Author's Note: ...

...

...What can I say? Moon got impatient, so Moon decided to return three days early. BOOM BABY!

So, hey. Hi. Hello. First off, yes, I am NOT dead, I just took what has to be the longest fanfiction hiatus (at least for me) possible.

If you guys don't remember; I left shortly after finishing "The Winter Child" to participate in 2023's Camp NaNoWriMo with an original tale of mine. =D I'd love to say I wrote a solid 50,000 words (or ever better, finished the novel) but unfortunately, after getting seven chapters into the story, my inner critic was like "Yeah, this ain't working." And so I proceeded to log in my word count from my outline revisions. =')

Pathetic, I know, but most of the time, my inner critic is usually right (emphasis on usually). And since this story is going to be a series (my original story, not this one XD), I want to be as thorough with it as possible.

I did, however, manage to write a short story that takes place before the events of said story. =D I did that for a personal challenge though, so...yeah. I guess it doesn't really count that much. QwQ

I could spend hours summing up the rest of my hiatus (a LOT happened this summer-traveling, visiting family, more traveling, getting unknowingly signed up for driving school and finding out several days later - YES DAD, I'M STILL SALTY ABOUT THIS), but we'd be sitting here forever. And I do not want to be responsible for making your eyes bleed before even reading this one-shot (but I probably already am ='D).

I do have another announcement to make, but I'll put that at the end of this story for the sake of your eyes. =D This story is inspired by Hiccup's line in "Twinsanity" ("Hey, remember that time we went swimming, and you tried to drown me?"), and so my crazy mind came up with this. =) I hope you guys enjoy the story!

The Deathly Swim

Hiccup knew what to expect when he awoke: Stoick had gone to another one of his chief meetings. As he loved to repeat on multiple occasions, a chief's first task was to his people. However, Hiccup didn't think one needed to wake up that early to tend to people's needs.

What he wasn't aware of, however, was his father was in a meeting discussing something that he had always dreaded. But at the moment, the only thing on Hiccup's mind was what his father made for breakfast. That happened to be a plain bowl of porridge. Unfortunately, it was cold since Hiccup woke up too late.

Hiccup sighed, and picked an apple off the counter, deciding that it would make a satisfactory meal. He tugged on his vest and stepped out the door, being hit with rays of sunlight on a rare, pleasant summer day on Berk.

The summer season had befallen the quaint little Isle a few months ago, though Hiccup still traveled from place to place with a vest on. He knew that it was warm for one now, but Hiccup felt incomplete without the brown, rugged piece of fur. Not only that, but the vest made him look at least a bit bigger. It was better than walking around with all of his thin, scrawny limbs exposed for all to see.

Berk was up and running by the time Hiccup reached the village. Villagers bustled about, each buried in their own business and tasks as Hiccup made his way to the Forge. Berk seemed busier than usual, but Hiccup didn't stop to think of why. Gobber didn't like it when he was late, and Hiccup didn't want to face another one of his scoldings when it came to being on time.

When he arrived, he found Gobber in the back, sorting through a new shipment of weapons that had come earlier that week. The twelve-year-old boy knocked on the door frame, catching Gobber's attention.

"Morning, Gobber," Hiccup greeted. "Anything you've got for me today?"

Gobber turned around and acknowledged Hiccup with a kind nod. "Actually, I don't. With all the preparations for the visit of the Berserker chief, people haven't had the time to break any of their artillery."

Hiccup choked on his apple. "Th-The Berskerker chief is coming here?!"

"You haven't heard?" Gobber asked, surprised. "As the son of the chief, I thought you'd be aware of most of these things."

"I must've missed something, then," Hiccup mumbled, scratching his head. Though he was Stoick's son, Hiccup wasn't always informed about most of the happenings on the island. Hiccup preferred to act as if he were just like any of the other Berkians on the island. He had already been poked and teased for being nothing that the village had expected, so he thought it'd be better just to blend in with everyone else.

But a visit from the Berserkers…Why wouldn't his father have enlightened him on that? Unless it was another boring chief meeting between the two tribes, then Hiccup wouldn't have minded not being made privy. But if Gobber was telling him so casually, then the meeting had to be something made aware to everyone.

