Symphony of Shadows

61. Hope

A/N: Exciting things are happening!! Next chapter will be out Sunday at 8pm American Eastern Standard Time:))

Astrid cursed as tremors coursed through the island, and the sound of a nearby explosion echoed. The entire island was quickly being pummeled with huge blue fireballs that caused small earthquakes with every hit.

Wild eyes glanced around, and panic soon settled into the hearts of the same Berkians who'd ridiculed her warnings. She hadn't expected the Shellfire to come so soon, but now was as good a time as any. Her appeal to the tribe had gone awry, and Hiccup had instead gotten into a verbal spar with his father. It hadn't been completely unexpected, however, since their relationship was tumultuous at best even when they lived under the same roof.

Thankfully, Fishlegs had kept his word about the Shellfire and supported her. But she didn't know Berk would be getting an in vivo assessment of the dragon this soon.

Astrid guessed now was as good a time as any.

"Everyone, man your stations! Get the catapults out to their assigned positions and launch!"

The warriors took off in a frenzy, leaving behind the elderly and the children. Who would accompany them to the Great Hall? They had to get to shelter. The square was too exposed. Astrid searched for a particular kooky blond and found Ruffnut helping a mother and young son shelter inside a nearby hut.

"Ruff, I need your help!"

Her friend ushered the small family in and ran to Astrid's side. Stoick was too busy barking orders to care what she did. Hiccup looked mildly perplexed but said nothing as he watched her jump into action.

"I need your help. Take this group over to the Great Hall. I'm going to go see if this thing can be stopped. When you get there, promise me you'll stay inside."

Ruffnut clasped Astrid's hand in hers and nodded.

"Only if you promise to stay alive."

Astrid smiled softly and nodded, even if it wasn't a promise she was sure she could keep. At least the agreement would bring her friend comfort. With that, Ruff turned and waved her arms in the air to get the attention of the frazzled crowd.

"Alright, people! Time to get somewhere safe. Follow me. We're headed to the Great Hall!"

The village gave her friend less credit than she deserved. Ruffnut was more than capable. She just chose to play into the perceptions of others. Ruff enjoyed the ruckus it caused, but Astrid knew she was reliable when things got serious.

Astrid turned to Hiccup, whose stormy expression could be seen miles away. She sighed.

"You're going to tell me not to go, aren't you?"

He hesitated before looking away. His jaw clenched so hard she worried he'd break a tooth. Hiccup shook his head and crossed his arms, clearly upset about her conversation with Ruff.

"I just—I don't get it."

"I can't give up on them, Hiccup. They're helpless. This is the tribe I swore to protect, and they'll see that I was doing just that this whole time when I take Viggo down."

He didn't appear to understand as he scoffed and pointed at his father—who was directing Spitelout to do something with a catapult.

"Those are the people you want to risk your life for?! The same people who turned their backs on you the first chance they got??"

Astrid frowned. It was much more than that. He was making it seem like she was making a rash choice.

"How can you not see that they're just like me? They're confused and scared, and people who think they have no other options act defensively. You, of all people, should know that. I was just like them once. Would you have given up on me then?"