Chapter 1 - News
Revised Edition: 1/23/2015 5:00 pm GMT+8
Thank you so much for the support! I appreciate it more than you could think of. Thank you! *kisses and hugs*
Originally, I didn't put any accent in the speech of the characters; however, a reviewer suggested it would be great if I added the accents. Therefore, I edited and added them. I apologize if it sucks. D;
Guest, thank you for the suggestion! *thumbs up*
This chapter contains the same warnings and disclaimer stated in the Prologue. Enjoy!
Chapter I
It was another morning in the prosperous Kingdom of Overland. Townsfolk were busy as usual, routinely tending their families and performing their tasks. The children were just as busy…just less productive than their adult counterpart, running around town, laughing at stupid jokes and basking under the sun, plainly enjoying the day blessed upon them.
The market buzzed with noisy chatters and haggles from merchants, shoppers and travellers alike. The outskirts, however, were rather harmonious; silent from the noises and safe from the senseless brawls. Farming and raising livestock were the way of life for those who live away from the market to settle down in this mini-paradise found in the outskirts.
In contrast, the enormous castle stilled upon the center of this Kingdom had been nothing but eerily quiet. No voices were heard. Hallways empty. It was rare to find anyone walk its expanse. If one seeks companion inside its halls, men in paintings were your best bet, and some random maid and guard strolling around.
Pushing a door open, Jamie emerged from the kitchen, making his way through the quiet halls and passing by maids and guards from time to time. It was quiet, unmusically so.
But then…
"Oh my Go-gyaaaaahhh!"
…the dreadful shrieks of startled women broke through the silence like a knife cutting through metal strings.
"Not again!" Jamie groaned aloud, hasting his steps towards the source of the noise. Upon reaching his destination, he stopped in front of closed double doors and didn't waste a minute to clasp the knobs and open them. And as fast as lightning, three shrieking maids sprang out, bumping harshly onto him as they fled.
Landing harshly on his butt, Jamie gaped as he watched these maids split and took off in different directions, like frantic mice running from a predatory feline.
"What on earth…?" He breathed in confusion. His hand made its way on his backside, slowly rubbing to soothe the pain from the sudden impact. But the moment he turned his head…
"AAHHHHHHHH!"
…his question was answered. But his only reaction was a manly squeal, spooked upon meeting face-to-face with a demon crouching like a gargoyle in front of him.
He expected it to pounce and gnaw him to death, it didn't though. Instead, the demon did the last thing he thought of. It laughed.
"Haha, o…oh, hahaha, that was –hahaha…hi-hilarious." It said in between gasps, clutching stomach with both hands and literally rolling on the floor. "Y-you should've s-seen your f-face..!"
It took several moments for Jamie to get back to his senses. And the moment he did, he found his body plastered on the wall, his legs were bent oddly as if they were ready to kick anyone who would get too close, and his arms were protectively covering his face. In other words, he looked…pathetically scared. Manly scared, he corrected.
"JACK!" He angrily shouted.
But the rolling demon just tapped the carpet, still having difficulty breathing. "S-haha-sorry.."
He didn't look sorry at all. And Jamie was seething. But soon enough, he found himself laughing as well.
"I j-just thought you'd be used to it by now…but…HAHAHA."
Jamie shook his head. "You can't blame me. Your darn masks just changes every time!" He stood and patted the dirt away from his barely dirtied deep red pants.
Jack followed suit and stood, not caring to pat himself like Jamie did. Instead, he removed his costume, starting from the seaweed-like wig and ending with the demon-carved mask.
It looks so real. Jamie thought as he grabbed hold of the disguises, immediately inspecting the finesse of its carving. "Where do you get these anyway?"
Jack just smirked and walked back inside the solar room. "Sorry, my friend, but a prankster never tells his secrets." He said, before lying on a long red sofa.
Putting the costumes down the center table, Jamie sat on a single sofa, opposite of the prince's. He watched his friend for a moment before he pulled out a parchment from his coat's pocket. Clearing his throat, Jamie announced, "Alright, then. Since you had your fun…"
Jack slipped his head from the armrest, hanging his face upside down as he waited for Jamie to continue talking.
"It is high time we start the bitter part of your day." Jamie held the parchment with a pincer-like grip, swaying it left to right in front of Jack's eyes, obviously taunting his friend.
