SUMMARY: Hiccup and the Dragon Riders (Snotlout, Tuffnut, Astrid, Ruffnut, Fishlegs, and Gustav) set off to learn all they can about the secret auction from Heather, their ally located on the rough-around-the edges Beserker Island. Later, they realize there are several obstacles they have to complete in time before they miss the auction, and fail their newfound mission to shut the auction down for an important reason. In between, Ruffnut and Hiccup make a decision about their situation-ship.


CHAPTER 24

As Mister Thorston made his way down to the pier, he couldn't shake the memories of his past. The time he spent with Stoick and Gobber reminded him of his younger days, when he still had a wife and children waiting for him at home after his long voyages. But now, they were no longer there, taken by the war or their silly dragon-saving-wiles under Hiccup's lead, and leaving him all alone in the world.

He pushed those thoughts aside as he climbed aboard his small boat, his mind focused on the journey ahead. He had heard rumors of a land far beyond the archipelagos he normally traded with, a land that held secrets beyond his wildest dreams.

Mister Thorston was not one to believe in fate or destiny, but something about this journey felt different. It felt like he was meant to set foot on that distant land, to uncover its mysteries and perhaps even start anew.

As he set sail under the light of the rising sun, Mister Thorston felt a sense of excitement and anticipation wash over him. He had no idea what awaited him on this journey, but for the first time in a long time, he felt truly alive.

The wind carried him further and further from Berk, the village and its people shrinking into the distance behind him. But Mister Thorston did not look back. He only looked forward, towards his new destiny.

Days passed and the journey was long, but Mister Thorston's determination kept him going. He braved rough waves and fierce winds, all while staying alert for any signs of danger. He had heard stories of sea monsters and pirates lurking in these waters, and he knew he had to be prepared for anything.

One night, while navigating through a dense fog, Mister Thorston heard a strange noise coming from the water. At first, he thought it was just the waves crashing against the hull of his boat, but as the noise grew louder, he realized it was something else entirely.

Suddenly, a massive creature emerged from the depths of the ocean, its dark scales and razor-sharp teeth gleaming in the moonlight. It was a sea serpent unlike any Mister Thorston had ever seen before.

Mister Thorston quickly grabbed his bow and arrows, ready to defend himself if needed. But to his surprise, the sea serpent didn't attack him. Instead, it seemed almost curious about him and his boat.

As if on instinct, Mister Thorston reached out his hand towards the creature. The sea serpent hesitated for a moment before lowering its head towards him. Mister Thorston carefully touched its scaled nose, feeling a strange connection with the magnificent creature.

For hours they stayed like that, drifting through the fog together in silence. Eventually, as the sun began to rise on the horizon, the sea serpent disappeared back into the depths from which it came.

Mister Thorston knew then that he wasn't alone on this journey. He had a new ally, and perhaps even a friend in this strange and unknown world. As he continued towards his destination with renewed vigor, he missed the fact that he couldn't tell his children what he had witnessed.

Meanwhile, Hiccup and the gang had settled on Beserker Island, and had finally found Heather, who could probably help them figure out where the secret auction for Dragon's Edge Island would be held.

Heather was pleased to see Hiccup and the rest of the gang as they approached her on Beserker Island. They exchanged greetings, and Hiccup wasted no time getting down to business.

"Heather, we need your help," he said, his expression serious.

Heather nodded. "Of course, anything I can do to help you guys out."

Hiccup explained the situation with Dragon's Edge Island and the secret auction, and how they needed to find out where it was being held.

Heather listened intently, then nodded. "I think I might know someone who could help us. He's a trader who deals in rare goods and information. He might have heard something about this auction."

Hiccup and the gang looked at each other, hope filling their eyes.

"Do you know how to find him?" Snotlout asked eagerly.

Heather nodded again. "Yes. But he's not the easiest person to deal with. He's very particular about who he does business with."

"Then we'll just have to make sure he knows we're trustworthy," Astrid said determinedly.

The gang set off with Heather leading the way, determined to find this trader and get the information they needed. After some searching and asking around, they finally found him sitting on a dock, finishing a vegetable for lunch.

