Molded in flames (A Httyd Fanfiction)

Chapter 30: Festival of blood

Normal pov

In Persia, today marked the end of the year and they'd celebrate it with an event that last an entire day, where they gather all of the criminals, prisoners of war, rapists, murders and other filth to fight to the death against the Inquisitors.

This was how Darius would deliver justice to his people, and quenching their thirst for vengeance, they'd receive a feast for the eyes and know that they don't need to spend the rest of their days seeking to claim the lives of those who've wronged them.

The imperial city had crimson banners hung everywhere, the authorities moved all the criminals to the arena to prepare for their inevitable deaths. The arena itself was large enough to had the entire city, shaped like a dome, similar to the colosseum of Rome.

People all over the empire came to attend in the festival, as tradition has it the citizens wore black and crimson, to represent this day of justice and vengeance. Hiccup and his inquisitors wore jet black armor and crimson braces, the execution games would begin at mid day, so that left the elite warriors time to prepare for a long day of blood and death.

Hiccups pov

The 'Festival of Blood', smart name, considering that we'd be executing criminals. In the Archipelago a criminal would be branded as one, exiled or receive the blood eagle, the worst punishment one could receive. I put on my black armor, and put on the crimson braces on my forearms, I looked in the mirror. I looked like death in human form, if Berk could see me now.

They'd know that I'm no longer a sickly weakling, I checked for any imperfections, I saw none, I saw Toothless and Blue cuddling together, I smiled, those two have gotten closer every day, they could possibly one day mate and produce a hatchling.

"Toothless, I'm going now, I left enough fish for you and Blue in my absence." I communicated to him in my mind. Toothless grunted in response, understanding what I said, I shook my head while smiling and left my room. I made my way to the training room and saw the rest of inquisitors all in their black and crimson armor, looking ferocious, they saw me and they all stood up. I lead these warriors, I found them and reforged them into something of worth, they owe me their lives and their gratitude.

"Hiccup, damn, you look like death in the flesh." Amam said with pride.

I smirked at him, we grasped each others forearms and pulled each other into a hug while chuckling.

Ana joined us smiling at our brotherly embrace, I looked at her and had to admit she looked beautiful in that armor. "Your woman looks like an angel of death brother." I said to Amam. She blushed at my comment, he laughed at her embarrassment.

"He's right babe, you look devilishly sexy in that armor." Amam than grabbed Ana and she squealed in surprised and then pulled him in a passionate kiss.

I just chuckle at the two, and leave them be, and walk toward our new member, the Numidian. "Juva." He looks at me and finishes sharpening his sword, and gets on his feet. "Haddock, what is it?" He asks. I wrap my arm around his shoulder.

"You've shown great promise as an Inquisitor, yet we're about to end the lives of criminal scum, the worst of the worst, they had their chance to uphold the laws of Persia, yet they ignored them and we are the instruments of justice today, we are the will of the people today, we will show them that we aren't just weapons of war but that we are the protectors of both Darius and the citizens of Persia, you understand?" I asked, because Numidians are from the plains of Africa and are fierce warriors, yet Juva needs to learn that we aren't Inquisitors for glory or laurels, but that we're protectors of both humans and dragons. "Of course Haddock, I understand." He nodded. I smiled and patted his back.

Darius royal acolyte bodyguards informed us it was time to make our way to the arena.
With that said we sheathed our swords, daggers and other weapons and made our way to the arena.

Normal pov

As the group of warriors made their way to the arena, they couldn't help but marvel at the sight before them. The arena seemed to have stretched the heavens and they can hear the crowd shouting as they finally entered into the arena. As the warriors made final preparations, Hiccup twirled his swords expertly and took a deep breath. This was a day of justice, and he'd deliver that to his new countrymen. The horns blew, indicating it was time to begin, the roar of the crowd sent shivers down Hiccups mind, knowing they were counting on the inquisitors to deliver them justice.

The warriors climbed the fleet of stairs and soon enough they entered the arena. "HERE ARE THE INQUISITORS!!" The game maker announced to the crowd and they again the crowd let out a roar while dropping crimson rose petals to their champions. We made our way to the center of the arena, a pavilion was in the center where Darius sat along with the rest of royal family.

Darius stood up and raised his hands to quiet the people, and when they were quiet he spoke.
"My people, today marks the end of the year, for those who've been wronged, who've lost one you've once loved, your thirst for vengeance will be quenched, my inquisitors are lead by one not of Persian blood but has the heart of a Persian, he and his warriors will be the instruments of justice for you this day, and by days end you will know that these warriors are here not only of service to me but to you as well! May the gods bless this day of blood to be forever etched upon your memory and to be remembered forever in history, glory to the Persian empire!" Darius finished with a mighty cry, the crowd gave a roar of appreciation and approval.

The Inquisitors bowed in respect to Darius and Hiccup drew his weapons out first, followed by the rest of them. The game maker, made his announcement of the game schedule, each game was a far worse and the look of fear etched upon the criminals face was sweet, they'd know that no reward is given for attempting to believe that they themselves are above the law.

The game maker announced the entrance of the criminals, and the arena filled with booing and the crowd began throwing food at the criminals. The criminals had weapons in hand and charged at the warriors, thinking superior numbers would overwhelm them.

Foolish thoughts.

Hiccup and his fellow comrades lashed out, and in the act had delivered justice to all of Persia's people. A lesson well learned by all in that arena. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice anywhere on this earth.