How To Find A Hiccup

ACT III: War; part 1

Chapter 1

'Discovered'

Hiccup forced his head off the ground. Everything hurt, even his prosthetic. His vision was blurred and his hearing was failing him. A cloud of dust enveloped him and another figure.

He tried to prop himself onto his knees, but he was too weak and fell back onto the brown, dusty ground. He looked up again at the figure. Both had taken a nasty fall just a moment before, but he seemed to be alive. Hiccup groaned. Dane... was still breathing. He was lying on his back and it looked like he was yanking at something. Hiccup squinted his eyes, forcing himself to focus. Dane was pulling on an ax. It was lodged in his shoulder. Not only that, but Hiccup remember the ax's owner... it was Astrid.

(~)(~)(~)

{On Berk, before Dane was discovered}

"We haven't seen Fishlegs anywhere, Ms. Ingerman," Hiccup told the worried woman. It had been five days since his disappearance and Hiccup had no clue where he was. On top of that, the Thorston twins had vanished. Hiccup may not know where they were, but he had a pretty good idea as to who was responsible for them being missing.

Hiccup was doing his best to console the worried mother and father. Fishlegs may be a fully grown man, but his parents were softer than most. Which would explain why Fishlegs isn't the most... bloodthirsty... viking on Berk.

He and the Ingermans sat at a table in the Great Hall. They were alone, aside from a few vikings talking and eating. But Hiccup's table was pretty far away from anyone else, just how he liked it.

The Ingermans hated Hiccup to the core. But after the fourth day of their son being gone and with no sign of him, they grew desperate and sought Hiccup out. Hiccup was almost as worried as the Ingermans were, but only because he knew who Fishlegs might be with. King was a nasty dude.

"Well... you have to do something! It's your fault!" Mr. Ingerman yelled. Hiccup couldn't really see how Fishlegs's disappearance was his fault. But he thought it better not to argue with the hysterical parents. He would have to sit back and let them vent all their anger towards him. Once they were calmed, Hiccup was hoping they could work out a proper plan.

Hiccup leaned back into his chair and took a sip of his drink, waiting for the next outburst. Mr. Ingerman groaned.

"Where's that Hofferson girl when you need her? It's obvious this boy is useless," he said. Hiccup's face twitched with anger. He hated that word. Reminded him of how Scale was born.

"Miss Hofferson is busy looking for your son," Hiccup shot back a little to angrily. He took a deep breath. "She is searching from the sky for him on one of my dragons. If Fishlegs is still on this island then we will find him." Hiccup relaxed a bit and sunk into his chair slightly. He would be out looking for both the twins and Fishlegs if it weren't for this unpleasant conversation.

He was thankful that the twins' parents were actually out looking for their son instead of being in here, arguing and getting nowhere.

Ms. Ingerman looked like she was trying not to cry. Hiccup hated it when people looked like the way she did, even more so when that person thought it was his fault. But Hiccup was pulled out of his guilt when he noticed Mr. Ingerman staring holes into him. He was taken back by the man's glare.

Mr. Ingerman rested his forearm on the table and leaned over the table.

"You know something," he said. "Something you're not telling us." Hiccup swallowed hard and leaned back into his chair trying to get as far away from him as possible. It didn't seem to help.

"I don't know what you mean," Hiccup said. He was a horrible liar and it seemed Mr. Ingerman knew so, too. He opened his mouth to speak, but a familiar voice sounded off not to far away. It was music to Hiccup's ears.

Astrid sat beside Hiccup. Mr. Ingermans glare shifted to her.

"Any luck?" Ms. Ingerman asked. Astrid solemnly shook her head, no. Ms. Ingerman's hopes dropped again.

Astrid couldn't take it any longer.

"May I help you, Mr. Ingerman?" Astrid asked, fed up with his glare. Mr. Ingerman huffed.

"You are such a disappointment," he told her. Hiccup shot strait up in his seat, not at all pleased with the comment towards his Astrid.

"Now, hold on just a-" Hiccup began, but was cut off.

"And how is that, Mr. Ingerman?" Astrid asked him, still her calm self.

"You could have been at the top of the viking community, Astrid. But now... you've gone and threw that all away for... this," Mr. Ingerman said.

"You just gestured to all of me," Hiccup said, flatly. Astrid narrowed her eyes. Oh no, Hiccup thought.

Hiccup and Astrid walked down the steps of the Great Hall.

"Was that really necessary?" Hiccup asked, glancing over to Astrid.

"What was?" She asked back, not turning to face him. Hiccup rolled his eyes and grabbed her hand in his.

"You know what I mean, Astrid. I'm pretty sure Fishlegs's father didn't appreciate being tied to a support beam." Astrid giggled at that.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she replied innocently. Hiccup shook his head, but smiled. The two found themselves at Stoick's house. With a knock, they entered.

"Aye, son, there you are," Stoick said rising from his favorite chair beside the staircase. Gobber was there, as well, sitting at the table. A fire had been lit in the fireplace, lighting up the interior of the old wooden house. Toothless laid beside it; he perked up when his friend opened the door.

"Hey, dad," Hiccup greeted, though his tone sounded solemn and not at all happy. Stoick sighed.

