Breakneck Bog

The voyage to Breakneck Bog was uneventful mainly because Hiccup stayed mostly in his cabin and refused to acknowledge that Camicazi even existed. He had returned to his cabin after giving Fishlegs the course and a strict injunction not to discuss their deductions with anyone-not even Sven or the twins-and had grovelled to his seven year old son for forgiveness.

Of course, Arild had forgiven him immediately, shocked at how down and ashamed his father had appeared. And even when Arild had hugged him, Hiccup had been quiet as he sat, the boy curled in his lap and across his chest, snuggled hard against his father. Astrid had gently scooched in against his side and he had finally relaxed, his head resting on her shoulder, his arm around his son. Observing him closely, she knew what it was: Berserk. The prospect of facing Dagur and Heather again was beyond his endurance and he was actually afraid to go to Berserk. And he had promised that he would retrieve the weapons...which meant that he must.

That night, he had nightmares. He slept on their enlarged bunk with Astrid-chaste, cuddled together with nothing more than a little light making out and hugging- but he usually slept sound and secure in her arms. The night after the Dragon, he had woken screaming, begging Heather and Dagur to let him go...or kill him. Astrid had jerked awake, immediately wrapping her arms around him and knowing in her heart that Arild would be terrified because he was listening as well. He was struggling, whimpering and pleading, his face and voice terrified, glassy emerald eyes unseeing and she had been worried that his struggles would tear his stitches. She held him close, stopping him thrashing and gently began to speak.

"Easy, Hiccup...it's okay, you're safe, babe...I'm here and I won't let them hurt you any more..." she whispered.

"H-heather...I'm so s-sorry..." he whimpered. "B-but I-I n-never loved you...I-I'm sorry..."

"I'm here, babe," Astrid whispered, kissing him gently.

"Astrid...why did you have to leave me?" he whimpered. "I-I loved you forever and you betrayed me...and I can't bring myself to love anyone else..."

"Babe..." she whispered, shame scorching through her. "I'm so sorry...I will never hurt you again..."

"Oh, Arild...I'm so sorry, bud...I know I promised...but I've failed you..." he groaned, tears glimmering in his eyes.

"Hiccup..." Astrid whispered, her hand pressed gently to his face. "I'm here and safe. Arild is safe..." Tears trickled down his face as she stared over to the shocked and terrified boy.

"Is Dad...?" he whimpered.

"He needs you," Astrid said quietly. There was a rustle and the sound of small, bare feet on the floorboards before the little black-haired shape arrived at the bed. Arild's pale face was scared as Hiccup moaned and whimpered but he bravely scrambled up and pressed his small body against the battered man.

"I'm here, Dad," he said quietly. "Please don't cry..." Hiccup's arms tightened fiercely around the boy and the head dropped against the nuzzling little boy.

"A-arild?" he said, his voice disorientated. "Bud...are you okay?" And he took a shuddering breath, his breathing heavy "I...I just had a nightmare, Buddy. It's okay..."

"I know, Dad," the boy said as his father lifted his head and looked at Astrid. "Sorry, Milady. Maybe I should go sleep in the hold..."

"WIth Cami? Gods, no!" she said and though he was still fuzzy, he gave a very low chuckle, rough and hoarse from his screaming in his already damaged voice.

"Yeah...I suspect I'd find your axe somewhere I really wouldn't want it," he admitted with a small smile, feeling her press against him.

"I wouldn't trust that woman not to try again," she said quietly. "She knew what she was doing. She's trying to split us up..."

"Cami? I don't think..."

"No, you don't," Astrid reminded him softly. "You respond to her because she was the first woman you...erm...and you consistently forget how that ended. But she was sent here by Viggo and I really don't think he wants us to succeed. If he did...why send Mildew?" He leaned back against her...then gently lay down on the bunk, Arild snuggled into his chest and Astrid hugging his back. She tenderly drew the blankets up over all three of them. It was cramped but warm and for the first time, he felt completely safe. He was with his family.

"You're right...no one who wanted this venture to succeed would send Mildew," he murmured. "I trust you, Astrid. Watch her for me. And...I love you..." He felt her hug against him. "I love you both," he added drowsily as Arild curled tighter and they all fell asleep.

