Hope everyone is enjoying this. If there's a point where you have trouble with the timeline, I apologize. I promise it will get less confusing soon.
-To be clear again about the OC, it's not what many think it is.
*Mild trauma and violence will occur in this story
Chapter 7: Backstories and bad news
Stoick caught sight of both ships in the distance. It would take time for both to get there. The Berserker ship looked closer, which would work out better for him. He didn't need Hiccup getting the idea his services were missed in the forge after the dragon raid. The point of Hooligan law was to instill fear and respect in the tribe and there were few violations more forbidden than helping dragons. He would deal with Oswald's supply first and Hiccup later; such was his way even before this. In the meantime, he would go to the docks after his meal and deal with the rest later.
Gobber would certainly be relieved to see Hiccup again. The boy did keep his head in the clouds about certain things, but he always managed to get the work done. I mean all children caused messes once in a while, but Gobber would take Hiccup's accidents over the Twins' mischief and he could never stand Snotlout's spoiled attitude. The boy was all talk, of course. Gobber had to constantly listen to Stoick's complaining about Hiccup or his old stories about how he was raised. I mean how many haughty Viking stories could Gobber take? At least his were interesting and he only shared them with children or newcomers for entertainment.
Gobber was certainly curious over whatever Astrid's new axe was made from because the durability was inconceivable and it was easy to swing. The metal looked like steel, but it didn't need sharpening at all. More weapons like this would've been perfect for Berk. He could afford to take a break. Although he wasn't sure how the boy would be after this. His possible injuries from Outcast prison may hamper him for a while.
He warned Stoick that giving Alvin anything short of killing the boy was still a lot of bad and his son may not speak to him again. Hiccup wasn't stupid. He knew his father left him there an extra month. Stoick basically shrugged it off. 'The boy will do what he's told'. Those words were the most he could get out of Stoick. Gobber had known Stoick a long time and would never go against his wishes. The best he could do is hope some advice stuck.
The village was pretty indifferent about the day. They heard what was happening with the Berserkers and that Spitelout was returning with, they assumed Hiccup, not far behind, but it was nothing worth discussing. Despite the discovery of his skills in the forge, Stoick had easily avoided any disaster by asking for help from other tribes. I mean, sure it was easier to have things on hand, but it hardly seems essential if you had nearby aid. Once again, Hiccup's worth was minimal at best. The villagers would know doubt go back to avoiding and mocking him. It's not like their chief discouraged it. The children were mostly the same. Snotlout wanted his favorite target back, the Twins wanted to hear about the prison and the Night Fury, Fishlegs would have questions about dragons as well, and Astrid,…well nobody was sure how Astrid would be.
She had her good and bad days lately. Nobody could figure out why, not even her parents. They and everyone else were afraid to ask, even Stoick. Setting her off was the risk that came with it and the chief did not need another public blowup with her. He would have to punish her severely and he didn't want to do that. In the latter half of Hiccup's sentence, she had kept to herself at training, hunting, fishing, dining, even at home. Others assumed she was just tired of everyone, and she was, but that was not the main reason.
Astrid wouldn't admit it, but she wanted to talk to someone, but was afraid of what would come out. Vikings didn't talk about their feelings and doing so implied weakness. The Hooligan tribe was no exception to this, especially since it was mostly men. Young women had a much steeper uphill battle living in a culture of warriors and Astrid wanted to prove herself. Partly due to the culture of Berk, another because of her Uncle's humiliating end, and lastly because she didn't want to be domesticated like her mother. She never talked about it out loud with her mother, not that she really had to say it. Hilda, like Hiccup, was pretty intuitive when it came to her daughter's avoidance. Astrid didn't have the closest relationship with her mother, so discussing her troubles with her was difficult.
Speaking of Hiccup, Astrid was locked in this mental battle wondering what to do when he returned. He would discover his gift to her missing from his workspace and wonder what happened. He'd see her with it at some point, but hopefully he wouldn't dare approach her. He was still the timid boy afraid of the physical response and inevitable humiliation.
