A/N: I'M SORRYYY. I JUST CAN'T RESIST. GAH.

Anyways, uh, here's yet another HTTYD story. Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: Only gonna say this once, 'cause I think it's obvious I don't own How to Train Your Dragon.

SONG TO LISTEN WHILE READING FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT: "Break the World" by Nine Lashes

"You'd never know this was an empty smile

Or that my days have felt like this for quite a while

But no one seems to see it

It's like the whole world just keeps passing me by, by and by"

—Song lyrics of verse one in "Break the World"

XXX

Summary: "How far are you willing to go to prove them wrong?" "As far as the Gods will let me." AU with twelve-year-old Hiccup the Useless, who is determined to prove the people of Berk wrong. Even if it means disappearing for six years and returning as a whole new person.

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CHAPTER ONE – POTENTIAL

To say Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the III was different would be an understatement. He was tiny, scrawny, and weak. The other Viking kids were much more. They were strong, tough, and they had POTENTIAL. Hiccup was nothing in their eyes. He was the worthless dirt they walked on. He was the unimportant ant they stomped on. He was the dragon they tortured.

At first, it started as rude whispers and snickering. A six-year-old Hiccup had been jogging down the streets of the village, when he heard quiet laughs and whispers. The auburn-haired boy frowned, pausing to glance around curiously. He was taken aback when he spotted three kids giggling at him. Two were very identical, both blonde with a glint of mischief in their eyes. The third one was a buff Viking with black hair and a Viking helmet with rounded horns.

Hiccup frowned, eyebrows furrowing in confusion. Were they laughing at him? Why would they do that? He could tell from their points and snickers that they weren't laughing with him. They were laughing AT him.

The little boy tried it ignore them, before continuing his journey to the forge.

XXX

Next it came the disapproving stares and teasing. Hiccup had always made small mistakes, but this one stood out significantly.

The seven-year-old had been drawing with a charcoal stick in his journal, when suddenly, loud calls and roars rang out. He gasped, instantly knowing what the sounds meant: a dragon raid was taking place.

In the midst of the battle, he was determined to prove himself. He was growing annoyed and hurt by the way the other kids his age looked and laughed at him. He had to do something to show them he wasn't useless… right?

So the gangly boy raced to the forge, dodging and avoiding large men and women. They sent him scolding stares, which absentmindedly caused him to wince. He hated the way they looked at him.

Once he reached the forge, he quickly pushed the door open, and shut it behind him. He saw no one in there, not even Gobber. Gobber was the blacksmith, also Hiccup's mentor and his father's best friend.

He was relieved to see no one in the building. So he quickly searched for a weapon he could lift, only to see they were all ginormous, heavyweight weapons. So he chose the lightest one he could find.

It was an ax, with a slightly worn metal and edge, and a rough handle to grip it by. Hiccup could tell whoever owned it used it quite often, and wondered whose it was. But nonetheless, he pushed the thought aside and lifted it up.

He yelped as the ax caused his arms to drop to the ground, and the weapon crashed into the stone floor. Hiccup gasped horridly as the handle separated from the blade, which rendered the weapon nearly useless.

Ok, now he was definitely in trouble. Whoever owned this ax was going to kill him for destroying it! But there was no way he could fix it. And if he could, he didn't have the time, because someone opened the door to the forge.

The person was a beautiful, blonde-haired girl. She was one of the most POTENTIAL kids of Berk. Everyone spoke of how she would grow to be the best shield maiden in the Hairy Hooligan tribe. Hiccup had no difficulty recognizing her; she was Astrid Hofferson. She didn't laugh with the others at him, but merely stood and glanced at him every now and then, without a single hint of interest.

"Gobber, did you—HEY!" Astrid cried angrily, spotting the scrawny seven-year-old leaning over HER damaged ax. She gasped, before her surprised expression melted into one of pure anger. "How dare you?!" she snarled furiously, rushing forward to kneel down to get her destroyed weapon.

Hiccup stuttered for words, realizing his mistake. This was Astrid's ax, and he had broken it. He had screwed up his chances of proving himself, in less than five minutes.

"I-I—"

"Save it, Useless!" the blonde snapped rudely. She was beyond anger. She was livid. This was her favorite weapon, and had been given to her by her parents.

