Author's Note:

Hello everyone and sorry for the slightly longer gap between updates this time. This chapter marks the end of this fic but FEAR NOT it is not the end of the story, a sequel will appear in the future and hopefully not too far in the future. At the moment I think the entire story will span three fics including this one and I shall warn you now that the third one will definitely be a crossover but what it crosses over with exactly will not be revealed for some time. You can try and guess if you wish as I have left hints scattered throughout this fic but I won't be confirming anything till the right point in the story.

Thank you all for your follows, favourites and reviews for this story and a special thank you to everyone who suggested OCs for the Twelve Titans who will all be returning in the sequel. I hope you all enjoy the final chapter for this part of the story.

I own nothing.

Partings and Meetings

Several days had passed and Dragon Island was bustling with frantic activity as a single, badly damaged ship limped towards it.

Heather and Anthea stood side by side watching its approach with a degree of concern and were first to come forward when it finally drew alongside the temporary dock that had been built. There was a collective gasp from all present as they laid eyes upon Drago.

Spitelout's knife had done incredible damage, the eye was now covered by a crude patch of dressings but a long scar showed above and below it stretching from his hairline right down to his chin. The rest of his body was covered in ugly bruises and swellings and though he walked with his usual confidence those observant enough could tell that the steps hurt.

The other Titans followed behind him not looking much better, all were bruised and battered, Arina and Kadlin sported burns, Nova's arm was in a hastily made sling, Erika bore a large gash on her arm which showed through her torn sleeve and Amber had a bandage wrapped around her head. Leif and Gustav were the least injured with them both only having a couple of bumps and bruises apiece but with them was a stretcher bearing Dagur who was in a very different state.

He was swathed in bandages and dressings with myriad bruises showing between the gaps, his breathing was shallow and his eyes were tightly shut clearly showing that he wasn't anywhere near to waking up. Heather let out another gasp and ran to his side, he'd been her brother before they'd become Titans and she hated seeing him in this state. Saphia (who was wrapped in several bandages herself) was also by the boy's side continuing to tend to him as Drago began roaring out orders for an infirmary to be prepared for the Titan's. People promptly obeyed his commands and soon Dagur was being whisked away for further treatment with Heather staying by his side. Saphia was following when Drago pulled her aside, "Will he recover?"

His voice was low so only she heard the concern within it and she answered as best she could, "It will take a great deal of time and more than a little fighting on Dagur's part but he eventually will."

The King nodded, "Good."

That seemed to be all he was concerned with but Saphia reported something else, "Now that the artefact has been destroyed by that boy we've no way of creating any more Titans, I'm afraid that it's now impossible for you to have the successor you wanted."

"That doesn't concern me right now." Drago stated bluntly, "Focus on Dagur, do everything you can to help him recover. For now we need worry about surviving and rebuilding, other issues can be addressed later."

She bowed, "Of course your Majesty."

She hurried off to attend to Dagur as Drago strode off to see the state of his remaining forces.

On the shores of the Archipelago's central island under the light of the morning sun, everyone was preparing to head their seperate ways.

The previous night had been quiet and solemn as many remembered those who'd been lost. Snotlout had buried himself between his dragon parents and grieved out of sight of everyone else, Valka had also disappeared for a time of solitude until Hiccup joined her and they spent much of the night together. Toothless had also disappeared along with the older Night Fury who Alister confirmed was Shadow, no one knew what they spoke about and neither one would tell anyone about their conversation but the two Night Furies talked together for a long time and Toothless was very thoughtful when they eventually returned. Alister was also thoughtful and spent a lot of time away from the rest with Icebolt for company, he said very little but it was clear he was deeply pondering something. The others spent most of the night with their parents who were relieved that their young were safe and there were cuddles of relief and half-hearted scoldings for recklessness all round. Eventually most slipped into slumber with a few staying awake for whatever thoughts or reasons they had and when the sun had started to rise so did those on the island.

This led to where they were now, standing on the same beach where they'd sent their fallen on saying yet more goodbyes.

The Bewilderbeast was speaking with Shadow but it was clear he was ready to return to his Sanctuary. Most of the other dragons were also ready to go, the pack dragons were all eager to return to their more solitary way of life. They had found and rescued their 'alpha' and with the King's massive army and fortress largely destroyed there was little need to remain together, they would be happy to see their comrades again in the future but they were lone hunters by nature and did not take to spending long periods in the company of others. The Sanctuary dragons were obviously returning home with their young and Snotlout especially was eager to get back as soon as he could.

Alister had been standing quietly to one side and he jerked in surprise when Astrid came up to him, "Hey Alister?"

"Um…yeah?"

She smiled, "Thank you for everything you did. You really helped us out."

He shuffled awkwardly, "Its fine, really. It was kind of my fault it all happened in the first place." He looked down, "I'm sorry for my attitude to you guys when we first met. You really showed me just how alike to dragons we are so thank you."

Her smile grew wider, "No problem, when we get back everyone there will be so happy to see you and Icebolt again."

Alister briefly closed his eyes and sighed, "About that." He looked up a slightly sad look in his eyes, "Me and Icebolt won't be going with you to the Sanctuary."

The other kids gasped in surprise and Hiccup stepped towards him, "Why not?"

The older boy placed a hand on Icebolt's head as he answered, "The dragons at the Sanctuary were really kind and welcoming to us and it's a wonderful place to be but we just can't stay there." He looked up into the sky slightly trying hard to explain his reasons, "I can't explain it but we just can't settle in one place yet, maybe we just like to wander but I think it's something else." He looked at them directly, "It feels like I'm looking for something, what I don't know but it's out there and I need to find it." He smiled, "So I'll keep searching and Icebolt has chosen to come with me so I know we'll find it one day."