It was in those days that Astrid found herself reading more pages of Hiccup's journal. She had no right. She knew that, but whenever she planned on bringing it back, it became harder. She needed answers, but only gained more questions. What was going on with this boy? Why did he make this axe for her? How did he trick the dragons? There's no way he couldn't be cheating, right? This book was the next best thing to asking Hiccup and she really didn't want to do that and make him think she had interest in him. But didn't she? Why else was she reading this?
Early entries weren't helpful. He was still a little kid after all. Hiccup had lots of drawings when younger. In the first few pages, some of dragons, some of people. They got better detailed as she went further. A few made her laugh even, especially the one with the Twins' heads on a Zippleback's body, one with a Monstrous Nightmare aflame and what appeared to be Snotlout on its back, screaming and jumping. And another titled 'Thunderdrum' but it was clearly Stoick, mouth wide open, yelling something with tiny people flying everywhere. I guess a sense of humor was one thing not lost on Hiccup. He had to get by on something. Muscle was lacking but his mind was sharp.
As Astrid read further though, Hiccup started writing down thoughts and memories. She figured no harm done, but unlike the drawings, the stories were getting worse in the sense they were more personal. One how Hiccup felt upset about a look his father gave him when he fell over trying to lift an axe at six years old; hoping he would change that look of shame someday. This story hit hard because Astrid knew it was ten years later and nothing had really been better between Stoick and Hiccup. If anything, it worsened. Specific entries stuck out to her.
'Daddy didn't speak. He looked at me like he didn't know me.'
'I tried my best. Why did they laugh? Dad just looked away.'
'He took the other kids fishing without telling me. I guess that says it all.'
Astrid didn't know why she felt bad. She was a kid and it wasn't her problem. Maybe it was because Hiccup was so young and his mother wasn't there to bridge the differences between him and his father. Stoick looked at this son's physical stature and that was it. No wife to hit him over the head and try harder, while Hiccup had no emotional reassurance from his mother it would get better. No boy wants to disappoint their father and she guessed Hiccup always felt like he was doing that. It was further complicated by Stoick being the chief and having a path for Hiccup to follow. Him constantly falling short, Stoick seemed to predict a future where Hiccup would always fail. That was the basis of their relationship for over ten years.
'Why do I care about not seeing this? I was a kid too. He has to learn on his own, right?' She did care if she was honest, but she, like other villagers, didn't care enough to ask him or help. Whenever Snotlout, the twins or anyone openly mocked or berated him, she didn't like it, but said nothing. It was one thing to dislike bullying, but speaking against it was different. She couldn't afford to stand and wreck her reputation.
Astrid tried to dissuade the guilt she was feeling. It only worked for a moment until she found another story. One she knew very well. It was the day she lost her Uncle Finn on Aurvandil's Fire to a Flightmare. Sure enough there was a picture of one right above the story. She still couldn't believe he could draw so well, just from memory.
'A big blue monster came to Berk tonight and took away Mister Finn. People say he was scared. They're wrong. He jumped right into the fight to protect us kids and stop that monster from destroying our home. Next thing I see is a big puff of blue smoke and Mister Finn is right there in front of it. It froze him somehow because he just stopped moving in mid air. I hope Astrid's okay. I'll tell her what I saw.'
Astrid suddenly jumped at the end of reading this. 'Hiccup saw what happened? Why didn't he tell m…' Astrid suddenly remembered something. The day after all this happened. Astrid was in the village hearing nothing but how her uncle was a coward and deserved to get eaten. People thought she didn't hear it, but she clearly had. She also caught Snotlout and the Twins doing insensitive imitations of her uncle; not knowing she was there. She ran into the woods, trying not to cry, and ran straight into Hiccup, knocking them both on the ground.
"Hi, Astrid." He whispered somberly.
Astrid looked surprised before pulling herself up and leaving. Hiccup gave chase, trying to get her to stop before she shouted. "Stop following me, Hiccup!"
"Astrid, wait, please, I saw someth…" Hiccup started.
"You saw what?! Another Night Fury, a troll, Gobber's missing hand? I don't care. Leave me alone!" She screamed and that certainly scared him silent. Astrid didn't stick around long enough to look at him and just continued running. She then heard Snotlout back there telling Hiccup it was time for target practice but ignored it. She was too angry.
