Hiccup Haddock the third relaxed into his chair, admiring the carving in his hands. A small, humble replica of his draconian brother. One from a different age, before the Romans and their Eagles had forced into war. A sardonic smile spread across his lips as his wounds ached, like they always did when he thought about that senseless war and the destruction he'd caused.
"Papa?" a small voice called, breaking him from his musings.
Hiccup set his miniature brother down and turned toward his eldest, Zephyr. "Yes, little cloud?" he asked, watching as the little girl shifted slightly, struggling to find something. "What is it?" he prodded, picking her up and placing her on his knee.
"How did you meet mama?" She finally asked, looking at him with shining sapphire eyes. Eyes that glinted with magic. Her mother's eyes.
Sitting back, Hiccup reached up and stroked his beard, fingers running over the braids within it. "How I met your mother? Now, that is an interesting question. One with a long answer I'm afraid." Looking at Zephyr's pouting face, Hiccup chuckled. "Very well, I shall tell you the tale of how a Dragon and a Bear fell in love," waving his free hand, trailing with bright purple power, Hiccup began to bring his story to life.
Our tale begins on a peaceful night in the mid spring on the isle of Berk. A humble rock located in the Mediterranean of mellow, just north of summer fun, and home to our not-so humble tribe. The Hairy-Hooligans.
Why are we called the Hairy-Hooligans?
Well, the Reckless Ragers was taken, as were the Dragon Defeaters, so the original Berkians had to come up with something on the spot and the only feature they shared was being very hairy. Satisfied?
Yes Papa
Good. Now, as I was saying. A lush breeze swept through the village, refreshing all who felt it. The heat from the day had not yet left, leaving everything a pleasant temperature. Berk couldn't be happier… Well, save for the screams of one Bertha Hofferson. But rearing a child will do that.
"YOU DID THIS! YOU DID THIS TO ME ERIK HOFFERSON! THIS IS YOUR FAULT!" Bertha the bellower… bellowed. "I HOPE YOU'RE NOT TOO ATTACHED TO YOUR SWORD! BECAUSE I'M GOING TO BREAK IT WHEN THIS IS OVER!" Her voice boomed, echoing throughout the night, her grip on Erik;s hand almost pulverising the bones to dust.
Erik opened his mouth to retort, but winced as his hand was assailed by her grip again, "You're doing great honey, just keep going!" He managed, wincing as his hand throbbed in pain.
Bertha the Bellower~ That's a silly name
Extremely well earned, though. Your grandmother could out roar a dragon. Now, hush! Or I won't finish the story!
Sorry Papa.
Now, as I was saying. Bertha howled in pain for hours. But, come the dawn, she held your mother in her arms. All tiny and wonderful. At least, she was.
Erik Sigson of Clan Hofferson was overjoyed. How could he not be when he held his daughter for the first time? "My daughter… she's my daughter…" he whispered, reverently holding the small baby in his arms. Rocking her gently as she wailed. "She's… Perfect…" tears slid down his face as he carefully moved to embrace his wife.
"Yes… she is," Bertha panted, accepting the arm around her shoulders and leaning into her husband's warmth. "Our little Astrid… oh, what a powerful Valkyrie she'll be!"
"She certainly has your lungs, wife," Erik chuckled, accepting a light swat on his arm as Bertha mock glared at him. Soon, they both returned their attention to the sleeping Astrid. Basking in the glow of their child, both parents failed to notice the danger until it was too late.
Danger?!
Of course, Astrid isn't called the "She-Bear" for nothing, you know! Now, hush.
"Erik Hofferson, scourge of my past," a voice hissed, causing both parents' attention to snap to it. Erik gasped as he saw a woman of ethereal beauty step out of the shadows.
"Thyra… You were banished. Why are you here?! How are you here?" Erik growled, placing himself between the woman and his family, hands flexing for a weapon he did not have. A silent curse left his lips, if only he'd brought his hammer or his mace.
Thyra grinned, easily spotting his discomfort. "Isn't it obvious? I'm here to take what I am owed!" She laughed, malice leaking for her every word.
