*sniff sniff* Last chapter guys. Are you ready? It's been a wonderful journey so far, and I'm so thankful for all of you guys sticking with me through this story. :D Now! Here's last song, and last shoutouts, then last chapter… (I will be doing an A/N chapter, though, so there's that! *shrugs*)
(to the tune of Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver)
Almost heaven, FanFiction . net
Getting reviews and faves, follows when you wake up
Fics are better here, better than trapped in your mind
Vent your imagination, ignore those flames all the time
thepurplewriter, Queen Cliffie
You leave cliffies left and right
Here's your story, the end of the story
I'll miss you guys:/, all the time...
Shoutouts:
Hiccstridlover13: Thank you! Aw, don't worry. The Riders will still live on!:) I'm glad you've liked it! Here's the… *sniffs* here's the last chapter.
katurdi: YES HE DID IT HE DID IT YAAAYY! (we all knew he had it in him:D) I know, RIGHT? Little Hiccup is sooooo cute! I AM good at writing fight scenes? Good! I was worried that it wasn't good… haha, yes. One died by fire, the other by water. Typical! XD Yep. This is the last chapter indeed… :(
Dragxn Defender: Indeed so! FanFictions ending are often a sorrowful thing…. *sniffs* Haha, nah, you don't need a coffin. It'll have a good ending, I promise. :D
Clover And Darkness: Aww thank you! :D :D :D You're so sweet! I'm glad you liked the chapter- I do agree, it was one of my favorites. :) Haha, yeah. Good luck!
FanWriter02: Thanks! *hugs you* Yeah… this chapter is the last. Mmhmm, all good things must end. And all bad things. XD (I have very low confidence in this story for some reason) Thank you! Here's you chapter!
Funtasticme: Hehe, I agree! I don't care about Ryker at all. VIGGO was the real villain, and Dagur is… well, Dagur! And I love him. :) Here's your chapter! HICCSTRID IS COMING, YAY! *streamers explode*
AvatarAngel0723: I'm glad you liked it! Thanks! *gasps* YOU DID IT? YOU KILLED RYKER?! THANK YOU! *places crown on your head* All hail, Queen Rykerkiller! *bows* Yeah, he's gone, don't worry… :D Here's your update! Thanks so much for reviewing!
SailorMew4: Thanks! I'm happy you think so! :D
Smoe05: Haha, YES. After all those attempts to escape death in the water (and by a Thunderdrum as well), Ryker still died! :) Oh, thanks! I'm glad you liked the fight. :D Yes, Toothless, LET HICCUP DO THE WORK. POOR TOOTHLESS. :( Thank you! Here's your chapter!
The Wizard Rider: Yep, this chapter's the last. *bows head sadly* Thanks! Yeah, my hand is much better now. The bandages are off, so that's good! :) Aw, thank you! I didn't think the fight scene was GREAT, but it was acceptable. *nods to self* Unfortunately, no sequel. I'm backed up in other stories at the moment…. *chuckles nervously* But MAYBE in the future. Maybe is the best I can give right now… :/ Indeed, there is Hiccstrid in here! I think you'll like it! And father/son bonding IS awesome. :D Thank you!
animalsarepeopletoo: It is? THANK YOU, ANI! *hugs you* (BTW, I love your new profile pic!) Mmhmm… this is the last chapter. :( Nah, EVERYTHING'S not ending, don't you fret. :) Aww, thanks! I'm so happy you're enjoying it! Here's your (last) update… :(
phieillydinyia: Yay! I'm so happy you liked it! *tackles you in a hug, squealing* Thanks! Yep, Viggo still did die by falling into the volcano. Nothing's changed! :) Here's your update! I'm so happy you have wi-fi. :D I mean, YOU POOR THING, WITH NO WI-FI! THAT MUST'VE BEEN TORTURE! *shakes head sadly*
Silentleap85: Thank you! Oh, Mulan, I love that movie! No, you're not childish. Disney is for ALL ages, just as HTTYD is! :D Aw, THANK YOU! Here's your chapter!
Astrid E Lokison: Thanks so much! Yeah, Hiccup might just have some sense in that thick head after all. XD So… if 3:30am is late… then is 4:30am late too?! Here's your chapter, and thanks for the review! :D
AnimeandDragonfan54: Thanks! :D I'm glad you think so! I was pretty excited with putting in the flashbacks too… :) Yep, next chapter is the last! This fanfic has been going on for a month and a half, ending with 25 chapters, and I feel that it's acceptable to end it now, especially since I'm swamped with many other ideas for future fanfics… No, there won't be a sequel. At first, I wanted to make one, but I decided against it. (even though I really want to write one:D) Hmm, I'm planning a variety of stories for the future. Right now, I'm working on my Modern AU one, "More Than I Seem", but I'm going to go on a hiatus starting this Saturday to give me time to write the first chapters of my next fanfic. It'll be great! :D Oh, and my hand is much better now. Thanks for the review!
