Racers of the Night

by Smoe05

[Dragon Racing Modern AU] Dragons coincide with the people of Berk. They live in the vast wilds awaiting study, they are trained to help with laborious construction and are rode upon in the legendary Dragon Races. When Hiccup Haddock discovers a breed thought to be a myth, it sparks a revolution of change that shifts the course of the city forever. [Movie pairings]

14. 14 Among the Winds He Walks

Among the Winds He Walks

July 9, Hofferson Backyard…

'How do you keep doing it Hiccup! Oh my gods, seventy riders and you beat them all!' Snotlout revelled in the sheer majesty of his friend going down on both knees. 'Please. Teach me the ways oh dragon rider.'

'Oh? You seek wisdom from such as thee? It'll cost you,' Astrid held her hands in reverence towards Hiccup, her grin sharp.

'Price? For knowledge as bountifinel… as this, there is no price I will not pay,' he continued the theatrics of the moment only to break character as the gravity of his proposal hit. 'Actually, I take that back. I take it back!'

'You really should look into that gambling issue of yours Snotlout,' Tuff commented from his deck chair off to the side.

'And his vocab,' Ruff remarked on par with her brother.

Hosted they were, by the Hofferson's proceeding the adrenaline fuelled event on Figga's bluff. An achievement such as the victory today brought upon jovial spirits, thus a Barbeque to settle into the night. Walter and Stoick manned the grill whilst the others all mingled about the backyard patio, sharing stories and the like whilst the teens crowded around the stars of the show. The clouds had parted revealing a starry night to fill the air with clarity and relief.

'How about a discount; mates rates?' Snotlout pressed further pushing his head up near their faces with an eager expression.

'Ok, ok, you wanna know the secret? Well, it's equal parts this,' Hiccup poked his shoulder, 'as it is this,' before tapping his forehead causing Snotlout to overbalance and fall backwards.

The others scoffed as his eye grew wide with wonder, as if he'd been granted with the secrets to the universe. 'Whoa. It's so simple, yet so hard. Why? Why must I be cursed with limited smarters!'

Hiccup rolled his eyes though not without thorough amusement by his friends' antics. 'He's says this now, there's still half a season left,' he commented to Astrid.

'Yep, at least it's with one less Sweeny,' she replied with hopeful intentions.

'She'll be back in the joint events and besides, now we have to face Klu Bayne,' that name was more or less absent from any conversation they'd had thus far.

In short, Klu Bayne was the twenty-fifteen champion of the Intermediate competition with three seasons to his name over the last six years. With all their focus on the immediate challenges regarding the Sweeny sister's they'd forgotten about the biggest threat to the competition; the top man himself. Even on the eve of July third they found themselves in a state of concern much to the likeness of entering an exam at school. There was no solid foundation for success, no way of knowing if their training covered the right techniques. That realisation was unsettling to say the least and upon their perch overlooking the other riders of the top ranked heat, it was hard to miss the winding crown of his green scaled Thornridge. Another detail that seemed a little interesting from the small amount of information they had found about their latest opponent. For the longest time Klu rode a Typhoomerang, up until a few months ago where he acquired a Thornridge for the competition. No word as to where the dragon came from or who delivered him. It was a thought that made the settlement of which issue was more unsettling even tougher; the rider himself or the dragon he rode.

The practice the duo had undertook nonetheless worked out in the end; the skills Bayne presented drew out some improvised passes and rough reflexes in the air but familiarity no less served to be the greater advantage as Windy rolled over in first with Stormfly close behind. Five laps on Hallows Corner was enough to see where their focuses now lay and with the footage from Hiccup's camera ripe for review, they began a new training layout that put more emphasis on defensive and reflex manoeuvres.

July 30, 2016 – Event 13 || 'Bork Stadium' Arena 3

Come the time of the final Arena match, those skill inadvertently gave them an edge and as such put an extra fourteen points to their lead in the polls. It was a brutal blow to the Alpha Core completely demolishing their track record and with huge thanks to Eret for his expert strategy that broke through their lines nine out of the ten attempted manoeuvres. The rest were composed by the dynamic duo themselves pulling in the defence of the opposition with tight lines along the stadium edge. It was in the final moments of the game however that shocked fans across the stadium from both sides. Receiving an off pass from Astrid, Hiccup drove Windy on a vertical line to the sky barrier where the unexpected happened. He had wowed audiences once before but that stunt was nothing comparison to what he had planned next.

The competition lay on his tail in an unbreachable barrier of dragons as they intended to make use of his supposed folly and drive him out of the sky barrier. Except when Windy stopped and curled over for the vertical decent Hiccup was no where to be seem; Windy's saddle was empty begging that singular question. In the madness of the pursuit, Hiccup had unclipped his harness and thinned himself out as Windy curled over, he launched himself backwards into a flip and watched as the other riders took the bait. He was nothing but a man sized blur as they realised the deception and could only watch as he plummeted back towards the ground.

With the ball in hand he closed his form and let gravity carry him through before pelting the ball at the goal. Against all odds it sunk with only the slightest rumble against the walls. Spreading his arms out once more, Hiccup felt the air beat at his arms and drove a hard path away from the goals hoping now that the second part his plan would follow. Just as they had practiced, Windy was there to catch him before another terrible fate could be known. He spread his wings and broke their descent mere metres from the ground, with Hiccup clambering back into the saddle.

With the pumping of blood through his ears, the eruption of the stadium became white noise as the adrenaline left his limbs shaking at the realisation of what he'd just performed. 'OH MY GODS!'

Astrid's voice burst through his head causing him to flinch. 'OW, not so loud, Thor almighty.'

He spotted Stormfly swooping down from ahead as he coasted around the stadium perimeter. 'I… You, are unbelievable. And so, freaking, incredibly lucky that worked.'

'You're telling me. We've been practising that all week with the pit and I only ever sunk the ball once,' He quipped shooting her a winning smile.

Milady was none too happy by that little stunt but after she cooled down I think she took to my reasoning, though part of me is a little worried about a certain threat regarding a lock and chain. Even so, it's not the first time I've been skydiving, whether by choice or unexpectedly but it has given me food for thought; how could I incorporate something like that into my gear? For now, I guess I'll sleep on it but if there were a way, I'm thinking some serious remodelling would be in line.

As time went on, the question more or less found its way into the category of things to do later with the high chance of never being done. All through August as the ends of Summer washed over with overcast skies, the returning school semester brought with it a new feeling that felt unlike the new rise to fame, as it was an edge of eeriness like something felt, off. Not long after event fourteen, a race on the Rollerway that earnt Astrid a win was when he felt it, the hushed murmur, the burning sensation of his ears as if a conversation that was of a day to day context suddenly seemed relevant. Only when he tried to listen that tinge of paranoia would be subdued when reality proved otherwise. Was that red car with the spoiler following him or were there multiple models being driven in the area? Glancing at the number plates only further built his frustration as they failed to match. Still something was leaving an upset feeling in his gut and it wasn't the garlic butter from last night's risotto.

Gauntlet C at Bork stadium brought new surprises, not just the constant barrage of traps and sweeper arms along the track running along the outer edge like Nascar but to whom was present off the course. He counted them in his head as he walked with Astrid to the tunnel entrance, two new Raincutter's, a Razorwhip and a Shovlehelm of all dragons. These dragons weren't just rare but quite elusive and even tougher to impound. However the method of their requisition, it didn't play kindly on his conscience. Thankfully though, the impending arms of almost certain maiming were enough of a cause to rip those thoughts out of his head. Left with only a bruise to his thy and adrenaline shakes, Windy brought them through into another second place behind Astrid. She seemed to be holding her game well despite being aware of the odd changes around them. Perhaps living without the public knowledge of his plight, granted that being his own choice of course, she could focus on the path ahead with more clarity.

I should ask her about it. She seems to be remaining calm about everything. I dunno, I just feel… on edge all the time these days. At least, ever since…

It couldn't be? No, he'd know if that were the case. The authorities would be all over his backside with retrieval squads and there'd be a constant stream of media attention. There was no way they were seen…

At least, ever since our flight over the city on Toothless. In the coming days I suppose I'll find out. News like this doesn't normally stay hidden for this long so I guess whatever people know will be revealed eventually… and at great cost.

September 10, 2016 – Event 16 || 'Red Rock' Relay

'Once more down memory lane. Try not to get your ass kicked this time,' Astrid quipped sending off a cheeky grin.

He held the gaze as his mind wound up a remark but for once, silence felt to be best. A smile was that which he returned, a smile to which she also returned most solemnly. She found herself parting her lips once more as if to speak, though nothing came. With a strong arm she reached out to wrap him around the shoulders and into her embrace. There was nothing much else to say, they knew what was to come, where it would lead; there by leaving the present to simply take its course through those events. If time could slow just for moment, Astrid would wish it so; his scent, the natural musk that filled her senses blinding them of reason and logic. How this young man had grown before her eyes and for her to be there every step of the way.

'Come on. Let's show 'em how it's done,' she reluctantly pulled back still holding that endearing grin that burnt right threw him.

With their hands interlocked she lead them out towards their dragons like they had so many times before.

'And so ladies and gentlemen. I hope you're having fun and thank you once again for being here. It's you, the people who make these events the special occasions they are, from just a regular race to the championship specials. Without your love and support, none of this could happen and in some ways I think the world would be just a little darker. So thank you and let's give it up for the final heat of the day, the one's you've been waiting; the tier one ranks lead by Harold Haddock and his Windwalker Windy. As per usual he'll be joining forces with the tempest Valkyrie herself, Astrid Hofferson and her Deadly Nadder, Stormfly,' Gary opened to the crowds with his encouraging speech. 'There's just something about those two that really sends shivers down your spine.'

'Is it their thrill seeking nature or competitive lust to out do each other on dangerous stunts?' Tina added.

'Well if rumour be true, the track isn't the only place they spend time together,' Gary continued with a suggestive tone.

'Are you suggesting we have something of a power couple on our hands?' She asked again casting him an interested glance from the box.

'It wouldn't be the first time,' Gary chuckled. 'But like I said, rumours. Something I feel as though we aren't at liberty to discuss,' he returned that intuitive expression.

Tina rolled her eyes. 'Well that ship has sailed. Anywho, let's get back to the line up. In our second seatings, Dagur Derange with his Gronkle, Shattermaster and fellow Independant Blake Keeting, on his Gronkle, Rotgrud.'

Gary was short to follow. 'No news there on their… relationship haha,' his tone suddenly dropped to deadpan. 'It's purely platonic. After them it's the champion himself Klu Bayne and his Thornridge, Trondu teaming up with the feisty Korra Sperling and her Raincutter, Kaleria. These dragons are still relatively fresh to the competition so I'll be interested to see how they fair against the seasoned dragons.'

'You make a fair point there Gary and speaking of seasoned dragons,' Tina redirected attention to the line up. 'Behind them are Ava Sweeny with her Monstrous Nightmare, Snarlstrom and of course making a return to form after a two month leave, her older sister Hannah riding her Nightmare Caegion.'

'It also seems the Independents as per usual are pooling into the top ranks with their unofficial captain Eret Eretson and his Rumblehorn, Skullcrusher teaming up with Maddison Pierce on her Monstrous Nightmare, Langtorn,' Gary continued.

