A/N: After seemingly falling off the face of the earth I was finally able to gather a couple evenings of free time to finish the next chapter. A lot happens and I'm for the most part happy with it. (It could have used more details in my opinion but I felt like I made you wait long enough.) So sorry for the extremely long wait. There's still a few more chapters to go as i feel like there is a natural close to the story that could be nice. I hope you are all enjoying it and again sorry for the long wait. It was a ridiculous amount of time to wait. Don't forget to review. I love hearing from my fans. You guys are the driving force that keeps this whole things going. (also as this story comes to a close in later chapters, I will be brainstorming up my next story which unlike this one will actually have a plan laid out before I begin. Hope you all enjoy this chapter and thanks for reading.

LG

Chapter 36

"That's seriously what went on in your head that whole time?" Astrid can't believe the story that Hiccup has recounted. At least all that he could remember of it.

"I know it's ridiculous." Hiccup tells her with a chuckle.

"Most people dream their perfect lives when in a coma. But here you are creating a world of Vikings and dragons while creating Excalibur." Astrid jokes with him.

The two of them sit in Hiccup's hospital room. They are comfortable but there's still a tension in the air as topics have yet to be touched.

An awkward silence passes between them.

"When do you think they'll let you out?" Astrid asks nervously.

"Rehab has been going well. I'm hoping soon. Hospital food is definitely not something people praise." Hiccup scrunches his face in disgust thinking about his meals that he's been getting.

"It'll be nice to see you out on your feet again. They were considering selling the company off." Astrid tells him.

"Yeah. Mom was telling me that. I need to get back to work."

"Focus on getting better first then work second." Astrid insists.

Hiccup smiles at her. He doesn't know what he'd do without her.

"So should I call you Merlyn now?" Astrid asks while trying to hide a snicker.

"Merlyn didn't create Excalibur." Hiccup complains to her.

"Any ideas who jumped you?" Astrid changes the subject.

Hiccup shakes his head. "Both the doctors and police have asked me. I don't have any memory of who done it."

Alvin and Drago sit down at a table in the dark corner of a sketchy bar. Neither is particularly happy.

Drago breaks the silence. "I'm supposed to have assimilated Haddock Industries by now. What is the hold up?"

"The hold-up is that you tried to have the Haddock boy murdered." Alvin tells him with a hint of distaste in his voice.

"You wanted him out of the way." Drago's words threaten with daggers but Alvin is completely unfazed.

"I wanted him to step now. Not murdered." Alvin retorts.

"Stepped down. Murdered. Same shit different pile." Drago waves the differences away with his hand. "Now that he will be coming back, what's the next step of attack? What will you do to fix this?"

"Me? This is your mess. Count me out. I wanted a new leader but after seeing what lengths of crazy you'll go to, I have since changed my mind. I wouldn't follow you to the parking lot." Alvin tells him.

"Be careful who you cross." Drago is losing his patience.

"You should have heeded your own words before you tried to kill the owner of Haddock Industries. Even a scrawny Haddock makes a greater leader than a lunatic Bludvist." Alvin taunts.

"Enough!" Drago slams his fist down on the table causing the beers to tip over. The dark ale spills all over the table, dripping on to the floor while the two men sit, one fuming and the other calm, staring at one another.

"I would tread carefully Bludvist." Alvin speaks calm and low but audible enough to be heard. He gets out of his seat. "I tire of this charade. Have a good night."

"If you walk out those doors, you are aligning yourself with him. You're making yourself a target." Drago threatens causing Alvin to stop at the door.

"You couldn't kill someone a quarter of my size. I don't feel very threatened." Alvin shrugs as he pushes outside.

"Who do you think done away with Stoick?" Drago calls after him causing him to pause outside the doors. He grunts and heads out in to the darkness.

It took a few weeks of intense rehab but Hiccup was progressing very well. He couldn't take sitting in the hospital anymore so he made the decision to leave even though the doctors didn't recommend it. He pulled on a green t-shirt and eyed up the wheelchair. He still hadn't mastered the art of getting from his bed to the chair but he was determined to do it this time.

He reaches forward holding the wheelchair steady. Sucking in a deep breathe he lifts himself up on to his feet. Straining to hold his weight he turns himself and collapses in to the chair.

