Hey! I'm not dead! So sincerest apologies for making you wait so long. When I posted the last chapter I had this one over half written but I was hating the way it was turning out so, again, ended up rewriting it many times. Also moving for college is time consuming. Anyway, enjoy this EXTRA long chapter!

Shout Outs!:

Stag-beetle

Eh, it's fine, nicknames aren't something that bother me. So sorry for the wait. Had a lot going on recently and moving on top of everything then, with the culmination of so much stuff, I was having troubles writing it well. I actually had the same problem last chapter but 'solved' it by shoving it off until this chapter but that's not gonna work again so took quite a while and MANY rewrites to get it written well—I hope. So hopefully this chapter's worth the wait. And I'm glad I haven't exhausted the story, that is a constant fear of mine so I try very hard to not do that and always keep it fresh and engaging.

A sequel is planned, no clue what I'm going to call it yet but I have PLANS. Oh so many ideas but it will be some time before we get there yet, need to finish the HTTYD cannon arc first.

Yes, confirmed! Well, he was on Jötunheim so…just a small break. It will be rectified, you can bet Loki's favorite dagger on that.

That tis an idea, a very interesting one.

Horror flashbacks to HS lunches, where's the Time Stone when you need one?

I actually rewatched HTTYD3 for the first time since it came out, I had some serious issues/beef with it to help me write this chapter and, well, not to give anything away but I had an epiphany and cannot wait to write it now J But yes, I could go on an hour long rant—and have—about the issues of 'all the dragons leaving' plot hole. Oh gosh, she totally would! I can only imagine Grimmel's absolute fury.

I don't think I'd mind, though I'm still not entire certain how all of HTTYD 3 will go but I do know that it will not follow the original ending. I just, I can't do that. Not with how much they've grown together and…no, just, no. Have an awesome day and enjoy this whirlwind.

Guest

Astrid you done messed up. Poor Hiccup. I knew that the monster/identity/magic issues were going to bother him but I just want the him to be happy. Hopefully that's Loki that just showed up. Gosh I love every chapter and I'm so excited to see where this goes. Now I've reread this at least 5 times :). Thanks for the update.

Yeah, some improvement this chapter but it's a process. Thank you!

CHSHiccstrid

Oh good, this has definitely been one more tricky chapter sets to write just because of the culminations and trying not to make them dry and boring. Gosh yes, the Defenders.

Jhousa

Yeah, me too but there needs to be a break somewhere. fixed temporarily! You as well!


Writer's Log Supplemental—27.2 "All Bite, No Bark Pt.2"

A couple Defenders scrambled away from the meal after a sentry reported an incoming injured dragon.

Mala stood from the meal as well, always preferring to oversee any dragon's entry to their sanctuary.

They gathered near the beach where most injured dragons tended to land, staring at the sky in anticipation.

Mala frowned as she watched the dragon fly. It looked less injured and more like it had been hit with Dragon Root. Less problematic for their healers, but that would also mean the Hunters were pressing their borders again.

Surprisingly, the dragon didn't land as soon as it breached land, but continued to the village.

The healers were already rushing after it and Mala was not far behind.

In its exhaustion, the dragon dipped, meaning its landing would be less of a landing and more of a skidding crash in the village square. And it was for several feet, until it slowed and the dragon suddenly flashed green and a disheveled man stumbled sideways with almost drunken movements.

One of the healers tripped over his feet from shock while the other stumbled but stopped and stared.

"Where is he?!" The dragon-turned-man snarled at the nearest Defender, who jumped in fear of the crazed man, unable to speak.

A distressed and distinct roar of a panicked Night Fury cut through the air.

The man growled and roughly shoved past another Defender as he ran deeper into the village.

Mala stopped to check on the Defender the man had all but sent flying into the hut as he shoved him aside. He was dazed but seemed to be fine, otherwise. She frowned as a thought suddenly struck her and she bolted into the village after the man. She caught sight of Throk running around the corner of a hut. Turning the corner, she saw the man throw the door to Hiccup's temporary hut open.

Throk had retrieved his axe from his back, his eyes narrowed in preparation to charge into the hut.

"Throk, wait!" Mala shouted.

Throk paused, his angry look morphed into confusion.

Mala gestured for him to stand down and ran to the hut's entrance, exhaling in both relief and sadness at the sight.

*O*

Loki nearly sighed in relief as an island came into view. He'd already momentarily blacked out twice.

The beach started filling up with black clad people, so he opted to land closer in the village, not trusting himself to run that far anyway. And there was no telling where these people might've hidden Hiccup….There was always the chance that they were the one's Hiccup had mentioned, who had hidden him from the Flyers when he'd been...incapacitated, but that was a chance he was unwilling to risk.