As Hiccup stood from kneeling on the floor where the ax once was, Astrid knocked him back down by shoving him on the shoulder. The boy yelped with fright, collapsing back onto the hard floor of the forge. Had she really just done that? It was the first time he had ever been physically hurt.

"You're in big trouble!" Astrid growled, storming out of the forge with her broken ax in hand.

Hiccup's bottom lip quivered fearfully as he got back to his feet, staring after the girl. Oh great, what would his father say? More importantly, what would he DO?

Hiccup gulped, slowly trudging out of the building. By now the dragons had already been captured, or had escaped with a few pieces of food.

Hiccup was not too surprised when he saw Astrid pointing at him, while confronting her parents. He sighed sadly, turning to his house. He rushed into the building, ignoring the angry gasps that left the Hofferson's mouths.

Later that evening, he was called down by his father. Believe it or not, his father was Chief of the tribe. His name was Stoick the Vast, a very respected man within the tribe, and the other villages nearby.

Hiccup nervously edged down the stairs, gulping in fear. He was already frightened by the stern expression on his father's face.

"Y-Yes?" he stuttered worriedly.

Stoick sighed, rubbing his temples exasperatedly. "Hiccup, why did you break Astrid's ax?" he asked.

"I-I didn't mean to… I was just…." He trailed off, staring down while fumbling with his hands.

"Hiccup, I'm tired of—" Stoick cut himself off when he noticed his son was just staring at his hands. "Look at me!" he ordered. Hiccup jumped with a startled expression, before turning his gaze to his father's face. He hated the blazing green inferno in his parent's eyes. It was as if the fire was fueled by HIM. It was HIS fault that he was about to be punished.

"I'm tired of you messing around," Stoick continued. Hiccup frowned deeply, hurt gnawing at his insides. "Is it too difficult to not have you messing things up?" he sighed with a frustrated tone.

Hiccup fought back tears, trying to keep himself composed. He had been scolded before, but this time was different. He honestly didn't mean to anger Astrid, her parents, AND his father that easily. He was just trying to help them fight off the dragons! It was just a stupid accident that he broke the ax.

After a moment of silence, Stoick exhaled sharply. "You're sent to your room for three days, alright? No outside world, just in your room. I'll bring you food when you need it," Stoick ground out, trying to keep his temper under control.

"Yes, dad," Hiccup murmured, trudging up the stairs and into his bedroom.

Three days in his room. What could he possibly do cooped up in there for three days? Sure, he could draw and read, but what about anything else?

But that was just the beginning of his torture.

XXX

Next was the verbal abuse. After three days of confinement in his room, Hiccup was allowed back outside. He hated the glares he got. News must have spread about him breaking Astrid's ax. Couldn't she just get another one?

The seven-year-old heard footsteps behind him, causing him to halt. He spun around, but was confused when he saw nothing. The boy frowned with bewilderment, yet he continued on his way.

He heard it again, this time with whispers. As he whirled around, he saw nothing yet again. He huffed, turning back to where he was heading.

He yelped as he crashed into a certain group of kids his age, who must have managed to ambush him. Hiccup found himself falling onto the ground, staring up at the others with wide, innocent green eyes.

"What's up, Useless?" the strongest male of their little gang, Snotlout, asked.

Hiccup's frown reappeared. Useless? Why was he calling him that? "Useless?" he asked, tilting his head.

"Well yeah," Snotlout snickered.

"I-I'm not useless!" Hiccup cried.

"Really?" another male, this time blonde and named Tuffnut, asked mockingly. "Well last I checked, you definitely weren't useful."

"Hey! I'm useful!" the seven-year-old argued.

"For who?" Snotlout snorted, as if this whole situation was amusing. "Yourself?"

"T-That's not true," Hiccup murmured, his voice weakening along with his confidence. These kids had never gone farther than laughing at him behind his back. He felt hurt, being directly called "useless."

"Yeah it is," Ruffnut, Tuffnut's twin sister, piped up.

And then, minor physical abuse.

The harassed boy slowly began getting up from his position on the ground, only to be shoved back down by Astrid. He gulped, not wanting to be the one who witnessed her anger, let alone be the one it was directed at.

