Author's Note: Merry Christmas to all, and to those who don't celebrate it, Happy Holidays. Well im here to bring you another chapter of this story, that and my other one "Family Ties". It's a small gift to you all and I appreciate you all reading. This chapter may be a bit shorter than the rest but it has an interesting turn of events. I'll let you all see for yourself. Enjoy.

Chapter 7: New Day

Never before in his life has Hiccup ever been so terrified, usually when his life is in danger, he always took it in stride…or at least tried not to show his fear. He would reach a level where death wasn't a factor to him, where he managed to push it out of his mind, but there was a reason for that. He wasn't alone. He always had his friends, and Toothless for that fact, but currently he is alone, and on his own. Rapid crunching of grass could be heard as the teen pushed his legs the best he could as he ran through the forest. His lungs were burning with the need to breathe properly, and legs aching as he didn't stop, despite his stump begging for relief. He's running away from his pursuers and sure as Hel didn't want them to catch him at all.

Looking forward he saw nothing but trees but then suddenly something, or someone, stepped in front of his path, prompting him to put on the brakes and change direction. Planting a hand on the ground and swiftly turning left he ran but saw another figure standing in his way, prompting him to plant his feet into the dirt. Turning around he went to run once more, but an upturn root caught his prosthetic, "AH!" he cried out, falling down on his face.

For a moment he was stunned as he tried to push himself back up, legging wiggling about to try and free the piece of metal from the root. The daze slowly left him as he sat up and pulled at the prosthetic and with a loud grunt pulled it free. Before he could get up, he found himself surrounded from all sides. Still on the ground he looked all over and found Berserkers and Outcasts looking right at him. Both eyes rose as the terror from before intensified…yet that wasn't the thing that scared him.

They all were covered in blood.

Every single one of them had splotches of red covering their bodies, mostly on their clothes, some on their faces as red stained their skin. Their eyes filled with death, as cold and lifelessness glared at the boy, yet all these men who surrounded him looked familiar…Hiccup knew them, as they were the very same faces that he watch die as he killed them.

"I hope you're happy," One of the Berserkers said.

"You did this to us," another one said, voice bone chilling.

"I didn't even see it coming," A third one said, sneering at the teen. "And I had so much more to live for."

"You're a killer, and never will be forgiven for what you did," One more Berserker said, a clean hole in his throat. The latest kill Hiccup did, as both of his eyes bore into him, body trembling as he couldn't stop looking. Many words tried to escape his mouth, but they were caught in his throat, now his body is frozen. "Why don't we show you what it feels to be like us then?"

Both of Hiccup's eyes rose as he then witnessed them all pulling out various weapons on them, knowing their intent. He knew he should have made a break for it, but his body remained frozen, especially as they moved in. He watched as they raised their weapons up in the air, ready to strike.

"N-N-NO!" Hiccup cried out.

"NO!" Hiccup's eyes flashed open as he sat up in a panic heap. His breathing heavy, body trembling as a cold sweat started to fall from his face. Instantly he looked around, finding himself inside the same thick bushes he had passed out in. Upon realizing that he's alone brought about a huge wave of relief to him, trying his best to calm him down. Yet, as the seconds ticked by the teen started to feel a bit of fatigue left over within him. Strange…He then looked up at the sky and could see it's morning, but the color in the sky suggested it was early in the morning as some orange can still be seen. A frown crossed his face as it dawned on him that he must have only been out for a couple of hours. Not good in his opinion as he didn't get enough sleep. He wasn't sure how much longer he could go with very little rest, but now that he thought of it, the mere thought of sleep made him but tremble at the nightmare he had.

The way they looked at and accused him of killing them…and trying to do the same to him…he didn't want to experience that again, as a chill shot down his spine. "Why now? Why haunt me now?" Hiccup asked himself, despite telling himself that he had to do it. All those kills, it was either him or them…but this made a thought linger on in his mind, that he shouldn't have to think of. Deep down Hiccup knew he's not a killer, and the mere thought made him sick. He knew doing so was part of Viking's life, but like everyone says he's not a normal Viking. He knows his father said this is war and killing is warranted in these times but…how much can he take before he snaps?

