Hello everyone, just wanted to make sure everyone has seen the Rating change to M now as of the 9th chapter (last chapter).

This chapter is light, mostly emotional stuff but the next couple will be pretty heavy.

Chap 10 False Hope

Hiccup had to admit he felt amazing and really hoped they had bested this poison. However in the back of his mind he didn't quite believe it. Regardless he was going to enjoy this time with the people who matter to him while he could. He made sure to hug and greet everyone after breakfast and thanked them for being there for him. He saw Heather nod towards her brother with a sympathetic look. He gave her a big a hug and left her with Fishlegs. Leaving Dagur for the end he walked over and sat down next to his big brother.

Dagur wouldn't look at him and kept his eyes on the floor, "Hiccup before you tell me to get off the Edge and never come back I need you to know why it was me who did that. I know how much your team loves you and none of them could hurt you. We couldn't ask your father and Gobber is practically your father. The A-Team love you nearly as much as your team does. I certainly wasn't asking Heather, I know how much she respects and loves you for helping her. It had to be me, even though I will be haunted by those memories for the rest of my life. I'm sorry I let it go to far and nearly killed you but that's why we had Toothless outside, just in case. I would never hurt you brother, you mean far to much to me. I love you, but if you want me gone I'll go."

He waited a few more seconds and when he didn't get an answer he slowly looked at Hiccup. He saw a big goofy smile that reached his eyes and suddenly the boy gave him a huge hug. Dagur wasn't sure what was going on but he greatly accepted the hug and returned it.

Dagur looked Hiccup in the eyes, "What was that for?"

Hiccup laughed, "I can only imagine how hard that must have been for you. I saw the fear and sadness and dread in your eyes when you started and then you had to close your eyes. I know you love me brother and I love you. I'm glad you realized none of the others would be able to do it. Though I am surprised my father didn't challenge you for it, though."

Dagur smiled, "Oh he almost did. I saw him looking at his hands with complete dread. I made sure to get him off the hook. Plus, given his size, I was honestly a little worried he might accidentally snap your neck."

Hiccup shuttered and rubbed his sore neck at the thought, "Yeah I can't breath when he hugs me I can't image those hands around my neck."

Dagur looked at his little brother's neck, "I really should get you some ice for that swelling. We don't want to effect your breathing now that you're better." Dagur saw a sad unsure expression and Hiccup looked away. Dagur was scared right away, "Brother? You are better, right? Do you still feel the poison? Are you warm? What's wrong?"

Hiccup shook his head raising a hand, "No nothing, I feel fine, I'm just... I don't know, I guess I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. In case what we tried wasn't enough to actually beat this thing. If I'm still feeling this good in a few hours once we pass the deadline I'll start celebrating with the rest of you. Until then I'm just not convinced this is over. For the moment I feel great. Just don't tell anyone, ok? They all seem so happy, just let them have this time."

Dagur slid closer and put his hand to his brothers forehead, face and neck. He looked at his eyes and watched his breathing. "You look terrible still but it does look like you are bouncing back, but you think this is false hope?" Hiccup nodded sadly.

Stoick saw Dagur checking Hiccup over and came closer, "Is he on the mend Dagur?"

Hiccup smiled at his father, "Dad, I feel fine."

"I didn't ask you," Stoick looked at Dagur.

Dagur saw Hiccup plead not tell tell his father of his fears, "He seems alright, but I guess we'll see."

Astrid walked over and set a drink down in front of Hiccup, "Everything alight here?"

Hiccup took the drink and smiled at her and his father, "Everything is great. Dad, we've made some changes to Dragon's Edge since you were here last. Maybe we could gather the A-team and show them around? Most of the changes were Astrid's and Snotlout's ideas, so they should guide the tour."

Stoick downed his drink and nodded, "Sounds like fun. I did notice a few new ballista's out there and what is that pit on east coast for?"

Hiccup smiled, "Ah, that was the brilliant idea of Fishlegs. I'm sure he will be more than happy to fill you in."

Fishlegs smiled, "Ah yes, I took over the twins boar pit to make a spot to create large amounts of Gronckle iron and Deathsong amber mix. At first it was to stabilize the volcano, but now we use it for forging weapons and new tail fins for Toothless and connection rods and the armour we use on the huts here."

As they all walked away Dagur took Hiccup's arm, "Now that they are all gone, tell me the truth, brother. Are you really alright?"

Hiccup sat back down and Dagur followed, "I really do feel alright, but there's only one sure way to test it."

Dagur frowned, "You want to go flying up high in the clouds. If the poison is gone you will be fine. BUT if it's still there you'll get sick again, Hiccup. Wouldn't it be better to make the best of this time with you're friends and family and IF it comes back at least they have good memories?"

Hiccup looked at the wound in his leg that started all this, "I know, you're right, I should just play it by ear... but IF I am still sick there are things I need to do and say and make provisions for. I can't live my life never flying again, I need to be up there with the others. Staying on the ground to stay safe isn't an option."