'Is that what he wanted to tell me?' It was the only thing Astrid could think about because on that day she swore to become a great dragon slayer and avenge her uncle. She distanced herself from anything involving emotions and fun and definitely had no time for Hiccup. The most he ever did was trip over himself and make a mess, which aggravated her and, like his father, she wasn't shy about letting him know it, when she wasn't avoiding him altogether, of course. She shook her feelings loose again and went back to finishing the entry.
'I guess Astrid doesn't want to talk to me anymore. I just want to help, but I guess it's okay. I'm no good at fighting dragons yet and she's upset about Mister Finn. I hope she's happy again soon. I know how she feels. Daddy told me a dragon took mommy away too and I miss her a lot. I'll find the blue monster for her someday and we can be friends again."
Astrid was taken aback by this. Why was he like this, even now? His age changed, but his personality never did. I mean most Vikings want to do this to impress a girl and win them over, but Hiccup just wanted to make it better for her.
'Have I really not been happy all this time?' She wondered.
His sincerity and humility was making it difficult to keep reading. She kept hoping Hiccup would have written a selfish thought or insulted someone. It would give her an excuse to stop reading. Never happened. Nevertheless, Astrid kept going. She may regret that, but the further she went, the harder it was to put it down, and the more difficult is was to understand things.
The Great Hall
Gobber and Stoick were finishing their meal before heading to the docks, unaware of the news waiting there.
"You were late bringin' him back and you din't go with Spitelout. Hiccup isn't blind to the seasons, either. He'll know you were late." Gobber's words earned him a pointed glare from the Chief.
"What's your point, Gobber?"
"I'm jus sayin' Stoick. I know he makes a lot of messes, but Hiccup has always shown you respect as best he could and he's still young. You risk pushing him away if he doesn't know there's forgiveness for his mistakes. Sooner or later, he may wonder if it's worth it."
Stoick heard but didn't appear to get the meaning. "Gobber, this village is my top concern and Hiccup needs to know mistakes like that endanger everyone. I can't look the other way whether he's my son or anyone else. If he can't grow out of this 'head in the clouds' phase, he leaves me no choice. At this point, I don't think he can even lead this place after I'm gone."
'Oh the boy is gonna love that news and right before Snoggletog no less.' Gobber thought. 'And who else does he have in mind? Honestly, it's slim pickins here.'
Gobber was ready to reply out loud when guards entered.
"Chief, the Berserkers have docked", said one of them.
"Finally." Stoick then stood up and Gobber followed wondering how this would go. Stoick was livid with Oswald for not being more attentive with aid like usual. The one thing Stoick liked about Oswald was that he was cooperative. The Berserker tribe, for decades, had been unpredictable due to leadership questions and power hungry chiefs. Oswald the Agreeable lived up to his title due to him being more easygoing and understood that a chief's main concern should always be his own shores. Stoick had reservations about his boy, Dagur, though, and dreaded a conflict would ensue should the boy be given the title. The Berserkers were a larger tribe than most. People accredited that to the fact they endured no dragon raids for some inexplicable reason and Oswald was able to keep peace in his area for his tenure.
Chief Mogadon provided aid the fastest, which was unusual, since the Meatheads, even though close neighbors, were not great at rationing. They also weren't the sharpest tools in the forge but their brute force always helped them survive. Stoick and Mogadon had a competitive history, but the similarities between the Meatheads and Hooligans earned mutual respect. Plus Mogadon's boy, Thuggory, was strong and had a deep sense of loyalty.
Stoick, however, wasn't surprised by Bertha's tardiness. He had a volatile relationship with the Chieftess of the Burglars at best. Villagers didn't dare broach the subject of their feud. It had something to do with a shield belonging to Stoick's family. For whatever reason, it went missing and Stoick apparently recognized it during a visit to the bog. Bertha claimed they traded for it with Johann. Stoick accused her of theft, not believing Johann would dare steal from him, nor would anyone else; fearing his wrath.
Well, it just spiraled from there. Stoick, like most in the area, tended to look down on tribes led by women. Turns out Bertha didn't gain her status by backing down to things like unfounded accusations. She gave as much as she got and dared Stoick to try something. Stoick, having no proof and the shield being refitted with new colors and hardware, did nothing. He couldn't afford a war given the things he dealt with thanks to the dragons and Alvin, so things just remained prickly with Bertha.
