Four days had passed since they set sail from Berk.

The journey had been surprisingly smooth. The Hooligan Tribe’s largest longship was massive enough to comfortably carry not only the warriors but also the gang’s dragons, who had their own space on deck and below. Special rooms had been prepared below deck for the more important passengers.

Right now, the ship was nearing the shores of DunBroch.

On the deck, the younger Vikings were gathered around Ariel, who was sitting gracefully with Simba, Lucian’s energetic merlion, resting contentedly in her lap. The little creature seemed to enjoy the attention.

Fishlegs adjusted his helmet, eyes wide with curiosity. "So... you’re really a mermaid? Like, from underwater? How do you breathe up here?"

Ariel smiled softly. "I have legs now, thanks to some... help. But I still miss the ocean sometimes."

Tuffnut leaned in dramatically. "Have you ever fought a sea monster? Like, a giant squid or something with tentacles?"

Ruffnut shoved her brother. "Obviously she has! She’s friends with Lucian. He probably fights sea monsters every Tiw’s day."

Snotlout crossed his arms, trying to look cool while eyeing Simba. "So is that thing? Some kind of lion-fish? Does that pet Lucian have common in your place?"

Ariel laughed lightly. "Simba is a merlion, they are not common. He’s very playful... and he likes you, Snotlout."

Simba chose that moment to lick Snotlout’s hand, making the Viking yelp in surprise.

Hiccup leaned against the railing beside Lucian, lowering his voice so only he could hear.

"I thought she was gone the other day," Hiccup said, glancing toward Ariel.

"Who?" Lucian asked.

Hiccup subtly pointed at Ariel. Lucian smiled.

"She said she also wants to travel and see the world," he replied. "She’s been stuck in one place for too long."

Lucian then turned to Hiccup with a mischievous grin. "What about you? Have you trained for the upcoming betrothal?"

Hiccup groaned. "Ahh... don’t remind me of it. I still don’t know what’s gotten into Dad. He could’ve picked Fishlegs, or Tuffnut, or even Snotlout. Why me?"

"Isn’t it because you’re his son?" Lucian chuckled. "It’s your privilege."

"Yeah, right. Sucks to be me though," Hiccup sighed, slumping against the railing.

"Have you considered what I told you?" Lucian asked more seriously.

"About the adventure?" Hiccup looked at him. "I’m still not sure. I’ll give you an answer after this event. I haven’t told most of the gang yet."

"Fair enough."

Just then, a shout came from the lookout above them.

"Land ahoy!"

Everyone rushed to the side of the ship. The shores of DunBroch came into view, rugged, green hills dotted with rocky cliffs. The beach was bustling with activity. Many long, sturdy wooden vessels were already anchored or pulled ashore, filled with warriors, musicians, and families. Colorful flags waved proudly in the wind, displaying the insignias of three major clans: Macintosh, MacGuffin, and Dingwall. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

On the shore, the leaders of the clans stood waiting. Queen Elinor, elegant and composed, stood beside the boisterous King Fergus, who was already grinning widely.

The Hooligan ship slowly docked. As soon as the gangplank was lowered, Stoick the Vast stepped forward. King Fergus let out a booming laugh and strode to meet him. The two massive chiefs pulled each other into a powerful bear hug, nearly knocking the wind out of each other.

"Long time no see, my friend!" Fergus roared happily.

Stoick laughed. "Too long, old bear!"

The rest of the Hooligans began disembarking. Lucian stepped onto solid ground, feeling the cool Highland air on his face. Ariel walked beside him, carrying Simba, while the dragon riders led their mounts down carefully.

______

[A/N: Two short Chapters that should have been one, sorry about that. I couldn’t combine them now without disrupting the established order for the upcoming Chapters.]