Swiping the parchment from Jamie's hands, Jack sat up and skimmed it short, throwing it back to his friend after seeing it. "There's no need. I already know what it says."
"You know, but you never do them. Unless I repeat them to you over and over again, there's no way you'll do them on your own." Jamie explained, making the prince frown deeply. Just to avoid further complaints, Jamie immediately began reading the parchment.
Apart from lessons concerning academic and diplomatic studies, and enhancing skills in fighting and arrow shooting, Jack was enlisted to observe the state of the farmland, as well as the market. It wasn't really necessary. However, the presence of a royal had always put folks at ease.
"See? I told you I know them already!" Jack exclaimed. Throughout the whole discussion, Jack had stated what's on the list before Jamie could even start saying the words.
Jamie just rolled his eyes. "Stop whining, will you? And before I forget, I have good news for you."
"Oh?" Jack raised a brow. "Snow day?"
"…It's summer, Jack. Why the hell did you expect snow day?" Jamie deadpanned, not amused. "Anyways, the real news is that a messenger from Jackson came this morning, announcing your brother's arrival in two days."
And Jack suddenly leaped, doing a cart-wheel on the sofa. "About time! I almost thought he's going to live there. He'd been out for two months!"
Jamie smiled, seeing his friend happy brought him joy as well.
"Finally, I got someone to help me terrorize the maids and guards."
Of course, Jamie thought, deflated. He's thrilled with to have his partner in crime.
Putting a hand on the side of his mouth, Jack tauntingly said, "Seeing as someone here doesn't join in my plans."
As clear as day, Jamie knew Jack was talking about him. "May I remind you that I was hired to keep you and Jackson in check? Joining you in your so-called fun means I failed at my job. Besides," He gave Jack a disapproving look, "Sophie is one of the maids. I don't feel like terrorizing my own sister."
"Sophie doesn't look like she minds."
"But that doesn't excuse it," Jamie quipped.
Jack masked the disappointment that threatened to show on his face. It wasn't like this before, he thought. Jamie had been an active participant in their pranks and games, but ever since he was tasked by Sir Nicholas North (chief advisor of their deceased father, King Manlius) to watch over them, he refused to join. Worse, Jamie tried to stump their pranks any chance he could get.
Jack let out an unnoticeable sigh. He knew his friend had no other choice, though. So, all he could do was understand that their lives were different from when they were young. And now, they are young adults with responsibilities vested upon them.
At the very least, he should be thankful because despite the strictness, their friend still had the heart to cover up their messes. He may not join directly, but in his own way, he was conspiring with the pranks and games. It was also worth noting that Jamie still treated them as friends, not as princes he was supposed to bow down to.
"Since Jackson is coming back home…that only means we will see the Lord every day." Jamie shuddered. "I'm so not looking forward to that."
"Don't be too scared, Jamie. As long as we are here, you'll be safe." Jack smiled reassuringly.
"I know, Jack." Jamie smiled in return. "I know."
"…so why? Is the Princess of Corona not to your liking?"
Any normal person would feel chills run down their spine if they heard that voice direct a question at them. It neither sounded angry nor threatening. It was just cold…and calculating, like one wrong word could be used against you. The tone, even when said in gentle intonation, felt accusing, like one committed crime when in fact they were innocent.
"She's charming," Jackson replied, gazing at the small ember that lit his tent. "..bubbly and optimistic. But.."
He could still remember that night two weeks ago. Jackson took Rapunzel out for a stroll in the garden. Both of them were immersed in a conversation about the stars when they came across a constellation regarding ill-fated lovers. He didn't know how it escalated, but all he could remember was that Rapunzel was grasping him in the arms and begging him not to ask her hand in marriage.
Because of his lengthy stay in Corona, people assumed that he would choose Rapunzel as his Queen. This rumor scared the kind-hearted princess, making her beg not to continue this plan. When Jackson asked, why? She simply confessed that she was already in love, and for a moment, he was confused because if the princess were already interested in someone else, why was she not together with this man?
And, "Oh…" was all he could say when he learned the man was a mere orphan with no royal blood in his veins, worse…he's a wanted criminal.
But, Jackson didn't particularly care whether he married Rapunzel or not, though. So, he reassured her that he won't ask for her hand, and instead, he wished her good graces with the man, whose name he didn't bother knowing.
"…a marriage between us would be complicated." He finally continued.
Pitch raised a brow before smiling in amusement. "How so?"
