A/N: Yo, Quickly addressing a few questions, mostly surrounding Dagur and Hiccup's fight in the last chapter, firstly whilst Dagur isn't necessarily shown to be so crazy about tradition other than in the episode where it seems like he is simply trying to cause problems with it, I liked the idea of that being his motivation, that he believes whole heartedly that Berk has completely betrayed the Viking way of life and why he becomes so adamant about destroying it.
Secondly, why Toothless doesn't interfere with Dagur and Hiccup's fight, in a simple word it would be because of Toothless's intelligence, he is aware on some level that Hiccup and Dagur's fight was something that had to be resolved between them and chooses to leave it to Hiccup as far as blocking the arrow goes, I played around with that bit for a while and went with the last version mostly for badass points, so do with it what you will!
Thirdly, why they allow Dagur and his men to escape, I plan to reveal further into why Hiccup let Dagur go as the story progresses, but for now enjoy the chapter!
Toothless rolled in the air quickly before dropping down into his landing, Hiccup dismounted with a quick step and looked around the town square, the other dragon riders had yet to return, Stoick spotted him and strode towards him.
Hiccup clasped his father's hand in a quick greeting "Dagur?"
Hiccup shifted his head slightly "I let him escape." He answered honestly.
Stoick lifted an eyebrow "I had faith in your plan then and I have it now, the others should be returning soon, everything went successfully and half of the Berserker Tribe's Armada sits in the bottom of the ocean."
Hiccup pulled off his helmet and ran a hand through his hair "Perfect," He nodded his head slowly "That will make the next phase much easier."
Stoick gestured with his head and Hiccup fell into step beside him as they walked towards Gobber's forge "So, where are we going from here?"
"It's no secret that Dagur and the Berserker's at large raid the southern fishing villages of the archipelago for pretty much everything they need." Hiccup voiced calmly "First we cut off their supply lines."
"You plan to run security detail on the southern isles?" Stoick asked curiously.
"Is that a problem?" Hiccup asked calmly
"No, they are mostly free trader types, they don't have any real leadership between the villages, it's very 'fend for yourself' out that way." Stoick explained
"Good, then a couple of dragon riders should go mostly unnoticed," Hiccup shifted his shoulder pieces calmly, he noticed his father giving him a look and he elaborated "I can't take everyone, wild dragons may still turn up on Berk and since we aren't killing them, you'll need people who know how to handle them."
Stoick inclined his head "So, who's staying who's going?"
"Snotlout, Astrid and I have the best offensive capabilities and they are definitely the faster dragon riders, speed is going to be important over the ocean, the twins and Fishlegs are the better defensive option, a Zippleback excels in ambushes, I'll split it that way and leave Legs in charge." Hiccup relayed calmly.
Stoick nodded "I'll lend any assistance to the lad I can, we will need ships if you plan an offensive."
"Fortunately we have plenty of materials we can salvage." Hiccup quipped.
Stoick laughed "Aye, that we do."
They entered the forge and Gobber glanced up "Ah, bout time you showed up, your still my apprentice you know."
Hiccup chuckled and darted into his backroom, stripping his armor he grabbed his apron and rushed back into the forge, taking up the hammer as Gobber placed a weapon on it and moved to the grindstone, Hiccup glanced at the leather in the corner and his eyes darted back to his own armor.
It would be a good idea for them to hide their faces as much as possible in foreign lands, Hiccup was the son of a chief, that made him valuable, Astrid was….well a woman and a beautiful one at that, there was more than a handful of reasons he's like to keep her out of the public eye and Snotlout was heir to an influential Viking clan and well built, he'd likely fetch a good price from Romans for sport, Gobber could see his apprentices mind working, he continued to throw glances at the leather in the corner as he hammered away, his mouth moved as if mouthing how he was going to explain how he needed it and why, Gobber peered at the weapon in his hands and peered at the edge.
