How to Train Your Dragon: Hiccup and the Vagabond

by Dustnblood

Ukiah was the last of his tribe, and was essentially alone all his life. But, as he develops a unique friendship with an unlikely friend, he finds himself fighting not only for himself, but also for his newly adopted family. The Berkians. While living with Hiccup and others, he learns more and more of his tribe's past, and ultimately why he's being hunted by a vengeful chief.

22. Chapter 22

Chapter Twenty Two

Ukiah shoveled more white hot coals on top of the chainmail he placed in the forge, spreading them evenly across it. It was well late into the night, and Gobber had been more than helpful in the short time they had. Having blackened his crossbow arms, as well as a short blade he attached to the front of it, Gobber was busy fletching some new crossbow bolts with different arrow heads. They were vicious, barbed looking ones; giving them the appearance of a small harpoon. Arrow was the inspiration behind them, his body looking like an arrowhead.

"There ya' go, Ukiah." Gobber announced, walking up to him with a smile. Placing the bolts next to the quiver, he added "Big or not, these bolts will do a number on anyone they hit." Looking at the blackened crossbow, he then commented "Interesting that you wanted to do this. Any reason why?"

"Well…an idea was given to me. During that little vision I had." Ukiah replied, a small smile growing on his face. Though he told everyone about his vision, he kept out the part that he met his parents and that he was mimicking his dad. Gesturing to the door with his head, he then said "I'm almost done with the chainmail and dagger. Go ahead and get home."

"Don't stay up too much longer, Ukiah." Gobber cautioned, looking at Ukiah skeptically "You need more rest than I do. Why don't you hit the sack, and I'll finish up for you."

"Thanks Gobber, but I'd like to be alone for a moment. I just need to think about tomorrow." Ukiah replied, turning to face the forge that was blackening his remaining gear.

Nodding, Gobber patted Ukiah on the shoulder and then turned to head out. Stopping at the doorway, he turned and said "Whatever happens Ukiah, I can tell you Stoick and Berk will have no regrets for taking you under our wing. I promise you that's true."

Ukiah turned and faced Gobber. "That means a lot to me Gobber. It really does." Then a lot more confidently, he added "I'm going to get Hiccup back, and end Strogg's life. Don't worry Gobber, this is something I can promise."

Gobber smiled, nodding in acknowledgement. Turning, he then disappeared into the night, leaving Ukiah alone.

Letting out a long sigh, Ukiah turned to face the forge. Letting his mind get caught up in the flames, he swore he was re-watching the battle he witnessed in his vision. Shaking his head, he looked away from the flames. Though his people were killers, they were still made up of families and had children in the village. They loved each other; at least, that was the feeling he got when he was alone with his parents. Shaking his head, he then whispered "Does it make it right with who they were?" His thoughts were interrupted as he heard a light knocking on the door.

Turning, he saw Astrid standing there. She had a small object in her hand, concealed with a cloth.

"Astrid! What are you doing up?" Ukiah asked, standing up and walking to her.

"You really thought that I wouldn't be awake and thinking about what's going to happen tomorrow? I'm basically collateral for the fight to take place." She replied, forcing a nervous smile "Besides, I knew you'd be up. Had to come down and check on you. Make sure you're not getting into any more trouble than what you're going to be in."

Realizing that she was just as anxious and nervous as anyone else, probably more so since she was directly involved in the fight, he gently guided her to a chair and sat her down. "Heh, I guess I should have known better…" He whispered, putting a wry smile on to try and comfort her. Returning his focus to the chainmail and dagger in the forge, he grabbed some heavy tongs and started to pull each one out.

"What are you doing anyways?" She asked, watching him hang the chain mail shirt on a hook.

"Blackening my weapons. Like my crossbow over there." He replied, making sure the glowing chainmail wouldn't fall "Gobber helped me coat my gear in some oil, and the heat will stain it through."

"Why…?" Astrid asked, raising an eyebrow as Ukiah pulled out his dagger's blade. Because the handle was wood, Gobber had to remove the blade from it, in order to set it in the forge. Unfortunately, it destroyed his handle, though Gobber said he'd put it in a new one in the morning.