Of course, he would want me to explain. Jackson internally sighed. Consenting to a scandalous relationship was highly frowned upon, if Pitch were to know about his involvement, Jackson could only watch his coronation further away. A misdeed made was a meter-deep sink on his reputation. Personally, he had no qualms if people think badly of him, however, he was a crown prince expected to be a great King. And the royal council would make sure he was the great leader people expected, so a misdeed wouldn't be overlooked. They would take measures to straighten his attitude, so much, they were willing to push his coronation day further away even if it took years in the process, which was…
A load of bull! He cussed in his mind.
But he'll be damned if he would let his uncle have another reason to stay longer being the Acting King while he was still uncrowned.
"Uncle, what happens when a well-built house was completely abandoned by its owner?" Jackson wasn't typically philosophical…but one should think like their listener if one wished to convince them, right?
Pitch stayed silent, waiting for him to continue with his point.
"It could turn into ruins in the passing of time. Or, men would take interest and claim the house as their own, don't you think so?"
Reluctantly, "Yes.." Pitch replied.
"Now, imagine if a lot of men took interest in the house, and all of them wanted it for themselves, not willing to share at all…what do you think they would do to claim the house as solely theirs?"
"Fight over it."
"Exactly." Jackson smiled. "If cases like these could happen with a mere house as the prize…try to imagine it happening if a castle was on the line…better yet, a throne."
Pitch narrowed his eyes in thought. "Are you saying..?"
As if he read his uncle's thoughts, Jackson nodded. "We both know that being my future Queen would mean living with me in my own Kingdom. And Princess Rapunzel is an only child, the only heir to Corona's throne. If I were to take her away, what do you think her relatives would do? Possibly, kill each other for the abandoned throne."
"But…" Pitch hummed. "…we could always merge it into ours."
In spite of himself, Jackson felt like glaring at his uncle, which he thwarted, masking his face with solemn grim. "That would humiliate Corona, especially the princess, whom, if the engagement happened, would be my Queen."
Merging a Kingdom and erasing its name from the map was just as humiliating as losing and bowing to conquerors. Jackson could not understand what his uncle was thinking when he suggested that. But then again, Pitch was never the type to care about those around him. He always had an air that told you he only cared about his own gains.
"I could think of a hundred ways to get your problem a solution, but something tells me that your decision is final, am I correct?" Pitch waited patiently for Jackson's answer.
Jackson only nodded.
With the silent answer, Pitch curbed. "Very well." But since there's no proclamation of an engagement, the search for Jackson's future Queen was still on the line. Therefore… "May I suggest a new candidate?" Pitch smirked deviously, seemingly enjoying a private joke.
I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like this…He thought. The smirk on his uncle's lips disturbed him. It wasn't like Jackson could say no to the question. The suggestion was only said to appear polite, which seemed important in the world they lived in, but the answer should always be yes.
"Please, do."
And now, Jackson understood the reason why his uncle looked unnervingly happy.
"How do you fancy the Princess of Dunbroch?"
Jack barely contained his excitement. Drumming his hands on the table, he impatiently waited for the huge gates to open.
"Would you like some tea, your Highness?" A girl with long blonde hair and straight fringe asked, holding a metal try to her chest.
"No, I'm fine, Sophie." Jack smiled.
Audibly, admiring sighs could be heard from the maids nearby. Naughty as the prince may be, no one could stay annoyed when he smiled disarmingly. It was pretty manipulative if one must say. Thank goodness, the young prince didn't seem to know he had this effect on people. Or maybe he did, he just didn't wish to exploit it.
"Stop doing that so early in the morning." Jamie exclaimed. "I don't want to accompany another maid to the nurse."
Jack just snorted, smiling even more.
"So, I asked the messenger. It seems Jackson didn't propose to Princess Rapunzel."
Jack shrugged. "Not really a surprise, huh?"
"Not really."
And soon, clomps and neighs of four dozen horses neared the closed gates, catching the attention of the two.
"Is that them?" Jack's eyes glinted with excitement, giddily extending his neck to peer down the grassy ward where dozens upon dozens of maids and guards waited.
A man with a six-foot staff stood by the elevated stage, pounding its end on the wooden floor. "Announcing…" He paused, surveying whether he took everyone's attention before he continued, "….the arrival of the Crown Prince, Jackson Overland, and the Acting King, Lord Pitch Black." His deep but loud voice resonated, reaching the ears of everyone.
