pass out of here with me." Ukiah whispered back, folding his arms and staring at the fire pit as well "I'm more than ready to make the trade Stoick. It's my fault that Strogg has him."

"I don't want to do that." Stoick growled, shaking his head at the suggestion.

"What choice will we have?" Ukiah asked, trying his best to rein in his voice from yelling "Strogg came here to get me. To kill me. Unless we try to fake my death, which I'm sure won't convince Strogg until he's separated my head from my body, what else can we give him?"

Stoick glared at Ukiah, slowly standing up from his seat. Ukiah couldn't help but feel a sudden sense of fear. Stoick was a no nonsense kind of guy, and he knew his threats were real; as were his passions. "I said that's not going to be an option." He repeated quietly, his voice growing cold.

"Stoick!" Ukiah cried out in disbelief "This is your son we're talking about!"

"Hold on Ukiah, let's see what he's thinking about first." Gobber replied, resting his good hand on Ukiah's shoulder.

Before Stoick could continue, the door suddenly burst open, causing all three to whirl around. Standing there was Astrid, her eyes glaring with anger. "Chief, I'm sitting in here too!" She demanded "This involves me as much as you and Ukiah!"

"Astrid, get out and go hel-" Stoick began to order, only to be cut off by her.

"The others are already on their patrols!" She shouted, standing up to the chief "Whether you like it or not, I'm sitting in this little meeting of yours! Not just because Hiccup's my friend, but I was there too! I was the one that ran into the arena to save Ukiah, I was the one that took him away from Strogg!"

Stoick stared at Astrid, furious that she wasn't going to listen to him regardless of how threatening he made himself appear. Shaking his head he let out a long sigh. "Just this time, but I don't want you disobeying my orders anymore. Understand?"

"I do." Astrid replied firmly, nodding in agreement. She wasn't usually this difficult when Stoick asked her to do anything. But this was an exception. She knew that whatever they were going to be talking about, it would involve both her friend's lives; as well as their dragons.

"Gobber. Why don't you go get Gothi?" Stoick asked, turning to his friend.

"I was just about to suggest that." Gobber replied, walking towards the open door "I shouldn't be too long."

"Why is he getting Gothi?" Ukiah asked, looking at Stoick with confusion.

"To help with my idea." Stoick replied with a serious expression on his face "If you let me explain it to you, maybe you'll agree with me."

Realizing Stoick actually had an idea, and was rebuking him for acting like he did, Ukiah slowly nodded while taking a seat in an empty chair. "Sorry Stoick…I just…I can't help but blame myself for what happened."

"Don't. It was me who took you with us." Stoick growled, accepting the apology in his own way. Looking at Ukiah, he then said "I'm still not liking my idea completely, but…if you agree, you could get your desire to fight Strogg, and save Hiccup."

Ukiah's head perked at the suggestion. "How?" He asked "Why would he fight me, rather than trade for me with Hiccup?"

"Because it's who he is, Ukiah." Stoick answered "What I'm suggesting, is…" His voice trailed off a little, hesitating on even thinking it.

"Stoick. If it's a chance to get Hiccup away from that maniac, I'm already on board." Ukiah threw in, looking at him with resolution.

"Strogg is very prideful. He likes to flaunt his strength and achievements." Stoick began to say "His arena back in Thariin, the Keep that he had built, even when he was simply walking around."

Both Ukiah and Astrid stared at Stoick with intensity, making a mental note that they had picked up that vibe from him as well.

"I'm asking you to challenge Strogg tonight. To challenge him for Hiccup." Stoick quietly asked "He won't turn it down. Especially if it comes from you. In his mind, he'll think he's going to get what he wants; and he'll have a crowd watching him."

Ukiah didn't even have to think about the idea. He instantly stood up, saying "Of course I'll challenge him! I'll do it right now if you want me too!"

"Hold on." Astrid asked, stepping up to the two "Say Strogg does accept the challenge. What's to say Ukiah can actually beat him?" Looking at Ukiah, she added "I'm not saying you can't, but what happens to Hiccup if Strogg wins? Does he get what he wants with Ukiah and a prize?"

