Chapter 1: Sailing to Viking Camp
Hiccup and his friends set sail for Viking Camp.
Early in the morning was when Hiccup and Toothless would go on their daily flights, just the two of them and the open sky. Today was not a normal day.
Hiccup was engrossed in a project in the blacksmith shop. Toothless had tried prodding and growling at him, but Hiccup would always shoo him away with "Not now, Toothless, I have to finish this." Eventually the Night Fury gave up and settled to dozing next to the warm furnace.
It seemed out of character for Hiccup to skip a day of flying. But Stoick had specifically told him and his friends last night at supper: "Tomorrow you will all be going to a Viking Camp Gobber and I went to when we were lads. It is to get you more into the social Viking life as other tribes will send their young warriors there, too, and you will also get to test and sharpen your skills as one of us." Gobber wanted Hiccup to finish his latest project before leaving, so he was working harder than usual in a hurry to get it done.
"Okay, okay… just about… done!" Hiccup stepped back from his newest invention with pride. "It's perfect. What do you think, bud?"
Toothless snorted in disinterest and turned his face away.
Shaking his head, Hiccup returned to his project. It was similar to a crossbow, but it was designed to launch fish. It was really just a recreational item for Toothless, since he loved playing with his food, so Hiccup made a solution to just shoot the fish at him. He knew that his dragon would love it. In fact, since he was pretty grumpy from not flying, it was just too perfect of a moment to not test it out.
"Hey, Toothless…" Hiccup sang as he grabbed the fish-bow, loading it up with a cod from the top of a fish barrel. "You hungry, bud?"
Toothless just growled and moved his head further away.
"Alright, you're asking for it now." Hiccup shot the fish-launcher, getting a direct hit across Toothless's head.
Toothless jerked as the fish slapped the back of his head. He stared at it on the ground with wide green eyes, and without a second thought he gobbled it up and licked his lips. But as soon as he saw Hiccup laughing he deflated and glared at him.
"Here, catch!" Hiccup shot a salmon this time. Toothless watched it sail through the air and leaped, catching it square in his teeth and swallowing it down. He playfully bowed his front legs with his hindquarters in the air, wiggling his tail back and forth.
Hiccup shot a few more fish into the air and Toothless caught each one, all of his grumpiness forgotten. It was an odd sight to the rest of Berk. Some of the Vikings just stopped what they were doing and stared. Once he noticed they had an audience, Hiccup froze, chuckled awkwardly, waved, and hurried to the forge to hide. Toothless tilted his head and bounced after him with his tongue flopping out the side of his mouth.
Meanwhile Stoick was pacing back and forth in the Great Hall while his best friend Gobber sat at a table near him, chewing on a chicken leg. Stoick groaned and removed his helmet, running a hand over the top of his head.
Gobber stopped eating and gave him a look. "Stoick, you need to quit worrying."
"I'm not worrying." Stoick replied and put his helmet back on, continuing to pace.
"Really. I suppose ya aren't pacing then, either." Gobber muttered.
Stoick sighed deeply and sat down on the other side of Gobber. "I'm just concerned. I know how much Hiccup hates being apart from that dragon of his. I also know he doesn't fare well in strength. Am I doing the right thing, Gobber, letting him go to this Viking camp?"
Gobber gave the chief of Berk a serious look. "Listen, Stoick. You know as well as I do that the newer generation must be shown to other tribes and vice versa. It isn't really a choice for us to make."
"I know, Gobber." Stoick grumbled in annoyance. "But as a father, I want what's best for him. You understand, don't you?"
"Yes. No. Well, sorta," Gobber admitted. He then added more gently, "But he is getting older, Stoick; he can handle himself. Maybe it's time for you to understand that." He paused before reminding him, "And don't forget he's got friends, too. As odd as they may be, they support him. He'll be fine."
"Maybe I should come with you," Stoick concluded, sounding close to desperate. "To, you know… make sure you don't get lost at sea."
Gobber raised an eyebrow. "A Viking, lost at sea? That'll be the day! No, Stoick, you've got to stay here and look after the village. You're the chief; you have responsibilities. And don't worry... if it makes ya feel better, I'll keep a close eye on Hiccup."
Stoick reluctantly nodded. "You're right. Thank you, Gobber." Slowly he turned and walked out of the Great Hall. Of course he knew his son was growing up. He knew Hiccup could take care of himself... but a great part of him stayed stubborn to not accept it.
At the edge of the village, Hiccup, Astrid, and the rest of the teens along with their dragons were clustered together. The twins were having a staring contest with each of their dragon's heads, Snotlout was trying in vain to make Hookfang move over, Astrid was lying against Stormfly, Fishlegs was humming and reading a book beside Meatlug and Hiccup fiddled with his fish launcher, Toothless watching the contraption with big eyes.