"That's for breaking my axe," she snarled. Next, she kicked the boy on his side roughly, earning a pained grunt. "That's for everything else!"

"I-I'm sorry!" Hiccup exclaimed. "I didn't mean to break it! I was—"

"Being useless, that's what," Snotlout spat. "Oh wait, guys!" he cried happily. "I think it's 'bout time we renamed our little outcast here."

"Rename… me?" Hiccup stammered nervously.

"Duh!" Ruffnut huffed.

"What to? Hiccup fits for him," Tuffnut snickered.

"But useless also fits," Snotlout smirked. Turning back to the boy still on the ground, he continued, "Alright. Your new title is officially Hiccup the Useless!"

"W-What?" the green-eyed boy stuttered with a broken expression.

"Yeah, Hiccup the Useless!" Ruffnut laughed. "Fits him pretty well."

"No! My name isn't Hiccup the Useless!" he cried defiantly.

"It is now," Snotlout snapped.

Hiccup quickly got to his feet, ditching his trip to the forge and racing back home. He heard the laughter behind him as he fled, but felt he was not prepared to cry yet. Instead, he waited until he got home.

Once he reached the house, he swung the front door open, and slammed it shut. He panted heavily, before storming up to his bedroom. Finally, he reached his destination. He sobbed pitifully, collapsing onto his bed. He stuffed his face into his pillow, which muffled his cries. No one heard him. And if they had, he doubted they would care.

XXX

Lastly came trying to prove himself, and hiding.

A ten-year-old Hiccup was being harassed more often now. He found himself trying everything he could to avoid Snotlout, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut. It was mainly those three, but Astrid would occasionally join in. Fishlegs just stood off to the side, awkwardly watching.

Hiccup hid in the forge, with the doors shut tightly, and the windows closed. It was excruciatingly hot, but he was determined to protect himself from the outside world.

A smart person would have taken their shirt off, just to keep themselves cooler. Hiccup, however, was too scared. What if they saw him shirtless? He was weak and scrawny, with protruding ribs and collarbones.

So instead, he forced himself to endure the heat. He couldn't bear the thought of them picking on him even more.

Hiccup hid himself in the forge nearly all day, every day. He often fell asleep in his back room, which was his own little closed room that contained his invention plans, drawings, and a few personal belongings.

But on the fifth day of hiding in the forge, it got too hot. He was handling more weapons than usual, but kept his baggy clothes on anyways. He sighed, wiping away more beads of sweat. If he kept this up, he'd surely run out of sweat.

Finally, his body gave in to the heat. He dropped the sword he was using against a grinder, and collapsed with a loud thud. He moaned softly, but he then went silent after that. He didn't want to draw attention to himself. After all, they would just judge him more.

XXX

Gobber had discovered Hiccup passed out in the forge. He spotted an unfinished sword lying on the stone floor, but was even more surprised to see the boy had passed out right next to it. Gobber wiped away the sweat already gathering on his forehead, with the heat unbearable.

The blacksmith quickly set the sword back onto the counter, and picked Hiccup up. He carried the boy to the back room, which was Hiccup's. It was much, much cooler in there, especially with the window open.

After cooling off, Hiccup awoke with a startled gasp. He found himself in a familiar setting, and relaxed. When Gobber entered the room, he immediately tensed up. He knew that if someone found him, they'd ask questions. Looks like he'd have to lie.

"Lad, wha' happened to ya'?" Gobber asked worriedly, taking a seat beside Hiccup.

"I-I'm not sure," Hiccup lied. "It just got too hot, and I was out like a light. Sorry, Gobber."

"Are ya' sure? You've been in here quite a lot. Wha' is it?" Gobber asked with concern evident.

'At least one person cares,' Hiccup thought. "I'm sure. I've just… had a lot of invention ideas. And I figured I should help out the village more with sharpening weapons and stuff."

Gobber narrowed his eyes, before nodding. "A'ight, just get some fresh air once it gets too hot."

"Sure thing," Hiccup murmured. Gobber left the room, leaving Hiccup to sigh sadly and wonder what other people's lives were like.

XXX

Hiccup was twelve now. He celebrated his birthday with Gobber, and lied about Stoick giving him a present. He just said the man had given him a cake, and left it at that. He just hoped Gobber wouldn't bombard him with more questions about it.