The trader was a skinny man with greasy hair and shifty eyes, constantly looking over his shoulder as if afraid someone was watching him. When Hiccup explained their situation, the man looked skeptical.

"Why should I trust you?" he asked, eyeing them suspiciously.

"Because we're honest and I'm also kinda the chief of Berk. Self-retired chief, technically, unless my cousin dies or something."

The trader raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think I care about that?"

Hiccup took a deep breath and tried a different approach. "Look, we need to find out where the secret auction for a...certain top secret island is being held. We know you deal in rare goods and information, and we're willing to pay for any help you can give us."

The trader considered this for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright then. I might know something that could help you, but it'll cost ye."

"That's fine," Hiccup said quickly. "Name your price."

The trader smirked, seeming to enjoy the power he held over them. "I want one of yer dragons."

Hiccup's eyes widened in shock. "What? You can't be serious."

The trader shrugged. "It's the only thing I want. I've got short help and I need to load some ships in three days time. I ain't going to hurt a scale on your dragons, boy. Take it or leave it."

The gang looked at each other, unsure of what to do. Losing one of their dragons was not something they were willing to consider lightly.

Suddenly, Ruffnut stepped forward. "Take Belch and Barf. They won't cause any trouble. But you better give them back!"

The trader grunted in agreement. "It's a deal."

"I'm sorry, Barf," Tuffnut cooed to his dragon head. Belch nuzzled him, until Ruffnut yelled, "hey!", which prompted him to nuzzle her as well. The Thorston twins beamed in the comfort of their dragon's goodbye for at least the next few days.

As the trader offered Belch and Barf away to a friendly ship-hand, Hiccup and the rest of the gang couldn't shake the sense of unease that settled over them. They had never been separated from one of their dragons for so long, and they didn't know what kind of danger Belch and Barf might face in the hands of the trader.

But they had no choice but to trust him for the time being. The trader explained from his earned intel that a top secret land auction was rumored to take place at a hidden cove on the other side of the island: by invite only.

"Ye'll have to be careful," he warned. "There could be guards or other traders watching out for anyone who tries to interfere with their big business."

The gang nodded, silently preparing themselves for whatever lay ahead. Hiccup couldn't help but feel a sense of dread in his stomach, knowing that they were walking into a dangerous situation without their Hideous Zippelback to back them up.

As the man continued his statements to them, Hiccup's heart sank as he realized that this was what they were up against. An operation that not only sold land, but illegally captured innocent dragons and sold them off to the highest bidder.

Hiccup knew then that they not only had to win back their island, but shut the auction down for good. The problem was, Hiccup nearly was out of ideas of how exactly to do it.

"When is this all supposed to start?" Heather asked, in lieu of helping her friends confirm a date.

The trader said, "not today. It has been delayed until two nights from now. They say, they are awaiting a mysterious special trader with ships of money, from the far, far east."

"Grimmel," Hiccup spoke darkly, knowing. Still, some part of him found amusement: they had beat him there. "The only way we can get let in with this crowd"-Hiccup told his crew-"is if they know I'm chief, and you guys are in my court."

"Does it look like we have court clothes?" Gustav scoffed at his dirt sagged tunic and boots.

They all looked down at their semi-ripped and dirty attire and armor, realizing how unprepared they were for this kind of mission.

The trader's eyes flickered with amusement. "I might know someone who can help you with that. But it'll cost ye."

Hiccup groaned, feeling like they were constantly in debt to this man. "For Odin's sake."

"This time, let me have that beautiful bone necklace the lass has got on."

Astrid blanched. Her first gift from Tuffnut was about to be offered up to a stranger, with no guarantee she'd ever see it again. She and Tuffnut shared an unspoken glance, and then Astrid untied the necklace from her neck with a sigh. The trader gleefully roped it around his own neck, exposing a yellowed grin.

"Now-who is it?" Hiccup said.

The trader smirked again. "A seamstress who specializes in noble clothing that might be up to your taste, young chief. She's not cheap, but she's the best on the island. She's way out on the outskirts-I hope you have some more coins, boy."