Bertha growled, "And just what are you owed?" she spat, "any debt you held a right to is long dead, Witch! Now, begone! You are not welcome here!"
"Oh, but I am owed a debt, for your daughter should have been my son!" the witch yelled, waking baby Astrid and causing the infant to cry. A cruel laugh left her, "And now, she'll be neither, for only a beast can come from a union as disgusting as yours!"
What Happened Next Papa? Don't pause for no reason!
It's called dramatic tension Little Cloud! It's how you make a good story great. Now, where was I? Oh yeah. The Curse. Ahem. As I said: The curse was cast, The witch laughed, and the Hoffersons screamed as their beautiful daughter shifted. Changing from human child, to bear cub. One who lashed out in fear.
Oh, so that's how Grandma Hofferson got those scars.
Indeed. Now.
Fleeing the house, the Witch laughed a cruel laugh as she heard the mournful cries of the Hoffersons. "Vengeance has never tasted so sweet," she cooed. Her mission was complete, and now she could finally rest in the peace that the one who'd spurred her was suffering for his choice.
All of the Hooligans tried to capture her, yet, despite our best and brightest. Our brave and boldest. Our swift and agiliest, the Witch proved too nimble, too tricky to be caught. "Loki Bless this day, for I get to complete my revenge so thoroughly!" She laughed as she made her way into her hidden boat.
She sounds mean! And Jealous! Like that Hilda woman!
Are we parroting what Mama is saying?
…
Well?
Yes Papa
Well, there's nothing wrong with that, but remember what we Haddocks always do?
Make sure we understand the words we use, or else they're just fancy wind
Good girl, now on with the story.
Tragedy took the village. For the tribe shared in its joy, its rage, its contentment, and its sorrow. Yet, something else took the village as well. A vile, insidious spell. Just something to encourage the Harry Hooligans of Berk to slay all bears they found. For Thyra, the Witch was as spiteful as she was petty.
"HICCUP! NUFFINK GOT INTO YOUR PAIN POWDER AGAIN!" Astrid bellowed from inside the house, causing Hiccup to quickly stand, carrying Zephyr inside as he went to deal with the issue.
A smile twitched onto his lips at the sight of his son stumbling around thoughtlessly. Setting down his daughter down, Hiccup swiftly collected his son. "C'mere champ, C'mere," Hiccup said, adjusting his son to keep him still. Getting a chance to properly study him, Hiccup hid a wince at the subtle white aura that surrounded his son.
"Oh, you're not gonna like the headache you get from this," Hiccup chuckled before purple power ignited around his hand, "Lund!" At the word, the light flowed like a river to his son's head. Nuffink's hazy eyes snapping into focus as the light touched him, and a pained groan left his lips.
Eyes flaring electric blue for a moment, Hiccup strode to the door, just as a Snow Wraith dragon landed. Cupping his hand, still shining with Toothless' plasma, Hiccup nodded. Within a few moments, an ice cube had filled his hand and the dragon departed. Placing the cube against Nuffink's head, Hiccup sighed as steam rose from the point of touch.
"What have we learned?" Hiccup asked.
"Don't mess with Daddy's stuff," his son whimpered. "It's painful."
"That's right. You must remember; Daddy only uses the pain powder because he has to, not because he wants to." Hiccup gently explained, "Now, go lie down and let the ache pass, then report to your mother for punishment," he commanded, placing his son on the ground.
Zephyr rushed to her brother's side, escorting him to his room. "Kid must have used two or three handfuls to get that high," Astrid said, coming to a halt at Hiccup's side, "So, we're, meaning you're, going to have to replace it," she said, wrapping her arms around her husband and snuggling into his side. "So, what story were you telling the Gentle Breeze?" Astrid asked after a moment of silence.
"How we met," Hiccup chuckled, laughing louder when Astrid stiffened.