Hiccup didn't want to know the answer to that question, nor did he want to find out. Instead, he tried to get his mind off of the dream and looked around for his stuff. Finding them mere feet away he reached to grab his bag and shield, placing them back on his body, before looking through his satchel, taking some bread out and biting a piece off and being grateful that something is in his belly. The rest he placed back into the bag, he wasn't sure how long he would have to spend out here and needed to save his food and water. Speaking of which, after putting the bread back he reached back in and pulled out his water pouch, taking small sips to wash the bread down, sighing as he's hydrated again. Putting the item back he then felt one of the papers he took and pulled it out. Remembering what it was he unfolded the map of Berk he took from his workspace. Once open both eyes scanned over the map and it's then he noticed the markings on it, seeing locations where Dragon Traps were set up.

"We broke down most of the traps, didn't we?" Hiccup asked himself as he studied the map. Scanning it and looking around he managed to find where he is, which surprised him as he was far from the village, yet maybe about halfway across Berk. Wow, he ran far last night. Also, he noticed that one of the trap areas wasn't far from where he is. The traps seemed to have been labeled as he started to read some of them off. "Snatchers….Ropers….Grabbers….Netters….wait what's this?" he saw some symbols on the map which indicated traps, but it wasn't ones he recognized. "Pit…Roller…bagger?"

Hiccup had no idea which traps those were for, yet from the sound of it, they didn't sound like traps for dragons. Why didn't anyone of them know about these…unless…Both eyes rose up in realization as a thought came to mind, "Are…are those traps for humans? For anyone who enters Berk unwanted?" That was the only logical explanation he could come up with, yet it did make sense. If Berk had any unwanted guests, it would be best to have traps that best suited for them. He would have to see them up close to be sure but wasn't sure if that was wise right now.

Folding the map up he put it away, now trying to figure out what to do now, putting the traps out of his mind. Last night he had some goals and places on where he should go but now…he has nothing. Maybe looking for a new place to camp out for one, that would be helpful. It was then a small yawn escaped his mouth as the fatigue made itself known to him once more. Sleep is something he'll need but…after the dream he had it might not be a good thing right now. Still, he can't go on like this or else he could fall asleep at a bad time, so finding some sanctuary would be good right now. At least the fatigue was at a point where he can still keep going, besides he got lucky not being spotted in here, best not to chance it again.

"Maybe one of the caves along one of the beaches…they should be safe as only those who truly live on Berk can find them, yes that should be good," he nodded, having a destination in mind. The caves there are well hidden and would need to be really examined in order to be found, he can lay low there for the time being.

Looking around to be sure, he decided to move on, getting up to his feet and started to walk through the trees. Now that it's the morning Hiccup knew he had to be extra careful as he could be spotted easily in the day light. Even though he can see the terrain much easier now the enemy won't be carrying any torches, making it harder to spot them. What is worse is that he has to get through a whole day exposed like this, and he wasn't sure if he had the mental capacity for this, nor the focus. It was hard to push the feelings away of last night from his mind, but he did the best he could. For now, he kept his eyes forward as entered a more clustered area of the forest, where more trees were. At least this will give him more cover if someone were to come across anyone as it'll leave him plenty of hiding spots…but also hiding won't be useful if he is outnumbered. He would just need to make the best of-

"I don't care if you're tired, we're finding him now!" a familiar voice blared out, echoing throughout the forest. Hiccup froze immediately upon recognizing the voice

"Dagur…n-no," he said to himself, quickly looking around

A couple minutes earlier Dagur could be seen walking through the forest, large crossbow in hand, and right behind him about six Berserkers flanking right behind him. The leader of the tribe seemed fresh as a daisy and has a smirk on his face as he looked around the quiet forest, keeping his eyes peeled for his target. The men following him weren't as chipper as their leader was, some of them were a bit groggy as they didn't get any sleep the night before. They weren't sure how their leader still has the energy needed to keep going, but they rather not ask in fear of what he will do. So instead of keeling over to sleep they aimlessly followed his head into the forest.