It was late the next morning when they sighted the fog-swathed island that the map claimed was Breakneck Bog. The twins were almost uncontrollable with excitement when they were told where they were.

"BREAKNECK BOG!" Tuff shouted. "Home of the Fog Monster!"

"Yeah...it sneaks up on your and scrapes the flesh off your bones!" Ruff added, miming a very unpleasant scraping motions.

"And then it scrapes your bones off...whatever they're over..." Tuff finished, somewhat lamely. "FOG MONSTER!"

"Oh, gods," Hiccup groaned, peering through his spyglass at the jagged shore. The place was larger than he had expected-maybe half the size of Berk. They could search for half a year to find the weapon if they didn't have more of a clue about its whereabouts...but Hiccup was starting to get the glimmerings of an idea. "Does anyone have a map of the actual island?"

"Um, I might," Fishlegs volunteered, diving into his little workspace in the hold and emerging with one of the books he had rescued from Wrinkley's cave. Hiccup round as he peered at the runes on the cover.

"Um...does that say 'Book of Dragons'?" he asked. Fishlegs looked swiftly.

"Um...yes?" the First Mate admitted.

"Random question: why?"

"Because it is an original copy of the ancient Viking Book of Dragons that he somehow got his hands on...though there are additional pages slipped in here and there..." Hiccup limped to the rail and peered at the foggy shore.

"Fishlegs...which dragons used to live on this island...?" he asked suspiciously.

"Dragons?" Fishlegs asked, trying to sound innocent.

"Fish-please remember I have studied Natural Sciences," Hiccup reminded him abruptly. "There were dragons all the way over the Archipelago until about six hundred years ago. And a few hung around until maybe four hundred years ago. All of Wrinkley's weapons are named after Dragons." Fish stared at him in shock. He had completely geeked out over the Book of Dragons he had found but he hadn't ever considered that anyone else would be interested-or recognise the connection.

"Smothering Smokebreaths," he admitted. Hiccup peered and inspected the island again. The idea crystallised.

"Find me their lair," he commanded. Camicazi folded her arms and gave a proud grin, catching his train of thought.

"Brilliant...just what I'd expect of you, lover," she grinned, drifting to his side and reaching for him. He flinched and shied away.

"Can't see what yer talkin' about," Mildew grumbled. "Where is this weapon s'posed ter be?"

"On that island," Astrid commented, standing boldly on the deck with Arild at her side. Hiccup nodded, turning away from Cami and pointedly walking to her side, tousling the boy's hair.

"And when were you planning on sharing that fact with us?" Cami asked sharply, her tone cold and aggressive towards her rival.

"About...now," Astrid retorted smugly.

"Yer were supposed ter keep us informed..." Mildew sneered, his tone turning unpleasant as he lurched towards Astrid. Hiccup took a sharp pace forward, his eyes glittering.

"You were in the cave...and you ran without hoping the team rescue any intelligence," he said sternly. "And your crewman dropped a lot of vital scrolls that she grabbed when she was running..."

"She was running for her life!" Cami snapped. "You can hardly blame her for ensuring she got out alive..."

But I can for stealing the scrolls and probably deliberately disposing of them, running ahead-so she was safe-and leaving my crew high and dry, Hiccup thought as he cast her a long look. But he forced his voice to be calm as he folded his arms and stared at his crew.

"Fish-you, Elias and the twins are with me," he said. "Captains Camicazi and Mildew-you and your people should come as well. Snot-I presume you, Astrid and my son will want to join in?"

"Try and stop me, cuz," the stocky man said with a grin. "Now all we need is a plan."

"Oh, I have a plan," the pirate said with a small grin. "Ruff-take us in!"

oOo

Fishlegs directed them to the north-east coast of the island, the closest shore to the supposed lair of the extinct dragons and the place where Hiccup had guessed Wrinkley would hide his weapon. When she thought about it, Astrid realised there were a lot of 'dragon' connections in the man's work. The isolated genius seemed to have been as obsessive and geeky as Fishlegs was, creating weapons that only Hiccup could understand the technical details of. She glanced across at the pirate and sighed: he was stubbornly determined to go on this mission, not trusting the other Captains with the safety of his crew. As if feeling the weight of her eyes, Hiccup glanced over to her and his green eyes were bright with his affection for her. He smiled and his face lit, his fading bruises still painful to see.