"If you value your ability to have more children, you'll leave out the hair thing!" Astrid growled, tightening her grip on Hiccup. Hearing his chuckle grow louder, she began to squeeze him, only for his body to dissolve into purple light and reform outside. A frustrated growl left her lips as she stalked toward the brewery, knowing that they'd need some stronger mead for the coming days. They always did around Fanglebroth.
Returning to his chair, Hiccup groaned as he sank into it, the magic he'd imbued it with quickly adjusting to make him perfectly comfortable, almost causing him to fall asleep. After a few minutes of silence, Hiccup felt a small weight climb into his lap. "Ready to continue, Little Cloud?" He asked.
"Yep!" she giggled, presenting Hiccup a small bottle of water.
"Thank you," he said, taking a small gulp to wet his throat, "Now then, where were we?" Hiccup said, before snapping his fingers, "Ah yes, The Witch had fled."
Despite the machinations of the witch, it seemed fate had sided with the Hoffersons. For Berk, once a home to many bears, seemed to have lost almost all of them. One Astrid Hofferson included. And, as it is want to do, time moved on. The wound the Witch left scabbed over, and life resumed.
That's sad.
Aye, the march of time often is. But, you must remember. When Odin closes one door, he opens a second one. As fifteen winters pass, the Dragons raid Berk more and more frequently, until one day. A Hiccup in Berk's life shoots down a Night Fury, and a transcendent brotherhood is born.
That was cheesy Papa
True though. Now, hush!
One Hiccup Haddock the Third, the fabled Dragon Master of Berk, wandered the woods. A fact that many would discourage. Yet, he'd always respond by saying, "My Brother's a Night Fury, I'll be fine." Which was hard to argue with.
Yet, said brother was not present, and Hiccup found himself drawn to something. A call from the woods that he'd been feeling for years. A call he finally decided to answer.
You were called Papa?
Yes… and No. Sorry Little Cloud, it's hard to put what I felt into words. But imagine an itch on the back of your head. It's annoying right?
Urg! So annoying!
But you can ignore it. That's kinda what I felt. Now, on with the story!
The call grew louder as he walked, slowly blocking out all other noises. Finally, the call evolved into a roar, and Hiccup began to sprint, following the noise.
His leg ached, his head throbbed, his lungs burned, but Hiccup finally found the source of the call.
Before him stood a bear. Not just any bear however. No. This was Maul. The infamous She-Bear of the Berkian woods. Named for her fierce temper but so few deaths. And more interesting still, the lack of humans consumed.
She was a sight. Twice as large as the standard bear, with a hide almost thick as a dragon's. Blood eternally dripped off her claws and maw, and insects swarmed around her at all times. Most people would have run at the first sight of her, but not Hiccup. But then, most couldn't see what Hiccup could.
To Hiccup's eyes, the bear shone with an aura of cursed power. An aura so powerful, it gave Hiccup pause. "What do we have here?" He whispered, stalking closer to begin studying the bear. And while Hiccup was examining the bear, it made its displeasure known.
Roaring, the bear charged at him, causing the young viking to scramble back. For nearly anyone else, this would have been it. The Gates of Helheim would open and drag him into the dishonourable dead.
But, like our young hero said, "My brother's a Night Fury, I'll be fine." Another, louder roar echoed, and Hiccup's brother exploded into the clearing. The cursed bear paused, a fearful look entering its eyes as the world's most dangerous apex predator stalked-
What's that?
What's what?
Ap-ex pre-da-tor
Ah! Well, you know that cats eat mice, right?
Yep
Well, if Mr. Wickers is a normal predator, then Freyadris is an apex predator
Ah, so they bigger predators
Stronger predators, understand?
Yep yep
Good, now, as I was saying
As the world's most dangerous apex predator stalked toward it. Plasma built in the dragon's throat as he prepared to annihilate the threat to his brother. Plasma that dissipated as Hiccup whispered a single name, "Astrid."
The name awakened something inside the she-bear, causing her to run. Leaving a very concerned Viking and one confused Night Fury. "We gotta help her, bud," Hiccup declared, green eyes glinting with magic, "we're the only ones who can."
