[Video: 010] The Next Chapter (Backdated)

[summing_it_up]

Hey. Ah. I know everyone else has been doing this lately, but...I guess we all have to say something, huh?

[Hiccup looks away from the feed for a moment, visibly torn between what he should be doing. At the same time, there's this sense of unwavering resolve that comes to the surface.]

Guys? [Hesitation gets to him, but he pushes to continue.] I gotta go. [He strokes Toothless' head.] We need to go back.

The last time I went home, I came upon a very big, terrible discovery. And this happened the night before the final dragon test I have to go through. I know what happens. Astrid told me. I just...I have to go through with it, you know?

[Toothless gives the boy a nudge. A low gurgling purr clutters the sound for a moment. Hiccup laughs weakly, regaining his balance before looking back at the feed.]

So... [He draws in a quick breath, puffing out his cheeks.] That's it.

...Astrid?

Comments

[Video]

[gavesugar]

[She's going to miss the three of them so much.]

Please take heed, young ones.

I shall miss ye all.

[Video]

[summing_it_up]

Sheila...

[He tries to smile.]

The feeling's mutual. I mean, you've helped us a lot.

[Video]

[gavesugar]

[Sheila doesn't even try to smile; it's been exhausting today, and bound to get even more exhausting.]

Ye are excellent...

...Oh!

[She reaches into the pocket of her dress and pulls forth a series of index cards.]

Recipes for Astrid. She must practice.

[Video]

[summing_it_up]

[His brow lifts.]

That's– that's right! The recipes.

Uh...I should. Get them from you. Where should I meet you?

[Video]

[gavesugar]

[Only Sheila would think of such a detail at such a point.]

the mailbox. I shalt leave them there - ye can pick them up on the way to the Core?

[Video]

[summing_it_up]

Yeah.

[He nods.]

Yeah, I can.

Re: [Video]

[gavesugar]

[She seems relieved that it's been settled.]

May ye both use them in health.

[voice]

[madvaporskillz]

Go through and then through again. How very amusing.

[voice]

[summing_it_up]

Ahah, Iii wouldn't really call it that.

[voice]

[madvaporskillz]

You wouldn't?

[voice]

[summing_it_up]

Not at all. It's like bracing yourself for an incoming punch to the face.

[voice]

[madvaporskillz]

Why wait for it when you could simply not be there at all?

[voice]

[summing_it_up]

...I did think about that. It'd be great if I could avoid it. But...for some reason, it doesn't sit right with me.

Action

[that_is_asecret]

[Enjoy a Xellos who just sort of appears beside you]

Taking your leave, are we Mr. Hiccup?

Action

[summing_it_up]

[Augh, that is (of course) unexpected. Hiccup jumps, turning sharply as he steps back in surprise.]

AAh– really??

Action

[that_is_asecret]

[Well that was amusing]

Oh yes. Though you should probably be careful. No telling what could potentially happen within that maze of portals.

Action

[summing_it_up]

Maze, huh? Of course that would make getting back more of a challenge.

Action

[that_is_asecret]

You'll muddle through somehow I imagine.

[It seems to be your style]

Action

[summing_it_up]

[Well. True. He can't deny it. Hiccup snorts, trying to hide a grin.]

Yeah! Probably. That thing has my name written all over it.

[snowdropped]

I think I understand.

Good luck, Hiccup.

[summing_it_up]

Thanks, Rukia.

...I know it's only been so long, but I'm glad I got to meet you.

[snowdropped]

Long enough to be friends.

Do you have family waiting for you?

[summing_it_up]

I do. My village...my dad, since he's the chief and all.

What about yours?

[snowdropped]

My brother. And friends that have been as close to family as anyone could be.

[summing_it_up]

That's a good thing, right? Better than nothing.