The Blacksmith's Apprentice

Thirty Two: Another Way

Thirty Two: Another Way

There was an audible gasp as the Night Fury pressed his nose into the hand of Chief Stoick the Vast, leader of the Hairy Hooligan Tribe of Berk. His disowned son and daughter in law, Hiccup and Astrid, shared a relieved grin as Toothless crooned and opened his large green eyes, pupils wide and trusting. The Chief looked down, briefly thinking that he should be burying an axe between those two acid green eyes...and then dismissing the thought. The dragon had offered him trust, a gesture that was far more intelligent and human than half his fellow Hooligans could manage. Unconsciously, a small smile lifted his lips at the astonishing proof of what Hiccup had so outrageously claimed. And Stoick had to admit to himself that a part of him had doubted the boy's words.

Odin, he was right. This is...amazing. This creature could kill us all and instead, it wants to be friends. Well, let's be honest, it's Hiccup's friend and he's asked it to put itself at our mercy. And it has. Gods, how in Midgard did Hiccup if all people discover this?

Because he isn't a Viking. He sees things differently. He is inventive and attacks problems from different angles to the rest of us. And he always gave people a chance-even when they gave him none. When he was abused and taunted and beaten, he got up and tried harder. He did everything he could to try to make you proud and it was only your own stubborn refusal to accept the son you had, not the mythical son you felt you deserved, that denied you years with this amazing young man.

Thor, I've been a fool. I made a catastrophic mistake with Snotlout, ignoring my own son and his particular qualities. I can't afford to make another. A Chief protects his own-but I have neglected the one of my own closest to me. He was right about everything.

So I will give my son his chance-because he has earned it. He was willing to give his life to prove his point-and that is the act of a Chief. Of the son I owe an apology to.

"Hmm...dry and scaly," he commented but he was smiling at Hiccup's briefly shocked and wary look. "Hah! Got you!"

Hiccup stared. "You're-you're joking?" he gasped. "Stoick the Vast, the best dragon....you know...on Berk is touching a dragon and he's joking?"

"You know, I like the idea that my very sassy and sarcastic son is at a loss for words. I should do this more often," Stoick smirked. Hiccup found his cheeks heating and he looked plaintively at Astrid for support.

"He's got you there, babe," she grinned.

"You too?" he whined. "Thor..." Then Toothless made a noise instantly like a laugh and Stoick's grin widened. Gobber rolled his eyes.

"Okay-so what do we do now...not that watching yer pet that reptile isnae heartwarming'n all," the blacksmith said. Stoick looked up at his Council of Elders and saw the clear division: he knew this would be difficult and painful...though nothing worthwhile was ever easy. Then he patted Toothless gently before turning to the assembled Tribe.

"Maybe...we could see a demonstration of what these young people can do?" he asked, his gaze drifting to his son. Eyes sparkling, Hiccup grinned.

"It would be my pleasure!" he announced.

oOo

Toothless was bouncing like a puppy as they walked out the Great Hall and down onto the Plaza, most of the village in tow. The Riders were following Hiccup and Astrid closely as they hit the ground and Yaklegs flashed Tiril a smile-then blushed as she grinned back and took his hand in a very confident gesture. The Night Fury waggled his behind and grinned as Hiccup climbed into the saddle.

"You ready, bud?" he asked and the dragon gave a confident warble.

"Go get 'em, babe!" Astrid shouted encouragingly as she stood back to stand by Stoick and Gobber. Hiccup hunched over Toothless's neck.