Setting the blade on an anvil to let it cool, he then set the tongs down and took a seat across from her. Seeing her curious looking eyes, he finally decided to tell her exactly why he was doing what he was doing. Looking at her in the eye, he whispered "Can you keep a secret? Not tell anyone what I'm going to say?"

Surprised that he had a secret to begin with, she slowly nodded her head to agree.

"I didn't tell anyone this, but…" Ukiah began to say, almost hesitant "What I saw in my vision, wasn't just an assurance that I can beat Strogg. I saw my people. I saw…myself."

"Wait, what do you mean you saw yourself?" Astrid asked in confusion.

"As a baby." Ukiah whispered, looking down "I watched the battle that destroyed my tribe. The one that turned me into the last known Crevite."

Astrid gaped at him, unsure if he was telling the truth or if he lost his mind.

"I saw Jessika, my guardian, take me and run away from the battle." Ukiah continued to whisper, not taking his eyes off the ground "She took me…from my mom. While my dad defended both of them."

"You saw…you're parents?" Astrid whispered, staring at Ukiah in surprise.

Nodding, he continued to explain "Their faces were blurred, but…I saw them. During the vision, or whatever it was, I found myself alone with them. They didn't say anything to me, but my mom…she touched my check. It was real! I felt her hand wipe away a tear…"

Astrid just stared at him, realizing he was starting to get emotional as he recalled what happened.

"Then my dad…he walked up to me and grabbed my shoulder. He gripped it tightly and gently shook me; as if assuring me. He then shoved his crossbow into my chest, which I promptly took." Reaching, he grabbed his crossbow and held it out for both of them to see "It was like this. Black arms and a black blade at the end of it. His armor was blackened too. The way he pushed it into me, I know he was telling me that I needed this." Looking up at Astrid with misting eyes, he whispered "Astrid. I'm not just fighting for you, or Hiccup, or Berk; I'm fighting to avenge them. They may have been killers, or maybe just my dad; but I do know they loved me. I won't get the luxury of being able to see what they looked like. I never will. Because of what Strogg did to them. I will make sure he pays for the killings he did, and the deaths he caused."

Astrid just kept looking at him, seeing his face grow resolute. For the first time since she agreed to be the prize for Strogg, she felt calm. She somehow knew he would win. Relieved at first, she then felt a proud feeling overcome her. She was proud of him! Ukiah was a warrior. And was going to be a good one.

Slowly nodding her head, she then said "Ukiah…it's strange, but…I feel like I know you'll win. I'm not nervous anymore."

"I don't know what'll happen, Astrid." Ukiah began to say "It's not going to be easy; but Strogg is severely underestimating me. And I'll make sure he knows too, when I run my dagger into his heart." Looking at her in the eyes, he then re-affirmed "I will make sure you and Hiccup are safe from him."

"And I believe you." Astrid replied, a small smile forming on her face. Slightly looking down from his stare, she then whispered "Ukiah…there was a reason why I came here."

Ukiah's head perked a little, unsure of what to expect.

"I wanted you to fight with this. At least take it with you." She whispered, revealing the object in her hand. It was a dagger. The one with the wolf carved in the handle. "I know I gave this to you a few days ago, but I thought it'd help you during the fight. To show that I'm with you and helping you out."

"Astrid…" Ukiah whispered, taking the dagger gently. Though she gave it to him a few days ago, he completely forgot about it. Gently taking it, he stared at it. The wolf's blue eyes glistened in the forge's flame. He found the handle for his blade. Looking into her blue eyes, he whispered "Thank you, Astrid…I'll definitely be using it tomorrow during the fight."

Smiling, she stood up from her seat. Walking over to him, she quickly kissed him on the cheek, whispering "Be careful. And don't gloat in your victory until it's over." At that, she turned and ran out of the shop.