Ukiah thought about what she was saying, realizing that more was potentially at stake than just him.

"That's why I asked Gobber to get Gothi." Stoick answered, pulling his thoughts back to the current conversation. "The Crev were powerful warriors. Not only because they lived it day for day, or the fact that it was in their bloodline, but they had a connection with their ancestors. They were a mysterious people, and were almost empowered by their shaman like rituals."

"You're getting Gothi to teach me how to meditate…" Ukiah whispered, seeing the reason why Gobber went to get her.

"Exactly. If you can…find yourself, then Strogg won't be facing just any warrior; he'll be facing a Crevite warrior. He'll have more than his hands full." Then softly, he added "This is the only way I can think of to get Hiccup back without giving you up." Looking at Ukiah in the eyes, he asked "Do you think you can beat Strogg? Can you get my son back? Be honest with me, Ukiah."

"Stoick. Strogg will fall by my hand." Ukiah replied resolutely, sitting up straight "I already resolved to kill that man before you talked to me about this. I promise I'll get Hiccup back. I will not fall. Not to him." Then, a lot softer, whispered "I'll get Hiccup back."

"Thank you…" Stoick whispered, his eyes softening "I made a lot of mistakes with him. I don't want this to be another. If you have any reservations, please tell me.

"Stoick." Ukiah began to say "All I need is a little time with Gothi, and to meditate. I'll be ready to fight way before I actually do."

Stoick nodded, his face unchanging "Come on, let's meet up with them."

Ukiah followed Stoick, as did Astrid. Looking at him, she whispered "How confident are you that you can beat him?"

"Astrid, I understand your concern. But I'm not lying when I say I know I can beat him. I know it." Ukiah whispered back, his eyes burning into hers "I can't lose. Not when I have friends I've promised I'd protect."

Ukiah glided Arrow over the cove that Hiccup brought him earlier that morning. It was late afternoon and he had just finished listening to Gothi. Well, Gobber actually.

Gothi had told him about how he was essentially entitled to visions. Ones that held answers for him to interpret. How that would help him fight? He had no idea. But he was going to do as he was instructed, and left to be alone to ponder the future events that would soon unfold.

Letting Arrow land gently, he slowly dismounted off of him. Soaking in the serene moment, he wished Hiccup could be there with him to enjoy the moment; but then again, if Hiccup could be there with him, he wouldn't need to be here. Walking to the edge of the pond, he knelt down and looked at himself through the reflection of the water. The charcoal he used for his war paint had smeared all over his face, making him look like a vagabond, rather than a warrior; or a friend. Kneeling down, he splashed his face and cleaned himself up. Scrubbing the remaining amounts of black off of him, he turned to see Arrow looking at him with concern.

"I'm alright friend. Just need to focus for a little bit." He answered, giving him a short smile. Turning to face the pond ahead of him, he promptly sat down on the damp bank. His mind turned to a moment that he couldn't explain, and had no answer for. It was the only time he thought it was a dream that was supposed to mean something. Back on the Berk ship, right before he woke up, he dreamed of a strange island. Full of canyons and rocks. A large, single, and broken statue in the center of what appeared to be a village square. And then the skeleton he was never able to see in detail. What was it supposed to mean?

Crossing his legs, as Gothi instructed him to do, Ukiah stared across the still pond. Having never done this before, he didn't really know how to start. Shrugging slightly, he began to think about his history. By birth, he was supposed to become a murderer, someone who killed with no emotion. Feeling his pulse quicken slightly at the thought, he gently shook his head to try and get it out of his head, but to no avail. Why were they killers? Why were they like Strogg? Was another's life that meaningless to them?

Opening his eyes, he gazed across the pond. Clouds drifted by in the reflection, as if unaware of the seriousness of the circumstances below.

Looking down at his own reflection, he saw that he had missed a few spots with the charcoal. Not caring to clean it up, he resumed his thoughts on his people. Why couldn't they've been like the people of Berk? Maybe if they were different, they'd have been the ones to train dragons.