"Ready, Milady?" he asked quietly and she strolled casually to his side, leaned over the rail by him, their arms pressed together comfortably. They were so close they could lean their heads so close as to be almost to be touching...and whisper quietly between themselves.

"As always, babe," she murmured softly. His gaze flicked back to the grey shore.

"I think you're right," he replied, his voice still hoarse. "Cami's crewmate, Mathilda, threw those scrolls away. No one on Cami's crew would panic and drop anything her Captain asked her to guard. That's why I'm not having either of them or their companions on the Night Fury while we're ashore. I don't trust them."

"I don't trust her with you," she murmured. He gave a low chuckle, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"Hmm...if it's any consolation, I'm far more interested in you than anyone else," he muttered back, his emerald gaze flicking to inspect her own flushed cheeks.

"Are you sure you can make the trip?" she said after a moment.

"I'll manage," he sighed. "I don't trust them with you and my son. And definitely not with the weapon." He looked up at her as they dropped the anchor. "Astrid-I'm gonna ask you to trust me. To trust what I say and don't try to correct me or interfere. Just support me when I ask it. I do know what I'm doing and though it may seem like I don't, I have a plan." She stared at him: the tone was pleading and she realised he needed her support.

"I promise, Hiccup," she murmured and rested her head against his for the briefest second. His hand ghosted against hers and a little smile tilted his lips.

"Looks like we're here, Milady," he murmured as the boats were dropped and he heard Fishlegs approach. "Time?" he asked, craning his neck to see his friend nod.

"Yes, Captain," Fishlegs said, his satchel stuffed with Wrinkley's journal, the Book of Dragons and a copy of the map of Breakneck Bog. Hiccup slowly straightened up: he was back in his leather armour, a sword on each hip and the scarf ready to cover his lower face. Astrid shifted the axe across her back.

"Let's see if they take the bait," the Captain murmured as he took Arild's hand and they headed for the boats. Hiccup made sure his son and Astrid were with him and the other two Captains were securely in the other boat. Watching Fishlegs and Tuffnut row was distracting enough while Ruffnut commented snarkily on her brother's performance. The twins spent the entire time sparring verbally or physically-or both-but woe betide anyone who attacked either, for the other would inevitably spring to their defence. But Fishlegs was far larger and could put a lot more weight behind each stroke while Tuffnut was quicker and more superficial. As a result, their rowing boat tended to swing from side to side in a slightly nauseating way.

"Um...Dad...is the boat meant to go like this?" Arild asked innocently, lurching sideways.

"Probably not," Hiccup murmured as they lurched the other way. "Traditionally...we go like that..." And his hand flapped towards the other boat. Cami grinned and he nodded at her, giving a little shrug. The other boat hit the shingles of the beach first and the others-Elias, Snotlout and the two Captains with their crew-mates-disembarked. Nodding to Fishlegs, they accelerated to the beach and the second party staggered out, the twins still bickering. Arild stared up at his father: he could sense the pirate's tension and his small hand grasped Hiccup's.

"So what's the plan, lover?" Cami called, grinning.

"Yeah...we need ter know where we're going," Mildew sniped. "This is outrageous! I demand to know where the weapon is!" Hiccup unrolled the map Fish had given him and beckoned them closer, his finger tracing over the outline of the island. The other Captains, Astrid, Snotlout and the twins crowded round.

"We are here," he explained, his finger over the bay, "and there are two possible sites for the Smokebreaths' nest. The caves here...and here..." Camicazi peered closer, memorising both sites. "My group-Fish, Astrid, Arild, Snotlout, Elias and Ruff-will take these caves..." He indicated the closest site. "And the others will take that site." Mildew frowned and scratched his whiskery chin loudly.

"Why are we takin' that site?" he asked pointedly.

"Because the other is closer and I can't walk as far," Hiccup said too quickly. Sharing a glance, Mildew and his man, Olav, shook their heads.