Everyone except him of course.

Although, when it came to his father's work, Hiccup didn't always pay much attention. So maybe he had told him about the Berserkers coming, and he had simply forgotten about it.

Not that a visit from the Berserkers is something that I would forget so easily… he thought.

Gobber's eyes brightened in remembrance. "Oh, that's right…Stoick wanted me to send you over to the Great Hall once you came over here. Sounded like he wanted to tell you something important."

"Like a meeting with a psychopathic tribe?" Hiccup drawled.

Gobber smiled impishly. "Perhaps."

Hiccup sighed. "Well, whatever it is, hopefully, it doesn't disturb my meticulously planned afternoon. I'm heading over to Raven Point later to do some…charting."

Gobber waved his hand—pardon—hook in Hiccup's direction. "Eh, it's probably nothing too crazy. Stoick has a habit of making everything sound dramatic."

"I couldn't agree more," said Hiccup, making his way toward the door. "I guess I'll see you later, Gobber."

Gobber waved again, and Hiccup left the Forge, wondering what his father wanted to tell him.

…

Every time Hiccup faced Stoick, he felt he was facing the Chief of Berk instead of his father.

Stoick was well-known for being…well, stoic. And Hiccup couldn't remember the last time he had ever indeed seen him leave behind the stern demeanor and adopt something more gentle. Hiccup had faint, distant memories of when he was a toddler and he and his father played together. But those days of joy were long gone and were now replaced by unending disappointment.

Hiccup didn't know what happened or what he had done. All of a sudden, it seemed as if Stoick was displeased with everything he did. He wasn't strong enough, he wasn't brave enough, he wasn't good enough. The pressure of being the next in line for chief became heavier than the weightless dream it had been before. And now, Hiccup wasn't sure that he even wanted to become chief.

The last time the two had spent time with each other Hiccup couldn't remember. Their conversations had gone from flowing freely to tight, awkward silences that were only filled with a few sentences. The distance between them only seemed to grow vaster and vaster as time passed, and Hiccup wanted to fix it. He needed to make his father proud of him.

Soon, he thought as he climbed up the steps to the Great Hall. I'll show him I'm more than I seem.

Stoick was waiting outside of the Great Hall, and Hiccup felt a jolt of nerves shiver down his spine. He straightened himself out, tried to carry himself with a little more confidence, and approached the Chief—his father.

Stoick's eyes landed on Hiccup when he was close enough in view. Hiccup slipped his hands behind his back to keep them from fiddling with the fur on his vest.

"Uh…hey, Dad," said Hiccup. "Um…Gobber said you had something you wanted to tell me?"

Stoick nodded. "I'm glad he didn't forget to tell you."

Hiccup bit down a snicker. He did…For a few seconds anyway.

"The Berserkers are going to be coming in three days to renew a peace treaty," Stoick said. Hiccup pretended to be surprised. "Oswald will be bringing his son, Dagur, along with him."

If he had still been eating his apple, Hiccup would've choked again. Dagur—or, more fearfully known as Dagur the Deranged—was Oswald the Agreeable's son. But don't be fooled by his father's name...If Oswald was agreeable, then Daguar was the complete opposite. He was cruel, ruthless, and cold. The lines between sane and insane were absolutely blurred when it came to him. Hiccup had heard many tales about Dagur and his craziness. Some even said it was because of him that his fabled sister had disappeared.

Hiccup laughed awkwardly. "D-Dagur? Dagur the Deranged? He's coming here?"

Stoick nodded, though he seemed just as bristled that Oswald's estranged son was going to be setting foot on Berk. He was just as knowledgeable of Dagur's antics as everyone else was.

Hiccup shook his head. "Uh…okay. Wow, um…Thanks for the warning, Dad. Don't worry, I won't step anywhere near him."

Stoick coughed, and he folded his hands together. "Um…actually, son. I was hoping that you would give him a tour around the island. Since this is his first time being here."

Hiccup's jaw dropped like a stone. "What?" Had his father gone mad? Why in the name of Thor would he want to give Dagur a tour? Or, a better question, why was he allowing him on Berk at all?

