Challenge

Astrid was sitting with Ulrik as he talked about his life at home. He'd been on Berk for three days and she had to admit he wasn't terrible company. He was polite, kind, and she'd dare to say charming. He was a little arrogant and haughty but insufferably so like say, Snotlout. All in all she didn't hate the guy. But she was definitely not going to marry him. He'd make a great friend though.

Unfortunately spending time with him over the last few days mea she hadn't spent any of it with Hiccup. And she wasn't sure…but he seemed bothered by it. She'd tried to wave to him in passing or make small talk but he would either ignore her wave or reply in short one word responses before continuing on his way.

She really hoped she wouldn't have to do this much longer. She could feel a wedge driving them apart.

"So I hear you village was attacked by those damned Vandals Astrid?" Ulrik piped in.

Astrid focused back on him. "Yeah it was. Took us by surprise during our yearly celebration," she explained.

"Damn raiders. I've face quite a few of their groups already. Single handedly. They were no match for me," he said proudly.

"Uh huh," was all she said in response. The guy could talk about himself forever. But to be fair it was pretty impressive that he'd never been beaten in a battle. But even she thought putting 'Unbeatable' in your title was a little too grandiose.

A few tables away Hiccup stared at Astrid and her suitor bitterly. He didn't know why he was mad. It's not like she and him were together. And why shouldn't she have a suitor. She was an eligible Viking girl of marrying age. She probably had a whole throng of potential suitor who'd give anything to marry her.

Stupid…stupid…stupid, he thought to himself. He felt like an idiot for thinking he stood a chance. Not when there was an entire archipelago to compete with. And that Ulrik guy…he hated him.

I'm not jealous. I'm not jealous. I am NOT jealous.

"Hiccup?"

"I AM NOT JEALOUS!" Hiccup shouted at his table.

Fishlegs flinched in surprise. "I was just asking you if you wanted to join the next dragon race," the boy said carefully.

Hiccup flushed red in embarrassment. He coughed and composed himself. "No. But thank you Fishlegs and my apologies," he said politely.

Fishlegs nodded in acceptance. The other all smirked knowingly. He was so jealous.

"So Astrid who is that man you were standing with the other day?" Ulrik asked out of the blue.

Astrid stiffened in surprise. "Oh, uh that was just my friend Hiccup," she said casually.

"Hiccup? Hmmmm. I've never seen armor like his before. Do you know where he got it? And those swords of his were quite interesting," Ulrik said as he stroked his beard.

"Oh he traveled to a distant land and got them from the people there. I don't suppose you've heard of Japan?"

"Can't say I have…I he any good with them?" Ulrik asked curiously.

"I've never seen him get beaten so far," Astrid replied with a shrug.

"Hmm. Me and him should have a friendly duel sometime," Ulrik muttered to himself. "He wouldn't happen to be Hiccup the chief's son would he?"

"Yeah that's him."

"The one who trained the first dragon?"

"Same guy," she replied with a nod.

"What a peculiar lad," Ulrik said blankly.

The rest of the evening lapsed into small talk until dinner was over. Ulrik said goodnight before parting and making his way to his guest quarters. Astrid released a breath in relief to be free of him. She glanced around to see Hiccup making his way to the door. She followed after him.

Outside she caught up to him as he was walking to his house.

"Hey Hiccup," she greeted as she tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around and she was met with a blank face. It made her heart sink.

"Hello Astrid," he said evenly.

"So…uhm, sorry we haven't been able to hang out for the last few days. Been busy and stuff," she tried to say lightly.

"Its fine," he replied with curt nod.

"So…I was thinking. Let's have a sparring match tomorrow," Astrid said. She just used that as an excuse to spend time with him.

"Aren't you busy?"

"Nah. Besides, I totally want to kick your butt," she said raising a fist up and giving him confident smile. To her delight a small smile formed and Hiccup's face.

"Alright then. Around midday?" he asked.

"Sure. See you then. And bring a mop for your blood," she added jokingly. Hiccup actually chuckled with her. It warmed her heart to see that. So with a final goodnight she went to her home. Looking forward to seeing him tomorrow.

Hiccup stood in the middle of the kill ring with his arms crossed over his chest as he waited for Astrid. He felt like an idiot. He'd been waiting for hours…or it could've have been a few minutes. He didn't have a sun dial. And to be fair they said around midday. So there was room for tardiness.

Maybe she'd rather spend time with her future husband, he thought sourly. With a sigh he was contemplating leaving when he heard footstep at the entrance. He turned to see Astrid jogging in. She looked to be out of breath and slightly flushed from exertion.

"Sorry I'm late. My mom asked me to do something real quick. Did you wait long?" she said as she came up to him.

