The clouds were covering the majority of the sky while allowing bright rays of light through the cracks among the dense clouds, as Stoick looked across the vast blue ocean he was surprised by the magical image in front of him. The view looked like it was from a mythical storybook. Standing from that height, seeing the calm ocean and the sun's rays, made him think the gods were watching the magnificent island themselves. Another example of how the dragons were useful to humanity. Over the last month, he had seen the dragons in a new light, instead of the big, strong fire breathing demons who fall from the sky above they seemed to be creatures who cared for their family and their bonded humans. They were extremely loyal and helped do things that would take humans ten times longer to do, put that together with the brilliant inventions that Hiccup had made, the jobs which would take them hours or even days to do took them just a few minutes.
For example, after Grimmel's attack, only a small portion of the village had been damaged. Since the patrols rode dragons they were able to warn Hiccup of the incoming attack well ahead of time, giving him an easy hour to prepare the fleet and evacuate the villagers to the safety of the castle in an organized fashion. With the help of the bigger sails on the warships along with the cannons, ballistas and arrow launchers already fitted onto the ships they were able to set sail much quicker. The weapons on the ships were all Hiccup's inventions and the warships led by Viggo were able to clash with the Trappers away from the island due to the quick reaction time. Unfortunately, the Trappers were able to break through the blockade and attack the island. The Dragon Riders destroyed the men trying to enter the caves, and the automatic catapults were able to sink the few ships that made it near the island in mere minutes. In those minutes the damage the boulders from the Trappers had damaged six houses, out of which three of them were saved thanks to them being made of stone and Hiccup's fire prevention system. The other two had holes in the roof while one had a wall broken down. The cliffside, the vast stretches of grasslands, ponds, waterfalls, and the forest were unharmed as well as the Dragon Nest. The damage to the house which would have taken the Vikings at least a day to fix took them around half an hour to do and an additional hour to let the paint on the walls dry.
Stoick and the rest of the Berkians had been shocked at how fast the Draconians had counter-attacked, evacuated, defended their island and rebuild. When the attack started around midnight, it was all but over a few hours before sunrise and the damage was fixed by the time the first rays of light lit the horizon. Since then Stoick and most of the Berkians respected Hiccup and listened to his orders. They had seen how confident, kind, fair and powerful a leader he had become. For Thor's sake Alvin the Treacherous and Dagur the Deranged respected and followed Hiccup's orders without a second thought. While the latter didn't surprise Stoick as he had seen the brotherly bond the two shared whenever they met the fact that his arch-enemy Alvin was one of Hiccup's most trusted advisers surprised him. Berk had found out all about the council members from the villager's stories and how amazing and helpful Hiccup and his inventions were. The Draconians treated the young Emperor with the utmost trust and respect.
Hiccup had clearly proven himself as one of the best Vikings in history. But every person has both friends and enemies. Most of the Berkians now looked up to Hiccup and the younger generation were even learning how to train and ride dragons with the help of Dragon Trainers, a few of them like the Jorgensons' hated Hiccup and the Draconians as it meant they wouldn't have any power and had to submit to the very man they thought would once amount to nothing. Stoick knew this and was keeping an eye on them in case they would try anything stupid and ruin his chance of redeeming his mistakes with Hiccup or make Hiccup kick them from his island.
"Hello, Stoick!" The cheerful voice of Ingrid Hofferson called him causing him to turn and greet the mother of his daughter-in-law. Ingrid Hofferson was followed by her husband Havlor. Ingrid had been ashamed and regretted treating her daughter like a trophy pushing her to the limit and not letting her live a real life. She and her husband had been concerned that their decision would ruin her life but when the results were so good they decided to continue trying to make her the best warrior on Berk, and in turn had lost their once lovely and caring daughter to become one of the fiercest and a cold-hearted Viking. Ingrid had known that her daughter had always harboured feelings towards the young kind hearted Hiccup. She used to be best friends with him until they forced her to start training in hopes that she would bring back the honour they lost when her uncle died in the dragon hunt. He always cared for her and did the smallest thing which might seem insignificant to others but made Astrid's heart leap to Asgard, Ingrid noticed this and was overjoyed that her daughter had found a caring and very talented boy who wasn't a self-centred egotistical maniac. Sure Hiccup wasn't the strongest Viking but he always tried his best and that was what mattered, he was a very skilled blacksmith and had made Astrid's favourite axe which was the most beautiful and perfect weapon on Berk. She was also best friends with Hiccup's mother and had been overjoyed when she learnt of her daughter's love towards Valka's son that one night when Astrid had confessed her feelings towards the boy.