It was a week after he turned twelve. He heard excited shouts, and found himself peeking out of the thick window. He frowned curiously, before setting down his current project and nervously leaving the building.

He gulped once he spotted his tormentors running by, before continuing to see what was going on.

He hid from place to place, blending in with the other Berkians. He was too small to be sighted that well anyways.

Hiccup was surprised to see a familiar ship docked at the shores of Berk. It was Trader Johann's ship. He was a traveler, who traded with many tribes with goods and money. He was also a very good storyteller, minus all the exaggeration.

Hiccup squeezed through the crowd, earning a few angry scowls. He tried to ignore them, but it was difficult. After all, they were Vikings. They were very intimidating.

Finally, Hiccup could see the ship clearly. He watched in awe as the man hopped off his large boat, shaking several villagers' hands, and greeting them happily. Hiccup wondered what it was like to be… liked, or favored.

Suddenly, a new man hopped off the ship. He was muscular and strong, but was not as ginormous as the typical Viking. He had more of a "lean but mean" look. His face was scarred, along his right eyebrow, his chin, and under his left eye. He didn't wear much armor, but his clothes still looked a bit foreign.

"Ah, so this is Berk!" the man laughed heartily, in a strong and deep voice. Hiccup tilted his head, and felt intrigued by the man.

"Yes, yes," Johann replied. "Berkians, this is Vali. He is well known among the archipelago as a noble fighter and warrior."

'Fighter? Warrior?' Hiccup thought with a hopeful gleam in his eyes.

A few curious murmurs rang out. Obviously a couple people had heard about him.

"Yes, I am here to gain a new apprentice," he grinned, earning a few cheers and volunteers. "Hold on, hold on," Vali laughed. "This time, I'm looking for something in particular… it must be a young Berkian, under fifteen years of age." A few people groaned disappointedly. "They must be determined, trustworthy… they have to have the heart of a leader, and the soul of a fighter. They've got to have POTENTIAL."

'Me!' Hiccup thought eagerly. 'Please, let it be me!'

Snotlout, who was at the front of the crowd, snorted gloatingly. "It's so going to be me," he whispered to Astrid, who glared at him. She obviously hated him.

"If you'd like to apply to be my apprentice, just meet me at the Great Hall. We've already talked to Stoick for his permission."

Hiccup sighed quietly, shutting his eyes in disappointment. He couldn't go be seen trying to apply for this apprenticeship. If he tried, he'd only get picked on more and more. He couldn't bear the thought of that. But he wanted to prove himself! He wanted to become a warrior, a fighter, a… leader. He wanted to prove them WRONG. He had POTENTIAL.

The boy sighed quietly, before backing out of the dispersing crowd. He heard Snotlout and Tuffnut boasting to the others, saying how they'd totally get picked.

Hiccup trudged back to the forge. He quietly entered the heated building, and began returning to his project.

'Gods,' he prayed. 'Let it be me!'

XXX

Hiccup inhaled deeply, before breathing out through his nostrils.

In a spurt of confidence, he was now standing outside the Great Hall, a few hours after Vali and Trader Johann had arrived. Hiccup peeked through the cracks in the two doors, surprised to see only two people left in line. It was Snotlout and Astrid.

Snotlout seemed to be begging Vali to take him as his apprentice, boasting about how strong he was, and how he was fit to be a warrior. Astrid however, sighed irritably, looking angered and annoyed. She had her arms crossed, obviously waiting for Snotlout to get out of line so she could have her turn.

Hiccup breathed deeply once more, before finally entering the building. Astrid noticed him entering, and immediately scowled. Snotlout, however, was too busy listing off things he had accomplished.

Vali sighed, rolling his eyes. "Look, Snotbout, is it?"

"Snotlout!" he corrected.

"Snotlout, right. You'll be considered, now I'm so kindly asking you to leave," Vali ordered calmly.

Snotlout huffed in protest, but as Vali got to his feet from the chair he sat at, Snotlout whimpered. "O-Ok… but… c'mon! I'm PERFECT for this!"

"Leave, Snotlout," Vali commanded.

The black-haired boy grumbled to himself, but took notice of Hiccup. He snickered at the sight of the scrawny boy.

"Good luck getting in, Useless!" he snarled mockingly.

