The Dragon Games (HTTYD AU)

Twenty Nine - New Beginnings

Hiccup leant on Astrid, exhausted, as Orald walked towards them. Stoick stood in front of the two teenagers protectively, but let the man approach. Alvin lay on the beach, guarded by Stormfly and Gobber, Toothless sleeping beside them.

"You retrieved evidence from Dragon Games Island." Orald said, almost a question.

Hiccup met his gaze. "Yes. Dad?"

Stoick passed the papers that Gobber had fetched to Orald. 

There was a tense silence as he read the papers. Orald's jaw clenched and he turned to face Alvin. The previously intimidating man lay still, face expressionless. 

"You were my friend," Orald started, voice cold. "Yet you've betrayed not only me, but the entire Archipelago. Take him away."

Without uttering a single word, several warriors seized Alvin. He didn't drag his feet or fight back; Alvin let himself be taken. His icy gaze never left Hiccup. They took him towards the prison.

Orald sighed, running a hand through his hair. "This changes a lot more than you realise, Hiccup."

Hiccup frowned. "I know. Obviously, you are now the leader of the Archipelago Council -"

Orald made a face at the bluntness but didn't interject.

"But we also now have to get rid of the Dragon Games. Alvin's whole plot depended on using that island as it's a dragon nesting site so the dragons won't abandon it."

Orald brushed a hand through his beard. "We can't just abandon the tradition. The idea dates back long before Alvin."

"Well, initially, it was more of a survivalist challenge," Gobber added. "We can pick another island and revert it back to its roots. A trial of independence and adaptability. No major risks of death."

Hiccup grinned. "Sounds perfect."

Orald raised an eyebrow at Hiccup. He blushed. 

"The young lad is correct. That does sound like the perfect solution. Now, I have some pretty important letters to write." With that, Orald gave a polite nod the Stoick and headed towards his boat. 

"I can't believe it's over," Astrid whispered, so quiet only Hiccup heard her. Her eyes were open, vulnerable. Hiccup swallowed and took her hand, giving it a small squeeze. 

He ignored the familiar feeling of his face being set on fire. "Well, there's one more thing we need to do."

*

The Dragon Riders flew in an uncoordinated swarm, not bothering with formation. Astrid stayed by Hiccup as the majority of the teenagers continuously moved around each other to chat. It shouldn't have been possible for them to make this much noise, but Hiccup couldn't find it within himself to be bothered by it.

In the distance, the recently renamed Dragon Island was visible. The first time Hiccup saw the island, all he felt was fear. The second time, determination. But now, it was excitement.

They landed by the caves. Hiccup shifted his weight on the balls of his feet and turned to the Dragon Riders.

"Everybody pair up! Search a section of the island and try to make peace with the dragons," Hiccup instructed, glancing over at each of the members in turn.

Heather looked at Fishlegs from the corner of her eye. "I'm with him." Fishlegs blushed, but nobody commented on it.

"I'm with Sister-nut, of course." Tuffnut stretched and rapped his knuckles on Ruffnut's helmet.

She rolled her eyes. "Not like we have much choice, sharing a dragon. So that obviously doesn't count."

"Fair point, dear sister. Snotlout, it is time for you to learn the ways of the Nut!"