Chapter 18 Before the Final Trial
After landing softly on the grassy cliffside near Berk, Thor let out a deep breath, scanning the horizon with narrowed eyes. The flight had been intense, and the discovery they had just made weighed heavily on his mind. The wind ruffled his hair as he turned to his younger brother.
"We finally found the dragon's nest," Thor said, his tone serious. "We need to tell Dad."
Hiccup immediately froze. His heart pounded in his chest, and his grip tightened on Toothless's reins.
"No!" he blurted out, panic creeping into his voice. "If Dad finds out... he'll kill Toothless!"
Thor furrowed his brow and looked at Hiccup, his expression unreadable for a moment. He crossed his arms and let the words hang in the air before speaking again.
"So... you're planning to hide the dragon's nest," he said slowly, "just to protect Toothless?"
Hiccup stood firm, nodding with conviction despite the fear that tugged at him.
"Yes. That's exactly what I'm going to do."
Thor sighed, a subtle but tired smile forming on his lips. He admired his brother's determination — even if it was reckless.
"Alright," he said. "But you know you can't hide it forever. Eventually, people will start asking questions. And sooner or later, you're going to have to kill a dragon during the final trial."
Hiccup looked down, the weight of his brother's words sinking in.
"I know," he said quietly. "But I can try to convince Dad... I have to try."
There was a moment of silence. Thor looked at him — really looked — and for once, didn't see the weakling the village had always mocked. He saw someone trying, fighting in his own way.
"Well," Thor finally said, turning away with a smirk, "good luck with that."
In a flash, lightning surged around his body, crackling with energy as he activated his divine power. Then, in a blink, he vanished — soaring across the sky like a bolt of light toward the cabin.
When he arrived, the night had fully fallen. The air was cool, and Berk was quiet in slumber. Thor entered the cabin with a faint creak of the wooden door. Inside, everything was peaceful. Shiro lay asleep, her hair gently draped across the pillow like silver threads under moonlight.
He moved quietly, trying not to wake her. Carefully, he lay down beside her, sliding his arm around her waist. As if instinctively sensing his presence, she moved closer in her sleep. He smiled softly and pulled her into his chest, letting out a deep sigh as his own eyes closed.
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The Next Morning
A distant horn echoed across the waters. Birds took flight from the treetops, and villagers emerged from their homes, murmuring to one another as a familiar ship approached Berk's harbor.
The Viking vessel — adorned with sturdy shields and a towering mast — slowly docked at the pier. Its arrival was met with cheers from a few younger villagers and cautious looks from others. The ship had returned.
Stoick the Vast, the formidable chief of Berk, stepped onto the wooden dock with authority. His presence was commanding — every stomp of his boot a reminder of who led the tribe. Behind him, warriors began unloading crates, barrels, and weapons.
"Come on!" Stoick barked. "Get everything unloaded! Move like you mean it!"
Gobber was already making his way toward Stoick, his wooden leg tapping rhythmically against the planks. He wore a wide grin, his usual jovial expression brightening the morning.
"So," he began, his voice loud enough to carry over the sounds of labor. "Did you manage to find the nest?"
Stoick ran a hand over his beard, his expression grim.
"Not yet," he muttered. "But we're getting closer. We tracked a few flight paths further east, and I have a feeling it's nearby."
Gobber, ever the optimist, clapped Stoick on the back.
"Well, you'll find it soon, I'm sure. In the meantime, I've got some news that'll brighten your day."
Stoick raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Gobber nodded enthusiastically.
"Your boy — Hiccup — he's been doing better than expected in training. Surprised everyone, really."
The chief's expression softened with curiosity.
"He has?"
"Oh, yes!" Gobber said. "Managed to stand his ground against a Nadder, used his head instead of his muscles — clever stuff. He's got spirit. The others are even starting to respect him."
Stoick's eyes lit up. He'd always hoped for his son to find his place among the tribe, to earn their respect not by force, but by proving his worth in his own way.
"And there's more," Gobber added with a grin. "He's been chosen to kill his first dragon at the final trial. In front of the whole village."
Stoick was silent for a few heartbeats. Then, slowly, a rare smile broke across his face. Pride — warm and fierce — filled his chest.
"Is that so?" he said, his voice low.
Gobber nodded.
"You should go see him. I'm sure he'd want you to know."
Without another word, Stoick turned and began striding toward his home, each step filled with purpose. For once, it felt like things were finally changing — and perhaps, just perhaps, for the better.
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