Thank you so much for the reviews. I appreciate them! :D
Sorry, it took me a while to update. I was in no mood for HiJack this past few weeks because I was busy reading Death Note. XD
*Mighty hugs for everLastingTime* For using her precious time checking the story for me. Thank you soooo much.
Have a great weekend! :)
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters.
Chapter 13
"Ow, ow! Mer, I said I'm sorry!" Hiccup wheezed, tapping the tightly wrapped arm around his neck.
"What? Still can't hear ye!"
Hiccup rolled his eyes as he struggled free. Why am I suffering like this? "You should be happy I even bothered coming here today!"
"Hmph! Nae like ye have a choice!" Merida released her hold, perching hands on her hips.
Hiccup blew his messed up bangs. And with a scowl, he said, "I can see the future of this Kingdom, you tyrant Queen!"
Merida straightened her shoulders smugly, "Do nae worry, blacksmith. Yer sufferin' will forever be remembered by yer future Majesty, Queen Merida." She said, motioning herself gracefully. "And one day, for sure, yer sacrifices shall be compensated!"
"Oh, great. You have no idea how delighted this lowly blacksmith at the prospect of being your glorious punch sack." Hiccup said glumly. "Better yet, let me be the horse to carry your heavy self." He ended with a roll of his eyeballs.
"There would be nae need for tha'. Just save yer energy, blacksmith." Merida continued with her royal act, ignoring the bland insult. "Because ye'll need all yer strength for tah Eventing."
Hiccup, on the other hand, dropped out of his playful act and furrowed his eyes, "What eventing..?"
"Ye forgot it already? A just told ye yesterday!" Merida raised her brow.
"I thought it was just the race."
"Maybe ye should pay attention tah what A say next time," Merida said, walking ahead and leaving Hiccup. But then again, ye'll probably boycott the contest if ye did remember.
"B-but I'm not ready for it, Mer! Toothless and I haven't practiced at all." He said, following Merida with flailing arms.
"Since when did ye two need practice?" Merida stopped in her tracks. With the raise of his brow, she faced Hiccup.
"That's not the point. I'll be a laughing stock."
Merida crossed her arms, feeling scorn, "Why? Because ye'r a cripple? Dad and Gobber are the same but they were still great in their battles. Ye can do the same!"
Hiccup sighed. "Mer, they had the muscle to make up for it. I only have skin and bones." Not something I am proud of!
"And ye have Toothless." Merida reputed. "Come on, A'm sure ye two will perform great." If ye only knew how amazed folks are with ye two. She thought, putting a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Believe in yerself, and yer two bestfriends." She ended with a smile.
Hiccup smiled primly, shrugging his shoulders. "I'll try."
"Don't try, do it because A'm bettin' my riches on ye!"
"So that's what you were after all along." Hiccup stated grimly.
They strode the rest of the way quietly, looking around to see anything that would garner their attention. And in the middle of observing a brawling match, a brown-haired man approached the two of them.
"Pleasant morning, Princess Merida," Jamie bowed with grace. Facing Hiccup, he greeted grimly, "Same to you, Mister Hiccup."
Hiccup noticed it, touching his chin in thought. "Morning…" Uhh…something wrong with my face?
"A thought A told ye tah drop the honorific." Merida reminded after acknowledging his greeting.
Jamie covered a side of his mouth, whispering, "I can't do that in public, Merida." He said while glancing to his left and right.
And this action made Hiccup looked skeptically at the two, "Mer, is there something you should be telling me?" He asked, quirking an eyebrow and crossing his arms. Evidently, the freckled boy was amused and partly surprised.
Merida straightened her back, pursing her lips. She just knew that look on Hiccup's face – the mocking amusement.
And the ministration of Hiccup was misinterpreted by Jamie, remembering the rumors about Merida and Hiccup's relationship – he thought Hiccup was acting jealous. With a proud smile, he faced the Princess, "Princess, I forgot to say this but I just wanted to thank you for the dance last night." He smiled saccharinely, chancing a glance at Hiccup whose eyes widened more – thinking the boy was surprised. Inwardly, he felt like he was winning, making his grin wider.
Jamie could not be anymore right about Hiccup though, for the freckled boy was indeed surprised, just about a different reason. "Mer, you had a dance…with him..?" He raised a brow. Deep down, Hiccup was starting to regret missing out the dance last night. Oh, how he wished he was there to rile the Princess up. It would have been a one in a million chance of his lifetime.