"No. Its fine," he said looking away. Astrid noticed this. She cocked her head to the side and stepped into his field of vision.

"Are you pouting Hiccup?" she asked.

"No," he said shortly. But his blush betrayed him.

"Aww. You are pouting. I said I was sorry," Astrid said giving him a sweet smile. Hiccup looked away and snorted. Astrid smiled, thinking it was cute that he was angry. She stepped into his line of sight again, "Please forgive me?" she asked with big eyes.

Damn those big blue eyes, Hiccup cursed mentally. "Ok fine. I forgive you," he huffed out.

Astrid giggled at her victory. "Alright then, let's do this," she said as she raised her hands up and dropped into a battle stance. Hiccup smiled at her enthusiasm before dropping into his own battle stance.

And then they sparred. Throwing punches and kicks at each other as they laughed and smiled at every miss or block. Hiccup had to admit Astrid was getting a bit better with every session. The advantage Hiccup always had over Vikings is that he knew the way Vikings fought. He'd seen it his whole life. But they'd never seen the way he fought before. Thus he had an easier time predicting their attacks. But slowly Astrid was learning. She may even be an even match for him one day.

"So…Ulrik seems like a nice guy," Hiccup said to make casual conversation as he blocked a punch.

"He's ok. Good fighter," Astrid said casually. He tried to sweep his legs out from under him but he jumped before slamming his palm into her stomach, pushing her back.

"I bet. He is 'Unbeatable' after all," Hiccup said with sarcasm. Astrid chuckled before charging him. "So when is the wedding going to be?" Hiccup let slip as he dodged her punch.

Astrid stiffened in surprise. She sighed and shook her head. "There's not going to be one," she informed him. She watched as his eyes went wide in surprise. She capitalized on his distraction by tackling him to the floor. She pinned his arms above his head and leaned over him. "I was just spending time with him because he came all this way to meet me Hiccup. I was never going to marry him," she explained.

Hiccup absorbed this information before he reacted. He pushed back before rolling her over. They wrestled and lashed out at each other before Hiccup pinned her down, sitting on her chest with his feet holding down her hands. "Why not?" he asked cocking his head to the side.

Astrid rolled her eyes. "Because I've known him for three days Hiccup. And I'd have to leave Berk if I married him. I would never do that," she said shaking her head.

Hiccup processed this information and his heart soared. "Oh," was all he said. Though he mentally cheered on the inside.

Eat it Ulrik, he thought to himself. Then he looked back down at Astrid and smiled. "Looks like I win," he said with a crooked grin. Astrid frowned and growled as she tried to push him off. But she couldn't get the leverage. With a huff she gave up.

"Yeah, yeah, now let me up. You weigh a ton." With a chuckle Hiccup removed herself from on top of her. Astrid rose and dusted herself off. She looked to Hiccup to see him smiling. "And what are you smiling at?" she said narrowing her eyes at him and placing her hands on her hips.

"Nothing," Hiccup said still smiling. He was just happy she wasn't going to get married. Maybe…just maybe…he still had his chance.

"Yeah right. I bet you're all like 'ha you lose again'. No modesty at all," Astrid frowned.

"It's false modesty to deny your skill," Hiccup said with a shrug.

"I hate you," Astrid said unconvincingly.

"No you don't," Hiccup said taking step toward her. She noticed his gaze was trained right on her. She blushed and looked away.

"Yes I do," she grumbled. But then her eyes went wide and she froze as Hiccup placed a hand on her cheek and turned her head back to him.

"I don't believe you," he said getting a little closer.

"Well it's the truth," Astrid shot back as she fought back the heat rising in her cheek and tried to will her knees to stop shaking.

"Look me in the eyes and say it," Hiccup said huskily. Astrid swallowed. Suddenly Hiccup began to move his face closer to hers.

"I…I…," Astrid stammered out softly.

Hiccup chuckled lightly as he locked onto his target. Her lips. He didn't know what he was doing. But it felt right. He leaned in as his eyes began to close.

Astrid swallowed and licked her lips as he got closer.

Please Freyja and Odin and whatever god is listening, let him kiss me, Astrid thought in prayer. She began to close her eyes as he got closer.

"Astrid!" came the voice of her father from outside the ring.

The pair's eyes flew open. They both released a disappointed breath before Hiccup took a step back. They turned to see Astrid's parents and Ulrik walking into the arena. Hiccup frowned at the sight of Ulrik. When the group reached them they looked them over.

"Hiccup," Astrid's father said with a nod.

"Mr. Hofferson," Hiccup replied respectfully with a nod and a bow.

"Ah. So you're Hiccup then?" Ulrik said looking him up and down. He stepped forward before offering his hand. "Nice to meet you," he said with a friendly smile.