And finally, the tall gates opened and horses stormed in.
Jack watched as they paraded, standing from his seat when his brother came into view. Briskly, he made his way down the stairs to greet his older brother.
"Jackson!" Jack opened his arms, inviting a hug, which the crown prince gave the moment he got down his stunningly russet horse.
"Frosty! It's good to see you." Jackson playfully messed the front of his brother's hair, causing the other twin to shout…"HEY!"…and move out of the embrace to scowl and fix hair.
Jamie let out a chuckle, causing the twins to look at him. "Well, if you two girly girls are done braiding each other's hair…"
And immediately, Jack raised a brow and pointed on his messed hairdo, "You call this braiding?"
But Jamie just shook his head, coughing into his knuckle. "Lord Pitch is here." He announced, which made the twins turn on their backs and meet face to face with their stoned-faced uncle.
And as always…
"You're still the same as ever, uncle." Jack greeted insultingly, clasping his hands and resting them on the back of his neck. "I was hoping that the joyous atmosphere in Corona would rub off on you but...yeah, you know the rest."
The comment made the cold face of the Lord changed into a grim scowl, which made Jamie sweat coldly while Jack, who was receiving the scorn and the one who should be shaken, looked smugger than ever, rejoicing the annoyance he had caused.
"I could say the same to you. I was hoping that by leaving you solely responsible to the duties of this court, you'd grow maturely. But then, you're still the same as ever; arrogant and childish." And although it wasn't obvious, a twitch of annoyance cracked the smugness on Jack's face, but quickly regained the moment he replied…
"Runs in the blood, don't you think? But since we're half-related, you didn't seem to get our childishness, uncle. But I do wonder where you got your selfishness from."
The temperature felt like it suddenly dropped. Or, it's just my imagination, Jamie thought. He watched the towering Lord and the taunting Prince stare each other down, each of them not willing to cower in the presence of the other.
After feeling sweat drop from his forehead down to his chin, Jamie finally decided it was time he diffused the ticking bomb before it explode. "Pardon me, your Highnesses." The three looked at him as he bowed. "I do not wish to interrupt, but I believe the prince should start attending his duties for the day. Also, the maids are ready to assist Crown Prince Jackson in his much needed rest."
Pitch clenched his jaw before he nodded, turning his back on the three wretched brats.
And as the three walked away, heading inside the castle, Pitch turned his head and sent a heated glare towards them until they were out of sight.
…
Far from prying ears, Jamie let out a sigh. That was a close call, he thought. Glancing at the twins, he opened his mouth and began the string of chastising words for the naughty prince.
"Jack, you daredevil! Thank the gods; you can't be punished with flogging!"
But Jack just shrugged, unconcerned with his hands in his pocket.
"It's the very reason why he had the guts to do it, Jamie. Relax." Jackson finally spoke after his long silence.
"Must he really bring up that topic, though?"
It was a tale fairly known by all. Pitch, the son of King Mandrick and the brother of King Manlius, was a man born out of wedlock. His mother was not identified for people believed she's nothing but a whore who seduced King Mandrick into having a child with her. Having been born out of a scandalous affair, added with the fact that he's not of pure royal blood, Pitch wasn't titled a prince. But out of respect for the royal blood he had, people opted to address him as a Lord.
"I didn't say that topic at all." Jack shrugged. "I just asked because I was wondering where he got that personality of his. It's definitely not in ours –-OW!" He massaged the back of his head, scowling at Jamie for the unwarranted head slap. "What was that for!?"
Jackson and Jamie rolled their eyes.
"Stop overreacting. I didn't hit you that hard." Jamie crossed his arms. He fairly knew his strength wasn't much at all, as much as he hated to admit it. "We all know that's what you were insinuating earlier!"
"Whatever." Jack blew a raspberry, tucking his hands inside his pockets while he glanced at his brother, hoping to change the topic. "How was the trip, Jackson?"
The older twin just shrugged. "Same old."
"You didn't ask her after all, huh?" Jack didn't really expect a reply. So when no words came from Jackson's lips, he knew his question was right but, something's amiss…the smile on Jackson's face…was damn odd. Too damn odd.
It was the kind of smile that held a lot of meaning to it. And the two curious fellows couldn't help but jump to conclusions…a smile like that could only mean one thing…
"Wait…"
"Have you?" Jack and Jamie alternated, making Jackson snort and shook head as a reply. "Nope, but I was planning to."