"What is it, son?" Stoick asked. Hiccup took his seat at the table closest to Toothless. Astrid beside him.

"More like, 'what isn't it,'" the rider said. "Why is everything so complicated?" Hiccup rubbed his forehead. Astrid shrugged.

"When things involve you they usually are," she said. When Hiccup raised an eyebrow at her, Astrid quickly added, "Sweetheart." But that didn't do much to lift his spirits.

Hiccup turned back to Gobber who hadn't added to the conversation.

"You're awfully quiet, Gobber," Hiccup said. "Anything on your mind?" Gobber had been in charge of a search group that checked out the further sides of the island. "Anything you would like to add on our... predicament?" Hiccup added before Gobber could speak.

The blacksmith shook his head. Stoick seemed to notice his strange behavior. Why, just a moment ago, Gobber was his happy self. It seemed like the presence of Hiccup changed his mood, however. Odd, Stoick thought.

When Gobber didn't answer and his eyes seemed to dart around the room, Stoick pressed the matter.

"Gobber?" He asked. Gobber chuckled.

"What?" The blacksmith looked at his friend. Stoick's eyes narrowed.

"Spill it." Gobber's face crunched in confusion.

"Excuse..."

"You're hiding something. Tell us." Stoick said, cutting Gobber off. Hiccup leaned on the table, waiting for what Gobber had to say.

Gobber drummed his fingers on the table.

"Nothing to tell, really," he said.

"Not buying it," Stoick said. "What has you skivvies in a bunch?" Gobbers eyes darted to Hiccup, then back to Stoick. He sighed and scratched the scruff on his chin.

"Well... I'm not sure you guys would like-"

"GOBBER!" Hiccup yelled. "Out with it!" Hiccup gestured to his old mentor with his hand. Gobber sighed again, his eyes downcast.

"Snotlout has disappeared," Gobber said. The room froze. Hiccup stared at Gobber.

"How long ago?" Hiccup asked, worry etched in his voice. He never cared so much about the bully, but he still felt like it was his responsibility. Especially if it was his enemy who kidnapped him.

"Ten minutes ago, maybe," Gobber said. "It was on the way back from a search and Snotty was bringing up the rear. Only thing was... was that he wasn't there." Hiccup didn't wait for anything else to happen. He shot up out of his chair, called for Toothless to follow him, and ran out the door. There might be time to find Snotlout since he hadn't been gone that long. Hiccup also hoped that if he found Snotlout he would be able to find the others.

Astrid got up to follow him, but Gobber grabbed her arm.

"Gobber!" Astrid protested.

"Sit down, lass," he said. "I have more to say." Astrid glared at him, but sat back down.

Stoick was not to pleased with the information as it was the first time he was hearing it as well. What bugged him most was that Gobber had waited to tell it. He would press his friend later.

With Astrid seated, Gobber continued.

"Snotlout wasn't the only one we have lost." Astrid's face twisted with confusion, but she quickly understood.

"Dane," she said before Gobber could continue. It was barely above a whisper but Gobber still nodded, yes.

Hiccup was reaching neck breaking speeds on top of Toothless. He wasn't wearing his helmet, so the wind whipped it backwards.

The two weaved in and out of clouds, flying all over the island.

"You see them, bud?" Hiccup asked his friend. Toothless, being a Nightfury, could see very well from a long distance. But the dragon just grunted.

"No," Toothless said. "Not yet." Hiccup sighed. He and Toothless slowed their speed; Hiccup sat up straight in the saddle.

"Oh, bud, what are we going-"

"Wait!" Toothless interrupted, quickly gaining Hiccup's attention. Without warning, Toothless started to dive. Hiccup gave a yelp as he struggled to stay on the saddle.

Toothless landed on the secluded beach, eyes narrowed at... Raden?

Hiccup slowly slid off his dragon, eyes wide in shock and confusion.

Raden stood, but a few feet away from Hiccup and Toothless, a crossbow loaded and pointed at Dane. Dane was on his knees, his hands behind his head and his eyes downcast.

"Raden?" Hiccup asked, stunned. He shook his head. "Raden! What's the meaning of this?" Hiccup yelled at the boy.

"Call Astrid," he said in a small voice. Dane grunted so Raden spoke again. "Call Astrid!" This time louder and more forceful.

Hiccup stared at him, unmoving and unbelieving. Slowly, Hiccup shook his head, no. Dane looked up at him.

"You're going to choose her over me?" Dane asked, his voiced etched with hurt and anger, though he did his best to hide it. Hiccup shook his head again.

"What? No... no I... What am I supposed to do?!" He yelled taking a step closer.

"Back up!" Raden yelled, stopping Hiccup in his tracks. Toothless growled.

"Make a decision, Hiccup!" Raden warned. Hiccup didn't move or give a command. He just stood there... frozen.

How was he supposed to chose between his fiancee and his son? On one hand, Dane has been with him through thick and thin for most of King's reign. But Astrid has... Wait! Was he really comparing who to save? He had to do something... NOW!

"Raden! Just put the crossbow-"

"I can't believe you!" Dane interrupted Hiccup. The rider's worried gaze fell on him.