"Ow, my eyes are burning!" Tuffnut yowled as he jerked his stare away from Belch. The Zippleback purred in triumph and bumped its two heads together. Ruffnut turned on her brother and punched his shoulder.
"Idiot, you made us lose!"
"Did not."
"Did to!"
The two lost all train of thought and launched themselves at each other.
The remaining teens watched the twins duke it out for a few moments. Astrid soon turned to look at Hiccup, who was still focused on his device, with Toothless eyeing it like a wolf on a fat chicken. "What's that dinky-looking thing?" she asked curiously.
Hiccup gave her a reproachful look. "A fish-launcher."
Snotlout snorted. "What's it do?" He asked, looking ready to mock it.
"Probably launches fish," Astrid stated. Snotlout blinked and scowled while Hookfang huffed in amusement.
Fishlegs looked up from his book, seeing Gobber and Stoick approaching. "Oh, hey, Gobber; hi chief." He greeted happily. His announcement got everyone else's attention- even the twins paused to behold.
"You kids ready to go?" Stoick asked in a low voice.
The teens exchanged glances with one another, and eventually Snotlout asked, "Go where?"
Gobber, suddenly looking very cheerful, exclaimed, "Viking Camp! The place where all kids your age stay for six weeks to train, meet other tribes, and learn more about what it is to be a Viking!"
Snotlout brightened and Astrid made a determined face. The twins shoved each other excitedly and Fishlegs clapped his hands together. Hiccup made no notion of joy.
"I know you're all excited," Stoick went on, "but understand this is not just to have fun. You will be working hard in the tasks you are given in order to show your Viking worth to the rest of the tribes. You will not be competing against them, but it has been an unspoken tradition for the campers to do so every year- it's not official, but it's just something… well, something…"
"Fun?" Gobber suggested.
Stoick glared at him then sighed. "Yes, I suppose so. It is just something fun that they like to do." His face then hardened. "But not everything is fun and games. You will be competing in challenges, yes, but you will also be representing the honor of the Hooligan tribe, a burden not to be taken lightly. I expect each of you-" his eyes lingered on Snotlout and the twins- "-to take that seriously."
The teens sobered slightly, but only for a moment. Most of them were practically bouncing with excitement.
"When are we leaving?" Astrid asked.
"Today," Stoick stated before turning with his fists held behind his back, slowly padding away.
Gobber watched his old friend go, perhaps a bit wistfully. Then he shook his head and faced the kids again, looking bright and happy once more. "So go get packed. Bring everything you need, including blankets, pillows, clothing, and a snack for the seas. It's a near day's journey, so come prepared!" He winked before limping off, whistling the tune of "I'm a Viking Through and Through."
Ruffnut and Tuffnut instantly started chatting. "Yes! Finally, we get to meet the other tribes! Can you believe this?"
"Hardly, sis. I've been waiting for this day for years!"
"I know," Snotlout agreed. "We have a chance to show those dopy other tribes our potential." He laughed proudly. "I bet they don't even know how to swing an ax properly."
Fishlegs looked close to bursting. "We get to learn more about our neighboring tribes! Oh, can you believe it, Meatlug? Imagine all the history we could explore…" he suddenly looked urgent. "I better start packing right away!" He leapt onto his Gronckle and they fluttered off.
"Last one packed and at the docks is a dead Viking!" Snotlout crowed as he flew off with Hookfang, the twins and Barf and Belch right on his tail. Astrid mounted Stormfly and looked down at Hiccup.
"You coming?" She asked, Stormfly's legs fidgeting to get moving.
Hiccup didn't look up at her. "Um… yeah. Yeah, right behind you." He rested an arm on Toothless's head, and the Night Fury eyed his rider, confused.
Astrid watched the two sympathetically. "It'll only be a few weeks, Hiccup. Toothless won't even know you were gone. He'll be fine here; don't worry about it." With a caw Stormfly took to the skies.
Hiccup watched his friends on their dragons disappear into the village. He slowly looked at Toothless, who purred and pushed his nose to Hiccup's cheek reassuringly. Hiccup smiled and climbed into the saddle. "Alright, bud… I better get a move on before I fall too far behind the others."
It was probably ten minutes later when Hiccup and Toothless arrived at the docks, carrying a simple rucksack.
"What took?" Snotlout demanded. "We've been waiting for hours."
Hiccup ignored him and dismounted. "Where's Gobber?" The burly Viking warrior was supposed to escort the teens to the camp.
"Aye, I never left," Gobber popped up from inside the ship waiting in the near waters. "Get on in here, you lot- she's ready to sail."
The six young Vikings took their items and dragged them onto the ship, setting them among the rest of the cargo at the end of the ship. Hiccup observed the many crates and barrels, giving his mentor a skeptical look. "Why so much gear, Gobber?"
"Oh, you know… anything could happen at the camp, so I'm just planning ahead." Gobber explained rather hesitantly. He grinned before looking serious again. "Now go kiss your loved ones goodbye; we'll be leaving soon."