"Oi, Mighty Dragon Master," Hiccup's head snapped to him and Gobber tossed the sword he had been working on to him, Hiccup caught it quickly, the weight surprised him as he rolled it over his hand "Made that as a replacement for your sword that got broken, it's as close to the original design as I could make it, used the last of our Gronkle Iron on it though."
Hiccup brought it up to eye level and drew it slightly, the silver edge glinted at him, it was longer than the previous version and used the exact same hilt, he had been so focused on his plans he hadn't even noticed, the red woven fabric that crossed the hilt looked brighter, Hiccup realized it had been replaced as well.
He sheathed it and rested it against the wall "Thank you Gobber."
"Where you're going you'll need a trusty blade," Gobber grinned "The leather there is yours to use as you will, I didn't have any idea what I was going to make out of it anyway." Gobber added as he lumbered to his feet, he nodded his goodbye and made the way out of the forge.
Toothless stuck his head through the window and warbled at Hiccup and the boy glanced at his dragon then out the window, the others should be getting back soon, he'd be done by the time they returned.
"We will fly again soon bud," Hiccup promised with a smile "We have a lot of work today."
Toothless let out an understanding chortle and laid down outside as Hiccup pulled a large section of leather from the pile and set to work.
Astrid glanced over her shoulder at the group behind her, flying in formation and finally remaining silent, they had only taken so long because Snotlout and the Twins had to get into an argument about the number of ships they had sunk, ever making all things a competition.
She gave Stormfly's flank a light pat as the dragon trilled at her, they circled the square of Berk twice before setting down, Astrid looked around for the black Night Fury, most likely close by Hiccup, she found the dragon resting lazily, Ghost lay beside him eyeing the village curiously, every so often the female Night Fury would peer at Toothless, who would warble and eye roll exaggeratedly, that was followed by a light tail whip to the back of the black dragons head.
Astrid frowned, why did that interaction feel so familiar.
"Hey, I guess dragons do mimic their riders," Fishlegs noted with a chuckle, Astrid glanced at the large boy questioningly and the Ingermen wiggled his eyebrows suggestively "They are just like you and Hiccup."
Astrid's eyes widened and her cheeks colored "Are not! Besides, Ghost isn't even my dragons."
Stormfly trilled and nuzzled into Astrid's hand, Astrid responded by quickly petting the Nadder's nose and shooting a glare at Fishlegs, who shrugged, she glanced at Ruffnut, whatever the blonde twin did gave Fishlegs a backbone, she wasn't sure if she liked it.
Pushing the other riders out of her mind she strode over to the forge and walked inside, she peered around the empty forge in surprise, noticing the light peaking under the door to his back room, she pushed the door open slowly and peered inside, Hiccup was hunched over his desk, light snores escaped his mouth, behind was a large white sheet covering something, suppressing the urge to peak under the sheet she walked over to the boy quietly.
She crouched beside him, placing a hand lightly on his shoulder, she reached out slowly and pushed some of his hair away from his face, he shifted slightly but remained asleep, the calm of his face caught her attention, it was not often he was so relaxed, even around her. The pale scar on his chin, the strong jaw line, the messy bushel of auburn hair on his head, the impossibly green eyes.
Her eyes widened slightly, when he grinned at her, one eye cracked open to stare back at her, she blushed and turned her face away "Morning." He greeted blearily as he sat up.
"Still evening," Astrid informed quickly "You okay?"
He tilted his head and smiled reassuringly "I'm okay, I just powered through a lot of work and felt like a nap, was still waiting for you guys so thought I might as well."
Astrid nodded stiffly in understanding "Dinner's probably nearly ready, we should go eat."
Astrid turned to leave and Hiccup's hand shot forward and grabbed hers, spinning her around as he got to his feet in a fluid movement, Astrid gasped against him as he pressed his lips against hers.
She stiffened only a moment before relaxing into the kiss, one hand tangling in his hair and the other falling onto his chest, she pulled away and tried to slap away her breathlessness "Hiccup…dinner."