The late arrival of the Burglar's aid would've earned more scorn had the supply not finally arrived with handsome results. All the weaponry looked to be owned by the Bog and they even added a good supply of rations. When Cami and her guard arrived at Berk, she said aid could not be brought in earlier due to an ambush, but Stoick had no time for excuses. He gave a stale thank you and sent them on their way after a small meal and little rest in exchange for the generosity. It was unusual, but Stoick didn't question it. What he didn't know was somebody was watching from afar on a Night Fury to make sure the trip remained smooth to and from the place he wasn't sure was his home anymore, if ever.
Stoick had made these connections with the islands years ago. Many held grudges with each other but things were maintained very well, save for conflicts and raids by dragons and Alvin. Luckily, Stoick had put Alvin's antics to a halt a year ago, and for some reason, it was continuing for another month. He didn't know why that was, but he wasn't complaining. He was, however, unaware about what this barter may have cost him.
When he comes to the docks, the first one he sees is Dagur. It is proper for the guard to step first and introduce those entering another tribe's territory, but Stoick isn't surprised by the young Berserker ignoring tradition. He was erratic, carefree, and spoiled; nothing like his father. Stoick waited for him to step off, but saw nobody besides Dagur and the small fleet escorting him.
"What's going on here, Dagur?" said the confused chief. Dagur was looking at the kill ring, though, and didn't respond. "DAGUR!" This got the boy's attention.
"Well hello to you too, Stoick. Being outside doesn't mean you can't use 'inside voice'."
"That's Chief to you, boy! And where is your father?"
No response. Dagur's attention was not easily grabbed.
"DAGUR!"
"Whaaaat?" Dagur said with annoyance. Gobber could tell this was not going to end well.
"Your father?" Stoick asked.
"Oswald the Agreeable last I checked, Stoick."
Stoick growled and clenched his fists. He was beginning to see red. He had no patience for this, but did his best with a deep breath.
"Where…is…he…Dagur? Would you care to tell me?"
"Well, of course I care about my father, Stoick. What kind of thoughtless son do you take me for?" Dagur appeared to show concern for a moment.
"Okay, then. So where is he?"
Dagur shrugged and said, "I dunno" and turned and left. "What crawled into his beard today?"
Stoick's eyes went wide and started, "Wha… That…You…" Dagur left without any concern while Stoick stammered his next few words. Stoick walked to the fleet and said, "You mind telling me what's going on here?"
They eyed each other and one said, "Why don't we discuss this inside, Chief?"
Meanwhile…
"Why do I have to tell her?" cried Fishlegs, who was being pushed by Tuffnut and Snotlout to the Hofferson house. Gobber had told the guard to tell the young ones the ships were approaching and Dagur was here and he needed supervision. Astrid was still at home.
"Because hammer beats stone. That's why?" answered Snotlout.
"Hammer's not a choice. It's stone, paper, sword. You made that up so you'd never lose." Fishlegs did not want to provoke Astrid. Well, nobody did really.
"I know. It's worked out great, huh?" Snotlout had no problem with rule bending, especially since Fishlegs never really stood up for himself.
Suddenly they were at the door and Fishlegs saw Snot and Tuff a hundred feet back in case they needed to run. And just as he was about to knock…WHAM! The door flew open and out came Astrid. Fish fell to the side, dazed and red in the face. Astrid stomped out, unaware Fish was semi-conscious and noticed the other two.
While they were snickering, Astrid yelled. "What?!" Tuff was about to point to Fishlegs but Snot elbowed him and shook his head, deciding to ignore him. "Well?!" That got their attention. "You forget how to talk now? What is it?!"
"Da..Dagur's here, Astrid." Snotlout managed to whimper out. "The Berserkers came with the rest of the rations and Stoick wants us to get it and keep Dagur busy. And I think Gobber said my Dad's ship is right behind them with Useless."
Astrid's expression changed for a split second at the mention of Hiccup, but only for a moment. "Fine. I'll be right there." She gave that stale response and went back in to get her axe. Fishlegs started to get up, but Astrid still hadn't noticed him and flung the door open, again knocking him down.
