In Order To Survive

Rated; M for Mature
Pairing; Hiccup X Vera[OC]
Disclaimer; I do not own How To Train Your Dragon, movies or books. Everything belongs to Dreamworks or Cressida Cowell

Keep Moving On

=Normal POV=
[Tuesday, 12/25/2018- 3 pm]
[Isle of Berk, Archipelago]

The honeymoon was amazing, and nothing went wrong. Hiccup and Vera left on the morning of the 15th and returned in the afternoon on the 23rd. Henrik was left in charge of the Hooligans, Gobber and Spitelout helped him out if he was unsure of something. All the guests from other islands left by 9 am on the 15th, shortly after Hiccup and Vera did. Toothless, Lightheart and Moodscale stayed behind while Hiccup and Vera took a seaplane to Denmark; then from Copenhagen Airport to Frankfurt in Germany, and then onto Orlando Florida. It was a long trip, and when they arrived at their hotel, which was just 10 minutes from Disney World; the two just got ready for bed and slept the remainder of the time. The trip was perfect, and Vera loved everything they got to enjoy while in Disney World. Hiccup took her to every park, and they rode on everything that was safe for a 5-month pregnant woman to be on. It was an unforgettable trip, but Hiccup and Vera were happy to be home on the 23rd.

The first thing they did was get some sleep upon returning. On the 24th, Hiccup was happy to see everything already for Snoggletog. But today was Snoggletog, and as happy as he felt he should be; he was actually pretty sad. Waking up this morning, Hiccup used the bathroom, showered, got dressed, and took his usual flight with Toothless. Lightheart and Toothless had actually just gotten back on the 24th in the morning and Hiccup was happy to see two eggs with them. Lightheart carried one, and Toothless, the other. The first thing Hiccup noticed is that these eggs were placed at Berk's highest peak in a small nest that Lightheart guarded and Toothless would check in like the worried expectant, first-time father he was. Hiccup couldn't blame him; he did the same thing with Vera. But today, Hiccup wasn't feeling happy even though he should.

So he didn't get why he was upset, at least not until Toothless and Hiccup flew over the beach and saw the grave marker for his father. Then it hit Hiccup hard; this was his first Snoggletog since being back on Berk. Hiccup was married with one daughter, and another child on the way. Hiccup had his friends, the Tribe, even his mother. And Hiccup was the Chief…But it didn't erase that his father wasn't with him this time. Hiccup sat on Toothless most of the morning, and by breakfast; Hiccup hadn't returned. In fact, Henrik was asked to announce that Hiccup wanted to be left alone. It was Vera who figured out what had been bothering Hiccup when saw him on the beach with his arms draped over his knees and just staring out at the sea.

"He misses his father," Vera informed upon entering the Great Hall for lunch as no one yet knew what was wrong with their Chief.

"What?" Valka asked.

"Hiccup isn't off flying; he's on the beach, sitting in front of Stoick's memorial stone," Vera said softly.

"You think it might be due to today's holiday?" Brynjar inquired. He'd come with Katja, Viggo, Kelda, Brenden, Ander, Colden, Ryker, and Hertha to celebrate Snoggletog together. Of course, Brynjar had wanted to see Astrid; things between them were getting pretty serious. Brynjar asked Astrid to be his girlfriend while Hiccup and Vera were on their honeymoon, and Astrid accepted.

"I think it's he's upset about all the time he lost with his father," Katja said. "Hiccup and Stoick didn't have a good relationship; then Hiccup left for 8 years. Stoick and Hiccup had one Christmas together in Denmark, and now…Stoick is gone after all that stuff when Valka returned about being a family again,"

"I think you might be right," Ander agreed with his girlfriend.

"Same," Colden nodded.

"Makes the most sense," Astrid said.

"And today is supposed to be a holiday for family and friends," Valka sighed. "I'll go talk to him," she stood and exited the Great Hall.

. . .

[12:20 pm]
[Thor's Beach]

"Hiccup?" Valka asked. Hiccup instantly looked back to see her; then turned his face away to wipe the wetness and tears from his face.

"Mom, hi…Is, uh…Is everything okay in the village?" Hiccup asked instantly, coughing to clear his throat.

"You don't honestly think you can hide how you're feeling from me, do you?" Valka asked.

"I don't know what you're-," Hiccup started as Valka sat beside him, cupping his face with her hand.

