Chapter 19
"Welcome back" Astrid greeted, clashing her arm cuffs against Heather's Razorwhip ones in their normal greeting smiling widely.
The two friends immediately began exchanging stories, keeping up their friendship even after not seeing each other for a few months.
Meanwhile Hiccup as well as the Dragons stood to the side, happily letting them converse without breaking the mood by reminding anyone of the war.
"How was travel?" Hiccup eventually asked Windshear, speaking a bit Dragonese as exercise. In the past two weeks, he and Astrid barely had any free time between trying not to get overwhelmed, planning and training Dragon riding as well as general fitness, so they used that to learn a few croons from their Dragons.
Both knew Astrid and Heather would be talking about this eventually and they didn't want to invade or make her tell twice, so Windshear expected the question. "Not much going on. We met a few Hunters on the way here, they are becoming more regular." She relayed, knowing they were an even bigger problem than the Outcasts, since they hunted in the entire archipelago and even beyond. "The Bog's are alright. From everything Bertha told us, they didn't get any big raids, only the odd ten or twenty Dragons. Berk is considerable worse. They had maybe eight completely burnt houses, half a dozen scorched and only half a storehouse filled."
This got Hiccup worried. Even with all Berk did to him, he couldn't help but want the best, since at least Gobber always cared for him in his own way. "What's with Gobber and Astrid's parents. Do you think they can handle it?" Hiccup returned to Norse now, not able to speak fluent enough.
"They are both doing as fine as they can with how little Berk has left." Windshear explained calmy, knowing how much Hiccup cared, despite him barely showing it outwards. "But I don't think Berk can handle it much longer. From what I saw, they have no crops to grow anymore and with the rations stored, only a few dozen at best can survive the winter and even that is a maybe."
Hiccup quickly cursed under his breath. If only they had done something sooner, maybe last winter so that Berk could have the summer to stock up. With the ice approaching, they couldn't trade for food and growing something was out of question.
They themselves could grow crops nearly all year with their unnatural warmth, which they eventually figured out was geothermal energy that stored under the Island and made for damn good natural warm springs, after Heather read into it on the mainland a bit more south, and a system in which the water didn't come from rain, but from a few pipes that regularly spewed it over the fields. Then again, crops were barely a necessity, fish they had on mass and everything else they could trade since Ice wasn't a problem when flying hundreds of feet above it.
The only problem would be how to actually get the food to Berk. If they set sail with the few boats they had, they could easily get stuck in the ice and if they brought it with Dragons, Berk would rather starve than accept their help, considering they managed to land first.
"We have to deal with that later, our first priority should be the Red Death. Did Astrid already introduce the plan?" He asked, knowing with the advanced senses of Dragons Windshear had kept a constant hold on the conversation between the two friends a few feet off.
"Not Yet." She answered, hearing into slivers again. "Though Heather did ask right now."
Hiccup gave a subtle nod and went over to the two.
"Base Game, we have a few divisions. Front Lines, backup, strategist, and Asfrith with Aslak staying on the ground to tend wounded. I stay on the front line, Hiccup doubles as Strategist, Cami switches between attacking front and looking if everything is going fine with backup and some things all of us do, like bring wounded to Asfrith and Aslak." Astrid explained.
Heather nodded along, signaling she took all of it in and at the same time urging to continue.
"Before the fight, we set up some ships on another side of the island if our Dragons get wounded and we need to go back and so that we can bring some catapults with us. The healers stay on a ledge close, but not enough so that the queen would cause trouble." She continued.
Hiccup intervened from behind, slightly scaring the two girls. "Our actual battle plan is to combine the front line gronckle power with catapults and make enough instabilities in the mountain itself so that it drops on the queen. Nobody has seen her outside of the mountain, so we hope that she'll stay until then and it is enough force to crush her."
"If she leaves before then or the mountain isn't enough to kill her, Plan B is that everyone from the front lines attacks wherever they can whenever they can from wherever they can. Don't give her a chance to collect herself and start an attack." Astrid supplied from the side. "Meanwhile, the strategist would count who gets knocked out and bring them to Asfrith, while the backups supply catapult fire and jump in whenever they see someone in a tricky situation."
"Strategists are led by Arne and supposed to keep a count of everything, like who switched to front, who is out of commission and if all goes wrong organize the retreat." Hiccup switched again.
"Main points of attack are the usual, eyes, nose and ears to disorient."
"When those are taken care of search for the weakest scales."
"Hope they aren't too strong and dissolve them with Changewings."
