Okay! This is finally out! I had to rewrite this chapter three different times before I finally got it to where I like it :'( but it's done, yay! Enjoy!

Shout Outs!:

Jhousa

Yeah, hiding it now is nigh impossible. Oh boy Stoic, yeah he will be interesting if he learns. Thanks!

Stag-beetle

Oh always. That is a question! One I do have an answer for but it's a matter of finding the right time in the story to tell it.

Writer's Log Supplemental—27.1 "All Bark, No Bite Pt.1"

Hiccup's head shot up and his stomach clenched, unfocused eyes swept through the hut until they alighted on a figure standing up near the crackling fire. Panic settled deeper as he stood quickly and the ice spread further, the fire hissing angrily at its intrusion.

"A-Astrid! W-wh-what are you, you doing here?!" Hiccup took a step back but instantly hit the wall and quickly scanned the room for an escape. She can't see me like this…no one can. Oh Loki, she's going to hate me, Johann will be right!

Astrid frowned, sliding her foot along the now slick floor, and squinted as the fire sputtered and flickered. "Heather and I got back a bit early and found your note. I thought I'd surprise you…I know I'm not the best with... romantic gestures and things but with you finally finishing the Dragon Eye, I thought it would be a good time-"

The fire finally gave and winked out and Hiccup breathed slightly easier as the hut was plunged into near blackness, only tiny strips of light poking between the slats of his door. "Th-that's nice A-Astrid. Really. But, now is not a good time."

Astrid felt her face pinch into a frown as Hiccup's behavior dipped into the weird. "Why not n—hang on, I can't see anything."

Her breaths came out in puffs that she could just barely see and shivered as she attempted to relight the fire.

"No, Astrid! Really, it's fine. I-I like it dark…"

Astrid dropped the flint and turned to look at Hiccup but saw nothing but black. "Hiccup, what's going on? Is this something new with your magic?"

"Yes!" Hiccup scooted further back into his hut, placing more space between himself and Astrid. "It's kind of volatile right now and I really just need some space—try and get it under control."

Astrid's heart twisted as Hiccup spoke and the way his voice shook. "Are you sure that's all it is? I haven't heard you this shaken since your dad took Toothless to the Nest."

Hiccup saw Astrid move closer, the darkness strangely clearer than it had ever been. "Astrid, please…"

Astrid felt along the hut until she found a torch. "Toothless, could you-?"

"Toothless, no!" Hiccup barked.

Astrid jumped and she knew something was more than wrong.

Toothless cooed but nuzzled Hiccup and whined.

"Hiccup," Astrid said slowly, taking a few more steps, "what happened?"

"Nothing! Astrid, please, I just need some time-!"

She paused her approached, worry gnawing at her—this was most definitely not like Hiccup—and gripped the torch tightly in frustration. "This isn't a 'nothing' voice Hiccup! You won't let me see you, won't even let me hold your hand! Something happened…did the Flyers jump you guys and you lose the Dragon Eye or-?"

"No, no." Hiccup shook his head even though she could see nothing. "Nothing, well, yes-no—we didn't lose the Dragon Eye. Tuffnut has it."

Hiccup's breath rattled again and Astrid took another step and reached out, the air temperature dropping the further into the hut she and Hiccup went. "Then something did happen. How are you not cold?"

Hiccup walked around her back towards the door as she shivered and rubbed her arms, taking the worst of the cold with him. He sighed and gripped Toothless' saddle as he fought to keep his emotions in check as he attempted to explain. "Astrid, Johann—he-he's a traitor."

"What?" Astrid asked after a second, thinking she misheard.

"He's betrayed us, played us all for idiots for years!" Hiccup's voice started rising even as he fought to keep it even. "H-he's been behind everything. Breakneck Bog, Dagur's escape, getting us off the Edge so Viggo could attack—everything! He's been using me for, for years."

Astrid's heart and stomach met in an unhappy alliance and she shook her head. "No, no that can't—why?"

Hiccup threw his hands up and started pacing. "I don't know, money, power?"

She sighed sadly, lips pressed together tightly as the reality started to sink in, especially for how it hit Hiccup. "Oh Hiccup."

He heard her carefully walk up but his mind was elsewhere, reliving that terrible moment with Johann. He didn't even think about Astrid gripping his arm until she cried out in pain.

Hiccup's heart stopped and he yanked away from her before reaching forward to grab her then recoiling again. "Astrid! Oh gods, I'm so sorry, I-"

Astrid stumbled to the door and opened it with her unhurt hand. Light flooded back into the hut and she pulled her hand away from her stomach, the tips of her middle fingers already blue, nearly black. She bit her lip as the area around the discolored skin throbbed with fresh pain and looked up at Hiccup with confused eyes, blinking to hold back the tears, and froze.

Hiccup still stood in some shadows but there was more than enough light to illuminate him and his blue and red features. He swallowed thickly and tried to still his shaking arm as it stretched out before fisting his hand and drawing it back. "A-Astrid? Are you-"

"Great Odin's ghost!" Astrid's eyes shot wide and she stumbled back in shock.

Hiccup bit his trembling lip and took a step into clear light, squinting at the bright sun. "Astrid, it's still me. I, this is, th-this is all so messed up." He ran a blue hand through his hair and held it at the end before fixing her with a red-eyed stare. "But, please, just h-"

"Stay back." Astrid winced as she jostled her hand as she took a step back herself, beyond confused but unashamedly scared, and Hiccup flinched as though she slapped him. "What…" Her mind wandered to the only connection she could reasonably make. "What did he curse you with!?"

Hiccup took another step towards her but halted as she backed up several. "N-nothing! Astrid, please, its not-!"

"Nothing!?" Astrid snapped, eyes narrowing with pain, confusion and fear. "You think being cursed to be a monster is nothing!?"

Hiccup lost his breath and seized, being rammed full force by a Rumblehorn would have been less crushing than those words. Hiccup was back in the Sandbuster's lair, Johann's threats and words he so desperately wished not to be true, with every nightmare since Loki left, but also in the present with those same words and threats becoming reality without Johann doing anything. It was only second but it felt like hours before he had strength to draw in another breath.

He could feel his knees shaking, the ice was already spreading out of the hut in thick sheets. He glanced at Astrid's horrified face, eyes darting between him and the quickly encroaching ice, and turned—mounting Toothless and urging him to launch out of the hut at the speeds he came in at.