Dagur took Hiccup's hand, "Then do that, make your provisions and write down what you want to say. If or when you do need to give those letters out, give them to me and I'll do it when you're ready for them to be read."

Hiccup looked around to be sure everyone was gone and suddenly hugged his brother, "I'm scared, Dagur." A sob escaped his lips and he buried his face in the ginger's shoulder, "I want this to be real, I want this over so I can live my life and protect my friends. But I can't shake the feeling it isn't. I'm... really scared...I don't want to die... I'm only eighteen! For Thor's sake, I haven't done half of what I want to do." He started crying and Dagur wrapped his arms around him tightly and rocked the scared boy.

Dagur's heart was breaking. Hiccup was putting up such a strong front for everyone else but inside he was falling apart. He knew how brilliant and compassionate and sensitive Hiccup was and peoples feelings really mattered to him. He rubbed Hiccup's back as he cried, "I know this is hard for you and you're right. You're still a child, dying isn't something a person your age should have to deal with. If I could pull this poison out of you I would in heartbeat."

Hiccup nodded in thanks, "What about Toothless? If I'm not going to be here I need to rebuild his special tail that works without me. He needs to have to choice to be free if I'm not here anymore to hold him with us."

Toothless walked up to his human and nudged his head under the boy's hand and looked up at him with big sad green eyes. Dagur smiled at the sweet black dragon, "You aren't holding him here, brother. He's here because he wants to be and because he loves you and his family here." Toothless made a soft purr of agreement.

"Well it's been and hour and you're fine. Go write your letters and leave the plans to make Toothless's tail for Gobber. If you still want to test this out I'll go up with you. If you relapse I'll be there to bring you both back." Dagur stood and placed a kiss on his brother's forehead and smiled down at him. Hiccup nodded and headed to his hut.

About two hours later his letters were at least mostly written but instead of finishing them he headed to the forge. He drew out the plans to make the free-flying tail fin. Gobber was an expert blacksmith and would be able to build it but Hiccup wanted it done now. He remembered it very well from making it three years ago and it didn't take him long at all. He even upgraded it to be made of Gronckle iron so it was nearly indestructible and he made it black instead of the normal red. As soon as he lifted it off the table Toothless knew what it was. He shied away instead of eagerly coming over like he usually did.

"I know you remember this bud. I was so happy when you choose staying with me over being free. But if this doesn't work I NEED to know you can escape and be safe on your own. I hope you stay with the team to help them but I understand if you don't." He walked towards his dragon with the new tail and Toothless actually walked away. "Come on, bud, let me put it on you."

Toothless dodged him again looked scared and ever so sad and Hiccup finally understood. "Bud, this isn't me saying good-bye. I still feel good, this cure of ours may have worked. Even if I'm healthy it makes sense in this fight to have you as mobile as the other dragons. And just think, if I get knocked out again or something you can catch me and fly us both home. No more crash landings for you, I know they must hurt. It's a win win!"

Toothless didn't look convinced but walked a little closer. He looked at Hiccup and his ears were all vibrating. Hiccup could tell he was listening to his breathing and heart and all of his body to see if anything was still wrong. He walked to Hiccup and sniffed him to see if the poison was still in his blood. He still got the foul odour of it but it was still very soon after the cure.

Hiccup looked at him, "Well? What's your verdict, bud? Is it still in there or am I clear?" Hiccup really did wish Toothless could tell if this nightmare was over. The dragon looked at him with those same big eyes he saw the first time he offered him this present. Toothless turned around and gave Hiccup access to his tail. Hiccup wasn't sure if that meant he was clear and just agreed that being mobile was good or if he still sensed the poison and knew he would need this tail soon. Regardless, Hiccup strapped on the new tail and removed all the old saddle gear. Toothless flexed the tail a few times and looked at his rider. Hiccup was fixing new straps to his saddle to just hold it on now instead of being part of the whole apparatus before. He walked over and put the simple saddle on Toothless and climbed on.

"Ok, bud, let's go find Dagur and test this cure out," Toothless walked out of the hut and took to the air quickly but not high. He spotted Dagur and Sleuther and headed down to them. The other two took to the air also and met them above the Clubhouse.

Dagur nodded, "I see you made the new tail anyway. Did you write the letters?"

Hiccup shrugged, "I started them but I all I could think about was doing this for Toothless. Beside, if it comes back I still have a few hours to write them or just say it to them."

Dagur looked sad but nodded again, "Alright, if you're sure, let's do this."

Hiccup took a few DEEP breaths and tried to calm his nerves. Just as they were about to head up Stormfly and Hookfang came up to fly also. The two looked at the other Riders.

Astrid laughed, "I knew you would do this eventually. You want to test the poison is really gone. It's only been three hours, are you sure it's long enough?"