Hiccup just cast his gaze away from the muscular boy, avoiding his stare. Vali noticed the insult, and Hiccup's reaction. He felt his eyes narrow curiously.

Astrid stepped forward, while Hiccup got in the empty line. She nodded respectfully to the warrior, before grabbing her battle axe.

It was then Hiccup noticed the targets lined against the walls. He gulped nervously, obviously not liking the idea of trying to fight. 'You made this decision, didn't you?' he thought to himself. 'Do you want to prove them wrong or what?'

He was snapped out of his thoughts as he heard Vali speak. "Alright, Astrid. Go ahead and give a shot at the targets."

The blonde nodded, turning to face the left wall. She didn't even hesitate to launch her axe at the nearest target, which landed directly on the bullseye. Hiccup gulped in fear. How could he possibly be chosen over her?

Astrid hit all of the targets, either on the exact bullseye, or beside it. Vali scribbled something down on some paper, and then nodded to the Viking girl.

"Alright, Astrid Hofferson. Thank you for volunteering. I'll get back to you shortly," Vali murmured peacefully. Astrid blinked in shock, as if she expected to be chosen right away. Finally, she nodded and tugged her axe from the last target she struck.

As Astrid left, Hiccup hesitantly stepped forward. He dipped his head to the fighter, and let Vali ask the stereotypical questions.

"You're small, aren't 'cha?" Vali queried, as if it weren't obvious. Hiccup just nodded numbly.

"Alright, let's do the set of questions. Full name?"

"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the III."

The intimidating man nodded, his charcoal stick moving quickly as he wrote. "Firstly, what is your weapon of choice?"

Hiccup gulped, already knowing what to say. He just didn't feel like saying it. "Er, when I do fight, I use my dagger."

Vali blinked in surprise, before scribbling down on his paper. "Alright, second question. Do you think you have the heart of a leader?"

Hiccup thought about it for a split second, but his mouth moved on its own accord. "Yes. If I had more confidence, I could lead."

The scarred man's charcoal stick moved quickly, before he asked, "Do you think you have the soul of a fighter?"

Hiccup couldn't stop himself from blurting out his response. "I know I do. I've been fighting bullies and harassment for years."

The corners of Vali's lips twitched up slightly, just enough for Hiccup to notice. Was that a good sign? "Do you have any hobbies, specialties…?"

"I work in the forge, and I draw often. My mentor is Gobber the Belch, the blacksmith here."

"And can you imagine yourself as a warrior?"

"No." Hiccup answered. This startled Vali, before Hiccup continued. "That's what I'm willing to change. I WANT to change. I know I'm capable if I just… try. If I'm given a chance."

Vali smirked, obviously proud of his answer. Hiccup felt his anxiety slowly diminish.

The man stood from his chair, walking around the table to face Hiccup. Said boy stood firm, knowing this was his one chance. His one chance to change everything. To prove himself, to show who he really was, to MAKE something of himself. He had POTENTIAL.

Leaning down, Vali looked very intimidating. Hiccup faltered slightly, but held his ground.

"And why do you want this apprenticeship?"

"Because…." Hiccup hesitated, and then knew what he had to say. "I want to prove them wrong. My bullies, this village, the ones who discriminate me. I want to prove them all wrong, to show them who I really am. I want to have a REAL chance to do something good. Something… great. Not just a screw up anymore, but a HERO."

Vali narrowed his eyes leaning even closer to the boy. "How far are you willing to go to prove them wrong?" he asked with a steely voice.

"As far as the gods will let me," Hiccup murmured.

The man was beyond satisfied with the boy's answer. He stood back to his full height, nodding approvingly to him.

"Good… 'cause it's you."

Hiccup's heart skipped a few beats. "Me?" he asked.

"Yes, you. You're the one. Welcome to apprenticeship, kid," Vali smiled.

Hiccup couldn't help the large smile that broke out on his face. He laughed joyously, for the first time in forever. "T-Thank you… You have no idea how much this means to me!" he cried happily.

"Then prove it to me. Show me your real strength, not just emotional. You are capable, Hiccup Haddock. You have POTENTIAL."

XXX

A/N: Chapter Two will be up in a bit. Thanks to anyone who follows, favorites, or reviews!