Loki realized he was coming in too sharply but didn't have the energy to correct his flight so he braced instead. He hit the ground and skidded, rolled a few times, before he grasped his weakening magic and shifted back. The transformation was less than graceful, as was his walk, but it didn't matter to him at the moment.

Understandably, the villagers were suitably terrified after seeing him shapeshift but they were less than cooperative with helping him. Not that it mattered. He could still feel the pull.

"Where is he?!" Loki demanded of the nearest citizen, who stood in shock and couldn't answer.

Then came Toothless' distressed roar, spurring him to action.

He shoved the person aside and tore through the village, ignoring the sounds of pursuit as a hut filled his vision.

He threw the door open and nearly collapsed then and there from the sight in front of him.

Like the hut on the Edge, this one was covered in ice, only much worse. Somehow it looked darker, angrier—like the Jötunn's weaponized ice. And on the floor, doubled over and struggling to breathe was his young Chosen.

Toothless spied him instantly and cooed, nuzzling Hiccup's shoulder.

Loki managed to walk a straight line towards the boy and set a hand on his shoulder, unfortunately startling him but he relaxed quick enough. He knelt and drew Hiccup closer, holding him tightly but too tired to try and offer any verbal comfort.

Toothless whined softly and curled around the pair, eyeing Hiccup sadly.

Loki slowly leaned back against the dragon and breathed deeply, allowing his eyes to close, but not yet drift off into unconsciousness.

Hiccup's erratic breathing slowly evened out.

Loki felt him shift and bury his face in his chest, his left arm coming up and gripping his coat. Loki moved, stretching his legs out slightly so he was no longer sitting on them, but still clutching Hiccup close.

The floorboards behind them creaked and he frowned, nearly having forgotten the villagers.

Toothless' earflap twitched and he spared a glance at the intruder but ignored them, opting to curl his tail around Hiccup's legs and rest his head in their laps.

Loki looked to the side and saw a female enter slowly, stopping once she realized he was watching her. She looked between him and Hiccup, eyeing the latter sadly, before focusing on him.

"I presume you are Loki?" She asked softly.

He nodded once and with the movement of his head he caught sight of something he'd been too focused to notice earlier—or the lack of something.

The woman fully relaxed and followed his gaze and exhaled slowly, gradually lowering herself onto the iced floor. "Much has happened since you were here last."

"I noticed." He managed, returning his attention to Hiccup, who had fallen unconscious, or perhaps asleep. Whatever had happened had evidently been taxing on his Chosen.

Her brows furrowed. "Do...do you know what caused this outburst? He was fine earlier."

Loki didn't answer verbally, but his face said enough. He had no idea either, especially not with what he'd walked in on.

She frowned but stood and grabbed the door. She paused for a minute, about to say something but decided against it, left, and shut the door. The hut was plunged into darkness again but Loki found that preferable.

The exertion of the past couple days overtook him and he gladly relented to sleep, holding Hiccup closely while Toothless nuzzled into them a bit more before drifting off himself.


Tuffnut scanned the ocean as they flew, but by now it was useless. Night had fallen and clouds covered the moon. "So what do we do if he isn't there?"

Ruffnut turned to look at him, face pinched from having been in thought for far too long. "I…don't know. Check a couple of other islands I guess."

Tuffnut looked away, dejected, then pointed. "It's coming up."

Ruffnut nodded wearily.

When they landed two Defenders approached with fish for Barf and Belch, with Mala and Throk by them. Throk smiled and nodded at Ruffnut but she was too tired and upset to reciprocate.

Mala opened her mouth to welcome them, but Tuffnut cut her off as he dismounted Belch. "We're both exhausted so I'll keep it short. Have you seen Hiccup?"

Mala and Throk exchanged glances and Ruffnut perked up instantly. "Is he here? He is here! Thank Loki, I knew he would be!"

She rushed forward and hugged Throk before tearing off into the village, only to pause and make Tuffnut collide into her as he followed with equal enthusiasm. "Uh, what hut is he—never mind. We'll find i-"

Mala held up her hand. "Ruffnut, Tuffnut, wait."

They both looked at her curiously, almost a painful amount of relief in their eyes.

Mala lowered her hand and reined in her emotions resultant of theirs. "He is asleep. It would be best to wait until morning."

Tuffnut started to protest but Mala fixed him with a look. "Tomorrow. He is being well taken care of tonight."

They both hung their heads in disappointment but nodded and followed Throk to their hut.


Hiccup moaned as his mind started waking up and becoming aware of his aching body, nuzzling into the cold embracing him and trying to return to sleep's beautiful arms.

The body he was using as a pillow shifted slightly. An arm draped over him and a hand started carding through his hair.

Hiccup relished the contact and almost submitted to unconsciousness again before it registered with a jolt that someone was touching him! He shot up, tripping over Toothless' tail.

Two pairs of red eyes stared at each other in varying degrees of confusion.