"Only one way to find out," Hiccup smiled and Toothless shot into the sky followed by the other three.

Toothless went slow at first to see if Hiccup was ok. He was smiling and happy so the dragon started doing barrel-rolls and diving into the ocean, a move Hiccup always loved. They had been out flying for nearly thirty minutes and everything seemed fine. Hiccup felt amazing. He could breath again and the heat was quickly leaving him. He wasn't shivering anymore and his heart and breathing were back to normal. The air up here felt amazing against his warm skin. He raised his arms and just let the wind hit him. "OH BUD, this is amazing! I love flying with you."

"Are you sure you're ok?" Astrid asked from beside him.

Hiccup smiled, "I'm more than ok, I feel amazing!"

Snotlout cheered, "We did it, we beat this thing!"

Astrid laughed and smiled at how happy Hiccup seemed, "Well you certainly seem better."

Hiccup looked at the high clouds, "Come on bud, let's ruffle some clouds." They shot up above the clouds and levelled out. Hiccup always found it peaceful up here. Nothing but the clouds beneath him and open blue sky above him. He took another deep breath and felt a chill. "That's weird, I've never felt cold up here before." He shivered and got cold again, "Ok, buddy, let's head back down..."

Toothless looked up at his Rider to see him gasping for breath. His hands clawed at his throat and chest like something was squeezing the air out of him. "Can't... can't... breath..." He pointed down and Toothless went into a quick dive through the clouds. One the other side he nearly collided with Snotlout as he kept diving towards the ground. He looked back and roared for the other three to follow him.

Dagur shook his head, "I really hoped he wasn't right."

Astrid and Snotlout looked at him, "What do you mean right?"

They were following Toothless back towards the Edge. Dagur continued, "He said he felt good but couldn't kick the feeling that it wasn't over yet. This flight was to test if he was right."

Snotlout got mad, "You knew he might not be cured and still let him come up here. We know altitude sets the poison off. He was fine on the ground, why did you let him do this!"

Dagur glared, "Have you ever tried to keep Hiccup from doing something he wanted too? He would have done this test anyway. At least with me here I could keep and eye on him."

"Alright stop arguing! So now we know the cure didn't work," Astrid was right on Toothless as they landed at the Hiccup's hut and Dagur carried him in.

Since they got Hiccup back to his hut his condition got far worse. While conscious he forced himself to keep pulling in breaths. But just before they landed he passed out. His breathing had slowed to almost not being there. Over the next few minutes all they could do was stand around watching his chest to be sure he was still breathing. Everyone else arrived quickly when they saw Hiccup being carried in unconscious.

Stoick went to Dagur for answers and everyone else listened, "What happened? He was fine when he left?"

Dagur shook his head, "No he wasn't. He said he felt that it wasn't over and wanted to test his hunch. Since the poison reacts badly to altitude that was the quickest test."

They all turned at the sound of weezing. Dagur touched Hiccups face and felt the heat returning. He reached down and untied the leather over layer and pulled it and the red shirt off quickly. "We need to make him light again, to help his breathing. He's also shivering, we need to get him warm again."

Toothless shot the fire pit in Hiccup's floor several times getting it burning high and warm. They all turned again at the sound of choking.

Astrid had her hand on his chest and her ear over his heart. "Please, you have to breath Hiccup... just keep breathing."

Even in his unconscious state he reacted to her touch and leaned towards the sound of her voice. She felt his chest lower and waited with baited breath for it to rise again. After a few seconds it didn't and she jumped and could hear his heart slowing. "HICCUP! BREATH!"

She saw him react to her before so she put her lips to his and kissed him. When nothing happened she started crying and kissed him again but accidentally breathed into his mouth while she was crying. In another couple seconds he hauled a very laboured breath in and out. She looked overjoyed at the others.

Gobber just sighed in relief, "Whatever you just did, lassie, keep doing it!"

She smiled and went back to watching and listening. He was getting far to hot to touch again. "His fever is definitely back!"

Snotlout yelled at Fishlegs and Gothi, "You said he was cured!"

Fishlegs yelled back, "It should have worked! I don't understand!"

Stoick asked what everyone was thinking, "What do we do now?"

Fishlegs looked at Gothi and just shook her head, "I don't know, sir."

Gobber translated what Gothi wrote, "We wait and watch and hope."

Stoick sat in a chair next to his sons bed and did just that. Fishlegs and Gothi went back to figure out what they had missed. Astrid curled up next to Hiccup again, her ear never leaving his chest as she made sure he was still with them. She noticed he was flinching slightly and realized he must be having a bad dream. Crazy dreams were a symptom of this stage. She felt crushed at the false hope they had just hours ago. Now it was back again and they were again faced with loosing Hiccup. She realized a part of her felt the same as Hiccup that it wasn't really over, but she let herself feel good for that short time.