Tina picked up the mantle once more. 'In the sixth lane we have Tenesha Farris riding her favourite Typhoomerang, Torch whilst siding with Bella Greendale and her Timberjack, Bahrewhy.

'You've got to be kidding me,' Hiccup muttered under his breath as Tenesha once again waved in his direction.

The duo returned the gesture despite the tic in Hiccup's eye. 'And finally, holding up the rear we have Ashley Peters on her Deadly Nadder, Pearlescent with Mathew Hinterman and his Monstrous Nightmare… Jerry,' Gary blinked once before collecting herself. 'With the riders moving into their allotted positions we take to our sponsors…'

Hiccup found himself starring up at the commentary box, that edge returning from the back of his mind at the mention of their 'outside' activity. Rumours were rumours but any investigation may lead to traces of evidence that would be ultimately damning. He teared his eyes away, there was enough on the table at this point to continue worry about what lay far beyond them, for now he needed to focus on what was in front of them. Though, those prospects seemed less inspiring; his cursory glances beheld, Klu, Tenesha and Hannah in his section. Where one was driven for success, the others were either a flying distraction or hellbent on revenge and it didn't take a genius to work out which was which. With only Keeting, Pierce and Peters as possible allies, this was going to be one painfully long race.

'Alrighty folks. One last thing and we can get this race started, let's see here… ah. I think this'll do the trick,' Gary announced before the PA blared with hard rock guitar. 'TNT, AC/DC.'

"Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi, Oi. See me ride out on the sunset, on your, colour TV screen."

'Gary sure knows how to set the mood,' Hiccup quipped right as the lights counted down.

Flaring green, the race opened and without a second's hesitation, Windy floored it towards the opening shaft. He wasn't about to let a repeat of the gauntlet happen but nor was he willing to relinquish his record. The winding metallic beams that enclosed them whirred with the air and light filtering through the gaps of the framework. It sounded all too familiar, the nostalgia spurring that spike of confidence. Just a little won't hurt I guess. He thought to himself. Klu was right up on his rear with Hannah in typical fashion behind him; the narrow shaft leaving no gap for them to push through. Light poured through the shaft exit and where he expected Klu to take the open field advantage instead he stuck right on Windy's tail like a glue.

'How are you holding up?' Astrid called through the internal mic.

'We're through the shaft in first but Klu's acting different, he's not taking a pass like before,' he relayed.

'What about Hannah?' She asked again.

He checked his point once more finding the blur of green on Trondu's tail. 'Trailing Klu.'

'And Tenesha?' Was she going to name the entire heat?

'Behind her!' He growled as they entered the decent.

'Ok, well watch out for those column passes, they may try to cut you off on the inside,' she warned him as the first column came into view.

'I know. I got this,' he stated sternly narrowing his eyes on the pass.

'Ooh, so tense,' she remarked in amusement, her tone dripping with sass.

'I'd like to see you try and face three of your toughest competitors at once without backup. You have it easy thank you very much, Whoa!' The column rushed towards them and Windy anchored hard left to drift them along the inside edge of the curve.

Trondu and Caegion mirrored his movements coasting along with practiced precision. Torch on the other hand was sliding out with his larger mass heavier on gravity's pull. It was like playing an old piece on piano for the first time in a while, the combination of notes and sounds mixed with the rhythm coming back to fruition. The penalty grids once again oscillated along the vertical columns pushing the riders to avoid them at all costs, Hiccup figured if ever there were a place to make a precision pass, now was the time. The first gate pushed Windy low to the track surface before arcing along that dangerous altitude to the next grid. Their exercised agility made the turns far simpler than the previous season but those grids remained a challenge to all. Klu and Hannah were unrelenting keeping within arms length of Windy's tail; a knockout here would undoubtedly be regarded as intentional and yet that thought made no deterrence on the matter. The final of the five columns were behind them as they pelted onto the berms that curled back towards the launch rig.

It was surprising enough however when Klu finally urged Trondu on a path that slipped in on the inside track just ahead of Windy's path line. The Thornridge nearly clipped his wing against the inner wall alas no such fortune became as he took the lead. Hannah who was now on Windy's rear was looking hard pressed to mimic the manoeuvre but aware of his surroundings Hiccup was. Having been out of the competition for two months gave the advantage back to Hiccup, who kept up the edge that eventually began to separate their distance.

'We're coming up on the final bend now,' he alerted Astrid as he ducked behind to see their sublime forms coast towards the launch rig.

Keeping an eye on Korra, she pushed Stormfy into the dive right as Kaleria departed. Hiccup saw the early launch keying into the strategic benefits of a successful transfer. Slipping the baton from his arm mount, Windy entered their signature spiral move allowing Hiccup to place the baton right into the palm of her outstretched hand. Grasping a solid hold, Astrid pushed Stormfly into a full drive towards the shaft narrowly scraping in front of Korra. Windy took to the track surface as the other riders passed over head with their own transfers. The strength was in the Independent riders now what with Klu, Hannah and Tenesha consistent in being the bane to his racing career. Resuming their position on the launch rig, Hiccup caught movement to his left as both Hannah and Klu eyed him carefully. Whilst Hannah's eyes bore that same silent rage from the earlier events, Klu's expression lay calm.

'I hear you hold the record for this place,' his voice though solid brought a heavy wispiness as if he breathed the words more so than spoke them.

He nodded once knowing Astrid would hear his response, the last thing he needed to do was distract her. His attention once more found itself on the silent rage of Hannah's expression, a focus that was not unnoticed by the Klu.

He gave her a one up and down look noticing that coldness towards her rival. 'What's your problem?'

Hannah flicked her chin towards Hiccup, clearly enough to indicate their shared history. 'Well this'll be interesting. Given how your partner rides Harold I think you may just have the drop on me again. Bugger it. I know when to cut my losses. Have fun clawing at each other's throats with your silent death stares,' Klu leant back in his saddle with his hands behind his head.

Bizarre was the word to describe that transaction; just like that Klu had resigned his desire to win on the simple judgment of Astrid's performance. In all honesty he wasn't sure if that was better or worse, on the one hand it was seemingly one less rider to worry about but he kind of liked having the Thornridge sized the division between Caegion's claws and his neck.

'Hey Astrid. How are you holding up?' Hiccup asked finally tearing his gaze away from Hannah.

'Kinda busy right now, I still hate these columns,' her voice crackled back from the static interference of the grids.

'What are the standings?' he asked simple and precise.

'Korra's giving me a hard time but we should be fine on the berms. Otherwise, Ava's closing in,' she replied sending a spark lightning up his spine.

'Brilliant,' he deadpanned in return. 'Right, I see you on the monitors, well weird thing's just happened here. Klu is supposedly 'cutting his losses' whether that's false advertising I don't know but by the way he's relaxing in his saddle I'd say he doesn't plan on winning.'

'What about Hannah?' Astrid gritted her teeth clearly on the brink of another column pass.

Hiccup cast a subtle glance to find her expression unmoving. 'She looks hungry. It's very distracting,' he held his eyes forward and that's where it hit him. 'Distraction.'

His gaze once again arrived on Hannah before drifting to Klu's lazed posture. 'I think it's a set up. Klu intends on leaving me to deal with Hannah alone and if I'm right he'll use that distraction to slip pass without us even noticing. How far are you from the finish?'

'Coming up on the final berm now,' she replied coolly. 'Do you have a plan?'

The message seemed to be reoccurring as the other riders set themselves ready for launch. 'Yeah, I doubt he'll expect me to copy his idea,' he said smoothly before pushing off the launch rig into the second of three laps. Stormfly zipped alongside and Astrid took a risk by flinging the baton across the space, with practiced hands Hiccup caught it cleanly and deposited it safely in the arm slip. From behind, Ava and Korra completed their transfers before Hannah and Klu resumed control once again. True to his word, Klu hung back behind Hannah but the double deception alas for his sake was a complete surprise as Hiccup pulled Windy into a wind, break roll, that broke their velocity and allowed them to slip in behind Klu right as he entered the shaft. He'd have liked to have seen his expression but in the motion of the manoeuvre, all he could see was the blur of the world as it spun.

With his plan in shambles, Klu had no choice but to face the trials of passing Hannah for the lead position. From behind them both, Hiccup felt his nerves reach a level of calm that was rather alleviating; for once he was the observer, the silent follower tracking the leads and looking for the optimum moment to strike. Klu on the other hand, had plans of his own; his earlier intentions were still salvageable should he simply tug on his grips and let the break of momentum drop him in behind Hiccup again. These intentions however were all but predictable and as such when Klu dropped back, he unknowingly opened a perfect sized gap for Windy to slip through into the descent on the inside. Leaving nothing to chance, Windy beat his wings cruising with great pace past both dragons and into the lead for the entrance of that first abominable column pass.

'Haha, great work Bud,' he congratulated tucking in low along the curve.

They were able to hold that stance for the rest of the lap giving Astrid the boost to put a good second ahead of the other riders in her heat. As she disappeared into the shaft, he wondered if perhaps there was a hint of truth in Klu's supposed intentions. After taking the lead there wasn't an instance where he might have put Trondu through the ringer to pass him. An easy sitting in third meant comfort and time to accommodate any unfortunate events. With three deep breaths to reduce the buzz along his arms, Hiccup came to rest his gaze on the overhead monitor showcasing the aerial view of the second team making mincemeat of the course. Astrid and Ava lead close on each other's wing with Korra acting unlike her counterpart; several spike of speed followed by aggressive braking as she attempted to push through. He sighted a small glimmer of concern from Klu as he watched her, the hours of experience under his belt unconsciously working its way out.

Part of him understood the mental critique that grew steadily more irritable at sloppy techniques but he knew better than to invite such thoughts. For one Astrid would never let him hear the end of it and besides, he was far too enamoured with feverous bliss to think anything other than wondrous compliments at the moment. A shimmer of movement caught his eye and upon returning to the screen he saw something that was none other than a surprise. Korra attempted another pass on an open gap left by the penalty grids, one Astrid was in no position to counter. To her left however, Ava moved into position and cleanly cut the path all before signalling a small salute to Astrid; a truce, agreement, some pact evidently having transacted at some point during the race. The shadow that fell around him was cold and threatening emanating from only one person as she too witnessed the act. Hannah's eyes were dark and her scowl from behind her visor barely holding in the rage that built like a great thunderstorm.

'Made a friend have we?' he commented to Astrid.

'Seems so. How's Hannah?' she replied with the physical strain evident in her voice.

'Pissed,' he stated. 'Not doing me any favours.'

'Hah, you can take her,' she joked making it past the final column. 'Think about it this way, the more angry she gets, the more reckless she'll become.'

'Just like Huxter,' he said holding his gaze at the monitor for a few more moments. 'Ahhhh, righto,' he stretched out his shoulders.

'Hey, think of this as doing me a favour taking on the big guns. I promise I'll make it up to you later,' she relayed entering the final leg of the berms.

'The things I do for you Astrid,' he quipped once more before setting himself in the saddle for one last lap on Red Rock. 'Last lap Windy, let's make this one count…'

After the Race…

'Hahaha, Red Rock, forever to be in our dominion,' Hiccup cheered holding out his hand for Astrid.

Depositing her helmet, she caught his hand with a strong grips and gracefully swung down to be scooped up into a short embrace. 'You didn't beat your record,' she teased him.

'Who cares, I think there are more important things to celebrate,' he said turning behind them to sight the small grin from Ava across the side zone.