Ukiah stared out of the door, in complete shock of what she just did. Watching her run into the night, he let a small smile grow on his face. Shaking his head ever so slightly, he whispered "Thank you, Astrid. Meant the world to me…"

---

The sun beat down on the arena. Though the day was clear and bright, it was polar opposite of what was being felt. The arena had an uneasy tension in the air. Berk's villagers and warriors were all crowded around one side of the arena, as Strogg and his men gathered on the opposite side.

"Stoick!" Strogg shouted, strutting into the arena as if he were going to a picnic. Looking up at where Stoick was standing above the arena, he then shouted "I want to get this over with as soon as possible. It's a long trip back to Thariin. Is Astrid ready to go?" The chieftain carried his massive two handed war axe with one hand, letting it rest against his shoulder. His shoulder plates were polished and glistening in the sunlight. The long black cape remained attached to him, as he refused to take it off. He wore thick leather vest over his usual yellow and black shirt. On his fore arms were metal guards, though for show rather than usefulness. On his right guard though, were etches. Each etch signified who fell to him, and it was not a small amount.

"Business first, Strogg. Where's Toothless?" Stoick called out, his eyes unmoving at the giant man.

"Right here. As promised" Strogg gestured to his right. Sure enough, out of the crowd of Thariin soldiers, Toothless was dragged into view. Ropes kept him pinned down, and a large leather strap muzzled him. "Now…my men?"

Stoick turned and nodded to Gobber, who then shouted something. A small crowd of men were marched forward, with Ugo leading them. All of them had their hands tied in front of them, and had a long rope tied to each prisoner.

Ugo turned to see Strogg standing in the center of the arena, dressed in his armor. Confusion on his face, he was then ushered into the crowd of soldiers that started cheering as their lost comrades returned.

Toothless was quickly pulled into the Berk side, where he was promptly freed. The dragon roared angrily turning to face the Thariin soldiers. If it weren't for all the men holding him back, he would have charged back into the soldiers.

"Where's Hiccup, Strogg?" Stoick demanded, glaring down at Strogg.

"Where's Astrid?" Strogg retorted back, sending his own glare at Stoick.

"I'm here Strogg." Astrid called out, walking alongside Stoick. "Now where's Hiccup?" She repeated.

Smiling, Strogg signaled his men with a wave of his hand. Out of the crowd of soldiers, was Hiccup. Still in his green tunic, his arms were still tied behind his back; except this time, he had a cloth wrapped around his mouth, effectively gagging him.

"Now that we got that settled, would Ukiah like to come show his face? I hope he's going to make me sweat a little! I could use the exercise!" Strogg roared, beating his chest and laughing at Stoick. This brought a cheer from his men, which echoed loudly in the air.

"Open it." Stoick whispered to a villager standing ready.

Thunk! A massive bolt began to slide out of the door to one of the dragon cages. Strogg just stood there smiling, raising an eyebrow out of curiosity.

As the heavy duty bolt pulled out completely, one gate slowly opened. Out of the darkened room, came Ukiah. Wearing a black chainmail shirt, that was lined with fur padding underneath. The sleeves ran all the way down to his arms, the metal links stopping flush with his wrists. He also had a thick, solid, and consistent black line running diagonal on his face. From high left to low right. His crossbow hung loosely in front of him, loaded and ready to be used. His dagger was now strapped to his hip, as his chainmail wouldn't let him equip it over his chest. The quiver was strapped on the other side of his hip; though now it was also tied tightly to his leg, rather than hanging loosely.

"Well…it seems history is to repeat itself today..." Strogg called out loudly, lifting his axe off his shoulder. His smile disappeared as he continued to look over Ukiah. He was dressed exactly like some of the men he fought against, and it bothered him. Trying to let the appearance roll off, he shrugged and put up a casual smile "Stoick must've told you exactly what and who you are. A murderous killer…"

"I guess it takes one to know one." Ukiah replied, barely loud enough to be heard. His eyes were unmoving. The hazel color was depleted, leaving black, empty holes. "You may be right about me, being a merciless killer like my people before me, but there's one thing that differs me from you. I won't lose. Strogg, you've lived your entire life pushing over others to get your way. That stops today. Today, I'm pushing you over."

