Happy birthday, FanWriter02! Here is your birthday fic... well, the first half of it! *cackles* I hope you have an awesome birthday and enjoy the story.

PART I

"NO!"

Hiccup's eyes flashed open in horror.

Only a second later, he jolted up in bed, panting for breath with a desperation he had only felt a few times before. He had had the dream again… the dream where Stoick had been killed. Even months later, he could still recall the burst of blue light. The screams. The frigid stillness… the body of the vast chief sprawled out on ice… Hiccup was suddenly aware that he was shivering, and with a shake of his head, forced himself to stop. He was chief now. He was calm. He was decisive. He was collected. He was the chief of Berk. And he couldn't afford to be weak.

Quickly, he slid out of bed, wanting to get rid of the remains of that horrible nightmare he could never forget. But he couldn't. They stayed with him as he dressed, and went downstairs for breakfast. A lingering sensation of depression clutched to him and wouldn't let go. Dad's gone, and he isn't ever coming back…

A nauseous feeling crept into his stomach, and he pushed away his mutton-chops, his appetite completely gone. Sure, it had been a few months since Stoick's untimely death, and he should've accepted it by now… but, the thing was, he didn't. And the grief he had covered in busy chieftain work was beginning to seep into him with his new free time as the pressure of a new chief released its hold. It didn't help that Toothless was off doing alpha business somewhere. The Night Fury was one of the only things that could bring him out of his dark moods, but he wouldn't be back for several days.

Hiccup set his jaw. Well, he could manage without his dragon. Of course he could. In the meantime, he just had to distract himself… get to work. He couldn't stop to think, because his thoughts always ended up trailing back to his father one way or another. Nodding, he set out of the house, trying to clear his brain.

The rest of the day went by slowly, and Hiccup's unpleasant feelings didn't go away. In fact, they seemed to grow worse, even though he was keeping busy. After the nightmare this morning, he just couldn't quite manage to crack a smile or go along pretending like everything was okay. Because it wasn't. None of this was right. These thoughts caused him to be moody and distant throughout the day and this didn't escape his friends' notice when he ran into them.

"Hey, Hiccup," said Fishlegs when Hiccup entered the Dragon Academy to fetch a saddle for someone. Ruffnut, Tuffnut, and Snotlout were also there, and washing their dragons beside him.

Hiccup nodded in response, but said nothing as he went back to get the saddle. The other Riders exchanged confused glances. Hiccup almost always answered anything with a smile or a bright, "Hello!" Even if he was upset, he never let his emotions hurt someone else if he could help it. Something was wrong.

"Hiccup — something going on?" Snotlout wondered, staring after his cousin with a curious expression.

"No. I'm fine," Hiccup said in a practically emotionless tone, then left the arena without so much as a goodbye. The Dragon Riders were stunned.

Something was definitely off with Hiccup. He was never that… standoffish. Fishlegs made a mental note to alert Astrid of Hiccup's attitude, and whether she knew anything about it or not.

Dark days passed, and Hiccup's depressed mood worsened, if that was possible. The raw grief aching in his stomach prevented him from eating, and many nights were spent sitting at his desk, eyes squinted in thought and exhaustion. But he was hardly ever able to sleep. Insomnia was better than nightmares, after all, and his wild thoughts never gave him rest. A small beard formed that he didn't have the energy to trim away. It was evident now to everyone who looked at his ragged appearance that something was deeply troubling the young chief. The truth about Stoick was eating him alive.

Astrid spent nearly all of her time with Hiccup, trying to nurse him back to health by forcing him to eat more and to get some rest. Her efforts were all but futile, and only responded with hollow eyes or the occasional vacant smile. It was only when Toothless finally got back from his trip that Hiccup showed signs of happiness about a loved one returning. Valka had been away for a few weeks now — the woman, having spent nineteen years alone with the dragons, had needed some time in her previous solitude and had gone off with Cloudjumper to wherever she often disappeared to.

Hiccup's condition continued to worsen as even more days went by. He only ate when Astrid forced him to, but even then, it was very little. It was only when Astrid threatended to call a healer for some sleeping pills did Hiccup finally get some rest.

Astrid was getting very concerned. What was wrong with Hiccup? It didn't make sense, him suddenly being so depressed. Even flights with Toothless couldn't muster more than a smile or two. Astrid was terrified to think of what might happen if Hiccup continued to live like this, but she hadn't had the strength to talk to him about it. However, one day, she knew enough was enough and confronted him at breakfast.