"I miss him too, son," Valka said as Hiccup shut right up. "We all miss him," Hiccup lowered his head, wiping another tear that leaked down his face. Valka pulled him against her and Hiccup didn't fight it. "I know it hurts, Hiccup. I spent 22 years away from you and him; we were finally together again, and then he left us unexpectedly,"

"No…No, he gave his life to save mine because I was too weak to stop Drago…" Hiccup clenched his fist.

"Hiccup; you're the strongest person I know next to your father. Even if you had been able to get through to Toothless before the blast, your father would have sacrificed himself another way. Nothing would have stopped him from giving his life for you, me, the Tribe. You were the one he protected, yes, but Hiccup; he was the Chief, and he would have done it for anyone," Valka explained.

"Your mom is right, Hiccup," Hiccup turned quickly to see Vera there, but not far behind her was his in-laws, the Andersons, Gobber, and basically the whole Tribe. "Stoick would have given his life for anyone; it just happened to be you in the heat of the moment when the Bewilderbeast overpowered Toothless, and there was no time for you to calmly get through to Toothless to break the hold,"

"And Hiccup, you're just like your father…" Gobber added in. "Boar-headed and stubborn," Gobber rolled his eyes. "But, you get yours from him, Hiccup. Spitelout is right. You couldn't have stopped your dad from doing what he did; he knew the dangers and didn't care as long as you were safe. And you did the same thing to protect us,"

"And you'd do it again if necessary. You said it yourself, Hiccup; the same as your father lived and died by. A Chief Protects Their Own. At the time, Stoick was Chief, and he did he felt he needed to do in his own way to protect the Tribe, by protecting you. And you immediately stepped into your role as Chief, Hiccup, and you did whatever it took to keep not just your Tribe safe, but all of ours," Viggo offered. "We all would have done it in the same position,"

"Regardless of being Chief or Chieftess, Hiccup…A parent will do anything to protect their child," Valka said softly, stroking his hair from behind. "I know it hurts that he is gone, son, but he'll always be with you,"

"I know…He told me," Hiccup replied.

"What do you mean?" Vera asked.

"The day he died…In this same spot before I fired the arrow; he told me he'd always be with me," Hiccup said, looking out to the water again.

"Explain, son?" Valka inquired as Hiccup stood up, taking a breath, but still facing the water.

"Everyone saw me hesitate on firing," Hiccup began. "I couldn't do it. I knew it meant saying goodbye, and I didn't want to do that; I didn't want it to be real. But…I heard a voice in the wind tell me to let go. I was confused, but I knew the voice belonged to my dad. I still didn't shoot, and I heard him say again; Let go. I'm always with you. The last thing he said after I realized that my father would always live on in my memories and heart was; I love you, son. I told him I loved him back, and that's when I was able to fire the arrow," he stated.

"Why didn't you tell anyone about this; it's unheard of," Astrid mentioned.

"Actually…It's not, Ast. Many people beyond the Archipelago believe that spirits of those who have passed on find ways to communicate with us. It could be a dream, something simple like getting a nudging or pulling feeling to do something. But…A lot of people report feeling a comforting wind and hearing voices around them," Brynjar said softly. Valka stood up and cupped Hiccup's cheek again as Vera held Hiccup's hand.

"Listen, son. When I was younger, my father used to tell me around the holidays when I was missing my mother who passed away from disease when I was about 13 years old; I know what it's like to miss someone you love around the holidays. But can you do when they can't be here with us; you celebrate them. So, I think that's what we should do. You know your father wouldn't want us to be upset on a day like this," Valka offered.

"Yeah, I know…I guess it just kind'a hit me when I woke up this morning and went flying that he wasn't here for Berk's first Snoggletog with the dragons…And all the other things he missed like my wedding, being named Chief…The birth of his second grandchild…" Hiccup sighed, wiping his eyes again. "All things I know he wanted to be part of,"

It was a bit silent now, and just like it happened in September; a wind whipped through and circled Hiccup. It was warm as Hiccup lifted his head to the sky, closing his eyes.

I'm here. I'm always here, son.

Hiccup managed a smile as he dried his eyes again. "I know, Dad," It came out of the blue, but after Brynjar's explanation to Astrid; it appeared that Stoick had come to comfort his son. "Alright," Hiccup wiped his eyes, smiling a little. "It's Snoggletog and before Dad decided to bury us in a blizzard for being upset; let's go celebrate," he announced. Everyone cheered and began heading back for the Great Hall. Hiccup stayed on the beach a moment more, smiling at the seat. "I miss you more than words can ever say, and I love you, Dad," after that, Hiccup walked with Toothless and Lightheart back to the hall to celebrate Snoggletog.