His voice was calmed and resolute. He was…different. Astrid stared down at him, her back running with chills. Stoick also had chills run down his spine. Not because Ukiah was acting different, but the way he was acting; just like the warriors he faced against. Calm, reserved, deadly.

"Tell you what, Ukiah. I'll make sure your death will be swift. That's the least I can do for you, considering you survived when I killed your tribe!" Strogg roared, raising his axe and charging forwards "This is my gift to you!"

Ukiah quickly rolled to his right, dodging the massive strike from the axe. Springing up to his feet, he raised his crossbow and fired.

Strogg turned to face Ukiah, just in time to catch the arrow in his front left side. Staggered at the hit, he roared in anger as he caught himself from falling over.

Ukiah wasted no time. Sprinting, he lunged forward with is crossbow extended out. He felt the blade at the end of the crossbow catch something. Holding on, he finished his lunge by somersaulting onto his feet. Spinning around, he leaped backwards to put some distance between him and Strogg.

Grunting, Strogg looked down to see his leg was slashed. His eyes burning with a raging fire, he turned to face Ukiah, who had finished reloading his crossbow.

For the first time since he entered the arena, Ukiah put on small smirk, knowing he surprised Strogg with his agility. The Berk Vikings roared in approval, amazed that Ukiah landed two hits on Strogg.

"I guess I'll have to work for this one…" Strogg growled. Reaching for the bolt stuck in his vest, he tried to pull it out. Though his thick vest stopped the arrow, the tip of the arrowhead still made some contact with him. Feeling that he wasn't going to pull it out, he quickly forgot about it as Ukiah raised his crossbow and fired a second time. Shifting to the right, the bolt caught his left forearm.

Feeling the sting in his arm, he let out a blood curling war cry and charged Ukiah like a bull that was stampeding. Shocked at the speed of the charge, Ukiah only had enough time to spring to the left. While airborne, he felt a force collide into his stomach, launching him backwards. Strogg knew he was going to dive away, and used the butt end of the axe to catch him in the middle of his dodge attempt; sending him sailing into the stone wall of the arena.

The Berk crowd gasped, which was overwhelmed as the Thariin side erupted into cheering as Ukiah slammed into the wall. His breath knocked out of him, he didn't even try to look for Strogg, who was roaring at the top of his lungs. Focusing on planting his feet on the ground, he then propelled himself along the wall and away from where he landed. He could hear a loud crack behind him as he blindly flew forward. Crashing onto the ground, he turned to see Strogg pulling his axe out of the stone ground. He sunk the edge up to three inches in the rock that made up the floor, right where he landed.

Not saying anything, he just stood up and quickly reloaded his crossbow. Strogg went relentless on Ukiah, not giving him any chance to take aim. Rushing him, he swung this way and that. Up and down, diagonal and side to side! Each stroke pushing Ukiah back and getting closer with ever swing. "Just die! You're only slowing your fate!" Strogg yelled in a pain filled fury.

"Falling to you is not my fate!" Ukiah roared back, taking an extra-long jump backwards. Raising the crossbow, he fired the bolt, unable to really aim it. Strogg felt the bolt graze his bicep, which he answered by increasing swipes and slashes with his axe. Gritting his teeth, Ukiah timed himself with the slashes. Time slowed down, as he watched the axe cut the air in front of him. His feet acting like springboards, he lunged forward, extending the crossbow out. Time resumed as he plowed the short blade in front of his crossbow, right into Strogg's vest.

"Gaaaagghh!" Strogg roared in pain, feeling the blade pierce his vest and plunge itself into his stomach. "Play time's over, brat!" He screamed in a fury. The towering giant shot his free hand out and grabbed Ukiah's crossbow, breaking the blade off and leaving it sticking out of him.

Ukiah instantly pulled back, trying to free his weapon from the unbelievably strong grasp. Seeing that he wasn't going to let go, Ukiah watched as Strogg raised his axe above him. The hatred in his eyes burned like two torches in a black, eternal pit. Then something came over him. Letting go of the crossbow, he then somersaulted right past Strogg, getting behind him and dodging the axe that would have cleaved his head right off. Whirling onto his feet, he drew his dagger and went into a defensive stance. Then to his horror, watched Strogg drop his crossbow and proceeded to smash it with his axe.

