A/N: Yeah, I know it's been a good while. In all honesty, i HAD written a one shot, but it got erased -_-' Yeah, lucky me. Anywho, we're onto the next arc, which is going to get really fantastic if I can actually manage that. Hopefully I won't let people down, right?

Last time: Hiccup and Toothless left everyone at the Edge after not only a over dramatized argument between Hiccup and Astrid, but also a reveal of his relation with Dagur...

Chapter 9: The Letter

Hiccup was depressed. He knew that he should feel some of the weight that had been weighing him down so much lately begin to let up, but he only seemed to feel it now more than ever. He knew that Dagur had decided to stay in the same general vicinity that he initially was, but Hiccup didn't exactly want to be with anyone else yet. He had more or less come to terms with the whole 'Dagur is my brother' thing, but that didn't mean that he wasn't still slightly unsettled by it. He also wasn't blind to the questioning looks he'd been given or even the way a few of them had outright avoided looking at him. Maybe it was his friends' reactions that was making him so depressed or perhaps it was his own cowardice. He could've faced them and dealt with it, but instead he chose to run away and hide. Now he probably would only be their enemy from now on, but that's how it had to be for all of this to work.

Toothless looked at Hiccup and bumped him in the head to try and cheer him up. He had noticed how sad he had been since before they left, but it was even worse ever since they were forced to leave Astrid behind. Of course, Hiccup hadn't read her letter yet. Picking it up in his mouth carefully, he put it right in front of Hiccup and looked at him expectantly.

Hiccup sighed and looked at Toothless. He really wasn't in the mood for whatever games the dragon probably had in mind, but he acquiesced nonetheless.

"What is that Toothless?" he asked, taking the letter carefully. "Isn't this the letter that Astrid gave me right before we left? I almost forgot about it, I guess. Should we read it?" As Toothless settled behind him, he looked at the letter before unfolding it.

Dear Hiccup,

Knowing you, you probably all but forgot about this letter not even five minutes after I gave it to you until Toothless gave it to you.

"I'm not THAT bad, am I bud? I mean, it's possible; she could at least try to sound a little less insulting, though." Hiccup muttered, before continuing at Toothless' urging. "Alright! Quit your pouting already."

I know that you're feeling depressed and weighed down about all of the things that have happened recently, and I wish I could have helped more than I currently am. Though I am writing this the night before your departure, I know my feelings about your leaving will not change. I am angry that I cannot help you more and frustrated that I couldn't protect you from what I know you are thinking are not a coward, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III! Don't look so surprised, you idiot. I could tell by the look in your eyes that you weren't sure about what to think after you told them. I know that you wanted to tell them some things and argue, but you know that wouldn't have helped anything. Don't feel sad about how they reacted. I know that I reacted differently, but everyone is different and you should know that better than anyone. If you ever feel sad or doubt yourself, make sure you have this letter hidden somewhere so you can read it. You should probably let Toothless keep it since you'll probably lose it. Keep safe.

Astrid

Hiccup took a deep breath and folded the letter back up, hiding it in one of the bags that Astrid packed for him. They were about ready to take back off after such a long break, but they probably needed to eat first. Digging out all of the fish for Toothless, he settled for what Astrid had packed him. Luckily, it was not something she had made herself. He had given her several chances over the past couple of years and each time there seemed to be some type of disaster. Last time was some mystery...thing and then she asked him if he wanted to try this new drink she made. He only vaguely remembered going pale and passing out in her hut, but he was pretty sure he had lost a few days of the week on that particular adventure. Ah, the memories of things he'd rather never again experience. Ever.

"Well, Toothless?" Hiccup looked at him and rolled his eyes. "Toothless! Stop with the sunbathing and let's get going already. We should get going."

As they took off, Hiccup looked across the distance to try and spot the ship he was looking for. He wasn't off course in the slightest, and he didn't think that Dagur would just leave.

"I don't get it, bud." he said, sounding exasperated. "I thought he'd be around here, and I'm almost positive we're going the right direction." Toothless slapped him to get his attention, but Hiccup went on talking. "I hope this doesn't mean I have to try and find these-" he stopped as Toothless slapped him again. "What is it, bud? Do you see his...ship?"

Hiccup's jaw dropped as he was slightly shocked into silence. He saw a familiar crest in the far distance, but it was not the one he was looking for.

Berk.

A/N: Not the twist you were expecting, huh? Don't worry. I wasn't expecting it, either. XD Like I keep saying, I basically write these as they come to me. I used to write them down, but I just don't bother anymore. Meh. At the end, I was like...dragon hunters or berk? XD Bwah ha ha!