LOST BETWEEN TIMELINES: HTTYD (HICCUP x READER)

Chapter 22

The next day~

As the arena fills with the bustling energy of the village, anticipation surges through the crowd. Stoick smiled proudly, though his expression betrayed a hint of unease. F/n stood beside him with a grumbled Spitlout. 

Gobber approaches Hiccup, "Give it your best, lad," with a wink that offered a hidden boost of confidence. All eyes are fixed on Hiccup as he steps into the ring with his helmet on. 

Up in the stands, Y/n watches from the shadows. She's not at the front, not where Stoick or the crowd are standing, but she's present—silent, but vigilant, supporting Hiccup. Her eyes flit to Gobber, who now went up standing near Stoick. Y/n had made sure Gobber knew exactly what to do if things got too heated.

The teens were hooting and hollering from the stands.

"Show 'em how it's done, my man!" Tuffnut shouted, his excitement evident. 

Hiccup locked eyes with Stoick, who nodded with a smile. Hiccup returned a half-smile, took a deep breath, and hoisted a shield onto his forearm.

He then selected his weapon from a rack of many—a small dagger. Stoick muttered, "Hrmph. I would've gone for the hammer." Gobber leaned in, just as planned, and said, "Maybe he has another way around."

Astrid and Leo exchanged glances from the entrance of the arena. It was clear both had their reservations about what was going to happen. The village expects a fight, but after everything Y/n told them last night, they knew Hiccup was planning something different.

Astrid leaned closer to Leo, her voice low enough not to draw attention. "Do you really think this is going to work?"

Leo shrugged, his eyes still fixed on Hiccup, but there was a hint of skepticism in his tone. "If anyone can pull off something crazy like this, it's him. But..." He trailed off, glancing at her with a raised eyebrow, "doesn't mean I'm not prepared for a mess."

Astrid huffed lightly, but there was a tension in her face. "It's not just about Hiccup. It's about the whole village. If they don't listen... if Stoick doesn't listen..."

Leo's expression softened, just slightly. "They will. Y/n's got it all planned out, doesn't she? Let's hope she's as smart as she thinks she is."

Astrid smirked a little, though her eyes didn't leave the arena. "She always is."

Hiccup turns to face a bolted, heavy door, taking a deep breath. 

Flashback~

That night, after the flight, Y/n and Hiccup sat together in the cove, looking over the stars. Hiccup was nervous, unsure if things were going to be right tomorrow. Y/n reassured him, her voice calm but firm.

"You can't tell them everything, Hiccup. Not about Toothless, not about the Dragon Island. Not yet."

Hiccup nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. "But won't they ask why the dragons attack if I don't mention the nest?"

Y/n smiles, always a step ahead.

"Focus on what they understand. Twist it. Say they're forced to attack, but don't say by who. Let them wonder—build their curiosity. And if Stoick interrupts, don't panic. Gobber and I will handle it. You just stay calm and stick to the plan."

Hiccup sighed, leaning back against Toothless. "And if it doesn't work?"

Y/n's gaze had been unwavering. "Then we deal with it. Together. But keep Toothless or D/n and the island you discovered out of it. Trust me on that. I'll help with the rest."