"I think...yer are takin' the better prospect," the other Captain growled. "We'll swap." Astrid opened her mouth to protest but Hiccup laid his hand on her arm and she bit her lip.

"What did you want to say, blondie?" Cami asked pointedly. Astrid scowled.

"He is injured," she growled and Hiccup sighed.

"I'm fine," he protested gruffly, his hand tightening on her arm, but despite his reassurances, Cami knew he was still stiff and had been injured. His overprotective crew had been talking and Cami-and Mathilda-were very good at listening. She smirked.

"If you're fine, then you'll be happy to swap," she suggested, testing him.

"If it's what you want..." he said huskily, his eyes meeting hers.

"Babe..." Astrid said softly, her voice pleading.

"Whatever Cami wants, she gets," Hiccup said determinedly and the female pirate preened.

"And if I want you?" she said, taking a pace forward and resting her hands on his shoulders. He pulled away from Astrid and gave a small smirk.

"That...depends..." he murmured.

"On what?"

"If we're celebrating," he teased her. Her eyes sparkled.

"Then I'll give you something to celebrate!" she said cockily. "C'mon, Mathilda-let's find this weapon so Captain Fury and I can have a little alone time...without any unwanted company..." She cast Astrid a triumphant look before she beckoned to Mildew to move out. Looking confused, Tuff stared at his Captain and wearily, Hiccup nodded, breathing hard as the party headed off up the beach, Mildew complaining vigorously and Olav trudging along at his heel. As the crunching of footsteps receded, Snotlout crossed his arms with a frown and looked from Hiccup to Astrid and back.

"Okay-you plan on telling me what's happening?" he asked shortly. "I mean, no offence, Hicc but Astrid looks so mad she looks like she's gonna axe all your tender parts off! Can't you see...?"

"...that Cami assumes I'll jump into her bed the moment I get the chance? No, hadn't noticed that at all," Hiccup shot back sarcastically. "And I know you were shocked, Fish, that I sent them to the site of the lair...initially. I was assuming their natural suspicion would presume I would send them on a wild goose chase."

"Which you have...now..." Astrid realised.

"And I knew you wouldn't keep quiet if you felt they were being unfair to me," he explained with a forgiving smile. "And I knew Cami would still believe she can snap her fingers and I will come running like her good little puppy. After all, she almost got me turned into a pariah by my own crew!" There were shuffling of feet as Ruff and Fish looked uncomfortable but Hiccup cautiously took Astrid's hand. "And you know I only have eyes for you, Milady. Now c'mon. Despite my assurances, I really am stiff and it's gonna be a hard trek to get to the lair and explore it before they realise they're walking around in circles..."

"Not with my brother in charge," Ruff grinned. "He'll have them so confused they won't know what island they're on!"

"Just in case...I'm navigating," Hiccup said, lifting the map, pulling out his compass and beginning the trudge up the beach. Arild ran to his side, grinning as the rest of the party followed. The island was generally flat and grey, with scrubby bushes and tough grey grass and a smattering of moss. A forest yawned ahead, loosely packed conifers heading down a gentle slope towards the rocky gulley and shallow caves they had identified as the Smothering Smokebreaths' lair.

"Does anyone live on this island?" Astrid asked quietly, staring around. There were no birds or sounds of other wildlife.

"No one permanent," Fishlegs explained. "Too remote and not enough resources..." Astrid supposed that sounded about right. There was water and wood and the sea to provide fish but there were no other animals...she supposed you could import sheep or goats...and it was northerly and hence cold. She looked around the quiet forest: she wouldn't fancy living here in winter.

After about an hour, they emerged into a clearing and a rough path emerged, heading straight and true to the edge of a deep and wide gulley. A path wound down the side to the flat rocky floor of the gulley and the little party wandered down, Hiccup carrying Arild who was stumbling a little. The boy was murmuring comments and questions and the pirate was answering with infinite patience. And Astrid wondered: how often had his queries been dismissed as stupid when he was small? The boy laughed, the little sound loud in the silent gulley as they paused and Fishlegs and Ruffnut quartered the space.