Frowning, Ukiah let out an angry vent. He was not like his people. He didn't kill for sport, or for status. He killed to protect his friends.

His friends…

The thought of Hiccup, Astrid, Toothless, Stormfly, Gobber, and Stoick made him relish in the sweet joy he had in being with them. Closing his eyes, he thought of each one individually.

Hiccup was the one that taught him how to ride dragons, and taught him how to be a friend back. The fact that Strogg had him in his camp made him quiver in anger. His friend, was a hostage to brutal killer. He couldn't let him down.

Gobber was more help in teaching him how to be human while being a warrior. And helped him initially learn about his past. He was patient with him, even when he was wrong. Though goofy and rarely stressed, he was dependable and wise. In his own way.

Stoick. Stoick risked everything to protect him; including his only son. For a wrong he may have done years past, he was doing everything to fight for Ukiah, even if it meant risking Hiccup. He had also placed his faith in him to save Hiccup. The thought alone made his chest burn with pride and resolution. The fact that he was standing behind him, made him even more confident in his abilities to fight Strogg.

Astrid…the thought of her made him feel a calming feeling rush over. She was special to him. Even if she didn't feel the exact same as him, she would always be a reason for him to fight. She saved his life more than one occasion, she fought by his side in the arena, and had been the one to free him from Strogg in the first place.

And Arrow. The entire reason for the events that happened in just the past month. The dragon that first became a friend, was now more like family to him. The thought of losing him to Strogg while in the arena was almost too much to bear. If for anyone, he would die for the one that changed his life forever. And for the better too.

Sighing, Ukiah opened his eyes, expecting to see the pond. Instead, he saw something that took his breath away. A battlefield. He stared in shock as he watched Vikings rage against each other. He seemed to be magically floating around the scene, watching individual fights take place. His vision passed by the fighting, as if heading to a stone room, carved into the side of a canyon.

Then it hit him. He was back at the place he saw in his dream!

With the new revelation proceeding before him, he watched the fighting more closely. Some soldiers had basic armor, and looked pretty generic. The others they were fighting had blackened weapons. On their faces was an oh so familiar sight to him. A black diagonal line from high left to low right.

His people's war paint.

He was watching the battle that destroyed his home. In disbelief, he found himself standing within the battle. Those fighting seemed to ignore him, as if he wasn't there. Walking through the battlefield, he found the room he walked into previously. A fire raged near the doorway, making it impossible to see what was inside.

Suddenly, a lone soldier charged towards the room, raising a sword above his head. Just as he was reaching the doorway, he fell forward dead. Confused at what happened, Ukiah watched as a man with a crossbow leaped through the doorway. He wore a black cloak, and blackened chainmail. Behind him emerged a lady, carrying a single baby. Their faces were blurred, providing no detail on who they were.

The apparent father turned and ordered the lady something. The mother angrily shook her head, which she turned to and shouted into the room. The silent conversation entranced Ukiah, realizing he was watching something he would never know otherwise.

Another lady appeared from the room, a young hand maid. Ukiah gasped as he stared at her. Though younger, he recognized the face. It was Jessika. His guardian.

The mother handed the baby to her, pointing in a direction and then looked down at the baby. She was looking at him. Ukiah, as a babe.

"Mom…" He choked, staring at the blurred figure. Looking over at the father; no, his father; he couldn't even choke out the words. His parents, were right before him; yet, he couldn't say anything to them.

Jessika clutched him close with both arms, and sprinted away from the battle. A soldier started to chase her, only to get a bolt plunged into the center of his back.

"That's how…" Ukiah whispered, watching him get carried away by Jessika.

Turning around, he was shocked to see himself alone, with his parents standing before him. The battle had disappeared, and he was standing with them in the desolate remains of his village. Though their faces blurred, he could see them smiling. The thoughts of his parents being evil killers left his mind, as he stared at the calming smiles both of them carried. He wished he could have seen what they looked like.