Hiccup was the first to move, bringing his hand up to his forehead and brushing his hair back before gripping it as he processed. He looked around the hut and winced. "Oh gods, it wasn't a dream."

Loki smiled sadly though it was difficult to see in the hut's limited light-through-cracks. "No, it wasn't," he said softly.

Silence reigned in the hut again for a long moment before Loki stood and knelt by Hiccup and gently grabbed his bare left arm. "What happened Liten Listig?"

Hiccup tried to pull his arm away and curl in on himself but Loki held firm and Hiccup could only avert his eyes. After several moments he finally said quietly. "I-I'm sorry. They, he—he's going to tell everyone."

Loki frowned and racked his mind but couldn't place who Hiccup might be referencing. Sure, it could be Viggo, but Hiccup would have just said if it was him—and no doubt with the bite in his tone that was often accompanied with the man's name. No. Hiccup looked more hurt and betrayed than angry.

"Perhaps you should start at the beginning. Like why, several realms away, your magic lashed out for mine in terror and desperation?" Loki asked it softly but he had to stomp down the edge of concern and anger at whatever had threatened Hiccup.

Hiccup bit his lip, still looking at the ground, before sighing in defeat. "I guess it started when... when Johann heard that I was nearly finished with the Dragon Eye Two…"

Loki listened silently, though silently did not mean without steaming anger and roiling emotions. He'd let go of Hiccup's arm as he started talking and moved to the bed to listen more comfortably while Hiccup repositioned himself next to Toothless.

The tale started out innocent enough, which only made Loki's gut twist more as Hiccup continued. Loki was only half listening by the time they'd gotten to the cavern, long since agreeing with the twins on the spy theory and spent the time thinking of suitable, repayments and adding Johann to the list for Krogan and Viggo.

He returned his full attention to Hiccup, not that he'd noticed its wandering, when he stopped talking and stared at the floor—eyes distant. The bed creaked as he leaned forward, concerned. "Hiccup?"

"He-he plans to tell everyone, make everyone hate you and really think of you like a-a…and I can't—if…when my dad or the village finds out-" His tongue stuck as his mouth suddenly dried, the nausea from overtaxed nerves hit him like a Rumblehorn and he curled, holding his stomach. "I could barely think about the Riders learning…It's like every nightmare I've had coming true."

While Hiccup spoke, Loki's gut twisted as well, but it burned for vengeance—crying out for penance of the one who sought to control him and threaten his Chosen. He squashed that feeling for the moment, in favor of offering Hiccup as much support—physically and emotionally—as he could in this moment.

"And it-it's actually happening," Hiccup continued. "It isn't a dream that I'll wake up from and find my bed frozen, and-" Hiccup choked back a sob. If this was a dream, he'd very much like to wake up.

Loki's blood froze as Hiccup nearly hyperventilated that last sentence. He knelt on the floor by Hiccup again, resisting the urge to draw him close once more and whisk the both of them off to a world well outside of Yggdrasil. "You froze your bed, even with the bracer on?" Seems I will have to make one of the spells stronger.

Hiccup nodded, burying his head again at the reminder of the nightmare his life had become and all the nightmares that had plagued him since Loki left once again nipping at his mind. "I, I am trying but—the nightmares, they're so real. And I don't realize 'till I'm awake and by then it's too late…"

Loki grimaced. I should have waited until Hiccup had come to terms with it more. But I thought knowing—no, knowing would help me, not him. I am an idiot. He gently moved Toothless' tail and sat next to his silently freaking out Chosen and put an arm around his shoulder, taking a deep breath. "It is not your fault, Liten Listig—I should have waited longer-"

"Why?" Hiccup asked quietly—muffled voice lined with hurt and confusion and, had Loki been able to see, his eyes dull and blinking with resigned despair.

Loki unknowingly mimicked him and blinked, brows pinched in perplextion.

Hiccup's mind slipped back to the skirmish, to all the taunts and heated words Johann and he threw at each other. "Why did you come back?" He asked softly, setting his head on his knees before continuing.

"They laid your life so nicely…they had to have known, but they still want you. You could've just gone back…just keep living the lie they gifted you. Why didn't you just go back to living a normal life? You could've. It sounds like they want you to." Hiccup's voice rose slightly and the temperature dipped again as he asked, becoming emotionally numb as it all became too much. "Why come back here to deal with the Mistake and not just turn away and forget I ever happened?! Odin knows everyone else will." His voice cracked and he shook as he suppressed the tears and sob.

Loki was affronted by the accusation or suggestion—it was nigh-impossible to tell which it was meant to be—that he would ever abandon Hiccup. "Just why would I-?!"