He expected to be scolded for addressing the chief in such an informal manner, but Stoick (thankfully) seemed to have expected Hiccup's reaction.

"Yes. I want you to show Dagur around, and make sure that he doesn't do anything…unpredictable during his time here."

Hiccup crossed his arms. "I'm assuming that's a euphemism for anything berserk?"

"If you want to look at it that way," Stoick answered simply.

Hiccup ran his hands through his hair. "But…Dad, Dagur is…well, deranged! I don't know anything about him other than the fact he likes using people for knife-throwing targets!"

"Those are just rumors, Hiccup. I'm sure he isn't as bad as said." But even Stoick sounded doubtful in that statement.

"Dad, I can't do this," said Hiccup. "Besides, I have…other things to do on that day. Can't you have someone else tour him around?"

By "other things," Hiccup meant dragon-watching. No one knew of this except himself. Hiccup had been studying the beasts since he first concocted the idea of killing a dragon. The best way to defeat an enemy was to learn and study it, he had deemed.

Hiccup already knew which dragon he wanted to take down: a Night Fury. The rarest dragon in the archipelago. He hoped that by taking this dragon down, he'd finally prove himself to everyone in the village. So far, however, Hiccup hadn't gotten very far in his quest to kill a dragon. But dragon watching had proven extremely helpful, as he knew more about most dragons than the other teens on Berk.

Raven Point was the only place where Hiccup felt most himself. It was tranquil…no one but him and the dragons he observed from the bushes. But if he was tasked to watch—no, babysit Dagur during his visit—Hiccup wouldn't have any time to do that at all.

Stoick frowned. "Hiccup, I need you to do this. Besides, you can use this as bonding time with Dagur. You'll be chief one day, and so will he. So use this chance to get to know each other."

"Or get killed in the process," Hiccup muttered.

Stoick glared at him, but Hiccup was too irritated to notice. "I'm counting on you, son," he said. Then he left Hiccup and headed into the village to tend to his chiefly tasks.

Hiccup watched as he left, and balled his fists, knowing there was no point in chasing after him.

…

The three days went by quicker than a Zippleback explosion, and during those three days, Hiccup did his best to prepare for the terror of when Dagur would arrive on Berk. He gave up a quarter in, because what was the point of preparing for something as unpredictable as Dagur the Derenged?

At some point during this time, Hiccup had considered running away. He would hide out in Raven Point until the peace treaty was signed, then return and pretend he had been kidnapped by dragons, and barely escaped alive. But the more he mulled over the idea, he realized that Stoick believed the stunt. It was too coincidental for Hiccup to disappear a day before he was to give Dagur a tour around the island.

He realized, that if he tried to pull anything to squeeze out of escorting Dagur a day before or on the day itself, Hiccup knew that Stoick would know. He had ears all over the island, and there wasn't a single person on Berk who wouldn't jump at the chance to tell on Hiccup.

The young Viking sighed dreadfully. Already, he knew this was going to be a terrible day. And he hadn't even pulled himself out of bed yet, but why bother? He didn't want to do this. He couldn't do this.

Eventually, Stoick would barrage into his bedroom and demand him to get dressed. Glumly, Hiccup dragged himself out of bed, and opened his closet.

"Now," he muttered to himself. "What's the best vest to wear when greeting a manic?"

…

Stoick, Hiccup, Gobber, and the rest of the Berk council were at the docks just as the Bersker ships were spotted on the horizon. They drew closer, turning from tiny pinpricks to massive wood boats with spikes jutting out on the sides. The seas rolled them in, then coward back as the anchors were lowered into the ocean. The skies even appeared to be gray in warning as the Berskers began to climb off their ships. Thankfully, there were only four rather than an armada that the clan was infamous for. Still, Hiccup didn't feel any more reassured. He squirmed with nerves until Stoick placed a hand on his shoulder. Silently but firmly, telling him to stop moving.

Hiccup dared to make a move.

"Dad, is this really necessary?" he asked. The Berserkers were still unloading and weren't within hearing range. "I mean…can't you send someone else to show Dagur around? I'm sure Snotlout would be happy to."

"Hiccup," Stoick said sternly. "I shouldn't have to repeat myself."