"Found it!" Ruffnut's shout filled the space and everyone scrambled in her direction, seeing the entrance to the cave folded behind an outcrop. Elias and Snotlout found material for torches and swiftly lit them...and then Hiccup and Fishlegs led into the gloomy cave.

It smelled damp with a metallic edge to the scent that was unusual. Hiccup raised his torch higher and his green gaze swept the shadowy corners of the cave, his sword tight in his fist. The place was creepy and despite this being his idea, he was beginning to consider he may have been reckless. And the air was getting rather hazy... He paused and rolled his eyes.

"Fish...what exactly did Smothering Smokebreaths do?" he asked in an exasperated voice. The First Mate thumbed through the Book of Dragons and gave a squeak of delight.

"They emit smoke to conceal themselves, breathe fire and steal metal to weld together into a nest to protect themselves from larger dragons," he read happily. Hiccup paused and glared at him. The air was definitely getting thicker with haze and Astrid drew her axe, standing by Arild.

"Are there any left?" he asked directly.

"Um...don't know..." Fish had to admit.

"Perfect," Snotlout commented. "There's a lot of smoke..."

"Can hear wings," Elias commented, raising his sword. It suddenly vanished. "AAH!" he shouted, leaping back. Astrid narrowed her eyes and Hiccup's head snapped round. He could hear something.

"DOWN!" he shouted and leaped backwards, carrying Astrid and Arild to the floor. The others dived away as a huge ball of fire roared over their heads.

"Loki-my brother would love this!" Ruff complained as Fish stared at her.

"I'm loving this!" he protested. Surprised but pleased, the female twin winked at him.

"We gotta talk when we get out of here!" she grinned. Hiccup lifted his head and stared worriedly at his son and girlfriend.

"Stay here and stay down!" he growled, breathing hard. His side was hurting again but he twisted and staggered up, lifting his sword and the torch regardless.

"Hiccup!" Astrid hissed, grabbing onto Arild. "What about the dragon?"

"I don't believe there is a dragon!"

oOo

"Are we there yet?" Mildew's moaning voice was getting on everyone's nerves. Cami's most of all. Yet they had yet to even catch sight of the outcrop the caves were under. The Captain nudged Mathilda and then drifted closer to Tuff, who was leading the way.

"On the way, not far now!" the male twin said cheerily, taking them around another loop back on themselves. When Hiccup had explained his plan, Tuff had studied the map very very carefully and then led them with speed, confidence and just enough edge of craziness to discourage questions. But after an hour and a half, Cami had stopped following and was finally thinking again: she could recognised a bullshitter when she saw one-she was a mistress of the art, after all. So she sprang ahead of Tuff and grabbed him by the throat.

"Where are we, really?" she hissed, a short knife pressed to his throat. He gulped and pointed a finger to his right. Cami peered through the firs and saw the mainmast of the Night Fury: she gave a hiss of fury.

"Don't actually know the way to the cave," Tuff said with a shrug. "But I think..."

"It's that way!" snarled the female pirate and stormed off in the direction she had noted from he map. Mildew glared but followed.

"Still not right makin' an old man walk this far..."

"That would have been my ninth choice," Tuff added, grinning and followed them.

oOo

"What do you mean, there is no dragon?" Fishlegs squeaked. "I can hear..."

"Fire and moving parts," Hiccup told him, his eyes narrowing as he carefully moved forward. His torch lifted a little higher and the flickering lights showed a cannon that was still smoking from launching the fireball, leather sails flapping at the disturbance of the air as they moved into the secluded cavern. The devices leaking smog into the air that were slowly dying because whatever chemical they had used were running dry. "The man was a mechanical genius with a dragon obsession. He wouldn't leave anything to chance...like the small detail of the dragons say, being all out sunbathing or carelessly extinct when they were needed!"

"It's brilliant..." Elias murmured, peering at the smog pots. "How...?" Hiccup managed the smallest of self-conscious smiles.

"Because it's what I would come up with," he murmured and limped deeper into the cave. Arild's small hand clamped onto Astrid's and she squeezed it tight as they cautiously followed. Clutching the Book of Dragons close to his chest, Fishlegs scuttled after his Captain, with Ruff and Snotlout bringing up the rear.