. . .

[Saturday, 3/16/2019-4:35 am]
[Haddock Home]

Well, a lot had happened in 3 months. Astrid was living on Protector Isle, yes the name for Hunters Isle officially changed when Viggo named Brynjar Chief of the Dragon Protectors. Astrid and Brynjar have married a week ago, and Brynjar became Chief at the start of March. Dagur married Mala and ruling Defenders of the Wing with her. Heather is preparing to take over Berserker with Fishlegs at her side, the wedding had not yet been decided. Camicazi got the law changed, and Tuffnut will become Chief of Bog-Burglar beside Camicazi in April. Eret and Ruffnut were married in February, and just learned they have a child on the way. Snotlout has moved to Lava-Lout and will be marrying Ragna by Summer. Replacing Snotlout and Fishlegs on Hiccup's council was Gustav and Gobber.

Hiccup and Vera's birthdays had passed. Hiccup is now 23, and Vera, 19. Emma was officially 10 months old as of the 13 of March, and the newest addition to the Haddock Household was due in about 2 weeks as Vera is 38 weeks pregnant. Everything was peaceful on Berk, and Hiccup ran the Hooligans as well, if not better than his father. Toothless and Lightheart had their two babies; a boy and a girl. One of the dragons, the female was Toothless's shade of black and had blue eyes like Lightheart, and the male was on the grayish side with Toothless's green eyes. The male was named Graycloud, and the girl, Blackscale. Everyone was sleeping right now except for those doing their guard shift; there would be another switch at 6 am. Hiccup was laying with his wife, fast asleep.

Suddenly, Vera awoke with a start as she sat up. Vera took a few breaths, rubbing her belly. "It's okay baby," Vera soothed. Hiccup was still fast asleep as Vera decided she might as well get up and use the bathroom. Vera took the blankets off and stood up. Vera felt a sharp pain as she gripped the headboard and tried to relax. Vera made her way to the bathroom and flipped the light on. Vera used the restroom and washed her hands before shutting the light out and preparing to walk back to the bed. Another pain shot through her as she panted a bit; this was stronger than the other two. These pains were happening every 5 minutes, and Vera didn't think that was right. Still, perhaps she just needed to get some more rest.

Vera sat on the bed and prepared to lay down, but then it happened; her water broke. Shock and fear washed over her as she knew she was still 2 weeks from her due date. "Hiccup…" Vera said lightly. Hiccup didn't wake. "Hiccup," Vera tried again, whimpering as she felt another pain. Hiccup remained asleep, Vera knew her husband was a heavy sleeper since becoming Chief. Hiccup had early mornings and late nights all the time. Vera cringed with a hand on her belly; she moved her other hand to Hiccup, shaking him a little. "Hiccup! Hiccup, wake up, please?"

Finally, Hiccup groaned a little and yawned. "Hm…What's up, babe?" Hiccup asked lightly.

"Hiccup…My water broke," Vera said.

"Okay…I'll fix it in the mor-," Hiccup began tiredly, but stopped; the words running through his head again as he quickly sat up in bed. "Wait, what did you just say?" he asked again.

"M-My water…Ow…Broke…" Vera stated again.

"When?" Hiccup inquired.

"J-Just now when I…Sat down…" Vera cried a little how the pains felt. Hiccup got out of the bed and moved around in front of her.

"Okay…Okay, don't panic. Where's your bag? We'll go to the hospital," Hiccup informed.

"D-Downstairs…I-In the closet," Vera said. Hiccup helped Vera up, slipping her boots on her feet first. Hiccup assisted Vera downstairs and had her sit on the couch while he went upstairs to get Emma from her room. Hiccup helped Vera outside and sitting on Toothless's back. Hiccup ran Emma over to his mother's place, knocking on the door. Valka answered 3 minutes later, tiredly. Hiccup handed Emma to her.

"Vera's water broke," Hiccup said. Valka perked right up and nodded.

"Go, go; I got Emma. Keep me updated," Valka said. Hiccup kissed Emma's forehead and then his mother's cheek before hurry to Toothless and having him fly carefully and at a low-level to the hospital. It wasn't as advanced, but it had what was needed for emergency care. Toothless landed as Hiccup carried his wife in, the bag on his arms.

