(HTTYD) To Protect Its Own

To Recognize One's Strength

Astrid POV

"Your weapon is so cool-- not as strong as Hiccup's-- but his weapons were always strange so that just doesn't count!" I looked at the ax in Camicazi's hands in absent-mindedness before realizing that it was mine. I unconsciously reached for my belt where my ax should've been, surprised it was indeed gone. When did she take it? She looked at my ax with awe and admiration before gesturing the ax to Mala. "Right?!"

Mala took it from Camicazi's hands, appraising it with her hands. After a while, she nodded and agreed with Camicazi. It gave me a rush of pride. After all, it was my favorite weapon. "It's a sturdy and well-maintained weapon. She knows how to use it."

"Well, they all look like fighters," Eret said bluntly, looking at us with approval. At that moment, Ruffnut looked at Eret, winking at him suggestively. Eret laughed nervously, moving away from the bold viking deliberately. "Some more than others."

Mala said nothing, her eyes still looking at us suspiciously. They were all very different people, making me wonder how Hiccup would have the opportunity to meet them. "How did Hiccup meet you?" Eret rolled his eyes at me and gave me a sheepish look.

"I almost impaled him." Camicazi shouted lightheartedly.

"I threatened to kill him." Mala said bluntly.

"He captured me." Eret stated grudgingly. He nodded at me with a smile. "What did you do?"

My heart plummeted at his words. I knew he meant it as a joke, not knowing anything. Because, if we answered the question honestly, it would not be the same. It just revealed the worst things about ourselves. "We betrayed him."

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They didn't say anything. When we expressed of what we've done to Hiccup, various emotions went through their face. Suprise, anger, sadness, even pity. Eret sat down on his haunches, his face in utter surprise. His face then changed into an indifference expression, attempting to hold back something.

"Why?" The question was short and clipped, taking me by surprise.

"Huh?" He was now standing, looking at everywhere else but us.

"Why did you do that?" I  contemplated on the question. My heart plummeted yet again when the answer came to me. I don't know. We hurt Hiccup so much for so long yet I didn't know why. He was useless, but was it enough to trigger the hurt we've caused? Now that the events have passed, the reasons of why we have done the bullying, the disappointment, the scorn just felt wrong, too stupid, confusing me to no end.

"I don't know. I followed everyone I guess--that he was not--"Hiccup's smiling face flashed into my mind. I made a pained face when I said the next words. "--normal."

 Eret spoke softly, his hands crossed behind him. "You were right about one thing, then."

I looked at him with mild curiosity. "What would that be?"

Mala interrupted, her arms crossed on her chest. She looked at me with a solemn expression,  never looking away. "He is not normal."

I looked at the three who were staring at each other. Their eyes were bright, not dimmed like we were when we realized that. They were proud of the truth they revealed to us. While Hiccup's hometown saw disappointment. "You're right. I guess we couldn't think that was just okay."

"How is Hiccup now?" Snotlout said nervously. For once, I agreed with him, wanting a concrete statement of how he is. Sure, we can see it, but I guess we all want a confirmation from the people who've known him more than we have. Camicazi whipped his head at us, her eyes coldly glaring at us.