"What-"

"Choosing that ax throwing idiot over ME!" Dane yelled. Hiccup's eyes narrowed at him despite the situation.

"OK! First-" Hiccup couldn't finish before Dane cut in, again.

"-off" Dane finished for Hiccup. "I'm done hiding! I've had enough of this." The corrupted kid stood up, Raden stepping off to the side. Catching a sword Raden tossed to him, the two assumed fighting stances.

"One move, Hiccup, and your friends bleed to death," Dane said. The boy motioned his head off to the side, there, the riders sat against a rock tied up in chains.

A smile crept onto Dane's face. A smile not used for pleasure, but for a sudden idea. And by the look in his eyes, Hiccup knew the idea was foul and wicked.

"TooOOthless," Dane said in a low, sing-song voice. "If you don't get Astrid down here, you'll get to watch Hiccup's last few seconds on EARTH!" Toothless eyes widened and he shot a glance to Hiccup. His eyes were still on Dane, trying to make sense of it all. Toothless looked at Raden and watched in horror as he aimed his crossbow at his human.

He had to make a decision; Hiccup, or Astrid. In Toothless's mind, it was clear. The dragon began to make a deep warble in his throat. Hiccup knew what he was doing.

"TOOTHLESS! DON'T YOU DARE!" Hiccup shouted in Dragonese. But Toothless didn't stop.

A thunderous call sounded high above the group. A call of a Thunderdrum. Hiccup's eyes widen when he saw what it was carrying; a blonde girl wielding an ax landed beside Toothless. The Nightfury gave her a violent shove toward Dane. Before Astrid knew what was happening, Dane knocked her out the same way Raden had when they were escaping King's (or Dane's) island.

It happened so fast Hiccup didn't even have time to blink. There she laid, the girl of his dreams, knocked out at the feet of the enemy. And Toothless was the one who put her there.

A few beads of sweat started to trickle down his forehead and his hands started to shake; his whole body, in fact, began to tremble. This can't be happening! He thought to himself. Toothless didn't just give her to Dane! This is all a bad dream, I'll wake up soon... PLEASE LET THIS BE A DREAM! But it wasn't.

Hiccup wasn't thinking straight. No, he wasn't thinking at all when he ordered his dragon to shoot. Dane smiled when Toothless didn't make a move.

"Oh, Hiccup, your dragon's love for you out weighs his hatred for me," he said. "One move, dragon, and Hiccup gets an arrow through his skull." Dane spoke like it was business. There was only a tiny bit of malice in his voice.

Hiccup took a step forward, only to jump back by an arrow fired at his feet.

"Idiot," Dane muttered. "Next time Raden aims for Toothless, Hiccup, and he won't miss." Dane let loose a dragon call of his own and his Skrill landed beside him. He gave it an order while he dragged Astrid's still body closer to the water.

Hiccup's let loose a small gasp.

"What are you doing?" He asked helplessly. Dane grunted.

"Time to send her away, along with the rest of the riders," Dane replied as he reached the water's edge. Dane's Skrill let loose a call similar to the one Toothless did just as Dane laid Astrid on her back, slightly in the water.

Hiccup watched as Oceanzaps slithered onto the shore and underneath Astrid, picking her up. He dropped to his knees as he watched them carry her out into the ocean. The dragons stayed close to the surface so Astrid could breathe, but it didn't make it any easier for Hiccup as he watched them take her away. Possibly forever.

Dane forced the other riders to their feet. His Skrill grabbed the chain and took off into the sky; he tossed the screaming riders into the water. Hiccup didn't see what type of dragon took them away.

Dane took his place beside Raden, his sword stabbed in the ground in front of him; his hands rested calmly on its hilt.

Hiccup was now on all fours, tears stained his cheeks.

Toothless still had his eyes narrowed at Dane and Raden, but he had a protective wing over his heart broken rider. The dragon couldn't stand what he had done, but if it meant Hiccup was still breathing, then it was the right thing.

"Why don't you just kill me now?" Hiccup asked. Dane chuckled, his voice filled with hatred and victory for causing Hiccup so much pain.

"Now now, what kind of evil villain would I be if I don't cause the hero,"- he spat the word "hero" -"unbearable suffering?" Dane sighed happily. He climbed onto his dragon as did Raden, his bow-an-arrow never leaving Hiccup.

"I trust you'll get over it, eventually, and then you'll come to save your damsel in distress," Dane said. "Well, I'll be waiting." Dane's skrill took off high into the golden sky caused by the setting sun. Hiccup craned his neck to watch them, but the tears in his eyes caused for a blurry image.

Slowly, the dragon was out of sight, flying calmly out over the ocean where the riders and... and Astrid... were taken. Hiccup's whole body gave out from underneath him. He laid there and sobbed.

Hiccup didn't know how long he laid there and cried, but soon the sky grew dark, storm clouds rolled in. It began to rain. Toothless was there, laying beside his grieving rider, holding a wing over him to keep him dry.

Every now and then, Hiccup would let loose a desperate screech that pierced Toothless's heart. The screech called for his friends, his son... and his love.