Astrid watched with an almost killing anxiety. Ukiah's primary weapon was gone! His strongest tool to drop the giant Viking, was destroyed. Her face went a shade whiter, not sure what the future would bring.

Strogg looked up from the crossbow he violently destroyed. His face grew darker as his blood pumped through his body, nulling any pain he felt. The blade in his side was more of an annoyance than a hindrance. Without warning, he let out another blood curling cry, charging Ukiah with blinding speed.

Ukiah side jumped as the axe crashed down where he was standing. The axe then swung violently to the side, the flat side acting like a fast moving wall. There was no way for him to dodge it, which he took directly to the front. Wham! The force of the strike seemed to paralyze him! Flying backwards, he felt like he was flying again, right until his feet hit the ground. End over end, he rolled into the center of the arena, while bolts from his quiver spilled out onto the ground. Both sides were in a frenzy. The Berk side roaring in shock and encouragement, while the Thariin side erupted into a cheer for victory! They knew it was only a matter of time before Strogg's axe would cut through Ukiah.

Ukiah struggled to get up, his breath short and his head being dizzy. Another hit like that was sure to keep him down. Still gasping for breath, he looked up to see Strogg charging him; this time with his axe lowered at his side. Ukiah could see what he was doing. Looking through his blurring vision, he waited just moments before Strogg heaved the axe in an upward slash. Rolling to his side as the axe was coming up, he felt it barely catch his side, sending rolling a second time. Though the chainmail stopped most of the axe's edge from cutting him any deeper, but the links were broken, rendering the chainmail useless. Wiping his hand where he was hit, he found his hand covered in blood.

Getting his composure, he saw Strogg barreling at him a second time. Gritting his teeth, he lunged himself at Strogg, throwing the giant's timing off as he brought the axe down. Ukiah tackled his feet, causing him to cry out in pain as Ukiah purposely gripped where he slashed his leg. Falling forward on the ground, Strogg rolled to his side. Pulling one of his feet free from Ukiah's wrapped arms, he visciously kicked him in the nose.

A loud crunching sound echoed in the arena, causing the Berk side gasp. Ukiah stumbled away from the kick. Holding his nose, he felt a warm liquid run over his hand. Just by barely touching it, he knew it was broken. "Gahh…" He groaned, shaking his head gently to try and get used to the pain. Through his tearing eyes, he looked up to see Strogg working on the bolt that was sticking out of his forearm. Having his axe set down, he gripped the shaft of the bolt. Breathing heavily, he pulled it out with one grunt. The arrow came out, but so did pieces of his arm. "Aggghhh!" He cried out, his arm visibly flinching due to the trauma to it. Looking at the barbed arrowhead, he then glared at Ukiah, yelling "Damn you! Damn your tribe! Damn Stoick and his pathetic excuse of a son! To Niflheim with all of you!"

Visibly relaxing, Ukiah tried to stand up straight, shouting "Listen to me Strogg. Neither of us has to die today. If you turn and walk out of the arena and give Hiccup back, I'll forget everything you did to me. Including killing my tribe and parents!" He knew what the answer would be, but he held onto a sliver of hope that Strogg would see sense over his pride.

"Hah! If you're asking me to forget what I started, think again! I don't give up what I start!" Strogg growled painfully, looking down at his bleeding leg. A large slash ran horizontally across his shin. Not only was the bone hurting, but a lasting stinging feeling continued to linger. The pain of the blade sticking out was also starting to grow. Blood was dripping from the broken, jagged edge that protruded out of the vest. If it was any other Viking, he would have fallen long ago! But the sheer size and strength of Strogg seemed to double his endurance, not to mention when he raged.

