Chapter 71
Hiccups POV:
It's been a week since the green death that was now named Volcana hatched and I think she had settled in quite well with the other dragons after I built the stables nursery. I named her Volcana since, her species lived in volcanoes when they got older and when she was an adult she'd be able to make the earth shake with every step and have a roar that would make someone fear of a volcanic eruption. The nursery was a large room with a large stone nest for baby dragons where Volcanaspent most of her time either napping or eating regurgitated fish since she was still too young to eat it without it being softened up a bit. I'd often sit in the nest with her on my lap as I stroked her rough scales and gently sang to her. The other dragons had taken well to her with them occasionally stopping by to see how she was doing along with regurgitating fish for her to enjoy. Glacia especially took well to her new baby sister who she'd often croon at and I'm sure if she could she'd nuzzle Volcana but with her size it'd be impossible to do without hurting her so she settled for just allowing her to play on her face by using the spikes to climb around her big sister face, under my supervision of course. Good thing to since she'd often fall off some of the spikes and I'd have to catch her. Speaking of Glacia though she had been grown to the point that if she lay down in the village center she'd crush the whole village but it didn't bother me since she was still my sweet little Glacia. She did expand her ice nest a bit while I was away but it didn't cause any problems since with Quakes help a tunnel was dug into the new ice so I could easily walk to Glacia without any trouble and besides that plants had begun growing the ice making her nest all the more beautiful.
As for the Tunderheads the majority of them were locked up in the Berk dungeon, which my dragons and me had helped expand and improve a bit so it could hold all the prisoners and make it more difficult for them to escape. As for Snorre, he was now a permanent resident in the Outcasts dungeons since I wanted him nowhere near Berk and thanks to a talk I had with Alvin he was in solitary confinement. Alvin did ask why I wanted him there and after I told him what Snorre tried to do to Astrid he was all too happy to throw him in the cell since what Snorre intended to do was something that disgusted even him. When I went to drop Snorre though Alvin noticed my golden arm which brought up questions that resulted in me spending the day on Outcast Island explaining the loss of my arm to both Alvin and his men along with demonstrating some of its abilities. Besides that, Astrid is still recovering from the whole ordeal and hasn't left her hut as of late but going through that who could blame her for being like that. Finding her on that bed will forever be burned into my memory since it was the first time I had ever seen Astrid so helpless and the look of pure fear in her eyes was something I had never seen in her before and this was a girl who faced dragons without a glimmer of fear in her eyes. I didn't want to ever see that fear in the eyes of any member of my tribe or anyone I cared about and anyone who brought that fear into their eyes was going to receive a brand on the neck from my golden arm.
Other than that, my wolves are growing more each day to the point that the cubs were able to hunt on their own now which meant the time to release them to find mates was coming but that wouldn't be for a few more months. Maya had given birth to three cubs, which consisted of two tan females, and one black male who were born four days after Volcanahatched. The birth of the little ones would be a memory that I'd always treasure but I wish they'd been born at a more reasonable time than two in the morning. The names I'd given them were Diego for the male while his sisters were named Adah which means 'From beautiful scenery' since she was born in the beauty of the jungle and her sister was named Farah which simply meant 'Joy'. The cubs are so adorable but their still blind and helpless as they are now so it was no surprise when Maya refused to let anyone near them except for me and even then, I was only allowed to look but not touch.
As for me I've been mostly spending my time looting sunken ships using my new cap from the Celtic gods so I could stay underwater as long as I wanted so I was able to retrieve treasures I couldn't get to because of my inability to hold my breath for the amount of time needed to get it. Those treasures now rested in my vault after a thorough scrubbing to wash off all the barnacles and plant life that had grown on it in its time underwater. Besides the looting of sunken ships thanks to the cap I was also able to enjoy playing with my tidal classes along with Kal underwater who was overjoyed seeing me able to play with them on their own turf. I was also able to build an underwater obstacle course to train them a bit better. I had also placed my crystal spear in one of the domes in my armory vault and the lock was the head of a bear. I'd also been designing new inventions along with new ships to help me in my day-to-day life with things since I hadn't done it in a while since I was always so busy with my dragons and animals while also travelling so much. This was one of the reasons why I intended to just stay and hang out on my island for the next couple of weeks along in order to tend to Volcana and the jaguar cubs.