Sten was one of these people, who is right behind Dagur. Every now and then he winced as a throbbing pain shot through his arm, he would have patted the bandaged limb on reaction, but refrained as the burns were still sensitive. Oh, how he wanted to remain back in the village and rest his arm up, but he wasn't allowed to. Since he was the last one to see Hiccup back in the village and allowed him to escape, not his words, Dagur held him responding for that and included him on the search. Instantly the thought of protesting came, but after the evil look his leader gave him, and the fact he has a burned arm, he didn't want to further risk that wrath. This only made him want to find the boy more than ever, as it was his fault he's out here with a bad arm. As of now, all he had is his left arm to use, which wouldn't allow him to be effective with his sword, as he couldn't hold a crossbow. Luckily, he wasn't forced to do that at all.

"Come on, get don't squabble behind!" Dagur shouted at his men, gaining some more silent ire from them. "Hiccup is out here somewhere and I'm going to find him!"

"Forgive up Dagur, but we're not so energized like you are," one of the other Berserkers said, trying to word his phrase so he doesn't gain any anger.

"Then you should have rested when you could have," Dagur turned to face his men, a small smirk on his face.

The men stopped to look at him, most of them in disbelief at the response given. One of them just looked back and spoke for them all, "We couldn't as we were looking after our target."

"Still, it's your fault for not finding him when you could have," Dagur fired back, not taking any blame for anything, and feeling some ire rising up within himself.

"Berk is a large island and he's a small guy, there's no way he could find him as easily as you think," one of them responded back, some complaints coming out of him. "We don't have the energy to keep going like this."

Dagur frowned as he moved forward and gave the man a glare, "I don't care if you're tired, we're finding him now!" the shout sent a shiver down their spines as their leader didn't give them a chance to respond back. "Hiccup took the life of one of our troops, if he wants to make this into a cat and mouse game then I'm more than happy to indulge him," he responded holding his crossbow up for emphasis.

"What about keeping him alive?" Sten asked in confusion.

"All I said is that he needed to be alive, not in good health," Dagur responded back evilly, giving them a hint of what he meant.

Sten couldn't help but grin as that gave him the all clear sign at getting revenge he has planned, "Oh I understand clearly."

"Now let's move and fan out so more ground can be covered," Dagur ordered, moving forward once more, as everyone present mentally groaned before doing as they said. Moving from the straight line they were in and resuming the search.

A little bit away Hiccup is kneeling down behind a tree, head peeking out as he watched Dagur and his men heading in his direction! His heart started to race now as he would get spotted if he didn't do anything. Unfortunately, he could see that they were spread out, which would make it harder for him to get by unnoticed. He needed to do something and find a place to hide right now, before they got too close. Looking around nearby he spotted another large bush and dived for it, covering his whole body within it, thankfully the foliage stopped moving quickly. He hoped that this choice for hiding wouldn't be bad as this is the only place that he saw. Slowly parting some of the brush he could watch as the Beserkers getting closer, their weapons out and pointing in all directions. He scanned each one of them, seeing their location and-

Both of Hiccup's eyes widened upon seeing one of the Berserkers having a wrapped-up arm, instantly making him look up at his face. The realization hit him upon remembering that this is the same guy who was looting his house…and got his arm burned. "What in Thor's name is he doing out here?" Judging by the angered facial expression Hiccup new he best not get caught by him.

The closer they got, the sound of their chatter could be heard, getting louder with every step, "…there are many places to hide in this forest, how can we find him?" One of the Berserkers asked.

"Check every square inch, leave no stone unturned," Dagur responded in his usually manner. "We'll find him soon enough; he has no way of escaping."