'YOU!' That genuine sight was lost as the feral growl pierced their ears and all eyes locked onto Hannah as she stormed towards her sister.

Without warning, she drew her hand back and brought it down upon Ava's cheek earning shocked gasps from the crowds. Despite the burning glow of the hand print Ava remained unfazed by the assault steeling her expression into a blank response.

'YOU TRAITOR!' Hannah snarled, the likeness of which was comparable to her dragon. 'I gave you a chance, instead you decided to stab me in the back and turn tail to the wonder team!'

She was casting Ava in a full shadow with her taller frame. 'How do you think Mum would feel hmm? What do you think she'd say after this? And Dad! You've disappointed them. YOU ARE A DISAPPOINTMENT TO US ALL!' She blared into her face, eyes devoid of mercy.

Hiccup was frozen, there was no life in his limbs beyond that which allowed him to stand. The iciness it seemed had spread between them as Astrid could only stare, transfixed by the horrors unfolding. It mattered not that the gloves breath warmth into her hand, with the chill that spread their entire body the wrapping of her hand around his only legitimised this surreal moment as reality.

'I will not race with a traitor, a coward. You're on your own from now on and when the day comes that the league finally kicks you out for your incompetence, don't think for second to look for us to help you,' Hannah leaned in and with the venom of a Speed Stinger, she said those fatal words.

'You're no dragon rider. You're not my sister,' it was the last thing she said before leading Caegion away towards the docking stations.

She merely stood there as if it were a mirage or she was caught in a mental trap. Those moments to Hannah's final disappearance were agonising and at last a sense of energy, motion, just sheer ability flooded their bodies. Astrid rushed forward with Hiccup in close tandem and without any words to share Astrid wrapped her arms around Ava's slender frame. In those precious seconds, reality finally caught up to her as her legs trembled but held in Astrid's arms, she was there to hold her steady as the one and only tear spilt.

I can still hear those damn words in my head. I don't know what could possible be worse than hearing something like that with such conviction from your sister, or any family member for that matter. To have to warrant such a response… is this the mental toll of the races, the unspoken side of going year in, year out surrounded by constant demands and intensity such as this?

Mala came around and helped Ava with her gear and further arrangements as where she was left to go was ultimately a void subject. At least it was, until two days later when Hannah made good on her promise; their partnership disbanded, though they were still a part of the same club, at least for now. Hannah was no idle threat after all, which makes me wonder what their parents are like in person? Where did this rivalry start to come to such bitter ends. I don't want to think about it but it's all I can think about at the moment and I'm not the only one; Astrid is feeling it worse claiming it as her fault in that she shouldn't have suggested banding together. Even with that in play Ava still returned with her personal account on the matter; that it was still ultimately her decision.

Either way, it's a mess. A mess that's gone public to make things worse. I need to escape, I just need to fly out on Windy somewhere where there aren't people and clear my head. We have a pupil free day from school on Wednesday so I could probably do that, at least for hours. Astrid will be having training with Mala so I'll take what time I can get.

September 14, 2016, Northland Oak fields…

'You feel that bud? That is the wave of open air. No tracks, no competition, just free roaming without direction or cause,' Hiccup sighed lying back against the saddle as they floated high above the forest canopy. 'If we could just stay up here… Wherever here is?'

He lolled his head to the side to watch the horizon of the morning sky as it shimmered with the clouds glazing it. His eye lids began to fall under the weight of everything his mind was bombarded by. Sure enough images flashed before his eyes, some from times shortly passed and others from many years ago.

'Hey Mum, why are Gronkle tails so big?' A smaller voice, one heightened from youth.

A slender hand curved around the child's shoulder. 'Well, let's see here, ahah,' she slid a red leather book from a shelf of many books. 'Gronkles are a boulder class dragon, which means they have a lot to do with rocks and digging. It says here they're tail is a heavily scaled making them as hard as a rock and they use it to knock down heavy objects or defend themselves from enemies,' the woman replied her eyes glinting with a jade green against the light.

'Enemies? Dragons have enemies?' the young boy asked, his eyes very much the reflection of her own.

'Of course they do. If not fighting other animals they fight amongst themselves all the time,' She chuckled, playing the matter as a common thing.

'But dragons have fire?' he was still confused, perhaps by the meaning as to why they fought.

'Aye, they do. Most of the time it works. Sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes, animals or other dragons aren't the only things they have to fight,' her tone had lost its spring.

'What do you mean?' he asked again.

'There are bad people in this world Hiccup. Evil men and women who hunt dragons to make money,' she answered holding his gaze very carefully.

'Dragon hunters,' he whispered to himself.

'That's right. Hunters, trappers and some who go so far as to enslave and torture them,' she closed up the book and returned it to its slot.

'Have you ever met one before?' Her movements hesitated for a moment.

'I have once. A few years ago on my travels. He was a younger man but I think he's since given it,' she revealed careful as to her delivery.

'Did you fight him?' Hiccup's grin grew at the thought.

'No, haha, no I didn't fight him,' she returned the smile messing his hair…

The images in his mind blurred a little before settling on a more recognisable memory. He didn't really like this one, not the events that followed it at least.

'Are you sure about this Val, you could wait till morning I'm sure the team won't mind.' It was the voice of his father, quite soft compared to his usual tone.

'Stoick you know this has to be dealt with now. If I leave it any longer it will only get worse and then who knows what will happen,' her voice was firm as she stared directly into her husband's eyes.

'I know but it's already dark and it's pouring. Incredibly dangerous to drive,' he tried.

'Yes I know Stoick but you can't change my mind. I'll call you as soon as I arrive ok?' she replied unhooking her raincoat.

'Aghh, fine. Just… drive safely, please,' his hand brushed her cheek.

'I will,' she smiled before giving a gentle kiss. 'You just make sure he gets to bed on time,' Valka nodded towards young Hiccup standing by…

Once more his mind cycled through these snippets of the past, the colours blending with one another. For some reason he settled upon a conversation he didn't fully understand.

His father was there as was Mala and they were speaking in hushed voices, only a few words of which he could hear. 'Calm down… Work isn't complete… another chance,' it was Mala at first.

'How do you think I feel hmm?.. He's alone… Valka's gone!' Stoick was incredibly tense, clearly in the wake of the untimely event.

'…Not alone Stoick… The Windwalker can…' She bore into his weary face.

'The dragon! … the reason this happened,' his voice hissed.

'…Not his fault… to do with him… Hiccup's friend… bonded, you understand? Windy… never leave him… even to his dying breath…' Mala's voice faded away as the last of what was accessible dispersed into nothingness.

Light filtered through the slits of his eye lids as Hiccup returned to the present. The sky above was still painted blue with a short scattering of clouds to be seen as Windy continued to coast at his leisure through the sky. Despite being in perfect company, there seemed to be an element of isolation, of loneliness that lingered; with not even the birds for company he found himself gazing ahead with a particular thought on his mind.

'Wouldn't it be great if Toothless could be up here?' he remarked more to himself but Windy piped up warbling a reply of sought.

'Yeah, I know, too dangerous in the open like this, better off the cliffs edge. Besides, he can't fly without me so there's that too,' he answered even though there was no real certainty that that was what Windy had implied.

'Oh well,' he reached forwards and petted Windy's scales, still cool through the gloves. 'What do you say we head towards the coast?'

His arm exploded with a stinging sensation and all around him he heard the sounds of creaking ropes and thumping weights as the world spun into a blur like those of his memories. Darkmess followed by light as all sense of direction was lost, the periods of one tone lengthening whilst the other shortened all before everything was consumed by the darkness with one final crunch.

January, 2004. Four months before Valka's disappearance…

'Come on, I want to show you someone,' Hiccup's voice called out to the girl running after him.

'Hiccy wait!' Cami called after him, her legs carrying her through the lawn towards the outer backyard.

Hiccup began searching the tree line looking for his prize then began calling out into the thick. 'Windy. Windy where are you?'

'Windy? Who's Windy?' Just as she asked, a crunch of sticks echoed through from the trees and a sleek black dragon emerged from the darkness.

He was still only at Hiccup's waist in height but those blue eyes were as wide and wondrous as ever. Cami's jaw dropped and her eyes darted from Hiccup to Windy in utter disbelief.

'You have a dragon! Lucky! Aw, not fair Hiccy, I want a dragon too!' she drooped her arms and pouted at him.

Windy on the other hand was a little perturbed by the unfamiliar face and her wild expressions. 'Hey Windy, it's ok. This is my best friend Cami. Well human best friend. Come on, come say hello,' Hiccup gestured him closer.

With eyes that peered intently at the aquatic blue of the young Camilla Boggs, he inched forth whilst Hiccup encouraged him with welcoming gestures. 'Ok, so put your hand out like this and let him come to you,' he explained.

Windy's nostrils flared as he smelled her scent, the unfamiliarity of it burning its way into his bank of smells for later recognition. Cami's eyes darted between Windy's and Hiccup's looking for some reassurance that her hand wasn't about to be chopped off.

'It's ok. Now. Look away,' he instructed with growing excitement.

'What!' she harshly whispered.

'It's trust. If you look away, he knows he can trust you,' he explained.

'This better not be a trick Hiccy,' she said turning her head away.

'It's not. And no peeking, he'll know if you're peeking,' he reassured her taking a little step back to watch the magic unfold.

Windy sniffed at her hand mere inches away before nuzzling into it with a gleeful yap. Cami tensed at the sensation and nearly snatched her hand back but Hiccup made sure the connection stayed until Windy withdrew. Much like the playful little dragon he was, he then bounded around Cami catching her by surprise and nuzzled around her back before curling his neck up to meet her eyes again. Carefully she placed a hand on his head and stroked the scales.

'Cami?' Hiccup caught her attention again.

'Can you keep a secret?' he asked his face serious and unwavering.

'Obviously,' she stated haughtily.

'Don't tell anyone about Windy. No one knows about him except for your Mum and Dad and my mum and Dad and Diane,' he explained making sure he understood what was at stake, or least the best he could for his five year old self.

'What about Thuggy?' She asked.

'No! You can't tell Thuggory. I want it to be a surprise, like with you,' he enforced with wide green eyes.

Cami nodded though a little disappointed. 'Ok. I pinkie promise,' she stuck out her little finger to which Hiccup gladly joined with his own.

Present Day…

Everything, light, sound and sense returned with a jolt along his entire body as he searched with a frantic mind as to where he was. Arching overhead were blurred forms of darkness mixed with light but as his vision sharpened they were revealed as tree branches. Since when did trees grow in the sky? A shooting pain in his left hand brought many conclusions to many strange questions as he found it stuck under winding rope wrapping it to what he had to guess was Windy's limp form. They'd crashed out of the sky, that much made sense as the throbbing in his head returned quite profusely, though as to why the ground was all of a sudden at their reach was still a mystery. Then it hit him with a sharp wash of panic, they didn't fall, they were shot down.

The sharp stinging to his head, the aches and pains in his shoulder and legs, the deep swells of breath from the mass of dark scales tangled in freshly coiled rope as he finally gathered a sense of control. He reached up to his arm trapped under the bindings and tried pulling away at the rope. From his angle it was immensely tough thanks to his torso being elevated from the foliage littered ground. Nonetheless he reached up again this time gaining a full grasp on the rope as he achingly pulled his legs in for support. Thankfully they weren't tied down to the stirrups or this situation would have been all the more frightening. Alas, the ropes remained true holding him down but a chance at his saddle bag may offer a glimmer of hope.