Shaking his head, Ukiah glanced up to see Astrid and Stoick looking at him with anxious faces. Seeing Astrid grip her axe with white knuckles, a thought came to him. One that made him sure that he knew how he was going to beat him. Turning to face Strogg, he whispered loud enough for him to hear "Then I guess we finish it. Whatever happens, this is good-bye. I hope the Gods will be merciful to you…Strogg the Murderer."

Strogg roared a mighty war cry. Raising his axe over his head, he charged Ukiah. Swinging his axe down, he planned on Ukiah rolling at him, as he did a few times before. Instead, Ukiah stutter stepped, and then slid to the left. The stutter step made Strogg hesitate, swinging his axe at a slower speed and exposing him longer. Ukiah, gripping the blackened dagger as if his life was the very object, drove it into the Strogg's thigh. Spinning to get a little extra distance between him and Strogg, he held his dagger up in front of him as if he was going to strike at any moment. Strogg was like Astrid, in that she was very aggressive in attacking. The best way he could counter the onslaught, was to be more aggressive himself!

Strogg hobbled at the sudden strike. Turning around, he was surprised to see Ukiah leaping in the air towards him. Out of reaction, Strogg swung his massive right arm across, hitting Ukiah out of the air. Though he knocked the hunter away, he let Ukiah drag his dagger across his arm as he flew backwards.

Ukiah rolled on the ground, though he sprung to his feet. He felt invigorated; something was empowering him! Ignoring the blood on his face, and the little bit coming from his side, he glanced down and saw one of his bolts that spilled out earlier. Grabbing it with his free hand, he charged Strogg a third time!

Ready for him, Strogg's eyes narrowed as he winded up his axe. Letting Ukiah get closer, he swung his axe as he was sure he'd cut him in half. Ukiah planted his right foot and pushed himself left, right as he was supposed cross the axe's path. Again, seeing Strogg open for a strike, he planted his left foot and pushed himself up. With the bolt in his left hand, he rammed it up his side, right under the vest.

The crowd erupted into a frenzy! Seeing where Ukiah stabbed him.

"Yes, Ukiah! Go!" Stoick shouted, watching in earnest "Keep hitting him!"

Astrid kept gripping her axe, watching Ukiah beat the behemoth with his sheer speed and agility! "Come on, Ukiah! You're almost done!" She whispered excitedly.

"Aaauuuggghhh!" Strogg shouted, coupling over. His eyes dilated wildly as the pain of the bolt riveted through his body. He was fading, and needed to do something to keep Ukiah down. Not really seeing him, he instinctively dropped his axe and reached for him. He felt himself grab his shoulder, which promptly gripped.

Ukiah, jerked back to get away. Unable to free himself, he simply drove the dagger into the arm that held him. To his shock and horror, it didn't make Strogg let go. His face red with anger, Strogg then grabbed Ukiah's other shoulder with his other hand, holding him in place. Blinded by pain and rage, he simply slammed his head down onto Ukiah's.

Crack! Ukiah reeled back, Strogg letting his grip release. With his head ringing with pain, he instantly felt dizzy and dropped the dagger in his hand. Stumbling backwards, he fell flat on his back. The noise of the crowd was blurred and blended, adding the confusion that was setting in. Closing his eyes, he tried to deal with the lightning like pain that pounded his head. Trying to focus on moving, he was stopped as he felt a weight push down on his chest. Looking up through his blackening vision, stared helplessly as Strogg placed his foot on Ukiah. He held his axe high above him, ready to execute Ukiah. His face had blood all over, adding to the insane and pain filled expression. His mouth was mixed with blood and foam, his eyes were wide and bloodshot.

"Ukiah!" Astrid screamed, seeing that he was about to be killed.

Hiccup was fighting the ropes that held him, also screaming into his gag.

Stoick didn't say anything. He couldn't. He was about to lose the one he swore to protect, a youth of his tribe, and ultimately his son.

"I'll leave my axe in you to send a message to everyone here in Berk…" Strogg growled painfully, glaring at the struggling hunter. He pressed his boot down harder, cracking sounds emitting from Ukiah's ribs.

