33: Gonna be a fun voyage
Thirty-Three: Gonna be a fun voyage.
"I'll go," said Snotlout.
Hiccup managed to stop himself gaping at his cousin though he could feel Viggo's eyes on him, coolly analysing his response. He raised his green gaze to try to meet Snotlout's eyes but the stocky young man stared steadfastly forward and avoided his eye. Rising, Stoick paternally rested his arm around his nephew's shoulders, his expression very proud and Hiccup felt an inward cringe: that was something he had never experienced and never would. The sad fact was that Stoick had always preferred Snotlout to his own son, had always held him up as a paragon compared to his own skinny, clumsy and ultimately disgraced son.
"...good..." he forced himself to croak. There was of course the unspoken dragon in the room: the fact that Hiccup had killed Snot's brother and father during the battle and he hadn't exchanged a word with his cousin, with his friend since. Snotlout sat down, composed and calm but Hiccup, who knew his cousin well, saw the pallor on his face and the shadow of sadness in his eyes, though he was trying hard to mask it.
"Then it is agreed," Viggo said smoothly, glancing along the line of pirates. As Master of the Council on Dragon Island, his authority was unquestioned and though hard-headed and independent, the men-and woman-here still accepted his right to speak for them. Ryker, Leifur and Cami nodded. Thuggory huffed and rolled his eyes but finally gave a nod while Mildew rolled a knife in his hands thoughtfully.
"Don't remember sayin' I agreed with this lunatic plan," he pointed out. Ryker's fist clenched with an audible crack. "But I didn't say I didn't..." the old pirate protested hastily.
"Then we have an accord," Viggo said, standing and spitting on his palm. He offered Stoick his hand and his cold glaze challenged the Governor. Curling his lip in disgust, the Governor mirrored the action and grasped the man's hand firmly. There was a long moment where both squeezed for all they were worth and then, abruptly, they released each other's hands.
"Indeed," Stoick growled. The pirates rose and as one, they headed for the door. Not one gave 'Captain Fury' a glance, though Thuggory patted him aimlessly on the shoulder-save Cami who paused by him and gave a sultry smile.
"Who knows, lover boy..." she smirked, tossing her wild blonde hair. "A romantic voyage, just the two of us...plenty of time for a little...fun..." He felt Astrid go rigid at his side and grabbed her wrist tightly, warning her not to say anything. He knew she had a volcanic temper and the last thing he wanted-though it would be moderately flattering-was the two blondes fighting over him. He had no doubt that Astrid would emerge victorious-eventually-but the fallout in terms of damage to the very fragile alliance with the pirates could be catastrophic.
"...not really...a fun guy..." he croaked blandly.
"I can change that," Cami purred. He inclined his head.
"...we have...other priorities..." he pointed out.
"I hear you are free of that skank, Heather," Cami murmured, trailing a finger along his shoulder. "And maybe looking for another friendly port?" Pointedly lacing her fingers between his, Astrid tossed the female pirate a glare fierce enough to melt iron.
"He's already found one," she said icily. Cami stood upright and pointedly planted her fists on the curves of her hips, emphasising her own alluring shape.
"If you ever fancy a change of scenery, lover boy, I've always got a warm spot for you," she smirked then flounced away. Hiccup tightened his grip on Astrid, feeling her tense to go after the cocky pirate.
"...easy," he breathed, pulling her close. "Easy! It's...her way...don't rise to her..."
"You did," she accused him. He was making to shoot back another playful reply as Stoick walked past but then he sobered and then raised an arm, his gaze locking on the .
"Snot..." he rasped but his cousin walked past without even sparing a glance. Bowing his head, he gave a weary sigh.
"Give him some time, laddie," Gobber said, pausing by the slumped shape. "It's a terrible hard thing to lose a brother and a father. That takes some getting over..."
I lost my father five years ago, though he still breathes and talks and looks at me like I'm nothing. And now my cousin...the closest I ever had to a brother...won't even acknowledge I exist. I think I can guess...