'Yes, we have. What are you going to do about it?' Jamie though childishly.
Merida held her chin up. Hiccup had to squint and rub his eyes, thinking the slight blush on the Princess' usually pale cheeks was just his imagination. "Y-yea," she stammered, crossing her arms. And with a sway of her dress, her eyes met Jamie's, "It's nothin'. It's just a dance anywey."
Jamie was a bit saddened by her answer. 'Just a dance…,' he internally sighed. But the disappointment did not show on his face. Although he was embarrassed by his clumsy performance during the dance, it was a memory he would undeniably cherish for years.
Hiccup had a mischievous grin plastered on his face. He elbowed Merida on her side, whispering on her ear, "What else did I miss last night?"
Merida instantly shot him a glare, silently telling him to shut up. And Hiccup, personifying a mortal devil, smiled an inch wider. Alerted with the warning signs of constant teasing, the Princess dug her mind to change the topic. The first thought that clicked in her head was the worried face of Crown Prince Jackson, "Tha' reminds me. Did you guys find the prince?"
The fake smile on Jamie's face and the mischievous grin on Hiccup's fell in chorus. The brown-haired man chuckled as he wiped his forehead nervously, whereas, the auburn-haired boy looked upset but obviously curious at the same time.
"Oh yes, we have." Jamie replied immediately.
Merida nodded, "A see. Well, tha's good. As much as A do nae like those two. A wouldn't wish for anythin' bad happen tah them."
Hiccup looked at the obvious tension in Jamie's posture, brushing the observation off, he curiously asked. "Why? Was he gone?"
Jamie gulped loudly, feeling cold although the sun was shining brightly. "His highness enunciated a game of seek. Haha, it was just another one of his antics. Nothing serious at all." He brushed the topic off feverishly. The last thing he wanted was to show hints about the identity of the twins. If his character judgement was accurate, Hiccup was an intelligent young man. One wrong word, the disguise the twins made would be for nothing, and he would hate to be the reason for that.
"Hmph, the twins sound a lot like mah brothers." Merida shook her head. "How do ye put up with them?"
Jamie sheepishly shrugged, "How do you put up with them?" throwing the question back to the Princess.
Hiccup smirked. "Let's just agree that you two are great babysitters."
The two glanced at Hiccup, nodding in agreement. "Perfect! You two have more in common that I thought. Just like a match made in heaven." Hiccup exclaimed, paddling an arm like a duck. A gesture he always did whenever he teased the princess.
Merida and Jamie looked at each other, their cheeks were slowly reddening. The Princess' was out of embarrassment while the assistant's was out of admiration. Clearly, Jamie was getting puzzled from the reactions he was getting from Hiccup, it was opposite of what he expected, perhaps, the things he heard were rumors after all. Or maybe, Hiccup was just trying to rile him up, soaring his hopes just to crush his feelings later with the truth. As if I'll fall for your trap! He thought.
Clearing his throat, Jamie straightened his kilt. Before further questions about the twins were bombarded his way, he decided it would be better if he walked away – back in his search for the twins.
The moment Jack - freed of his disguise and cured of his fever - stepped foot at the fair, Jackson briskly pulled him out of people's sight. The two ventured in the encampment of tall trees, far away from prying eyes.
He had expected it - the scolding he was sure to get after his little rendezvous with Hiccup last night. Though, he did not anticipate it to occur this early, surely, he had nothing prepared for an excuse other than his mere curiosity.
"I'm giving you this moment to explain," Jackson said as he spun to face his brother. And with the cross of his arms and the tap of his foot, he waited.
Jack visibly shifted from foot to foot, damning the heat for not being warm enough to swivel away the cold feel on his palms. He looked down the ground, observing his feet as if it was the most astonishing sight in the world. The instance he found the courage to glance up his brother, a terse pang of guilt hit his nerve, because now he remembered, the sharp glare his brother sent him last night when he opened Hiccup's door.
Perhaps, it was his fever to blame, or maybe it was his surprise of being caught, because his mind failed to register that look last night. And now, he was left to contemplate the expression in the presence of his brother. Fidgeting under the reclusive stare, he gathered the courage to speak, "Sorry." One word, doubtlessly, it was an apology unworthy of forgiveness. But short as it may be, Jack meant it.
Jackson stared blankly, perhaps, he was waiting for more. And Jack could not take it anymore, so he mindlessly spoke, "I know you are mad about Hiccup -." But before he could continue, his recently silent brother butted in.