Toothless complied, sensing on all levels his rider's panic.

Astrid ducked, eyes screwed shut as Toothless shot over her head—whipping her hair around—and watched in confusion, worry and, to her disgust, relief as he flew away. Already a rapidly shrinking speck in the sky.

She fell to her knees on the decking, holding her hand close, mouth slightly opened as she stared at the sky they had occupied. Her mind in too much chaos to process the last five minutes.

The deck shook, after a minute or half hour Astrid wouldn't know. She looked up with an unexpressive face, the result of her emotional shock, and saw the twins looking at her.

Ruffnut frowned deeply at the ice covered hut. "What happened here?"

Tuffnut blinked as he took in the scene before shaking his head. "Never mind that, have you seen Hiccup?"

"He just flew off!" Ruffnut shouted, still eyeing the hut but ignoring it for the moment.

"Scared off the Flyers after coming out of the Sandbuster's cavern then didn't even check on us!" Tuffnut slouched in hurt disappointment.

Astrid looked back at the hut then hunched over, trying to sink into the floor, barely processing what they said. "Oh gods, what did I do?"

Hiccup buried himself close to Toothless as they shot over the ocean, his foot clicking the tail into position instinctually as Toothless flew. The winds whipped over him as he gasped for breath, unable to shake the horrified image of Astrid and they started blurring with the glimpses he had caught Loki shooting him.

His world crashed down around him, he knew without needing to see anyone else that the Riders, that Berk's, reactions would be so much worse than Astrid's. Oh Loki, my dad, I can't—I can't…A frozen tear was swept away with the wind and Hiccup coughed, trying to suppress a sob, into Toothless' neck.

Toothless turned his head back slightly and warbled in concern.

Hiccup hugged his neck as they continued to fly at breakneck speeds, taking what solace he could in Toothless' warbling induced rumbles.

Toothless shook himself lightly, eyes determined, and flapped again. He shrieked happily as an island came into view, still just a speck but it grew rapidly.

Hiccup paid no mind, not even realizing land was in view, only focusing on Toothless and how he both accepted his freezing cold while still radiating a comforting heat. It baffled him but it was the better train of thought.

Shouts rose up from the land rushing beneath them and Hiccup finally looked up, eyes wide as Toothless shot past the statue of an Eruptodon. "Wha—Toothless, get us out of here!"

Toothless snorted and shook his head once, darting through the village and into a hut. The same one Hiccup had been unconscious in when the Flyers attacked.

Hiccup looked around the dark hut and took even breaths, desperately fighting to keep them and his ice in check. He leaned and pulled on Toothless' saddle. "Toothless, let's, go." He said carefully, keeping the emotions out of his voice.

Toothless growled then curled up on the ground, dumping Hiccup and eyeing the door before glancing at Hiccup and cooing, bumping him in the stomach.

Hiccup shoved him away with a frown and grabbed his saddle and pulled—an absolutely useless gesture as Toothless refused to budge.

"Hiccup Haddock?" A slightly muffled voice from the other side of the door called. "Are you alright?"

Hiccup's eyes shot wide and he threw himself at the door, slamming the inch it had opened shut again. "Fine! Don't come in!"

"You don't sound fine." Mala shot back, concern in her voice. "Neither do your nor your dragon's actions say so."

Hiccup's heart pounded as ice started spreading again and cursed quietly. "Really! Please just—ah! Useless reptile!"

Mala jumped at Hiccup's exclamation before pressure on Hiccup's side of the door relented and she pushed it open and almost slipped on the ice on the other side.

Hiccup thrashed in Toothless' grip, trying to gain a good hold on his gums to pry himself out of Toothless' mama-cat hold. He yelped as Toothless suddenly dropped him and glared at the dragon who shot him an equally unimpressed look.

Mala took in the hut before focusing on Hiccup and frowned sadly. "What happened?"

Hiccup looked away and back up a step until his prosthetic bumped Toothless who cooed encouragingly at him. Hiccup focused on the floor and ran both hands through his hair before collapsing to the ground with Toothless. "They know."

Mala nearly missed his soft, broken words. "Who, the other Riders?" She asked, hoping that there had only been a misunderstanding or momentary shock.

Hiccup refused to look up, instead, staring at Toothless' acidic green eyes—the only things in the hut that hadn't been contaminated by him. "Astrid does, there's no way she won't tell the others."

Mala frowned. "I'm sure she wo-"

Hiccup met her gaze, his eyes pained and self-loathing. "She was horrified, Mala, she thinks I'm a monster…and she isn't wrong." Hiccup's voice cracked and buried his face behind his knees and took slow breaths even as a few frozen tears fell perfectly into his lap.

Mala fisted her hand, resisting the urge to grip his shoulder. "I'm sure it was just shock-"

Hiccup shook his head, his body shaking with him a bit. "She wasn't the only one." He laughed bitterly as he looked up again but not at her. "I saw Loki sending me similar looks when he thought I couldn't see."

He stood but kept his arms close, hands tucked under, and started pacing. "Viggo and Krogan knew something was up, apparently they figured it out because Johann knows. And he's-he's, oh gods…"

Hiccup sunk to the floor again, holding his head.

Mala frowned and patted Toothless' head as she took a step closer to Hiccup but didn't try to initiate any contact. "What's this about Johann?"

Hiccup looked up, eyes blank but face pale.

Astrid sighed heavily as the rest of the Riders and Berserkers listened to her and the twins' patched story, the twins telling theirs first. Astrid felt indignant and furious as the twins brought up their spy idea, then how Hiccup fled without Johann when he was to confront the man about. They all knew that the twins, somehow, must've been right.

"So Johann has been playing us for, how long? Weeks, months?" Astrid asked, staring at the cold fire pit in the Clubhouse then added quietly. "Hiccup thinks he's been playing us for longer."

The twins shrugged while Fishlegs added, gently gripping Heather's hand in growing concern. "And is he working with the Hunters willing?"

Dagur was furious and paced the length of the hut, eyes becoming deranged. "Does it matter!? He should've chosen an honorable death than work with them!"

Astrid and Fishlegs shot him a questioning and knowing look and Dagur bristled. "What? I was already mad and twisted when I was working with Viggo, Johann knows better!"