"Chief, what's wrong?" asked one of the helpers. There was no reception; it was just 3 women trained for childbirths overnight and standard first aid. There were men too, but the women handled births.

"Vera's…Water broke about 7 minutes ago," Hiccup explained.

"Bring her right in," the girl said. Hiccup followed the woman to the room and set Vera down on the bed. Hiccup stepped out of the way but didn't leave Vera's side. The woman and another one worked to get Vera out of her clothes and into a gown. One of them got between Vera's legs and checked her dilation.

"How far?" the second woman, much younger and about 26 years old asked.

"She must have been in labor through the night because she's already about 6 centimeters dilated," the older woman, about 39 replied. "Did you have any discomfort last night, Chieftess Vera?"

"N-Not really," Vera shook her head. "The pains started around 4:35 am, 5 minutes apart,"

"Well, you're in the right place. Don't worry about a thing," the older woman smiled. Hiccup nodded and kissed Vera's head; this was it. In however much longer it took to reach 10 centimeters; his and Vera's child would be born.

. . .

[9:50 am]

As soon as 7 am hit, Hiccup texted everyone who needed to know about the event. He was sure the Hooligans would learn from Henrik, who was Acting Chief for the time being. Mari was now on the team to help Vera give birth, so that set Hiccup at some ease. Vera hit 7 centimeters by 5 am, 8 by 8:45 am, and now they were just waiting on the final two so Vera could push. The Grimborns, Kelda, Brenden, Colden, and Ander had arrived around 9:15 am; they flew as fast as they were able on their dragons. Hertha was now at Vera's side to help support her through everything. All the Chieftains had been informed too but told not to come until a few days after the baby had been born. Also, to let Hiccup know when they were coming.

Mari strolled in with a smile and sat on the edge of the bed while pulling on a single black glove from off the wall. "Shall we check and see if we're there yet?" Mari asked.

"Yes…Please…It hurts, and I feel a lot of pressure," Vera admitted. Mari spread Vera's legs and set her hand in position to check. Mari smiled broadly.

"It's time, sweetheart," Mari informed. Minutes later; everything was set up and everyone in place. "Now, I want you to push and hold it for 10 seconds; then breathe until I tell you to push again. Alright?" Mari instructed. Vera nodded. "Push!" Vera did so. "Good girl, now breathe and get ready again," this process continued for 6 minutes. "I've got the head. Just give me one more good one, Vera," Mari smiled. Vera did and yelled out as she did.

"Come on, babe; you got this…" Hiccup offered, kissing her forehead and letting Vera squeeze his hand tightly. The baby came out and cried loudly. Vera entirely relaxed, panting hard.

"The baby is out and…We have a boy!" Mari announced. "Congratulations," Vera smiled as Hiccup kissed her deeply. A boy! He had a son! "Now…What will we be naming him?"

"Tradition says the father names the baby, so go ahead babe," Vera said. Hiccup thought about and smiled; he already knew.

"His name will be…"

. . .

[Monday, 3/18/2018-6 pm]
[The Great Hall]

Everyone had come out for the big reveal of Hiccup and Vera's first child and legal successor to the throne of Berk. Now, they were all in the Great Hall for dinner to celebrate the birth and meet the new baby. Dinner would begin right after Hiccup, and Vera arrived with the little bundle of joy and announced the name. The doors opened as Hiccup walked in with Vera, who was holding the newborn. Reaching the front of the room; it hushed instantly as Hiccup took the baby from Vera once she sat down.

"Everyone," Hiccup began. "I'd like for you to meet the next ruler of Berk, mine and Vera's son; Stoick the Second Haddock," Hiccup introduced while shifting his arms so everyone could see the baby in his arms. It was a boy, and Hiccup named him after his father, which everyone saw coming if Hiccup had a son. The room uproared in cheering and clapping. All Hiccup felt was the warm breeze of his father's presence surround him, and know he was there too. After some time, people began to eat while Hiccup watched Vera feed their son; he couldn't imagine a more perfect life. Hiccup couldn't help but remember where it all started over 9 years ago now; he'd been right. Sometimes the only way to survive and reach the ultimate happiness was to keep moving forward in life.

(Author's Note; And so ends In Order To Survive. Hope everyone enjoyed it! Not sure what I'm doing next, but it will be a Toothless and Hiccup story for sure. Thank you always for the continued support, and I'll be back soon! -Nightstar Fury.)