"Hiccup," she growled at her betrothed as he picked at his meal Astrid had prepared for him. "This is getting out of hand."

He looked up to her with distant eyes. "What?"

"You, and the way you're acting. You barely eat anything, you're quiet and depressed, and I haven't seen you smile — truly smile — or heard your laugh for a long time. We've been pretending like nothing's wrong, but the thing is, everything's wrong about this." What she thought was going to be a matter-of-fact speech was quickly turning into a plea. "Hiccup. What's going on with you? Why are you doing this to yourself? Please tell me. You can trust me. I can help you, if you just let me. I am here, and I'll listen to anything you have to say… just please, please, come back to me..."

Hiccup stared at her for a long moment, then finally began, "I… I just…" His voice grew very small. "You really want to know?"

"Yes."

"Well… It's... it's Dad," he murmured. "I miss him..."

"...I… oh. Oh. Hiccup, I'm sorry, I didn't… I didn't know…"

Hiccup nodded dully. "No, it's fine. I know I've been… depressed lately. I can't help it... I just have so much... grief. It's like a stomache that never goes away. Except it's not a stomache, it's all over... gods, Astrid it's just so hard to believe that he's gone… one minute, he was there, the next he wasn't… I just don't understand. I mean, I can't just suddenly accept that I'll never see my father again."

"I see. But enough to turn you into…" She gestured to Hiccup's frail body. "...this?"

"I… I don't know. I guess it's part that, and part the fact that being chief isn't exactly easy at times. No, that's not it… it's just that… it's all catching up to me. It's hitting me again… but ten times worse. I blocked out the pain with being busy or saving the world, but now that things on Berk are finally settling down, I have more free time… and that means time to think…" He pinched his temples. "...think about Dad…" In one, sudden, abrupt moment, he froze, and put his hands down from his face. His eyes were now alert with an idea, startling his betrothed with the unanticipated change.

"Astrid…" He sounded urgent. "I think... I think I need to go."

Confusion clouded Astrid's face. "Go? Go where?"

Hiccup stood to his feet, pushing back his chair. "Away. Astrid, I need to go... away from here. I know it's selfish of me, leaving only a few months after my father's death, and I'm sorry — but it's something I need to do." He looked back at Astrid, feeling utterly wrecked. "I don't want to hurt you, or any other Berkians, but this has been building up ever since Dad died. I need to accept that my father is gone… and he's not ever coming back… do you understand?"

Astrid sighed, and to her surprise, the tiniest bit of moisture pricked at her eyes. She didn't really want Hiccup to go, especially in his weakened state… but… maybe it was for the best. She had to let him go so he could heal. She hadn't lost a parent, but she had lost other family members, and knew how disorienting it was to never see a close one again.

"I understand, babe… and if that's what you need to do… well, then go do it." It hurt her heart, as she loved Hiccup perhaps more than anything, but she knew that sometimes one had to let someone they cared for leave. "How long will you be gone?"

Hiccup was already perking up at the thought of this idea. "Only a few days — a week at most. And I won't even leave Berk… I'll just be on the edge of it. If anything goes wrong, I can always find my way home. And plus, I'll have Toothless with me if I need help, or just company."

"Alright." Astrid nodded in decision. "I can take over as chief while you're gone. There isn't much going on around here anyways." She stood up and came over to her betrothed, then pecked him on the cheek. "Just promise me one thing…"

"What's that?"

"Be safe."

"Of course," said Hiccup in a voice that suggested he thought he was always safe, but that was definitely not the actual case.

"Hiccup, don't use that tone with me… this isn't a joke. If trouble had to choose one person to follow in the entire archipelago, it'd be you, Hiccup… You have to be careful, alright? Don't come back to me all — all battered up."

"Please. When have I ever?" He offered her a grin — the one Astrid had so missed — but she only replied to his humor with a slight punch on his shoulder. "Alright, alright… I'll pack tonight, and leave in the morning… and, um, Astrid?"

"Mhm?"

"Thank you." And he truly looked grateful. Because about everyone needed some alone time to recuperate, and Hiccup was in desperate need of it. He believed that this time away from the village would give him some sort of… closure. Well… he at least hoped it would. "When I come back, I promise I'll be more like my old self. I won't fade away again. I promise you that, Astrid. Once I've come to terms with the truth, and my grief, I'll be okay."