"Ah! Ingrid, Havlor how are you two doing?" Stoick asked while smiling. He hadn't smiled this much in eight years and nor had the Hoffersons. "I was just enjoying this magnificent view, it is surely worthy of Odin's eyes," Stoick stated before Havlor responded. "Yes, it sure is Stoick, it is an amazing place your son has found. The boy is certainly a very talented and intelligent young man. A born leader from what I have heard and seen just like his father." Havlor said while Stoick beamed with pride at his son's accomplishments. "That he is… I have become very proud of who he has become, who he has grown into my only regret is that I hadn't supported him when I had the chance and instead had to endure the pain of him not being there." Stoick said before looking up into the eyes of the blonde couple, "Astrid herself has become one hell of a warrior, as I have heard from some of the guards. I also heard little children look up to and respect her. Not to mention she has definitely been the reason Hiccup has become the confident and happy leader he is today." Stoick said a sad smile dawning on his face. "Yes, we have the same regrets… we also are proud of the two and who they have become, me and Ingrid had always hoped that one day the two would be together. And their daughter is as smart and stubborn as her father and as beautiful and fierce as her mother." Havlor said while chuckling to himself.
"Aye, that little princess really is one of a kind," Stoick stated with a broad smile that made his beard extend even more. He had always wanted a grandchild and Zephyr was perfect. He had started getting along with Hiccup and his family of three. Stoick told his son the regrets he had and vowed to be a better father. The same promises were made by the Hoffersons'. Astrid and Hiccup gladly accepted the promises and were trying their best to reconnect with their parents, so much so that they allowed them to meet and take care of their daughter, Zephyr. The princess had grown an immediate liking to Anna who had been telling Astrid all about her own adventures and who she liked and what she had learnt over the years. Astrid had nearly choked when she learnt that Anna has been dating Gustav… the same Gustav who was essentially a mini Snotlout, but had changed and matured after the Hiccup and Astrid's death.
They were brought out of their small conversation when a large four-winged dragon flew over them and landed at the palace grounds a few meters from them. Stoick immediately recognized the dragon to be the same kind who had taken his wife away from him. The other council member had the same kind of dragon which was called a 'Stormcutter' but this dragon had a different rider on its back… The lithe figure slid down the back of the gigantic beast and briskly walked into the gates of the castle. The castle guards slightly bowed their heads in respect as she walked past them. Stoick and his two interlocutors immediately had a gut feeling that they should follow the mysterious figure. Without a word, the three of them made their way quietly towards the throne room where they had seen the strange yet very familiar person.
"Mom!" Hiccup said looking up from the table where the map of the known Archipelago which had outposts, ships and bases marked was placed. "Son, I got your letter… are they really here?" The mysterious rider asked. Hiccup knew instantly who his mother was talking about. Viggo and Alvin bid their farewells so as to not intrude on the personal matter. Astrid hadn't attended the war council meeting as she wasn't feeling well and had gone to visit Grilda while Heather, Dagur and Mala had gone to Berserker Island with Camicazi where they were training and keeping care of Drago's ex-Bewilderbeast.
While Eret went over to his beloved and held her in an embrace but didn't go any further in showing his affection. Both Valka and Eret didn't like showing too much affection in public especially in front of Hiccup whom Eret considered a great friend and leader.
Eret unravelled his arms from Valka as Hiccup responded, "Yes Mom… they are here I told them about why me and Astrid left what we did who we fought I even showed them Zephyr. They apologised at least most of them did, I think the Jorgensons and their allies still hate me. The younger kids and teens are even learning how to train and fly dragons, while it is a pain in the ass to convince their parents that the 'devils' won't harm their children it is worth it to see the peace and harmony it provides once the deed is done."