Snotlout nodded before looking between the twins and Astrid, a rare show of concern in his eyes. "So, what happened to Hiccup?"

Fishlegs nodded. "I don't think he would've split away from Johann like that if it had been a benign betrayal—he would've tried to help Johann."

Astrid felt her stomach curl and said so softly the other Riders almost missed it. "I think Loki has something to do with it."

Heather, who was sitting next to her, frowned. "But, he's not even here—is he?"

Dagur's face dipped in thought before looking at Astrid. "No, I don't think so. But he is developing his magic more…"

Fishlegs shook his head in confusion. "But we know about that so why would he run off?"

Astrid bit her lip to keep it from trembling and refused to look at anyone. "It's my fault."

They looked at her with confusion and silent questions while Heather started. "Astrid, I'm sure it's not, it was probably-"

"No." Astrid shook her head and glanced at her bandaged fingers. "I, I was in shock and—oh Thor, what I said."

The twins looked at her hard but she had refused to say anything about what had happened between her and Hiccup after they found her. Something which both infuriated the twins, as being Hiccup's brother and sister they had a right to know what had him so distraught, and begrudgingly appreciative as she held her silence and kept it secret.

Snotlout leaned back in his chair, face and arms crossed in the twins' directions. "It wouldn't have anything to do with these boneheads barricading Hiccup's hut, would it?"

Astrid looked down again and the twins glared at Snotlout.

"Open that hut-" Ruffnut began.

Tuffnut continued. "And you will never sit properly again-"

"That is, after we've finished turning our intestines into a chew toy for Barf and Belch." Ruffnut finished icily.

Snotlout leaned back on the chair, hands raised in surrender. "As long as you didn't lock Hiccup in there."

Dagur grunted in frustration. "Why are we all sitting around here when we should be looking for Hiccup?"

Astrid shook her head. "It won't do any good-"

Dagur cut her off, pointing to her and the Riders. "You go back to Berk, warn Stoic about Johann and look for Hiccup there."

"Dagur, he isn't-" Astrid started, caught between annoyed and defeated.

Dagur ignored her and thumbed himself and Heather. "We'll check the nearby islands and the ones back to Berserker Island."

"He wouldn't go to any island with people on it!" Astrid finally shouted, standing so fast her chair clattered to the ground behind her.

Dagur nearly glared at her but kept his hard. "Well I'm not hearing any better plans."

Fishlegs quietly spoke, finger up as he suggested. "We could send Terror Mails to the Islands and just send Astrid to Berk to tell Stoic-"

Snotlout snorted. "Better just send a Terror Mail, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near the chief when he finds out."

The twins shivered and Fishlegs frowned. "And, have the rest of us search the uninhabited islands."

Astrid shook her head. "You're never going to find him…he ran away, Fishlegs. He ran away because I-"

She bit her lip and ducked her head, squeezing her eyes shut.

Dagur glared before softening and sighed loudly. "Whatever happened it isn't just your fault. I'd bet my favorite axe that a large part of it has to do with Johann and whatever went down in that cavern."

No one said anything for a long moment and Astrid stood, grabbing the bag with the Dragon Eye and lenses. "We're going to Berk. Hiccup needs time to-" to cool off her mind started but she shook that thought away quickly, "-figure, things out. Hopefully he'll come back to the Edge after a few days."

Dagur fixed her with a hard look. "And what if he doesn't?"

Astrid was nearly out the door and turned to look back. "Then we'll start looking for him."

"But Stoic needs to know-" Dagur started, worried for his brother and wanting to start searching immediately.

"He can never know what I saw!" Astrid yelled, face red with anger and frustration. Her voice dropped back to normal volumes but her eyes spoke of her fear. "Stoic was ready to disown and banish Hiccup when he befriended Toothless, the only reason he didn't was because Hiccup claimed to do it in service to Loki. If he learns about what I saw…h-he'll kill Hiccup…Then go after Loki."

The twins snorted, Ruffnut rolling her eyes. "Like that worked out for him last time."

Tuffnut patted Chicken after fixing the necklace he'd gotten for her. "Besides, banishing and killing him are two very different things. Even Stoic wouldn't go that far."

Astrid shook her head but said nothing. They had no idea what she'd seen, they say it now but she knew they'd be singing a different tune once they saw him. Was it awful that she wished Hiccup would stay away forever? At least then she'd know he wouldn't be killed.

She looked around and saw all their faces awash with varying degrees of worry and her brows pinched together slightly. No, she wanted him back, wanted to tell him she was sorry. The Riders would accept him, they'd been through too much together already. No, it was Berk and the rest of the Archipelago that would be a problem.

Dagur and Heather shared a look before Heather stood and walked ever to Astrid, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Then you tell Stoic whatever you need to and we'll start preparing Berserker Island and send out Terror Mails to our allies, they at least need to know about Johann."

Dagur made a noise of frustration and uncrossed his arms. "I think you're all forgetting one, teensy, tiny detail."

Snotlout looked up in worry, taking his feet off the table and back on the floor. "And what would that be?"

Dagur glanced at him and the others with an impassive face, but his eyes crinked just enough to show his concern. "Johann. Whatever Astrid saw, it obviously started back with Johann at the cavern so he must have seen it. And whatever leverage Viggo and Krogan have on him, if he's willing to spy on or betray Hiccup then he'll tell them and I can guarantee that nothing good will come out of that."

Astrid's heart fluttered before and turned around again to leave. "Then we'll have to cross that bridge when we get there—and do everything in our power to keep them from spreading it across the Archipelago."

Snotlout and Fishlegs stared at her retreating form with equal bafflement and rightful concern of just how to do that.

Dagur made a vocal protest, arguing that that would be nigh impossible, but Astrid was already out the door and far too lost in her thoughts to care about listening.

Hiccup leaned up against Toothless, eyes closed as both he and Mala took a moment to come to grips with Johann and the situation. Hiccup sighed loudly, arm over his eyes. "I-I should probably at least send a Terror Mail to everyone, warn them about Johann…if they'll even trust me anymore."

Mala frowned at the heir and pulled her shoulders back. "Hiccup Haddock, I do not—I will not—believe that they will think of you as a monster. Out of everyone in this situation, you are the least at fault."