"Yeah," Hiccup sighed. "Gonna be...fun voyage..."
oOo
The next morning, he had gone down to the Night Fury...by carriage, to his enormous humiliation. Astrid had insisted on taking him, not trusting him if he got out of her sight...though, at the moment, he had to admit he was not in any shape to take off without his personal nurse, his personal hot water bottle and a large amount of bandages and painkillers. The crew had been readying the ship for sailing and though he was limping and felt really stiff, he felt a surge of warmth and relief in his chest as he walked back onto the familiar deck of his vessel.
"Captain on deck!" Fishlegs announced and there were cheers. The twins head-butted each other and staggered backwards and Bucket was waving the mop he was using to swab the deck over his head, lightly splattering everyone with mucky water. Yes, he was back. He grasped Fishlegs's hand and nodded greeting to his crew, happy to be back with them. They crowded around him, all speaking at once, enquiring if he was okay and what the plan was. He waved his hands to quieten them down and leaned against the main mast for support. Astrid stationed herself by his side and he grasped her hand to reassure her and him.
"Drago's coming," he rasped.
"No offence, dude...but you sound rough!" Tuff commented.
"Yeah?" his sister asked.
"Not you!"
"Then why'd you say my name? I don't sound anything like him!" Ruff protested.
"...oh Gods..." Hiccup growled. "...we're allied...to Berk...for now...but need weapons..."
"We've got a couple more cannon, dude and they are coming along awesomely!" Tuff reported happily. "Our Thorston salvo is going to be so awesome it will be more...awesomer than anything you could imagine!"
"Four shots, rapid fire, all on the same spot!" Ruff added. "Totally awesome!"
"We have a full hold of shot, powder and supplies," Mulch confirmed benignly.
"And the ship is lovely and clean...or did I still need to clean her?" Bucket asked, his big brow furrowed in honest perplexity. Mulch gave him a friendly clap across the back.
"No...done good," Hiccup rasped reassuringly. "Blacksmith here...is making more...Floating Shot...but we need more..." Wincing and rubbing his horribly bruised throat, he paused and swallowed and Sven brought him a cup of ale, which he gratefully drank. "Drago pausing...why? Is worse weapon to come? So need...more..."
"We are going to find three legendary weapons Fishlegs has found on his researches that should be able to overcome Drago's advantage of size, numbers and armourment," Astrid explained.
"We, Miss?" Sven asked suspiciously.
"Astrid...stays..." Hiccup insisted, his hand tightening on hers. The crew noted the clasped hands and there were a flurry of shared glances or, in Bucket's case, an 'awww'.
"And little T?" Ruff asked worriedly, her eyes betraying his concern for the boy. The twins had unofficially adopted the boy as a young sibling and they had been told about his injury-though no one had been permitted to see him.
"If wants...can come too," Hiccup sighed. "He's healing..." Then he paused and stared at the deck. "Will have guests...Cap'n Mildew...Camicazi...and Snotlout!"
"Yeah! The Snotdude!" Tuff whooped, high-fiving Sven. Shaking his head, Fishlegs stared at his Captain and knew that Hiccup would have to go through a very painful conversation at some point...because the Night Fury wasn't so big they could avoid one another for the whole voyage. And because Hiccup was a decent enough man to face the conversation with his cousin, no matter how awkward it was going to be.
"Fish..." Hiccup croaked, grabbing his arm and pulling him a couple of steps aside. "Need...favour..." His First Mate gave a nod as Hiccup looked a little embarrassed. "Astrid and I...not sure...exactly where we are...but are together..." Fish gave a knowing smile.
"I think that's pretty obvious," he smirked, the wink he gave Hiccup causing his Captain to blush fiercely.
"Not...like that...yet..." he groaned. "But need...my bunk...enlarging..." The expression on Fish's face had him face-palming...and immediately regretting it as he pulled his side. "Need room...for Astrid...and Arild..." Fish stared at his bruised face and read something there he had not expected to see: love for the young boy...and for the woman he had always blamed for betraying him.
"Hmm...you want us to convert a cabin for one into a cabin for three?" he confirmed and Hiccup's green eyes flicked up before he nodded.
"Um...by tomorrow..." he murmured raspily. "Can't really wait...any longer..." He frowned. "She...saved me..." he murmured. "She...still loves me..." There was enough astonishment in his tone to have Fish smiling genuinely for his friend and he grasped Hiccup's shoulder in understanding.
