The New Life

Hiccup was sitting in on the ground with a table of food in front of him. To his right was Kiyoshi and his father Daichi. Across from him were the prince and princess. At the center of the table was the Shogun. Everyone was wearing their best formal wear. Even Hiccup, who had been lent a spare wardrobe that consisted of what Kiyoshi called a Kimono, Hakama, and Monstsuki. They were quite comfortable. A giant mass of people were gathered in a long room that was used for celebration. After the death of the Orochi, everyone returned to the castle, and after a few days of treating the injured a banquet was held to celebrate the success of a mission accomplished. Hiccup was being given quite an honor, being allowed to sit so near the Shogun. All around, the men and women were laughing and enjoying the food. Hiccup smiled as the warm atmosphere. It had been a long time since he had been around so many friendly faces. Behind him Toothless and Amakage sat in the courtyard outside the rooms and enjoyed their serving of fish.

"Hiccup-san?" a voice said to get his attention.

Snapping from his thoughts, Hiccup turned to Daichi, "Sorry sir?"

"The Shogun wants to know what you will do now." Daichi said repeating his question.

Hiccup remained silent for a moment as he mulled over the question. What would he do? The original plan was to stay until he helped solve their dragon problem. Now that he had done that, was he still welcome. Nervously he said, "Uh…well. I guess Toothless and I will keep traveling. I mean we fulfilled our end of the deal, so I guess we go right?" He searched the face of the Shogun to see if that was satisfactory to him.

The Shogun remained silent for a moment with a neutral expression. Then he spoke to Hiccup and Daichi translated, "The Shogun wishes to offer you a new life here Hiccup. He is willing to give you your own quarters and a job as a blacksmith," Daichi said with a warm smile. As the Shogun kept speaking, Daichi continued to relay his words, "Additionally he would like you to help our people learn more about the dragons. Even help us to ride them, so that we can maintain peace in the future to come."

Hiccup's eyes widened in surprise at the Shogun's offer. He never would have imagined that he would be given so much. He was an outsider, a foreigner, an invader for all they knew. Looking around he was met with the warm smiles of everyone as they awaited his answer.

To his right he felt a hand grasp his shoulder, "Stay my friend. You have a place here with us," he heard Kiyoshi say. Turning to his friend, he was met with a smile and a nod.

*"Oh yes Hiccup-san. Please stay,"* the princess said with a smile.

To her left the prince smiled and nodded in agreement.

Hiccup was still speechless. It was a great offer. He could learn so much form this land. Their weapons and armor were amazing and their smiths were blessed with outstanding skills. Skills that would make him a better smith if he stayed. Plus, he wanted to learn all about these dragons. He wanted to see if this land had anymore species. He wanted to explore this land and learn from it people. Before making a final decision, he look back to Toothless for his input. The dragon smiled and gave a nod in agreement.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he gave his answer, "I guess we could stay for a while." He tried to keep his tone and voice as casual as possible.

A cheer went through the crowd as he gave his answer. He smiled sheepishly as everyone drank and cheered for him. Then the Shogun raised his hands to silence the crowd. Ina few short words he stood, followed by everyone else in the room. As Hiccup made a move to stand as well, Kiyoshi held his arm up to stop him. Remaining seated, Hiccup glanced around in confusion.

As the Shogun spoke loud enough to address the whole room, Daichi translated. "Hiccup for all that you have done for this land and its people, we show you our respect," with that Daichi paused and bowed to Hiccup. Kiyoshi followed his father's example followed by the prince and princess and everyone else in the room. Lastly, with a smile the Shogun bowed to him. Hiccup was honored at everyone's praise. Then the Shogun began to speak once more. "The Shogun would also like to give you a gift. A gift to commemorate your new life here. A new name," Daichi explained.

Hiccup's eyebrows rose and his heart thrummed in anticipation.

"As long as you are in these lands, we shall call you, Ryuiji," Daichi finished proudly.

Hiccup mouthed his new name. Letting it sink in. He liked it. But he had to know, "What does it mean?" he slowly asked.

With a chuckle Daichi explained, "It can mean many things depending on the kanji in which it is written. But what we had in mind would be read as, Dragon Child. A fitting name, don't you think?"

Hiccup beamed with pride at his new name. They had given him a new identity. Here he wasn't a runt, a fishbone, a 'Hiccup'. Here he was Ryuiji. The one who had saved them with his creativeness and courage. "I love it," he said earnestly.

Everyone smiled and clapped at his answer. With that, everyone sat down and the fest continued. Hiccup couldn't remember the last time he had been this happy. He had found place here in this land. They had given him a purpose, they showed him respect, and here he wasn't ostracized for being physically different. He didn't know how long he would stay in this land. But he looked forward to what he would come to learn from it. While he would never forget about his home and his people, he would let these people fill his heart with warmth that he hadn't received over the years. Maybe one day he would return to them. But if that day ever came, he would never forget this land and his adventure in it.

This, the land of myth and magic. This the land of the samurai and the rising sun.

This, the land of Japan.

So that's the end. Hiccup decided to stay. i intend to write a sequel in which Hiccup returns home after being made an samurai. And uses his new skills to save them in their hour of need. Hope this was enjoyable.