Hiccup picked up his arm just enough to shoot her an unbelieving look. "I don't think you realize just how deep the horror on their faces ran. Sure Astrid might try and pretend that everything's okay," Hiccup paused, a lump forming, and said softly, "but it's not. She'll just be pretending for my sake…she doesn't deserve that."

Hiccup sat up enough to look at his lap.

Mala withheld a snort, it would be most undignified. "Then that will be her loss."

The hut was silent for another long minute before Mala finally turned and grabbed the door handle. She noted that the ice hadn't spread up the walls, a testament that Hiccup had at least calmed a little bit. "Write the notes for the Terrors and we will send them out so that your allies will know to be cautious, then get some rest. You've had a taxing day, both physically and emotionally. Tomorrow, we will discuss more of how to handle your new situation."

Hiccup nodded silently. Just before Mala shut the door he called out. "Thank you Mala. For listening and for letting me and Toothless take sanctuary. And for not freaking out." He chuckled lowly. "Now and a month ago…I've been doing enough for everyone."

Mala paused and nodded with a sad smile. "Of course Hiccup. Rest well."

She shut the door and took a deep breath, steeling her nerves for the village.

Throk and the healer that had attended her when Hiccup's change first happened were standing at the base of the steps, both equally curious and worried. Throk was the one to ask first. "How is he? What happened?"

Mala walked down the steps slowly, breathing even. "Emotionally taxed." She fixed the healer with a hard yet saddened gaze. "The way he'd been hiding was ripped away from him by… Johann. And Astrid had a... an understandably shocked reaction to his new form. Unfortunately, Hiccup was not mentally in a position to handle it at that exact moment."

Throk hmphed and walked slightly behind Mala. "No, I'd imagine not."

The healer glanced back at the hut Hiccup had taken refuge in. "So he will remain here for the time being?"

Mala nodded, walking past the Eruptodon statue. "Yes. Inform the village. I'd like to try and get him outside tomorrow."

The healer agreed and their walk paused. "Having a controlled environment would be best. I'll inform them. I'd suggest maybe the fishing boats or helping to finish repairs from the last Flyer invasion to help. He wouldn't have to worry about his ice affecting anything then."

Throk grinned. "If he helped with the fishing, he could freeze it instantly and we'd have a nice stock for winter. Fish jerky does get tiring after a while."

"That would be good." The healer concurred. "Especially after today's events. Show him that he does not have to bear it as a curse."

Mala nodded, approving of both. "I will encourage him towards fishing but will leave the choice up to him. He may still not want to think about it yet." She turned to Throk. "He will be notifying the other islands of Johann via Terror mail. Please collect the letters from him and send them out as soon as possible."

Throk nodded, fist over his left breast. "Of course my queen."

*O*

Hiccup ran his fingers through his hair for several minutes and paced as he processed the day yet again. Though more calmly than he had in past hours. He still felt crushed and terrified and, frankly, still ready to throw up but at least he felt some semblance of peace now. Now that he had assurance that someone wasn't scared of or hated him.

He didn't know how the rest of the Defenders felt, but they would obey Mala so at least he wasn't afraid for his life. If nothing else he could hide out in the hut until he decided where to go or what to do. The entire thing was just too convoluted right now though and his head was getting fuzzy with exhaustion.

He sighed and dug into Toothless' saddle bag and grabbed the three sheets of paper he had, ripping two of them in half before writing the same letter five times over. One for the Riders, Berk, Berserkers, Wing Maidens and Outcasts.

Toothless crooned and curled around Hiccup as he quickly wrote, using the saddle as a table.

Hiccup folded each one and addressed them to each tribe before standing and walking to the door. He paused, hand outstretched to grab the handle. He swallowed and slowly gripped it. Ice started spreading and he sucked in a sharp breath before closing his eyes and forcing his heart to calm once again. When he opened them the ice had ceased and he counted it as a small win.

He pulled the door open to find Throk waiting on the other side.

The older man popped his head up and out of thought, arms clasped behind him. His left eye twitched as he quickly took in Hiccup's appearance, not having been around last time, but made no other indication he saw anything wrong with Hiccup.

Hiccup glanced between Throk and the letters he held, which were frosted over and he grimaced. After a second he set them on the ground and briefly made eye contact with Throk.

Throk said nothing but nodded and grabbed the letters.

Hiccup backed up and closed the door before curling up with Toothless.

Astrid sat astride Stormfly, blinking away her tiredness. The twins bickering or discussing something, you never could tell with those two, behind her.

Snotlout yawned and looked ready to fall asleep on Hookfang.

Astrid felt a slight twinge of guilt. As soon as they had made a plan, they'd left. It had already been sunset as it was but she didn't want to give Viggo and Krogan any opportunity to use Johann in a momentary lapse in communication. So they flew through the night. Even she was exhausted. And she was the one who was going to have to inform the chief. Oh this is not going to be fun. Dang you Hiccup, this should be your job—her gut wrenched and she immediately pushed the thought away.

The sun was just breaking through the black sky and the small speck of Berk finally broke the horizon.

Fishlegs sighed tiredly. "Finally! Meatlug's wings are about to fall off!"

Snotlout snorted. "Tell me about it. We just made this trip twice, and basically in one day!"

They landed in Berk and the village was bustling with typical morning routines. Astrid spotted the chief walking through the village towards Gothi's and guided Stormfly down to him.

Stoic turned and smiled. "Astrid, lass! What brings you lot back to Berk?"

Astrid's carefully neutral face fell into a frown and Stoic's smile dropped. "We need to talk, chief."

Stoic looked around before gesturing for her to follow him.

She dismounted Stormfly and did so, all the way up to his hut.

The others watched her enter solemnly, like they were offering a sacrifice to the Red Death. They waited outside for several long minutes and started becoming antsy.

Finally, the door opened and Stoic stormed out, Astrid following along behind him. He passed the Riders in furry but Astrid lingered by them.

Fishlegs' lip curled in nervously while Ruffnut said with complete sincerity. "I'm gonna go out on a limb and say this is the first the chief's hearing of it."

She glanced at her brother who wore a look of pure worry rarely seen on his face.

Astrid watched Stoic storm into the village, shouting for everyone to gather any food bought off of Johann. "Honestly, it could've been worse. Right now he's worried about Hiccup and Johann."