HanikahTheWriter: Really?! *squeals* Thank you! Aw, yes, well, all good things must end, right? It's HTTYH's time. :) Thanks for reviewing!
HiccupZain: Aw, thanks! I'm glad you think so! :D Yes, thank goodness, Hiccup managed to overpower Ryker… IN A WAY. XD (the Thunderdrum may have helped a little) Yes! Exactly! 3:30am is usually EARLY for me! MWAHAHAHA! 4:30am-5am is the way to go! (well, as long as you sleep in some :D) YES I FEEL ENERGETIC TOO. LATE NIGHT DELIRIUM CAN DO THAT. *giggles maniacally* Thank you! Here's your chapter!
All right, then! I think that's everyone! *brushes off hands* Thank you all so much for the reviews:), I just love reading them. Now…. final chapter. It's not much action, but FEEELLZZZ. Here we go. Deep breath in. Deep breath out.
Now let us begin.
Hiccup barely had take to register the roaring of the crowd before he was swarmed by the other Dragon Riders, as well as Heather, Dagur, and… Gustav? Unfortunately, the twins were still confused with Hiccup's previous betrayal and the fact of his sword fight with Ryker, so they didn't exactly take it all that well.
In fact, as soon as Barf and Belch landed, Ruff and Tuff hopped off their dragon, looking furious. "Get him!" Tuffnut shouted, pointing at Hiccup. "He's a traitor! We need him restrained!"
The twins jumped towards Hiccup in preparation to tackle him, but Astrid jumped in the way, giving them a hard glare. "Stop it, you two muttonheads! Hiccup's on our side. He's no traitor!" she huffed, crossing her arms.
Hiccup nodded, wincing as he rubbed his back. He father patted his shoulder with concern, but didn't say anything. "Yeah, guys. I'm not a traitor," he explained, smiling weakly. "Well, at least not anymore. After all, I was just fighting Ryker."
Ruffnut and Tuffnut relaxed a bit, but other riders still looked confused. "But… how?" Fishlegs sputtered, looking utterly at shock. "You nearly slit Astrid's throat when you two had your sword fight, you chose to be a traitor to all of Berk, and we can't forget you almost killed everyone in the process! Am I the only one lost here?"
Tuffnut tapped his chin. "Hmm. My dear friend, it seems as if-"
"-if this could ever be true," Ruffnut interjected, crossing her arms.
"That Hiccup Haddock, Master of-"
"-Mind Games and his cleverness, has-"
"Yes," Hiccup interrupted, crossing his arms. "Guys, as most of you probably have guessed, I was pretending to ally up with Ryker. I knew that once I gained his trust, I would have an easier chance at killing him. But, I'm so sorry for almost killing you all many times… Ryker was watching, and I had no choice but to act like I was your enemy. He would have found out otherwise."
Stoick slowly blinked, his eyes wide as he gripped Hiccup's arm tighter. "So, it was all a trick, son? You never betrayed Berk? I had, well… I assumed that you had changed your mind when that Ryker and you started to fight, but I never imagined that you were pretending this whole time..."
Hiccup winced, looking up at his father. "In the beginning, I did turn over to Ryker's side, Dad. I had a flashback about when you were… disowning me, and that kind of set me off."
The chief's expression looked pale. "Oh, Hiccup…"
Swallowing, Hiccup continued. "But after I had my fight with Astrid, and then let her go, I began to have new flashbacks- better ones." He smiled, thinking back to them. "Some came in dreams, some came when I was awake, and some I've just recently found out… I-I remember the time I caught Toothless with my bola cannon, and then when I found him in the woods. I remember going on our first flight, learning new tricks for dragon-killing class. I… I remember our sunset flight together, too, Astrid."
Astrid smiled back at him, scratching Stormfly's neck. "So, you do have all your memories back?" she confirmed. "The last time I checked, you had remembered a lot." Unable to help herself, she grew excited. Maybe things could go back to the way they were before. Maybe…
"Not all of them, yet," admitted Hiccup, shrugging. "I guess I'll just have to wait until they all come back. But until then, I'm content with what I know." He grimaced, shaking his head. "Though I do wish I didn't remember quite a few villain encounters… but I'm just ready to head back to Berk and finally sleep in my own bed."
Stoick laughed, patting his son's shoulder. "I agree, lad! I can imagine exactly what you're feeling. We've been on the hunt for you for days now. I think we could all do with a nice rest at home." Hiccup grunted at his father's touch, his back burning from the recent whipping.