Hiccup nodded in understanding, "I think I understand Alister. We'll always be glad to see you if you ever come to visit again."

He held out his hand which Alister took, "Thank you Hiccup. I'll visit again someday."

Astrid came forward next and also shook his hand, "I'm sure you'll find whatever it is you're looking for."

He nodded thankfully and Fishlegs shook his hand next, "Good luck and see you soon."

Alister smiled at his hopeful tone, "See you soon Fishlegs."

The boy gave and audible sniff moved aside to let the twins come forward next. They both folded their arms before playfully punching Alister's arms at the same time, "Don't die out there."

"Yeah and if what you find is really cool bring it back and show us."

The older boy gave a small laugh, "It's a promise."

Lastly Snotlout came towards him along with Valka. The woman gave Alister a brief hug, "Stay safe."

He nodded and turned to Snotlout, "Snotlout, I'm sorry. It's my fault you went through everything you did."

"No it's not."

Alister looked at him in surprise, "But if I hadn't…"

"It doesn't matter Alister." Snotlout stated, "There's no point taking or placing blame for it now. Several people could say it was their fault but it doesn't make a difference to what happened so just forget whose fault it was." He gave a slight smile, "It's done with now so just worry about the future instead."

Alister looked at him in shock for a moment then returned the smile, "Thank you, I will."

His smile broader Snotlout held out his fist and Alister gently bumped his against it, "See you later Snotlout."

"See you later Alister. Till the next time."

"Till the next time."

The two boys stepped away from each other and Alister gave them all one last smile before turning and mounting Icebolt. Shadow and the Bewilderbeast had finished talking and the Night Fury came alongside the Skrill and rumbled out something to him, Icebolt growled gently at Alister and the boy grinned, "I don't quite understand everything you guys say yet but I'm guessing Shadow was asking us to join him for a while." Icebolt nodded in confirmation and Alister answered, "Let's go for it." He spoke to the Night Fury, "Thank you Shadow we'd be honoured to join you."

The dragon rumbled happily, apparently quite happy with the name Shadow, and gestured with his head for them to follow. He looked round at his 'pack' who were all ready to head their separate ways and he bowed to them, they bowed back and Shadow raised his head and roared. As one they roared back and shot into the air flying in all directions out over the sea and onwards to the horizon.

Those from the Sanctuary watched their rapidly retreating forms until another roar sounded above them. Looking up they saw Shadow flying above them having recovered enough overnight to do so, Icebolt and Alister were with him and the boy waved down to them, "We'll see you again one day."

They all waved back and Valka called up in response, "Good luck Alister, we look forward to seeing you again."

Shadow and Icebolt gave one last roar in answer and both dragons swooped away towards the north as the Bewilderbeast sent a low roar of his own after them. Those left watched them until they were out of sight and Snotlout looked up at the Bewilderbeast, "Grandfather, can we go home now?"

The dragon king smiled and nodded.

Drago sat at a desk in a large tent that had been specifically raised and set aside for him until such time as an actual building was ready for use.

He'd been inspecting and uncovering everything he had left to command and found that it was far less than he'd once had. There had been both soldiers and slaves upon Dragon Island working on the outpost which hadn't been caught up in the events at the Fortress. Several ships containing members of his army that escaped the destruction had also come to Dragon Island but even with those fortunate reinforcements he commanded less than a quarter of what he once had. With no artefact it was impossible to create more Titans and Drago cursed the dragon riding boy who'd smashed his most valuable asset. Though he'd lost much of his army he did still have all twelve of his children, one was badly injured but he was confident that Saphia would bring Dagur to full recovery if given enough time so he willingly counted that as a very fortunate outcome, if he'd lost one of his Titans than his rage and vengeance would know no bounds.

For now though he needed to focus on rebuilding, they'd lost most of their enslaved dragons and he was certain that the escaped slaves would certainly seek retribution should they discover he'd survived the Fortress' fall. He would need to ensure he was fully prepared before engaging any aggressive plans but with construction of the Dragon Island outpost underway it would be a simple matter to convert it into a new base of operations.

A light tapping on the canvas over the tent entrance pulled him away from his thoughts and he spoke abruptly, "Enter."

With a rustle of canvas and light steps, Newt entered holding a covered object in her arms and bowed, "Father."

Drago sat up in anticipation, "Newt, you've returned. Was your mission a success?"

The girl smiled, "Indeed it was father. I found the island and what was on it."

"Show me."

Newt placed the object she was carrying down on the desk and it made a dull clunk as it made contact with the wood. She grabbed the top of the cover over it and in one motion pulled it off revealing what was beneath.

A cage containing a Fireworm.

Drago smiled, "Good, now we have more options." He placed a hand on Newt's shoulder, "Excellent work Newt, you have just helped us get back onto our path. With time we will become strong enough to take back what was ours and deal with those riders who ruined it all."

Someone hammered on the tent's canvas and Drago barked an answer, "Enter!"

A soldier scurried in and bowed low as he spoke quickly, "Your Majesty! A small group of ships has approached and their leader has requested an audience with you to discuss a form of alliance."

Drago thought about this unexpected turn of events for a moment before giving an answer, "Very well. Tell their leader that I will meet with him to hear his offer and have him brought up here immediately."

"It shall be done your Majesty."

The soldier was prepared to get up and leave when another question from his king stopped him, "What was this person's name?"

"He called himself Viggo Grimborn your Majesty."

PS-Viggo enters the picture and I'd love to hear which crossover this story is heading to though I won't be saying if anyone guesses correctly. Please let me know what you thought and keep your eyes peeled for part two of this story, it will be called 'Family of Iron' so keep an eye out for it. Until then goodbye.