"Think we should pick him up?" Tuffnut asked. Then they winced as they heard loud clamoring in Astrid's house. "Never mind." Snotlout nodded and they both ran to the docks. Fishlegs stood up finally and was about to walk when…BAM! Hit with the door by Astrid again as she ran out and Fish went unconscious. Making sure she had everything, she began to follow the boys, caught sight of them, and held a tighter grip on her axe. Her eyes were red with both anger and tears. The sight of them reminded her of a memory recalled by her in another story she read in Hiccup's journal. One that upset her greatly for different reasons.
She suddenly saw Fishlegs laying on her porch. 'Where'd he come from? Is he napping on my stoop? Oh, I don't have time for this', she thought to herself and left him there.
In the Great Hall…
"MISSING?! What happened?" asked Stoick. A senior council member had made the journey with Dagur
"Well, truth be told, Chief Stoick, Oswald has been gone a couple weeks. He neglected to mention anything to us. We don't know when and where he went, or even why."
Stoick looked very confused. "Why am I just hearing this now?"
"Well, we would have told others, but a lot of random things were happening that could have led to an invasion should word of this reach other tribes. Part of us hoped Oswald would return and explain. He has always been prompt and traditional. When it became clear something was wrong, we weren't sure how to proceed, so we wanted to go in search of him. By then, there were a lot of nearby storms that made sea travel difficult."
"Random things like what? Camicazi from the Bogs mentioned one of her fleet was attacked when they were distributing aid to us. What else?" Stoick's curiosity and concern was beginning to peak. It was right around the time Dagur met up with the other kids while near the ring.
Dagur was curious about all the wailing by the dragons and took a look to see if he could sneak in a few hits. When he looked, he was disappointed. The dragons looked tired and bruised. There was no challenge here. No sport. He sighed in disappointment. He recognized a strange plant on the ground near the bars and thinks 'What's that doing near dragons. Are they crazier than me?'
"Wow, this place is boring."
"Hey, Dagur."
"Been lookin for you, pal." Dagur recognized the voices of Snot and Tuffnut as he turned to look.
"Yeah, hi, Snotbreath."
Tuff snickered as Snotlout corrected him. "It's Snotlout."
"Uh-huh." Dagur was already bored and his mind was preoccupied with other things. Then, he turned to the growing crowd of kids and started counting. "1,2, here comes blondie, and…where are the rest of ya?"
"Uh, not sure", said Tuffnut. "My sister's hiding somewhere and I think Fishlegs is napping." He and Snot snickered after he said this.
"You have a sister, too? Does she get along with Ruffnut?"
"Uh, Ruffnut is my sister. Wait, do I have brother too and nobody told me?" Tuffnut wondered.
Dagur was confused. "That's a girl? Seriously?"
"Yeah, Ruff's a girl, Dagur", interjected Astrid and then turned at Tuffnut. "No, you don't have a brother. I'll save us the hour."
"You sure? Maybe I should find Dad and ask." Tuffnut wondered, as Astrid groaned and sank her head into her hand.
"Eh, whatever. I'm bored. I need target practice. Where's my best pal, the fishbone?" Dagur asked.
Snotlout and Tuff looked at each other and Astrid gave a look of disbelief. 'Does he ever pay attention?' She thinks. 'The Berserkers were told about Hiccup's sentence.'
"What? He get eaten or carried off by a dragon or something?" Dagur asked. "It's not like he's much of a meal for…well anything." Snot and Tuff snickered again, but Dagur continued. "I'm serious. Where's the runt? I have a bet going on him being dragon chow."
"He's not back yet, Dagur!" Astrid yelled. "You remember? Stoick sent him to Outcast Island to be punished."
Dagur look perplexed. 'What could the runt possibly do to get sent there?', he wondered.
"HAHA! Dad was serious about that? I thought he was just sending me a warning about my behavior. What'd Hiccup do, anyway? It couldn't have been what my dad said. Out with it!"
"He was taking care of a Night Fury and wouldn't tell us where he hid it, so Chief sent him packing." Tuffnut responded.
