Chapter 21: A Brand New Beginning

The clear blue skies had once again returned to Berk as the summer air created a deep blue haze into the clouds. The waters were full of sjips moving cargo and people about.

"Mommy! Mommy! Hurry up!" Winter shouted, pulling her mother's hand toward the Great Hall. "Winter, please be patient. We'll get there soon," her mother replied. "But I want to go there now!" Winter said. "I don't want to miss Hiccup become the new chief!" "Me too! I want to go too!" North said. They both pulled their mother's arms towards the Great Hall in excitement.

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Millions of people were gathered outside the front steps to the Great Hall to finally witness the day in which Hiccup would now become the new chief of the village. Even all of the dragons were gathered to revel in this glorious occasion. Soon, the crowd was brought to a hush as soon as Altaira had appeared before them.

"My good people," she began, "we have been rescued from plunging into an eternal nightmare when the darkness first came upon these good villagers. Upon which we realized that the darkness itself was brought by a terrible spirit. But this spirit has once again lifted to the skies, and has now left us in peace."

"Thus, it gives us great astonishment to learn that our new chief in command, Hiccup, was also saved from a plague that almost took his own life," Kristoff said. "Of course, what the gods have given us, will henceforth be commemorated in this ceremony."

Altaira drew up a ceremonial scepter and strode over to Hiccup, who awkwardly kneeled down at her presence. "I am proud to announce that you, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III," Altaira announced while touching both Hiccup's shoulders with the scepter, "are now the new chief and protector of Berk and all its good people." Everyone clapped as soon as Hiccup received the Crest of the White Dragon. "You go get 'em, baby!" Astrid yelled out. Hiccup felt slightly embarrassed.

"And, as for you, Kida," Kristoff announced while approaching Kida, "the first-born descendant of Stoick the Vast and Valka, you have shown excellent bravery, courage, and stamina to prove yourself worthy to accept such nobility and responsibility to care and protect the ones you love." "And it gives us great pleasure," Altaira said, placing an elegant dragon-shaped tiara on Kida's head, "to welcome you…as the chief's new dragon maiden and second in command!"

Everyone across the village began to erupt in applause. And the dragons, along with the aid of Naishara's newly regenerated magic, blasted fire and flames into the air, which caused them to explode in multicolored fireworks! Kida and Hiccup were finally happy for the first time ever.

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A while after the ceremony, Astrid and Thorin led Hanson and Elfrin, both blindfolded, behind them. "Come on, hurry up, hurry up, hurry up!" Thorin exclaimed. "You guys don't want to miss this!" Astrid said.

The two girls led the boys through the village, nearly avoiding collisions with the other villagers. Thorin almost led Elfrin straight into a pole. "Ouch! You know, you're not a very good blindfold guide!" Elfrin said, rubbing his face. Finally, the four stopped.

"Okay, here it is!" Astrid said. She and Thorin yanked the blindfolds off of Elfrin and Hanson. A beautiful brand-new sled stood before them. "Ta-da!" Thorin exclaimed. "Astrid and I both owe you guys a new sled!" Hanson was rather taken aback by this offer. "You're serious?!" Hanson exclaimed. "You guys are too kind, but we can't accept this."

"Ha, but you guys have to," Astrid laughed. "We accept no returns. Chief's orders. And speaking of the chief," Astrid gestured over to Stormfly and RockJaw, who both presented the boys with custom-made medallions, "Hiccup has named you two the official Berk ice masters and deliverers."

"Ha, that's not even a thing," Elfrin chimed in. "Of course it is!" Thorin said. "And, the best part is, it's even got a portable storage case and a cup holder! You guys like it?"

"Like it? We love it!" Hanson exclaimed, picking up Astrid and gleefully spinning her around. "I can't believe you did this for us!" Elfrin told Thorin. "We didn't just do it for you guys," Thorin said. "Hiccup did this for your hard work and effort!"

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Not too far away, Nia was happily enjoying her new permanent form. Kids everywhere smiled at the creature before hem, and Nia happily waved her wings in joy. Soon, her eyes caught a small bunch of tiny daisies. She held them up to her nose and took a deep sniff. Suddenly, she sneezed—and shot straight into Toothless' snout!

Toothless kindly wiggled his head, trying to get Nia off of his face. Nia finally unstuck herself from Toothless and petted his face as Toothless grew accustomed to her.

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Just past Nia, Hiccup found something that made him smile. The gates to the Hall of Heroes were wide open! Kida stood at the center of the courtyard. Everywhere, people were anxiously waiting in excitement. And parts of the Great Hall that were destroyed earlier were now fully repaired…with beautifully intertwined trees and branches!

"Are you ready?" Kida asked the entire crowd. Everyone nodded yes excitedly and cheered. Then, Kida took a step forward and swirled her hands in the air. She had created a crystal green ice rink right in the middle of the plaza! Snowflakes drifted through the air as people skated excitedly through the ice.

"The gates are open," Hiccup said. "I like it." "It is so exciting to see us, finally together as a family!" Valka exclaimed, hugging her children. "Let's never close the gates," Kida told Hiccup. "We're never losing each other again." With a wink, Kida pulled Hiccup out onto the ice and getting him to skate. "Whoa Kida! My prosthetic leg wasn't built for this!" Hiccup laughed. "Just follow my lead!" Kida exclaimed gleefully.

Behind them, Toothless ventured out onto the ice. His skating was a little rusty, but he tried to maintain his balance. Nia flitted excitedly through the air as Winter and North joined in for ice skating. Not too far away, Astrid and Hanson tried to keep Stormfly from twisting and sliding in the ice. Thorin and Elfrin both shared this excitement with RockJaw as well.

And last came Kristoff and Altaira, who slid over to join Hiccup and his family. together, they all skated happily on the ice. Balance, as well as peace, love, and happiness, were finally restored in Berk. And if you ever had the chance to let go of your fears and become who you are, every one of us has to believe in ourselves. Wouldn't you?