Right now, it was morning and I was sitting in the stone nest with Volcana in my arms as I gently rocked her in my golden arm as fed her regurgitated fish from a dish that was next to me. I smiled down at her as she crooned up at me with her six blue eyes while I rocked her and wondered what I could do to keep myself busy since Maya had tending to her cubs well in hand and Volcana mostly slept these days and ate from her bowl when one of the other dragons came by to regurgitate her food. As I looked down at her my mind began to wonder towards my future making me wonder if this would be what I did for the rest of my life. Living on my island to tend to my dragons and animals, discover new species to be brought back to my island, leaving from time to time to explore some new land, vanquish some of their monsters and then receive a gift from their gods and an expansion of my island. I admit I wouldn't mind it but I wanted more out of life then just that. One day I wanted to find a nice girl to settle down and start a family with but doesn't have to be a Viking girl since the girl I'm destined to be with might come from another culture I've learnt about. The main problem I have though is that most of the girls who are interested in me are only interested in my money, reputation, respect, dragons, looks or other such things and not interested in just me for whom I am. This made finding a nice girl to settle down with all the more difficult for me but I had faith that one day I'd meet the girl who's destined to be my wife and mother of my children. Then there was also that tree I was growing in the volcano that had grown tall and was perfectly healthy from what I could tell. I could see it was close to bearing fruit sometime this year but I still don't know what kind of fruit would grow from the branches. I knew since it was Pan who gave me the seeds to grow it the fruit had to be special in some way but I wouldn't know until it bloomed. I was brought out of my thoughts by the sound of Volcana crooning up at me before I gently rocked her as I said.
"I'm alright sweetie just thinking about my future." She cuddled her head into my chest and let out a low rumble making me smile. "I guess your right girl, there's no point in worrying now when I should just be enjoying the peace before something comes up giving me some big problems that I have to deal with." I then picked up some fish and began gently feeding her the regurgitated fish pieces.
Afternoon
Volcana was now napping in her nest while Violet kept an eye on her, Maya was napping with her cubs snuggled up next to her, Ah Tabai was wondering around the jungle, my wolves were hunting some boars I had let loose in the forest and everyone else on the island was just relaxing and doing their own thing. Toothless and me however were flying to Berk with a crate full of freshly made Gronkle iron for Gobber since he told me he was running low on the stuff. Lately I had been doing my best to avoid coming to the village since my battle with the Thunderheads had earned me a lot more unwanted attention from the people of the village. The men wanted me to give them training tips or for me to forge them their own unique armor, parents wanted me to take their children under my wing as apprentices, mothers were trying to set me up with their daughters and the single girls closer to my age were always trying to flirt with me. As can be expected I rarely got some time to just relax and take a stroll in the village without being bothered but the most annoying ones were Ruffnut who always tried to stick to my side, her brother who wanted to know if I had any cool explosions as he put it, Fishlegs who wanted to know of any new dragons I may have encountered, Snotlout who was persistent in wanting his own armor made of solid gold and Gustav Larson who was always begging me to take him on as an apprentice. I mostly just ignored them though or went to the forge where Gobber would chase them off so we could get some work done. It was then the forge came into sight as we slowly began to lower towards it so we'd be able to land in front of it and begin unloading all the gronkle iron into the forge. Once we landed Gobber walked out smiling and said.
"Afternoon lads." He then turned to the crate. "Is that my shipment of Gronkle iron?" I smiled at him.
"Fresh out of Coal and ready to be turned into weapons."
"Great because I've got orders up to my eyeballs for new weapons."
"Would you like some help with that." He smiled at me.
"You offering?"
"Got to keep my blacksmithing skills sharp and besides I rather miss working with you and your bad jokes." He chuckled.
"I just figured you'd be preparing to go on some new big adventure to some new land by now." I rolled my eyes.
"Gobber my latest adventure literally cost me an arm and nearly cost me my life so I figure I'll take it easy for a while." I shrugged. "Maybe visit some of the places I've already been for a bit of a vacation or dress my night monkey up in little outfits before having them steal your left socks again." Gobber stared at me for a moment.