Almost immediately, Stoick furrowed his brow. "Hiccup? What is it? Are you hurting somewhere? Were you injured?"
Hiccup smiled, but it was painful. "Nah, I'm fine. I…"
"He was whipped," Astrid filled in, shaking her head. "After he got Heather the antidote to her poison and got the dragons back, Ryker found out. And he…" She swallowed. "He whipped him. And this was only a few days ago. Only Thor knows how Hiccup's walking around now."
Stoick looked horrified, and glanced down at his son. "He whipped you?" The chief, removing his hands from Hiccup's shoulders, cracked his knuckles with anger. "I swear, if that man wasn't already dead..."
Hiccup only shrugged, wincing again. "It's okay now. Astrid and Heather helped me recover. Besides, it's only fun if you get a scar out of it, right?" It was a weak attempt of a joke, and no one laughed.
"Well, we're going back to Berk as soon as possible to get Gothi to check you out," Stoick demanded, "And after that, you're going on a strict bedrest for a week." When Hiccup started to protest, the chief crossed his arms. "Don't make me stretch it to two weeks, son. I can and I will do it."
Hiccup stopped in mid-sentence. Great… a whole week of doing nothing… He glanced over at Toothless. "At least I'll have you, bud. You won't let me get bored, right?"
Toothless snorted, nodding.
Astrid sighed, putting her hands on her hips as she turned to the other riders. "Now that that's all settled… who's ready to go back home?"
Fishlegs' tight expression melted into one of relief. "Thank Thor! I've never been more happy to go back to Berk in my life…" He grinned.
"Yeah, I could use a break," Snotlout agreed casually, trying to act like the cool-Viking in front of the others. "We've been away from Berk for days on end while searching for Hiccup. Now that we found him, I say we get out of here!"
Heather jumped off of Windshear, preparing to say her goodbyes. "Yeah… Dagur and I will be arranging the Dragon Hunters' surrender, now," she explained, biting her lip. "But, it was nice seeing you all again- despite the circumstances why." She grinned weakly. "I hope we all can meet soon." After giving a few quick goodbyes to everyone, she held up her armored arm to Astrid, and the two girls clanked together.
Heather, turning to Hiccup, looked more grateful than she had even been before. "Hiccup, I can't ever thank you enough for saving my life…."
Hiccup smiled in acknowledgement. "Anytime, Heather. I'm just glad I could help."
"Yes, brother," Dagur agreed, patting Hiccup on the shoulder once he had walked up. "Thank you for getting the antidote to Heather's poison, and helping her escape Ryker." He growled, face twitching, but soon got his emotions under control. He shook his head. "I'm not sure what I would do if something happened to her."
"Of course," Hiccup grinned. "Brother."
Dagur beamed, and ruffled Hiccup's hair. "Yes! You're learning, Hiccup, you're learning! Ooh ooh! Now you, me, and Heather can be brothers and sister!"
Hiccup laughed. "Maybe in the future, Dagur. Until then, though." The two men nodded at each other.
Fishlegs sheepishly walked up to Heather, his arms trembling with nervousness. "I-I'm so glad you're all right, Heather. I thought I was going to lose you to the poison, but now that you're better, I… I'm relieved." He cleared his throat. "And even though we're b-both going our different ways, at least I'll know you're safe."
Smiling, Heather looked touched. "I'll miss you too, Fishlegs." And then she grabbed his shirt's collar, and brought him in for a kiss. All the others "oooohed", fits of laughter erupting from them all- excluding Snotlout and Gustav, who watched in horror- but Heather and Fishlegs couldn't have cared less. This was their moment.
When they pulled apart, Fishlegs looked much happier than before. "I-I'll see you soon, H-Heather," he stuttered, returning to his old nervous self. "I'll visit w-when I can."
Heather nodded. "I'll be looking forward to it, Fishlegs." She climbed on top of Windshear, as did Dagur on Shattermaster. Heather smiled. "We're going to go get our soldiers take of these Dragon Hunters now. If you need anything else, let us know. We'll always be happy to help."
"Of course we will!" Dagur emphasized. "Hiccup has saved my sister's life, and that can't be repaid."
Heather smiled, patting Windshear. "Yes, brother." She waved goodbye to Astrid, Hiccup, and the others. "We'll see you soon!"
"Wait!" Gustav cried, clutching onto Fanghook as he tried to stand up on his dragon. His expression was full of hurt, and he still looked absolutely shocked from Heather and Fishlegs' kiss. "Heather, how could you? We were a match made in Valhalla! You can't just… you..."
Heather smirked, and Windshear shifted on her feet. "Sorry, Gustav… it would never work out." She shrugged. "Maybe you'll have better luck with Astrid, though. Or," she paused, a smile gradually growing, "maybe even Ruffnut!"
