Thanks to KassyRey13, yesthenLucky9, Guest, ReptileGirl497, and Guest for the Reviews! You guys are awesome!

This chapter is almost made entirely of Hiccstrid, with a tiny bit of plot thrown in. Because, I can't escape the plot.

Recap: Astrid was made aware of Hiccup's feelings for her, and she feels the same. Now, all that's left is for Hiccup to realize the same. . . And hope they don't get killed before he does. ;)

Enjoy!


Hiccup woke up before Astrid, something rare these days. Astrid was so into training, that she would wake up before the sun was up to practice with her axe.

Hiccup stared at her, and sighed. "I'm grateful for everything you've done for me, Astrid. I know I can never tell you this when you're awake, but, if it came down to my life, or your's, I would choose your's in an instant. You mean, well, everything to me."

He stood and climbed on Toothless. "C'mon, Bud. Let's get that flight in."

As soon as he took off, Astrid sat up, and smiled.

Hiccup likes me? I'm...not surprised. I like him. And I'm afraid for who he's becoming. He's changed. I've tried to help him, Stoick has tried to help him, even Gobber. All I can do is lead him in the right direction. Only he can fix himself.


Hiccup grinned and executed a barrel roll, flying in between two sea stacks. "Nice job, Bud! That's our best run yet!"

Toothless glanced at him and warbled.

Hicup sighed. "Seriously? Back on Astrid? I think you're more obsessed with my relationships than I am."

Another warble.

"I do like Astrid, but I'm not naive enough to believe that she likes me back. I don't know what she thinks."


"So, how'd it go with you and Hiccup last night?"

Astrid kept on a straight face. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Tuff."

Ruffnut groaned. "Oh, please. We saw you two sitting together after you thought we had gone to sleep. You were waiting up for him when he went out on Toothless."

Astrid was struggling not to smile. "So? All of us are a team, right? We're suppose to keep track of one another."

"Anyway." Snotlout joined the conversation. "Were you guys talking about me? I bet you were talking about me."

Astrid sighed and faced the water. "C'mon, Hiccup. Save me from these mutton-heads."


"Toothless, look out!"

They dove down, avoiding a chain.

"Hunter ships!"

Hiccup flew close enough to spot a figure on the deck of the lead ship.

"Dagur?"

Dagur laughed. "Well, hello brother! It's been so long since I've seen you."

Toothless fired a plasma blast into the water, rocking the ship.

"And of course, hello to you too, Mister Night Fury."

"What do you want, Dagur?"

"Ah, Hiccup. All I want is you and your dragon. Surrender yourself, and I won't try to attack your friends."

"Dagur, I know you call yourself 'the Deranged' for a reason. Why should I trust you?"

"Because, in return, I'll give you this!" He held up a cylindrical object.

"What is it?"

"I don't know. Something we found in an old ship. Surrender, and it's yours."

"How-How is it mine if I'm a prisoner?"

Dagur thought for a minute. "Good point. Take them down!"

Hiccup glanced down at Toothless. "Ok, Bud. Whatever that thing is, it's probably bad for dragons. Which means we have to get it away from Dagur."

They dodged a few chains, then Toothless fired a plasma blast into the lower part of Dagur's support ship.

Dagur stared at Hiccup. "Too slow, brother!"

"Really?" Hiccup flew upside down, grabbing the thing from Dagur. "It looks like I beat you, Dagur."


When they got back to Dragon's Edge, Astrid was waiting for them.

"Hiccup! Oh, thank goodness. I need you to save me from these mutton-heads."

Hiccup smiled and shook his head. "No time. Gather everyone around. I've found something.

Tuffnut walked up to them.

"Alright, H. Lay it on me. What'd you find? Gold? Treasures untold?"

Hiccup smiled. "Actually, this."

Tuffnut just stared. "You found...a circle? How is this important?"

"I don't know yet. I took it from Dagur. If he had it, it must be important. I'm headed back home."

Astrid shook her head. "You're going back to Berk? Why?"

"To convince my father this us being out here is a good idea. I'll need whatever this is to do that."

As he started to walk away, Astrid caught up to him. "Hiccup, you cannot seriously be planning to leave me with these guys!"

Hiccup smiled. "I know. I need your help, Astrid."


"Hiccup." Stoick sighed. "Son. I know you are still scarred by what happened on Outcast Island. I know that's why you want this outpost to be a reality. But, Alvin is looking for you, and so is Dagur. I can't handle you being taken again."

"Dad." Hiccup stepped forward. "I'm not alone. I have the Dragon Riders with me. And. . . I have Astrid. I'm entrusting my life to them. I need you to do the same."

Stoick stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I will be coming every once in a while. Just to check up on you. And, I suspect Gobber will be doing the same as well."

Hiccup grinned. "Thanks, Dad. I promise I'll contact you if anything happens."

Once outside, Astrid slung an arm around Hiccup, wincing as he flinched.

"Hiccup. You're here. You're safe."

He sighed. "I know. Just, I sometimes have these dreams where I was never rescued, and then Alvin brings in. . ." He stopped, unable to continue.

Astrid took his hand, encouraging him.

Hiccup struggled for words. "They killed you. They killed. . .everyone! And I was powerless to stop them."

"Hiccup. If you ever have a nightmare again, come find me. I never want you to be alone."

He smiled. "Thanks, Astrid. Let's get back to the Edge."


Johnathen, your suggestion is the next chapter!

Enter in the Dragon Eye!

Also, Hiccup is very much not OK, but he has Astrid. And yes, there will be some Hiccup-needs-comfort-and-support bits in the future. Because I like that stuff!

Anyway, love me for not leaving you on a cliffhanger! (Go back to chapter 7 if you want one)

Until next time, Thanks for reading!