Dagur's face went blank. "Who was taking what of what?"
Snotlout tried this time. "Hiccup hid a Night Fury in the woods somewhere. Stoick found out and threw him to Alvin."
Again, Dagur thinks he hears wrong. "Okay. I, uh…repeat that one more time. My ears must be clogged from that boat ride."
Astrid growled and shouted, "HICCUP WAS HIDING A DRAGON BEHIND BERK. STOICK FOUND OUT. A NIGHT FURY. HICCUP WAS SENT TO OUTCAST ISLAND FOR A YEAR! GET IT NOW?"
Snot and Tuff were crouching in fear. Fishlegs, who had woken up and headed that way, darted behind a bush at the sound of Astrid's shriek. Dagur just stood there and his eyes winced and replied with hands raised.
"Alright, princess. There's no need to bark. Just a question." Astrid stammered as he walked by and gave him her death glare. As he walked past the boys, she could've sworn she heard Dagur whisper, "Women."
As the boys started to suppress laughter, Astrid stomped over and grabbed Tuff's shirt and he pleaded, "Not laughing, I'm not laughing!" Astrid let go and he stumbled over and fell against Snotlout. Next thing they know, they hear hysterical laughter getting louder and uncontrollable.
"Heh…haha…hahahahaaa…AHHHAHAHAHAHA!" This went on for a few minutes. The guffaws were followed by falling to the ground. It was like he was being tickled to death Nobody was sure what to do. The other kids just watched and villagers hid inside, recognizing Dagur's laugh. Finally, he stands up with that blank stare. "You expect me to believe Berk's walking twig not only caught a legendary Night Fury, but made friends with it?"
Astrid and the others just had looks of disbelief in response.
"Okay, so what happened to it?"
"The dragon?" Snot asked
"No, Snot. The yak", replied a frustrated Astrid.
Tuff responded with, "No, Astrid. I think he meant the dragon."
Astrid just looked to the sky and wonders why she bothers. Dagur spoke again.
"Uh, children? The Night Fury?"
"Oh, well. We never saw it." said Tuffnut.
"Come again?" said Dagur, puzzled by the story.
"Well, the village went looking for it in the woods for a long while, but couldn't find it. They just saw footprints down in the cove with some dead scales", Snotlout explained. "Plus, a note left on Stoick's door warning Berk about the problem."
"Oh, I see. Ghost stories." Dagur started to add things up. "Who wrote the letter?"
The three looked back and forth until Astrid replied. "We don't know."
Dagur's expression was hard to read. He looked confused, yet amused. "So wait, you're telling me the fishbone was sent to one of the worst prisons in the Arch with no proof of hiding a dragon other than a note from a person who never came forward or showed hard evidence?" The three were suddenly taken aback by the fact that Dagur was speaking so seriously and implying betrayal.
"Well…", Snotlout started.
"Uhh…", Tuffnut had nothing.
Astrid said nothing; just exhaled.
Dagur's serious face disappeared with a grin. "Damn. I knew Stoick hated dragons and was embarrassed of the runt boy, but really…that's cold." Astrid suddenly had a response.
"Now, wait. Since when are you the cryer of fairness and morality?"
"Hey, you Hooligans do what you want, blondie", Dagur said with hands up. "Oswald never sent me to that gateway of hell for even the worst of my stuff. Can't imagine what Stoick was thinking letting his worst enemy have his way with his kid. Oh, well. Who knows? Maybe that'll toughen him up and he has some muscle to work with after this. Thor knows it's slim pickings around here for heirs to the chiefdom"
Astrid just glared and shook her head. She would've responded had the spoiled Berserker not beat her to it.
"Bored now. Until the runt gets here, who's my target partner?"
Snot and Tuff went wide eyed and tried to think of where to run. Then, Snot responded, "You know Fishlegs was really excited to see you…", Fish heard this and tried to crouch lower and sneak away. "Maybe he can…"
"Yeah, fun as that sounds, he's too big a target. Too easy. Well if there are no volunteers…"
"OOF." Dagur heard and turned to see Snotlout on the ground in front of him.
"That's the spirit, Snotlip." Dagur looked with excitement.