"Wait a minute!" He glared. "Those glowing orange eyes belonged to your monkeys?" I smiled and nodded. "I was worried for days about trolls being in the village and went around chanting about it to the point where people thought I'd gone mad." I laughed.
"Ten years of bad jokes about how scrawny I was add up Gobber." He just looked at me for a moment and chuckled.
"Well I suppose you have a point their lad." He then looked at my prosthetic. "That thing giving you any trouble?" I looked down at it before looking back at Gobber and shaking my head.
"I admit it's still taking some time to get used to but it's not causing any trouble."
"Well at least now you can join in the stump day celebration."
"Oh yeah, walking through the village singing with a bunch of drunk men who have missing limbs is something I've always dreamed of doing." He rolled his eyes at me.
"Well enough with the chatting when there are weapons to make and orders to fill." I smiled before we began unloading the gronkle iron into the forge.
4 hours later
I just finished off the last axe I had to work on and smiled down at the axe as I looked down at my handy work and turned it around in my hand smiling. There was a sense of pride I always took in all of my work whether it be one of the weapons I've forged or one of the inventions I've created to help me in achieving my different goals or defending myself. I sighed and placed the axe on the stand for later since Gobber was going to tell everyone to come and collect his or her weapons as soon as he finished with the sword he was sharpening. I looked at the different racks and smiled before Gobber place the now finished with the others and turned to me saying.
"A fine days' work lad and now to tackle the masses." I rolled my eyes as he walked to the shop window and leaned out yelling. "FRESHLY MADE GRONKLE IRON WEAPONS ARE READY FOR COLLECTION SO HURRY OR THEY'LL ALL BE GONE!" No longer than five seconds after he yelled out did a long line form at that window and I ended up helping Gobber hand out the freshly made weapons.
Half an hour later
I was now relaxing in the town square with Toothless just enjoying the village after fighting back a crowd at the window which was made up of people eager to get their hands on the last of the gronkle iron weapons. By the end I was amazed they hadn't stormed the shop to get them but they did however rip the shutters off the store window but I promised Gobber I'd help him reinstall them later. He smiled at this and said he'd be grateful for the help but I should take some time to relax after the mobbing we got at the forge. It was then I saw Astrid approaching me with her head down as she rubbed her arm and I knew this was a way some girls acted when they were nervous since I'd seen it multiple times with girls who came to me in hopes of asking me out. These girls often only got through half their question before running off in fear. Now if this were any other girl I wouldn't give it much thought but this was 'Astrid Hofferson' and she was a girl who never showed any fear no matter what the situation so seeing her like this made me a little bit worried about her. She walked up to me still looking down and just stood there for a few moments until I said.
"Can I help you Astrid?" She looked up but I could see the fire in her eyes was nearly completely extinguished.
"I just wanted to thank you for saving me on that ship."
"No need to thank me Astrid since there was no way I was going to allow that repulsive man to lay another hand on you."
"Still you risked your life to save me."
"I would do the same for anyone since nobody deserves to suffer a fate like that Astrid." I put a hand on her shoulder making her wince. "Astrid, I know things like this aren't easy to get over but I can see something else is bothering you."
"I'm just nervous that he might come back to finish what he started."
"Astrid I personally saw to it that he was thrown in a secure isolated cell and when Alvin found out what he did he was so disgusted that he promised to keep the slime ball in the cell till the day he died and I saw a fire in his eyes that I'd never seen before." She still seemed unsure. "If it makes you feel any better I plan to go back to Outcast island to make some improvements to his cells security like for starters replacing the door with gronkle iron and giving it a lock that I have the only key to."
"Thanks, Hiccup it helps."
"Astrid I can still see the fear in your eyes." She looked down.
"I just never want to be that helpless again." I sighed.
"Astrid let me tell you something I've learnt in my travels." She looked up at me. "There's always going to be times when you feel helpless and that feeling is going to be in your memory for a long time."
"So, what do you do to forget it?"