Snotlout grunted and crossed his arms. "Well Johann had better hope and pray to Thor that the Flyers have a good reason for him turning."

Fishlegs frowned. "Why would he otherwise? He's been with Berk through thick and thin. He was the only one willing to trade with us when Berk had lost its gold and had helped us take down multiple Dragon Hunter operations since we left for the Edge. Why now would he suddenly turn for the other side?"

Snotlout held up his hands. "I don't know, I'm just saying. It is his fault Hiccup bolted like a Speed Stinger."

Tuffnut nodded. "True. At least, we can't think of any other good explanations."

Ruffnut chuckled but there was no humor in it, thoughts of Hiccup plaguing her. "Yeah, we can give you funny to absurd but none that would actually make sense for Hiccup."

Stoic continued to bark at the villagers to gather the food and Snotlout moaned. "I hope he doesn't expect us to help—I really need a nap or else I'm going to fall asleep standing up."

Stoic turned, glaring, and shouted. "Well what are you lot waiting for? Get down here and help collect the food!"

Snotlout and the twins groaned but slowly trudged down to the village, the former saying as he stretched his arms out. "Hey, Chief? We had a long, slow flight in—and were up the entire night and day before—" he muttered unhappily, "a little power nap could really hit the spo-"

Stoic's eyes narrowed dangerously, stomping a few steps up the hill. Snotlout felt new fear shoot through him like lightning. "What? What was that?! A power nap you say?"

Snotlout looked around, desperate to get out of the Chief's bad graces. "Who said that? We don't need no stinking power naps!" He waved it off before bringing his hand up horizontally to his head in a salute and tried to stifle a yawn. "I am ready to go, Chief!"

Stoic's nose scrunched, clearly not believing or amused by Snotlout but too busy to otherwise deal with him. He turned and pointed to a few empty guest huts that were used for storage most of the year. "Check those huts. I think Sven put some dried fruit in there. Astrid!"

Astrid looked up to her chief, eyes heavily lidded but more from self-disappointment than lack of sleep.

Stoic didn't seem to notice, or more likely care. "Get back out there and take Spitelout and Gustave with you, they both have reasonably fast dragons, and find Hiccup! I don't care what your or his excuse is for running off but I want him back on Berk before Johann can do any more damage with whatever he'll have to tell Viggo or Krogan."

Astrid set her face and took a few steps forward. "I can't do that, Chief. Hiccup, doesn't want to be found so he isn't going to be. And, and I don't think he should be around us right now anyway."

Stoic's demander darkened and stalked up to her, looming over her and the others.

Snotlout trembled silently, never remembering a time in his life that he'd seen his uncle so furious. Fishlegs' shoulder's curled in a bit and took a step, the twins both hiding behind their large friend—both wondering if this is how Stoic looked when he was about to disown Hiccup.

"What was that, lass?" Stoic asked slowly and without emotion.

Astrid straightened but felt her insides ready shake her apart. "I said that it would be a useless trip. Something happened with Hiccup-" she paused as a thought swept across her mind. "He-he didn't tell you that he was developing magic, did he?"

Stoic blinked, eyebrows dipping after a second. "He, what?"

Astrid sighed quietly before looking Stoic in the eyes. "A couple months ago, when Loki was last here, he said that Hiccup had apparently gotten some of his magic as a part of being his Chosen."

The others nodded and Tuffnut poked his head out from behind Fishlegs. "Yeah, he's actually done some pretty cool stuff with it!"

Stoic felt like he's been gut-punched, actually taking a step back, eyes widened minutely.

Ruffnut nodded with a grin. "Oh yeah, he's actually gotten pretty good with his light ball-"

"Made an awesome Night-light Fury with it, looked so real!" Tuffnut praised.

Ruffnut fully stepped out from behind Fishlegs and held up a finger. "And let's not forget yesterday when he blinded the Hunters that ambushed them."

"Oh!" Tuffnut jump, grinning like an idiot. "How about the day before that when he made an actual illusion of the lens that fooled even Krogan! That was perfection!"

Ruffnut beamed but it fell into a disapproving frown. "Well, until he passed out from it."

"Yeah, that wasn't so cool." Tuffnut acquiesced. "But other than that he's been amazing with it."

Astrid's head snapped back and growled. "What?"

Ruffnut's eyes widened and Snotlout looked up and away. It was Fishlegs that answered. "He, uh, forgot to mention that before you and Heather left. He was going to tell you when you both got back but, I don't think that happened."

"So we actually have the lens?!" Astrid couldn't tell if she was excited or furious. Stupid boyfriend.

Tuffnut nodded and dug around in the satchel he was still wearing and pulled out the lens then the one Dagur, Fishlegs and Snotlout brought back and held them up proudly. "Ye-up. We got both of them now-"

"While the Flyers got zilch." Ruffnut proclaimed happily.

Astrid rubbed her eyes but couldn't deny that a sense of relief flooded her.

Stoic finally cut in, ha-rumphing loudly and crossed his arms. "That's all well and good, however, it does not explain why Hiccup should not be found and brought back!"

Astrid frowned, looking at the ground. "His magic is growing, grew, lost control—something. Whatever it is, he needs to work through it first—something he won't be able to do here. If anything, being here will make it worse. Truthfully, I think he needs Loki to come back." No one heard her whisper the last bit.

Stoic screwed his face up, clearly anything but pleased, and turned back to the village. "He has three days before I hunt him down myself and get a proper explanation."

Astrid grimaced before walking away to the guest-turned-storage hut.

Hiccup slowly picked at the fish and bread Throk had brought him for breakfast. He was not particularly hungry, he wasn't particularly anything this morning. The aftershock of emotions yesterday leaving him numb. The fish soon froze and he lost his appetite entirely.

A knock at the door gave him cause to abandon breakfast. "Come in."

Mala poked her head in before smiling and carefully walking in, the ice still thick on the floor. "Good morning Hiccup, I trust you slept well?"

Hiccup nodded even though in truth he'd only been half asleep.

Mala nodded but she could tell by his demeanor that it was a lie. "Good. If you are up to it, we would appreciate some help. The village still is in need of some repair from the Flyers' attack or alternatively I'm sure the fishermen would like some help scaring up some fish."