"That's not what I was mad about." The Crown Prince said monotonously.
Jack raised his brow in question, "Truly? Because the way you glared daggers at me last night, I was sure you wanted to punch me."
And that was it, the ever so graceful crown prince snapped. "Jack!" He brushed his chestnut bangs, tugging by the ends. "I was worried! I scraped back and forth the castle and fair searching for you!"
Jack stiffened. His brother had shouted at him. It was something Jackson had never done since that day he swore he would never hate him. "Sorry…" This time, he muttered it softly.
Jackson sighed deeply. "Why is it so hard for you to listen? Just follow what we asked for once!" He scolded, pacing back and forth – the action he knew would remove the steam inside his head.
Jack just kept his head down, keeping his silence as his brother reproved him.
The muteness of the white-haired prince was noticed shortly by the infuriated prince. And with another deep sigh, Jackson stilled his anger, mentally cursing his self in the process. What am I doing? He thought. I swore I'd never get mad at him again! He spun on his heel.
When Jack looked up, he was met by the hunched back of Jackson. He knew for sure his brother caught up to his promise – that one he made years ago.
(Flashback)
Jackson fisted his brother's collar tightly. "How could you!?" He spat close to his face. "All this time, I was blaming the wrong man!"
Jack did not have the energy to resist his brother. Not because he lacked the strength but because he knew he had wronged him. The only thing he could do was to grab his brother's wrist, trying to loosen the tight grip on him. "Jackson, I did not mean it."
Jackson knew fully well his brother did not intend for any of this to happen. But the livid pulse of his refused any words of reason to penetrate his ears – and the very depths of his mind. Inevitably, his resentment was nothing to be surprised of – a friend of his died. For what? A child's idea of a good joke? "It was your fault why she died!" Jackson blurted once again, not noticing the formation of tears on the corners of his chocolate eyes.
"I know," Jack averted his icy blue eyes, dropping hands on his sides, "I'm truly sorry, Jackson. I did not know that would happen…I…I didn't plan for anyone to get hurt." It was only meant to be a practical joke - a mere prank to piss his uncle off. Nightmare was an overly energetic dog, taking hours to chase around in the attempt to get him back on cage. And he knew well enough, if the dog was unleashed, it would effectively tick the Lord off. So, one day, he sneaked by the cage, opening it and releasing the beast within.
Jack did not expect anyone to get hurt. The dog may growl menacingly but it never attacked humans. The only issue he neglected was that he disregarded Nightmare's hostility to animals. And it was not like he knew about Baby Tooth. He never knew of her existence, not until the showcased dispute between Jackson and Pitch at the library. It was the only time his brother confessed about her.
Jack could still remember the moment his uncle looked at him and whispered words as he left the sobbing Crown Prince by the library, "Better not confess anything to your brother." It confused Jack at that time, 'Confess? Confess what? I don't understand.' And the words his uncle whispered made sense the instance Jackson spilled his secret – Baby Tooth. From then on, Jack tried stilling the tight squeeze he felt in his stomach. Imagine his dread the day they conferred the bird with a rightful burial in the gardens where Jackson found her – he almost thought that vomiting his insides would cure the cramping on his abdomen.
And this guilt consumed him every day. Jack could not bear to look at his brother in the eye whenever Jackson would mention about the festive bird. And the day came when he could not take it anymore – confessing the truth to alleviate his guilt. He knew his brother would resent him, but he also knew that his burden would be lifted. So, when he found the opportunity that they were away from prying eyes, he blurted the words. "It was my fault why Baby Tooth died." It took all his will to confess but the heavy restraints he felt on his shoulders and the tight squeeze of his insides were immediately gone. But now, Jack was not sure if he could grasp the idea of seeing the hate within his brother's eyes – the hatred that chilled his spine.
Jackson let go of his grasp, pushing his brother viciously. He did not mean it to be that strong, he only wished for his brother to inch away. But it must be the rush of adrenaline pumping ferociously within his veins that made him miscalculate the area where he pushed his brother away. He did not expect it, neither of them did.
The two felt the world tip off to the side as Jack held out a hand in hopes his brother would take it. He was slowly plunging down from the bridge, down by the rushing river he went.
Jackson did reach out but he was a second too late. His hand missed to grasp his brother's hand and it was now out of reach. "Jaaaack!" He shouted helplessly. Blast! He mentally cursed, panicking as he watched his brother tried to submerge from the water's depths.
