Chapter 39 – The Departure from Berk
Two days later...
The morning sun filtered softly through the windows of the small wooden house, filling the room with a golden glow that danced on the walls. Shiro sat in the living room, her arms crossed, tapping her foot impatiently while Moana stretched lazily on the couch beside her.
— Where's Thor? — Shiro asked, raising an eyebrow.
Moana yawned, brushing her messy hair away from her face.
— He's in the bedroom, probably still asleep, — she replied, her voice groggy from the early hour.
Shiro sighed dramatically and stood up.
— Then I'll wake him up.
She marched down the hall and pushed the door open. The soft creak of the hinges broke the quiet of the house. Inside, Thor was fast asleep, his arms wrapped around Astrid as they rested peacefully. Shiro sighed and shook her head with a mix of amusement and annoyance.
— Wake up, Ni-san! It's time! — she said firmly, her voice echoing through the room.
Thor stirred, blinking as the morning light reached his face. He yawned loudly and rubbed his eyes.
— Already? It's so early…
At that moment, Moana entered the room, cheerful and full of energy, her voice bright and commanding.
— Come on, everyone! Time for breakfast! We're setting off on our adventure today!
Astrid groaned softly, her eyelids fluttering open.
— You could all be a little quieter… it's still early, — she murmured sleepily.
Thor turned to her with a teasing smile and gently lifted her into his arms like a princess. The blanket slipped slightly, and Astrid gasped, her cheeks turning red as she hid her face against his chest.
— Thor! Moana's watching! — she whispered, flustered.
Thor laughed softly, still holding her close.
— We're going to take a bath, — he said, as his eyes met Moana's. — While we do, could you set the table for breakfast?
Moana froze for a second, then stammered,
— Y-yes!
As Thor walked toward the bathroom with Astrid in his arms, Shiro tried to follow, but Moana quickly grabbed her by the arm.
— And where do you think you're going? — Moana asked, narrowing her eyes.
Shiro looked up innocently.
— To take a bath with Ni-san.
— No way! — Moana said, dragging her back toward the kitchen. — You're helping me make breakfast!
Despite the early chaos, laughter soon filled the air. The smell of food and the sound of sizzling pans mixed with cheerful chatter as they prepared to leave.
Once everyone had eaten and packed their belongings, Thor, Shiro, Astrid, and Moana stepped outside. The sea breeze brushed against their faces, carrying the familiar scent of salt and pinewood from the surrounding cliffs.
They walked together down the cobblestone path toward the docks. The morning fog was slowly lifting, revealing the silhouette of a grand ship waiting for them — its black sails fluttering majestically in the wind.
Thor paused for a moment and looked back at the village. The homes, the mountains, the calm ocean beyond — everything felt heavy with memory.
— We'll be gone for quite a while, — he said softly, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
Astrid squeezed his hand and smiled.
— It doesn't matter. Everything will still be here when we come back.
Thor looked at her tenderly, brushing a lock of hair from her face.
— Have I told you I love you today?
Astrid smiled warmly.
— You have… but I don't mind hearing it every day.
Thor chuckled, his eyes softening, and leaned in to kiss her gently.
Moana cleared her throat dramatically, trying to hide a grin.
— Well, we'd better go! Everyone's waiting for us at the harbor!
Thor turned toward her, laughing.
— Then let's go, ladies! Our adventure awaits!
As they reached the harbor, the entire village was gathered there, lining the docks. The crowd cheered and waved, their faces filled with pride and excitement. Behind them stood the massive black ship — sleek and powerful, its hull gleaming under the sunlight, reminiscent of the legendary Black Pearl from old pirate tales.
Thor's eyes found his father and brother near the front of the crowd. Stoick stood tall, his thick beard fluttering in the breeze, eyes shining with pride.
— I always knew you wouldn't stay in Berk forever, — Stoick said, placing his strong hands on Thor's strong. — You've been a strong since the day you could walk. But remember, no matter how far you go… Berk will always be your home, son.
Thor nodded, his chest tightening with emotion.
— I'll never forget that, Father.
Stoick turned to Astrid with a smile.
— My daughter-in-law, take good care of him for me.
Astrid straightened and smiled confidently.
— Don't worry. I will.
Hiccup stepped forward next, his expression calm but resolute.
— Brother, don't worry about Berk. We'll protect it — all of us.
Thor smiled and placed a hand on his brother's shoulder.
— I know you will. I have no doubt about that.
He looked over Hiccup's shoulder and met the eyes of Ruffnut, Fishlegs, Snotlout, and Tuffnut — each of them grinning and waving in their own chaotic way.
Then Thor turned toward the crowd, raised his arm high, and shouted,
— That's it, everyone! We're setting sail!
The crowd erupted into cheers. Children waved little flags, elders smiled proudly, and Stoick stood at the edge of the pier, watching with quiet strength.
Thor led the way up the gangplank, followed by Shiro, Astrid, and Moana. As he stepped onto the deck, he stopped, surprised to see Tempest already waiting for him, her tail flicking as if eager to go.
Thor smiled and turned to Moana.
— We're in your hands now, Captain.
Moana walked to the prow and gripped the wheel firmly. Her long hair fluttered in the sea wind as she shouted,
— Set the sails! Let's take to the open sea!
The crew obeyed, and the ship began to move. The ocean seemed to respond to her call — waves surged, parting to form a shimmering path of blue light stretching toward the horizon.
Thor stood silently beside Astrid, the wind brushing against their faces. Deep in his heart, he felt it — this was the true beginning of his journey.
As the ship sailed farther from the shore, Stoick remained on the pier, his eyes never leaving the vessel.
— May the gods guide you, my son, — he murmured under his breath.
The ship sailed onward, cutting through the waves as the island of Berk grew smaller in the distance. And so, Thor and his companions embarked on the first chapter of a new adventure — one that would change their lives forever.