Hiccup looked away and at his pale blue hand, fisting it. "I-I don't…"

"The Defenders already know and they hold no judgement against you." Mala offered with a kind smile.

Hiccup's head whipped up, curious and cautious. "But I'm-"

"Confused, hurt? As I told you before, Hiccup Haddock, your new gifts came from Loki so they cannot be a curse." Mala tried to reason.

Hiccup drew his knees up and rested his head on them. "The stories would say otherwise…about both Loki and me."

Mala's lips pursed and folded her arms behind her. "Then maybe they are wrong. I cannot speak for Loki, but I can for you Hiccup—after all, it was you who convinced me that you were not Dragon Hunters. Farthest thing from it in fact." She turned to leave, pausing at the door. "If you wish to be proven wrong you need only find Throk or myself. The Defenders will be glad to show you."

Hiccup watched her leave, mind spinning.

Toothless crooned and nudged his arm, looking at the door.

He didn't move for several long minutes, simply staring at the door.

Toothless head-butted his stomach and warbled, knocking him sideways with a yelp.

Hiccup scratched his ear with a frown, letting his eyes scold his dragon for that. He drew in a breath and held before letting it out again and Toothless rumbled with a purr—eyes closed in contentment. After a few more scratches he stood, setting his shoulders, and opened the door.

Toothless followed right next to him, tail curled around his rider protectively.

Hiccup squinted from the morning's brilliance but found Mala talking with another Defender not far away.

Mala spied Hiccup walking closer, purposefully ignoring the small patches of frost left behind as footprints would in sand, and smiled. "I am glad you decided to join us. Where would you like to start?"

Hiccup lips pressed tight and his thumb rolled across his other fingers as he glanced to the Defender but avoided the face. "I-I think we'll start with the rebuilding. It's our-our fault the village needs to be rebuilt in the, first place."

Mala nodded, said something to the Defender—Hiccup didn't care enough to listen. His only focus was avoiding looking anyone in the eye, or their face in general—you can tell a lot just by the way someone's jaw shifts.

Mala's feet turned away and Hiccup followed after. Her face pinched as Hiccup silently followed, having never seen him act in such a way disconcerted her but she hoped by the end of today he would be better. If only marginally.

They arrived at the edge of the village, only a couple of huts were either still missing or burnt. Mala nodded to a few Hunters who were working on the huts before turning to Hiccup who quickly looked away. "If you wish to help the fishermen instead, just let them know."

The Defenders and Hiccup watched Mala take her leave before looking at each other a bit awkwardly. It was an older Defender who spoke after a few uncomfortable seconds. "If you and your dragon would hoist that beam up it'd be appreciated."

Hiccup turned to see the log the man was pointing to and nodded. "Sure." He said quietly and hopped onto Toothless' back.

Astrid watched all the food and medicine Johann had ever brought burn in white in the large bonfire. She wasn't pleased with it but at the same time she couldn't argue, what else were they to do? To be honest, she'd completely forgotten about that possibility when they were on the Edge—too preoccupied with Hiccup.

Stoic began grumbling about needing willow bark first and foremost, it being a primary ingredient for many of Gothi's medicines, as he began walking away.

"Chief, Stoic!" Gobber ran through the village waving a parchment through the air. He nearly barreled into said man, stopping and bending over, hand resting on a knee as he gasped.

Stoic allowed his friend a moment to recover before crossing his arms, his face already cross—had been since yesterday. "Yes Gobber?"

Gobber looked up, face awash with horror and anger. "Hiccup sent a Terror Mail…"

Stoic's eyes widened and he snatched the letter out of Gobber's hand—the man backing up several steps, hands up appeasing. "Don't gut the messenger."

Intrigued, Astrid peeked over Stoic's arm to read what Hiccup wrote. All color drained from her face as she read and words failed her, only able to stare at the script wide eyed and mouth agape.

Stoic started vibrating and gripped the parchment, putting a few holes in it were his fingers gripped too tightly. A second later he crumpled the paper and snarled/shouted. "I'll split his boney butt in two!"

Astrid nearly bit her fist as she backed away. This was way worse than anything she'd thought possible, especially for Johann.

Stoic growled as he stomped away, seething as he glanced back at Astrid who—for the first time ever—wondered if she should run for her life. Stoic tore his eyes away as he marched up to the Great Hall. "I suppose this would explain why Hiccup would lose control, as you say. If he doesn't show up two days though I'm still dragging his butt back and confiscating Toothless' tail fin. Running off while Johann's in cohorts with the likes of Viggo and Krogan—sheer stupidity! They're liable to be after his head even more now than Ryker was with the bounty…and Krogan was the one who caught him!"

Stoic's rant from shouts to low growls halted abruptly and his spine straightened. "Hiccup is coming back, now."

Astrid frowned and started to protest but jerked back when the chief whipped around, face aflame with anger and fear.

"Get the Dragon Riders and A-Team. Start scouring the Archipelago any island he's known to frequent outside it."

The twins popped up from behind Gobber. "Actually chief-" Tuffnut began.

"-we might have an idea on where-"

"-our dear Hiccup is."

Ruffnut nodded, both equally serious. "But it would probably be best if we went alone."

Astrid wanted to argue that she should go with, but guilt of how she last handled seeing him stopped her, instead. "They do know him the best chief." It hurt a bit to say but they'd known him longer and, like true siblings, shared some things she'd most likely never know of. And it was already proven that Hiccup had found spots to hide from her—and everyone else—in the past. If anyone were to know of them, it'd be the twins. "Besides, we'll need some Riders here in case they try and launch an attack through Johann thinking we might not know. Johann saw Hiccup—saw his outburst. He'll probably think that he ran without coming back to the Edge or telling anyone what happened because he-he'll be too emotionally distraught."

Stoic's face screwed up but nodded, fixing the twins with a look he usually reserved for when they caused chaos in the village. "You have two days. Any longer and I launch all Riders. Johann cannot get his hands on Hiccup."

The five agreed vehemently and the twins ran off.

Spitelout walked up, refocusing on Stoic after evading the rushing twins, frowning and uncertain. "Stoic, three new traders just arrived. "

Stoic growled and stomped back down. "Ah! I knew those scavengers would move in once they knew we were helpless."