"You don't nor will you ever forget it so you own the feeling and use it as a reminder of what you've been through for future challenges so you can remind yourself what you've lived through and let it make you stronger." I pointed to myself. "Take me for an example." I lowered my arm. "I've faced a mountain sized dragon, monsters, an insane high priest pulling me down into a large whirlpool and most recently an insane sorceress who could summon an army of monsters and a blade that rots away anything it touches to the point where I had to sever my own arm to continue fighting her." I held up my golden arm before lowering it. "These challenges may have left their marks either on my body or mind but they've made me stronger than I ever could've been without them." I sighed. "What I'm trying to say is you can let this event slowly destroy you or you can use it to come out stronger than before." (AN: Something for everyone who's been through a traumatic experience to remember in real life.)I saw her smile as tears began to form in her eyes.
"Thanks, Hiccup I needed to hear that." I smiled at her.
"Just don't let what happened extinguish that inner fire of yours that I've always admired."
"I won't!" Surprisingly then she hugged before pulling away. "That's for the advice." She then much to my shock grabbed the neck of my chest-plate before pulling me forward and kissing me full on the lips before pulling away blushing as she looked down. "And that's for everything else." I was just plain stunned as she ran off as I just stared after her before shaking my head.
"I'll never understand women." I then walked back to Toothless who just had his head tilted in confusion. "Don't ask bud, trust me." After that I went to help Gobber repair his shops shutters.
1 hour later
It was nightfall and I was back on my island walking out of the stables nursery after checking up on Volcana who was a little angel like Glacia was when she was a hatchling. Still she was happy to have me back with her when I walked in and climbed into her pen to play with her so like Glacia she was a daddy's girl. When I left I looked out at the stars wondering what my future held and if the peace I was enjoying would last. I shook my head knowing I was worrying for nothing since Berk had multiple allies, especially after what happened with the Lavalouts while the leaders of the only enemies of Berk I knew of were in the Outcast dungeon. I shook my head knowing from past experience that this peace wouldn't last long so I've got to enjoy it while I could. I then went to prepare myself some dinner before turning in for the night.
Two weeks later
I was lying down on one of the clines by my pool and I had to say I was without a doubt completely relaxed and with everything that's been going on these past weeks who could blame me. There have been no problems for me to deal with whatsoever meaning I've been able to relax and enjoy my free time without any problems but that doesn't mean I haven't kept myself busy. Mostly designing new things along with playing with my dragons and animals. I had also upgraded Snorre's cell on Outcast Island after getting Alvin's permission to do so and I had to say I highly doubted Snorre was ever going to get out of there. I had reinforced the walls on the outside of the cell with Gronkle iron plates and replaced the door with Gronkle iron while also replacing the lock so only my stone of good fortune could be used to unlock it and that was imbedded in my prosthetic.
Besides that, the hatchling combs in Freya's nest had been broken open releasing a large swarm of baby fire worm dragons so my pool water was a little bit warmer but I rather liked it however now I had to wear full body armor whenever I went to see how Freya was doing since the little ones liked to climb all over me. It was actually adorable but their skin was hot, as the sun so I couldn't let them touch my bare skin without burning me and even now when they swarm me it feels like I'm being baked alive in the armor. Speaking of little ones Volcana has been doing a bit of growing herself but she's not too big for the nest I built her and I'm still able to cradle her in my arms but she's gotten a bit heavier and I often have a hard time keeping her in the nursery. She'd often try to break down the door to go flying outside but the door was gronkle iron. Still though I did let her out to fly at least three times a day and when she did she'd do her best to fly to the volcano since I'm guessing she was drawn to it like her species were said to be. I didn't stop her though since Damen always helped keep a close eye on her. It didn't stop her from taking a bath in a small lava pool on the side though but since it didn't hurt her I didn't stop her.
There's also my latest renovation to my library, which rests against the back wall. It's a long white marble pedestal with a long glass case on top of it and behind this case were my journals from each of the lands I'd been to with each telling of my adventures in those lands. I kept them there because I knew one day my memory would fade so I felt it best to get it all down while I could still remember it all instead of letting it all vanish from my memory. Other than that, I hadn't done much besides design a few new things, gone riding with Phlegon and Aylen who were getting closer as each day passed to the point where I'd consider it a little odd to find one without the other. I still wasn't sure if Aylen could fall pregnant with Phlegon's foal but I hoped they would since it would be nice to see the two of them start their own family and there was no telling what a foal born from them would be able to do.