He was sure there was a knife or something to cut the rope away with, though in the worse scenario he could always wait until Windy regained consciousness to which a very uncomfortable flight would follow. A plan that shattered as a sharp crunch of sticks and fallen leaves caught his attention from the depths of the forest. They were not alone, he could have figured that out from the bolas but in the time he was out, whomever fired those infernal things had since tracked them down. Then the cold, narrow call of fear dug its roots in Hiccup's every fibre as he realised the true reality of their situation; these were dragon hunters, ruthless men and women with a single goal in mind, to make money from hunting dragons. For a dragon like Windy, the right buyer could set them up for life.

His hands grew cold as the iciness sent shivers through his nerves as he propped himself up against the pain. Using what strength he had to resist the urge to groan, he grit his teeth together and stretched out at full arm's length to reach the bag at the back of the saddle. His fingers were at full stretch tingling with sparks of hot and cold as he tried his might to curl in under the clip. Wincing under the ever building pressure, there was a moment of sweet triumph as his finger flipped open the bag and a number of the contents spilled out. A glimmer of light caught his eye, the knife and though out of reach, he stuck out his leg and dragged it closer with the toe of his boot. Clasping it in a full hand, he released heavy breaths at the dulling pain, just as the sticky sweat and blood dripped off his forehead.

Though his hands were shaking terribly under the unbearable pressure he placed the blade gently against the rope and began sawing away with a steady motion before ripping into the cords. Bit by bit the rope frayed before the pressure took care of the rest snapping away with a pop. He could barely hear over the thundering of blood in his ears as the muffled calls and rustling of leaves echoed from the approaching hunters. They would find them eventually, he only prayed he could at least by any and all hope try to pull Windy to consciousness. If he could do that, they might just have a chance to escape.

With his arm finally free though sore and brazened with lacerations, he crawled his way around towards Windy's head which lay curled from the weight of the roped tugging against his neck. Working with the knife on the ropes, Hiccup loosened the strain all the whilst calling to his dragon.

'Windy. Come on buddy, I need you to wake up. Come on. Windy!' He hissed frantically searching all around them as his nerves fizzled from head to toe. 'I need you to wake Bud. I need you to wake up now or we're going to die. Do you here me Windy? There are hunters coming and they will kill us Windy. They will kill us. Come on!' The last of the rope slacked around them as the dragon's body finally relaxed to a natural position.

He grabbed Windy's head with both hands, the icy terror shivering his voice in and out of tune. 'Windy. Please. I need you bud. The bad men are coming Windy please! Wake up Windy!' He couldn't hold it in anymore and screamed out as loud as he could. 'WAKE UP!'

Cobalt blue eyes snapped wide as Windy tossed and tumbled over the ground knocking Hiccup. His eyes were more narrow than anything he'd seen as they desperately jumped around the trees as if searching for something. Finally they settled upon Hiccup who merely sat back frozen as Windy finally narrowed his focus back to his rider, his friend. His eyes loosened and he buried his head in Hiccup's arms with pained wine. There was no way of telling his injuries in their state, the only thing on his mind was something of a mix between anxious terror and overwhelming relief; they had a chance, a slim but possible chance.

'This way!' A gruff voice shallow from the distance was what he heard next and all sensations of triumph were lost.

From deep within, a great guttural growl burned as his heightened senses returned catching onto the fact they were in terrible danger. Windy narrowed down on the source of the sound his teeth baring back and his eyes returned once more to their primal ferocity.

'No Windy, we have to go,' Hiccup pulled his head back towards him and locked onto his eyes. 'We have to go.'

It didn't even take a second. One blink of the eye and the world may have gone silent for all he knew. Perhaps all of this was a dream, the pain and agony coursing through their bodies made the idea of drifting into unconsciousness all the more welcoming. Though despair was all that flooded Hiccup's mind and body as the ear splitting crack of a gunshot echoed through the trees, its projectile slicing through the air and embedding itself deep within Windy's chest. The eye could not comprehend the frightening speeds at which this happened but all that followed was ultimately clear. The shrill cry, the agonising echo and having to watch as his most loyal companion reared high into the air with his wings flailing uncontrollably before gravity took hold and brought him crashing down.

Nothing. Silence everything yet everything screamed at deafening heights. 'NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'

The strength finally left him as his knees toppled and Hiccup collapsed to the ground, the tears from his eyes blinding him to the world as he crumpled over convulsing against Windy's hide. Like something beyond possibility however, he found himself being pushed back to the ground as the blur of darkness towered over him. But it couldn't be.

'Windy?' he whispered, the sound barely audible in his own ears.

With legs shaking uncontrollably and small drips of blood seeping from the wound, Windy nonetheless was on his feet with a rage unknown to any man. His eyes were thin, hungry with a vengeance and a mind unwilling to follow commands. He could see them all, the evil that would damn them to the pits of darkness; the ones that would harm his oldest and most loyal friend. A fierce whistling of wind wound itself to a piercing screech around Windy all the while his eyes and mouth glowed a fluorescent blue and then like a material manifestation of utter rage and fury, a great and terrible stream of blue flame exploded through the trees crippling them without warning. He drew a line pulverising all that lay in his path, the trees well beyond them creating an impenetrable wall of flame around them.

It never ended up until another crack of gunfire broke through the wall of flame ripping right through Windy's lower neck. Plumes of flame erupted into the walls of igniting them with ease as Windy crashed a second time. Despite the immense heat and in utter bewilderment of the spectacular feat of physical determination, Hiccup scrambled forth. Still, against everything he knew to be possible, Windy rose again to his front paws and locked onto the source of the shot. Another stream of flame concentrated with all his might, dug into the ground and was drawn in a vertical motion towards the aggressors until the final crack of the pin sent the fatal blow. Windy's head rocked back with the stream of fire cut off without a seconds warning. His entire body went limp with his front paws buckling all before his came crashing into the embers. There Hiccup saw the final fatality and the reward of his valiant defiance, a seeping hole right between his eyes. Nothing was responding, only his sight as he could not bare to tear away from the hole that ultimately separated him from the one constant in his life. The crumbling trees around him were of no recognition until finally, one exploded in cauterising heat forcing his bare instincts to flinch away in pain. His mind was still lagging behind, his bare attachment to survival the only thing working right now as he scrambled away. The fire around them was creeping back towards them, the heat was frying his skin like an oven and the smoke only clouded his efforts to conjure a final attempt for survival.

Once more he found himself starring at the lifeless form of Windy, the heat filtering his forms into blended waves. Any other animal would soon catch a blaze to this kind of exposure, yet he lay there undisturbed and in that moment, a shred of knowledge slipped through with the logic to act upon it. Hiccup scrambled towards Windy's wing, his hand catching on fallen ambers to which he reared back from the blistering pain. Holding it close he finally tucked in under his wing; a shield from the heat and the fire as it would eventually come to pass by them until nothing was left to burn. How irony would see this day should he die too, though at least in a sense he could be at sense of peace; a final resting place by a most loyal of friends. As the smoke finally began to subdue him, his moment of acceptance was ripped away as the word loyalty lingered on his tongue. The darkness returned once more and the world that he knew was gone.

The Sanctuary stables…

'Alrighty Astrid. Big day for you,' Mala rubbed her hands together as she popped open the trailer with both Hiccup and her riding gear.

Strapping her hands with protective tape, she felt the buzz of her phone in her jeans pockets; one of the few that actually had pockets. Pulling it out, there read a message from her father.

W: Just been called for a fire north of Gunnar's hollow, the northern Oak fields. Big one by the sounds of it, might be a while. Mum will be picking you up this arvo. Just thought I'd let you know.

Without a second regard, she thumbed in a reply.

A: Ok, thnx. Be safe and good luck with the fire :D

'Who was that?' Mala asked casting a looked of general intrigue.

'Just Dad. Says there's a big fire north of Gunnar's Hollow,' she replied nonchalantly before the unsettling factors begin to kick in.

'Fire in September and after rain? That seems odd. Has to have been deliberately lit?' Mala speculated.

'Yeah, or a dragon brawl gotten out of hand. Hiccup mentioned that can happen sometimes,' with her thoughts now on his particular note her mind snapped into place as a realisation hit her, one that didn't bare kind tidings. 'Wait, didn't Hiccup say he was heading north of Gunnar's Point?'

'He did… ' Mala's face dropped as she caught on. 'Did he say how big the fire was?'

'Big,' she said thumbing her phone to contact Hiccup.

Mala cast an eye towards the pen where Stormfly poked her head out in greeting. 'He's not picking up,' Astrid relayed watching Mala intently for her reaction.

She stood there as many great thoughts rolled over head, the most of which determining the ethics of her next decision. In any case she already knew what her minds was, it was those around her that would call for slandering and outrage, for discipline and a heeding to follow the rules. In light of the last twenty years however, when was she ever one for following the rules?

'These Haddock's are going to be the death of us,' she cursed under her breathed. 'Go, take Stormfly and find him, just in case' she instructed.

'What?' Astrid gasped.

'I made a promise to Valka and to Steven to watch over and keep Harold safe. I will not let the day come that I fail them. Go. If he's there, the firemen will never reach him in time but you can,' she reached up and pulled out Hiccup's helmet. 'Take this, Nadder's may be a sharp class but they have decent tracking skills as well, trust me, she should lead you right to him.'

With a single nod, Astrid sprinted towards her dragon and lead her out of the pen. Wasting no time in strapping on her saddle, she bound up onto her back with practiced fluidity, locked in her own helmet for safety and reached forward with the helmet towards Stormfly's nostril.

'Here girl, find Hiccup,' she instructed as such, Stormfly's crown flared and she launched hard and fast into the sky.

They barely had to break the cloud line before Astrid spotted the great plum of smoke billowing into the sky, even from this distance there was no stopping the little tear in her chest. With only open air and nothing to hold them down, Stormfly powered towards the great forest fire which only grew more ferocious and horrific with each passing beat. Throughout the sky, she could see the silhouettes of other wild dragons fleeing the inferno below casting their wings out to sea. She reached forward held out the helmet for Stormfly to narrow her senses and pin point their location. Drifting along the plume currents, Astrid could already feel the intense heat swirling and exploding below which only served to fuel the dreaded terror as she struggled to cope with the possibility of Hiccup even being alive. He had to be, until they found something, anything, only then would she allow herself to let whatever tsunami of emotion to flow free and wash her away. The vision below was the stuff of nightmares; a taste of Helheim itself and still Stormfly churned through the thick of it unstoppable and without hesitation. Then without warning she shifted and turned for a full dive towards the flames. Astrid barely had time to duck as they teared through the inferno and into the raging storm itself. Peering through the wafting heat waves her eyes fell upon a sight that near brought tears to her eyes; the limp and curled form of a black dragon.

'There Stormfly,' she pointed out feeling how the radiance of the fire pounded against even her covered arms.

Stormfly dropped in and Astrid waited no second longer before leaping to the ground. Glowing embers wafted from her landing and the ground seemed to carry the warmth of fallen tree bark. Stormfly offered her the cover she needed from falling debris as she searched all around the dragon. It was Windy, that much was certain but no sense of joy of success could be found, not in his limp and lifeless form and not without Hiccup safe in her arms. That's when she saw it, the huddled mound under his left wing and like that her heart surged as she recognised his ash covered face.