Hiccup wilted like a flower in the desert, and watched as the Berserkers finally stepped forward. In the front was a well-built man. He looked to be around the same age as Stoick, if not a little younger. His hair was a fiery auburn and shaved, and his beard was neatly trimmed. His eyes were a deep sea green, and wrinkles formed at the edges. That told Hiccup that he smiled a lot, but he knew not over what.

A metal Viking helmet with four horns sat upon his head, and a cloak of brown bear skin fell from his shoulders. A giant, silver buckle was attached to his belt. A Skrill, the Berserker crest, was engraved in it. He wore dark brown pants and a maroon tunic. His shoulders had spiked armor, and black armbands were wrapped around his thick wrists.

Oswald the Agreeable looked, if not, anywhere near the way Hiccup imagined. But when he smiled at Stoick and they too amiably shook hands, Hiccup decided he'd give him a chance.

"Ah, Stoick! It's wonderful to see you again," said Oswald. His accent was thicker, and a little more foreign from what Hiccup was used to, but he still understood him nonetheless. "It's been quite some time since I last stepped foot on Berk."

"Wasn't that the time you tried to start a war with us?" Gobber asked. Hiccup kicked his shin.

"Ow! What?! It's the truth!"

Stoick cleared his throat and Gobber stopped talking. "Despite our rough past, we're happy to have you, Oswald. And this signing will confirm it."

Oswald nodded, and his eyes flicked to Hiccup. "And this must be your son, Hiccup Haddock, I assume?"

Stoick nudged Hiccup, but the boy need not be told to respond. "Y-Yes sir."

He expected some kind of look of disappointment or a frown of disapproval, but instead, Oswald smiled just as kindly as he did when greeting Stoick. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Hiccup. You seem like a capable young man."

Hiccup blinked, shocked. Did he just call me a capable man? Wow, I really misjudged this guy…

Stoick laughed, and he placed a hand on Hiccup's shoulder. "He's not a man just yet. He still causes trouble more often than he should. But he'll get there eventually. Right, Hiccup?"

Hiccup deflated like a popped balloon. His father just had to remind him that he wasn't as good as the rest. And in front of the Berserker Chief. He squeezed his hands together and nodded silently. He feared if he opened his mouth, some rather undignified words would come out. Words that should never be said in front of the chief.

Oswald looked between Hiccup and Stoick, seemingly sensing conflict, but didn't act upon it (Hiccup didn't know whether to be upset or grateful).

"Well then, I suppose we should begin the treaty process?" Oswald prompted. He was about to say more, but he was interrupted by a battle cry that nearly made Hiccup's ears explode.

From one of the ships, swinging down from the crow's nest was a teenage boy—around thirteen or fourteen—with auburn hair as wild as the spikes on a Deadly Nadder's head. He had blue war paint over one eye, and his eyes were green, like his father's, but more wild and untamed. He wore a brown tunic, leather straps wrapping around his waist. A hilt for a dagger (how ironic), was attached to his side. On his head was a silver helmet with two, thin horns sticking out. Metal shoulder pads rested on his shoulders, being held together by a leather belt with a golden skill pinning them together.

The boy released the rope and landed—quite impressively— in between Hiccup, Stoick, and Oswald. Dread flooded Hiccup's chest as he realized who this was.

"Dagur the Deranged," he whispered. Or, at least he thought he did. When he spoke, Dagur looked directly at him, a sadistic grin twisting onto his scared face.

"Hiccup Haddock," Dagur returned. "What a pleasure."

He didn't look very pleased to see him. Those beady green eyes were like drills digging into Hiccup's soul. The young Viking tried not to tremble under Dagur's glare. Thankfully, Oswald veered his attention.

"Dagur," he said. "Must you act so brashly in front of our hosts?"

Dagur waved his hand dismissively. "A little Berserker flare doesn't hurt anyone…unless I want it to."

I hope to the gods you don't, Hiccup thought. Oswald frowned in disapproval, but Dagur was too busy picking beneath his fingernails with his dagger to notice.