His chest heaving from the exertion, the door opens causing Hiccup to look up. Astrid sticks her head in. "Ready to go?"

"More than you'd ever believe. Let's get me out of here." Hiccup answers with a smile.

She takes the handles on the back of his wheelchair and start pushing him out of the room. In the hallway, Valka stands there waiting for them. "All set son?"

"Let's go home. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed and eat food that isn't hospital food." Hiccup answers.

With his mother walking beside him and Astrid pushing his wheelchair they head down the hallway.

"Now Hiccup, I recommend resting and plenty of rehab. Take it slow. Don't rush yourself. Your muscles need to strength. You should really…" The doctor is telling Hiccup as signs a paper to allow himself to leave.

Hiccup cuts him off as he sets down the pen. "I know what you're going to say doc. And I can't do it. I can't stay here anymore. I'm needed elsewhere. Shall we go babe?"

Hiccup freezes. He and Astrid hadn't discussed what they were but fortunately Astrid doesn't seem to have caught it as she starts wheeling for the door. Snotlout stands near the door. "Hey fishbone. It's been a long time.

Hiccup issues him a lopsided grin. Still tired and sore. "Astrid stop."

She halts the wheelchair just feet away from the doorway. "Is everything okay?"

"I want to walk out of here. I don't want to wheel out of the hospital." Hiccup explains.

"Is that wise?" Valka being the ever concerned mother.

"Me and Astrid can help him Mrs. H." Snotlout assures her as he strolls over to Hiccup.

He and Astrid help Hiccup to his feet and with small steps, they head out the door.

The automatic doors open and Hiccup has to shield his eyes from the bright sun. He blinks for a moment trying to allow his eyes to adjust and then again to make sure that the scene before him is real. Dozens of people stand there waiting for him to exit. There's cheering as he takes his first steps out of the hospital.

Hiccup is baffled. "How did they all know?"

"Word travels quick." Valka answers from behind.

Hiccup takes steps towards the crowd with Snotlout and Astrid holding him up. Gobber steps forward. "It's nice to see you up boyo!"

The entire trek to the car is exhausting. Everyone wanted him to stop and talk and he really just wanted to get home. However Hiccup was really grateful at the support shown to him by family, friends, and co-workers.

Hiccup sets his head against the headrest of the car and exhales a deep breath. "Well that was exhausting."

If anyone else said anything, he didn't remember as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Valka's car pulls in to the Haddock driveway with a slight jolt causing Hiccup to waken. "Hey there sleepy head." Astrid jokes.

Hiccup forces a half laugh but doesn't answer.

Astrid and Valka help Hiccup out of the car and begin to head to the house. "Wait." Hiccup stops in his tracks as he looks over at Toothless. A piece of the tarp is showing the crumpled metal heap that used to be a car.

He heads towards it and Astrid is hopeful that he will stop blaming the car for Stoick's death.

He reaches out towards the car and tugs the tarp back over, covering the black metal and Astrid exhales her disappointment. "Let's go in." Hiccup says quietly.

It was still a couple weeks before Hiccup was able to walk around by himself without having someone holding him up and now he enjoyed his mobility even though it was limited to walking with a cane. He hoped that eventually he would be able to walk without it.

He especially enjoyed walking outside. On this day, he stands in the driveway staring at the tarped over black car.

"Hey Hiccup." A small voice says behind him.

He turns around to see Heather acting really shy as if she had been caught stealing his life savings.

"What's up Heather?" Hiccup leans against his cane. He'd been asleep for a while as autumn was approaching.

She continues to avoid eye contact with Hiccup as she shifts uncomfortably. "I think I might know who jumped you."

"I don't think it was anyone from our graduating class, Heather. No one hates me that much." Hiccup reassures her.

"I'm not talking about someone we went to school with Hiccup. I'm talking about my uncle." Heather has yet to keep eye contact with him.

Hiccup scrunches his brow in thought and confusion. "Why would your uncle want me out of the picture?"

Heather shrugs. "I have no idea. He called and asked a bunch of questions about you. That was just before you were jumped."

"Who's your uncle?" Hiccup asks but he doesn't think that she could be serious.

"Drago. Drago Bludvist." That name causes Hiccup's blood to run cold.