Astrid mustered a small smile. "Just don't be away too long."

"Don't worry. I'll be back before you know it, and back to myself. Now, I've got to go get started on helping mend Bucket and Mulch's sheep fence…"

Astrid was pleased to see him finally take a few bites of his breakfast, then dash out of the house with a new chipperness. Maybe this trip would do him good, after all. And if not, he always had his friends beside him to help him get over the loss of Stoick.

Meanwhile, in the far back corner of Hiccup's mind, he wondered whether the getaway would be worth it. But he pushed the thought away. Of course it would. He just needed some alone time to come to terms with himself and the way of the universe… right?

The day passed all too quickly for Astrid's liking, and soon enough, it was morning and time for the chief to leave. Some supplies were packed and attached to Toothless's saddle — enough to last him several weeks, much more than he needed for a week-long trip, but Astrid didn't want him running out of food or anything else.

Hiccup had finally shaved off his scraggly beard for the occasion, and his eyes were brighter, making him look more like his 'old' self. He said his goodbyes as quickly as possible, already itching to get away. It wasn't that he didn't like being here, but with every turn on the street came a memory of his father, which ignited his pain over and over again. Being away from all the things of the past would help give him some breathing room.

The Riders all gathered to watch him go, and he was soon ready to depart. Toothless spread his wings and took off. One of the last glimpses Astrid had of Hiccup was his head turned around to look at his friends as he waved a goodbye. Even before he and Toothless were out of sight, he had drawn his hand back in.

There had already been a flurry of snow a few days back and as Hiccup vanished from sight into the gray skies, Astrid found herself staring after him with a creased brow. She hoped he wouldn't get too cold, or that snow wouldn't make an appearance this week...

"Hey... hey, don't worry, Astrid," Fishlegs said from beside her, touching her arm lightly. "Hiccup can take care of himself. He's chief, after all. And it's only for a few days…"

"Yes, I know," Astrid agreed, but she didn't feel reassured. Was it really right of her to let him go off in his weak state? Into freezing weather, nonetheless.

"Plus," Snotlout added, "he has Toothless. And we all know that he won't let anything happen to Hiccup."

Astrid nodded wordlessly. The Riders soon gave up on trying to comfort her. She could never stop worrying about Hiccup. It was just the way it was. She shouldn't be concerned, though. Yes; Hiccup was a man, mature, and capable of looking after an entire village. He was more than equipped for looking after himself… of course he was. Of course. A shiver ran down Astrid's spine.

"Well, it's getting kind of cold out here," Tuffnut said awkwardly.

Ruffnut nodded, arms crossed. "Yeah, I guess. Let's back inside where it's warm, huh, Astrid? Even I think it's too cold for a good visit to the boar pit." She tried for a grin to cheer up her friend, but it was a pretty poor attempt.

Smiling back, and grateful for Ruffnut's attempt to distract her, Astrid allowed the others to lead her back to the village with only minor resistance. But, still, she just couldn't quite fight back the nagging feeling inside that something was going to go wrong…

At first, the ride over Berk seemed no different than a typical flight with Toothless. The only change was that Hiccup was carrying much more supplies with him than he usually did for a simple flight. He allowed himself and Toothless to do some maneuvers and tricks that made him laugh with a new freedom he had almost forgotten, but had certainly missed. It was easy to be distracted up here where the air was clear and his hopes were high.

Toothless had been concerned about the chief's well-being, and was only too glad to assist with Hiccup's improvement. His green eyes danced with familiar excitement, and he grinned gummily with each laugh or grin that came from his rider. Though it wouldn't have taken long to get to Hiccup's desired spot, the pair decided to explore forgotten havens and draw out this wonderfully free day as long as it could be stretched. Because of that, they didn't find a place to break camp before it was almost dark.

It wasn't until he was settled for the night inside a small cave, with Toothless curled up in a pleasantly warm ball beside him, that Hiccup really allowed himself to think. Knowing that Stoick was gone– really gone– was a disquieting thought. Again, Hiccup felt the nausea in his gut as he looked at the meal he had prepared for himself with distaste.

"You've got to eat," Hiccup said aloud in the cave. Toothless looked up at him, confused that Hiccup was talking to himself. "Not eating won't bring Dad back." He shook his head at the foolishness of speaking out loud to himself — plus, the foolishness of him refusing to take in meals — and started to dig into his food. The meat tasted better than he had first expected, and his stomach settled back into only a mild discomforting feeling.