"Is bringing your family along the best idea?" he asked the Captain and Hiccup shook his head.
"Best...of bad options..." he admitted hoarsely. "Prefer here...where I can protect...rather than on Berk... If Drago attacks...and not there..." His tone was very dark and for a moment, Fish glimpsed the darkness still in his soul. He nodded.
"It'll be done by the morning," he promised as Astrid walked up, her brow lightly furrowed.
"You okay, babe?" she asked gently and he turned his head to face her, his brows still pulled together in a slight frown.
"Things to organise...Milady," he assured her. "Fish...do we have...course?" The First Mate nodded: he had spent most of the night revising his calculations and the clues from the detailed notes of every interview he had completed over the years. But he still looked embarrassed.
"Um...yes," he squeaked. Hiccup frowned and the rest of the crew turned to face him.
"FISHLEGS INGERMAN..." he growled, knowing there was something his friend wasn't telling him. Fishlegs jumped and he flushed. "Where...are we going?"
"Dragon Island!"
oOo
As anticipated, Arild had whined, begged and pouted until he was allowed to come along...though Hiccup wouldn't have left his son behind in any case. The truth was that there would be no one on Berk he would trust with the boy. While he knew that Gobber was trustworthy, he was also mostly insane and wholly inappropriate for a guardian for an injured and impressionable seven year old boy and he would not even consider Stoick. The Governor had made his childhood a living Hel so there was no way on Odin's green Midgard that he would ever trust the injured and vulnerable boy to his care.
The crew had cheered as the little boy was carried onto the Night Fury, crowding around the lad who was secure in Astrid's arms. Toothless had given his gappy grin and his happy face had almost been glowing with delight. It was the first time in his life he had been really welcomed and wanted. Hiccup had tousled his son's hair and then led them limpingly to his cabin...and then he smiled in gratitude at the work his friends had done. His bunk had been widened and now had room for two adults, with fresh sheets, pillows and blankets ready for their injured Captain. A new bunk occupied the adjacent wall, a little smaller than normal...but perfect for a fidgety boy. Arild's eyes popped wide in shock as he was lowered into his own bed and the sheets and furs were pulled up over his skinny shape. Astrid's maid stowed fresh tunics, leggings and boots under the new bunk for the boy and Hiccup tucked his tiny dagger under the pillow, then kissed his son on the head.
"Thanks, Dad," Arild sighed happily and hugged him as Gothi limped in. She whacked Hiccup across the shoulder in irritation at his stubbornness in insisting on taking them both on the mission against her orders and, ignoring his yelp of pain, she proceeded to check the boy's and his stitches. Her grumpy expression suggested that both were fine before she handed herbs and a tiny vial of poppy extract to Astrid, wagging her finger to warn her to keep an eye on the recalcitrant pair. Grimacing, Hiccup watched her go.
"Her bedside manner...needs work..." he grumbled, rubbing the fresh bruise on his shoulder.
"I think she's mad at you, Dad," Arild suggested from his bed, still grinning in excitement at having his own bed for the first time ever.
"That's for sure," Astrid smirked, planting her fists on her hips. Back in her leather skirt, tunic, leggings and boots, she was once again his Valkyrie, her eyes twinkling as she teased him. She had bought a small pack which was stowed in the enlarged space under the Captain's bed. "And where am I meant to sleep, Mr Pirate?" He stared up into her smiling blue eyes and jerked his head.
"Um...bed...?" he suggested, his voice a little less hoarse today though still creaky and painful.
"So where are you going to sleep?" she demanded.
"Um...bed?" His voice was now a little more uncertain as her face hardened...and then she started to giggle uncontrollably at the anxiety on his face. Without warning, she lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him.
"I hope you don't snore!" she teased him as he relaxed a little, suddenly wondering what he was getting into. "But don't go getting any ideas..." Arms flying up in surrender, he looked suddenly shocked.
"Thinking...nothing!" he gabbled as she leaned forward and kissed him tenderly.