"Then attack the flesh under it."
Heather had to smile at how the two knew exactly what the other was going to say and finish the others train of thought. She secretly wondered if something happened while she was gone, but didn't want to venture into that yet, since the current topic actually needed nearly all her attention.
"Where do I play my part in this?" Heather asked, having understood everything except maybe where exactly all would play out, since she herself stayed far from the island and didn't see a map yet.
"You can jump in wherever you like, but if you'd want to, we can use more healers and hoped you could use some of the herbs you gathered on your travels." Hiccup supplied, awkwardly scratching his neck like he always does when unsure if he overstepped any boundaries.
Heather picked up on his habit and gave a simple smile. "Of course, it's really no trouble. But that doesn't mean I won't be attacking every second the healers don't need me." She informed, a malicious grin spread across her face now.
Astrid came over again. "Wouldn't have expected anything less." She stated and gave a real hug this time, needing something more than just their usual greeting, since nothing was set in stone and they may not have the ability to hug after this.
After a short while, the two separated and Hiccup also shared a hug with Heather, still not having greeted her actually beforehand. "Now go on, your parents must be worried like hel."
Hearing the conversation, Windshear came over, knowing Heather had awaited seeing her parents for the past two weeks.
"Well then, I'll see you tomorrow and hopefully after." She exclaimed before jumping atop Windshear and flying off towards her parents home, which she will most probably will be using during her stay too.
…
As promised, they met up the next day, before even the sun arose, overlooking the harbor that would soon become much busier than ever before in the history of their tribe.
People were just beginning to wake up and start working on preparations for the upcoming fight.
"Why did you pull us out here so early?" Cami whined from the side, looking as if she barely slept at all and even then, plagued by Nightmares. Nearly everyone did, except Hiccup and Astrid who distracted themselves with learning Dragonese and talking about nothing and everything. Somehow that ended up with both of them again sleeping together in Hiccup's bed for comfort from the other, setting aside their confusing feelings.
"Because, we are taking ships and they take two hours to arrive. If we want this battle done anywhere before tomorrow, we'll need all the time we can get." Arne answered groaning, having to explain this for the third time today.
Hiccup and Astrid sat at the front of their group, unconsciously holding hands to keep the anxiety away. This didn't go unnoticed by Heather, but she decided to not speak to them about their closeness anymore. It wasn't their place to intrude in anything that important or push them into something they aren't ready for.
With more and more people attaching catapults to Dragons and carts, putting them on ships, as well as Gorm, though not coming himself, keeping tabs on the ships, having spent more time with them than anyone else, the two stood up and turned to the other three. "Come on, we have a job to do." He said decisively, keeping all of the pent-up uncertainty inside and not letting it strain his voice.
They split up, each overlooking their division and checking that setting up went smoothly, sometimes offering the manpower if needed.
Shortly after, everyone had their position on a ship, three Dragons per ship already strapped in and ready to depart.
The entire village had rallied up at the seaside, close family and friends wanting to see their villager off and wishing good luck to everyone.
Hiccup flew ahead on Toothless, overlooking their fleet and village. Proud of what he has made.
"All right" He muttered to himself steading his breath before turning fully towards the masses of people. "People of Dragonheim. We have endured generations of attacks by Dragons and defended ourselves like anyone would, but even after all of that, our compassion and kindness has extended towards the Dragons, leading us towards our local peace with them. While I could not be happier about everything that has led up to this point, we aren't the only one who should share this wonderful gift. As you know, they are as much victim in this war as we are and we will stop the tyranny and brutality once and for all."
His little speech got a lot of applause, even from the back who only heard every fifth word or so, but knew their Chief said something inspiring as the front hollered and cheered at the top of their throats.
"Set Sail for Helheim's Gate. For our families, for our friends and our fellow tribes, we will give our best. Today we will end this war."
…
Barely behind the sight-blocking fog, the fleet already became anxious.
While, yes, they were Vikings deceiving even themselves with not being afraid of anything or anyone, knowing you are sailing towards a threat practically as old as your way of living and your traditions, scary enough. Not being able to see or navigate without the help of fire breathing reptiles that have haunted generations before you and cannot communicate with words, absolutely terrifying, regardless that everyone here has bonded with a Dragon and trust them as much as their human friends.
With the Dragons leading each ship, it wasn't hard to maneuver through the thick fog, barely scraping some ragged outcrop suddenly appearing from the traitorous sea.