"Is he always like this?" the stocky man asked Ruff. She shrugged ambivalently.

"Nah...he's much more chatty than usual," she rasped. "Must be because Lady Astrid's here. Usually, he's positively taciturn!" Shaking his head, Snotlout sheathed his sword and sighed.

"You know-he used to be a really bright, friendly kid," he murmured. "There was a real sense of optimism whenever you talked to him. And he was brilliant...academically and with his hands. Despite how awful his Dad and my brother were to him, he remained bright and friendly...until he was disowned." He paused. "If I had known, I would've helped him, but I was away on a trading trip with my Dad at the time. I think that was why Magne acted: because I wasn't there to stop him." His fists tightened.

"Look, we all have a past we regret," Ruff reassured him quietly. "The trick is moving on and making the best of today."

"Fish...here," the Captain called and they all ran forward-to see a strange, cannon-like device with a dragon carved on the barrel. "Is this it?" Fish and Ruff ran to the weapon and saw amazing saw-edged chains packed alongside with cannonballs that could be attached.

"Yes...this is the Timberjack," the First Mate said with delight. "Fires chains that slice through hulls, prows, masts and people..." Arild clutched Astrid's hand tighter.

"That sounds...horrible," he murmured. "Mom-how do we get to back to the ship?" Hiccup stared up into the darkness, his lips curling in a small smile.

"Someone has to carry it," he said quietly, beckoning to his son. Gently, he pulled Arild forward and showed him the rusted, welded nest of the dragons, deep in the dark corner. Snotlout walked forward, nodding to Elias and Fishlegs.

"I think that's our job," he suggested, looking around and finding an iron spear. Swiftly, he jammed it under the weapon and grabbed one end. Fishlegs took the other and Elias gathered the spare ammunition. Spinning back, Hiccup clutched at his side...and then a small smile tilted his lips at the sight of his friends lifting the weapon and moving steadily towards the grey daylight.

"Let's get this weapon back before the others realise they have been totally duped," he said with satisfaction and slowly followed them. "Hopefully, they will think Tuff's detour is to stop them getting to the actual cave...not a decoy site..." Astrid took his arm as they emerged into the foggy afternoon and smirked up at his bruised face.

"You know, Mr Pirate...you are brilliant!" she said, pressing her lips to his cheek. He turned to capture her lips with his and shared a brief but intense kiss.

"You know, Milady...if there was ever a reason to carry on being brilliant, that was it," he murmured, running his fingers gently through her hair. "Now I need you to help me get back to the ship..."

"Dad...can you carry me?" Arild whined and the pirate managed a weary smile.

"Say-what if I carry you, Arild and we let your Dad just walk himself?" she asked. Sighing, the boy extended his unbroken arm and she swept him into her arms, then looked up at the pirate. Even through the smoggy air, he looked tired, deep shadows under his glorious emerald eyes...but he still offered her a small smile.

"I'll manage," he said gruffly but she positioned herself so he could lean on her.

"So can I, babe," she assured him. "I'm a Hofferson: I'm tough!" He leaned his head against her affectionately for a moment before beginning their limp back to the ship, knowing the others had the harder job, carrying the weapon, Ruffnut fell in step alongside them.

"You know...those other pirates aren't gonna be very happy," she reminded them as they made their slow way up the steep path back to ground level. Hiccup stared ahead for a long moment then blinked.

"Mmm? Oh, I'll remind them whose ship they're on before we head to Meathead Island," he said with the right amount of gravity and then he paused to ruffle Arild's tousled hair. "Did you enjoy today, bud?" The boy nodded.

"Yeah, Dad-it was cool," he smiled and hugged Astrid. Both shared a small smile...

...for amid the darkness, cowering in their rusty nest invaded by alien technology and a terrible weapon they had no understanding of, the timid hawk-sized grey shapes had been moving enough for the pirate and his son to see. The little trails of smog they left as they moved was enough to persuade the pirate that Wrinkley the Wise wasn't responsible for all the fog on Breakneck Bog. Father and son had shared a silent promise to keep the secret as they turned away, leaving the little dragons to their peace and their secret existence once more...

oOo