Hiccup eyed the hand before extending his own. "Likewise," he said shortly.

"So mom, dad," Astrid said looking to her parents. "Did you guys want something?" she asked.

Astrid's father smiled. "Oh yes. We came to talk about you and Ulrik."

"I'm going to," Hiccup said as he turned to leave. This obviously wasn't a talk meant for him.

Astrid gave a gusty sigh. "Yeah about that dad. Ulrik is nice and all but—,"

"We've agreed on a marriage contract for you two," her father said cutting her off. He didn't even hear what she'd been saying.

"WHAT!?" Astrid and her mother cried in unison.

"Agmund! We said we'd let Astrid decide," her mother cried in shock.

Agmund shrugged. "I don't see he problem. You two get along. I've seen the way you are when you're together."

"Yeah but I don't want to marry him," Astrid blurted out. She stiffened at her words before looking to Ulrik apologetically. She took a breath to calm herself, trying to reel in her temper. "Look Ulrik, you're a nice man, and I think we can be great friends…but I don't want to marry you," she said to try and reason with him.

Ulrik held her gaze before sighing. "Sorry to hear you say that Astrid. But I didn't come all this way to make a friend," he replied.

Astrid narrowed her eyes and glared at him. "So that's it then? You want me and that's all there is to it? You don't care at all about what I want?

"Am I really so bad? We seem to get along. Do you think I'm repulsive? Am I so terrible that marrying me is so unreasonable?" he asked rolling his eyes.

"That's not the point. It my life, and I want to be able to live and choose who I want to be with," Astrid shot back at him.

She and Ulrik held each other's gaze. He looked at her like she was being a spoiled brat. Like she was somehow wrong for wanting to make her own decisions.

"I'm doing this for you Astrid," her father suddenly piped in. She looked at him incredulously. "I saw what nearly happened to you the night the Vandals attacked. You would've been taken," he said grimly. She flushed slightly at the memory. She opened her mouth to retort when her father spoke. "Ulrik here is unbeatable. He would protect you in these uncertain times. And I'll do what I think is best for you," her father said with conviction.

"But dad," Astrid said in frustration.

"Now enough Astrid. Ulrik is a good man and has more than enough for the bride price. I see no reason to deny him your hand," her father said firmly.

Astrid couldn't think of anything to say. She could say no. Bu to go against her father like that could mean being disowned. That would mean shame and bringing dishonor to her clan. Her heart clenched as she felt helplessness overwhelm her. There was nothing she can do.

"Unbeatable is a little haughty don't you think?" came a familiar voice. Everyone turned to see Hiccup was still there. He apparently hadn't left.

"Excuse me?" Ulrik asked raising an eyebrow. Hiccup was obviously talking to him.

"No one is unbeatable," Hiccup said as he held Ulrik's gaze and took a deliberate step towards him. Ulrik turned to fully face him. Sizing him up.

"I am. No one has ever beaten me. Never even come close," Ulrik said firmly.

"Not yet," Hiccup shot back. His tone is firm and hard. Almost challenging.

"Oh?" Ulrik said as he took step toward him.

"I could beat you," Hiccup asserted confidently.

"Oh really? Care to prove that?" Ulrik challenged as he put a hand on the hilt of his long sword.

"Sure, how about tomorrow? In front of the whole village?"

"Why wait?"

"I'm a little tired after my sparring session with Astrid. I could use some rest," Hiccup said casually with a shrug. "But let's make it interesting," he added.

"I'm listening."

"If I win you call off the marriage contract and go home," Hiccup states.

"And why would I do that?" Ulrik asked curiously. "What does she mean to you?" he asked gesturing to Astrid.

"She's a good friend. So as a concerned friend I want to make sure she gets only the best. So about it Ulrik? Or maybe you're afraid you'll lose," Hiccup said with a smirk.

Ulrik growled as he loomed over Hiccup, glaring down at him. "Fine. But if I win, not only do I get Astrid, but you give me those swords of yours," Ulrik added.

Hiccup glared and placed a hilt on his Katana. They meant a lot to him. To lose them would be a dishonor. A permanent stain. And it would be spitting in the face of Daichi and his friends in Japan. But he's come this far. He can't back down.

"Deal. Tomorrow. Midday. No armor. One sword each," Hiccup propositioned.

"Agreed," Ulrik said with a firm nod.

Then the two men stared each other down. Sizing up their opponent. And all the while Astrid stared wide eyed at Hiccup. She's never seen him so challenging before. She kind of liked it.

She didn't know how the duel would go. But she knew one thing.

She desperately hoped he would win.

New chapter. It's on. Feel free to review