Hiccup meanwhile was sitting on a close sea stack, overlooking the fleet and making sure no controlled Dragon would attack. With one hand rested on his angled knee fiddling with a pencil he found in one of his many pockets, most would think he was thinking up strategies for the upcoming fight, those close to him knew better though.
He was absolutely freaking out.
Heather who was flying rounds around the ships, noticed him and swiftly joined on the small sea stack. The last Year being relatively alone with only Windshear as a companion, Heather became one of the stealthiest of them all, though that barely worked around Toothless, so he and by extension Hiccup noticed before Windshear even set a foot on the rocks.
"So, what's on your mind?" She asked, coming straight to the point.
"Astrid." He answered just as straightforward.
'Wow' Heather inwardly whistled. 'We're about to face the queen of Dragons that has haunted his Nightmares for two years and he's here having a mental debate over his not-really-but-hopefully-maybe-girlfriend.'. Of course, saying that wouldn't be the best thing, so she settled on an easy "Why?"
"She's been acting different lately. I don't know why, but she more scatterbrained, she loses her focus more often and I managed to win thrice in training yesterday. She never loses in training Heather."
Meanwhile, Heather had to suppress laughing her ass off. She damn well knew Astrid what had Astrid this distressed and funnily enough, it's Hiccup. In their little small talk when she came back yesterday, Astrid had recounted what happened with Hiccup the Night of the raid and a very short recollection of the events since. Especially her sudden loss in fighting ability got teased a lot since the actual reason involved a very concentrated and half-bare Hiccup and a beet-red, bubbling Astrid.
Hiccup, completely unknowing of the completely silent laughing going on behind him, continued. "This is the biggest threat we have ever faced, except maybe being two lone teenagers without a tribe and food, but I don't want anything to happen to Astrid. Heather, I can't let anything happen to her."
That changed the mood pretty fast. While not a direct declaration of love, both knew from the deep desperation Hiccup's voice contained, that this was more concern than normal in a friendship.
"Then talk to her." Heather answered. She had began scratching Toothless under his chin to do something while Hiccup monologued. "Say that to her, not me. Express your feelings. Make sure nothing happens to her. You and her are closer than anyone I've ever seen, even some couples that everyone else deemed soulmates and that with only a friendship. So go to her, tell her."
"But what if that makes it worse? You said our friendship is closer than anyone you have seen." He recalled. To her affirmative hum he continued. "What if she doesn't feel more than that. If she doesn't want to be more than close friends. Heather, I had a crush on her since I knew what the word meant and since we lived together it only grew stronger. While I'm emotionally not the best, I can confidently say that I love her." He rambled and even though he never expressed it before, he knew it to be true. "I would not blame her if she doesn't love me. Look at me, I'm not nearly as strong as other Vikings, I could barely fight before she had to teach me, I got banished from my tribe as the heir, which no one actually wanted might I add. I really am Hiccup 'the Useless' and don't you dare say her I called myself that."
While He spoke, Heather didn't know what she should do. On one side, she really should adopt Astrid's strategy of beating some self-esteem into this man, but on the other she remembered the talk Astrid had given her over a year ago and how Astrid thought the exact opposite with Hiccup on a high pedestal she could never reach and knew if they actually talked for once, Astrid would do the beating just fine. Oh yeah, that Hiccup 'the Useless' is also definitely being reported, regardless of his Wishes.
Eventually, after a long silence she simply grew a strained smile, still unhappy with his self-view and answered. "Just talk with her. I think it will be pretty eye-opening."
"Chief." Someone on the ships resonate and the two notice that during their talk, the fleet hat covered quite a lot of space and only the last ships was able to be seen in the fog. "The first ship docked at the Island."
Hiccup sat up and dusted himself off. "Well, I guess that's our cue." He looked over at Heather, a conflict still notable in his eyes, but obviously not as concerning as before. "Thanks for the talk."
Heather turned around from mounting Windshear. "It's my pleasure. Besides, you needed to get that off your chest and we need you with a clear mind." She joked, a smile on her face despite the heavy atmosphere, accentuated by the thick fog. She turned back front and flew off with Windshear in the direction of the boat. Once she was far enough, she silently continued, only for her and her Dragon to hear. "And It'll give us an even sweeter future."
…
Back in the front, Astrid and Cami were already pulling Catapults from the ships, Arne, having set up his little strategist table with a map and small paper for writing anything noteworthy down, directed them to the different spots.
"Where the hel is that lousy chief and his Dragon" Cami grumbled from shoving the fifth catapult in a row without breaks. They may have Dragons to help, but that certainly didn't make any of this easy- or rather light work.