I stood up and stretched out my limbs knowing that these days there really wasn't that much for me to do since I'm taking a vacation from the travelling to new lands. I decided I might as well pay Berk a visit since the last time I went there was a week ago to make another gronkle iron drop off and besides that Trader Johan was meant to dock this afternoon. I stood up and made my way to where I had left my armor on the stand while I relaxed a bit. Once I was dressed I made my way out so I could pick Toothless up and be on my way to Berk. As I flew over the ocean between my island and Berk I saw a ship in the distance and using my eagle eye I saw it was Trader Johan making his way to Berk bringing a smile to my face since he always brought new books that always made good additions to my library but sadly they also drew Fishlegs attention to me and he would always beg me to let him use my library. I figure I best get them now before Fishlegs gets wind of it so I turned Toothless towards where Johan was sailing. When we landed on his deck he smiled at us and held his hands out as he said.
"Master Hiccup, it's so good to see the archipelago's one and only dragon rider." He lowered his arms. "Now what is it that I can do for you today?"
"Good to see you to Johan and do you have any new books?"
"Oh, do I ever Master Hiccup." He then caught sight of my prosthetic. "I do say master Hiccup, what happened to your arm?" I raised my golden arm and looked at it for a moment before lowering it.
"Long story Johan and you need to get to Berk or we'll have a lot of impatient people on our hands." He chuckled.
"And we can't have that so you'd like all the books I have?"
"You know it."
"One moment please." He walked below deck and came back holding a chest. "Every book I have is in this chest." I smiled.
"What will you take in trade?"
"Well what do you have to offer?" I walked over to Toothless' saddlebag and pulled out a roll of rope that when unrolled would go up to twenty feet.
"I have this rope with silk spanner dragon webbing weaved into it making it stronger than any other rope." He smiled.
"That will do Master Hiccup and as always a pleasure doing business with you." I nodded as I opened the chest to check that it had what I wanted and smiled at the sight before handing Johan the rope.
"A pleasure as always Johan." I then mounted Toothless.
"One day you must tell me what happened to that arm of yours Master Hiccup."
"When I have the time Johan but for now I have some new books to shelve." We then took off with the chest in Toothless' claws.
2 hours later
I was coming in for a landing in the village center after spending two hours going through my new books, categorizing them and then shelving. I had to say these ones were quiet a good addition to my library which although had more books than the Berkian library was still pretty empty with so many shelves that needed to be filled. I looked around the village and saw everyone walking around and doing their own business since seeing Toothless and me were now a normal sight on some days. I switched Toothless' tail fin to automatic and said.
"Why don't you go enjoy a solo flight bud because I'd like to take some time to stroll through the village and remember some of the few good memories I have?" He crooned and gave me a quick nuzzle before taking off as I began my simple walk around the village but as I did I was cut off by none other than Gustav Larson who was smiling up at me.
"Hey Hiccup how's it going?" I shrugged.
"Can't complain." I then walked around him but he quickly cut me off again.
"Listen Hiccup I know you said you weren't looking for a dragon riding apprentice but-" I held up my hand cutting him off.
"For the last time Gustav, I am not going to teach you how to train dragons." He frowned.
"Oh, come on Hiccup, I need to learn how to train them."
"And why do you need to know?"
"So, I can join you on your adventures to save the day, fight monsters and get the rewards." I frowned at this.
"Even if you were my apprentice I would never take you on my adventures."
"Why not?"
"Because they are incredibly dangerous and chances are you'd be slaughtered within minutes."
"Yeah but I'd have my own dragon to help me fight the monsters and then walk away with the rewards." I raised an eyebrow.
"Gustav, I take the majority of beasts on alone and have my dragons help get everyone away from the battle for their own safety." I could see the glimmer of fear in his eyes.
"Well I'm sure with the same training I could do it."
"Not that easy Gustav but I will admit that the training does make it easier and the rewards do make it all worth it."
"Yeah I can get how treasures you're rewarded with make it worth it." I raised an eyebrow.
"The treasures?"
"Yeah all the gold, jewels, land and gifts from the gods and your own island." He then rubbed his chin. "I might get my own island if I fight enough monsters." He then saw me glaring at him wiping the smile off his face.
"That Gustav is why I am not going to be taking you on as an apprentice!"
"What?"
"You only want to do it so you can get rewarded but I do it because I won't stand back while some monster or psycho is terrorizing those who are weaker." I sighed. "I don't do it for the rewards, I do it because it's the duty of the strong to protect the weak and when I'm offered rewards I first try to turn them down unless they insist then I take them." I looked down at him once more. "Think about what I've said and maybe you might become my apprentice."
I then gently pushed him to the side and walked away leaving a stunned Gustav to wallow in his thoughts about what I said. After that I wasn't in such a good mood and who could blame me since that kid has been pestering me to take him on as an apprentice ever since the fight with the Red Death. Honestly sometimes he'd follow me around the village like a loyal puppy begging me to teach him. He was almost as bad as Snotlout, the twins or Fishlegs. I just hoped to get some peace now with him done with but sadly Fishlegs walking in front of me as he looked at his feet while tapping his thumbs together brought me out of my thoughts. I know what he wanted so before he could say anything I said.
"Yes, Fishlegs I bought every book Johan had and no you cannot use my library." He opened his mouth to reply. "You would've had full access to my island and everything on it if you hadn't thrown away our friendship all those years ago Fishlegs." He tried to open his mouth to reply again. "My forgiveness is not easily given and if you keep bothering me then tomorrow you will wake up very confused in the middle of the desert with only a small flask of yak urine to drink."
This shut him up and made him leave me alone for the day but I knew he'd be at it again since his love of knowledge normally won over his fear. Now some people may think I was being too harsh on Fishlegs but seeing the only friend you ever had who was your age turn his back on you was far more painful than any physical blow I've ever endured. It was even more painful than when my arm began to rot away and I was forced to sever it. It was his actions that day when he turned his back on me that lead to it being hard for me to forgive so easily and why I valued my true friends like my dragons and animals. Once again, I was pulled out of my thoughts but this time it was the feeling of someone latching onto my left arm. I turned to see Ruffnut smiling up at me as she said.
"Hey Hiccup, where've you been?" I tried to pull my arm free from her grasp.
"I've been working and relaxing on my island."
"Well you must get pretty lonely on that big island all by yourself."
"Not with my dragons and animals to keep me company."
"Oh, come on, a guy like you needs a strong women at his side to marry one day."
"Well if you know any girl like that then let me know."
"How's about me since I'm that kind of girl." It was then I was finally able to push her off.
"No, you're not and even if you were I would never date you after all the torment you and your brother put me through." She just smiled at me.
"Never say never Hiccup."
I just glared at her before walking away knowing she was either too stupid or too stubborn to understand that I was not interested in her. I admit I was thinking of finding myself a girlfriend but she'd be the last girl to make it as a candidate after all the pain she caused me and this pain was both physical and emotional. That wasn't the only reason I didn't think of her in that way though since I did have other reasons besides that like how she was only attracted to me for my look while I wanted someone who liked me for more than just that. I wanted a girl who had brains and anyone who met either one of the twins would know that they aren't the brainiest people around. Along with that if I took her I would also have to take her brother since they were a set and with them together I don't think my house or my island would be able to survive. I'm just glad I wouldn't have to deal with Tuffnut today since he's bed ridden with a broken foot when he was messing with a small dragon snapper trap left in the woods. Sadly, it was that moment Snotlout walked out of an alley and right now I was in no mood to deal with him so before he could say anything I used my right arm to grab him by the neck and said.
"Snotlout I am in no mood to deal with your stupidity today so unless this is something important leave me alone." Before he could reply though I said. "And before you say anything, wanting me to either make you a suit of armor, new weapons or anything of the thought is not important." I let him go before he gave a glare as he rubbed his neck and walked away allowing me to finish my walk and enjoying my day.
AN: Yeah, I know it's not that exciting of a chapter but I'm doing the best I can here since I have ideas for new places but my ideas for time on Berk and relaxing on his island are limited especially when it comes to dealing with the new born or newly hatched. I know what I plan to do in some chapters like having him collect some new animals for some of his territories and by the way if any of you know what type of bird life lives in the Mayan jungle I'd appreciate a list via PM and if you have any requests or ideas for his down time please let me know and I will try and find a place to put them.