Revelation

Kindred Idun

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"Hiccup... Why the long face?"

"Oh, I just..." Hiccup sighed, pushing aside some rocks with his foot as they walked along, "remembered something about Tooth. If she was still here... She could definitely lift up the mood."

"...You're right," Jack gave a small smile, remembering the way Tooth laughed. It was innocent and carefree: almost like a fairy's. "...I think so too."

His older brother gave a quizzical hum. "Hey... I'm curious about something regarding Tooth's death. Something tough that would prove difficult to say in front of you..."

Jack made sure to steel himself before nodding - it wouldn't do for him to not be prepared for the potential gravity of his brother's question. "I don't mind, go ahead."

"...Tooth's killer," said Hiccup. "I want to know about who murdered her."

Not wanting to press him for more specifics to his question, Jack merely choked out a question. "What?"

"Oh...? So you're interested, too, Prince Hiccup?"

The crown prince looked sideways at North, nodding. "Yeah."

"Hold on. What do you mean?" Jack said. "You can't possibly be saying-"

"I'm saying exactly that. Tooth's killer... Might be one of our allies."

Jack felt his stomach churn, his face going pale. "It can't be...! It just - can't."

"Think about it. When we jumped from the suspension bridge, there was no one else."

An indecipherable expression came to North's face. "That's right. Moreover, she was attacked right after you jumped, Lord Jack."

"In other words...there's a high chance that the culprit is among us. Anyone would think so. The one who remained silent until now... Wanted to use your trust in your allies to plot something against you.

"However, the final battle is near. I just thought that you should keep this in mind, as well."

"It will not do if we turn against ourselves before the final battle," North pointed out. "It could be our downfall."

Jack was going through all of the possible suspects in his mind as Hiccup and North discussed a secret enemy among them, feeling somewhat nauseous. Beside him, in its sheath, was Guardian. If only it could help him outside of battle and figure out dire problems such as this, but it was a weapon, and a legendary one at that, but nothing more. He clenched his fists. "Bringing this up won't do any good to the army's morale. The three of us should keep it to ourselves for the time being until we have a definite answer."

"Apologies for making you worry when you have many more to burden on your own, Jack. What you're doing is fine..." Hiccup gave a pat on his shoulder. "However, remember what I'm saying right now. Think of it as a worst-case scenario. I just hate to think that something could happen to my siblings like what happened to..." he trailed off, eyes tearing itself away from Jack, as Jack nodded in silent understanding, giving a heavy sigh.

"...All right," Jack returned the gesture from his brother and gave a tentative pat, smiling. "Thanks for telling me, Hiccup."

"Jack!" Elsa ran to him and Jack realized with shock how far he, Hiccup, and North had lagged behind the others, who were already well ahead. He anxiously waited for her to continue. "You have to see this. Hurry!"

Jack ran with Hiccup and North following close behind him. He skidded to a stop where he saw Eugene and Elsa at the front, their weapons already held in front of them. Jack already knew who they were fighting against.