'HICCUP!' She reached in and clawed onto his arms dragging him out into the open.

There was only one way she was going to get them out of here; not his burdens could she carry but Astrid could carry him. Crouching low, she wrapped his abdomen around her shoulders and with the strength of her legs, she pushed up and limbered forth to where Stormfly bunkered down and huddle around her. With one arm holding onto Hiccup and the other reaching for the saddle grips, she pushed his weight up and over the saddle. Following right behind, she wrapped her arms around his torso holding him close. Just as she did, a flaming chunk of bark shot out and slammed into her right arm. She felt that searing sensation like lightning as the lingering shards burned through her sleeve

'ARRGGHNNNN STORMFLY!' She wheezed and coughed as the smoke engulfed them.

Taking to her feet, Stormfly beat her wings enough to get them airborne before wrapping her claws around Windy. She then drove a hard line above the trees and out of the swirling domain of devastation. Along the growing edges of the firestorm, she spotted the many trucks and tankers of water along with dragon brigades dumping in great buckets of water from the sea. The effects of the fire was finally taking its toll and Astrid pointed down towards the congregation of trucks below.

A firefighter below saw their silhouette against the cloud. 'Incoming! Clear a path!'

Stormfly glided in fast under the weight of both herself and Windy before beating her wings as best she could to break their decent. Loosening her claws, Windy slumped to the ground and Stormfly skidded a halt with Astrid holding onto Hiccup so tightly she feared she may near squeeze him to death.

'Stormfly? Astrid!' Walter came runner over with others all lending hands and reaching up to help unload Hiccup.

Reluctant as she was to withdraw her hold, she let the men carry him safely to ground where they immediately began testing his vitals. 'He's still alive Walt!'

'Good. Get him to hospital now!' He commanded whilst reaching out for his daughter who collapsed into his arms. 'Astrid, what in Thors name are you doing out here!' He wrapped her close feeling the waves of shivers rolling through her entire body.

'I… I had… t…to ssssave him,' she trembled through her words feeling the absolute massacre of mixed emotions, the relief of finding and saving him, the pain of her physical wounds and the mental ones at seeing how close they were to failing. 'I couldn't…'

The last of her resolve was done as she finally broke down under it all letting it all rain down onto her father's chest. 'Captain Hofferson!'

Even with tear struck eyes, Astrid still reacted to the calling of her father. A younger firefighter was standing by the still unresponsive hid of Windy. Removing herself from her fathers arms, she dashed over with Walter in close stride to find what tragedy lie before them. There was no forgetting that image, the memory forever branded into her mind.

'Windy,' she whispered as her eyes darted over the bullet wound in his chest, lower neck and finally the fatal would in his head.

'No,' like Hiccup before her, she collapsed as the world began to spin around her. The colours began blur and all sense of direction was lost.

Anson Hospital, that evening…

'Is he going to be ok?' Astrid asked the nurse in a very small voice.

'He's expected to make a full recovery, just so long as we keep him hooked up these tanks for a little while longer,' the nurse replied checking off her clipboard before hesitating in her step. 'Oh, how's your arm?'

She nodded. 'Tender. But I'll be alright.'

'Aye, the burning sensations normal, that'll linger for a little longer yet…' the nurse could help but notice how her eyes fell back onto the cleaned, unconscious and masked face of Hiccup. 'Tell you what lass. When he's good to go. Make sure he takes you out to dinner or something and if he doesn't, bring him back and we'll pump a bit more oxygen into him, make sure he's thinking straight hehe,' though part of her felt sore from the remark, it didn't fail to lighten the mood if not a bit.

'Eh still. Just buzz if you need anything Miss Hofferson,' the nurse concluded taking off to tend to other duties.

As she passed into the main corridor between wards, Walter traded paths joining his daughter by the bed. 'Heard the moment the release was signed you came straight here. Sorry I couldn't hang around longer,' his tenor voice caught her attention.

'You had a forest fire to put out. Kind of important,' she replied offering a small smile.

'Yeah well, still working on that one. We got most of the southern line so the hollow and city are safe but a few sections escaped and the wind is pushing the main fray north towards Raven's Point. Luckily though, the rain was heavier there, so it should slow it down. Maybe even stop it,' he explained trying to sound hopeful though there wasn't much optimism to be found.

'So why aren't you still out there?' Astrid asked, her brow curling into concern.

'The chief, gave me some leave. Said I should spend time with you, make sure you're ok,' he explained resting a palm upon her shoulder.

'I'm fine Dad,' she played it off, 'You should be helping the others,'

'Sometimes, personal matters can take precedence. Besides, I did just watch my only daughter carry out a rescue of a fully grown dragon and his rider whilst dragon back both of which we didn't even know about and in nothing but a shirt and jeans,' he let the insanity of the moment sink in. 'I'd have thought being the daughter of fireman you'd have a little more sense than that?' he chuckled.

A smile crept up onto her face before Astrid moved from her chair and burrowed in her father arms. 'I know. It's all I had at the time,' she said.

'Mmm, figured,' he ran a hand through her hair running out the shorter strands.

The motion was relaxing as his calloused fingers sent tingles from her scalp down her spine. Silence befell them both in that solemn moment of peace away from disaster. However, her gaze never wondered from the resting form of Hiccup as he lay there breathing even breathes through the oxygen mask. She was a little worried if she closed her eyes, he might not be there when they opened again. Danger was a daily hazard for them both but this was too close, too close to the grips of death itself. She could feel the embrace of rest fall over her as the day finally caught up with her; both physically and mentally demanding and all within the space of ten minutes. Ten minutes was all it took to go from another day in the routine to one of darkness and fear.

'Where's Windy?' she finally murmured.

She could feel the intake of breath her father took. 'Mala got both Stormfly and him back to the Sanctuary soon after you came here with Hiccup. They have the facilities to deal with these, unfortunate events.'

That explanation didn't sit right with her, it wasn't conclusive, there was no definitive end and for someone whom was a part of all their lives in some part. 'We should wait. We should wait until Hiccup wakes up before we do anything,' she pushed herself off her father's lap and leant forward on the bedframe.

'Astrid, it's not right to… to let the dead linger. Yes, he was very important to all of us but… he was…' Walter stammered towards the end as Astrid turned back to face him with a stern face warning him of his words.

'Just a dragon?' She finished for him with a hurt tone. 'Not to him. Not to me. Windy is… was, the last living reminder of Valka's legacy. To Hiccup, he's family; as far as he can remember Windy was always there. Would you say the same about Stormfly?' She looked him right in the eye, her own feeling the sting as tears welled behind them.

His gaze fell realising the line he crossed; after all who was he to be an authority on these matters? 'I'm sorry. You're right. I'll speak with Mala and Stoick later,' he didn't move from the chair simply watching as Astrid lolled her head watching Hiccup's silent face with knitted eyebrows. 'How did you know they were in the fire?'

'I didn't. At least not entirely,' she replied very softly before turning to face Walter. 'Hiccup said he was flying north of Gunnar's Hollow this morning, just a casual flight. Then I got your text about the fire, put that with the fact we've had rain recently,' she shrugged her shoulders alluding to the logic. 'Mala sent me off on Stormfly to track him down.'

'That's quick thinking, heroic even,' he offered a grin, something to put her mind at ease as he saw her features tense even more.

'Yeah,' she sniffed feeling the rolling waves surge through her again. 'I just don't understand how it happened. I mean who, w… what?' She stammered struggling to hold back the burn in her throat. 'Why did this happen?'

Walter stood from his chair and reached forward pulling her close as the walls finally crumbled under the weight. 'I don't know,' he whispered rubbing her back as she shivered against him. 'I don't know...'

So it was that this great tragedy had come to pass. The future though bleak against the cloudless sky brought upon them only more sorrow as they tried to deny that each day would come and go all the same. They knew this to be a folly, they knew that there was no going back, no way to change the fate handed to them. Yet, come the second day since Windy's passing and Hiccup was finally on his feet be it with bandages wrapped around his wrist and forehead. He would not die this day, nor those to come; the damage from the smoke and burns were remedied over the last few days and as such he was finally cleared by the hospital though still in pain. His return to consciousness the previous day had brought only greater pain, the shockwave of reality only confirming that the horrors he experienced were not to be mistaken as dreams. At first he didn't understand how it was that he had come to be surrounded by sanitised walls and hospital curtains with a mask firmly clasped to his face. His father was there, as were Mala and Gobber but standing behind them barely peering through the gap of their arms was the golden glint of hair. He found her eyes tired and red, the effects of the last day wearing her strength away. Just from her eyes he knew what had transpired was truth, Windy was dead.

From the time the paramedics had been called to collect Hiccup, the news had spread fast. As the forest fire caught the attention of more than just locals, police authorities and news crews arrived at the scene mere minutes after the emergency team and therefore catching a glimpse of the battered young man and his fallen dragon. At their arrival, the paramedics wasted no time in wisping away the riders before the reporters could bombard them with questions. Even Stormfly had come to guard Windy, her squawks and cries clearly in sorrow causing Mala to aggressively ward away the prying eyes; an emotional dragon could be very dangerous. The last thing they needed was a casualty from their stupidity.

Windy was eventually loaded onto a lorry with Stormfly curled over his body to watch every moment as they departed the site to the Sanctuary. School was completely absent from thought, a trivial matter in perspective and as such Astrid stayed with Hiccup until he woke the next morning. Since then, she had contacted the gang and now they all stood out near the Frigga's bluff waterfall for a final farewell to a dragon that had changed all their lives. He was wrapped in white tarp, tightly bound and ready to be sent off to sea; nothing like the final moments that plagued Hiccup's mind whenever he closed his eyes. The fire, the rage, fear in his eyes.

Hiccup took his place upon a flat rock and over looked the others. 'Ever since Windy was brought home to us all those years ago, we lived on a constant edge of uncertainty. We wondered and feared if the day might come that he'd be discovered and taken from us. Mum was never worried, at least that's how you always told me,' he looked to his father.

'After she was lost, we were sure that those fears would come true. But they never did. Instead Windy brought new light to our lives, he filled that gap, with new memories and joy we hadn't ever known. I think this was what Mum always meant when she would talk about the wonders and magnificence of dragons. A hidden world of creatures that could enrich our lives. We may have the Sanctuary and the great many people who continue the vision Mum shared. But that true legacy, that dream she always believed could come true; a world where humans and dragons could unite as equals. Well, Windy was and will forever be the last living memory of her dream,' he cast a glance out to sea to where the horizon met the sea before meeting his friends and family with a determined expression,

'But Mum's dream has become my own. One way or another, I will find a way see it through to the end,' he gave a single nod to Gobber and Stoick who carefully rolled Windy into the river and let the current gently pull him towards the cliffs edge.

Hiccup stood there and watched as his form grew smaller against the cliff's edge before the final peak of the waterfall saw the fallen dragon slide over the edge and out to sea. He heard muffled footsteps through the grass but didn't turn to see who it was. Instead when he felt her fingers slide between his own and her head rested against his shoulder, he felt warmth tingle at his finger tips and perhaps a glimmer of hope. It wasn't the end, in some cases, this was just the beginning.