A green flash lit up the shadows around Hiccup's hut and the god of mischief appeared, bent slightly at the waist, seemingly out of breath.

Loki gripped his chest and clenched his teeth in pain. As he stood there attempting to control and ignore the pain, he noticed how silent it was on the usually raucous island. Even the dragons were unusually quiet. Normally he would have thought nothing of it, the Riders were often gone with missions—but this was not a normal situation.

He listened and water could be heard dripping in Hiccup's hut with vehemence.

He frowned and straightened, wincing, and gripped the door lever and pulled down. His heart nearly stopped then proceeded to beat irregularly. Though much of it had melted, the ice was still so thick it coated everything.

He quickly turned and looked over the Edge, nothing else was frozen but everything was abandoned.

He cursed then muttered a spell, ignoring the way his chest pinched again before disregarding any warnings his body was screaming at him as he transformed. Faltering in his flight as his body and magic demanded rest. He narrowed his dragonic eyes as he fought off black spots and followed the pull.

Hiccup sat on Toothless as he darted back out of the water. The water already turned to ice on him and flecked away as Toothless sped back to the boat, depositing his mouthful of fish in a waiting basket.

The fishermen nodded and closed the last basket. "Our quota's filled, steer us back!"

The helmsmen jerked his head in acknowledgement and turned the rudder.

Toothless arced back for the island and Hiccup relished in the cold the wind and ice on his skin brought. They landed on the beach where the Defenders were sorting the fish for now, winter and dragons.

Throk was directing and spied Toothless landing. He grinned, not staring too long at Hiccup—though it was honestly out of curious fascination than fear or horror. "The fish were good, I assume? We've caught today's catch in record time."

Hiccup's lips twitched into a tiny smile. "Having a dragon does help."

"Indeed it does!" Throk grinned.

A Defender approached the trio, focusing on Hiccup. "I was wondering if you were up to... utilizing your abilities?"

Hiccup shrunk back a tad, eyes pinched and looked away. "I-I don't know, probably best not—I can't seem, controlling it is hard. I don't want to hurt anyone."

The Defender nodded but argued. "Actually, we were hoping you might be willing to try freezing some fish for winter. Not so much practicing, well, whatever else it is you can do."

Hiccup blinked and thought for a minute, very much wanting to retreat to his borrowed hut but here were both Defenders were staring at him with hope in their eyes. They were offering him a chance to truly be him without judgement, in fact they were encouraging it. That last thought stuck him hard. He gripped his now bare forearm then nodded after a minute.

"O-Okay."

Throk smiled and the Defender beamed, though the mask covered most of it.

The Defender waved for Hiccup to follow.

Toothless padded along behind, tongue hanging out happily.

They stopped at some barrels. The Defender dipped his hand in and grabbed a recently caught fish, about to hand it to Hiccup before thinking better and placing it on a table nearby that the others were using to gut the fish.

Hiccup felt his chest tighten as the Defender paused but shook it away—he wasn't afraid of him, just didn't want frostbite…Hiccup looked at the fish and frowned. "I-I'll probably give it frostbite…I seem to give it to everyone else."

The Defender looked up, pinching his chin in thought. "Try touching the tail fin, we don't use that anyway. Maybe you'll give it frostbite but the rest will be fine? If that doesn't work I have a few other ideas."

Hiccup's stomach fluttered with hope, glancing between the Defender, Throk and the village. Wondering why they were so different from Berk, even when he first changed—they had never been fearful or hating towards him.

He pushed those thoughts aside and touched the tail fin. The three humans and dragon watched as his cold seeped into the fish, turning it blue then black within moments—ice quick to follow.

Toothless warbled sadly, staring at the fish like he'd been denied dinner.

Hiccup rolled his eyes at his friend's antiques.

The Defender 'hmmed' before grabbing a bucket and dipping it into the barrel, pulling it out with water and a fish submerged. "Try it again, but only touch the water."

Hiccup smiled minutely, for the first time eager to see how his cold could be used and affect things. He did so but opted to touch the bucket instead, not wanting to freeze his finger into the water turned ice. The ice spread again and the water turned cloudy as it froze. After a second he removed his hand and the Defender tapped the bucket to see if it was safe to touch.

It was, though extremely cold, and quickly dumped out its content. It hit the table with a thunk.

Throk raised his axe and brought it down on the ice block twice before it cracked all the way through. They inspected the fish and the Defender's eyes sparkled.

"It's still good."

Throk grinned at Hiccup. "Well done! This'll certainly be better than fish jerky all winter."

Hiccup smiled and nod-winced with sympathy.

The Defender gestured to a few large barrels. "Would you like to try it full scale?"

Hiccup's eyes widened, though for the first time in two days, in delighted surprise—only hesitating a moment before walking over to the barrels. He placed a hand on the barrel and watched as the water froze, listening to the ice crack as it spread and the barrel creak. After a few moments he removed his hand, the ice and fish perfectly frozen.

He moved to the next barrel but just as he touched it his back lit up with heat and he gasped at the sudden and unexpected action. It didn't hurt, in fact it felt exactly like his magic—warm yet somehow never bothersome.

Throk frowned when Hiccup gasped and faltered, almost grabbing to steady him.

Hiccup turned, eyes almost hopeful yet doubt somehow still churned in his gut. "He's back…he's coming back for me."

Astrid followed the chief, Gobber and Spitelout down to the docks.

Stoic stood in front of the three traders on the docks, wares spread out. Stoic eyed them all for only half a second before crossing his arms. "You lot certainly got here fast. Considering it was only yesterday Johann showed his true colors."

Stoic fought hard to keep the bite out of his tone though he knew he didn't fully succeed.

The only woman among the traders shrugged. "We were in the Northern Markets when the fight went down. We all knew of Johann's historical closeness with Berk and knew it wouldn't end well."

The trader with a split beard nodded. "We're all business men, you see, so we figured Berk would need new traders—and promptly!"

Stoic scowled at the three and looked down at their goods, his gut churning. He sniffed, though less of an actual sniff and more of a sniff of displeasure, the split-bearded trader's dates. "Smells fishy."

He glanced at the woman. "Too tall."

The third trader eyed him, curious to see what his excuse would be.

Stoic scowled. "Shifty eyes."

The traders glanced at each other with unhappy gestures while Stoic walked away. "Pack up your garbage and take to the seas. We're not interested."