"We'll sort it out in time," she whispered, causing him to flush even more before he gently wrapped his arms around her, hands sliding gently to her waist. In his bed, Arild was covering his eyes with his hands and pulling a face...and suddenly there was a crash outside. They all started and Hiccup levered himself to his feet, limping rapidly to the door, with Astrid half a pace behind. They burst out onto the deck-to see the crew scowling and facing down four unfamiliar shapes-and one very familiar one. Snotlout was standing to one side, his arms folded and face neutral as he observed the stand-off. Captain Mildew and a short, ugly and unpleasant looking man from his crew were haranguing Sven and Mulch while Camicazi was watching, her face amused, while another female pirate with braided brown hair and bright hazel eyes whispered in her ear. She nodded, lifted her blue eyes and winked suggestively at Hiccup. He heard Astrid growl in her throat.
"WHAT...is going on...here?" Hiccup barked. Sven turned to him and there was unfamiliar relief in the awkward man's eyes. Of all the crew, Sven was trusted and trustworthy but he was the first to challenge Hiccup in most situations and never lacked confidence. But Mildew was perhaps the most challenging person he could face.
"I'm disappointed that I weren't bein' treated like the Captain I am," Mildew leered. "Yer should be welcoming' me, Fury, rather than dallying' with yer woman! Where's me berth?"
"Hold...with crew..." Hiccup growled.
"I am a Captain!" Mildew growled. "Yer should give me yer cabin...or the spare..." Folding his arms, Hiccup glared at the old man.
"My cabin...is mine..." he croaked. "Guest...is for Governor's man..."
"This is outrageous!" Mildew grumbled.
"Dock's...that way..." Hiccup growled, gesturing. "Can always disembark!"
"I'm 'ere of Viggo's be'alf...or 'ave yer forgotten?" Mildew threatened. "Yer should treat me with proper respect! I tell 'im yer disrespected me..and do yer think 'e'll honour yer alliance?"
There was the zing of metal and Mildew abruptly found Captain Fury's sword dug hard into his throat. "Challenge me...on my ship again...and I'll spit you...like the pig you are..." Hiccup breathed furiously. "Viggo will keep his word whatever. Hold or dock...your choice!" Suddenly realising he had misjudged the battered and unexpectedly young man before him by forgetting he was still the famed and feared 'Captain Fury', Mildew backed up a pace and swallowed.
"Let's not be 'asty..." he said slimily. "I may 'ave been a little premature..."
"Ah...hold, then," Hiccup rasped, narrowing his eyes. He glared for a moment more, the chilling intensity in his green eyes making Mildew shiver. But then, Hiccup had heard some very reliable reports of the man's conduct...and he hadn't liked them. Just as swiftly, he pulled the sword away and resheathed it. Cami gave a little laugh.
"And me, lover?" she teased him. "Maybe I could share your cabin...? Or your bunk?" Visions of Astrid and Camicazi fighting to the death...or worse, ganging up on him...flashed through his mind.
"Hold," he repeated firmly.
"I hope you don't expect me to sleep with the men?" she said, her eyes hardening, her body language becoming more aggressive.
"Ruff does," Hiccup told her, a small smirk tilting his lips. "Or aren't...you up to it?" That did it and she immediately snapped with irritation, feminist pride rearing its head heedlessly.
"You know I am better than any of your men!" she hissed.
"I can..curtain off...a section...to spare your...delicate female sensibilities..." he retorted. Astrid glared at him as well. By now, both Camicazi and her female crew-mate were looking fit to stab him. Even Ruff was scowling. Way to make friends!
"No need!" Cami spat. "I'm more than capable of dealing with your pathetic crew!" And she flounced off after Sven, Mildew and his man to find her berth. Shaking his head, Hiccup gave a small chuckle...until he heard Astrid clear her throat behind him. He turned with a wince and met Astrid's furious glare. He raised his hands in surrender.
"Cami is easy to tease about her gender," he explained swiftly. "I respect her...I really do...because she's dangerous and determined...but I have to use...what I can...when she's winding you up..." He paused and took her hand. "Milady...Camicazi had to come...but don't let her manipulate you!"
"Like you did her?" she accused. He shrugged.
"Got no choice..." he admitted. "We were lovers...in the past. I want...that to stay in the past...her...not so sure..." She eyed him thoughtfully.
"Okay, so you don't look it...but you must be something of a catch, if all these woman are fighting to keep you..." she said calculatingly.