'I wish Toothless could be here,' he murmured to her, his eyes locked on the horizon. 'He deserves to know.'

'I know,' she replied understanding the hidden message. 'He's smart, he'll understand in time.'

There was very little grief in his expression, just the hardness of his eyes as his mind worked something over. 'I will find whoever did this Astrid. Even if it takes me twenty years, I will find them.'

'Hiccup. I need you to listen to me very carefully,' she moved and placed both hands on his shoulders. 'The people who did this will pay for Windy but that time is not now. For now, let's just go home and get some rest,' she offered him a smile to which he returned regardless of how weak it was.

'Astrid?' he whispered as she took hold of his hand.

She swivelled back to face him. 'hmm?'

He wrapped her arms around her and brought her in for a warm embrace. 'Thank you. For everything,' he trembled.

She simply held him closer and relished in his warmth, a moment where the world was irrelevant, it was only him. 'For you Hiccup. Anything.'

Haddock backyard, that night…

Those footsteps across the grass felt like lead weights were strapped to his feet. Each returning him to a space of terror and trauma as those images of fire flashed across his mind. In the shadows of the evening, he could just see the luminous green of Toothless' eyes shining through as he approached him. His heart was heavy, the rings under his eyes sore with a red hue, a result of the burdens he carried on his shoulders. Toothless, could see it, he could sense the pain and though he had a heart to wash his fears away, he could see that these troubles lay beyond his lean frame. When their eyes finally connected, he saw the guilt that followed. With his head low looking up at Hiccup, he simply waited as Hiccup held both hands under his wide jaw and rested their foreheads together, cool flesh to dark scales.

'I'm so sorry Toothless. Windy's gone,' he let silence fill the air around them as those words sunk in. 'He was killed by Hunters,' Hiccup lifted his head and brought his eyes to meet his dragon's. 'But I promise, I won't let anything happen to you.'

The week finally came to a close on the shadowy days that haunted their memories to a few days of rest and reflection. Across the weekend, Hiccup woke with a weary heart but nonetheless tore himself from bed knowing that slumbering in the depressive stupor would do no service to finding a shred of peace. Each action as monotonous as the last took his entire span of focus as he went about the most basic tasks in the morning. Heading upstairs for breakfast he could hear the TV reports as Stoick watched over the morning news; each report just the same as the last as those fresh memories were dug up in stereo. Hearing his footsteps on the stairs he quickly switched over to Mtv out of courtesy.

Part of him was still curious as to the events that proceeded his incapacitation but he knew it would only bring back images that burned across his mind. Most of that morning was spent in silence apart from the necessary transactions, where Hiccup retired to the backyard. He had to admit it had been a while since came down here without the intention to go flying, in fact the whole ordeal seemed a little detestable or laced with trepidation. He knew why, that part was obvious but it wasn't enough to stop him from opening the roller doors to the shed. That decision hit him with a spike of regret as his sight fell upon all his old riding gear, gear that would be left to congregate nothing but rust and cobwebs. Ergo, he found his task for the day; he would clean out the shed of his gear into piles suitable for donation. It wasn't a realisation that had hit him in full swing yet, just another in the line of things he would come to notice now that Windy was gone; for all he knew, his days of dragon racing where over.

Most of what he found was stripped and frayed at the edges, old racing harnesses, thermal jackets and his original boots among some things. He held up a particular harness against the sun light and by the marks and stretching he knew exactly which set it was; the one he wore from the night with Astrid above the clouds. He lingered on it for a moment, the memories it held and places travelled with it; this was also the one he wore last year during the test drive of Toothless original tail fin. Setting it aside from the others, he came to the conclusion that not all was burned with the memory of Windy. Some of it was more in touch with his adventures on Toothless, the secret journeys and flights no one knew about. The jingle of the hooks must have caught the Night Fury's attention as he nudged Hiccup's shoulder with wide eyes narrowing in on the harness.

For the first time since he returned home, he felt the pull of a smile as he stared up into the bulbous glow of Toothless' eyes. Though, when his focus drifted to the clouds beyond, the smile was lost and a chill ran up his spine, that itching fear of memories fresh on his mind.

'Not today Toothless,' he said returning the harness to its hooks in the shed. 'Too dangerous.'

For the first time in his life, the idea of taking to the skies again frightened him. It may be a while before he ever found the courage to face the blue yonder but until then, he had to get used to having both feet stuck to the ground. He couldn't avoid it though, he couldn't avoid the promise of care to Toothless. He knew the skies would come calling again, when that day would come however, was beyond comprehension.

Monday, September 19, at school…

'Are you sure you're up to this?' Stoick asked handing him his lunch for the day.

'With everything that's happened Dad, I think school might just be the thing I need. Something to, you know… distract me for a while,' Hiccup explained as he glanced towards the stairway entrance to the courtyard. 'Besides, I told the gang I'd be coming so you know, can't disappoint.'

'Fair enough son. Just, if at anytime it becomes too much, call me and I'll drop everything to come and get you, ok?' He rested a palm on Hiccup's shoulder.

'I'll be fine Dad but thanks,' he grinned before stepping out of the car.

'Besides,' he quipped as a familiar face appeared at his side. 'I think we'll be busy enough.'

'Hmhmhm. Alright then. Have a good day you two,' leaning back into the car seat.

'You too Stoick,' Astrid replied catching Hiccup by surprise.

As he drove off, Hiccup glance sideways to meet shining azure blue eyes. 'First name basis huh, when did this happen?'

'Just now,' she teased wrapping her arm around his shoulders.

He had hoped for normality and beyond the initial glances, whispers of forgiveness and sympathetic expressions, it was pretty close. The others were there, they watched as Windy drifted over the edge to the great beyond, they knew the closure and as such welcomed him back as if it were just another typical Monday. Classes had new meanings, they seemed almost as if they were a new thing though still familiar. Then as the day rolled into lunch, the gang departed to various clubs and activities more or less finding an excuse to give the dynamic duo a moment alone. In the end they found themselves on a secluded part of the terraces overlooking some younger kids playing on the ovals. There lay only silence between them as they leaned against each other and stared off into the distant, their own thoughts and dilemmas to occupy their mind for the time being. It wasn't until footsteps approached them that they turned their gazes to meet a familiar face.

The strawberry blond locks of Laura Hides who simply sat on the other side of Hiccup without a word and handed him a small card. Taking it with gentle hands he inspected the element with a silent gasp caching Astrid's attention too. True to form, Laura had drawn with incredible precision, the resting form of Windy on a small bed of hydrangeas with the small cursive title to match: 'Amongst the Winds he walks'

'Thank you,' Hiccup whispered to which Laura returned with a solemn smile before snuggling up beside him.

Still a little surprised at the forward gesture, he looked at Astrid who could only smile back before her head rest upon his shoulder. 'You've earnt it Hiccup,' she said so incredibly soft.

I feel as though it's been months since I've done this but according to my last entry, it hasn't even been a week. I honestly have no idea where things are right now, part of me feels disjointed like I'm present but have no control over direction; I'm more or less just going with the flow of things. The first instance of reality that hit hardest would have to be the absence of going to dragon training. It wasn't a moment of suddenly remembering but more of a constant itch on my mind that grew more as such a time slot came closer. That whole area is void as far as where to go at this point, I've said nothing for one which doesn't help but neither has Mala or even Astrid. I can tell it's on their minds as it's on mine too; the thought of entering the next contest on a fresh dragon for the time being, just a temporary solution until plans can be made for the long run. Given the times though, common sense would dictate such a suggestion as insensitive but to be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about it. I think getting back out onto the track would be noticeable in regards to the differences in riding style and abilities, it's just not something I want to think about.

The idea of moving on. I can't just do that, in respect of his memory for one and then the other being that I'm just not ready. In fact, I may never be ready and I don't know what's more frightening. If I were to forfeit for the season, Mala and Astrid, they'd understand it's just, that overwhelming feeling of guilt. They'd sooner be at peace knowing my decisions regardless of their outcome but I'd be letting Astrid down in the process. The only reason we've made it this far in the competition is because we've worked as a team, to quit would mean going at it alone. It's not fair. It's not fair. It's not fair, it just isn't fair, nothing about it is, there's no compromise, no viable solution, no way forward. ITS NOT FAIR_

His pen scrawled across the page out of pure frustration drawing pointless lines thick with his despairing thoughts. The book snapped shut and his pen was gone from his hand before slumping back in his chair. There was no end to this infinite loop of impossibility, no closure to any decision of where his future lay now. He could always fly away but fear stayed his feet, there were people all around him and yet they seemed so far. It made no sense, they were right there, physically in reach but he couldn't find the words. He didn't want to find them.

The very next morning opened with a knock on the door from the police, a request for a statement into the cause of the fire and his involvement obviously. Their faces seemed kind enough but he was in too much of a distant space to even realise that Toothless was dozing not fifty metres away. Luckily Stoick was more aware of the situation and invited them into the office space away from main windows to the backyard. Were this a formal investigation, there would have been near panic but a statement nonetheless was the purpose of the visit.

They seemed to understand, or at least act like they did and it was enough to know how taxing those memories were for Hiccup. Gone with what they were looking for, Hiccup was left once again staring off towards the horizon. At least with that ordeal over, some answers might come in it's due course, for now however, he just felt empty. The school days just seemed to come and go, not much was retained, not the classes nor the genuine kindness from the gang and soon enough the cycle repeated again until before he knew it, it was September twenty-forth, event seventeen at Sidewinder. For the first time since the early Pre-league races, Astrid would be racing alone and that hurt, more than he thought it might. Needless to say he'd kept his silence on his own direction forward and did the tabloids and commentary on the matter skyrocket. He'd been offered to come along and support if he was feeling up for it but the thought of entering that arena only seemed to keep those wounds from healing. Ultimately though, he still watched the race from home and even that was hard enough to bare; the race concluding with Astrid in third with tough competition from Klu taking advantage of the opportunity. He could tell Dagur was doing his best efforts to fill his role in their defence but Shattermaster lacked that versatility against Klu's barrages. He ended up taking the second position by sheer chance at which point Hiccup could feel his hands shaking under the stress.

It wasn't a matter of skill, together they complimented each other on the track which is what gave them the edge over the others. Another hole in his heart to mend that only put more pressure onto his decisions regarding the races. Come Sunday, Hiccup barely left his room unless for necessities resulting in a day just lying in bed, the past agonisingly bombarding his thoughts, forever knowing if he closed his eyes, all he would see would be the flames closing around him. Monday again, school and the promise of the same monotonous cycle of indoctrination. He might as well have stayed in bed, at least then the blurs of colour around him would be absent of noise; the whispers classmates didn't think he could hear, the sighs of sympathy or the squeaking of the marker on the whiteboard.

People died everyday for a multitude of reasons. It sounded so easy, so simple and yet for just a moment he wished it wasn't so. Windy wasn't a person though, not to them and that's where the difference lay. They might try and compare him to the family pet, cats, dogs, horses even but nothing could compare to the majesty and loyalty of a dragon. He had made it to fourth period before his mind, already screaming under the mental pain finally gave out. Astrid's eye was on him the whole time and she could see it coming but not in the way she expected. Where most people would create impacts or lash out, Hiccup simply dropped his pen, stood from his desk and walked out without a second glance leaving all his gear behind. The room fell into silence as they pieced together what had just happened, even their teacher was lost for a moment before collecting a sense of control and looking to Astrid who was uncharacteristically frozen in place. Eyeing his open work still spread out on the desk, she moved without further hesitation slotting his gear in his satchel along with her own gear and raced out after him. She wasn't going to wait for permission to be excused, not for the likes of this.