"Relax" Astrid smiled from beside her. Despite all of Cami's efforts, the young shield maiden still managed a better endurance and strength, leaving her bothered, but not exhausted by the pushing of catapults. "He's our main force if push comes to shove. I personally find pushing catapults easier than all carrying all of that responsibility on my shoulders." She reasoned.
Cami gave a quick sideways glance. "As if you ever get mad at him for anything." She muttered under her breath, but was still heard by Astrid.
"I do." She responded indignantly
"Oh yeah? When?"
"When he practically went full on danger mode and tried to pacify the Flightmare. Alone."
"You weren't mad. Strongly muffled, yes. Absolutely protective, you didn't let him of the leash for I think two weeks, so definitely. But mad, not really."
Astrid opened her mouth to answer, but found herself with no retort. While she had seemed pretty mad at the moment, when looking back on those events. She hadn't ever really been mad at him. All of those words came from a place of genuine worry and concern. She shortly shut her mouth closed, much to the amusement of Cami.
"Exactly."
Astrid, as proud as ever, could not find a subsequent answer and therefore quickly changed topics. "Come on, we still got a handful of Catapults to move."
Cami huffed through her nose but didn't argue further. While attaching the ropes of the next Catapult to Stormfly, they heard the familiar screech of a Night Fury. "Well, well, look who decided to turn up to the big party." She said with a teasing grin.
Shortly after, Hiccup had spotted the two Nadders and quickly landed beside them, working on attaching a rope to Toothless for additional pulling power. "Sorry I'm late, I had some" He made a pause, really not wanting to further explain himself given the topic of his pause. "conflict to dissolve."
"As long as you help us now, I probably won't resent you until the grave." Cami joked, trying to keep the mood as light as possible.
Hiccup gave a small laugh in response, glad to help where he could and resumed strapping the catapult to Toothless.
…
A small while later, the catapults were stationed and loaded, the Dragon riders saddled and ready and everyone on their posts.
"So, this is really it. Either the end of us or of this war." Astrid whistled from her spot on Stormfly.
Hiccup, Heather and Cami flew besides her, the four looking down upon their preparations and the Volcanic hill in the middle of the Island.
"Let's hope that war that the short end of that stick." Came from one of the others and for the love of Odin, she could not say whether it was Cami or Hiccup.
"Anyway." Okay that was definitely Hiccup. "As much as I like dwelling on possible death, we really should start this." Despite the hard atmosphere, he still managed to crack small smiles on the other faces with his joke.
Together they landed right before the mountain at the very front of their small army of Dragons and their riders.
Hiccup turned around and looked at the men, women and Dragons of his tribe, ready to fight an enemy they have never seen for the sake of others.
"Dragonheim. This battle will be hard. This battle will take everything and more from all of us. Some of us may not survive today, but the most important thing. This battle will decide the future of not only our but every tribe in the archipelago and I could not be any prouder to have you stand beside me in this conflict. Without you, we could not have build this community of proud and strong friendships with our once sworn enemy. So today we fight, and today we win."
Finishing his speech, a chorus of cheers followed Hiccups voice and with a quick motion of his hand, the first Catapults began to fire, only adding to the loud mob.
He turned towards the cracking stone and whispered mostly to himself, though still heard by the other riders and Dragons close to him.
"Today, we will come for you Dragon Queen."
Okay, I may have some minor explanations in tow. First and foremost, I am very dearly Sorry. I am aware that I have missed posting literally anything in the entirety of December. Now as to why I didn't, I took a break. I have read my first fic in eastern of 2023 and since then barely did anything except read, go to school, sleep and eat. This resulted in a lot or rather, very few conversation with even my family and I barely talked with my sort-of-friend in school. Now, December is a month full of festivities and time spent with your families, so I took a breather and focused more on my social life. While I missed writing, I acknowledge that this time off has been necessary and I will make it a tradition to take the entire month of December off every year from now on. Next time I have a sudden disapearance, I will probably write something as a Auther's note on the most recent Chapter, so if I do not post in my two week scedule, keep a lookout on that. Now, don't worry too much. This means in no way that I will abandon this fic as it has grown on my heart from just my first fic to a full fledged story, I am intensly invested in. Also, While I did make it sound rather bad, my mental health as well as relationships to my family are rather well and I can confidently say I am very much happy with how my life is going. Now with all of this really long exposition about myself, see you in the next Chapter and have a good time.
AN:If this is your fifth story in a row or something, quick reminder to take a break once in a while.