"Really? I didn't know bubbly was your type." Jack smiled his dazzling smile.
"She's tolerable than most. Besides, we've known her since young," was Jackson's reply, causing Jack and Jamie to nod simultaneously. Out of all the princesses enlisted to be Jackson's Queen, Rapunzel was probably the most decent. She was intelligent despite her naivety. And although she's quite annoying, she wasn't obnoxious.
"So, why did you not propose?" Jamie asked.
And the meaningful smile came back to Jackson's lips. "She confessed me something." He was rewarded with intrigued expressions from his brother and friend. It was blatantly obvious on how curious they are. And the crown prince could not help but snort.
"Damn it, Jackson! Just say it." Jack was fed up with waiting, and Jamie seconded with a nod of his head.
"Impatient, aren't we?"
And the heated glare sent his way by the two caused Jackson to drop a sweat. Raising his palms, he bid the two to relax. "Alright, I'll say it. She's in love."
For a better half minute, the two just stared at him blankly, looking disappointed like men who lost their month's worth of salary.
"That's it?" Jack frowned. It wasn't really new to anyone. A princess falling in love was a common story. "I thought it was something special."
But, Jackson smirked knowingly. "It's special all right. Did I fail to mention, she's in love with a thief?"
And the two abruptly halted their steps, looking back at him with widened eyes, almost resembling night owls. Jackson could only chuckle.
"A thief? Not metaphorically like some darn prince stole her heart?...because if not, this would be the scandal of the year." Jamie said, scanning the hallways for nearby eavesdropper. When he deemed it safe, he sighed in relief. Personally speaking, Jamie had no qualms whether the rumor (which happened to be true) spread. However, Princess Rapunzel was a good-natured lady. They may not be close, but he respected her enough to not wish any tarnishing blabs thrown her way. He fairly knew what it does to people…it isn't funny at all.
"You allowed it?" Jack blurted, gaping. He couldn't believe his brother didn't knock some sense into the naive princess.
With a shrug, Jackson replied. "It's not my right to intrude in her life. She begged me. I just conceded. If I had seen any chance of changing her mind, I would've, but you know how she is. She always finds the good in everyone."
The two stood silent for they knew the crown prince was right. And although it was unlikely, they wouldn't wish Rapunzel to hate them because they tried to dictate her how to run her life.
They could only hope that their friend, Princess Rapunzel, knew what she was doing.
Upon reaching the solar room, Jamie directed a maid to bring in tea and snacks for the twins. Taking parchments in his arms, he laid them down in front of the white-haired prince, causing the said prince to groan aloud.
"Already? Can't I have some chat with my brother first?"
Jamie rolled his eyes. "It's precaution. We could never tell when Lord Pitch would pop out of nowhere. Better you show that you are attending your duties than seeing you skipping them."
Jack crossed his arms, briskly resting his back on the couch. "I am doing them. He just never caught me while I was working."
"Just take Jamie's suggestion, Jack." Jackson gave his twin a firm shake by the shoulders. "Better he got nothing to spite you with."
Begrudgingly, Jack nodded, lazily picking up one of the parchments and skimming its content with bored eyes.
After serving, Jamie stood by the side, watching the twins munch baked cookies and sip jasmine tea. When the maids left, he joined the twins on the table and unhesitatingly asked the question gnawing in his mind. "Since you're not marrying Princess Rapunzel…what shall happen now? I doubt the royal council will just stand by and allow you stay single. You're nearing twenty-three after all."
Twenty-three, as Jamie put it, was the age when Jackson, the Crown Prince of Overland and the eldest son of late King Manlius, would ascend the throne. However, his kingship might not happen unless, he was engaged or married.
Jackson settled his cup down, shrugging. "I still got three whole years before I reach that age, Jamie."
"You said the same thing five years ago, brother. But look at you, still untied and single." Jack smirked. "Time runs out, whether you admit it or not."
Jackson leaned back on his chair. "I guess so. But I don't think I'll be getting married anytime soon." He informed.
"Why?" Jamie inquired as he refilled empty cups.
And Jackson looked Jamie straight in the eyes, serious and morose. "Because you would kill me before I could even ask her, Will you marry me?"
Jamie was puzzled.
Jack, on the other hand, had a very strange grin, seemingly getting what his brother was insinuating. It didn't stop him to act surprised though, "No way… Her?"