You were?
Uh-huh.
Wow… that's so COOL!... But, why were you the only ones who could help?
Because sweetie, Dragons are Magic. Now.. Hush!
Since bonding with his brother, Hiccup had learned things, about the world, about vikings, about Berk. And, most importantly, about himself.
He learned that Toothless' Life-Force now flowed through him, and that his Life-Force flowed through Toothless. And that from this union of life, Power was born. Hiccup was stronger, faster, tougher, quicker to react, quicker to heal, and that magic was now his to command.
And so, he sought out books, scrolls, tomes. Everything he could to teach himself Magic. Alas, despite his improvement, despite his growth, he was, and still is, a Hiccup. So his journey was a long one.
What happened?
Hmm?
When you were learning magic, what happened?
Ah, you know, the usual; loss of hair, having too much hair, having bright green hair, "accidentally" dying your Uncle Snotlout's hair bright pink, setting far too many houses on fire, nothing serious.
What spell did you use to make Uncle Lout's hair pink?
Alas, I'm sworn to secrecy on the matter. Now, if only there was a witness to the event, like a certain She-Bear who lives here, who could help you. Oh well. Now, HUSH!
Another Winter passed, and our hero finally mastered enough magic to try and save the girl. But how to find her? And more importantly, how to restrain her? "I'll need a trap. Something simple but effective," Hiccup muttered, pacing back and forth, "But the question becomes: How do I trap a cursed bear?"
This was a question that kept him up at night, for Hiccup couldn't articulate why he wanted to save Astrid, just that he felt he needed to. Almost like the Norns had commanded him to free her. So, Hiccup thought and schemed. Planned and plotted. Until, he found what he was looking for.
"A Rune Trap?" His father, Stoick the Vast, asked upon seeing Hiccup sketch out his trap.
"Yep, I figure with the right runes, I can even start the purification process, making my life easier." Hiccup said, thoroughly absorbed in his work, missing the look of pride Stoick shot him. "Now, Uruz should be a good base, but what should the first layer be? Thurisaz? Raidho? Gebo?" He muttered as Stoick stood and left, content to let his son handle this mission.
Moons passed, and young Hiccup slowly built his Rune Trap. Using Uruz as his base, he built it outward, using Wunjo for the first layer. Isa for the second, Algiz, Sowilo for the third, and Dagaz for the fourth. It was not the first four layer trap, but it was the first designed by a Dragon Rider. And more importantly, it was the first designed by Hiccup.
Ohhhhh!
Indeed, now, as I was saying. His trap complete, Hiccup began his hunt for the bear.
Trekking through the Berkian Woods, Hiccup would pause every few moments to mutter a few words and wince as the scent of bloodied meat would waft from his body. "I hope this works," he muttered, "otherwise I'll smell like bloody meat for nothing."
Hearing a rustling in the bushes, Hiccup whipped around, hand igniting in dragon fire as he prepared to defend himself. Seeing a small Nadder emerge caused him to slump. "Just a baby," he sighed, eyes flashing purple for a moment, "C'mon little one, time to go back to the nest," he cooed as a larger Nadder swooped in.
Once the two had flown off, Hiccup continued his walk, turning his attention to the call. What had once been a loud ringing in his brain, was now a song. Soft and melodious, it allowed him to find his quarry.
Qu-a-rry?
Another word for prey
Oh... why didn't you just say that?
Because I'm a storyteller, it's in our nature to be dramatic. Now, HUSH!
Soon, he found her. Or rather, she found him. For Hiccup was so lost in the call, he failed to notice Astrid till she was ready to pounce. Only by sheer luck did he avoid her hungry maw, as he managed to dive, just dodging the pouncing bear. "BAIT WORKED!" He yelped, hurling a bolt of heat at the bear. "BAIT HAS WORKED!"
Taking off in a sprint, Hiccup drew on all of his dragon powered muscles to try and outpace the She-Bear. And had she been an ordinary bear, he'd have done so easily. But, the power of her curse was strong and over the years, it had evolved. Astrid would always catch her prey, with only those who could take to the skies being able to evade her. Fortunately, Hiccup had foreseen this.