The teens were surprised to see so many Vikings at the docks. It could have easily been half the tribe sending them off.
Astrid spotted her parents and hugged them in turn. Snotlout puffed out his chest before his dad, promising he would make the rest of the tribes look like a bunch of babies. Fishlegs shared cheerful words with his parents while Ruffnut, Tuffnut, and their parents took turns headbutting each other.
Hiccup scanned the crowd for his dad. Toothless nudged his rider and pointed his nose to the right. There was Stoick, walking boldly down from the top of the docks with his head held high. The Berkians parted to let him through as he stalked across the boards. Hiccup tried to catch his eye but Stoick had his back facing him when he made it to the front of his people, preparing to make a speech.
"It has been many years since we have sent out a generation of our Vikings to this faraway camp," he began once all was silent. "And as leader of this tribe, I am proud to present these strong, diligent young warriors to our bordering tribes. They have grown well and learned much, and I am proud to call them Hooligans."
He turned to the side to look at them, eyes shining particularly longer at his son. "I believe at their return they will have grown and learned even more, though it may be hard to see them gone for such a length of time. I trust they will return stronger and more willing to serve their tribesmen, until they come of age as full-fledged Vikings of Berk."
The crowd cheered, fists waving in the air as if they had just won a battle. Stoick allowed them to holler as long as they pleased, finally facing the younger generation.
"Hiccup, Astrid, Snotlout, Ruffnut, Tuffnut, and Fishlegs," Stoick spoke, smiling while shaking his head. "An odd bunch, but I couldn't be more proud of you. I expect great things from you six."
"Th-thank you, sir," Fishlegs breathed, staring at the chief in wonder.
"We won't let you down, chief." Astrid promised, her expression determined and ready for whatever lay in wait for her.
"I believe you," Stoick replied. His head shot up when Gobber called impatiently.
"Hey, I've been risking skin and nail to set up and load this Thor-forsaken ship. Are we leaving or what?"
Stoick shook his head before clearing his throat. "Well, ah… off you kids go, then."
"Bye, Stormfly."
"I'm gonna miss you, Hooky."
"Barf, Belch… try not to blow up too many things without us."
"I'll bring you new rocks to try when I come back, Meatlug; I promise."
Hiccup watched as his friends left their dragons on the docks, boarding the ship with the waiting Gobber. Toothless saw this as well, and he gave his rider a puzzled look. "It's okay, bud…" Hiccup breathed as he bent down, closing his eyes as Toothless rubbed his head against his. "Dad will take good care of you."
Toothless warbled sadly when Hiccup pulled away. He forced himself to walk off, trying not to imagine the dragon's depressed gaze. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see his dad.
"Hiccup," Stoick began. "Make sure the others understand as long as they are on that island, they are under a truce. It is important that our tribe is represented well."
"I know, dad," Hiccup replied, reciting his words. "It's a burden not to be taken lightly. Don't worry- I'll keep Snotlout and the twins in check."
He tried to leave but Stoick held on. "Listen to me. This is more than just honor and petty squabbles. We may have been at peace with the Meatheads and Visithugs for thus far, but old grudges can be easily resurrected..." Stoick tipped his head meaningfully. "Aye?"
Hiccup stared at his dad. He didn't expect his seriousness, or how dark his face got when he spoke about past grudges. Suddenly it seemed much harder to make that promise. "Alright," he said finally, and Stoick patted him roughly on the back.
"That's my boy," Stoick affirmed, and Hiccup had to roll his shoulder back into joint.
"All aboard!" Gobber shrieked, although everyone was already on board. He heaved the anchor and the ship pulled out of the docks. All the Vikings on shore waved and cheered. Dragons roared and spread their wings in their own goodbyes. Hiccup ran to the side of the ship with his friends, who were waving back their farewells. Toothless was in the same place Hiccup left him, staring after his rider with the same anxious expression.
"I'll be back, bud," Hiccup murmured, and Toothless raised his ear plates hopefully.
"He'll be fine," Astrid said, nudging Hiccup in the side. "I asked Stormfly to keep him busy. We'll be back before they even know it."
"Yeah," Hiccup agreed, though he had a hard time believing it. He stayed leaning there as the ship sailed out, until Berk was nothing more than a gray spot on the horizon.
A/N: I think this is my... third time republishing this story? ._.;
Originally, I wrote Viking Camp back in 2017 and... woof. Let's just say I've grown a lot since then, lol. Thought I'd touch it up, AGAIN, and try publishing it, AGAIN. I want to continue and finish this story, and with hopes I will find the time and motivation to do so!
Hope you enjoyed- let me know what you think. :)
And, if you're one of the readers who first read this all the way back in 2017, THANK YOU FOR PUTTING UP WITH ME! I don't deserve it!