His mother walked up to him, still smiling. In one motion, she raised her hand and tenderly rested it against his cheek. Ukiah closed his eyes, relishing the moment. A single tear rolled out of his eye, making him wish he could have known her. Feeling her wipe away the tear, tried his hardest to keep himself from crying any more.

After what felt like a few brief seconds, he opened his eyes and found himself face to face with his dad. Though blurred, the smile never faded. Suddenly, he reached up and grabbed Ukiah's shoulder with his right hand. Shaking him gently, he then pushed the crossbow he was carrying into Ukiah's chest. Forced to grab it, he looked down at it. The metal arms were blackened, just like all the other weapons and armor he saw. However, a small blade protruded from the front, making it lethal to bash someone with.

Clutching the crossbow, he looked up and found himself staring at an empty pond. The sun was low, barely starting to sink behind the trees around him. Trying to recover from what he witnessed, he looked back down and saw that he was clutching his own crossbow. He knew the message his father passed onto him.

Arrow, who watched Ukiah eagerly, gently bumped him to see if he was alright.

Turning to face his dragon, Ukiah let out a small smile. "Friend…I'm going to win. I promise you."

"Hmmmhhhh…" Strogg muttered, staring at the direction that Berk's warriors were camped at on the other end of the beach. The sun was halfway down in the ocean, and there was still no sign of Stoick. Looking down at Hiccup, who was on his knees with his hands tied behind his back, he teased "Think your father forgot you, boy?"

Hiccup didn't say anything, but kept on staring at the camp ahead. His leather vest was taken off of him, where he only had his green tunic.

Seeing him remain quite, Strogg shrugged and turned to Malke, who stood on his other side "Perhaps we should just sail away. Let Berk come to us to discuss the boy's freedom."

Hiccup fidgeted slightly, not because of the possibility of being taken to Thariin, but Toothless was heavily on his mind. What was to become of him? What did Strogg have planned for the rare Night Fury? A life in the arena? The thought made him squirm a second time. "Hang in there bud…" He whispered to himself, trying to calm the anxious thoughts flying through his head.

"Ho, Strogg." Stoick's voice called out, walking out of the camp and towards him.

"Stoick. Thought you forgot about us." Strogg teased, smirking at the approaching Stoick. Gobber, Astrid, and Ukiah were with him, and all unarmed; just like themselves.

Ukiah wished he could just send a bolt into Strogg, seeing Hiccup tied up and his vest removed from him.

"Enough." Stoick quickly replied, cutting off all chances to jeer at him. Stopping a good ten feet away, he looked at Hiccup with concern. Seeing his son on his knees made him rage silently inside. Swallowing it, he asked "Are they hurting you son?"

"No. Though the ropes are pretty tight." Hiccup grunted sarcastically, looking up at his dad.

"We've treated him and his dragon more than fair." Strogg replied, cutting in the conversation "Given what he did to my men and ships!"

"Are you going to waste my time with this petty bantering?" Stoick growled, narrowing his eyes at Strogg.

"Of course not." Strogg replied, his eyes also narrowing. Gesturing to Ukiah, he then said "I think you already know the price. Ukiah for Hiccup, and his dragon, Arrow, for Hiccup's Night Fury."

Before Ukiah could step up, he was stopped by Stoick, who said "What about your champion and his remaining men for Toothless? What value do they carry?"

"Ugo's alive?" Malke gaped, staring at Stoick. Turning to Strogg, he whispered "We have to get him back!"

"Malke! Shut up and let me do the talking." Strogg growled, glaring at Malke and making him back away. Turning to Stoick, he then said "How do I know he's still alive?"

"You don't." Stoick growled, glaring at Strogg "Just like I don't know you'll keep your word! We'll bring him and his men to you tomorrow for the dragon."

Strogg pondered the suggested trade. Shrugging, he smiled and said "Fair enough. But that still leaves Hiccup without a trade…"

"Oh, don't worry Strogg. I have a proposal for you." Stoick replied, his voice getting cold.

"If it's not Ukiah, I won't agree to anything." Strogg put out, stepping towards Stoick "Don't waste my time."