Jack coughed loudly, flailing his arms and searching helplessly for something to hold on to. Thankfully, his frantic hand got a hold of a lodged wood. But upon closer inspection, it would not stay locked for long. "Jackson, help!"
Jackson felt the back of his neck shake. What do I do? "Jack, hold on tight!" He shouted, kneeling down and outstretching a hand. "Grab my hand!"
Jack attempted to, but their arms were too short to reach. "Kuh..I can't reach it." He whimpered. The water current was not that strong but it was tough enough to drag and drown those who had no ability to swim. And as luck may call it, neither of the twins were taught to swim yet. "Hurry, Jackson!" Jack shouted, feeling the wood he was holding on loosen. "It's getting lose…"
Jackson thought of reaching for his brother by the banks but he was worried the current would continuously drift his brother away. He would not risk it. He couldn't. So, he was left with no choice than to ask for help. But doing so would require him to leave his brother. "Jack, do everything you can to hold on tight! I'll fetch someone!"
Jack paled but nodded nonetheless. After the confirmation, Jackson quickly took off without a second glance. 'I need someone, please, let there be someone!' He thought over and over again as his eyes watered, running the same speed of his thrumming heart.
He frantically whipped his head around, searching for the nearest adult. 'I was stupid! Please God, help my brother.' He felt hopeless when he had run meters away from the bridge and there were still no adult to ask for help. 'I'm sorry…I don't hate him. I'll never hate him again…please, just save him! If you save him, I won't get mad at him again…please.' And his prayers were answered. He almost leaped in joy when his blurry vision saw the familiar backs of Sir North and Aster. "Aster! Aster!" He screamed at the top of his lungs, making the two tall figures spun to face him.
"Prince Jackson…?" Aster muttered under his breath. And Jackson quickly hugged the sleeve of his coat, pulling him with him.
"Aster, you have to help Jack!" The urgent-ness in his voice could not be contained. He continuously pulled the arm of Aster, motioning for him to follow.
"What's wrong, your Highness?" Sir North asked. His eyes were larger than usual.
Jackson finally felt Aster follow him. He kept his teary eyes on the road, "Jack fell down the bridge! I-I d-don't know what to do…He might d-drown." He stuttered as he kept his whimpers in check.
And this alerted the two adults. They were well informed about the twin's inability to swim – since they were personal instructors of the twins and they were yet to teach the two to swim. And quickly, the adults took off, not even noticing they left the eleven-year old prince.
Jackson was not able to keep the same pace as the adults. But he ran after them in the fastest way his legs could muster. Perhaps it was his lack of concentration on the road, or it was his full focus on getting to the bridge that made him bumped harshly at the tall kid who unknowingly walked in front of him.
And as the two collided, Jackson could tell that the bony elbow of the other met harshly with his tummy. He was not able to make out much of the kid's appearance because he was writhing in pain. It seemed the boy had long blond-hair…or was he a she? Jackson had no time to wallow about it. And despite the obvious pain in his abdomen, he stood on his feet, limply running.
"Oy!" A rough voice shouted behind him. He already knew that it was the boy he knocked over. Jackson did not bother to look back, continuously limping away until he was stopped when fingers held him by the shoulder. He simply had no time for this! He thought. And with a brisk spun of his heel, his knuckle met the jaw of the other.
"Hey!" Another rough voice shouted, but this time, it sounded feminine. With a brief glance, Jackson saw the female looked like the kid he just punched square in the face. "Ugh, I don't have time for this." He spun back and walked his way, not bothering to apologize. I have a brother to get to, damn it!
"R-rachel, stop. Just let it go!" Another voice squeaked. Jackson did not know why but this time, he felt like glancing back. And what he saw was the enraged form of the blonde female, being restrained by a hooded kid, obviously smaller than the girl. He was only able to spare a brief glance on the hooded boy's face; most of what he'd seen was his eyes.
"Blast it! Did you see what he did!?" The female rasped down at the boy. "Only I can punch my twin!"
Jackson knew his feet were still moving away. Before he eyed back the road, he briefly made some observations. The three kids were dripping wet – as if they went out for a swim. Swim. River. And the remembrance made his feet run faster. Jack!
By the time he arrived at the bridge, his brother was nowhere to be seen, same for the adults he asked for help. Taking a different route, he decided to track the river banks. And it did not take long for him to find Sir North kneeling in front of a sitting Jack, completely drenched from head to toe. It was expected but he noticed something else, the rescuers were completely dry. Did they use a vine perhaps?