Hiccup frowned, knowing they were low on funds already, but that they didn't have a choice if they wanted to get into the auction undetected. The trader gave them directions to a small hut, where a woman with nimble fingers and gleaming eyes asked for their measurements. Fishlegs took detailed notes in his log as Hiccup brainstormed how on earth they would get more funds they didn't have.

"We need the outfits in two nights," Hiccup said firmly. "Are you sure she can help us in time?"

The greasy trader nodded. "Oh, yes. It'll be ready in time."

As they and Heather left the trader, the gang couldn't hide their excitement and nervousness. They were about to pull off the biggest scam of their lives and hopefully save the dragons from being sold off.

That evening, Astrid helped the gang set up a campfire with Heather in a comfortable part of the woods near the main part of Beserker island, near the inns if they ever wanted a night snack. Hiccup paced the seashore with Toothless, about to drive a ditch into the ground with his walking.

Astrid approached Hiccup, Toothless noticing first. His large tongue lapped her knee-guards as she giggled. The small laugh made Hiccup turn around.

"Hey Hiccup, I think I owe you an apology."

Hiccup looked quizzical. "Why's that, Ash?"

"We probably would have been safer getting intel from the Defenders of the Wing Tribe, from Queen Mala. Out here, it seems like at any time Grimmel could pop out of nowhere. I-I've just got this weird feeling. This island's so opened compared to Mala's lands. Sorry I mistrusted your judgement."

Hiccup put a comforting hand on Astrid's shoulder. "It's alright, Ash. I understand why you were hesitant. Mala and her tribe have proven themselves to be trustworthy allies, but we can't rely solely on them for every mission. We need to learn how to be self-sufficient and make our own decisions if we're going to continue leading the Riders, especially Gustav, the youngest."

Astrid nodded, appreciating Hiccup's words of wisdom. He suddenly took a seat, apparently having exhausted himself from thinking so hard.

"It's kinda cold out here. You should get back to the fire," Hiccup said.

She sat too. "I'm okay."

When a cold squall brushed over the waves of the sea and coursed through the land, Hiccup instinctively leaned her into a hug. Astrid let his arm envelop her, enjoying the simple warmth of his embrace, yet wishing it was Tuffnut's arm instead. Toothless nuzzled against them both, happy to see his two favorite humans getting along so well.

As they sat by the fire, planning their next move, Hiccup couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding weighing heavily on him. The auction was only two nights away and they still had so much to do to prepare. But he pushed those thoughts aside, determined to focus on the present and enjoy the company of his friends and ally under the tense moonlight.

Ruffnut, after having her fill of a light meal of small game Heather had hunted for them, waddled around to find Hiccup, hopefully to talk, and just hear his nerdy, somehow mesmerizing voice.

She trailed bootsteps in the ground to find Hiccup and Astrid leaning against each other. Crestfallen, she made for a silent escape, but realized Astrid had excused herself to eat more dinner, leaving Hiccup to gaze his forest-green eyes at the lopping Berserkian seashore alone.

Ruffnut hovered behind him for a moment before deciding to break the silence.

"Hey, Hiccup," she said, shuffling her feet in the sand awkwardly. "You know we're all counting on you to lead us against Grimmel and his cronies at that auction."

Hiccup turned his head towards Ruffnut and gave her a small smile. "Yeah, I know. No pressure, right?"

"I...I just want you to remember that we have your back no matter what happens," Ruffnut continued as she warily sat down next to him. He hadn't moved, which was a good sign.

A gust of wind blew harshly over them causing their hair to fly around chaotically, and Hiccup shivered slightly in the cold breeze even with his armor on. Ruffnut noticed his discomfort and scooted closer to him.

"You're cold," she said matter-of-factly before draping an arm over his shoulder. "Here, let me warm you up."

Hiccup felt a jolt of electricity run through him as he realized how close they were sitting now. He could feel her body heat seeping into his own, warming him from the inside out.

"Thanks, Ruff," he murmured softly as he leaned into her embrace more fully.

"Ever since...that night..." Ruffnut spoke suddenly, forcing the words out. "I think you've been avoiding me a little."

Hiccup tensed up at the mention of "that night," a night that had been both exhilarating and terrifying to him. He could remember every detail about it - Ruffnut's soft lips on his, her hands in his hair, their bodies pressed together as they kissed passionately.

"I haven't been avoiding you," Hiccup finally said after a long pause. "I just... didn't want things to be weird between us. Y'know. We're...friends."

Ruffnut frowned at his response. "Friends don't kiss like that, Hiccup."

Hiccup's cheeks flushed red as he realized Ruffnut was right. They had crossed a line that night and he didn't know how to go back.

"I'm sorry," he muttered, looking down at the sand beneath their feet. "I just had a lot on my mind, I don't know. I needed someone, and you were there...gods, that sounds terrible to say."

"Don't be sorry," Ruffnut said with a feminine flair to her normally boyish voice. "I liked kissing you."

The admission caught him off guard and Hiccup turned his head sharply towards her in surprise.

"You did?"

"Yeah." She grinned widely now, leaning even closer so their noses were almost touching. Hiccup heard her laugh, a sound he didn't hear very often in the soft way it had come out.

"Actually," she went on, "I've been thinking about doing it again. I just love the way you get all frizzy thinking about your plans, your wild, crazy conundrums that even the god Loki couldn't dream of...and then you get that insane look in your eye when you've finally got something...it drives me a little nuts."

Hiccup's heart was pounding in his chest as he stared at Ruffnut and she practically fondled his ego. He had always thought of her as just one of the guys, but now that she was looking at him with those intense blue eyes and biting her lip so shyly in front of him, and thinking how he made her be so coy, he couldn't help but see her in a new light.

"Do ya like anything about me?" Ruffnut said.

"Well, I, uh..." Hiccup stuttered, caught off guard by the sudden shift in their conversation. He had never really thought of Ruffnut in a romantic way before, but now that she was expressing her interest in him so openly, he couldn't help but feel drawn to her.

"Come on," Ruffnut said. "You know you like something about me, if you wanted to do things like that with me. Say something right now or I'll punch you in the face!"

Hiccup chuckled nervously, knowing Ruffnut meant it. "Well...I guess I like how you're not afraid to speak your mind," Hiccup said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ruffnut's frowned. "Is that all?"

"No," Hiccup replied, feeling bolder now. "I also like how determined and fearless you are when it comes to battle."

"Lame!" Ruffnut exclaimed, rolling her eyes in mock annoyance. "You can do better than that, Hiccup."

Hiccup chuckled again and leaned closer to Ruffnut until their noses were touching once more. He leaned in, glad to see her shudder slightly from the power he still held over her, and whispered softly into her ear.

"I also like the way your lips feel against mine," he said before pressing his mouth onto hers.

It was electric from the start, yet slower than before, and more intentional. They gently caressed their lips with a newfound care and attention that had been missing from their previous encounter.

Ruffnut responded to Hiccup's kiss eagerly, her lips parting for him as a soft moan escaped her throat. Her hands reached up to touch his neck, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss. Their kiss lasted for a short while, the cymbals of waves on the shore and the nightly world around them fading away.

The next morning, Astrid was surprised to find Ruffnut giddy again, now on their day journey back. The group approached the main village of Beserker Island-per Hiccup's orders to ask around for quick odd jobs to get coins for the expensive seamstress.

"What happened now?" Astrid questioned, interested against her will. Heather took interest and lingered near the two.

Ruffnut blushed, a look Astrid would never get used to. She admitted, "Hiccup and I...we kissed again, last night."

Astrid's eyes widened in surprise along with Heather, but Astrid couldn't help but smile at the thought of her two friends finally admitting their feelings for each other. "Wow, Ruff, I had no idea you liked him that much," she said with a smirk.

Ruffnut playfully shoved Astrid, the Thorston's strength making Astrid shout, "oof!", but Ruffnut's smile betrayed her true happiness. "Don't tell anyone," she warned.

"Your secret is safe with me," Astrid promised. But you're a little too obvious to keep it a secret from everyone else, Astrid thought.

As they continued on their journey, Ruffnut couldn't help but think of Hiccup and the way his kiss had made her feel. She knew there was something special between them, something that went beyond just physical attraction. She couldn't wait to see him again and explore their newfound connection.

Then, Ruffnut noticed a familiar figure slowing some paces behind the strolling figures of Snotlout, Tuffnut, and Fishlegs.

It was Hiccup, looking nervous and fidgety as he waited for she and Astrid to meet his distance. He urged Toothless to follow behind Stormfly, Fanghook, Hookfang, and Meatlug without him.

"Hey Hiccup," Ruffnut said cheerfully as she approached him. "Can you walk any faster?"

"I...uh...wanted to talk to you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ruffnut felt a flutter in her chest at the sight of him. She could tell he was nervous, and it made her heart race with excitement. She couldn't deny the fact that she was deeply attracted to Hiccup, and the thought of being alone with him again made her feel a little bit dizzy.

Astrid sensed the tension between them and gave Ruffnut a knowing look before backing away. "I'll wait for you further down the street," she said with a grin.

Ruffnut nodded, feeling grateful for her friend's tact. She turned back to Hiccup, who was now looking at her with a mixture of anxiety and determination.

"What did you want to talk about?" she asked softly, noticing the way his gaze flickered to her lips.

Hiccup took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to say. "I wanted to talk to you about us," he said, his voice low and hesitant. "I know we've been dancing around this...thing between us for a while now, and I just wanted to say that I don't want to dance anymore..."

Ruffnut felt her heart skip a beat at his words. This was everything she had been hoping for, everything she had been dreaming of since that first kiss. She took a step closer to him, waiting for certain words to come from his mouth.

"So, what I mean is," Hiccup said, "you have to give me...a little space. Just some time, maybe."

Ruffnut looked at him, confused. "Time for what?" she asked.

"I have to figure some things out," Hiccup said, his eyes downcast. "Things about myself. I need to be sure that I'm ready for this, for us." He tried a look to her.

Ruffnut felt a pang of disappointment. She had been so sure that he was here to confess his love for her, but now it seemed like he was having second thoughts. "How much 'time' are we talkin' about?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I don't know," Hiccup replied, looking up at her with a pained expression. "Maybe a few days, a summer or two..."

"Seriously?"

"There's...a lot on my mind!" Hiccup cut in. He casted a glance to the group waiting for them. They were watching, but from their pained expressions, they couldn't hear much of what they were talking about.

"I have to run a brigade, here," Hiccup carried on in a heated whisper. "I'm still on the council at Berk, I have to figure out how to start a new life on this island-if we maybe even get it back, and there's still dragons that need me...I can't tell you everything 'cause, you won't get it!"

"Yes, I will-"

"You won't, okay?! You...you don't know me, Ruffnut, not as much as you think you do after a few...moments." Hiccup said, closing his eyes from her expression. He hated calling what they shared just 'moments', but in essence that's what they were, confused moments because they were obviously both lonely outcasts with needs. It had been obvious to Hiccup from their first night together that Ruffnut was innocent about relationships and especially intimacy, and he didn't want to be a scar on her emotions if they naturally did not work out. "You can't know me. I've got nothing to give you."

Ruffnut stood there, stunned. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Hiccup, the dragon-freak she had fallen for so deeply, was telling her that he wasn't ready for a commitment. She felt like every emotion inside her had turned into a cold stone.

"Well, that's just great," she said, her voice laced with bitterness. "Thanks for letting me know. I guess I can go back to being just another dragon-rider in your...posse."

Hiccup's eyes flickered with genuine sadness. "I'm sorry, Ruffnut. I didn't mean for it to come out like that."

"Really? Because it sure as Hel sounded like it. This is a bunch of yakshit," she snapped with tears budding in her eyes, turning on her heel and sauntering off towards the rest of the group, and then walking ahead at her own unreachable pace. Hiccup watched her go, feeling like a complete idiot.

He knew he had hurt her, but he couldn't help how he felt. With everything going on in his life, he didn't have the time or energy to commit to a relationship. He had always been upfront with his team about his priorities, but he had never imagined that it would lead to this with Ruffnut.

As Hiccup walked towards the rest of the group, he tried to focus on the task at hand. They were on a mission to get disguises to blend in at the auction, so he willed himself to stay focused on the task at hand, and worry about his emotions when he had the privilege.


Words: 4154

A/N: Hi, please let me know what you think by leaving a brief review! See you next time.