Lying on a ragged blanket with his eyes wide open, Hiccup found sleep eluding him once more. Because he now knew what was wrong with him. He now knew why he had had to come out here by himself.

He was afraid.

Afraid of being alone. Afraid of having no one to rely on again. It certainly wasn't the first time Hiccup had felt this lonely, and he knew it wouldn't be the last. But that wasn't what frightened him. What frightened him was that one of the people he had depended on was gone. There was a gap in his whole being — a gap that would never be filled.

Hiccup had always assumed that Stoick would somehow always be around, and it was terrifying to accept that he'd never see his father again. Then there was the cause of Stoick's death… it was Hiccup's fault. Stoick had died to save him. Hiccup hadn't even gotten to say… to say goodbye.

And there was still that slightly resentful feeling towards his father for leaving him… Hiccup hadn't asked to be chief, nor had he requested all of this responsibility. Hiccup knew that Stoick had been trying to teach him what he knew and keep him safe, but as Hiccup grew older, he started to grow annoyed about being told what to do all the time, and wanted his own independence. He'd never fly if his wings were always clipped.

Gradually, Stoick had learned to let go, although he was always there for Hiccup when life got tough. Now, Hiccup knew he would have to be there for himself. Not that he wasn't used to it. He had spent fifteen years of his life with no one helping him. But after Hiccup had proved himself, he had just hoped that Stoick would finally, in a sense, 'take care' of him. And he had. Until recently… and now Hiccup was alone.

The Riders were there, as they had always been, and always would be... but there was that unexplainable gap. Hiccup could think of no other word to describe it. Suddenly, he was one who had to make all the decisions, had to know all the answers, had to do what was best for everyone. And it was… difficult to process. And that was why he needed this time alone… to accept his fate, and regain his strength to face the world. He would be alright in a short time… hopefully.

But now Hiccup felt that he was standing on the edge of cliff as loneliness rolled through his stomach. He was on the edge of a precipice, and there was no Toothless or any other dragon to catch him if he happened to fall. He'd just keep on plummeting until he hit… something. Something hard and unforgiving. It wasn't a feeling that he liked. Not at all.

It was a long time before Hiccup fell asleep that night.

Hiccup woke up late the next morning after a long, well-needed sleep. Toothless was already wandering about, and had started a nice fire in the corner. Hiccup stayed by it for awhile, grateful for the warmth. It was a chilly day, and it must've snowed again last night because out of his tiny cave, he could see a thin layer of white powder coating the ground outside.

"Thanks for coming out here with me, bud," Hiccup yawned as he nibbled on his breakfast. Toothless, who was eating a few fish, grunted, like, Did I have a choice? But both knew that they would always be there for each other — especially in this hard time for Hiccup. Soon enough, the friends had finished their breakfasts. By then, Hiccup had decided that this cave would be his 'home' for a few days, even if he and Toothless ventured outside or to other places. He was too exhausted for adventures at the moment.

Speaking of outside… he wondered if it was going to snow anymore. He certainly didn't want to get trapped here, or allow it to get so cold that Toothless's tailfin froze over. He pushed himself up and walked outside of his shelter to look at the sky. The sky was mostly clear and blue, with the occasional fluffy cloud drifting by. Good. There were no signs that bad weather was coming, and he decided against going back to the village. He still needed at least a few more days to come to terms about Stoick's passing.

He spent most of the day in the cave, quietly reading or sketching in his notebook. His mind kept wandering back to Stoick, or the Dragon Riders, but he kept himself occupied enough and was content with just sitting. He had malnourished himself this past week, and was regaining his strength back by eating and sleeping more. But Toothless eventually grew restless from having to be still all day, and Hiccup knew he wanted to move around. And so did he, in a way. Maybe a flight would take his mind off of his other concerns.

Soon, Hiccup and Toothless were in the skies and working off their energy. Both man and beast felt a lot better afterwards, and were a little sad about having to come back to the cave as night fell.

Three days trickled by with no inciting incidents. Hiccup was almost at terms with the knowledge that Stoick was no longer there, and his fear had become almost unnoticeable. His thoughts no longer strayed to Stoick when he wasn't busy and the hurt feeling that Hiccup hadn't wanted to admit to was easing. He had known in his head that Stoick had just wanted to save Hiccup from death, but it had taken longer to forgive his father for leaving him so early in life, especially as they had wasted fifteen years of Hiccup's life at odds. But now, he understood and accepted Stoick's decision, as well as his absence.