Jackson quickly ran to his brother's side, skidding his knees down the dusty soil. He knew for sure he scraped his knees during the process, feeling the throbs of pain emanate from them. "Jack!" He called, hugging his brother tightly who eagerly hugged him back.
Jackson felt tears dribble down his cheeks. "A-are you o-okay?" He said in between sobs, looking at his brother straight in the eye.
"Yes," Jack wheezed, coughing a little and crying as well. "I-I'm sorry, Jackson."
"You idiot! Why are you saying sorry? It should be me who's doing that!" Jackson reputed. None of this would have happened if he did not push him. "I-I'm sorry, I did not mean to push y-you."
Sir North and Aster looked at each other in question. They wanted to ask, but right now, they knew it could wait. The meaty hands of the chief advisor patted the twins out of their reunion. "Jack, are you sure you're well?" He asked.
Jack looked into the blue irises of Sir North while sniffing. He soon nodded to answer his question.
Sir North nodded back, grimly informing the twins. "This needed to be reported to your father." And the thought made the twins pout in distress.
"Did you swim your way to the bank, mate?" Aster asked in curiosity. Things just did not add up. They found Jack lying far from the water, as if someone hauled him out.
Jack shook his head in reply. "No…I only remember that the log dislodged and the current took me with it. I..I don't remember much after that…"
Aster hummed, cupping his chin. "Perhaps, the current took you to the bank…?"
Sir North shook his head, "I highly doubt that, Aster. Perhaps, do you recall anyone saving you?" He directed his question to Jack. "They needed to be rewarded!"
Jack only shook his head, "I do not know, Sir North." Then his eyes widened, remembering shouts before he lost consciousness. He was about to inform them but Sir North decided to talk nonsense.
"Maybe it's a river spirit!" Sir North exclaimed, laughing which made his plump tummy bounce.
Aster rolled his eyes, thinking how stupid it was that his theory about the water current saving Jack was eradicated, just to be replaced with a silly possibility of river spirits. "I don't think so, Sir."
Sir North raised his brow, questioning Aster, "You don't believe in them?"
Aster simply nodded, "And any other unbelievable claims…"
"Eh? Where's the wonder in you!?" Sir North exclaimed, slapping the back of Aster and commencing a friendly debate about myths.
And while the two adults were busy, Jackson looked at his brother, "Spirit or not. I'm forever in their debt for saving you." He held his brother's face, meeting their foreheads together.
The two closed their eyes and Jack held the hands of his brother, "Do you still hate me…?" The weakened whisper in the white-haired prince's voice diffused the flames of hate within him. It was as if the feeling never even emerged.
"No…" Jackson whispered, "No…I don't. I won't. Never will I be mad at you again, ever." They still had their eyes closed and their foreheads were still pressed together. "I loathed the feeling of losing a friend, but it would kill me to lose you. Jack, I'm so sorry."
(End of Flashback)
Perhaps it was not the place and time to joke around but Jack knew it was one way to diffuse the tension. He held his brother' shoulder, and with a whisper, he said, "Jackson, it is alright for you to get mad. We're not in the river."
Jackson looked behind his shoulder, glaring daggers at his brother. Jack, by instinct, held up his hands, backing away slowly. "I am just kidding, man!"
Jackson snarled. "Ugh, forget it." He abruptly sat on the grassy ground, resting his chin on a palm of his hand.
Jack followed his cue, flumping beside his brother and copying Jackson. And there, the two sat quietly until Jack could not take the silence anymore, talking once again. "I'm really sorry, you know. I was not really expecting you to get back at the castle last night…I had no plan to worry you."
Jackson faced him; his chin was still on his hand.
"And…about Hiccup…" Jack nervously said.
Jackson looked ahead, sighing. "Don't say sorry about that. It was my fault anyway…I promised I'll let you meet him. But then I didn't do it."
Jack shook his head, "I understand anyway." He rested his hands at the ground behind him, shifting his weight on it. "If I were to show up with you, bare faced and all. We'll be figured out."
Jackson bobbed his head.
"But Jackson…what are we going to do when we're found out…?" The two looked at each other intently. It seemed that the two had no plans prepared if the moment of revelation did come – the day their disguise was over.
"Maybe…he wouldn't hate us anymore if we confess? I mean…we're friends now, right? I don't think it would make any difference if he found out we're the princes." Jack stated.
