This is my SIXTH update today, and I am so excited! This story's only been up for four days, and already, I'm having so much fun! :D After this, I'll probably do a few stories. Probably starting with "Snowed In", with a few others following. :) I'm excited. :D Enjoy chapter 21!

She crashed into Snotlout and the twins. Quite literally.

She turned a corner and smashed into them, resulting in them both falling backwards onto the ground.

"Astrid!" said Snotlout. "We were just looking for you!"

"Why?" said Astrid. "I can't stop. I have to go-"

"So do we!" said Snotlout.

"Why?" said Astrid.

"Let's say they angered the Trader," said Fishlegs as he walked up behind them. "I told Snotlout he shouldn't trust that glass vase, but noooo. He doesn't listen to me."

"Can we talk about this later?" said Astrid. "I need to see Gothi."

"Why?" said Fishlegs, the twins, and Snotlout in unison as they followed her after she raced off. "What's wrong?"

"Do I really need to answer that question?" said Astrid. She groaned when she garnered no reaction. "Hiccup!" she said angrily, not believing they would actually forget.

"I was just about to ask you about that!" said Fishlegs. "How's he doing?"

"Not good," said Astrid. "I have to talk to Gothi about a cure."

"Wait a minute!" said Snotlout, panting as they ran. "What did Johann say about the poison? Did he do anything to help you guys at all?"

"The poison came from Healer's island," said Astrid. "Or...somewhere else. Dagur gave it to Johann, Johann took it, not knowing what it was, Mildew got his hands on it, and then poisoned Hiccup."

"I guess that mystery's solved," said Snotlout.

"We have another one, though," said Astrid. "What's the cure?"

They called to their dragons, and then headed off. Astrid saw Toothless running to the Haddock residence. Good. At least Hiccup wouldn't be alone.

On their way over, they saw people walking into the Great Hall. Right. Stoick was going to call a meeting.

"Should we go to the meeting?" Tuffnut asked.

"We have to," said Astrid. She mentally scolded herself for not being able to go to Gothi's straight away, but it's not like she had much of a choice. She and the others headed downwards on their dragons, and then landed in front of the Great Hall.

Dismounting, the youths told their dragons to wait for them outside. Then, they walked up the stairs, and headed inside.

A few minutes later, as the rest of the villagers arrived, the doors closed. Stoick stood in front of the crowd, Mildew standing a few feet to his left, his hands tied behind his back, his face twisted in a scowl.

"This man has been found with treachery," said Stoick, gesturing to Mildew, "against Berk and its heir. As we all know, the penalty for that...is permanent exile. Mildew is a threat to us."

Astrid knew when he said "us" he was mainly talking about and speaking of Hiccup. That's what this was really all about. Hiccup.

"Mildew," said Stoick, "you have been charged with treason against Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, heir of the Hairy Hooligan tribe. The penalty for that, is banishment. Any last words before you are sent off?"

"Yes, actually," said Mildew.

"Oh boy," Gobber muttered. "This should be interesting."

"You should all take a good look, and think about what the dragons have done," said Mildew.

"This isn't about the dragons, Mildew," said Stoick. "This is about you, and what you have done against the heir of Berk."

"But is it really?" said Mildew. "That Snaptrapper nearly killed HIccup just a few days ago, and now it's living peacefully in the academy! Why am I any different than the dragon?"

"Permission to speak, Sir," Astrid asked Stoick.

Stoick nodded. Astrid walked towards the front, and then stood in front of the crowd.

"The dragons don't know any better," said Astrid. "Mildew here knows what he was doing. He knew it was wrong. Firespit...that is to say, the Snaptrapper...didn't know what he was doing. He was defending himself, like any of us would do against an enemy. Mildew had no reason to hurt Hiccup."

Poison him with a cureless poison...pretty much kill him... Her mind reminded her, but she ignored it. Now was not the time for doubtful thoughts.

"Hiccup is a threat to no one," said Astrid. "The dragon didn't know that. Mildew...he knew that. He knew Hiccup wouldn't be able to defend himself if he pulled a knife first. Hiccup defended himself against Mildew when he attacked. The dragon defended itself us when we tried to make it leave. Why are you different then the dragon, Mildew, you asked?" Astrid said. "Well, that's why. And can you deny it." It wasn't a question, because she already knew the answer herself. It was more of a statement.

"I've heard enough," said Stoick. "We have made our point. Mildew, you are sentenced to exile. Right away."

...

An hour later found Mildew and the rest of the Berkians at the docks. A small boat was in the water, tied to the edge of the wooden boards the docks end on. Mildew took a breath, and then walked to the edge, jumping into the boat. Fungus followed him closely.

"So long, Mildew," said Stoick.

Two men walked forward and untied the boat, pushing it off. They watched the small ship until it was out of sight, out of their lives.

For good.

Mildew was gone.

For good.

Their problem was solved.

Well, one of them at least.

As soon as the ceremony broke, Astrid and the others mounted their dragons once more, and headed to Gothi's hut to see if she was getting on with finding anything.

They hoped she had.

For Hiccup's sake.