Bounding down the steps of B block and out the main entrance to the court yard, she spotted his lean shape making a considerable pace to the stairs past the library. Running with both bags was tricky but she was confident her own speed was enough to close the distance. Awkwardly slipping out her phone, she hit her contacts and immediately called Mala, the time of day bound to create a sense of urgency.

As presumed, she picked up almost immediately. 'What's happened,' already aware of the subject of this call.

'Hiccup just up and left class. He didn't say anything or pack his gear. I've got it now and am trying to catch up to him. He's going down the steps by the library,' Astrid explained watching his head disappear from view.

'Right. Keep on him and I'll be over there as soon as I can,' Mala replied immediately reaching for her bag to deposit her phone along with her other source material. 'Alright class I just got called in for a Sanctuary emergency. I want you to read chapters six and seven on the Timberjack studies and take notes too. There will be a test on this next lesson,' she relayed to the class earning several muffled groans.

Astrid in the meantime had followed him right to the southern end of the school past the Junior section to the base of the loop. Despite her best efforts to catch his attention, he just kept on his seemingly aimless path before ducking around the bottom end class room out of sight. Astrid quickened her pace so as not to lose him but a spike of fear ran up her spine as she found all trace of his existence gone. He was no where to be found and where he could have gone to was another mystery all together.

More worried than she was frustrated, she pulled her phone out again. 'Mala, he's just disappeared. I followed him past the Junior classes of all places and he just vanished around the corner.'

'Don't be too surprised, he's always been good at that, even from a young age. It's not a problem though. I just got word from Stoick, he's coming around to take him home. Must have messaged him on the way down,' she replied, the ambience of the call indicating she was outside. 'I'm heading out there now.'

'Wait! Don't leave without me,' Astrid stated beginning the trek back up the hill to the northern staff parks.

Within minutes they were on their way heading along the northern highway out to the road that lead them towards the western cliff faces. They pulled onto the gravel road that acted as their driveway eventually revealing the top floor of the house and Stoick's BMW parked outside the garage. He must have heard them driving in as his hefty form appeared from the house with the same worried expression she was wearing not twenty minutes ago. Astrid leaped from the seat of Mala's ute dashing straight for Stoick who looked quite tense.

'Where is he?' She asked not wasting time on formalities.

'I don't know. As soon as we got home, he just took off towards the forest,' he replied to which Astrid took to the stone stairs leading to the lower terrace of their backyard.

She sprinted towards the outer line of forest past the pond when a black blur suddenly darted out in front with luminous green eyes locked onto her own. Her breathing was heavy as she hesitated for a moment realising the very surreal moment around them both. Toothless, stood tall blocking her path and for a moment it reminded her so very much of Windy. It was uncanny and yet still there loomed a great mystery about this dragon, despite so much that they shared. Like Hiccup had taught her, she calmed herself and raised her arm reaching out for Toothless' nose; if anything, it was possible he knew where Hiccup was. The connection against her palm was near instantaneous, his own expression seemingly wrought with concern.

'Toothless, can you take me to Hiccup?' she asked carefully.

She wasn't sure to what manner he would understand her but after a moment, he lowered his neck in offering for her to climb aboard. His saddle and tail had been removed some time ago but nonetheless, Astrid held on tight as Toothless took off leading them deep into the thickness of the woods. Even on land, he seemed incredibly adept to the terrain taking powerful strides that shot them between the trees. Eventually however, the trees appeared to thin as light filtered through before revealing an opening devoid of any forest land, just a perfect view out to sea. There sitting right on the edge of the world, she saw him, his legs dangling over and hunched in terrible defeat. There was no way he was deaf to their arrival, yet he remained unperturbed. Sliding off Toothless' back, Astrid suddenly felt the weight of trepidation slow her feet. No words had been exchanged between them and still she knew not what to say. What could possible be found in words that would ease the pain of something like this?

So she made a decision to speak no words and instead act as a force of action, a pillar to hold the crumbling foundations together. From the moment Toothless crashed through the trees, Hiccup's ears had peaked to the sound, though he made no move. His body felt locked where it was, destined to let time carry it away into memory. When the soft crunching of grass grew louder and soft skin curled his arms and shoulders, it was as if there was no longer anything holding his joints together, instead they just gave way along with everything else. The pain, the rage, the deep swells of guilt and remorse all bottled deep within suddenly exploding without restraint into Astrid's shirt, soddening it with tears.

She too could feel the pain rising in her throat and though she vowed to stay strong in the moment he needed her, there was no holding back that tear from rolling down her cheek and into his auburn hair. Burying her face there, she let it all fall away and together, the wounds of their trauma burst free able to be cleansed. Everything around them was lost to each other, even Toothless curling in behind them went unnoticed as they held their bodies close feeling the rolling waves of pain ride from their highest peak to a shallow tide as if it were drifting in and out along the shore.

After time passed with their embrace the only warmth they needed against the setting sun, Hiccup's eyes finally found hers drawing back to hold a deep gaze. He could draw lines along all the tiny little flecks of detail in her iris, the spots of brilliantly lit sky to the deepest ocean all merged to fill them in that azure glaze. She found his; mesmerising with the various tints of green from the luminescence matching Toothless' to the darkest shadows of the forest, a mergence to which became his forest green. With their eyes they found the key to their pasts and for an utterly beautiful moment they could see it playing out in the reflections of light.

Time seemed to slow as she did, her braid swinging and azure eyes sparkling much like her smile, revealing two perfect rows of white teeth. She turned her head in his direction and how his cheeks burned…

The boy who remained but a mystery despite being connected with one of the biggest icons of the modern age. He couldn't hide the burn of crimson no matter how hard he would try. He knew it just as his friends did too. If only he would simply ask…

He hurriedly packed his journal and glided over towards the staircase to join the others.

Astrid was still in mid conversation with the librarian as she approached the stairs making her jump a little when she nearly bumped into Hiccup. 'Oh sorry.'

'Ahh, oh no it's fine ahhh, ladies first,' he offered gesturing the stairs feeling that midsummer burn again.

She shot a quick grin, her eyes sparkling. 'Thanks Hiccup,' she acknowledged his courteous gesture…

Hiccup blinked for a moment shaking his head before he completely removed his helmet. 'Astrid?'

There was no denying who owned those flaxen locks of hair neatly drawn back into a tight braid that was somehow concealed within her helmet. Her expression was blank for a moment as all she could manage to do was stare. Soon enough however, the stare became a glare and an angry growl followed a sharp shove that caught Hiccup's shoulder.

'What the Hel! Hiccup!' What!' She cried out…

She was shaking her head. 'You know, to think just how typical it actually is that you, the next master of dragons not only rides them but lives with one too,' she steadily exhaled her wound frustrations, 'Why aren't I more surprised? I should be more surprised,' she carefully walked up to them and raised her arm to Windy just far enough away that he would have to move to her.

The moment he picked up her scent, his nose pressed firmly against her hand before sliding further and curling around her waist. 'Nnnnngh! Still friendly,' she winced as her injuries were jarred.

Hiccup quickly eased Windy away from contact standing next to her as they both looked up at him. 'He recognised your scent, proof enough to know you're friendly...'

'Hiccup?' Astrid approached him holding her arm.

He was feeling the same thing; despite the progress they had made today alone, it still felt like failure. 'I'm sorry we could get it.'

'It's alright. Who knows, we might just get lucky and Huxter won't try it,' he tried to find hope in the positives to raise her spirits.

Whilst he was searching for a sign of optimism in her face she continued to avoid his gaze looking out over to the sunset. 'Look, I've been thinking. You've got the best chance of us making it through…'

'No Astrid,' he tried to intervene.

'I can distract Huxter whilst you make a sprint for the finish,' she followed through with her suggestion.

'No. You and I will make it through, don't abandon this for me? We're a team. We stick together. We will find a way,' he smiled back with a half grin searching for some positive reaction…

'Hey, do you want a second glove? I have spares.'

'No,' she sung completely unfazed. 'I only wear this to hide a nasty scar.'

That caught Hiccup by surprise considering her motto on scars. 'Wait, I thought you liked scars?'

'Some scars,' she said walking past him to collect their helmets. 'The fun ones I get while training. Others, not so much.'

He caught his helmet as she threw it to him. 'I'll tell you about it later,' she noted walking outside the tent. 'Come on. We're wings up in twenty...'

She slowly pulled down on the sleeve using his hands. 'I also never told you my story, more the one story that you deserve to know,' his eyes drifted down to where her hand was exposed to the elements.

He found his eyes drifting from her finger tips up her arm where stretching from her knuckles to midway down her arm was a series gleaming white scars that wound her arm. 'These are from teeth,' his eyes were wide, the shock evident as he pieced together the details in an instant. 'Dragon teeth...'

'…Hear me out ok. This was an accident that happened over ten years ago, and like all accidents there are consequences but look at where you are now. The very dragon who did this to you, carry's you to victory in front of thousands of people. In that alone, you've not only forgiven her but striven to keep trying to all ends. Because of that, you have made a life long companion with a mark from the very beginning to prove it. Look, you don't have to prove to me how strong you are, I see it every day but with this,' he rested a palm over the scar. 'This is strength that can't be moved with muscles.'

He found her eyes burning with the shame but at the same time glistening with the starlight as they bored deep into the abyss of his own…

What marvels beheld in such radiance; why simple comfort that once was of content, pulled the strings of their heart to this very moment. The masks they wore, protected them, hid their smiles underneath. Yet between them there was no longer a veil to bask them in shadow. Company as they now shared in both contagious joy and immense tragedy spelt the reality of where their paths had eventually led. They were curious, as they were cautious. Gravity such as this had lead them on a path where lapses in time would be found. How it robbed them of time already, time they spent wondering if each other was lost in the void of speculation, of wonder. Eyes; the vibrant orbs that glowed with a soft glint of sky amongst the sea, eyes that found his, green of the forest burning warmly with the light of radiant flame. Separated by bare space as each infinite moment, drawn in by ever inviting forces. A softness, velvet in nature though tender with the forever burning warmth as they drew a scent ever filling the mind with a blissful haze. Complete euphoria, a feverous kiss as their lips finally brushed before falling deeper into the hazing embers of flame that ignited their senses. Revelling in the contact, the softness and warmth as it lingered until they could feel the burn in their lungs forcing them to part for air. Not once was the contact broken as the dark portals into memory and mind were expanded from the after pouring of sheer passion and adoration.

Saturday, October 1…

Could he really say anything had changed? Well, what they had shared out on the cliffside against the sunset in near secrecy was truly unforgettable. There lay a truly exciting element in the aftermath of coming home at the turn of night, hand in hand no doubt and wearing an expression that was as if the events of the earlier day were non-existent. Needless to say, both Mala and Stoick were a little confused, though not without relief and a hunching suspicion of the intuitive persuasion.

It's not to say everything was forgotten, they still felt the bubbling pain of memory and angst for the future but at least for a while, things seemed simpler to comprehend. Arrangements were made in accordance to the current situation and Astrid ended up staying at the Haddock's over night for convenience sake. It was certainly interesting to say the least at how their moods had reversed by the next morning; the lingering stares and rosy cheeks but for what is worth, both Mala and Stoick were relieved all was becoming well again.