"Not hungry," Hiccup answered quickly, closing the distance again, his hands trailed over her arms and down her sides, he pulled away and trailed a few kisses along her jaw, moving towards her neck before his stomach let out a guttural growl, he colored slightly and pulled away scratching the back of his head "I'm a little hungry?" He amended with a grin.
Astrid thought she hid her breathlessness well, all things considered, she let out a quiet chuckle "Okay, let's go eat."
As they left the forge Hiccup stopped abruptly, she only noticed when her hand was jerked, because she hadn't let go "What's wrong?"
"I just realized," Hiccup began "This is definitely going to postpone our wedding."
Astrid's eyes widened and her skin from her neck to her ears glowed red, her eyes darted in every direction "Either that…or we win really fast?" She offered lamely.
Hiccup grinned widely, before a giggle escaped his lips, Astrid mimicked the sound before the two descended into loud laughter together, Hiccup walked over to her and intertwined his fingers with hers "It doesn't matter anyway."
Astrid lifted an eyebrow at him.
"Tomorrow, next month, next year, I'd wait forever to marry you," Astrid smiled happily as she leaned into his arm lightly, he placed a feather light kiss on her temple "I really, really love you Astrid."
"You'd better not wait forever Haddock," Astrid warned in mock aggression, he flashed his palms and Astrid leaned onto her toes to place a light kiss on his cheek "I love you too, now let's go eat!"
Hiccup inclined his head and followed after her.
Toothless and Ghost watched the young couple silently "Does it worry you?"
Toothless glanced at Ghost in surprise "That one day he might not have need of you anymore?"
Toothless chuckled "Worrying about something that may not even happen is not the way of us dragons." He answered simply, watching his humans back as the door to the great hall closed "No, it does not worry me, the day he becomes strong enough to stand on his own, I will bid him farewell with pride."
"You will be left behind you know?" Ghost pointed out simply.
"He is my friend, he is the most honorable and trustworthy human I know, I am glad I befriended him, I am glad he is my rider and I take pride in that and the day he no longer needs me, I will honor that wish." Toothless explained "Because it will likely be his last."
Ghost's eyes widened in understanding, humans simply didn't live as long as dragons, she was aware of that "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."
"It is fine," Toothless tilted his head, face twisting in what would be the dragon equivalent of a calm smile as he nuzzled the top of Ghost's head "Because when that day comes, I will still have you by my side."
"Of course you will," Ghost snapped "We Night Fury's are the absolute strongest dragons in the world, we can't let that name be forgotten."
Toothless warbled in amusement "Of course, milady."
Hiccup sat down next to Astrid, a leg of chicken and a hunk of bread on his plate, the teens glanced at him for a moment when he didn't begin eating right away.
"Hiccup?" Snotlout prompted, surprising everyone by going first.
The boy straightened slightly in his seat "Snotlout, Astrid you two and I are going to be taking an extended trip in the Southern Isles tonight," He opened with simply "The Berserker's raid the smaller villages dotting those islands for supplies to build their ships, we are going to cut off their supply lines and force them onto their own lands."
Snotlout nodded his head in understanding, taking a long sip of his drink.
"What about us three?" Fishlegs asked, gesturing to himself and the twins.
"You three will be a special defensive unit, under the direct control of Stoick," The way the twins faces brightened he could tell they liked the sound of it, which was good, he didn't need arguments "Fishlegs will act as team leader for your group."
Fishleg's watched Hiccup for a few seconds, expecting it to be a joke, when Hiccup remained serious, he nodded his head calmly "Leave it to me."
Astrid was actually impressed by how confident the Ingermen sounded.
"Eat well, say your goodbyes, I don't know how long this will take, but the Berserker's won't ever breath funny in the direction of Berk again." Hiccup finished strongly as he picked up the bread and began eating.
The other teens joined quickly, Astrid excused herself after she finished, moving to where he parents were seated.