Unlike Oswald, Stoick didn't acknowledge Dagur, and instead got straight to the point. "Now then, since we're all gathered here, we can begin the treaty process. As customs state, a tour will be given, dinner will be served at the Great Hall. The signing will take place later this evening if nothing prevents us."

And by "if nothing prevents us," Hiccup knew he meant a dragon raid. They were becoming more frequent, and regardless of how many times Berk managed to chase them off, the dragons continued to come back, becoming even more ferocious with each attack.

But the Berserkers were some of the most well-trained warriors in the Barbaric Archipelago, next to the Bog-Burglars. If a dragon attack were to occur, they'd be able to help Berk fight them off so the signing could continue.

Oswald nodded. "I'm looking forward to seeing what you've done with the place, Stoick."

"Not much has changed, actually," said Stoick. He smiled wryly. "Except for a lot of new huts. Your men will join Gobber and me around the island. My son, Hiccup will give Dagur a personal tour. I thought it'd give them some time to bond for when they eventually become chiefs."

Like I even want to become chief, Hiccup grumbled inwardly. He looked at Dagur, and the wild-haired teen stared back. He curled back his teeth in a growl and Hiccup gulped.

And though he had come through for Hiccup earlier, Oswald seemed to want Dagur off of his hands more than Stoick wanted him away from the town. "That sounds good. It's good to establish a relationship earlier on."

"But Fatherrr," Dagur groaned. "I don't want some dumb tour. It's not like we're moving here! I'd rather be killing dragons. Speaking of which, I hear you have an arena where you do that sort of thing. I can stay there and spill blood while the rest of you waltz around the island."

"That doesn't sound too bad," Hiccup said. He looked at Stoick and smiled pleadingly. "I can just go with you guys."

"There won't be any dragon-killing during what's meant to be a renewing of peace," Stoick said, catching on to what Hiccup was planning. He turned to Dagur. "But, if we experience a dragon raid today, you can kill as many as you'd like."

Dagur chuckled in a way that sent shivers down Hiccup's spine. Stoick patted his shoulder, reminded him to be at the Great Hall by sundown, and left with Oswald and his men to begin the tour. Leaving Hiccup and Dagur alone at the dock.

Hiccup shifted nervously and glanced at Dagur, who was now twirling his dagger in the sunlight. It glinted murderously, just like his eyes. He stared at the spinning weapon in an unsettling way. One that made Hiccup want to leap into the sea and swim to the nearest sea stack.

"Um…sh-shall we begin, then?" Hiccup asked. Dagur stopped twirling his weapon and looked at him. Hiccup couldn't help but shiver under his gaze.

"Alright then," said Dagur, sheathing his dagger to his belt. He towered over Hiccup and poked his chest. "But the first stop is the Dragon Arena."

…

Hiccup managed to steer Dagur away from the Dragon Arena, and instead took him to the blacksmith shop. Hiccup tried to show him the catapult he was working on, but Dagur wasn't interested in invention and mechanics.

The young Viking then took him to the armory, where an extensive display of all of Berk's weapons was stored for easy access. For a little bit, Dagur took pleasure in swinging axes, throwing maces, and aiming knives at Hiccup. But he soon grew weary of that too and still wanted to go to the arena, where both had been told not to go.

Berkians watched as Hiccup led Dagur through the village. He didn't hesitate to stop and mock anyone he saw as lower than him and continued to pester Hiccup about going to the arena to slay some dragons.

Hiccup balled his fists in irritation. First, his father didn't tell him about Dagur coming and embarrassed him in front of the Berserker chief. Then Dagur used him for target practice and he nearly lost his head in the assault.

Just another wonderful day in my wonderful, wonderful life, Hiccup scowled. If only he could find a way to lose Dagur…Perhaps he could create some crazy story that he tried to kill him, or got lost somewhere in the woods…

Suddenly, Hiccup was pinned to the wall of a hut. He yelped as Dagur held a dagger to his throat. The young Viking squeaked.

"P-Please don't kill me!" Hiccup cried. Dagur glared at him, and then he laughed.

"Hiccup, Hiccup, Hiccup," he said, pulling his Dagur away. Hiccup let out a breath. "You're just too easy. And to think you're going to be chief of this dump one day."