Jackson furrowed his eyes, "He hates us because he thought we're ruthless. Truthfully, I do think he would change his opinion about us now that he had conversed with us. But somehow, I could not nag the feeling that something else was fuelling his hate…" But what was that feeling?
Jack locked eyes with Jackson, nodding in agreement. I guess, confession could wait. And in an attempt to continue their talk, he spoke, "Hm…Jackson…I heard some things about him."
Jackson nodded his head, "So was I…"
"Oh?" Jack questioned. In reply, Jackson briskly nodded, "More about his name…"
The eyes of Jack sparkled, "Yeah, that. I knew for sure no parent would name their child a hiccup. Who would have thought it was the Princess' idea?" On second thought, I think the Princess would really be silly enough to bestow that name.
Jackson nodded again, "I thought it was adorable though."
Jack snorted.
"But…it wonders me." Jackson informed, making Jack raise an eyebrow. "Jamie and I were talking to the clan heirs last night…and they mentioned something about Hiccup that piqued my curiosity."
So, the heir's tongues loved to run around. "Oh?" Jack questioned.
"I do not know how genuine their claim was, but they informed me that Hiccup was no native in Dunbroch."
Jack raised his brow. That explains the accent.
Jackson moved closer to his brother, fiddling with his fingers, "From what I heard, the Dunbrochs had their trip to God knows where, and when they returned home, they brought Hiccup with them."
Jack was even more intrigued.
The older of the two rested his chin again on his palm, sighing deeply. "Young Dingwall said something even more intriguing. He mentioned something about Hiccup being a survivor… which he did not elaborate. Maybe, he was attacked by a wild animal in a jungle or something? That would greatly explain about the leg."
Jack narrowed his eyes. "Survivor, huh." He thought deeply. "Say…did he mention when that trip was?"
It was Jackson's turn to raise his brow and think deeply. "Nope, not a word."
Jack brushed his hair, deep in thoughts.
…
"How long have you guys been friends?"
"Five years."
...
"Why?" Jackson asked. But before Jack could reply, the two of them sprang to their feet, instinctively moving away from the blood curling scream they heard behind them.
"Jamie!" The twins yelled, clutching their chests and stilling their breaths.
Jamie laughed hysterically. Revenge is so sweet. "What?" He asked innocently, waving a hand around. "Sorry, I was so tempted. How was the taste of your own trick, your Highnesses?"
The twins rolled their eyes, chuckling when their surprise perished. The topic they were pondering over was long forgotten.
"Ohh, that aside…" Jamie giddied. "I have news for you two. I am sure it would provide great entertainment."
The twins looked at each other's eyes. Both of their brows were raised.
"There is an eventing competition going on." Jamie sing-songed.
"Okay…" The twins said in unison, simultaneously shrugging their shoulder, "What makes it so entertaining?"
Jamie grinned before exclaiming, "The participants!"
Jack and Jackson pursed their lips, waiting the next words.
"There was a trial earlier and those who passed will be the only ones allowed to compete. You would not believe how difficult the stunts were but -."
"Get to the point, please." The twins butted off.
Jamie rolled his eyes, "Very well. Out of a dozen entrants, only two qualified, namely, Hiccup…" He trailed, watching the expression of the two.
The twins widened their eyes. Hiccup!? Wow. Somehow, the two find it within their selves to smile. Who knew he had it in him?
"…and Lord Pitch!" Jamie finally finished his sentence. And the twins dropped their smiles, visibly horrified.
"WHAT!?"
Just to clarify, the brawnfest lasts for two days and one night, meaning this day would be the last of the fest. Though, undeniably, the brawnfest arc would last until next chapter because I was not able to fit the next events in this one. It would get too long since this chapter was already 4,988 in length.
If I were to fit the eventing, it would probably need more than 5k words to write because I planned to reveal another flashback. And I have to research how to write about the competition. X.X
Just like what my friend, everLastingTime said, this chapter was more like an introductory chapter for the next one. ;3 Sorry, this is not enough to compensate for the three weeks wait.
Other of my stupid shiznit:
Welp! I guess, Jack and Jackson would be on detective mode soon enough. Be careful with your secret Hiccup. *shakes my head*
Jamie, sweetie, put where your jealousy card belongs and read what rumor means in the dictionary. Better yet, conduct your own investigation in the matter. ;3
Oh, and Hiccup dear, please beat Pitch's sorry ass. Thank you.