"My little girl, off to fight a war," Astrid couldn't tell if her mother was happy or distressed, both scared her "The Hofferson women's skill with an axe will be known across the whole archipelago."
She was definitely happy "We don't know how long I'll be gone."
"You are almost an adult and you're a dragon rider, I expected you to leave the nest early," Astrid's mother replied "But I expect you to keep any," Her mother paused for a moment "Urges, in check just because you are outside of adult supervision."
She glanced pointedly towards Hiccup and Astrid colored "Uh, Yeah, oh, um, of, of course!" Astrid stuttered out in embarrassment.
"I mean it Astrid, no children until you two are properly married!" Astrid's mother said sternly.
"Mom!" Astrid exclaimed, mortified expression marring her feature.
"No, Astrid, no children, you understand me?" Astrid frowned at her mother in confusion, before realization dawned on her and she colored darkly.
"O-Okay, I…I'm just gonna pretend I didn't get that and leave, good talk Mom, very scarring." Astrid stuttered out, bowing her head and waving slightly as she made her way back towards Hiccup, with a visual shudder.
Hiccup chuckled at the conversation, glancing at Snotlout, who's father reacted similarly, not showing a lot of emotion as was the Viking way, a light clasp of his father's hand and a quick nod and the three that would be leaving were done.
Hiccup got to his feet, glancing to his father seated at the large seat across the hearth, Stoick got to his feet and lifted his mug, the hall fell silent and lifted their own drinks directing his attention to the group "To Hiccup, Astrid and Snotlout! The Future Heroes of Berk, may stories be written of their triumphs and songs sung in their names, let Odin above know that his halls will open to some of the greatest Vikings of any age!"
The hall chorused the speech with deafeningly loud roars, slamming their fists into the tables as they cheered and hollered.
Hiccup bowed his head quickly, Snotlout and Astrid did the same before the three rounded on their heels and left the Great Hall, Astrid and Snotlout followed after Hiccup as he gestured for them to fall in behind him, they made their way back to the forge.
"I want to keep our movements a secret for as long as possible," Hiccup explained as he moved into his back room and emerged carrying one of the three objects that had been hidden under the sheets "I put a lot of thought into the best methods and decided we are also a team," He paused as he went back into the room, retrieving the last two before he finished "Consider these, our team uniform."
He ripped the sheets free, three sets of differently colored armor stared at them, identical in design to Hiccup's suit, that had been patched and repainted to look brand new.
He gestured Astrid to the centre, an armor of stark white, a blue insignia that matched the one of Toothless's tail fin on the right side of the chest, the helmet lacked the scar in the eye that Hiccup's had and she frowned at it a moment before removing her dagger, Hiccup lifted a brow in confusion as she slashed down the eye, carving an identical scar into the side of her helmet and nodding in acceptance "There, uniforms all have to be the same you know."
"That's right," Snotlout announced holding his hand out, Astrid placed her dagger in his hand and he made another identical incision in the helmet to match the other two, his suit was also the same, measured to fit him properly, but it was a deep red and the insignia was a bright gold "A real uniform if I'd ever seen one." He agreed.
"Alright guys, gets your dragons, it's time we go." Hiccup ordered, the pair nodded, retrieving the armor quickly they belted it on Astrid left the helmet curved under her arm, Snotlout pulled it on and strode out of the forge, Astrid stepped out lightly as Hiccup mounted Toothless, Astrid glanced at Ghost a moment, then shook her head and moved to turn away.
Stormfly's chirp caught her attention, Astrid's eyes widened in surprise as Stormfly dropped her saddle at Astrid's feet and nudged towards Ghost "Stormfly, you're my dragon." Astrid argued.
Stormfly nudged again and squawked at her humans stubbornness, Astrid glanced at Ghost, looking up at Toothless and Astrid's protests died in her throat "Fine, just this once, you know you are going to regret this." Astrid jeered at her dragon, the reptile tilted her head and squawked again.