Snotlout tried to correct him, but Dagur just grabbed his collar. "Where are the strongest trees?"
Astrid pointed left and Snotlout looked at her with an expression, 'What are you doing to me?'
"Rope?", Dagur asked. Astrid threw him some. She was all too familiar with what Dagur liked doing when he was here, so she came prepared. Snot and Tuff both were bewildered. Since when did Astrid indulge Dagur?
"Much obliged, Hofferson. Let's go, Snotjaw"
"My name is Snotlout, man."
"Is it? Don't care." Dagur then dragged Snotlout off to the trees.
Tuff looked at Astrid and said, "What was that about?"
"What do you mean?"
"I saw you shove Snotlout in front of Dagur. What's up?"
"Just be glad it wasn't you. Unless, of course you want to go over and trade places?" Astrid waited for his answer. Tuffnut then heard a high pitched scream from the woods. "Didn't think so."
It was fair to ask. Astrid shoved Snotlout on purpose. Truth was she had a motive but wasn't about to share it with Tuffnut or anyone else. She wasn't fond of Dagur in the least but she was extra ticked at Snotlout, and managed to keep the Berserker menace occupied for a while.
"Fishlegs, you can get out of those bushes. He's gone for now." Astrid caught sight of the gentle giant.
"Oh. Thanks."
"Whatever." Astrid's indifference was probably her best mood as of late.
"Spitelout just docked I hear. I looked for Hiccup but I haven't seen him anywhere. Then, I saw Spitelout walking to the Hall to tell Stoick, I guess."
"Well, to be fair, how easy is it to lose sight of Hiccup?" Tuffnut made his usual joke.
"It's not like he's ever where he's supposed to be." Astrid replied. "Besides, I wouldn't want to see anyone either, if I were him." The boys were confused as to what she meant by that. "Things should be back to normal now."
"Still if small fry's alive, I want to hear about Outcast Island." Tuffnut seemed too excited, but then again, he was a Thorston. They went off in search of Hiccup, not knowing that Berk was a little way's off from his current location.
The Great Hall
Spitelout opened the door to find Stoick with the Berserker council.
"Well look who found his way back and only several hours later than he was supposed to be." Stoick was none too happy with tardiness. He certainly had been getting a lot of it lately. The excuses were more irritating.
Spitelout exhaled with a scowl before replying. "Stoick, I would love to 'ere more complaints from ya, but there's somethin' you need to know."
"What? Does Alvin want compensation or something?"
"No, it…"
"I trust you explained why we were late getting back?"
"Aye, but…"
"Everyone's aware of Hiccup's clumsiness. He accepted the conditions."
"True, he was…"
"Oh whatever. Where's Hiccup? At home?"
"Don't think so." Spitelout replied with a sideways look.
Stoick just groaned as he stood up. "Can't sit still, as usual. I'll find him later."
Spitelout blocked the entrance before replying, "I don't think you will, Stoick."
Stoick and Gobber both looked confused. "What's that mean?", asked the Chief. "He angry or what?"
"Eh, possibly."
"Why? What'd he say 'bout us?" Gobber was curious too. Spitelout was being vague, to say the least.
"Nothin' I'm aware of. We dint speak, mostly cause he wasn't there."
"Not there?!" Stoick yelled. "What happened? He's dead?"
"Again, not sure." Spitelout's walkabout with his words had tried Stoick's last nerve.
"Enough Spitelout. He wasn't there, he's not here, no more 'I don't know's. Now answer. What happened?!" Stoick gave his final warning.
Spitelout took a deep breath, "Well…"
Five seconds later…
"WHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!"
Bog Burglar Island
Hiccup and the girls were listening to Minden discuss some other matter of importance to the Wingmaidens when suddenly he and Toothless turned their heads.
"Did you hear something just now?" Hiccup asked everyone.
They all looked at him confused and said no. Hiccup shrugged it off, although he was sure he heard something uncomfortably familiar.
"Sorry, Minden. Continue. What is it you were saying about 'Alphas'?
Hey everyone. Yeah, I'm still here. Bad case of writer's block. Trying to sort out the next chapters. I hope you're all enjoying this. I'll try and make December a better month for this story.