Hiccup's mourning was done. He was ready to head for home and pick up his life again.

Hiccup had known that it would be cold that night — the snow had not yet melted away, after all — but he was not expecting to see what he took in the next morning. There must've been a coating of over three feet of snow on the ground outside. He gaped at the sight, shivering slightly in his thin coat. It was still snowing, and harshly, too, adding to the frigid white powder's layer. There was also a bitter wind blowing, mixing the snow into an angry sleet. That would make getting back to the village tricky. Toothless's tailfin could freeze up and they could crash, or get swept away. His pursed his lips at the dismaying sight. If only he had gone home the day before… He couldn't risk staying in the cave any longer. If it snowed again, he could very well be caved in, and having Toothless melt all the snow could create even more trouble.

"Toothless," he called to his dragon, who was still sleeping inside of the cave. "Toothless, bud — we've gotta go." Toothless gave a low grunt as he shifted to his feet, groggy from sleep, but he was in agreement.

Preparing for the journey, Hiccup debated whether it was wise to set out in this. There could be more snow and he knew only too well the dangers of being caught in a blizzard (it was Berk, after all). But the urge to get home and see everybody was now overwhelming and Hiccup gave into the yearning. He quickly saddled his dragon and saw that the fire was out. During that time, the snow fell harder and the wind picked up. He then decided that the risks were too high to fly on Toothless during the worsening weather. He would simply ride on his dragon's back on the ground and hope that he wouldn't get lost in the growing blizzard.

Once Hiccup and Toothless were ready to go, Hiccup tied a blanket around Toothless's prosthetic to keep it from freezing over in case they needed to fly, and then went and then said goodbye to the cave that had served him a good home.

It was bitterly frigid and Hiccup was not properly dressed for the weather. He wrapped a blanket around his shoulders and wished that he had brought some extra fabric to cover his hands. He settled for tucking them inside of his coat and hoping for the best. Mounting Toothless, he touched his heel to his dragon's side and allowed the Night Fury to pick his own speed. Though stronger than before, Hiccup didn't have the energy to walk through a blizzard, and Toothless was perfectly fine with carrying his friend.

The ride was miserable, and Hiccup knew he had been a fool to go out in this weather. But he and Toothless had gone so far that they were now nearer to the village than the cave. Hiccup hadn't dared to stop, fearing he might not want to go on again, and he knew that Toothless was exhausted. He patted his Night Fury with a numb hand, grateful that the dragon had been willing to keep going. Toothless's head was low, but he managed a tender lick to Hiccup's fingers before dipping his head back down again. The only thing he could do was keep on moving.

A never-ending shiver crept through Hiccup's body. He was tired, too, sluggishness and chills creeping deep into his bones. His hands and remaining foot were numb, and he began to fear that they could be suffering from frostbite. It was a major concern — Hiccup knew people had lost appendages through frostbite. He tried to get his circulation going, not wanting to lose yet another limb. It wasn't a comfortable thought.

Suddenly, without warning, Toothless stumbled as his paw went through the snow into a hidden, rocky hole in the ground below. The Night Fury went down fast, and a shriek of pain escaped the dragon as he collapsed, knocked out, and not having the strength nor energy to wake up for at least few minutes. Hiccup was pitched over Toothless's head, catapulted in the air. He landed on a snow bank, which was a soft landing, but it collapsed beneath his unexpected weight and sent him tumbling down a slope.

When he came to rest, Hiccup was unconscious and partly buried.

The wind continued to howl. The snow resumed its fall. But everything had changed.

As soon as Toothless awoke, he knew that something was wrong. His head was fuzzy with confusion, and his front right paw throbbed badly. However, he quickly pushed past the pain and opened his eyes.

Hiccup?

He glanced around in panic, looking for any sign of his rider. When all he saw was snow, snow, and more snow, he managed to get to his feet, trying to ignore how much his front paw hurt. It was bleeding, and there might've been some muscle damage. Crimson blood stood out in stark relief against the white powder. But Toothless had no mind for his own pain. There was another pain… deep in his heart. A concerned desperation.

Hiccup?

Toothless inched around, careful about where he stepped, because one, he didn't want to accidentally step on Hiccup if he was somehow buried in the snow, and two, he didn't want to fall again, and be of no help to his missing rider.