"Almost there," he muttered, weaving through the trees with expert grace. "C'mon Astrid, don't fall behind!" Feeling her hot breath on his back, Hiccup lunged forward, losing his prosthetic leg to her maw, but managing to fly over his trap. "GOTCHA!" He called triumphantly as Astrid barreled into his runes.
A bellowed roar left the cursed woman's maw, the power of the runes pinning and trapping her. And were he anyone else, his plan would have worked. But, he forgot something vitally important.
You forgot your name?
And what it means, yeah.
What does it mean?
That, in this situation, the Norns like to laugh at my plans.
Oh
Now, hush. The story must continue.
The curse upon Astrid was powerful. And for fifteen winters, it had grown and evolved. So, really, It was Hiccup's fault for not accounting for Astrid ripping herself free of the chains. "OH, SON OF A ROMAN!" He cried as he threw himself away from her lunge.
Focusing, Hiccup summoned a barrier just as Astrid descended on him again, her cursed claws leaving deep gouges in the magical shield. Feeling his brother's approach, Hiccup called out, "DON'T! I'VE GOT THIS!" But his lack of focus cost him, for Astrid got through the shield. "DYNJA!" Thunder boomed from his hands, blasting Astrid back.
Knowing his trap was ruined, and that Astrid would always catch him, Hiccup was left with no choice.
Why didn't you just run, Papa?
If you let me continue, I'll explain
Ok, sorry Papa
Instincts blared in his head, warning Hiccup of the curse. "If I don't cure it tonight, it'll be permanent," He muttered, feeling the magic around him confirm that statement. Hiccup's jaw clenched. "Well then, let's do this!" A pulse of Magic hurled him atop the cursed woman, "Hepta!" Chains of purple light sprung from his hand, wrapping around the woman.
Astrid roared and struggled, writhing beneath him, thrashing and bucking, all in an attempt to free herself. Growling, Hiccup tightened his grip, mustering all of his power. "Here goes nothing," Hiccup boomed a wordless roar, his magic smashing into the curse like a Night Fury's plasma bolt.
The world stilled, and then darkness took Hiccup.
"BED TIME!" Astrid bellowed from inside the house, causing Zephyr to pout.
"Well, you heard the lady, c'mon," Hiccup chuckled as he stood up, lifting his daughter as he stretched out. "Time for bed," he said, laughlin softly when his daughter yawned.
"But M' not tired!" Zephyr yawned, before clamping her mouth shut as she realised what she did.
"Sure you're not," Hiccup agreed, "but, we don't want Mama banning us from Ice Treats, do we?" Zephyr's eyes went wide and she rapidly shook her head. "So, we're gonna get you to bed, and you can fake sleeping so Mama doesn't ban you, ok?" Rapidly nodding, Zephyr settled against Hiccup's chest and was soon slumbering away. "Every time," Hiccup chuckled.
"Oh, you get her to "Fake Sleep" again?" Astrid asked as she held Zephyr's door open for them.
"Yup," placing his daughter into her bed, Hiccup felt a small cross his lips as she reached out for Dart, her draconid cousin. The two younglings quickly found each other and snuggled into one giant but comfy looking ball.
Taking a moment to just stare at his daughter, Hiccup felt a warmth bloom in his chest. "Even now, I still think I'm going to wake up as that same fifteen-winter screwup," he admitted, shifting to wrap an arm around Astrid. "It all feels too good to be true," he said.
"Well, guess that means I'm not doing my job properly, then," Astrid smirked, "Don't you think it's time for Ruffrunner to have his own rider?" She purred into his ear, causing him to stiffen. Sliding away from him with a lingering touch, Astrid purred, "come get me when you're ready, we'll recreate our first time."
Hiccup stared, frozen in place, as Astrid sauntered out of the room. Blinking once, Hiccup charged after her, a hungry look on his face.