In fact normality was finally settling back into play until that Saturday morning where it began with a knock on the door. All eyes darted between each other as hesitation locked them to the table. Mala was the first to act, heading straight for the backyard to hide Toothless whilst Hiccup slowly approached the call for entry. He took a deep breath for any visitor at this hour of the day was sure to sir trouble, let alone warrant a warning of intrusion. The handle clicked and at last, revealed was the perpetrator.

'Erika?' He felt the words escaping his control as he stammered for what to say.

The police were one thing but they didn't want reporters especially at their home, it was an act of trespass after all. 'I… I'm sorry but t…this is private property. You know that.'

'I know but I had to come talk to you,' she replied quickly.

'Argh,' there was no easy way to ask her to leave, not after her generosity for them. 'No, I just can't. I have to ask to leave. I'm sorry.'

'Harold, please this isn't…' she was cut off.

'Erika,' he could feel his hand shaking. 'If you just go now, I won't call the police,' an ultimatum they knew could not be refused and with that he closed the door and slumped against it.

Erika could feel the burn of failure looming over her but she wasn't going to go, not until he knew her reasons for appearing uninvited. 'I'm not here professionally Harold, I just wanted to see if you were ok. That's it.' She called hoping someone had heard.

There was a moment of pause where she could hear nothing but the wind blowing outside. Finally, from inside was the shuffling of movement and the click of the door as it opened again to the drowned expression Hiccup wore. With down cast eyes he nodded and held the door open for her.

'Thank you,' she said genuinely and clearly before making any movement forth.

Hiccup said nothing with his vision cast downwards in shame even as his father solemnly greeted her with the shake of a hand. 'I'm sorry for turning up uninvited like this Steven but with what's been going on out there I had to make sure you were alright before things got nasty.'

'Nasty?' Hiccup spiked in attention, furrowing his brow.

'You've been watching the news right?' she asked to which Stoick began pulling at his shorter beared.

Fully aware of his father's expression, he decided to answer it in a way that didn't sound like complete ignorance. 'Been trying to avoid it mostly.'

He knew well enough that Stoick was aware of the sensitive situation with the public confidence but he had been more of less shunned from exposure. He might have guessed it as some sort of 'protection' but even so, his curiosity was peeked.

'Why what's happened?' Hiccup asked.

'Well aside from petty votes of no confidence in your leadership, which is absolute rubbish,' she directed to Stoick. 'The people of Berk are calling for change in regard to the dragon regime.'

Hiccup shook his head in disbelief. 'They know Windy started that fire and as such they are calling for retribution, on you,' Erika explained.

'What?' He quietly gasped shooting an expression to his father. 'When did this happen?'

'Look, people have known since the incident but the main call for justice has only come in the last couple of days. Burning down trees are apparently more of an issue than your life,' she quipped quite dryly ergo that humour was mostly lost. 'The people want Windy locked up or put down and for you to go under trial, again.'

'You've got to be kidding me,' he groaned under his breath. 'Well I dunno if my absence from the race last week was any indication but they already got their wish; Windy's dead…' by the shocked expression she donned, it begged another question that only confused him even more. 'Wait. I thought everyone knew. There were news reporters and police crew all there, the firefighters know and the people at school, staff and families… How did you not know?'

'The footage was inconclusive as are the reports. That Nadder was blocking him from view so on a lot of accounts he was only injured. At first all the news reports were indicating as such but because of the conflicting information coming through, we don't know what really happened,' Erika explained further.

Hiccup found that revelation most troubling and hard to reconcile, he needed something to distract him lest his hands keep shaking, a moment to collect his thoughts. 'Ahh, would you like a drink or something, I sorry, just still processing.'

'Oh, um just water, thank you,' she replied as Stoick gestured for them to sit at the table.

Fetching a few glasses and filling them, he returned with a little more focus. 'So the public thinks Windy is what, injured?'

'Well, Injured, dying, all manner of things. Aside from who you've told already, nothing's conclusive at this point,' she elaborated clearing up the void area of knowledge.

He just shook his head feeling ever more frustrated than ever, even so with Mala's return in that moment, it didn't help to ease the fog. With brief salutations, Hiccup then turned to Mala with the same information he'd been presented with who took it with silence and reflection.

'I guess cat's out of the bag now. Suppose you're here to relay information back to the Berk daily, really boost your reputation there now,' Mala commented dryly still not entirely convinced of her presence.

'No. I came here with the full intent of simply checking on you guys. I'm getting the entire feed of information and speculations at work. I just wasn't sure if you were entirely aware of what's developed. They know you won't talk to anyone else but I also don't want to lose your trust. Honesty is important,' she redoubled her justifications.

Hiccup felt the twinge of guilt at the thought of honesty for obvious reasons. 'I guess, the thing to explore next is your plan. What are you thinking of doing?'

'Nothing,' Hiccup replied blankly. 'What can we do, except let it all die down. It's not like I'll be going anywhere far soon. I can't race let alone roam the skies so at least they don't have to worry about another incident.'

Erika's expressed thinned and to be honest, it looked like discontent, as if she expected something more. 'You know I'll be frank and say that's actually disappointing,' his scowl in return was completely ignored. 'For you to simply give up like this is not the kind of thing I would have expected.

'And what would have you expected?' He hissed holding a warning glare.

She held that gaze without a hint of wavering. 'To fight back! To show the people of Berk you haven't given up, that you're not afraid to face them knowing who you are after what's happened. I don't know if you realise this but you have the chance prove everyone wrong a second time. To make a statement, be bold… Do something crazy, like before. Opening up to that crowd last year is one of ballsiest moves anyone has done here in over twenty years.'

He blatantly scoffed feeling the rise of stubborn denial take of over. 'Yeah and look how that turned out.'

'What do you mean. Are you saying this is as a result of your little speech?' she questioned.

'The whole thing is, by simply entering in the races was just one long catalyst of inevitable failure and death, ok? You don't know what happened out there, no one does!' He snapped feeling the heat radiating of him.

'Then tell me what happened. What really happened out there?' She near pleaded, her eyes locked onto his own for answers.

'Erika. That's enough,' Mala said sharply catching her eye.

The air had grown thick, Stoick sat silently watching the conversation evolve and travel down to dark places whilst Mala grew increasingly worried. Hiccup on the other hand was starring hard as his mind winded over and categorised all the various outcomes of such a scenario. For the first time that morning since her arrival, his mind clicked to reason and scratched at the part of his brain defied conformity and sure enough, her proposal sounded more inviting by the second. He was Harold Haddock, he was a dragon rider.

'No,' Hiccup interrupted holding up a hand to ward Mala off. 'You know maybe you are right. The people deserve to know,' he paused for a moment collecting his thoughts as he entered that despairing part of his recent past. 'Windy and I were shot out of the sky by dragon hunters. We don't how they found us or who they were but one thing was clear, they weren't just hunting any dragons, they were after Windy. After we crashed they found us and put a bullet into his chest, his neck and then his head. After he was shot the first time was when he set the woods on fire. It was an act of defence against the hunters, whether to simply ward them off or kill them I don't know. Still, they finished the job and left us to die there. If not for Astrid and Stormfly, we both would have died.'

He had rendered the room silence. No one spoke, as the finality of that event rolled over their minds. 'I thought the dragon hunters were shut down years ago?' Erika questioned.

'So we were told. Truth is that was never the case, they simply hid in the shadows all this time and we didn't even know,' He said as he picked up on a thread of possibility. 'The new arrivals?'

'What?' She replied obviously confused.

'Just this year alone, there have been an influx of more elusive species into the races, Thunderdrums, Timberjacks, I've even seen Razorwhips and Raincutters,' Hiccup looked to Mala whose eyes widened in realisation.

'Klu Bayne's Thornridge. You don't think..?' she erred on the side of caution not liking where this realisation was heading.

'I don't know. Anything is possible at this point,' he reconciled with himself finding only the weak links.

'But if there's a growing resurgence of dragon hunters, we'll have to be even more careful. I'd even go to say, it's no longer safe,' she gave him a look that was clearly alluding to the unspoken subject in every conversation outside of this house.

True to form and with the added boost of fire from Erika's comment, his mind ventured to the absurd and truly certifiable thus twitching at the edges of his lips. There was no telling what could be made of a decision like this, where it would lead and what would be said. The only thing that was certain, he was about to break every law regarding dragons known to man and that was the most horrifically exciting part.

'Erika's right. We have to fight back, before they have a chance to grow even stronger. And I know just how to do it,' his grin brought only horror and cold fear from Mala's expression.

'No. No this is where the line ends Hiccup,' She warned him with a stern and resolute tone.

'Diane. The hunters found us in the middle of nowhere, which means they've been tracking me and if these new arrivals are anything to go by it means they have a connection within the dragon racing league,' he stopped as he realised the possible scale of this development. 'We expose them. We go public and we tell everyone the truth, that there are dragon hunters who have infiltrated the racing league. We flush them out,' He explained feeling ever more confident by the moment.

'And how do intend on getting the people to listen. Half of them want you in jail and the other half could be being paid off for all we know,' Mala interjected not relinquishing her grip.

'We give them a reason to listen. We show them the truth,' he spoke calmly, the resolution in voice intended to be inspiring.

'And risk losing everything you've worked for in the last two years?' her front was failing, he could see it, the struggling and conflicting perspectives as he appealed to her inner desires.

His mother must have rubbed off on her after all those years working together; dangerous task, minimal odds of success, it was too inviting. 'You know. I wouldn't be surprised if half of them went running scared. Windy was, a remarkable dragon. That will never change. But no one has ever seen anything to the likes of him,' that subtle indication was not unnoticed.

'Him? Who's him,' Erika's voiced was rightfully concerned.

Sharing a glance at Erika, Hiccup turned once more to Mala. 'Call Astrid. We'll need to discuss it with her,' relenting with a sigh, Mala pulled out her phone and dialled away. 'Erika. There's someone I'd like to meet.'

'Who?' Her voice betrayed her concern.

'Come on. Let's go for a walk,' he said moving towards the stairs.

Erika was hesitant to follow at first but a nod from Stoick and she was close on Hiccup's heels. 'I'd also like to also point out, you have a really nice house.'

Because it was completely unrelated, he could help but laugh at the comment; genuine and consequent to the truth. The day was a little calmer only a slight draft from the winds and as they stepped onto the grass. Hiccup pinched his fingers in his mouth and whistled a blaring sound that echoed off into the distance. He took a few steps back in line with Erika and waited calmly much to the confusion of the reporter. Then he heard it, the first creak and shake of tree leaves until finally emerging from the woods in a blur of dark scales, the dragon glided to the short distance as best he could only to land with expert precision in front of Hiccup and Erika. Without a single moment wasted, he reached up scratched his neck releasing a crooning yawn.

'Erika Hardacre. Meet Toothless, the first and only Night Fury ever discovered.

She was frozen in place unable to tear her eyes away from the luminous green orbs inspecting her closely with natural curiosity. 'Bullshit.'

To be continued in Wake of the Night

And there we have it folks. To meet tragedy and triumph as equals.

Tissues to the left and counselling hotline on the right. You know what this means; the moment it's all been leading up to.