Hiccup's breathing increased, turning deep and heavy, but his hands reached to cover his mouth in hopes to reduce the sound. His heart felt like it would soon burst as they got closer. Soon enough the one with the bandaged arm is mere feet away, walking right into his path. Dagur and most of the Berserkers a small distance away as they slowed their pace, looking around. Yet, Sten is getting too close for comfort for Hiccup's tastes, as a nervous sweat started to break out.

Sten kept looked around, seeing nothing but trees, too many for his liking. This allowed the child many places for him to hide, thus making it difficult, but with the sheer numbers they have it should be easy to comb the area. The fingers on his left hand curled, knuckles popping as he just wanted to find the kid and get this over with so he can get some rest. But no, he's out here looking for the very kid that injured him, just wait till he gets him, then-

His head perked up as he thought he heard movement and…breathing? No that couldn't be it, but he figured thought he heard it. Looking around once more, he tried to see if he could get a good indication where it came from. As the sound started to fade, both eyes locked onto bushes nearly ten feet away from him. It's large and filled with green leaves, a perfect cover if someone would want to hide in it…yet the leaves must be uncomfortable to hide in but…that is where he thinks it is coming from. Eyes narrowing, he walked over towards it, moving his head around to get better views of the bush.

Hiccup could see him approaching, body trembling with fright as the realization that he is about to get caught. He wanted to get up and run, but his body wouldn't respond at all for some reason, as the fright prevented his body from moving. He watched helplessly as he got closer with every single step, eyes locked onto him. His heart nearly skipping a beat as he watched his hand go out and reach for him and-

"Keep up!" Dagur's voice interrupted, startling Sten as he moved back and looked back up at him.

"I'm just-"

"You're just about to fall back in line, or do I need to remind you who is in charge here!" Dagur responded back with irritation, causing Sten to grumble silently. Sadly, he knew his leader would make good on the threat, so he had no choice to retreat back to the group.

Hiccup nearly cried out in relief as he watched him move away, by some miracle he remained hidden and safe. "Thank you, Odin," Hiccup couldn't help but say as he could finally breathe out a sigh of relief. He then turned his head to try and see if he could spot them, but the brush blocked his view, but can still hear them. Not wanting to take a chance he waited a minute before he could think about moving. The voices got a bit dimmer, thus giving him the green light to crawl out, keeping his eyes forward, and hoping they were long gone. Once out and on his feet, Hiccup couldn't help but bend over and rest his hands on his knees, trying to get his breathing under control from the close call he had. The labored breathing started to make him feel lightheaded as a result of the near panic attack he had.

Once he managed to calm down, he went back to the tree and peeked around, still surprised to see the Berserkers, but thankfully their backs are to him. He knew for sure he's going to go the opposite way of them, as he didn't want anything to do with Dagur, not the way he is right now. He needed to find a place to get some rest as the fatigue become a problem sooner or later.

He started to walk forward, hand going down to rub his stump some as twinges of irritation could be felt, but thankfully it can be ignored for right now. At least-

*Thud!*

Something whizzed past Hiccup, making him freeze as a loud thud could be heard in front of him, as whatever it was hit a tree nearby. Looking over both eyes widened as he saw it was an arrow…yet not just a regular arrow. Looking back both eyes widened upon seeing that many sets of eyes were on him…including one set he was dreading.

"I see you Hiccup!" Dagur shouted out loud, as he proceeded to reload his crossbow.

"Odin help me," Hiccup said as the worst thing he could think of just happened.

A/N: Hope you like. Didn't see that coming did you? Now things are going to get interesting as Dagur now spotted Hiccup. What's going to happen next? I can't say, sorry. But I can tell you the next chapter will be a good one for that. I thank you all for sticking with this story so far, look forward to hearing what you think. I also hope you all have a good day with your loved ones and use this day to put behind all the stress and bad times that have been happening. Till next time.