"Your uncle is Drago!?" He exclaims.

"You know him?" Heather asks cautiously.

"Let's say we've met." Hiccup's words are laced with distaste.

"You don't hate me, do you?" Heather asks cautiously.

Those words take the look of disgust from Hiccups face. "Why would I ever hate you? It's not like you help your crazy uncle make his decisions."

"That's probably one of the nicer things people have called him." Heather says which causes Hiccup to laugh.

"I was just heading out on a walk. Care to join me?" Hiccup asks.

Her response is a simple nod and the two of them head down the street side by side.

"Does it hurt much?" Heather asks as she tries to keep a slow enough speed for Hiccup to keep up with her.

Hiccup shrugs. "It doesn't hurt. But I definitely tire out easily. I know where all the public benches are. I can usually make it to every second on before needing to take a break. When I first started I had a hard time making it from one to the other."

"What are you going to do with your car?"

"I'm just going to keep driving dad's BMW. It's a nice car. Nothing too fancy or dangerous." Hiccup's answer isn't what Heather meant but she figured by giving that answer, he didn't want to talk about Toothless and so she let it slide.

"How much longer till you're able to do stuff?" Heather tries to change the subject.

"I'm heading back to work on Monday." Hiccup says with forced enthusiasm.

Heather is surprised "So soon?"

"They need me there. The place has turned in to a mad house." Hiccup chuckles.

There's an awkward silence between them that Heather breaks. "So does it affect your ability to do other things?"

Hiccup laughs "Are you asking if it hinders my ability to fuck?"

"Well not that blatantly." Heather feels her cheeks get a little warm.

"I honestly have no idea. With things the way they are with Astrid, I haven't really gotten a chance to see if I'm still capable of it." Hiccup says in a saddened tone.

They enter the park and Hiccup takes a seat on a bench, resting his legs. "Do you think you guys will get back together?" Heather is genuinely curious.

Hiccup stares at her for a moment trying to determine if she has a bigger game plan. Upon deciding that she doesn't he gives her an answer. "I hope so. I miss her. I don't deserve her back. How exactly would one pull that off? I can't exactly just be like hey sorry I fucked up. Take me back please."

Heather thinks for a moment with a quizzical look on his face. "You two will find a way. You're meant to be together. I couldn't think of a better couple."

"We used to come here all the time together. Sit on this bench or hang out near the pond. It sucks that I pushed it all away." Hiccup runs a hand through his hair.

Silence between them again while they just enjoy the nature around them.

"Shall we continue our journey?" Heather asks.

Hiccup sits at the head of the board table with all the board members. "It feels good to be back."

"It felt wrong without ya Hiccup!" someone announces and everyone cheers.

Hiccup chuckles "I'd say that it felt wrong being away but most of it I honestly don't remember. Now that I'm back though you can rest assured that I will continue to make this company great."

More cheers. "Now on to the order of business." Hiccup announces.

As the board room is filing out after the meeting, Alvin approaches Hiccup. "Hiccup, may I have a moment of your time… in private."

"Sure thing Alvin." Hiccup excuses himself from Fredericks with whom he was having a conversation with.

"What can I do for you, Alvin?" Hiccup asks as they exit the boardroom and get away from the other board members.

"I want to apologize for ever doubting you." Alvin confesses.

Hiccup raises an eyebrow. "It's fine. I'm sure you weren't the only one who doubted me."

"It's not just that. I had aligned myself with Drago Bludvist. We were seeking to overthrow you and force you to sell your company to him. However I never imagined he would ever try to have you murdered. That was a step too far. After realizing just how mad he was, I had to cut ties with him and now I fear I am in his crosshairs as well." Alvin spills the beans on everything.

Hiccup is shocked. "It was Drago that attacked me?"

"Did you think there was anyone else who was capable of doing such a thing?" Alvin questions.

Hiccup ponders everything for a moment "Thank you. Alvin. I forgive you. This new information is very useful and I must plan my next strategy of attack."

Alvin nods and the two shake hands. Unlikely to ever be friends but a mutual respect has grown between them.

Hiccup pulls out his cellphone and searches till he finds the number he's searching for. Clicking it, he puts the phone up to his ear and waits for the receiver to answer at the other end.