After a few minutes of looking, he found no indication of where Hiccup had gone. The Night Fury's alarm rose. Where was he? It was evening, he knew, and it got colder when night came. He had to find his friend before darkness fell, or he might freeze to death. That last thought inspired him to work twice as hard at searching than before, if that was possible.

At last, he wandered back to the spot where he had fallen. By now, his paw was stinging bad, and even his thick hide was letting in some of the cold. But he didn't care. All he cared about was finding Hiccup. Finding his best friend… He continued to limp around frantically, taking no breaks. After about five minutes of this, he reached the edge of some slope. A snowbank. It was near the spot where he had taken that cursed tumble that had separated Hiccup and Toothless. The slope went a long way down, and anyone who would've fallen over it would've been knocked out from the sudden impact.

A theory shot up in Toothless's mind. What if… what if, when Toothless had fallen, Hiccup had been thrown off of him and was catapulted into the snowbank? What if his friend was down there? He peered over the edge and looked around, dread pounding in his heart. He didn't see any sign of Hiccup, but where else could he be?

He whined down the slope, hoping for some response.

There was nothing.

Again, he howled, then shot a plasma blast upwards in frustration. Was Hiccup even down there? Or had he wandered off somewhere else? But Hiccup would never leave him… he knew that. Hiccup had to be down there. And even if there was the smallest, slightest chance that his rider was in the snowbank, he would risk everything to save him.

So, his mind only on Hiccup, he leapt from his spot and down the banking. He landed heavily, and his sudden impact made him sink three feet into the ground. But after a moment, he shook himself off, and came out of the snow. He wandered around, crooning mournfully. Where had Hiccup gone? And was he alright? Was he even alive?

Suddenly, his paw hit something buried in the snow. He looked down, then began to dig, senses torn between fear and hope… when he had dug enough snow away, he felt a mingled sensation of relief and horror. Hiccup lay there, clearly unconscious, and with a bloody gash on his forehead. He must've hit his head on some hidden rock on the way down…

Toothless warbled anxiously, nudging Hiccup with his muzzle without rest. Wake up, wake up, wake up… please… don't be dead… don't be dead...

A moment later, Hiccup moaned, moving slightly, then wincing. Toothless knew that humans were much more fragile than dragons. Too fragile. Maybe he had been injured when he had fallen, besides the gash. The Night Fury hoped not — or at least not too badly...

Toothless poked Hiccup again, this time with his good paw. Hiccup rolled over in the snow, groaning.

Toothless was torn between concern and relief that Hiccup was alive, yet injured and unconscious. He obviously wouldn't be moving anytime soon. Toothless yearned to pull Hiccup under his wing to protect him from the danger of the world, but deep inside, he knew that that wasn't the way to help.

To help his friend… he had to leave him. He had to go back to Hiccup's village to get assistance. Though he might be a Night Fury, though he might be the alpha of fire breathing beasts... he was still a dragon that couldn't fly by himself. And that was a problem. A huge problem.

Nervously, Toothless looked back up the snowbank, shifting uncomfortably in the snow. He couldn't fly up with Hiccup unconscious, and the snowbank was entrapping them with nowhere to go but straight on down some snowy path — but towards what? Toothless didn't want to risk the chance of them getting lost even further… so… so he'd have to race back to Berk. Yes. He'd bolt back, go get Hiccup's mate and those other humans, then drag them to this snowbank with their able dragons. It was all he could do. He would hate to leave Hiccup. Downright despise it. Years ago, Hiccup had been trapped underwater in a strange metal ball, and Toothless had had to leave him. It was one of the hardest things he'd ever done… and he'd have to do it again. Because if he didn't, both he and Hiccup would be stuck and slowly starve or freeze to death. No one knew where they were, and probably couldn't find them. This was the only way...

Toothless was one of the most intelligent dragons. Despite his protective instincts, he knew that Hiccup would need help. Human help. Help that he couldn't give.

With a heavy feeling in his heart, Toothless gave one last, tender lick to Hiccup's cheek, then turned and scrabbled up the snowbank. He was determined enough to make it up, and was soon at the top. Once at his desired position, he began tear his way back to the village. He'd return in a flash, and he pitied anyone that would stand in his way.

Now he had to hurry. Hiccup's fate rested in his talons, and he didn't look like he could last much longer in the bitter weather. Hiccup needed Toothless now more than ever before, and the Night Fury would not fail him. Because friends were there for each other. Always.