Astrid approached Ghost slowly, saddle in her hands, Ghost's blue eye narrowed on her for a moment before dilating and calming, the Night Fury eyed the saddle and glanced at Toothless, noticing the device was much the same she lowered slightly to allow Astrid to place it on her.
Stormfly stood a small distance back and watched calmly "I entrust her to you now Ghost."
Ghost's eyes locked on Stormfly for an extended period of time "I'll keep her safe, you have my word."
Stormfly inclined her head and chirped.
Snotlout and Hookfang glided over and hovered beside Toothless as Astrid climbed atop Ghost's back "Alright, let's go traumatize some Berserkers!" Astrid shouted in a war cry.
The three dragons shot a quick blast into the air, they exploded in unison, painting the sky in brilliant hues of purple, blue and orange as the dragons chorused their agreements.
A/N: This is the moment I am veering off of cannon, not entirely, but most of it will be completely original from now on, there are a number of reasons, as far as what will still exist in this fiction and what won't well…you'll just have to wait to find out won't you? Heh.
P.S: This chapter ended up being delayed because of Overwatch, if you've been living under a rock and haven't heard of it, you should prolly look it up, the game is fricken amazing, also, I want that rock.
Replierinos:
midnightsky0612: Hoe don't do it?
Shadowspirit020: So, you're still here huh? :P, I'm kidding of course your reviews are always appreciated, I don't know if I'd call it a twist or just a fast forward, The Berserker's always become enemies of Berk, I just didn't see the need for the trickery in the beginning.
martindino123: I'm sorry for taking so long . I'm pretty sure this one was only like a week , so I mean, improvements and stuff, I'm sorry to inform you that I won't be doing RTTE, I may do a side story/continuation when the series finishes so I can be sure of how much I want to use, but as of now, after DOB it will be HTTYD2 and then the big old complete, Screaming Death? No Screaming Death? You'll have to wait and see, Heh, I feel really evil now.
gajeel-of-iron: Glad you enjoyed it!
dark shadey01: For whatever reason, absolutely hates the dot in your name and deletes the whole thing every time I try to reply to you, I am kind sorry about the late as hell birthday wish, the joys of life slithering in out of nowhere to RKO my ass, yeah, outdated meme jokes ahoy!
Carl Solo: Yes, you can have faith in all of these stories getting finished, glad you have been enjoying so far!
OechsnerC: Thanks very much, hope you enjoy this one as well!
Fireflame159: I don't know, maybe we will huh? What's it to you? :P
EagleDragon15: You could also call yourself FreedomDragon15, people would still know what you were talking about, although in seriousness, I'm really glad you enjoy this story.
: So, you could say you dived headfirst into the dragon nip that is this story? Heh, I'm glad you think so highly on my writing, I work hard to make it good, this one is kinda short as well, but the next one will definitely be much longer, cause action, I do hope my earlier explanation explained why I didn't have Toothless interfere, to further elaborate on it, Toothless considers, Hiccup an 'Alpha' and is aware Dagur is also an 'Alpha' among humans and the fight was treated as a challenge between the two, that would be how I explain it. As for the arrow, yeah, badass points, not really any other reason…Well, sufficiently surprised?
UnbreakableWarrior: As always? You flatter me sir (ma'am?) But seriously, I'm glad you enjoyed!
CerebralCortex31: Well, it's not a Mona Lisa, but I am proud of it :P Glad you enjoyed.
Iris Patton: Yes, the update was slow, forgive me already geez, I'm glad you are enjoying my take on Hiccup and I hope you continue to enjoy the story!
The dragon1010: Of course, I respond to all my reviews, either here or by PM, well, I usually try to go for about five thousand word chapters as a benchmark, but these last two have been just over three thousand, so I felt a little explanation was in order, I am glad you have been enjoying though!
And so with that, I hope you guys have enjoyed this chapter and I will see you guys in the next chapter, peace!