"Gah!" He hacked out. Looking up at Strogg, he felt his hand rub against something. A shaft of one of his bolts! Grabbing it, he then used what energy he had left and rammed it into the leg that stood on him.

"Gaaggggh! No!" Strogg roared, taking a step back and off of Ukiah.

Ukiah didn't stop there. Even with his vision blurring, he pulled out the arrow, letting the barbed arrowhead do as much damage as it could. He reached and rammed it a second time into his leg, pulling back just as fast.

The pain was too much for Strogg. Dropping the axe, he fell forward onto both knees and one hand. His free hand he used to grasp where the blade was sticking out of his stomach, it now dripping with more blood.

Ukiah rolled to his side, trying his hardest to not black out. Breathing for only a moment, he then slowly stumbled to his feet. His head still ached, but his vision was ever so slightly returning. Turning and seeing Strogg on his knees and taking shallow breaths, he then stumbled to where his dagger lay. The crowd was eerily quiet, having witnessed one of the most incredible comebacks they've seen. Strogg…was essentially defeated!

Breathing deeply, Ukiah gripped his dagger while staring at Strogg. Then, limping towards Strogg, he raised the dagger high in the air. Just about to bring it down into Strogg's neck, a thunderbolt smashed into his chest.

Gasping, Ukiah stared into nothing for a moment. It was hard for him to breathe; in fact it was almost impossible for him to draw a simple breath! Looking down, he saw the crossbow's blade sticking out of the center of his chest, with Strogg's hand holding the end of it. He dropped his dagger as his breath continued to shorten. His ability to stay balanced was lessening, as he felt himself stumble over nothing.

"Heheheh…you lose, Crevite." Strogg laughed painfully, his bloodied hand releasing the blade he gripped. Strogg had actually pulled the blade out, and rammed it into Ukiah's chest; piercing the black, destroyed chainmail.

Ukiah just stood there, his arms spread open. He couldn't hear the shouting, he wasn't really seeing anything, and he couldn't feel anything; other than a cold wave that rushed through out his body. Dropping to his knees, he could barely make out Strogg's laugh. Trying to focus on the blurred individual, he then made out the the words "You failed Ukiah. You'll die knowing you failed your friends! Heheheheh…"

Loosely staring at Strogg, Ukiah tried to shake his head, barely whispering a few broken words: "No-n-ot...t-t-t-a…y-yo-u..." With what energy that hadn't rushed out of him, he reached up, grabbing Strogg by his hair, and pulled down.

Barely even able to kneel on his own, Strogg fell to the ground, unable to get back up.

Not listening to anything or anyone, Ukiah focused primarily to stand again. He legs felt like solid rocks, weighed down with something immensely heavy. He was unable to see anything, other than some short flashes of few memories he had the last month and few days. Hiccup, Astrid, Stoick, Gobber, and Arrow came in and out of view. Feeling himself unable to breath anymore, he could feel his feet stand on flat ground. Not looking at anyone specifically, he then shouted as loud as he could with his last burst of air from his lungs "I…w-w-iiiin!"

His body couldn't stay up any more. Collapsing onto his back, He just stared into the infinite blue sky.

Astrid already bolted into the arena, jumping between the metal bars. She wasn't the only one. Vikings followed closely by, as did a few soldiers from the other side; sprinting to their fallen chief.

Ignoring them, she slid on her knees to Ukiah. Looking at him in horror, she stared at where the blood had mixed itself with the black warpaint. His eyes were closed, and he was whispering something. Putting her ear next to his mouth, she could barely make out the words "Arr…ow…s-s-s-sorry…"

Not saying anything, Astrid fought the tears growing in her eyes. In a last attempt to comfort him, she gripped his blooded, open hand; put her mouth next to his ear, and whispered "Thank you, Ukiah…"

The smallest hint of a smile cracked on the corners of his mouth, only to disappear immediately after. Vikings rushed him, pushing her away. They immediately began to try and save him. Watching them crowd around the fallen fighter, Astrid turned away to see his dagger lying next to her. Picking it up, she saw that the wolf's head was cracked, and the gem eyes missing, as if telling her his fate.