"I see… so what about your father, how is he… he knows about me, right? And how is he taking this dragon and Viking utopia idea and what about Astrid's parents how are they taking the news that their oldest daughter eloped and now is a Dragon Rider, Emperess and has a daughter?" Valka asked while sounding nervous, thinking about Stoick's reaction. "I didn't tell Dad about you that and your relationship with Eret was the only thing I didn't include in the story. He took the utopia thing pretty well surprisingly, he apologised over and over again for his behaviour and both me and Astrid decided it was best to forgive them. Both of Astrid's parents, Dad and even Gobber come over every day to talk to us and take care of Zephyr while Astrid's sister, Anna basically stays with my little princess." Hiccup told his mother while chuckling to himself at the last part.
"I have to say from what I have seen most of the Berkians have changed from what I used to see and have heard… maybe becoming refugees and losing their homes have made them open to new ideas," Eret said, he was about to continue when he was interrupted by the doors to the throne room swinging open and a big figure of Stoick the Vast stood at the entrance with both Ingrid and Havlor on either side of their Chief. Stoick stared in shock at the slim and slightly older figure of his ex-wife standing before him. "V-Valka?" He stammered out. Ingrid opened her mouth and then slightly closed it almost breaking down in tears at the sight of her old friend. Valka stared at Stoick before composing herself and walking over to him jaw clenched and fists tightened. Before Stoick could say anything she punched him square in the jaw which caused the mountain of a man to stagger backwards. "How could you treat our son like that for fifteen years, I left not wanting to ruin his life knowing you loved him and would take care of him. But if you actually loved him you wouldn't have allowed him to be treated the way he did. Hiccup may have forgiven you but don't expect me to forgive you anytime soon Stoick." Valka seethed out before walking away towards her daughter-in-law to get a detailed description of what had happened in the past month. Eret quickly nodded at Hiccup before jogging after his beloved with both his and Valka's Stormcutters in tow.
"Yeah, I know bud this is a mess." Hiccup said while scratching his dragon. Hiccup sat down on the throne as he gestured for the three Berkians to sit at the table placed in front of the two twin thrones which belonged to him and his wife. The throne room was a long room with columns dividing the room into three parts. While the walls had paintings, artefacts, weapons, armour and banners of the different tribes the floor was made with concrete floor and gold inlays. The thrones themselves were tall and made to be comfortable but represented the power the people who sat on them held. It was made of gold, ivory and obsidian. They were placed perfectly in the centre of the room in behind which there was a large balcony overlooking the palace courtyards where Hiccup made speeches and announcements.
Hiccup quickly revealed the complete story to the trio of how he met his mother, and how he asked her to join the Draconian Empire. Stoick looked shocked and started to argue when Hiccup told him about his mother's relationship with Eret. "I didn't tell any of you any of this because it was her secret and I wanted her to tell you this herself. I am truly sorry it turned out this way… I didn't like Eret being with Mom at first but she was happy and he was one of my most trusted allies so I agreed and sooner or later I got used to it. A piece of advice Dad, move on, make amends and then we can be a family maybe not directly but we will be one." Hiccup said while being truly upset at the defeated face his father had. Even he wouldn't be able to be happy if Astrid left him for twenty-two years just to have her come back dating someone else. His father got up nodded sadly and left the throne room towards the accommodation block of the castle where the Berkians were to live while on Draconia. Astrid's parents said quick words of farewell and went to find their daughter. Only once everyone had left the throne room he let out a sigh while sliding halfway down the throne. He looked at his best friend curled up against the throne looking at his rider with worry. "What am I going to do bud?" He asked the dragon. The Night Fury cooed something in response which Hiccup just responded with "Thanks bud."
XXXX
Tuffnut was sneaking towards Hiccup and Astrid's rooms using their skills as a 'sleuth extraordinaire'. All the Berkians had heard the news about Valka's arrival and her relationship with Chief Eret yesterday. The twins out of sympathy decided not to prank Stoick that day. But that was beside the point, Tuffnut and his twin were trying to find Hiccup or Astrid not because they were helping Snotlout with his plan but the complete opposite they were trying to warn them of the impending attack.