And Jackson nodded, chuckling.
"She would skin you alive!" Jack snorted amusedly. "Remember how she attacked us?"
And Jackson nodded, still chuckling.
The two exchanged words and chuckles while Jamie looked back and forth, lost in the conversation. "Who are we talking about here? And what do you mean I'll kill you before you could even ask?"
The two stopped, looking at him with raised brows.
"Stop acting, Jamie."
"You're no dimwit." The twins alternated.
But, "…" silence was Jamie's reply, before he caught on… "You mean to say…"
And the two nodded slowly and Jamie felt the blood rush to his cheeks. "Oh…"
Seeing their friend's reaction, the twins grinned, looking at each other before nodding their heads, seemingly plotting something in their impossibly linking minds.
"I think it's time I join your trip, Jackson. I'm sure Jamie would be thrilled to come along as well…"
"Not that he has any other choice anyway." Jackson rolled his eyes as if stating the obvious. "And not like he would wish to miss this trip, aye' Jamie?"
The man in question cleared his throat, fixing his slouched back. "Of course, I would tag along. It wouldn't be a good idea to leave you two by yourselves. You might cause a war for all we know."
"Or…" Jack started, winking. "You just wanted to see this particular redhead who loves to shoot people down."
"Agh, stop." Jamie blushed furiously. "Are you guys going to be this way during the whole trip?"
But the only answer he got was two identical and devilish grins.
And Jamie could only curse inwardly…
…I'll never hear the end of this, don't I?
"Five more minutes…" Hiccup muttered sleepily, pulling his blanket up to his chin.
For few minutes, it was calm and quiet, and it didn't take long for him to get back to dreamland - a place where dragons and Vikings roamed the Earth.
But, then his fantasy ended with a bang. Literally.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
His bed shook. Startled, he awoke with wide eyes, quickly scanning each nook and cranny of his small room. "Wha-what? What's going on?" He asked confusedly.
But only neighs answered him; neighs, so loud, it shook his room's wooden walls, leaving no moment for silence.
Toothless! He realized. "I'm up! I'm up!"
He pulled the covers off him, taking his stump leg and attaching it on his missing left foot. Getting up, he tested his balance and went straight to the windows in order to appease his living clock. Instantaneously peeking outside, Hiccup watched his bestfriend gallop and neigh in circles down the slightly wet grass and muddy earth.
"I'm awake, you bossy animal!" He yapped, but sounding friendly as he did. The horse stopped, raising its head to look at him.
With a smile, Hiccup motioned Toothless to get back inside his stable, which his bestfriend complied right away…but not without a mocking snort before he left.
"Seriously…" Hiccup yawned, stretching his arms high, "…he's like a nagging mother sometimes."
After hearing some of his fully rested bones crack, he carefully made his way down their humble kitchen, checking the pantry for any food left by his adoptive father, Gobber. And a bun and two eggs were the food he had seen, together with an apple, which he planned to give Toothless later.
He ate his breakfast in complete silence, washing the dishes right after. A few swish and flick of broom and dustpan, wipes and swipes over the old and ragged furniture they had, his cleaning was over and done with.
Their wooden home, although tiny despite having a second floor, had everything a house should have: a stable, two bedrooms, a kitchenette-dine room and a bathroom. However, Hiccup rarely used the bathing room, preferring to wash somewhere else. Particularly, a scenic cove located deep in the woods. A place where Hiccup, Toothless and the Dunbroch Princess only knew, and some fortunate but lost travelers.
Going out by the front door, Hiccup was immediately greeted by Toothless, who gave him a toothy grin.
He smiled back, taking out and showing the apple to his jolly friend.
"Here, bud." And Toothless eagerly munched the fruit without hearing the next of Hiccup's words, not minding the juices dripping down his snout. To show his thanks, he nuzzled Hiccup's face but...
"Ew, Toothless." was Hiccup's reply, less appreciative of the loving gesture, and pushed Toothless off his face. "Haha, stop!" He continued, "Euk! Gross..."
The equine, however, just laughed snootily, showing its straight white teeth.
"Haha, very funny." Hiccup grumpily said. However, a smile etched on his face while he wiped his cheek with the sleeve of his green tunic. He just couldn't stay mad at his bestfriend for long.