Ruffnut let out a very un-womanlike like growl from beside her twin brother, and Gustav's head swerved over to her. He was struck speechless for a few moments, eyes practically bulging with surprise. Woah. This Ruffnut… she was beautiful. Pure golden braids trailed down her neck and shoulders, her stunning blue eyes captivated him like nothing had before, and such a face…
"Well, hello there," Gustav drawled, wiggling his brow in an attempt to impress her. "What do you say we hang out sometime?"
Groaning, Ruffnut crossed her arms.
Heather laughed, and waved again. "I'll see you soon, guys."
"Indeed!" Dagur promised. "We will! After these annoying Dragon Hunters get taken care of, of course… goodbye!"
And the two Berserkers took off.
Right after, the other Riders, Stoick, and Gobber each got ready to leave. "It's time to bring you home, son," Stoick said, smiling over at Hiccup as he climbed on to Skullcrusher. "Do you think you'll be alright flying on your own? I'm sure one of the other riders can fly Toothless if they need to. It's been a long day."
Hiccup shook his head. "No, I'll be just fine. Toothless will help me out." He patted his dragon's head with a smile, before he glanced back over at the other Dragon Riders. "Would it be okay if you left Astrid and I alone for a few minutes? I just need to tell her something."
Stoick looked momentarily surprised while Gobber laughed. Hiccup smiled at the sound. He hadn't been around Gobber for a while, it seemed. "Come on, Stoick," the blacksmith chuckled. "We should leave the two lovebirds alone before they throw a fit on us."
Hiccup reddened. "Just go!"
Laughing, once everyone was ready, they flew off from the docks, if not a bit reluctant to look behind them to see what Hiccup and Astrid would do next. Once they were gone, Hiccup cleared his throat, looking over at Astrid who stood in front of him with a curious expression. He wasn't sure where to even begin. How to say he was sorry for everything… how to explain those terrible feeling he had felt when they were apart…
"So," Astrid started, snapping Hiccup out of his thoughts. "You really were pretending the whole time, huh?"
Hiccup winced at the memory, and nodded. "Yes. I wanted to tell you guys, but Ryker was always watching. If I ever stepped out of line, even the slightest… well… there was an incident with a dragon, and I still regret it."
Astrid stiffened, wondering just how much Hiccup had gone through before she and Heather had been captured by Ryker as well. She smiled comfortingly, and without even thinking about it, she threw her arms around Hiccup. "It's okay," she told him, voice strong. "You're back, I'm back, we're back together. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to…"
"No, Astrid," Hiccup cut in, closing his eyes as he embraced Astrid's rare hug. "I'm- I'm sorry for everything that happened. I hate myself for everything I did to hurt you… to hurt everyone else…"
Careful not to touch his wounds, Astrid held Hiccup closer. "Well, we grow from some things, and I guess you just have to make it one of those situations. And… no matter what you've done, no matter who you've hurt, I will always love you, Hiccup Haddock."
Then, grinning, she kissed him.
And Hiccup kissed back.
"I missed you," Astrid whispered into Hiccup's ear once she had pulled away, closing her eyes. "Every day you were gone, still kidnapped by Ryker… I… I…"
Hiccup smiled, stroking her soft hair. "I missed you too..."
"I know you did..." After a pause, Astrid continued. "Hiccup, all of this has changed everything. You're different, I'm different-"
"No we're not. We're better," Hiccup interrupted, smiling. "We're not different. Like you said before, we've grown through this. It's all for the best, really. We're still Hiccup and Astrid. Nothing can ever change that. I'll always be yours."
Astrid buried her chin in his shoulder, finally happy. "I guess you're right," she agreed, her voice slightly muffled. "But… can you tell me you're not going to keep any more big secrets from me again?" She sucked in a hopeful breath. If only convincing him would be so easy….
But Hiccup nodded, surprising her. "I promise."
"Thank you, Hiccup," she murmured. "Thank you."
"Anything for you, milady."
There was a slight pause.
"Hiccup?"
"Hmm?"
"I love you."
And right then, as Hiccup hugged Astrid, he knew that nothing in the world could ever convince him to let her go.
*wedding bells go off in the distance* *I blow my nose violently in a handkerchief as Hiccup and Astrid ride by in their dragon-drawn carriage* Young love! 'Tis so sweet to enjoy, to embrace, to LIIIIVVEEE! *chuckles nervously*
Well, then. There's that final chapter. Yes, yes, I know it's not the longest chapter in there, or certainly the most INTERESTING, but I felt that ending the story last chapter just wouldn't fit. You know what I mean? :D
Okay, well, I'll post the Author's Note in like 20 seconds, so see you soon! :D We can cry our eyes out there.
*waves*
*bursts into tears*
-thepurplewriter333