Astrid frowned as she watched the chief walk away and looked at the traders who were near venomous in their glares directed at the chief. Clearly unhappy about sailing all that way for less than nothing, not even the dissatisfaction of being beaten by a competitor!

She sighed and started following the chief and others back up the docks, her stomach rumbled in protest, but the chief was already gone. She sighed and walked to her parents' hut where Stormfly was resting.

She scratched around her horns. "Hey girl. What do you say we go scare up some fish since we lost half of it due to being preserved with salt from Johann?"

Stormfly chirped, tiredly but not in protest.

Astrid grinned and mounted her. "Good! Now, let's go get the others so the village won't become a hungry hoard."

She felt Stormfly shiver under her and she laughed.

She found Fishlegs in the square, teaching the little ones a bit more about dragons. She smiled, once this was all over he'd be a great teacher for the book portions of Dragon Training.

"Fishlegs! We're going fishing, saddle up."

Fishlegs frowned at her, clearly unhappy with the interruption but nodded and said goodbye to his little class.

They found Snotlout with Gobber down on the docks again, Gobber looking ready to have a conniption fit—scratching his head and rapidly looking between the three traders.

Astrid and Fishlegs landed, the former asking. "What's going on, Gobber? I thought the chief didn't like any of them."

Gobber took a breath and momentarily took a break from evaluating and choosing traders. "He didn't... doesn't. But I managed to convince him to give one of them a go…and unfortunately he left me in charge of choosing while he goes out and gets more willow bark."

Astrid nodded, reasonable enough.

Snotlout crossed his arms with a chuckle. "Yeah, and if he picks the wrong one…"

He watched Gobber look back at the trader's wares and held his head and helmet, growling in frustration. "Come on Gobber. It's not that hard. You can do this." He glanced up to the traders who all stared at him with impatient glares—still ruffled by their initial greeting. Gobber chuckled nervously.

Astrid pitied the Viking, she'd seen Hiccup struggle enough in similar situations. "Well we're going fishing." She eyed Snotlout to dare him to argue.

He groaned but then his stomach growled loudly and he pointed a finger at her. "So long as I can eat the first fish we catch."

Astrid rolled her eyes. "You can cook it on Hookfang for all I care, just mount up."

Snotlout's eyes widened. "That's actually a good idea!"

A crowd had begun to gather at the edge of the docks, hungry Vikings whispering to each other and eyeing the ships and Gobber.

Gobber gripped his helmet by the horns before turning to Astrid in distress. "I can't do it! Look at all his fragrant, crispy apples. Her sweet, golden honey. And these figs. Oh! Have you tasted these man's figs?!"

Astrid rolled her eyes while a few of the villagers started complaining, loudly.

The traders looked at each other and grinned, the woman turning to the crowd. "We'd like to propose a competition of sorts."

The Vikings turned to each other and started murmuring.

Split-beard carried on, grabbing an apple from his table. "To display the quality of our livestock, our produce, our spices."

"A cooking competition." The woman agreed.

The villagers all started discussing in approval, eager to eat something.

Split-beard chuckled. "Gather in your Great Hall and prepare for some of the most delicious meals you've ever tasted!"

The Vikings dispersed and Snotlout turned to follow but Astrid snagged his helmet. "Hey, hey! What gives Astrid?!"

She jerked her head out to sea. "We're still going fishing. Those stockpiles aren't going to refill themselves."

Snotlout groaned, complaining the entire way to his dragon. "But we'll miss the competition!"

Astrid swung up on Stormfly. "They still have to actually make the food, Snotlout. We have a couple hours until it's ready."

Fishlegs shared a sympathetic look with Snotlout, desperately wanting to be in the hall and smelling the food as it cooked too.

Hiccup kept scanning the skies or looking to the side and over his shoulder like he was expecting someone to suddenly appear.

It was nearing evening and the shadows had elongated. Most of the village had gathered for the community meal but Hiccup opted to eat alone. The Defenders had been warm and welcoming, still surprising to him, but he needed some time away from all eyes.

When his back had heated up his hope had shot through the roof, maybe Loki can fix this, but as the hours passed it had fallen again. He thought Loki would've been here by now, it wasn't that far from the Edge. Maybe he was just seeing if I was alive…

He picked at the fish Throk had brought him after failing to convince him to join the Defenders for the meal. He shoved a few vegetables around and Toothless crooned, setting his head next to Hiccup—eyes wide. Hiccup smiled and scratched his earflaps before glaring at the fish that froze, shoving the plate onto the table before the fish was unsalvageable—Toothless could eat it after it defrosted.

He leaned back against Toothless and found comfort in his deep, steady breaths, his mind momentarily blank. His eyebrows pinched before he took a deep breath and focused inward again, seeing his magics.

The Æsir glowing brightly though easily being smothered by the blue of the Jötunn. He glared at it before reaching out to the Æsir, it rippled at his touch and grew. Hope fluttered in his chest and he tried to grip it and draw it closer to himself while trying to shove the Jötunn away. The Æsir pulsed warmly and continued while the Jötunn retreated. His breath stuttered but smiled, he could feel the cold retreating—both magically and physically seeping away from his skin.

The Jötunn suddenly and angrily pulsed.

Hiccup gasped in pain as the blue overshadowed the green-white and continued out.

Toothless barked and leapt up in surprise as ice spread and cracked furiously, thickly coating the entire hut within seconds.

Hiccup doubled over and gripped his chest, it felt like it was frozen and on fire at the same time. He lost the ability to breath and gapped like a fish out of water as he tried and failed to draw in air.

Toothless panicked, hopping around the hut and roaring in distress then nuzzling his rider before bumping him in the back.

Hiccup managed to suck in a tiny half breath, losing it again then drawing in another tiny breath.

Toothless circled him, at a loss of what to do.

Hiccup continued to stay doubled over, chest frozen and on fire and eyes closed tightly but at least his breathing was starting to come back to normal.

He jumped when a hand landed on his back, hitching his lungs again, rubbing small circles. Another arm snaked around his chest and drew him up and close to the other's chest.

Hiccup kept his eyes shut as he focused on normalizing his breathing, sinking into the cold comfort.

And done! For the moment, next chapter is already in the works, don't worry! See y'all soon!