Astrid stared out beyond the doors of the Great Hall and into the snow. Hiccup should've been back by now. It had been four days. Four days since she had last seen her betrothed. And she missed him more than she had ever thought she could. These last few days without Hiccup had been very lonely for Astrid and the others. Berk seemed unnaturally eventless, and the Riders lethargic, as though their vitality had gone with Hiccup.

Ever since the snow had started falling, Astrid had been worried about her betrothed. Where was he? Was he all right? Could he make it through the stirring blizzard, and back home safely? Her thoughts all squirmed together with concern. Be alright, dragon boy… please be alright…

"Astrid," a voice said from behind her. "Stop. Worrying."

Astrid turned to see a tired-looking Snotlout staring at her. Fishlegs, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut stood beside him, looking equally exhausted. Hiccup's absence had taken a toll on all of them, as they had all split the chiefing duties between them. They wondered how Hiccup had managed all of that work by himself. It was hard enough to do in six parts! But it wasn't just the exertion they were doing that drained them... Hiccup had been their leader for years now, and everyone had gotten used to a nasally voice telling them what to do. Without him… it was unnerving. Very unnerving.

"I'm not worrying," came the expected response. Astrid crossed her arms. "I'm just… concerned about the snowfall. Could ruin... the crops."

"Uh-huh. Because we have grown crops in winter," Fishlegs said easily, and Astrid flushed a light pink, remembering. She was just so distracted... "Astrid… we're all worried about Hiccup. But we just have to accept that he can take care of himself. He's proved that more times than we can count."

"And I can count to nearly twenty," Tuffnut boasted, smirking.

Ruffnut nodded. She waved her arm offhandedly, trying to seem careless, but even she was a tad concerned that Hiccup hadn't gotten back yet. "He'll pull through. He always does."

Astrid bit the inside of her cheek. But what if this is the one time he doesn't? She pivoted back to look out the doors again, wishing that Hiccup would appear from the growing darkness and light up her world again.

Fishlegs glanced at his friends, who all looked saddened at Astrid's behavior. She had been distant since Hiccup had left, no matter what she claimed. But hadn't they all? Friends were only expected to fret over each other when the other was in trouble… not that Hiccup was in trouble, though. He'd be back soon enough, no matter what. Fishlegs knew that. He opened his mouth to give Astrid consolation, but before he had time to, she straightened abruptly, peering through out into the snow at something the others couldn't see from their spot.

"What is it?" said Fishlegs.

"Hiccup…?" Snotlout guessed, for once, optimistic. The Riders all looked buoyant at the mention of name. After long days of separation, had the chief at last come home? Everyone hoped so, even though all didn't voice their thoughts.

Ruffnut was impatient, as Astrid hadn't answered. She was too busy staring at whatever it was in the distance. "Well? Tell us!"

"Guys… it looks like a dragon… a black dragon," Astrid replied, hope creeping into her voice. She hurried out the door, ignoring the weather, the other Riders following her out. They couldn't think who would be crazy enough to be out in this storm… unless… unless it was Hiccup. "Do you think…"

Fishlegs grinned, almost maniacally. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go see who's out there… and welcome them in!" The others bobbed their heads in agreement, about bursting with new exhilaration. Hiccup could very well be back!

The cold stabbed them like a knife when they went out, and the wind caught at their breath — some of the Dragon Riders actually staggered under the fierce onslaught. However, Astrid kept her eyes on the dragon appearing from the trees, forcing herself not to get her hopes up too high, but unable to push them back completely. To Astrid's pleasure, as they drew nearer to the dragon, they realized that it was Toothless.

"Hiccup!"

Astrid was delighted… until she realized that Toothless was limping, his paw bloodied with an injury… and Hiccup was nowhere to be seen. Numbness settled over, uncomprehending this new revelation she so wished was just a bad dream… But no. Her heart palpitated with shock, and her mind began short-circuiting. No, no, no… please, no, this can't be happening...

Standing there in the snow, the white flakes slowly settling on her head and shoulders, Astrid could only gape in horror at the riderless Night Fury. The bottom had dropped out of her world. The stars were falling out of alignment.

Hiccup… was missing...

Part Two will be up September 3rd — a birthday gift for thepurplewriter333. I guess you could call this the ultimate birthday fic. Well, anyways, until the 3rd! And if you could, it'd be nice to hear what you think in the reviews. Bye!