The Soul of a Dragon

Chapter 76

Vara

There's a strange lightness in the air today – a now very familiar sense of peace that settles over New Berk, even as the future hangs heavy over all of us. Toothless and Aria are quiet, resting on the cliffs, and for the first time in days, they seem calm. It's a relief, but it's also a reminder that this is temporary. I feel the pressure in my chest, knowing that this stillness won't last. We may have peace, yet I still feel like we're stuck in place and time; like we're just stretching out the inevitable.

I'm sitting with Hiccup, my legs curled up beneath me as I lean against his side, trying to take comfort in the warmth of his presence. We've been doing that a lot lately – clinging to each other in these small moments of calm, as if they can prevent the heavy decision each and every one of us has to make. A decision which has already been decided.

I'm lost in thought when I hear the familiar sound of laughter approaching. Malcom and Emmeline are walking toward us, deep in conversation. I can't help but smile. Malcom looks lighter, happier, in a way I haven't seen in a long time. And Emmeline... she's glowing, her sandy brown hair catching the light like spun gold mixed with threads of brown silk.

"Hey, you two!" I call out, waving them over.

They join us, and Malcom gives Hiccup a playful nudge before sitting down. I think I have never seen them interact like that. It baffles me to my very core. "I see you've been busy, chief," he says, grinning. "Still trying to solve the mysteries of dragons and women?"

Hiccup chuckles, but I see the flicker of tension in his eyes. He's been carrying the weight of both for too long. I interlink my arm with his and, in turn, he smiles warmly at me. "Something like that," he replies.

Emmeline settles beside me, her gaze flicking between Hiccup and Malcom. There's something warm and gentle in the way she watches Malcom, a softness that I haven't seen in her before. It's like she's finally let her guard down, letting herself be vulnerable around him. I know what she's been through. I was there with her for the majority of time. That's why I know she's one of the purest people I know – I want her to be happy.

"How's everything going with you two?" I ask, a grin tugging at my lips. Malcom's cheeks flush slightly, and I raise an eyebrow. "Something you want to tell us which we already know but won't voice until you do so?"

Emmeline laughs, a sound that's both surprised and happy, and she looks at Malcom with a fondness that's undeniable. "Well... we've been spending a lot of time together lately."

I nudge her playfully. "Duh. And?"

"And... it's been nice," she admits, her eyes meeting his. "Really nice."

I make a face. I want them to be happy but I don't need to know the details.

Malcom chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck in that awkward way he does when he's flustered. "Stop making that face, Vari. She didn't mean it like that. But she's right. Yeah, she's...not too bad to hang around with."

"Not too bad?" Em gasps and throws a small rock at him. They laugh. It's cute.

"Okay, okay," Malcom surrenders with palms in the air. "She makes me happy."

I give them obvious "aww" eyes and even Hiccup says, "You both deserve it. We're happy for you."

"Thanks," Em says. "He makes me happy, too."

Malcom's smile lights op the entire world upon hearing her say that. I am so glad they're both back to their real selves. I've seen both broken, shattered, lost. I never wish for the people I care about to feel that way.

I catch Hiccup's eye, and he smiles. I suppose I may be allowed to be a little egoistical and feel happy and thankful for my luck, as well.

Something shifts in Malcom's expression – something raw and honest. He reaches out, squeezing Hiccup's shoulder. "I'm trying, Hiccup. I really am. And I'm grateful for...everything. Especially after, well, everything that happened. I can't thank any of you enough for giving me a second chance."