Hiccup frowned. "Thanks for the compliment," he muttered.

"When are we going to see the dragons," Dagur asked for the millionth time that day. "My hands are itching to get some dragon blood on them."

Hiccup tried not to gag. "Ah…well, both of our dads said no, might I remind you. B-But we can head to the farm instead! A couple of baby yaks were born just last week."

Hiccup found himself pinned to the wall again. "I don't want to see yaks," Dagur growled. "I want dragons. DRAGONS!"

Hiccup gulped. "B-But we can't! We'll get in trouble!"

"WHO CARES!" Dagur snapped. He held up his dagger. "Now you better find me some dragons to kill, or I'll just have to kill you."

Hiccup wished he was joking. But the crazed look in Dagur's eyes told him that he wasn't kidding. The young Viking looked around for someone—anyone—to help him, but the street had become deserted in just a few minutes.

Hiccup frowned. Wow. It looks like I can't count on anyone.

"Tick-tock, Hiccup!" Dagur hissed. Hiccup's eyes flicked to the insane kid before him. His dagger drew closer. "We don't have all day!"

He couldn't take him to the arena. That would be a disaster. But Dagur wanted dragons, but where could he—

Suddenly, Hiccup's eyes lit up, and he told Dagur to let him go.

"Not until you bring me to the arena!" Dagur roared.

"Who needs an arena," Hiccup responded. He pointed past the mountain, toward Raven Point. "When you can hunt them down in the woods?"

…

This was Hiccup's plan: he'd lead Dagur deep enough into Raven Point, and then ditch him when he was distracted. He'd come back to the Great Hall and said that Dagur ran off to find dragons, and Stoick, Oswald, and the rest would go find him.

Everyone on Berk knew the woods well enough, so Hiccup knew it wouldn't take long for Dagur to be found. He was extremely loud when trekking through the woods. He crushed everything in his way, so honestly, no one would need to do much tracking to find him).

As Hiccup led Dagur through the thick green, he couldn't help but bask in what peacefulness he could within the great forest. The trees blanketed the sky above, and sunlight spilled through the cracks in the leaves. Hiccup could hear woodland creatures scuttling in the trees. And the winds blew softly through the open, gently rustling Hiccup's hair.

If things had gone his way, Hiccup would've been spending his day here dragon-watching. Instead, Stoick had made him babysit Dagur, who he was longing to abandon as soon as he could.

Hiccup yelped when Dagur's dagger whizzed past his ear, and embedded in the trunk of a tree. Hiccup turned around. Dagur was grinning maniacally.

"Tick-tock, Hiccup," he said, wagging his finger back and forth. "Tick tock."

Hiccup didn't know whether to be irritated, or terrified. He sighed and gestured up ahead. There were several hills and rock formations. The trees were thicker down there. Next to them was a gushing river. It was the perfect place for a dragon to rest.

"There are dragons down that way," he said. "Kill to your heart's content."

Dagur yanked his dagger from the tree and dashed past Hiccup, laughing with evil delight. Hiccup was about to bolt back for the village when Dagur suddenly turned around. Hiccup froze.

Dagur's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Where are you going?"

Hiccup blinked slowly. "Um…ahh…I left my…sword. Back at home. I was just going to go get it. Wouldn't want to miss on all the dragon-killing fun!"

Usually, such a lie would work on anyone, sometimes even his father. But Dagur looked unconvinced. He sheathed his dagger to his belt.

"I don't want to jump to conclusions, Hiccup. But it appears to me that you're leaving me," Dagur said slowly.

"N-No, no!" Hiccup exclaimed. Thor, why is everyone so observant today?! "I-I just need to grab my sword. A-And then I'll be back in a jiff."

He was growing more nervous by the second, and his stuttering gave it away. Dagur's expression shifted into a dangerous scowl, and Hiccup backed away.

"D-Dagur, really. You're just overreacting—"

"I'm overreacting?!" Dagur screeched. He violently shoved Hiccup to the ground, knocking the air out of his lungs. "You're the one who dragged me out here, thinking that I was going to kill you. Isn't that right?!"