"Winning personality?" he suggested croakily.
"Maybe your pirate stash?" she riposted.
"Ouch," he sighed but her expression softened and she caught his hand. She was just opening her mouth to speak as someone cleared his throat.
"So...the other cabin's mine?" Snotlout said tonelessly. "I'll get settled in."
"Snotlout..." Hiccup croaked but the other man walked past without giving any sign he had registered the softly pleading word. The door slammed and Hiccup closed his eyes.
"Awkward!" Tuff commented insensitively.
"He's not going forgive me, is he?" he sighed. Astrid rested her head on his shoulder.
"Give him time," she whispered as he leaned his head against hers.
"Have I missed anything?" Fishlegs panted, scrambling up the gangplank with a heavy bag in his hands.
"No," Hiccup croaked. "Did you get it?" The First Mate nodded and patted the bag with a satisfied smirk. "Good. Get the crew organised and set sail-full sail. We're running out of time!"
oOo
"They wouldn't reveal their course but I heard rumours they will be heading first to Dragon Island." The agent made a note on the small parchment, his writing crabbed and almost illegible. Then he looked up and his eyes were questioning. "I presume you are wondering why I am telling you all this," Viggo said to the small red-haired man. The Berserker agent shrugged, his darting eyes flicking over the exits with ceaseless regularity.
"The thought had crossed my mind," he admitted.
"We have been forced into an alliance with the authorities on Berk," the Master of the Pirate Council revealed smoothly, his dark eyes watching the agent. "But having seen Drago's capabilities, it is always prudent to explore alternatives." His tone was even but edged with irritation. He didn't like being trapped on Berk but nowhere else was safe.
"And Lord Dagur is an alternative?"
"He offers a way to demonstrate our...friendship to Lord Drago," Viggo explained evenly. "And by delivering Captain Fury to him, perhaps it would open a door to negotiate a truce..."
"I heard that the expedition was to find weapons capable to defeating Drago," the agent murmured and Viggo sat back. Someone had been very indiscreet.
"No such things," he suggested smoothly.
"I heard there were three," the agent murmured, confirming the leak in security. "Weapons that may prove decisive in the battle."
"All the more reason for Drago to prevent their discovery...if they exist," Viggo reminded him reasonably, steepling his fingers. "Personally, I would imagine such weapons would have been discovered or destroyed years ago." The agent rose and cracked his neck.
"We'll see," he said distractedly, rolling the little parchment into a tube and diving into his bag to pull out an irritated carrier pigeon.
"My agents have already infiltrated the mission and will do all they can to retard or divert them from their goal...and allow Lord Dagur ample chance to catch up with them...and take his prize..." Viggo reminded the agent, who was delicately tying the tube to the pigeon's scaly leg.
"I am certain that, thanks to your assistance, my master will find Fury swiftly...and then we can all see if these weapons exist." he gave a cold smile. "Lord Drago will be delighted to get the pirate back-he has sworn to kill him himself! But don't worry, Master Viggo. Lord Dagur is not such a fool to anger the Master of the Pirate Council. And he will appreciate all the allies he can get when dividing up the Archipelago...once Drago has taken what he wants..."
Viggo watched him walk onto the deck of his ship, the DragonEye and throw the pigeon into the air. It flapped in a lazy circle, then headed north at top speed. The small agent flipped his cloak up and trudged down the gangplank then vanished into the swirling crowds of market day as the pirate stared after the pigeon. Ryker slowly walked up to his side.
"Are you sure this is wise?" the older brother asked. "Fury does, after all, represent the best chance of defeating Drago!" Viggo folded his arms and scowled. It was only occasional when his brother questioned his designs but it always irked when he did. Viggo always plotted a dozen moves ahead while Ryker could barely concentrate on the move in hand.
"Drago cannot be defeated," he said levelly. "We both know that. The man is unstoppable. So we can either sail to our suicide or surrender...or ally with the inevitable victor. And there is only one thing that Drago is desperate enough to get his hands on which may cause him to honour an alliance: Fury. We hand him over and at least we stand a chance."
"And the other Captains? And Berk?"
"Loki take the hindmost. It's every pirate for himself. We look out for ourselves, brother-and leave Berk before it falls!"
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