"I propose a duel." Stoick announced, ignoring the demand "I know you Strogg. If I give you Ukiah, you'll just kill him while your men watch. How about we just let you two settle your differences tomorrow at noon?"

Hiccup's head perked up in shock, staring at Ukiah whose face was stone.

"This is what you wanted isn't it?" Stoick continued to say, staring at a smug looking Strogg "Your own audience! Who better than the friends of your challenger to watch!"

"Stop speaking, Stoick. I want to talk to Ukiah about this." Strogg replied, turning his full attention to Ukiah "You choose to do this on your own free will and choice?"

"More than what you gave me in your arena." Ukiah growled back, his eyes narrowing.

Strogg didn't show, but he silently let out a shocked breath. The face was determined, just like the warriors he faced when he destroyed his tribe.

"I'm challenging you Strogg…I learned what my tribe was, but I'm not like them. I won't kill you for the sake of killing. But to help those that helped me." Then his hazel eyes darkened to almost a black, as he hissed "And to avenge my parents."

Strogg quickly dismissed his shock, shrugging at Ukiah's statement "Admirable, but stupid. Your people were nothing but killers and murderers. Sure, I may not be better than them, but I only destroyed one tribe. Do you even know how many yours destroyed?" Then, lowering his voice, he whispered "Say what you will about your own motives; you're still one of them. Nothing will change that."

"I don't plan on changing what I am, just the reason why I do what I do." Ukiah growled back, his eyes not backing down from his.

"So, noon tomorrow." Stoick interjected, seeing the two inch closer to each other.

"On one condition, Stoick." Strogg snarled, looking up at his former friend "Actually two. None of your men will be armed, as none of mine will be either."

"Fine." Stoick agreed, frowning at the thought of another condition.

"I'm only going to agree if I have a prize too. As far as I'm concerned, when I beat Ukiah, I don't get a reward. If Ukiah beats me, he gets both Hiccup back and me dead.

Stoick's blood froze, seeing where Strogg was going.

"I want you to put up someone that you have to give up if Ukiah loses." Strogg continued to explain, a slow, evil smile appearing on his face.

"I'll find someone. Don't worry about that." Stoick answered, trying to cut off any more chances of him adding to his request. But it was no good.

Shaking his head, Strogg looked over at Astrid, his evil smile widening "I want Astrid."

"No! She has nothing to do with the two of us!" Ukiah barked, taking a step up to Strogg.

"Oh? Like Hiccup doesn't either?" Strogg replied back, his voice dripping with an uncaring, cold tone "She's either on the wager, or I won't accept your challenge."

"Fine! I'll be there!" Astrid yelled, catching everyone's attention.

"What are you doing?!" Ukiah hissed, staring at her in dismay.

"Astrid! No!" Hiccup shouted, only to be grabbed by Malke and hefted back towards the camp "Let go!" He continued to shout, fighting Malke the best he could. Looking at Astrid, he continued to shout "Don't do it Astrid!"

"I'll be there Strogg! I'll be ready to go with you. If! You beat Ukiah." She continued to shout, ignoring everyone's protests "But I promise he won't fall to you."

Strogg just grinned, nodding in acknowledgement. Turning to Ukiah, he whispered "I accept, boy. I hope you bring more than a crossbow and a dagger. I've walked through more than a few of those in my lifetime…" At that, he turned and walked away, following Malke and a protesting Hiccup. "Bring Ugo and his remaining men tomorrow Stoick. I'll trade the Night Fury for them."

The four watched him depart, disappearing into the camp.

"Ukiah…it's all in your hands now." Stoick whispered grimly, staring at the Thariin camp.

Not replying, Ukiah just thought to himself "I can't lose. I won't lose. Strogg thinks I'm just boy that is a Crevite. He's wrong. I am a Crevite warrior! Turning to Gobber, he then asked "Can you help me with some of my gear? I…have an idea.

"Of course, my forge is yours as long as you need it." Gobber replied, trying to sound optimistic.

"Thank you. And, out of curiosity, do you happen to have any chainmail?" Ukiah asked, a small grin forming on his face.