Growing Up Without Berk

Chapter 3

"No, Stoick wait!" shouted Gobber, trying to get his attention.

Stoick kept walking, distracted by his own thoughts.

"I was going to say you should put him in dragon - " Stoick walked out the door, slamming it behind him. Sighed Gobber, "training."

The Next Day...

Stoick woke up from his wood bed, with a smile on his face. He knew today would be the start of the rest of Hiccup's new life. He was excited that he would get to train his one and only son to be the best Viking of Berk.

After gathering every Viking in the Great Hall, and Hiccup standing next to him, he decided to tell everyone his big news.

"Hello fellow Vikings of Berk," Stoick boomed. "Today is a great day to be a Viking. Today, I have made a decision that will not only impact you but my son, Hiccup."

"What?" Hiccup asked himself.

Stoick never talked to Hiccup about his plan to take a trip with him. He was doing this without Hiccup's consent. Stoick was so excited about his plan, he decided not to tell Hiccup so it would be too late for him to back out.

"I have decided that with all these dragon attacks, we need two extra hands. But with "this"," Stoick said gesturing towards Hiccup, "we are losing many battles."

Hiccup dropped his head, not because his father was dishonoring him, but because what he said was true. He was a mess. Hiccup suddenly picked up his head. "That's right..." Hiccup thought to himself. "I am a mess. Maybe this whole trip thing is good for me. I can then show everyone how much of a Viking I am. I mean, it's not like it going to take long." Hiccup smiled, proud of himself.

As soon as Hiccup thought that, he snapped back into reality hearing the words he did not want to hear.

"On a three-year training trip," said Stoick beaming.

"What!?" Hiccup said almost exploding. Every single Viking looked at him. "Three years?! It's not going to take three years."

"Ahh but it is, son," said Stoick, still beaming. "I mean it's not like it's going to take months," he said chuckling. "I need you to be the best Viking you can be," patting Hiccup's shoulders.

"Or the best son you want me to be," said Hiccup half angrily half tearfully.

"Oh, don't think like that," said a carefree Stoick. "Now go up to your room and pack your things. I'll be preparing the ship. We leave first thing in the morning!"