Climbing up the saddle, Hiccup took the reins, lightly tapping his wooden leg against Toothless' side, signalling the horse to make its move. Immediately, Toothless took off fast, speeding across town like a black shadow that anyone barely realized had passed.
It always amazed everyone on how a crippled and flimsy-looking young man could tame a magnificently strong warhorse such as Toothless. The name was even more of a wonder. Why Toothless? Isn't that a bit too cute for him? People had murmured. And Hiccup would always answer, "He loves miti berries. You know what it does to your teeth." And that was enough for people to understand. This particular berry, despite its divine sweetness, was avoided by most for it covers one's teeth with the color of tar as black as coal. It was never permanent; however, it could cause embarrassment. And whenever Toothless smiles after eating miti berries, one would mistake him as a toothless horse, especially with the way it mimicked the color of his midnight fur.
"Woooooohooooooooo!" Hiccup jovially roared. He didn't even need to maneuver Toothless where to exactly go.
The cobblestones, wooden houses and busy folks soon faded, replaced with the welcoming greens of trees and cool breeze of the wind. The more they furthered into woods, the harder the road became. Steep. Narrow. Downright dangerous. But despite the hazards, the two kept on, passing and jumping through obstacles. Not an hour later, the two reached their destination.
Hiccup went down from Toothless gracefully. Pulling the reins with his left hand, he led his friend in the middle of two gigantic stones pressed together with a perfectly sized tunnel in the middle. The entrance was hidden by long vines which Hiccup parted to get inside. Looking down the dimly lit passageway, he made sure not to trip on any root sprawled on the solid ground. He was the only one in here at the moment, save for Toothless, who by chance did not have any hands to help him up if he tripped.
Emerging out of the passageway's mouth, Hiccup felt the warm sunlight shone against his skin. He sprinted limply down huge stones until his feet touched the ground.
Quickly, he unclothed, strutting around, butt-naked. Don't take him wrong, he wasn't shameless, but Hiccup knew how rare it was for anyone to find this cove, and due to his disability, he find it hard to swim if his clothes were weighing him down.
Diving in to the waters, he swam, going to the sides to scrub the dirt out of his body. Deeming he was clean enough, Hiccup dried and redressed in a fresh set of clothes, closely resembling his dirty green tunic.
Packing his stuff, he walked towards his busily eating grass friend, Toothless.
"It's time to go, bud." He muttered, rubbing the front of Toothless' snout. "We got work to do." And the horse neighed in understanding, still chewing few pieces of grass on his mouth.
"I'll feed you when we get there."
And like lightning, Toothless took off, heading straight to the town. Several houses and bungalows later, the workshop could be seen from the distance. It was in its usual run-down and open-spaced look with black smoke coming out from the chimney.
He observed it all. However, a different kind of smoke and fire caught his attention, particularly, swirling and spring-like atop a fuming face.
"Heccup!" The lady of fire greeted…more like shouted, in Hiccup's opinion.
Hiccup halted his bestfriend when he reached their smithy, coming down from the saddle and tying the reins at the nearest post.
"Merida." He greeted back with less vigor…and loudness. "What made you so worked up this morning?"
"Oh, A' don't know…maybe the fact tha' A've been waitin' fer ye since dawn!?" Merida huffed, crossing her arms. She was in her usual green dress with her bow and quiver perched on her shoulder.
And Hiccup rolled his eyes. "I didn't ask you to."
With a twitch of her eye, Merida walked towards Hiccup, punching him by the shoulders.
"OW!" Hiccup pouted.
"Do nae make mah mood worse, Heccup! A can't deal wit' tha' right now!" She went ahead and opened the door to the workshop, waiting for Hiccup to follow.
Hiccup raised his brow, still massaging his arm. For a girl, she surely punch like a man, he thought. Or maybe, he was just downright weak. "Well then, why do I owe the honor of your presence, Princess Merida?" He mockingly said, mimicking the way royal consorts talk: gallant and hefty.
As they entered the workshop, Gobber looked up from his work, waving his amputated limb to greet them. Hiccup returned with a simple wave and smile, while Merida just nodded, abruptly sitting on a nearby stool with a scowl on her face.
"Wha did ye do, Heccup?" Gobber inquired after seeing Merida's display of annoyance, which Hiccup replied with a shrug.
"Nothing. She said, I made her wait too long."
"Yeah, ye 'ave!" Merida blurted, pouting even longer now. "But, A am pissed fer another reason!"
