Dark Wings

Chapter 3: Worst Father

Stoick's POV

To say the hunt for the nest was a disaster was an understatement. It was an utter failure and embarrassment. Half of Berk's fleet was lost to those damned dragons and I could already feel the headache coming on from the letter I would have to write to Chief Mogadon for more supplies. We were gone for two weeks, so I hoped for good news when it came to the teens training menu against dragons. The ships approached the docks slowly as myself and the other warriors viewed the various villagers waiting to greet us. I could see the anxious wives looking for their husbands, their eyes filled with fear if their husbands died in battle. Sisters watched if their brothers were still in one piece, mentally, emotionally, and physically. I let out a sigh of disappointment, my frustration stemmed from the news that I would have to give to the families who lost someone during the hunt for the nest. I saw Gober approaching the decks, but his movements were stiff and slightly hesitant. Gobber instantly helped me out of the ship and took my basket full of supplies and was walking me back home.

"Well, I trust you found the nest at least?" he asked.

"Not even close." I replied with a bitter tone, not in the mood to discuss the failures for the hunt of the nest.

"Ah. Excellent."

"I hope you had a little more success than me."

"Well, if by success, you mean that your parenting troubles are over with, then... yes."

I stopped immediately and looked at Gobber. A look of apprehension crossed his face and it looked like he was trying to find the right words to say to me right now. What in Thor's name is going on? What could Gobber find so hard to talk about, especially to me? Before he could open his mouth, a group of villagers passed by me, before rushing down to the docks and greeting the warriors who came home from fighting.

"Congratulations Stoick! Everyone is so relieved."

"Out with the old and in with the new, right?!"

"No one will miss that old nuisance!"

"The village is throwing a party to celebrate!"

My heart started to beat rapidly in my chest. Is Hiccup gone? Maybe they're talking about him doing great in dragon training?! That has to be it! He's finally abandoned his crazy inventions and decided to become a true Viking!

"He's . . . gone?"

Gobber turned around and gave me a sad look. He took off his helmet and rand his hand against his bald head. He breathed out a heavy sigh and looked like he was about to cry. "Listen Stoick... it's like this..."

Gobber's POV

Flashback
The arena was deadly silent. Hiccup gave the recruits and I a deadly before he ran like Hel out of the arena. I looked at the recruits and all of them quickly fazed out of their shock from Hiccup's outburst. I knew the lad didn't like the treatment from some of the teens and villagers, but my Thor! There was so much venom from the lad; I had no idea what to do!

"I can't believe Useless thinks that he can talk like that" Astrid said. She gripped her axe and looked at the spot where Hiccup once stood. "He's lucky he ran away or my axe would've met his head."

"N-not to be rude" Fishlegs stuttered out. "But what he said was kind of the truth."

We all whipped their heads to Fishlegs who looked afraid to speak anymore. Astrid stalked up to Fishlegs and held her axe dangerously in the air. "And what truth was that Fishlegs?"