"Hello." A female voice answers.

"Heather. It's Hiccup. Think you can meet me down at the office today?" Hiccup asks without beating around the bush.

"Sure Hiccup. What do you need?"

"I'll explain everything when you get here.

Hiccup sits at his desk when there's a bang at the door. He stands up and walks to the door using his cane. The door swings inwards to reveal a very big man on the other side. Drago Bludvist. "Come in Drago."

"I was relieved to hear that you pulled through, Hiccup." Drago feigns concern for the young man.

Hiccup makes his way across the office with his cane and sits in his chair. "Please have a seat."

"The reason I am here Hiccup is to give you another chance to sell your company." Drago explains.

Hiccup laces his fingers together. "And why would I do such a thing?"

Leaning back in his seat in the most smug manner possible. "For your health of course."

"My health has never been better and I'm getting stronger by the day. I'd like to run an idea past you though. How about I purchase Bludvist holdings from you?" Hiccup asks.

"I would never sell my company to you." Drago barks at him.

Hiccup shrugs. "That's sad to hear. Then I guess we have nothing else to discuss."

"I will tear your company apart, piece by piece Hiccup Haddock. But I will own it in the end. And maybe I'll even own your precious mother and little blond friend while I'm at it." Drago threatens.

Hiccup's eyes narrow. "You want to play rough Drago? The reason I am offering to buy your company is because the value of it is dwindling down to nothing. You see I have had meetings and discussed at length with some would be allies of yours. The Beserker Steel Company used to use their steel mills to supply you. Now, they are a part of Haddock Industries."

"You think one steel mill is going to slow me down?" Drago laughs.

"We have also purchased the Meathead's lumber company, Yohanne's trading goods, and Berks ship yard. We have dwindled your assets down to nil. Without a major overhaul, your company will dissolve in to nothing. So now, tell me how you plan to tear my company apart, Drago." Hiccup adds the man's name to the last with enough acid to burn through a table.

Anger is storming its way through Drago's body. Like a cat that's been cornered, he's ready to pounce. "You're a deadman Hiccup Haddock. And without you, Haddock Industries is nothing. The Haddock name will fade away until none remember you."

"I think you mispronounced Bludvist. Now if you don't mind, some of us have a company to run." Hiccup waves him off.

Drago slams his fist on the table. "I came here for your company and I don't plan to leave without it."

"Sorry to disappoint but I'm afraid you will be." Hiccup reaches for the phone and clicks the speaker. "Hi Jeanette, you couldn't send security to my office could you? Thanks."

He turns his attention back to Drago. "I'd say that you have about 2 minutes to leave before you are forced out of the building."

Drago hauls a handgun from beneath his cloak. "When they get here they are only going to find one thing, and that will be your corpse."

There's a knock at the door. The two of the look over at it. "If I don't let them in, they will know something is wrong."

Drago hides the gun and Hiccup nods. "Come in."

The door opens, but it isn't security. It's Alvin. "You!" Drago growls.

"Afternoon Drago. Pleasure to see you again." He sets down a folder on Hiccup's desk. "Windmear Airways accepted our offer. The cargo hauling company is ours."

"Another asset of Mr Bludvist here." Hiccup says blatantly.

"AARRRR!" Drago hauls the gun back out. A gunshot claps through the air, causing everyone in the rooms ear to ring. Drago yells as the gun falls out of his hand. Police officers move in to the room, slamming the big man to the ground and cuffing him.

"Thank you boys. Just in the nick of time." Hiccup nods to them.

"You haven't heard the last of me!" Drago threatens him but his threats seem much less threatening now that he isn't holding a gun.

"Maybe not for forever. But you'll be away from a long time. Apparently you make a lot of friends who would just love to testify against you in court." Hiccup tells his enemy. "You boys can take him away now.

The cops haul Drago to his feet and drag him, kicking and screaming like an infant.

"Well done Boss. I don't think Stoick himself could have handled that any better." Alvin compliments Hiccup. "You may very well be what this company needs."

"Thanks Alvin. It's been tough but this company is a part of me. Everyone here is family. That means you as well."

"Well. I should get back to work. Things to do, if you need anything just let me know." Alvin heads out the door whistling as he goes.