Hiccup's eyes widened, and he shook his head furiously. "N-No! W-Why would you try to kill me?! Y-You're…um…you're not going to, right?"

Wrong question, Hiccup chastised himself. Dagur's face turned red, and he kicked Hiccup. The young Viking rolled until he managed to stop himself just before falling into the river.

"You promised me dragons, Hiccup," Dagur sneered. He towered over him now, a long, frightening shadow loomed over Hiccup's trembling body. "And I don't like it when people break their promises or stab me in the back. I do the stabbing. I DO!"

Hiccup was kicked again, and this time, he couldn't help but cry out. Roughly, Dagur yanked him by the neck collar and held him over the water. Hiccup's eyes widened, and his hands fumbled at Dagur's fist.

"W-Wait! D-Dagur! You don't have to do this!" Hiccup exclaimed. The river roared beneath his boots, soaking the soles and fur. "I wasn't trying to leave! Honest!"

But at this point, his attempts to act innocent were futile. Dagur smiled grimly.

"Have a nice swim, Hiccup," he said. Then, he forced the boy into the waters below.

Hiccup wasn't prepared for the burning cold that slapped his face as Dagur held him under. He tried to hold his breath, but the waters were too sharp. He coughed and spluttered, his nose burning in agony as he took in more and more river water. His tunic was soaked. His fur vest clung to him tightly as the waters drenched his entire body.

Hiccup kicked and struggled against Dagur's grip, but he firmly held him under. Hiccup couldn't breathe. His mind was beginning to shut down from water intake. He coughed and coughed, his lungs screaming for oxygen, but receiving none.

Is this…is this really how I die? Hiccup thought. Tears sprung from his eyes. Would anyone even miss me…?

Even though Berk claimed him to be an outcast…Hiccup didn't want to die. Not yet. He still had so much to do, so much to prove…He couldn't die. Not here, not now…

But he was growing weaker and weaker. He didn't know how long he had been under. Hiccup's eyes grew heavy as his consciousness began to fade. He was just about to give up when, suddenly (thank Thor!) he was yanked out from the water, and sprawled against the forest floor.

Hiccup was soaked like a sponge. He coughed up the river water that he had consumed. His lungs burned like sulfur and his nose felt like it was on fire. Hiccup shivered vehemently. He was so cold.

But who had saved him?

Hiccup willed himself to sit up. And when he did, he saw something that he had not been expecting.

Daguar was being held in the same position that he had held Hiccup. But what was more shocking was the person holding him.

It was Stoick. Stoick the Vast. And he looked very, very angry.

…

Hiccup hadn't been present for Dagur's scolding, and nor did he make it to the peace treaty signing. He had been taken home by Stoick, who didn't say a word when he laid Hiccup in bed, waiting until Gothi came to their hut to tend to Hiccup, then left for the treaty signing.

At first, Hiccup was angry with Stoick for not showing any concern. He came all his way to save him but didn't even ask if he was alright.

But when Stoick came home later that evening, the first thing he said to Hiccup was, "I should've listened to you."

"You're realizing that now?" Hiccup snapped. He knew he was being rude, but the lad had nearly been drowned alive. Stoick had better be merciful.

Stoick looked guilty. "I realized that way earlier, Hiccup. I heard some people talking about how Dagur jumped you in the village shortly before we were due to go to the Great Hall."

Hiccup faltered. So people had noticed that? But why hadn't they done anything? This all could've been prevented if someone had stood up for him then!

Although—Hiccup chewed his lip—he was a part to blame in this too. If he hadn't followed Dagur around without thinking about the consequences, he perhaps could've prevented this incident.

"I heard that you two had gone into the woods, and I knew that I couldn't leave you there on your own," Stoick said. "So, I followed you. And then I saw Dagur attempting to drown you and…Let's just say that he is no longer welcome on this island."

Hiccup knew he should've been pleased by this (and, frankly, he was. A small part of him anyway), but he was still angry with Stoick.

"I told you, Dad," Hiccup said, his voice trembling. "I told you Dagur was crazy! And it isn't until I almost get drowned that you decided to finally act."

"Hiccup—"

Hiccup rolled over in bed and pulled the covers over himself. "Whatever."