Gobber and Hiccup glanced at each other, thinking. When was she never pissed?
"A was 'avin dinner with the family last nigh'…"
Hiccup nodded, showing that, despite busying himself with the work laid on his table, he was listening.
"Dey kept talkin' bout how A 'ave responsibilities tah do fer our people…then out of nowhere, dey announced princes would come tah Dunbroch!"
Hiccup lifted swords on his arms, bringing it over the sharpening wheel. With his eyes focused on his work, he asked. "What's so bad about a prince visiting? You could just ignore them like you always do with the clans."
"Well, genius. Wha' do ye think dey would be here fer? A stroll in the woods? A hunt fer a bear? Heccup, dey are here tah ask mah hand in marriage!"
Then, Hiccup smirked, stopping the wheel from turning to return his sole focus on the fuming princess. "One glare from you, I doubt they'll have the guts to stay for even a day."
And the glare was what Hiccup received in return.
"Yep. That's it." He shook his head, turning his back to start on his work. "Maybe it's a good idea to give these guys a chance? Or else, you'll never get married, you boyish prin ––OW!"
Merida punched him by the arm for the second time that day, and Hiccup could only massage the soreness away. "A' am boyish!? Ye're one tah talk! Ye're so lanky, ye could be mistaken fer a girl!"
"Oh…you are playing a very dangerous game, Princess." Hiccup narrowed his eyes, pointing a finger to make his point.
Having enough of the fight, Gobber broke in. "Prencess, are dey goin' tah ask fer yer hand or are dey courtin' ye first?" He finished, taking a hand rag to wipe his coaled hand.
For a moment, Merida was silent, seemingly rerunning the scenario of her last dinner. When a smile made its way on her face, she said. "…no. Dey said dey might ask fer mah hand…"
"Der ye 'ave it then!" Gobber walked towards the table, changing his amputated right hand from a hammer to a hatchet. "Seems der's nothin' fer ye tah worry bout'!"
Then, Hiccup smiled smugly at her. "All you have to do is ignore them like what you did with your clan suitors. Then they'll see you aren't interested."
Merida removed her weapon and threw them down the table. "It's nae tha' easy…It's the princes of tha'…tha' wretched Kin'dom!" She perched hands on her hips.
"Oh?" inquired Gobber while Hiccup busied himself with re-sheathing swords, inspecting the sharpness of each weapon laid on his table.
"The Overlands! Wha' else?"
And the conversation went on between the princess and the old blacksmith, while Hiccup stood silent, eerily so.
His knuckles clenched tightly, so tight that his hands turned white. His knees turned wobbly and weak, noticeably shaking from toes till thighs. His mind reeled, everything around him zoned in and zoned out. The words he should be listening to distorted horrifyingly until it faded into abyssal silence, shutting everything up. And in the midst of his slowly dying senses, he only had one coherent thought in mind…
…the horrors he escaped was there to haunt him again…
And Hiccup wondered if this time, would he make it out alive?
Note:
Since this was a rewritten version, I believe I should say the changes I made.
At the first version, maids and workers of the Overland Kingdom were named elves and yetis. I removed them when I revised, leaving them to the original form of maids and workers. I just didn't see the necessity anymore. Sorry. D:
I removed the dinner scene with the twins and Pitch. It wasn't necessary as well.
The alibi of Jackson with the whole Rapunzel-thingy changed, wherein I added some trying hard explanation. LOL. But I guarantee that it means the same as the first version.
Hiccup used to wash in a hidden river, which I changed to the cove found in HTTYD movie instead (You know, the place where he found Toothless after letting him escape?). I believe this is more suitable and more believable to be hidden and rarely chanced upon than a lengthy river which is out in the open. I was actually just waiting for someone to point that out. XD
Nope, Hiccup still washes butt-naked. Don't ask me why. I just want to. :P
There's no such thing as Miti Berries.
CLARIFICATIONS:
Pitch is the acting king while Jackson is too young to ascend the throne. Yes, he could order people around, but he is still ranked lower the twin princes, so technically, he can't give punishments to the two for disobedience.
Jackson looks like the human Jack Frost in the ROTG movie. Older by five minutes. Crown Prince.
Jack looks like the guardian Jack Frost in the ROTG movie. Younger of the two. Prince.
Anyways, I'm a shitty writer but I hope you enjoyed the changes. Sorry again. D: