The Rebellion

by KatieMarie999

Growing Up Haddock Story 9: After years of plotting his revenge, Brandyn Anderson is back. Welcome to The Rebellion. Join Hiccup, Astrid, Fearless Finn, Adrianna, Erick and their friends on the epic conclusion to the Growing Up Haddock series. Will they prevail against evil, or will their entire world be destroyed? Only HTTYD and R/DoB are canon. T for limes and mature situations.

10. Deja Vu

Hello, my friends! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 2023 is here!

Wowee, 2023 is here lol Who'd have thunk? So sorry for the lateness of this chapter, friends! As per usual around the holiday season I took a bit of a break. Not altogether planned but not altogether surprising either. I think I usually tend to write less leading up to and through the holiday season. And then with the New Year's arrival I always get back into it with renewed fervor!

This is the year I hope to finish GUH. TR… time to meet your maker lol I jest, but honestly. As sad as it is to say and think about, I do really hope to crank out the rest of TR this year to the best of my ability.

Fret not! There is still a long ways to go and so much ground to cover, and I'm super excited to work on it. But as they all say, all good things must come to an end, and that unfortunately includes GUH.

But not yet.

Here I've got nearly 40 pages of hot, spanking new pages hot off the press. Please enjoy! We've got some giggles and maaaybe a little spiciness to smooth out those dark edges. This is purposeful as I don't want anyone to get too stressed or down with the darker themes that TR has, and unfortunately there's more to come (MUAHAHA).

Please enjoy this chapter and don't forget to send in a review! I hope everyone's first week of the New Year is going well. Set those goals and strive after them, friends! See you in chapter 11 and possibly before my 30th birthday if we're lucky (what?!). Ya'll I'm old, send help lol

Thanks, friends!

~Em

Inspirations: I See Dead People in Boats by Hans Zimmer, **As Long As He's Safe by John Powell, Riders of Rohan by Howard Shore (scene & music from Lord of the Rings: Return of the King)

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Chapter 10: Déjà Vu

---

Hiccup slid an idle finger around the rim of his mug, wondering how long ago the coffee must have cooled, untouched and unwanted. The Great Hall was quiet, save for a few council members who sat in various corners organizing information brought in by Terrible Terrors.

The number of guards patrolling the perimeters and the skies. How many ships were ready for battle. How many more needed preparation until they too were ready. How many men and women were battle ready with their dragons. How many men, women and children needed protecting, unable to fight themselves. On and on the preparation went. All of it being compiled for him. He tried not to think about how taxing it all was. This was why he had a council, to share the burden, to help keep him clear headed.

If only it was that simple. Exhaustion seemed to be weighing on the bones of everyone he saw. Too many all nighters were being spent, and this was unwise should battle commence. He'd ordered many of the council members home to sleep hours ago. If they shouldn't return soon, however, he'd need to send the others off as well. He hated to risk losing time or track of preparations, but they were utterly lost if everyone keeled over from exhaustion.

Also looking a little worse for wear, Finn sat beside him, nursing his own mug of coffee. He still hated the stuff, unless Genevieve made it with copious amounts of milk and caramel. Hiccup hardly thought that constituted as a true cup of coffee, but if it kept the edge of exhaustion at bay, he supposed it would suffice.

Astrid would likely be scolding him for all the extra sugar and fat.

A sting of pain echoed through his heart. Astrid. Was she alright? What was Brandyn doing to her?

Was she even still alive?

"You should go home, dad. Get some sleep."

Hiccup glanced at him. "So should you."

"I'll go if you go."

He smiled despite himself. "You'll go if I tell you to."

"Not the boss of me."

Hiccup elbowed his son, who grinned. "Shut up."

"No." Finn said. "Seriously. Erick told me you haven't been home since before mom…" He trailed off. "It's been two days. You're no use to anyone in a sleep coma. Or worse."

"I know." Hiccup paused. "The thought of going home… I don't know if I can face it."

Finn was quiet. "Because she's not there."

"Because we built that house together. And everything in it." Hiccup felt a sudden tightness in his throat. "What if she-"

"Don't. Don't think that." Finn held the empty mug in his hands, staring at it resolutely as if it would offer him better words to say. "But if it was me… and it was Gen gone… You'd tell me to go home. Regardless of the memories or feelings. In fact, you'd tell me that's exactly why I need to go home."

He was right, of course. The night Brandyn sent the box was a blur. Shock and horror had taken over his bones, and this after hours of worry. This past day was filled with resolved fervor to prepare Berk for the inevitable.

But he still hadn't given himself the time to feel. To grieve. It felt selfish. It felt wrong. But of all people, Finn knew what it was like to bottle those feelings up and ignore them. To pretend like they didn't exist.

"Alright." Hiccup said at last. "I'll go now. While it's still quiet, before something else happens. I want you to-"

"I'll go in a bit. One of us should be here." Finn said firmly. "Gen is sleeping now but she'll be here soon no doubt. And I got some sleep after leaving Mara's. I'll be fine for a bit."

Hiccup took in his son's appearance. He looked a little bedraggled but his blue eyes were clear and determined. Go, his eyes seemed to be saying. You've trained me for this. Let me take it for you.

Nodding, Hiccup patted him on the shoulder. Before he could think on it more, he stood and headed for the doors. He briefly wondered where Toothless might have gotten to, but the quick patter of familiar footfalls followed him to the door.

Toothless rumbled in his ear, an irritated sort of sound. Then he licked his face, drool seeping into his collar.

"Eugh, Toothless." Hiccup said, rubbing at his neck and cringing at the drool on his hand. "You know, almost thirty years and you'd think I'd get used to this. But you're as vile a creature as ever."

Toothless rumbled in displeasure.

"What, you don't know sarcasm when you hear it?" Hiccup asked, descending the stairs and looking around his village. He came to a slow halt, Toothless at his side.

The early morning skies were a soft periwinkle blue, covered in dark clouds as if the very atmosphere was a reflection of his mood. Clouded, murky, confused. Overwhelmed.

Perhaps it would rain soon. He hoped not. All the preparations would take even more time. Time they might not have.

The village was already bustling with activity. It was too early to see many young mothers and children, but many men and women filled the streets, carrying various goods, armor, weapons and supplies to and fro. Carts were being filled to the maximum capacity to be taken down to the ships.

While the majority of Berk's forces specialized in air fighting, Hiccup had never wanted his father's military prowess on the water to die with him. He'd kept many of his father's ship captains at the helm of their ships, some of which had now passed to their sons and even daughters. Seeing their organized preparation now made him thankful he'd never slacked in this area.

It had been many years since Berk had seen open war, but for a moment he felt like a boy again, watching the villagers flurry for the next hunt on the dragon's nest. For a moment he fully expected his father to emerge around the nearest street, bellowing commands for half the village to hear, armor clanking at every footstep.

Those days had always been filled with such excitement and a desire to prove himself. To his village, to his father. He'd always been shunted to the side, nobody willing to let him screw up their plans or botch any of their successes. A small grin pulled at his face at the memories. He supposed they all had a right to think of him as nothing short of a nincompoop, failure at everything and successful at nothing. Unless being a successful failure was the thing to strive for, of course.

The memories faded along with his grin. His father was gone. In the years since, he had indeed proved himself. The dragon at his side was the very reason for that success. Everything had changed after that. His status as future chief, his newfound friendships, his allies across the sea, his life with Astrid and his kids.

At the heart of it all, he still felt like that scrawny kid who was trying to prove himself. He hated going through life feeling like he had a chip on his shoulder, always needing to rise above the negativity and doubts. Those wounds had run deep as a child and young man, always present, always lingering. As an adult, life had never seemed to take a break from sending him some new trial or tribulation, always making him question if he was doing the right thing, if he was doing well enough, or what people thought of his leadership skills.

Of course he'd failed on many occasions. And naturally he was harder on himself than he needed to be. Astrid said once that it was the cost of having a big heart. Always giving of yourself to be better than yourself when your own greatest enemy was yourself.

And it was true. If he could give everything he and more to his people, to his family, he would. Not to prove that he wasn't a screw up. Because he loved them and couldn't bear to see them in pain.

The thought brought up the temptation to turn around and go back into the Great Hall. There was still so much to do and even as he stood here with Toothless for the last few minutes, the periwinkle blue skies shifted to a muted gray. A new day was beginning. Why should he rest when he had more to give? When he'd already lost an entire night to moping?

As if sensing these thoughts, Toothless rested his nose against his shoulder. He whuffed a heavy breath, which seeped into his bones and brought more comfort than he thought he deserved. It was like one of Astrid's rare hugs. That painful lump rose in his throat again.

"Come on, bud. Let's go home." Hiccup whispered.

Toothless crooned as he mounted and then took off, angling down the steep hill and over the village. Flashes of faces turned up and waved or cheered as they passed and he nodded in acknowledgement. It was all he could bear to give them.

The cool salty air coming off the ocean was soothing. He found himself looking across the ocean at the crashing waves with a sudden sense of longing. To lose himself in the skies and the sea, the wind and the clouds. It was tempting… but also wasn't what Finn told him to do. Not that he should obey his own son, exactly, but he needed to go home. The skies and the sea would only provide a distraction from the real problem.

Toothless's wings ate up the distance faster than he would have liked. They crossed the bridge and were soon touching down in front of the house. Toothless hopped up the porch and tried to open the door for him, as if in trying to do something helpful for his sad and ailing boy like humans did. But after failing to turn the knob with his giant claws and then effectively covering a third of the door in more saliva, Hiccup sighed.

"Listen bud," Hiccup gently pushed him aside. "I appreciate the attempt, but I think you're making it worse. And before you get ideas, no, you aren't allowed to make tea."

Toothless grumbled. Hiccup wondered, cringing all while trying to open the door himself, if that hadn't been his intention.

"Gods, Toothless, how much drool-"

The door suddenly was flung open and a short sword was suddenly resting at his collar bone. Toothless let out a sharp cry. Firm dark eyes and a bush of curly blonde hair met his gaze as he jumped back.

"Hiccup!" Genevieve squeaked. She brought the short sword away a second later. "It's you!"

"Yes, it's me." Hiccup said slowly, trying to process everything that had just happened in the span of three seconds. "Why are you armed in my house?"

"Well, I spent the night here." Genevieve said, stepping aside and letting them in. "I woke a little bit ago and… well, I suddenly heard voices and scrabbling at the door. For a second I… well." She blushed crimson. "I thought someone might be here to kidnap you."

Hiccup felt a strange mixture of amusement, concern and pride. "Well… thank you? Though I'm concerned that if they had been here to kidnap me, they'd only find you. And I don't think any of us can handle Finn's explosion right now if you went missing."

"No." Geneveive agreed. "I think we've had quite enough surprises to be getting on with."

"Amen."

Toothless shoved his nose into Genevieve's hair and inhaled deeply. Then he sneezed.

"Agh! Toothless-"

"Sorry," Hiccup sighed, dropping into the nearest chair. "He's been especially gelatinous today."

"Ugh you don't say." Genevieve said, pulling her shirt away from her skin and grimacing. "Big brute."

Toothless gave a throaty chuckle and flounced away to his large lava rock settled in the corner of the room. He set the rock ablaze before curling up into a ball and falling fast asleep.

"Like a big overgrown cat." Genevieve said with a smile. Her smile faded as she took in his appearance however. "How are you holding up?"

Hiccup shrugged. "Alright I guess."

Genevieve nodded and grabbed a bag sitting by the door. "Well, I'm off to find Finn. Do you know where he is?"

"Great Hall. At least that's where he was when I left."

She rolled her eyes. "I told him to go to bed and stay there. We're all going to need proper rest in the coming days." She paused, her hand on the door handle. "Unless… you'd like company?"

Hiccup gave her a wan smile. "That's okay, Gen. I'll be alright."

Her dark eyes seemed to flood with understanding, as if she knew that he needed to be alone. "Alright. Well I'll see you in a bit then. We'll let you know if anything happens."

Hiccup nodded as she left. As soon as the door closed and her footsteps died away, the silence of the house became a living thing. Save for Toothless's heavy breaths, everything was painfully, eerily silent.

He and Astrid had had to learn what a quiet house felt like after Finn moved out. Astrid especially had a difficult time with it. It had taken some time but he'd actually come to enjoy it. It almost felt like retirement.

He cracked a small smile. Now he wasn't sure if retirement would ever be his to claim. Or if he did, if he'd end up spending it alone.

Everywhere he looked there were signs of her. The weapons hanging on the walls. The kransen she'd left on the arm of the couch. A pair of well worn boots beside the door. Her favorite leather jacket. A romance book she'd taken to reading after Adrianna's exciting synopsis, though she'd be loath to admit buying it. The whetstone on the table, a few inches from where his fingers rested on the table. Without realizing it he'd sat in her usual chair, the place she always sat when she sharpened her weapons.

He picked up the whetstone and let it slip through his fingers. It was well worn and well cared for. Just like everything Astrid touched.

Even him, he realized.

Everything she loved, she loved deeply. Unapologetically. She was the most loving, most loyal person he knew. She loved fiercest of everyone he knew.

And not for the first time he wondered if that fierce, undying loyalty would get her killed at last.

The thought sent a wave of fear through his soul so fierce he thought he might drown beneath it.

What was a life without Astrid? Should the worst happen, what would he do? The kids would be crushed, Darin would be confused… but in time they would heal. But he would never recover from such a loss.

When the tears came, he didn't know. All he could focus on was the whetstone clutched in his hands as if it was some sort of anchor. As if it could bring her back to him safe and unharmed.

But at the end of the day, it was just a whetstone, just as he was a man missing his wife, who might be lost to him forever.

---

Adrianna woke slowly, ensconced in a cocoon of warmth so comfy she hoped to never leave it.

Even as she thought it, worries and doubts and fears began to pepper her mind.

Where was her mom right now? Where was her dad? Had the Changewing spies come back yet? Was Inga still with them?

A hand brushed the hair from her face and a kiss was pressed to her forehead. "Relax, Annie. Don't let the day start before you even open your eyes."

Despite her half awake, groggy state, she smiled. Slipping her arms around Erick's waist, she pulled herself flush to his body and sighed. "If you insist."

Erick's laugh echoed through her skin to her bones. "I do." He slid his hands up her back and into her hair. It was so warm and comforting and utterly safe, she might have easily fallen back asleep again.

And then her eyes flew open. "Where's Darin?"

His hands tensed against her back. "In his bed, remember? He slept with us two nights ago, not last night."

Adrianna sat up. "I need to check-"

"Annie, he's fine."

"Maybe, but I want to check." She ignored his grumbling as she climbed off of him. The air of the house was chilly as she tiptoed out of the room and down the hall. As quietly as she could, she cracked Darin's door open and peeked inside.

He was nestled safely within his blankets among his toys, snoring blissfully. The Toothless plush seemed to blink at her in the darkness.

A pair of arms snaked around her waist and she stiffened in surprise. She hadn't even heard Erick come down the hall. Smiling, she relaxed into him as he set his chin on the top of her head.

"See? Perfectly safe." Erick whispered. He peered at her and then kissed her temple, lingering slightly. "Come on, it's still early."

Adrianna gently closed the door. "How did you get down here so quietly?"

"I've got my 'muffler' on." Erick said, lifting his prosthetic to show her the strip of thick material covering the brunt of the metal. "It's not practical for the most part, but I figure it has some good uses. Like… sneaking up on unsuspicious wives in the dusky morning."

"Ah." Adrianna said as Erick pressed her up against the wall with a grin. "Well it's not completely useless then."

"Mhm." Erick pressed his forehead against hers and sighed through his nose. "You know I love you, right?"

Adrianna breathed a laugh. "Of course I know that. Why?"

"We just… don't know what's coming, do we? Not really."

"Now who's starting the day early?" She brushed a hand through his hair. "No, we don't. But this is still real, no matter what happens."

"I know. I just wanted to say it."

Adrianna set her eyes on his. "Is that all?"

Erick smirked. "And what do you mean by that?"

"Well…" Adrianna swallowed at the smoldering look in his eyes. Even after a few years, he could still give her the jitters. "I mean we're awake. It's so early. I doubt a third of Berk is even awake yet."

"True."

Adrianna tugged gently on one of the waves at his nape. "Whatever will we do with the time?"

"Gods, don't tease me." Erick clamped his mouth over her's, firmer than usual. Sighing against him, Adrianna slid her arms around his neck. Bending slightly Erick grabbed her legs in his hands and lifted her up, pinning her against the wall. Then his mouth was on her neck and every inch of his skin he could reach.

Adrianna moaned into his ear. "M-Maybe we should-"

"Uh huh." Erick said, his face flushed. He gathered her into his arms and carried her down the hall, hissing through his teeth as she dragged hers against his jaw. "Gods, Annie."

She giggled as he kicked their door closed and set her against it. "Not-"

"Not yet." Erick said before kissing her again.

They were no strangers to passion but it was rare for them to get needy with one another. Though she enjoyed their quiet moments, Adrianna had to admit that there was something else to losing herself completely in him and not caring if it was firmer and faster than usual.

Adrianna yanked at his shirt, wanting to feel his skin. He growled impatiently and then yelped as he nearly dropped her.

"Gods, woman, calm yourself."

"Not with this glorious expanse of flesh, I won't."

Erick laughed. "Oh, very endearing, Annie. Honestly."

"Well it's true, look at you-"

"Annie."

"What?"

Erick leaned in closer. "Stop talking."

Adrianna tipped her head back against the wall, avoiding his lips. His teal eyes flared in indignation. "What, you're not turned on by the things I have to say? You don't want me to talk about you? Not the way your mouth feels like fire on my skin and nothing to say of the things your clever hands can do-"

"The only clever thing in this room right now," Erick said, positively quivering against her as he pressed her harder into the door. "Is you, you little minx."

Adrianna laughed but it was quickly cut off by his mouth. She pulled him closer, moaning as his fingers slid up her spine and then dragged down again, his nails digging into her skin. Tingles shot across her skin and she arched into him, gasping.

"You think I'm clever?" Erick whispered into her ear. "I'm not clever. I just know exactly where and how to touch you to make you sing."

Her heartbeat was a drum in her ears. "Erick-"

"Now whose words are a turn on, huh?" Erick said. "Two can play at that game. I can whisper sweet nothings or very intentional somethings. Whatever you want me to say, I'll say it."

Oh gods- "Please."

Erick grinned in victory and kissed her, chastely this time. "Don't go falling to pieces on me-"

"Shut up already, please."

"Okay, okay!" Erick said, fighting a laugh as he pulled her away from the door. Turning he set her down gently, but she yanked him down on top of her. "Are you sure, Annie, I don't want to work you up-"

"Don't you dare back away from me now, Erick Noah Larson." Adrianna said in a low hiss. "You started all this, now we're going to finish it."

Erick grinned. "Yes ma'am."

…

The periwinkle blue of dawn gradually shifted to a dull muted gray. The skies were full of billowing clouds, blocking any sunlight from filtering through. Even though it was an icky, drab sort of color to the morning atmosphere, it was the perfect sort of atmosphere for snuggling under a heap of blankets.

Erick's fingers slid across her back in slow, sweeping lines. Adrianna similarly was moving her thumb across the tattoo on his wrist, her face pressed to his chest. She could both hear and feel his heartbeat, a steady, even thrum.

As she listened to its regular, beautiful beat, her eyes took a turn around the room. Various items from their daily life were scattered across the bedside table and dresser, from books and leather bookmarks, toys and hair pins and ties, a jar of oil and a sprig of lavender. Her eyes strayed to the mirror propped up against the dresser. There she caught sight of them.

His wavy hair was mussed against the headboard as he stared up at the ceiling, his teal eyes relaxed and unworried. In here, the mask was off. His eyes were open and honest. Here was one of the few times during the day in which she could see him at his most relaxed, and she took great care and pride that she was the only one who got to see it.

She thought she could stare at him all day, but she forced herself to look at her own reflection for a moment. A few short years ago she'd looked at her own reflection and wondered where she'd be someday. She'd never been quite sure about who she was or where she was going.

She should have known it would be here. With Erick.

At the thought, her heart felt it might burst. She smiled, which unfortunately drew his attention almost instantly. In the mirror, his brows went down and he looked at her with suspicion.

"What?"

"Nothin."

He jabbed her ribs and she flinched, suppressing a giggle. "What?"

"Nothing, I just think we look mighty cute in that mirror."

Erick looked over and made a sound like "pshhh". Adrianna giggled. "Yeah, we're moving that."

"Why? I think it's cute being able to see us snuggle."

"It's not the snuggling I'm worried about." Adrianna looked up at him in shock. He scrunched his nose and said, "Yeah."

"You didn't-"

"I didn't, but now that you've pointed it out, the temptation is there." Erick said with a slow smirk. "Don't give me ideas."

"Well, I'm not sure you have the stamina to go again so soon anyway."

"Hey! I'll be the judge of that, thank you."

"Mhm."

Erick might have been tempted to prove his point but at that moment, they heard the unmistakable sounds of small feet outside the door. Eyes wide, Adrianna dove to the floor and yanked on a robe just as the door opened. Darin grinned at them with his big blue eyes and tousled blonde hair.

"Mornin' mama!"

"Hi baby!" Adrianna bent low to kiss his forehead before he climbed into the bed. He gave Erick a hug as his daddy pressed a kiss to his hair. "Did you sleep good?"

"Uh huh! I had a dream I was flyin!" Darin said, pointing out the window. "Pepper and I havin adventures."

"Is Pepper your favorite dragon, buddy?"

"Yeah!"

"Well," Erick said, catching Adrianna's eye. "Who knows, maybe she'll be yours one day."

"I hope nobody else has made an agreement with her yet." Adrianna said. "Or you'll be the one mopping up tears, mister."

"Fair point."

"Why mama and daddy not dressed yet?" Darin asked.

"Why? You've got somewhere to be?" Erick asked.

"Breffast." Darin said calmly, as if this was the most obvious answer ever. Indeed he had changed out of his pajamas and was dressed already, Adrianna realized. His shirt was on backwards and his socks were mismatching, but he'd done well all things considered.

"Well, who can say no to that? Certainly not daddy." Adrianna said, holding out a hand. "I bet he's worked up an enormous appetite."

Erick eyed her as Darin took her hand and slid off the bed. "Daddy comin?"

"Yup, I'm coming, buddy. But I've got to get dressed first." Erick glanced down none too obviously at his bare chest and the blankets covering his lower half. "Why don't you go down with mommy and I'll be there in a minute?"

Darin stared up at him for a solid ten seconds and then up at her. "Is daddy nekked?"

Adrianna's eyes widened. Erick snorted into his hands and said something along the lines of "oh no" but it was lost to embarrassed chuckles.

"Um, no baby. Of course not!" Adrianna took Darin's hand and ushered him from the room before he got any ideas. She glanced at Erick over her shoulder in horror, wondering for a second if maybe they weren't as discreet as they thought they were. "Why would you think that?"

"Daddy's undies on the floor."

"Ah. Well, daddy should learn to pick up his clothes from now on huh?"

"Yup!"

Adrianna descended the stairs with Darin in tow, but she couldn't ignore how warm it suddenly was. She was sure she was blushing. Even as she reached the bottom of the stairs, she could still hear Erick laughing upstairs as he shut the bedroom door.

For one horrible moment she thought Darin might know more than his three year old self should know. But that couldn't be. No, she thought as he opened the cabinets in search of something to eat, she was merely reminded once again that her son was very smart. Too smart for his own good apparently.

---

It had been a long while since Finn had to force himself to eat something. He realized he hadn't even thought of food in some time. Yet about an hour after his father left the Great Hall, Cook marched up to the head table, plopped a plateful of eggs and bacon in front of him, and rather sternly said, "Eat."

He'd obeyed, though he couldn't help but think that the last time food tasted like ash in his mouth was after Benen died.

Shoving that particular thought aside, he shoveled down as much as he could muster and refocused on the charts Fishlegs had delivered. At his bleary-eyed expression upon delivery, Finn had swiftly sent him home. He'd argued for only a moment until Finn turned a dark glare on him. Strangely, Fishlegs had flushed and bustled to the doors, muttering something along the lines of "Stoick" and "death glare".

Finn bit back a smirk, despite everything. Apparently he could put the fear of the gods into his father's friends if he wanted. Interesting.

A peal of laughter echoed from the bar. He glanced over to see Genevieve in animated conversation with a few of the barmaids and waitresses. Their giggles and smiles were a balm after so much confusion and exhaustion. He smiled, loving her more for raising everyone's spirits even if she wasn't trying to.

She'd run into his father at the house apparently, and nearly taken his head off in the process. He was glad his dad had gone home after all. He'd wondered if he might get distracted along the way or force himself not to waste time. But Genevieve's quiet words upon her arrival only proved his point.

"He looks like a ghost."

He'd merely nodded. If his mom never came home… if they never saw her again… he and Adrianna would be the ones picking up the pieces this time.

Finn shook his head and refocused on the paperwork before him. He was no use to anyone worrying.

The numbers and calculations spread before him were a good distraction. He lost himself in the minutes that followed, thinking hard about the various options and ways they could save time in preparations by adjusting things here and there.

He was so engrossed that he didn't notice the heavy footfalls until they stopped short of his chair and a heavy hand slammed down another stack of papers. Finn jumped, his dagger half out of its sheath before he registered the beefy, angry face of Snotlout Jorgenson.

"What?" Finn hissed, biting back a curse. "Gods, don't do that-"

"Sorry baby Haddock's ears are too delicate. War is upon us, you know."

Finn scowled but bit back a retort. Snotlout was angry. Frankly, he had every right to be. "I take it the scouts aren't back yet."

"If they were, don't you think I'd have told you?" Snotlout snapped. "Where's Hiccup?"

"I sent him home."

"Well isn't that nice-"

"Choose your next words wisely, Snotlout." Finn said coldly. "If I can send Fishlegs scampering, I'm sure I can put you in your place too."

Snotlout's face reddened. "My daughter-"

"Took off." Finn interrupted. "I told her not to. She doesn't listen when she doesn't want to. You of all people should know that."

"What the Hel is that supposed to mean?"

"She's like you!" Finn hissed, trying and failing to keep his voice down. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to add in a calmer tone, "She's one of my closest friends. The last thing I want is for something to happen to her. I think we can agree on that at least."

"Yeah," Snotlout said. "Except she was right in the end. Even against our better judgment, you took off to get Genevieve. Hiccup sat around on his hands and wouldn't let anyone go look for Alton-"

"Not true, because he sent you. When you couldn't find him, you came right back here. Why might that be, Snotlout?" Finn asked. "Maybe because you had orders?"

"Yes, I had orders. I chose to obey them and now my daughter is out there, risking her life. She may never come home."

"Well, we both know what that feels like then." Finn said, standing and shoving papers into a pile. "My mom knew the rules too and she didn't come back from her scouting mission, did she?"

Snotlout was silent for a long minute. "Astrid is strong. She'll be back. But Inga… she's small and untrained except in healing. She's… delicate. She won't last five minutes out there. Let me go after her."

Finn tried not to let the sting of the words show. This was a prime example of what it was like to be chief. Having to make decisions that affected things one way or another. Snotlout was one of his father's most trusted allies, a primary leader in their army. But he was also his friend's father. Finn knew very well that too much stress on Inga could cause her to relapse, which alone could easily get her killed. Mystie could only do so much to help her. How could he possibly make such a decision? Risk losing a member of the leadership to save Inga? Or keep a significant member of leadership at his post at the risk of losing Inga?

"I'm not the chief yet." Finn said quietly. "It's not my call to make."

"But if it was your call. What would you say?"

Values over family, or family over values?

"I'd ask you to stay because we need you. Inga made her choice. I can't justify a significant hole in our ranks for one person."

Snotlout's breath shook. "You didn't think that when you took off-"

"No, I didn't. But it was Genevieve who reminded me of that as soon as I got my head back on straight." Finn said, looking him in the eyes. "I can't be selfish. I know that. If we want to beat Brandyn and keep as many people alive as we can, then I can't afford to only think about myself. So believe me when I say that if we could afford to lose you here, I'd send you out in a heartbeat. But I can't."

Though Snotlout looked like he wanted to argue, something unidentifiable shifted in his expression at the words. His arms were crossed tightly against his chest and his jaw still was clenched. Then he nodded once and walked away.

Finn exhaled softly. It was strange but he felt like he just dodged something. Perhaps a fist. Or maybe he'd passed some sort of test. Whether it was Snotlout's or his own, he wasn't sure.

Still, he hated leaving Inga to her own devices. The risk of losing her was great, but she had made her decision. She wanted to go after Alton. Now he had to trust that she would be alright. She was smart and clever. She was less delicate than Snotlout gave her credit for so long as she didn't get overwhelmed.

But he knew in his bones that her chances of finding Alton and bringing him home safely were very slim indeed.

The doors to the Great Hall opened and the Larsons walked in. Erick and Adrianna were holding hands and smiling at each other with what she affectionately called "doofy smiles". Darin squealed in delight and struggled in Erick's hold. Erick quickly set him down and Darin darted forward.

Finn dropped his stack of papers and held out his arms. "Hey bud-"

"Auntie Genni!" Darin squealed and ran past him.

Finn's mouth dropped open as Erick and Adrianna roared with laughter. Finn turned on his heel in utter shock, watching in disbelief as Darin tackled Genevieve in a hug at the bar. She beamed and held him close before planting a firm kiss on his cheek.

"How's my big boy?"

"Good! Um Aunt Genni?"

"Yes?"

"You wanna have breffast with me?"

"Absolutely!" Genevieve grinned and took his hand. "Let's see what-"

"Excuse me!" Finn demanded, arms crossed. They turned in surprise, Genevieve trying and failing to hide a grin that he'd been passed over so efficiently. Darin merely blinked in surprise. "No love for me?"

"Um… no." Darin said matter of factly. "I give Unca Winn love after I have bacon."

"What the Hel," Erick demanded nearby. "Did you feed him last night?"

"Nothing!" Adrianna whispered back. "I don't know where gets this stuff-"

"Fine, then!" Finn said in a mock sad voice. "I guess I'll just wait over here for when you want me."

Darin nodded. "Okay."

Finn fought the mad urge to laugh when Darin dragged Genevieve away. She grinned and allowed herself to be steered to the food tables. He turned to his sister and brother-in-law. "What was that all about?"

Erick shrugged. "I guess he prefers Gen over you."

"And bacon apparently." Adrianna added with a smirk.

"Oh shut up the both of you."

"Maybe if you acquire some bacon-"

"Now you want me to manipulate him into loving me?" Finn demanded. "One, that's terrible, and two, I don't require manipulation. I will be loved with pure intention or not at all. That is how I roll."

Erick shook his head. "Alright then."

"Honestly though Darin's full of weird and sudden comments today, so I'm sorry if he hurt your feelings." Adrianna said, patting him on the cheek.

"Pft, he's three. How much damage could he do?"

"Just don't leave your undies on the floor or he'll ask about it."

Erick's mask of calm slipped for only a moment but it was more than enough as a blush crawled up his neck. "Annie, don't-"

"Yes Annie, don't." Finn agreed. "I can handle the doofy smiles but I don't need a play by play of your nighttime routines."

"Who said it was nighttime?" Adrianna asked, twirling a lock of hair around her finger.

Finn groaned, trying and failing to ignore Erick's embarrassed laugh and Adrianna's victorious smirk. "Why? Why can't you- do you have to-"

"Yes, because I like making you blush. Ten years ago who'd have thought we'd all be here?"

"Yes, you guys flaunting your…" He blustered into nothing, waving his arms at them.

"Yes?"

"And telling me all your dirty secrets! I want no part of it!"

Adrianna shook her head in amazement. "Finn, you surprise me. Even Darin didn't blush as much as you."

Finn felt an acute sense of horror. "He's three. How much could he possibly know?"

"Only enough to ask about Erick's-"

Finn clapped his hands over his ears and stalked away. He didn't want to know. He truly, truly didn't want to know what she was going to say next. He still heard her cackles as he walked away though.

Gods, they solely existed to torture him.

His abject horror and disgust was quickly dismantled as the Great Hall doors opened once more. A large group of men and women entered, looking harried and ruffled. The Changewing scouts.

Finn altered course, all awkwardness and frustration dissipating. Snotlout was already winding his way through the tables to the group. He quickened his pace to head him off. Unsurprisingly, Erick and Adrianna were on his heels, eager to hear the news as well.

Harald, the leader of the group, held out a hand and Finn shook it. "Sir."

"Well?"

"It's bad. Worse than we thought."

"Erick, send a Terror to my parents' house. Tell my dad to get up here."

Erick nodded and walked away, his prosthetic echoing in the silence.

"Do you think we should let him rest more?" Adrianna asked. "How long has he been there?"

"Not long, but he needs to hear this as much as we do."

"Indeed." Harald said, holding out a letter from his breast pocket. "We intercepted this letter on the way back, about an hour ago. A Terror heading in from the northeast. It's from Bog."

Finn tore open the letter without preamble. Adrianna peered over his arm to read it as well. The letter was short and the familiar handwriting was written in quick, heavy movements as if she had no time to waste.

Attack from Rune and Outcast Islands. Send aid ASAP.

-C

"Camicazi." Adrianna said, looking up at him. "Rune and Outcast are attacking Bog Burglar?"

Finn said nothing. Bog Burglar Island's warrior women were a mighty force to be reckoned with. Brandyn would know this. Naturally he would send two of his allies' armies to be sure of her destruction.

And now they had confirmation that Outcast Island and Rune had joined the fight. It didn't come as a shock given the last few years of animosity, but it did increase Brandyn's numbers significantly.

First Hjart, now Bog Burglar.

"Sharpshot is on his way." Erick said, reappearing and taking the letter from Finn. His expression tightened. "So now what?"

"Now we wait for my dad." Finn looked back at Harald. "Anything else? How big is his army?"

"It's big." Harald and many of the others, including Nikolas Larson, relayed the numbers of ships surrounding Berserker.

Adrianna sighed and rubbed her face.

"If that's the case, he must have sent Outcast and Rune to Bog Burglar before you arrived." Erick said. "Maybe at the same time that he sent the blockade to Hjart."

"Or they were still stationed at their home bases." Snotlout said from his perch on a nearby table. He twirled an axe in his hands in agitation. "Outcast and Berserker are almost straight north from here. To the northeast is Brawn, and in the distance from there, Rune. And further to the east is Bog Burglar. It wouldn't be difficult to send a Terror to Outcast to converge their armies on Rune and then hit Bog Burglar from behind."

"Or surround them." Finn said. "How long do you think she can hold out?"

Erick shook his head. "More importantly, what is Brandyn's play? All of this is just a distraction."

"Maybe." Adrianna said in a tight voice. "But those are our friends out there. Ivan, Camicazi. We can't just stand by and let them get slaughtered."

"We only have so many men." Finn said. "Even with dragons and ships, we can't fight four armadas at once and protect Berk at the same time. It's not possible."

The group at large was silent for a long minute. Finn noticed that Erick and Nikolas were resolutely not looking at each other, as if pretending the other didn't exist. As if they didn't share blood.

He felt as if not sending aid to Camicazi was a reflection of that same animosity. He knew it wasn't, but if Camicazi, a proud, stalwart woman who was a fierce warrior, was asking for help, then she must need it badly.

Brandyn wanted to clear the playing field. First, he wanted to take back Berserker. Well, he'd done that, even if he had destroyed it. Second, he blocked off Hjart so their forces couldn't join with Berk's. Now he was picking off more of their allies, blocking them from aid by overwhelming them. Other chieftains were dead or missing.

Finn became painfully aware of the dozens of eyes on him. How could he possibly hope to make the right decisions by them?

As if aware of his thoughts, Adrianna set a hand on his shoulder. It was light but it gave him courage all the same. He wasn't alone. The decisions still rested with their dad, but they had each other regardless.

"Irrelevant to the topic at hand but relevant to me," Snotlout said, finally looking up at Harald. "Aren't you missing something?"

Harald blinked. "Sir?"

"Take a headcount, Harald. While we've got the time."

Finn stiffened, wondering if he'd have to leap in front of Snotlout at the rising anger in his face as Harald counted his group. Then paled.

"Where is she?" Harald demanded.

Nikolas raised his brows. "How should I know? I wasn't aware I was meant to be a babysitter-"

"I told her to stay with you. That would make her your resp-"

"Why did you let her come along in the first place? I didn't buy her little story for one second."

Harald flushed and glanced at Snotlout. "She made her case clear. She said the Chief wanted her to go in case we'd need a healer, and if I doubted then I should ask-"

"Let me guess," Finn said. "She goaded you into risking the Chief's wrath for wasting time, right? When it was already so precious?"

"Well… yes."

Finn met Snotlout's eyes and shrugged. "I told you, she's clever."

"Too clever." Nikolas said. "She apparently ditched us somewhere along the way."

"You don't sound surprised." Finn said.

"Well, it's a bit obvious why she'd want to come, isn't it?" Nikolas said. "She thinks she can find Alton herself. But based on the size of that army, she can never hope to find him. The number of ships alone would take her weeks to search. It's a suicide mission."

"If you suspected," Snotlout said, dropping to his feet and clutching his axe in a white knuckled grip. "Why didn't you keep a closer eye on her?"

"Nikolas is very good at turning a blind eye." Erick said. "He doesn't lift a finger for someone else unless it suits him."

"Stop." Finn hissed, cutting across Adrianna as she opened her mouth to scold him. "This doesn't solve anything."

"-don't know when she left, alright?" Nikolas was saying to Snotlout, who was now an inch from his nose. "As I said, I wasn't there to be a babysitter. I was there to compile information for the Chief. Watching your kids is your job. But you and every other council member were always the worst at that, weren't you? Gangs and runaways and suicidal-"

"Enough."

Though the word was quiet, it was firm enough to silence the group immediately. The group of spies parted and looked abashedly at the floor as their Chief looked at them from the doorway.

Though Hiccup's eyes were still shadowed with worry, he looked better. A few hours at home seemed to have done the trick.

"We are not doing this." Hiccup said calmly, walking through the group to stand beside Nikolas and Snotlout. "I need everyone here to put aside their differences and their fears. Yes, even you Snotlout. Everyone get a grip. That means me and you and everyone else here. If we can't do that, we're already done. We might as well surrender now."

Though Snotlout grit his teeth, he gave the barest nods of acknowledgement.

Hiccup turned to Nikolas. "I can't tell you how to think or feel, but I expect you to start treating people with a little respect. You disrespect my council or my family, you disrespect me. I won't tolerate your venom when some of us are living our worst nightmares. Put a lid on it or you're dismissed."

Though he said it calmly, there was obviously no room for argument. Nikolas stiffened but some of the petulance left his eyes. He nodded.

"Good. Now everyone please take a seat and tell me what you found out. Be as detailed and succinct as possible. Finn, send a Terror to Fishlegs and whoever else is missing. Break time's over."

Thirty minutes later, the head table was bursting enough that there was little elbow room for the mass of burly Vikings gathered. The din was a flurry of noise as discussions arose regarding the size of Brandyn's army, Outcast and Rune's attacks on Bog Burglar Island, and there was still no word from Hjart. It was safe to assume that Hjart was still fighting to break the blockade as letters or individuals had arrived to tell them otherwise. Finn only hoped that was the case. The alternative was Hjart's destruction, and he wasn't sure he'd ever be prepared for that sort of news.

Genevieve sat on his left with Darin in her lap. He was coloring on a sheet of paper, happily ignorant to the serious conversation around him. Adrianna kept stealing glances at him every few minutes from Hiccup's other side where she and Erick sat. For his part, Erick looked calm despite the small argument with Nikolas, but Finn knew when the mask was on. Though he tried to hide it, Nikolas still ground his gears.

Understandably, of course, but Finn shoved it from his mind. It was unimportant and he could only hope Erick agreed. They needed his total focus, especially now.

"-send the dragons to Bog Burglar?" Fishlegs was asking Hiccup.

Finn leaned in to hear his dad's response. The din was getting loud enough that it was becoming difficult to hear, even though they sat right beside each other.

"-though it's Cam-" Hiccup was saying. "-not sure that's-"

Finn huffed and lifted a few fingers to his mouth. The shrill whistle caused more than half the people gathered to jump, even Darin.

When the room went utterly silent and many shocked faces looked at him, he said, "If anyone hopes to know what the plan is, you might want to shut up and listen." Crossing his arms, Finn looked pointedly at his dad, who smiled.

A small hand tapped Finn's bicep and he turned to face Darin. "What buddy?"

"Can you teach me to whistle?"

"Maybe someday." Finn whispered back. "Not right now though, okay?"

Darin nodded but stared at his fingers in wonder. Genevieve patted his head and grinned, but also turned to listen to Hiccup as he continued.

"I was saying that even though it's Camicazi asking for aid, which is a wonder in and of itself, I'm not sure it's wise."

"So we leave them to fight alone?" Manny the Mad asked.

"Hjart's fighting alone." Ruffnut said. "I don't hear them complaining."

"Complaining," HIccup said quickly. "Might not be the best word for it, but I agree. We might be allies but we can't fight every battle at the same time. It's just not doable. If our army was twice the size, sure. I'd send a few garrisons to help Cam. But I don't have it."

"Well we can't just sit around either." Mulch said as Bucket nodded at his side. "We're only asking for trouble. Brandyn wants his war. He'll do whatever it takes to drag us in."

"What are you suggesting?" Hiccup asked.

"Maybe we should take the battle to him." Manny said, thumping his axe. "Brandyn wants war. He's pushed our hand, taking our Chieftess, murdering our friends, attacking our allies. Enough is enough. We should meet him head on!"

Murmurs of agreement echoed around the table.

"And who's going to protect Berk if the army isn't here?" Erick asked. "The elderly? The women who can't fight, and the children?"

"Oh!" Fishlegs exclaimed, perking up in his seat. "Send them to the Edge! We should have plenty of time to put them on ships and send them away before Brandyn-"

"No." Finn said quickly, drawing many surprised eyes, even his father's. His heart was in his throat and he thought wildly. "We don't know what Brandyn's planning. What if we send them out there, my nephew included, and Brandyn's already there waiting for them? Or they get caught on the way? The most vulnerable people shouldn't be sent out into unknown territory, much less with no protection."

"Send out a few scouts to make sure the coast is clear then!" Fishlegs argued.

"With what time?" Finn said. "Bog is under attack as we speak, and they have been for hours. If we're going to help them, we don't have time to screw around with more scouting missions."

"Well as Erick said, we can't very well leave the vulnerable here unguarded-"

"No, but I also think sending our forces away from Berk isn't the smartest idea either." Erick said quickly. "What if we got there and Brandyn's army wasn't even on Berserker? What if they're based in Rune or elsewhere?"

"They were at Berserker when we left." Harald piped up.

"Yeah, four hours ago. I'm not doubting your information, Harald, but things change quickly." Erick said. "What if someone was seen or… sorry to the Jorgensons, I hope this isn't the case, but what if Inga gets caught? Brandyn could move his army at the drop of a hat and because we don't have instant information, we don't know what's going on."

"So you want us to fold our hands and wait for Brandyn to come to us?"

"What I want is for us to make a smart decision and not get hasty."

"Which only leads us back to not wasting anymore time if we're to help Bog."

Erick huffed and rubbed his eyes. "Granted. But for one, I agree with Finn. Let's not ship off our elderly and children when we don't know what's out there. Has anyone even been to the Edge since our wedding?" He gestured to himself and Adrianna. "For all we know, that's Brandyn's spies' homebase."

"It's not." Finn said, then bit his tongue. Genevieve stepped on his toes. "I mean, the Edge isn't that far away. Our scouting perimeters would pick up anyone coasting that edge. Uh… no pun intended, of course."

Cliff leaned forward from his chair nearby and gave him a slow smirk.

"Well, speaking of time wasting, we could sit here and debate all night." Genevieve said. "Hiccup?"

The room quieted at that. Finn shot her a thankful glance but didn't linger. There were too many secrets and implications flying around his head. One wrong word and he was going to-

"Well-" Hiccup began but was interrupted by the sound of spitting.

Everyone glanced quickly at Darin, who had his fingers in his mouth. He was blowing with such fervor that spittle flew in all directions, even dribbling into his lap. He pulled his hands away in displeasure.

"I not whistle." He frowned and held up his slobbery hands at Finn. "I wanna whistle like Unca Winn."

"Ehm yes," Finn said, trying to ignore the drool and chuckles around the table. "I'll teach you buddy, but not right now, remember?"

Genevieve tapped her lips and Darin copied her. "Right. Unca Winn teach me to whistle later."

"Yes, baby."

Hiccup shook his head. "Anyway, I-"

The chirp of a Terrible Terror cut through the silence. It whizzed around the rafters as it flew around in search of its quarry, drawing everyone's attention. It was white with purple lining its underbelly and wings.

"Now what?" Finn muttered as it finally found Hiccup and dove. Another letter was tied to its leg.

Hiccup quickly untied it, ignoring his comment. The Great Hall went silent as he began to read.

"It's from Kara." Hiccup said, his voice tight. "They are also under attack from Brandyn's army, the flag is Berserk-" He cut off in a choked breath, and jumped to his feet. His face went pale.

"Daddy?" Adrianna jumped up, grabbing his armor.

Finn also reached out a steadying hand. "What?"

"She has your mom." Hiccup whispered, still staring at the paper. "Astrid's on Brawn."

---

The whirlwind of activity that took over the village after this pronouncement was legendary.

Berk was going to war.

Adrianna had never seen anything quite like it. After her father opened Kara's letter and announced that Astrid was on Brawn, whether rescued or still being held captive, seemed to make Hiccup's decision for him.

Brawn was closest to Berk and his missing wife was there. For now, mercifully alive, hopefully unharmed. Adrianna's hands shook as she tied her hair back in a braid, feeling as if she stood on the edge of a cliff.

Berk was teeming with activity, but now instead of gathering materials and weapons, the people were readying their weapons. Almost everyone she saw wore their protective flight suits and armor, weapons strapped to belts and shields slung across their backs. A look of fervor had entered the eyes of the men and women who made up Berk's army. Their dragons kept close to their sides just as Toothless hadn't left Hiccup's side.

Charger had taken to following Erick around at every turn, as if he could sense his rider's rising anxiety. He didn't look anxious, the mask securely in place, but she knew better by the way his hands always seemed to be reaching toward her and Darin. Always checking in, even if he was distracted.

Safe.

Adrianna herself had a hard time releasing Darin. He watched the proceedings with wide, curious eyes, asking questions now and then that she had to force herself to answer. Her fear was a tangible beast in her chest, nearly strangling the very breath in her lungs.

Many of her friends were going to war. Her father and brother most of all. They were going to save her and their friends. Her mom. The Archipelago.

Who would return?

"Mama, you pinchin me!" Darin whined.

"Oh, I'm sorry, baby." Adrianna said, relaxing her hold on his legs. "Is that better?"

"Uh huh." Darin said. His blue eyes scanned the crowds gathered at the fence-line once again, watching villagers having last words with their loved ones. "Where they going?"

"Well…" Adrianna said, thinking. "They're going to save Nana. We haven't seen her in a few days, remember? Well… some bad men took Nana. Poppy's going to bring her home."

Darin blinked and said nothing for a long moment. "Daddy going too?"

Adrianna swallowed her fear. "I think so, baby."

As if hearing his name, Erick pushed through the crowd and waved her forward. His expression was grim.

Sighing, Adrianna pushed through the crowd to join him. He took her hand and pulled her along until they neared the forge where Finn, Genevieve and Hiccup were standing with their dragons. Toothless and Max were both grumbling at Zap, who had her teeth bared and was slapping her tail against the ground.

That's when she realized her dad and brother were arguing.

"-talking about, stay here?" Finn hissed. "I'm not staying here!"

Hiccup opened his mouth to reply but then caught sight of them. He pulled them closer and said, "It's already been decided."

"Well I don't agree." Finn snapped. "I want to get mom back just as much as you do!"

"Listen to me." Hiccup said firmly. "This isn't about saving your mom. Erick and Fishlegs raised a valid point back there. Who is going to protect the rest of the village when we leave? The answer is obvious. You and your guard will."

Finn looked mutinous. "So we have to stay here and do nothing while you-"

"Go to war, Finn." Hiccup said, a hard edge entering his voice. "I'm not trying to be an overbearing father; I'm trying to protect the vulnerable people who are being left behind, which includes your nephew."

Finn planted his hands on his hips and huffed. "I know that."

"Then-"

"Wait," Adrianna interrupted, drawing their attention. "What about Erick?"

"He's staying too."

Adrianna felt a strong sense of relief. "Well… that's something then."

"Erick's a good shot. You could use him out there." Finn said.

"I'll have dozens of archers with me." Hiccup said. "No, listen to me. We cannot leave Berk unguarded. The best decision left is to leave the youngest fighters here. Brandyn is attacking Brawn right now. I can take the majority of our forces, save your mother, and if we're lucky, we can end this war today. But we can't do that if I'm looking over my shoulder wondering what's going on here. If I leave you in charge with men you trust, that you trained, I'm satisfied that you can do what needs to be done. You will keep them safe here-"

As he spoke, Adrianna didn't fail to notice the look of panic on her brother's face. There was always a motivation for people's anger. Finn's, she realized, was fear.

"You're not alone." Erick said, realizing it at the same moment she did. "I'll be here to help you. We'll have Helga, Thuggory, Thorein and Evan-"

"Gobber." Hiccup added.

"It's no different than your usual routine." Erick said. "The only difference is there will be less people here to protect."

"That's not it." Finn said. "I just…"

They waited.

"I'm not ready." Finn whispered, avoiding their eyes.

Genevieve, who'd stood by his side listening, frowned and took his hand. "That's not true."

"No, I mean it." Finn said, looking his dad in the eye. "When you were home, Snotlout asked me if I'd let him go find Inga, and… that's when I realized… I don't know if I can make the right call. I told him he had to stay but what if we never see her again? What if he could have saved her? Now I have to live with that."

"As do I." Hiccup said. They were quiet for a moment before he glanced at the others. "Why don't you four take a walk? I need to talk to Finn alone for a minute."

Genevieve's mouth tightened but she gave Finn's hand a squeeze before releasing it.

"Don't go yet." Adrianna blurted. "Not before…"

Not before I can say goodbye.

Hiccup met her eyes and nodded. "I'd never."

Erick took her hand and pulled her away, allowing Finn and Hiccup some space. With each step away Adrianna felt her eyes beginning to burn. Memories accosted her at every turn. She remembered the last time a large force had left Berk like this. It wasn't so large then, but the magnitude of it then felt like the magnitude of it now. She remembered the last time they'd stood outside and said goodbye to her parents. Last time, they'd left for a duel that would have taken her daddy away forever. She'd fought and wept and screamed as he'd left.

Though she didn't intend to fall to pieces this time, the weeping was no less apparent. The necessity to say goodbye in case the worst should happen was unavoidable, and the fear and memory of it rose upward. Before she could help it, tears splashed down her face.

"Annie." Erick halted, distractions and inner musings forgotten.

"Oh Anna," Genevieve said, then took Darin. "Here, let me."

"Sorry," Adrianna said, trying and failing to stop the tears as Erick pulled her to his chest. "It's just… just like last time-"

"I know." Erick held her tightly against his chest.

"But it's not like the duel, is it? Now everyone is leaving."

"Not me." Erick said firmly, rubbing her back. "I'm not going anywhere. And neither is Finn. He's going to need us to support him while they're gone."

"And hope isn't lost." Genevieve said gently. "I know you have a difficult time with these things, what with everything you've been through. But it's good and right that Hiccup has to go. At the very least to bring your mother home. We have to have hope that they'll come back to us. That's what carries us through, Anna. Hope."

Erick brushed her hair out of her eyes as she pulled away. "Gen's right. It's going to be okay."

Pulling back, Adrianna brushed tears off her face. "You're right. Being-"

"You're not being silly." Genevieve said. "I… barely slept last night because I don't know what's going on with my family. If they're alright." Her voice wobbled and she forced herself to smile at Darin, who was watching these proceedings with quiet contemplation. "But I have to have hope that everything will be okay."

"Hope carries us through." Adrianna murmured.

Then another memory popped into her mind from the day her father left for the duel. How she'd begged and pled with him to stay. How he'd promised he'd do everything in his power to come back to her and Finn.

And she'd dropped…

"Annie?"

"I need to get something." Adrianna whispered. "Where's Lily?"

"She's with Charg- where are you going?"

Adrianna whirled around. "Don't let him leave until I get back!"

Erick looked confused but he nodded resolutely.

She pushed through the crowds, ignorant to the cries of shock or frustration she caused. A deep sense of urgency seemed to press her forward until at long last, she found Lily and Charger by the Hatchery.

"Lily! Come on, we have to go. Quickly!"

She knew her daddy wouldn't leave without saying goodbye, but she still needed to be as quick as possible. She wouldn't be the reason that more people died on Brawn because the Berkians couldn't leave.

The village flashed by beneath Lily's wings. They had to dodge more than a few dragons and their riders who'd flown into the air to get a better vantage on rooftops. Soon the crowds dissipated however and the sounds of the busy village dwindled into nothing but wind and the sea crashing in the distance.

Adrianna steered Lily to her parents' house and nearly broke her legs as she dismounted early. Lily landed awkwardly on her back legs and caught her with a wing, roaring with caution. Without replying, she ran up the stairs and flung open the door. She darted up the stairs and rammed into the far wall before tearing past Finn's old bedroom, then her's, then took the final stairs to the attic.

She nearly tripped on a few boxes as she flung the door open. Panting, she stared around for nearly a minute before she began tearing through the room.

"Where is it, where is it…" she muttered, shoving aside old chests and boxes full of blankets and toys, unused dishes and weapons and armor. An entire chest was devoted to her father's old notebooks, which her mom had finally declared to be a waste of space before moving them upstairs.

Memories accosted her at every turn. Books and paints, decorative stones and jars of eel oil, dried flowers and dragon journals and clothing, baby blankets and helmets and old weaponry from Stoick the Vast's day, including Thornado's old saddle…

Chapters upon chapters of her life flashed before her eyes as she tore through everything in search of one small box, which contained some of her parents' most precious memories. They would never have gotten rid of it. Not for anything. Not for the world.

But fifteen minutes flew by and she still hadn't found it.

"Where IS it?!" Adrianna demanded of the house. "Think!"

Maybe her parents wouldn't keep it in the attic, amongst all the junk and dust. Maybe they'd keep it closer.

She tore from the room and ran to her parents' bedroom.

It was just as orderly as ever, save for her daddy's desk, which was always strewn with notebooks and papers and dragonscales. The bed was untouched from the morning Astrid had made it last, which only meant her daddy had probably not slept when he'd come home. At least, he hadn't slept in here anyway. Maybe he'd taken one look at the untouched blankets and decided he couldn't bear it. Not if it was made by his beloved wife for perhaps the last time.

Adrianna tried her best not to disrupt the order of the room, but found it rather difficult considering her lack of time. The box wasn't in the closet or either of their dresser drawers. It wasn't on the bookshelves or under the desk.

"Please," Adrianna whispered, pulling at her hair. "Please show me where it is."

A stray sock lingered beside her daddy's bedside table, half hidden beneath the bed. Adrianna pulled it out and then, on a whim, she ducked her head to the floor.

A small box lay nestled in the corner beneath the bed, covered in a thick layer of dust.

"AHA!" Adrianna squealed and pulled it out, choking on dust. "Eureka!"

She forced herself to take a steady breath as she pulled off the lid. Inside were nestled the precious items of her and her brother's baby days. Shark teeth and pretty rocks from Finn. Colorful dragon scales. A few curious items caught her attention that she wasn't sure if she'd seen before, including a necklace with a bronze pendant. A shieldmaiden and various designs made up the face, connected to a long chain. It was beautiful, though she wasn't sure if it was her father's or mother's. Maybe one day she'd ask.

And nestled beneath a pile of Erick's drawings, she realized with a smile, was what she was looking for.

It was smaller than she remembered. Ragged and dirty and barely holding together with a few thin stitches, but she thought he might be able to handle one last battle. A brown stain still marred its chest, a testament to the protection it had once given the man she loved first.

Mr. Gobcup.

Its head and limbs were floppy in her hands as she lifted it from the box, but she smiled.

"How's about one last adventure, Mr. Gobcup?" She asked, holding it close. Then realizing how long she'd been gone, she gasped.

Putting him safely into her pocket, she tore down the stairs and back outside to Lily.

---

**Hiccup walked the length of the fence with Finn in tow. Toothless and Zap followed at a short distance. She'd stopped growling at the Night Fury, just as Finn had stopped arguing with him. Or maybe she was only mimicking his reactions, which wouldn't be altogether surprising.

After Finn admitted to his fears, he'd gone quiet. His blue eyes kept scanning the villagers lining up and down the streets. Husbands saying goodbye to their wives and children, and in some cases the opposite. More than half of the people gathered were leaving with Hiccup and the majority of the council. Dragons' saddles were loaded with weapons, shields and saddlebags. The people wore armor and though many looked sad to be saying goodbye, they were straight backed. They'd been preparing for this for days, weeks. Years, even. They all knew war was inevitable. Yet no amount of preparation made the goodbyes easier.

Hiccup finally came to a slow halt on an open cliffside outside the Hatchery. While the wooden fence kept up a safe border to protect children around the majority of the village, there were still open sections that allowed for dragons to dive without man made structures being in the way. This was once such spot.

Finn stopped a few feet away, playing awkwardly with a strap on his sleeve. It was rare times like this that Hiccup saw himself in his son. It wasn't often that he showed any sense of awkwardness or discomfort. Normally he held his head high and shoulders back without questioning his thoughts or opinions.

But now he'd realized that his time to be leader had finally arrived. Once Hiccup left, he was in charge of Berk on his behalf. And if Hiccup shouldn't return, it would stay that way.

Hiccup thought back to the years before he'd taken the mantle as Chief. He'd hated the prospect, not trusting himself to make decisions and play peacemaker and leader all at once. To have to set aside what he wanted, whether it was traveling and exploring or saving dragons, and put down some roots to do what was required of him. It had required sacrifice on his part and it had been a tough pill to swallow.

Finn never had an issue with swallowing the pill of leadership. Like his grandfather, Finn was a natural born leader. But he'd seen his fair share of battles. He knew the cost of leadership and the weight of making the wrong call. It was an unfortunate side effect of being a leader, and one he'd learned well before today.

For a few minutes, they merely stood on the bluff. The wind blowing up the cliff tousled their hair, revealing Finn's slave mark for a brief moment. They were far enough away from the others that Hiccup didn't feel the need to mention it. For those few minutes, it was quiet and peaceful.

Hiccup knew what he had to do. For the first time in days, he felt clear headed. He was ready to join Toothless and his army. He was ready to save Astrid. He was ready to meet Brandyn head on, just as he'd been itching to do for years.

But first he had to do the thing that he hated to do years ago, before he faced Dagur for the duel. The duel which had changed his life forever. He'd do it again even with all the heartache it brought him. But still… saying goodbye was never easy when it came time to do what had to be done.

So straightening his shoulders, he faced his son.

"You know your mother and I couldn't be more proud of you, right?"

Finn's blue eyes were bleak as he glanced up. "Dad, don't-"

"Stop." Hiccup stepped forward and stared at him until Finn met his eyes. "You are stronger and braver than I ever could be. You were born to lead them. Don't you ever doubt that for a second."

Finn's eyes filled with sudden tears. "I'm not ready."

"You are." Hiccup whispered, fighting the burn in his own eyes. "I have taught you everything I know, just as your mother has. Not only that, you have learned from life. The hard days, the hard losses. Those were preparing you long before you were ready. They were preparing you for today. The duels, Brandyn, Benen-"

Finn shook his head.

"The slavery, everything. Every bit of it has taught you something valuable. We always knew there would come a day when you would take my place. That's what we've been preparing you for. We trust you and more than you know, our people trust you."

"But I'm not you." Finn whispered.

Hiccup fought the urge to laugh. "Kiddo, I don't want you to be me. I never wanted you to be me, and I daresay our people probably wouldn't want me leading them for another forty years."

Finn laughed at that. "That's probably true."

"You have always done things your own way, not mine. Don't falter now. No matter what comes next, they will follow you." Hiccup said. "But I will fight as hard as I can so I can come back. I will find your mother and bring her home, and then we can do the next part together."

Finn tightened his jaw and nodded. "I know. Just come back."

A strange sense of deja vu filled Hiccup's chest. Almost as if they'd had this exact conversation once before.

Hiccup pulled him in for a hug and didn't let go for a long minute. The last time he'd left for a dangerous mission, he'd hugged his little boy quickly for fear of crying and shattering his son's resolve as he left. Now he felt nothing but pride.

Pulling back, Hiccup held him fast with a hand on his shoulder. "You don't yield for anyone."

Finn nodded, looking calmer than he had minutes before.

"Chief?"

Hiccup released Finn and turned to see Snotlout standing nearby. "Yes?"

"Everyone's ready."

He nodded and glanced around. "I'm not leaving until I see Adrianna and the others. But thanks."

Snotlout nodded and walked away. Hiccup felt a keen sense of loss for his friend. If Adrianna was out there…

"We can't focus on Inga, no matter how much we want to." Finn said.

"I know. Still-" A bustle of activity in the nearby crowd caught his attention and his daughter and the others appeared. "Ah, there you are."

Adrianna's face was flushed. "Sorry. I had to… get something."

"Everyone's ready to leave." Hiccup said, accepting a hug from Genevieve. "I'm glad you all showed up when you did."

"To be fair, you did tell them all to go away." Finn said with a raised eyebrow.

"True enough."

"We forgive you." Genevieve said, pulling away. She sighed and squeezed his arms. "Be safe. Bring Astrid back."

"I will."

Erick had Darin in his arms. The hug was a little awkward as he kept a hold on his son, but it was no less tight. "Be careful." Erick murmured.

"Help Finn in any way you can." Hiccup whispered, pulling away. He set a hand on Erick's wrist before he could withdraw it. "And no matter what happens next, don't falter."

Erick's calm expression slipped for only a moment before he nodded. "Thank you. I fully expect you to come back with some wild story to share, but just in case… thank you. For everything."

Hiccup shook his head and patted his arm. "Alright big boy, come here."

Darin eagerly moved into Hiccup's arms. He seemed quiet, likely trying to process everything around him just like Adrianna always did when she was small. Only he had yet to be exposed to any sort of danger. He hoped it would stay that way.

"Poppy going to save Nana?"

Erick and Adrianna smiled behind him.

"Yes. Do you miss her?"

"Yeah."

"Me too. So I'm going to bring her home. And when we get back," Hiccup said with a sly look at his kids. "Maybe we can celebrate with cake."

"And ice cream?" Darin asked with wide eyes.

"Absolutely."

"When he has a sugar high, he's spending the night with you." Erick warned.

"Great idea! That will add to our celebrations." Hiccup nodded as Darin beamed. "A sleepover with Nana and Poppy as soon as everything is right again. How's that sound?"

"Yeah. Only," Darin met his eyes with unflinching honesty. "I go with you to save Nana?"

Hiccup gave him a sad smile. "No. Not this time. Maybe someday we can have adventures. Maybe," he said, turning and pointing at the tallest peak. "Someday we can fly up there and see what you can see from up there."

Darin's eyes were wide. "We climb to the top?"

"Or fly, if you want. Toothless has been dying to give you a flight for a long time, haven't you bud?"

Toothless, who'd been snuffling Finn's hair affectionately, shoved his nose into Darin's neck. The boy cackled at the raspberry sound that Toothless blew into his skin, effectively covering him in dragon snot.

"Oh man, Toothless!" Erick whined. "Nobody's got time for a second bath today!"

"It's fine," Adrianna murmured. "Not even snot can ruin this moment."

Hiccup sighed, catching Snotlout's eye from where he stood with his family. "Well, give me a big hug, buddy. Poppy has to go."

Darin wrapped his little arms around his neck and squeezed. Hiccup held his grandson as tightly as he dared. He would go to war for this little boy. He'd give his heart and soul if he had to, to protect him. Even if it broke his promise to Finn to come back, he'd do it.

Darin pulled away and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Aw thanks, buddy. Here, go see your daddy now."

He watched as Darin took Erick's hand and they edged away to talk to Finn and Genevieve, who he noticed had also taken a few steps away. Likely to give him and Adrianna privacy.

Slowly, he met her green eyes. Her expression was a little bleak, just as Finn's had been, but her face was tearless. She looked as if she was preparing herself for the inevitable.

"I hoped we'd never do this again," she whispered at last.

Hiccup nodded. "Me too, baby girl."

Looking at her now, the woman she'd become, so strong compared to how she'd been as a child. On the day he'd left for the duel she'd been terrified. Still grieving the loss of her own Poppy and still facing the devastating effects of her kidnapping from Trista. She could hardly cope with more loss and pain. Letting her go had been one of the worst things he'd ever done in his entire life. He'd never wanted to do it again. It had very nearly broken him.

But now, her shoulders were back and her head was held high. Her eyes held a deep sadness from years of grief and pain she never should have had to experience. Loss and grief were old friends of hers. But she didn't fight them this time. She held them at bay and instead gave him her full attention.

"I remember the day I left for the duel." Hiccup said quietly. "There were so many emotions going through my head, but… most of all I was sad to leave you when you were hurting so badly. I just wanted to see you happy."

Adrianna swallowed thickly and said nothing, her eyes beginning to glisten.

"But I did in the end, didn't I?" Hiccup whispered. He stepped forward and brushed her hair away from her eyes. "I got to see you grow up to be a wonderful, kind, generous woman who didn't give in to the dark days. I got to see you marry your best friend. I got to see you heal with that beautiful boy."

Tears slipped down her face at last.

Hiccup tilted her face up, fighting his own tears now. "I'll tell you what I told your brother. Your mother and I could not be more proud of you. Don't doubt yourself for one second. No matter what happens next, this world will not break you. It is more than darkness and sad days. It is filled with life and beauty. And you reminded me of that… so many times, Addie. Don't ever forget."

Sniffling and nodding, Adrianna pressed into his chest. He hugged her tightly, putting every ounce of love he had into it. He kissed her temple and held her for a long minute.

Though she was afraid, she didn't shake like a leaf like she once had. Now she was calm and collected. Her face was wet but clear as she pulled back.

"I have something for you."

Hiccup blinked in surprise as she reached into her pocket…

And pulled out a small familiar doll.

"Addie…"

She held it up in her hands. "He might be a little ragged, a little rough around the edges, but he's all I've got."

Hiccup gave a weak, watery chuckle.

"Take him with you," Adrianna whispered. "Our good luck charm."

Gently, Adrianna put Mr. Gobcup under the strap covering his heart. He'd put him away more securely on the flight, but for now he would stay right there, his baby girl's luck charm. Another flash of deja vu took over, only now he didn't feel sadness. Only a strong sense of resolution. Finished, Adrianna took a step back and met his eyes once more.

"I'll never take it off." Hiccup said with conviction.

Adrianna smiled slightly. "Bring mom home."

Hiccup kissed her forehead firmly and then stepped back. Toothless quickly nuzzled her chest with his nose and she hugged him.

"You take care of him, big boy." Adrianna said, her hands holding his chin up to meet his eyes. "You bring him back safe for me. Okay?"

Toothless nodded and licked her face. She grinned and stepped away, taking Erick's hand.

Hiccup stepped up beside Toothless and set a hand on his saddle. He looked at them all-Finn and Genevieve, Adrianna and Erick and Darin-and let the image burn into his memory.

"I love you all," Hiccup said at last. "We'll be back."

"And then we have cake!" Darin cheered.

Everyone laughed. The sound brought joy to Hiccup's heart and he mounted. He'd take that joyful sound to Brawn. To Astrid. To war. He'd let it fuel his courage and spirit until the day he returned, whether it was tomorrow or days from now.

He would be back. He would bring Astrid home. He would see his family again.

---

Finn felt a strange sense of wonder as Toothless took off and landed atop the Hatchery. He roared into the air, the Night Fury's shriek sounding across the village. A clear instruction to all that it was time.

Final hugs and cries and kisses were shared. He watched as men and women mounted their dragons and one by one, rose into the air.

First, Snotlout Jorgenson and Hookfang, eager for battle. They were followed by Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston on Barf and Belch, and Fishlegs and Meatlug, flurrying behind them with gusto. They were followed by council members, including Maddy the Mad, Gustav Larson, Phlegma the Fierce and Spitelout Jorgenson. The faces and dragons blurred into dozens until it became a mighty force of hundreds of riders on their dragons, all clamoring with weapons and jeers and the bloodlust of battle.

Finn dropped Genevieve's hand and walked forward, looking at them all. His people. He stared until the sight burned into his memory so he'd never forget.

Toothless lifted off the Hatchery and flapped above them. Hiccup raised his sword and ignited it, and a tongue of flame lit up the sky.

"Riders of Berk!" Hiccup bellowed. "No more will we stand for the tyranny spreading across our peaceful islands! No more will we watch as friends and innocents are destroyed! We will not let our homeland be taken from us!"

"NO!" The throng answered and dragons roared.

"Ride now for Brawn and to war!"

"TO WAR!"

Toothless tucked in his wings and the duo dropped. Tongues of fire flashed through the air as they dove, shooting past the village and down the cliffside. Toothless's sonic whistle filled the air as they turned and shot northeast across the sea.

The sky, filled with the tangerine orange of sunset was soon blocked from view as thousands of dragons and riders followed their Chieftain. The air was filled with the booming flaps of thousands of wings amid the tumult of clanking armor and weapons and the shouts of warriors.

Finn strode forward to the edge of the cliff, watching as his father and their army flew away.

His heartbeat was a firm, powerful beat in his chest. His father's words, to him, to the Berkians had solidified his resolve. Now it was time for him to step up. To do his part. While his father was gone, to war, to rescue his mother, he'd protect Berk with every fiber of his being.

Toothless and his dad disappeared in the distance amid the clouds. And soon, the gathering of warriors did too, one by one until even the sound of their wingbeats faded away.

All was quiet. In his heart, in the air. Both his head and the village had never felt more empty.

"Finn?"

He blinked at Gobber's quiet voice, cutting through the silence. Slowly he turned to the remainder of his village. Thousands of eyes blinked at him. Elderly men and women, the infirm, healers, young mothers and fathers who'd stayed behind, children of all ages.

His friends. Cliff, Taryn, Thuggory, Helga, Thorein, Evan, Morgan and more.

His family. Genevieve, Adrianna, Erick and Darin.

His eyes lingered on Darin, who looked at him with unwavering trust.

"What are your orders?" Gobber asked, firmer this time.

Finn gathered up his thoughts and emotions on everything that had happened in the last few hours, the last few days, everything that could happen in the coming days, and set them aside.

"Cover the perimeter."

---

Add'l Note:

Under Pressure references: Chapter 11, Ray of Hope

---

Hey all,

I don't have much to say because I actually have been overwhelmed with my own work in these last few months. Happy New Year everyone, and I hope it's a good one.

If there are any Ace Attorney fans reading this, I'm actually working on a fan game! I got heavily inspired. You probably saw some of my writings here. I don't want to get into too much detail, and nothing's released yet, but I'm really happy with where it's going and there may be some familiar faces!

Anyway, if you enjoyed it, don't forget to review or chat with us on our discord. That link has to be in an author's note somewhere!

~Katie