There was more he wanted to say. He wanted to ask his dad if he had been worried about his son, or that he may lose his heir to the throne. He wanted to tell Stoick how scared he was. He wanted to tell him how he nearly accepted his fate since it seemed nobody cared for him. He wanted to tell him that he was glad that he had saved him.

But he couldn't. He was too tired and too upset to tell him anything.

Stoick must've been tired too, for he didn't ask Hiccup any more questions. The young Viking heard (and felt) him get up from the bed, and walk to the stairs leading out of the loft.

Stoick's footsteps paused at the top of the stairs. Hiccup didn't turn around.

"I thought I'd lose you," he said softly. "And I want you to know that if I didn't care whatever happened to you, I wouldn't have listened in the first place."

Then he was gone, leaving Hiccup alone, conflicted, and confused.

Author's Note: Not the happiest ending, I know, but this one-shot was always planned to go this way. It wouldn't make sense for Hiccup to immediately forgive his dad after what he did. And Stoick wouldn't completely understand Hiccup after something like this either, I imagine. He can feel guilty, yes, but that's not a good way to rebuild a relationship.

Of course, that's subjective, since guilt can be a really good motivator for people to change. But for Stoick, there have been many times when he feels guilty for what he's done to Hiccup but doesn't do anything about it (like the scene when he disowns Hiccup, looks regretful, but still goes to kill the dragons at the nest instead going back to apologize).

In the end, what I'm trying to say is that these two have a long way to go from this point of the one-shot. XD Relationships are complicated, but things do get better for these guys in time. =D (We're not addressing HTTYD 2, you guys. So shhhhh).

I also hope that I made Dagur...deranged enough. XD I kind of just wrote him with the thought: "Now, if I was twelve-year-old, timid, but intelligent Hiccup Haddock, what would this guy do that'd make me want to hitchhike on the nearest dragon, and camp out on Dragon Island until he's gone?"

In other words...I tried my best. ='D

ANNOUNCEMENT

After binge-watching an unhealthy number of Abbie Emmons videos, taking numerous notes, and reading bahunkachunka books (okay, they weren't that thick, but roughly 300 pages) about storytelling and writing, I have made MAJOR revisions to my story planning process, as I recently realized that I could make an even bigger impact with my stories and haven't been putting enough thought into them.

Now I'm not saying that I don't think about what I'm going to write. When I first started fanfiction and writing, I wouldn't even have a plot planned out. I'd just write whatever came to mind (which, shockingly, worked considering that a lot of my old stuff has gained a lot of traction XD). But looking back, I know that I could've done better. And though a lot of people will tell me "Oh, but Moon, it's already so good!" It's not good enough for me. And I want to make something that great for both me and my readers. =)

Since my new story-planning process does require a lot more thought and effort (since I'll be focusing more on character development rather than just what happens as I used to do), it will take me longer to get full stories out. I do apologize about that, but I want to take my time when it comes to outlining, as well as get a buffer for which stories I'm going to write first (and you can probably see the indecision as I update that list on my profile QwQ). So my posting schedule won't be as frequent as it used to be.

You guys can still expect to see one-shots like this being posted about every other day or thrice a week (since I don't need to plan much for those, and they don't take that long to write). But full-length stories will probably be posted once a month (and when I say full-length, I mean stories that are over 10 chapters, and actually have a plot to serve rather than random stuff like "Delirious" XDDD).

This looser schedule will be especially helpful for me when going back to school since I won't have to feel as rushed to get something out. I want to consistently post good stories for you guys, and when I rush through things, stuff doesn't turn out very well.

I know you guys know me for being consistent with my posting schedule, and I do apologize if I have disappointed anyone with this change. But when it comes to prepping stories and balancing life stuff, I want to give you guys something good to look forward to, rather than something...well...not so good. OuO

I'll add this information up to my profile so no one has to refer back to this one-shot for it. Thank you guys for your understanding (well, that is if you do understand. XD But if you're upset with me, well...haters gonna hate =P).

And...yeah. That's all I've got to say. I hope you guys enjoyed this one-shot, and I'll see you all in whatever comes next. =)

Until the next story!

~BeyondTheMoon1203