Over the month Hiccup had been nothing but kind to them even after the fifteen years of torment they had put the 'runt of the village' through and it shook them to the core. People think the twins had no emotions or had devoted their lives to Loki, while the latter was true the first part was wrong. They were loyal Vikings but they did things as they felt right. Ruffnut like her boyfriend Fishlegs had supported Snotlout because they had been scared of being bullied like Hiccup if they didn't. They were pretty smart and had the weirdest talents and thus to the normal man they might be stupid. They knew betraying Snotlout will get them in whole loads of trouble not only from 'Snot-face' but Helga and Dogsbreath also… not to mention Mildew and Spitelout. Gustav had overheard a conversation between Spitelout and Mildew and reported it to the twins and Fishlegs who had been the one to come up with the idea to inform the Emperor about the coup.
Gustav loved Anna very dearly and wanted to prove himself to her thus was even willing to betray Snotlout if it made her happy. While Fishlegs and the twins were doing it to repay the torture they had put Hiccup through and the guilt they felt.
"Which way do we go now?" Gustav asked as they approached a fork in the corridors. Fanghook, Gustav's Monstrous Nightmare was trying its best to be quiet but its big body made it very difficult. Gustav, Anna, Fishlegs and Gobber had been the first batch of Berkians to train dragons and ride them. While Anna bonded with a Deadly Nadder called Queenstail, Fishlegs bonded with a Gronkle he named Meatlug and Gobber now used his Hotbruple he named Grump to work in the forge at the castle. While Stoick, Ingrid, Havlor, and other teenagers and adults were still training with their dragon. The rest had opted out of training or bonding with dragons.
"This way… and do us a favour and keep your dragon quiet," Ruffnut whispered back from behind Tuffnut while he ambled down the corridor. Fishlegs was quietly following Ruffnut holding her hand as she led him down the corridor. "All right, do you know the plan?" Tuffnut asked Fishlegs and Gustav as they hid against the corner of the corridor where the Emperor's room was located. Fishlegs nodded and signalled Meatlug and Fanghook to act as distractions to the guards who were in front of Hiccup's room.
"So, yeah I'm exhausted and I don't know what to do about the Berkians, Mom and Grimmel." Hiccup told Astrid while picking up Zephyr to play with her in his arms. Zephyr giggled as her father blew raspberries in her stomach. "Look Hiccup, you are an amazing leader and have a brain to rival the gods I'm pretty sure you will come up with a really good solution to all the problems. It would be best to deal with each problem one by one and I will be with you helping you solve those problems any way you think of. Besides to be honest I'm proud that you forgave the Berkians and have been so kind to them… I know I have already said this but I really am proud of you and I know for a fact if I was in your place Snotlout wouldn't have a face right now." Astrid said chuckling as she sat beside her husband where Zephyr was focused on her fingernails. Hiccup looked at Astrid smiling warmly and asked "What would happen to me without you?" without missing a beat Astrid responded, "You would be dead." As she smirked Hiccup leaned in to kiss his wife, just before they broke apart hearing the commotion outside their door. "Ugh… now what?!" Hiccup groaned. Astrid quickly grabbed her axe and stood protectively in front of Zephyr. While Toothless, Stormfly protected Dart, their offspring and Hiccup stood with his sword in front of his family.
"Ahh… Hey H! Just the man we were looking for." Tuffnut said while Fishlegs and Ruffnut walked hand in hand along with Gustav. "Ugh… Tuffnut what in Odin's name are you doing here?" Hiccup asked while the Haddocks lowered their weapons and relaxed. Fishlegs told Hiccup about Snotlout's plan to kill him, the twins helped themselves to some fruits left on the table while Gustav informed them about overhearing Spitelout mention 'I just received the letter from Grimmel' to Mildew. Hiccup had his fist clenched in anger while Astrid had to use all her willpower to stop herself from killing the egotistical, stupid, half-yakked muttonhead. Zephyr had gone with Anna and Gustav on a walk in the castle gardens. "Attacking and threatening me was expected but to make a plan to kill my innocent daughter! I will kill the whole of Berk if it means I put a stop to this stupid plan." Hiccup shouted while walking up and down the room. "All of you be our eyes and ears among the Berkians and tell us when he will attack today… we will be waiting for him." Hiccup told the twins. Astrid looked at Fishlegs and said, "Thank you for telling us this but don't tell anyone that you told us this for both yours and our safety. We are glad you have come around to supporting me and Hiccup." She told the trio. They hugged each other and the twins along with Fishlegs walked back to the accommodation hall knowing Snotlout was going to fail and receive the justice he deserves, now they just have to catch him in the act.