Hiccup pushed away from Loki and took a step away from him only to bump into Toothless. He scowled and tried to step over his dragon to put some distance between him and the trickster but Toothless raised his wing to prevent Hiccup's escape. Hiccup scowled at him and muttered a few curses, his chest burning despite the sub-zero temperatures, but refused to look at Loki, even when he got up the courage to answer. "Because I-I saw the way you looked at me! The disgust, an-and uncertainty, and—It's exactly how everyone else used to look at me. Back when I was useless and-and nothing but a screw-up that…I-it was stupid of me to think tha-that you of all people would-!" Hiccup broke off in a sob.

Loki felt like he'd just taken a blow from Mjolnir but reached out for Hiccup despite how shaken and hurt he himself felt from the misguided accusations. Though they are not that far off.

Hiccup felt Loki's fingers brush his arm and he jerked away again, taking several steps to the side before Toothless grabbed the bit of green tunic that poked out from under his leather vest. Hiccup glared at his friend but didn't try pulling away, just stood there with arms crossed, glowering at the opposing wall, and trying to recover his forcibly slowed, angered breathing.

"If this is just pity, then I don't want it. I've gotten and still get enough of it from the world as it is, and I don't need it from a god who just feels bad because he accidentally made something he thought was impossible and now feels responsible for it."

Cool blood rushed through Loki's cheeks, frustration with Hiccup and anger at himself mixing dangerously. "I do not give pity, Hiccup." He bit out. He moved with speed unattainable for a human and tightly gripped Hiccup's arms, preventing him from backing away or running anymore.

Fear shot through Hiccup and he tensed and whipped his head around—wide, red eyes staring at Loki's. Shaking once again as he realized what he'd just shouted at the god. Just how stupid can I get? All Hiccup wanted was to find a corner and curl up into a ball until the Yggdrasil forgot he existed. Honestly, that's the least it could do for the mistake and mess I am.

Loki had to loosen his grip before he bruised Hiccup's arms. "Hiccup." He said in a calmer voice. "I was never mad or disgusted by you. Uncertain, a bit, but I never looked at you with those feelings." He took a deep breath to quell his frustrations. "Was...am I disgusted and uncertain? Yes. I am. I am furious that such a secret has been kept from me. I am," he shut his eyes, an uneasy feeling tumbling in his stomach. He hated to give them thought, to acknowledge them, but Hiccup needed to know as, obviously, his current problems were farther reaching than just the last few days events and also impacted Hiccup's life as well as Loki's own, "disgusted at myself that I am... that I am a Jötunn—the monsters that parents told their children about at night to keep them in line.

"And, I am uncertain of how to deal with it. How to deal with myself and what it means for me going forward. I was confused as to what use Odin could have possibly wanted me for, to adopt such a being. Also how to handle you—you are not one of those monsters, Hiccup, but does that mean I am or do I have a choice not to be?"

Hiccup turned his face away, biting his lip. "I-I never thought of you like a monster. No one on Berk ever really did," He said quietly.

Loki smiled, grateful Hiccup was finally calming down. Johann had truly done a number on his already fractured emotional state. "And neither are you. I am far more a monster than you could ever be, so if you say I am not then there is no feasible way in Yggdrasil that you can be either. I should not have left as soon as I did, should have stayed and grounded you more before I left…Your nightmares, they are a result of the—Jötunn change, yes?"

Hiccup was still for a moment before nodding, not trusting himself to speak again.

Loki breathed heavily through his nose, debating what he should say next, but Hiccup beat him to it. Still turned away from him, as he said, "I-I'm scared. It feels like my dad learning about Toothless all over again, but worse—because now it's not just me, it's you too and-and Astrid…I can't blame her if she wants nothing to do with me anymore. It might be worse if she still wants to. What would happen with our kids?" Loki could feel more than see Hiccup's pleading eyes. "Are they going to be normal or like me-us? I don't want them to be like this or be scared of being found out and hunted for their entire lives."

Loki sighed. "Oh Liten Listig."

Hiccup's breath shuttered and he sunk back onto the floor by Toothless, exhausted in all forms again. Running his fingers through his hair, he continued filling Loki in after taking a last calming breath. "J-Johann then, well, he told me that I've been hurting dragons for years an-and my f-friends."

There was a long pause and Loki was about to ask him to clarify but Hiccup continued, feeling numb as he thought about the trader and supposed friend of his childhood. Drawing his knees to his chest. "For years, almost since I could draw, I've made designs to try and help the village in the war against dragons. Most of them never got made for one reason or another, but I had dozens if not hundreds of drawings and designs thought up throughout the years. Sometimes a design or two would go missing. I never thought much about it, either it got blown away in the wind, Gobber mistakenly using it as kindling or-"

He paused his train of thought, not wanting to remember the times when Snotlout would bully him, shredding drawings he'd made. Hiccup shook his head, ridding himself of those thoughts. "Turns out, Johann's been stealing them, giving them to the Hunters and others to use."

Loki felt violated for Hiccup. To have your ideas stolen then used against you like that…he had to repress a shudder as it brushed too close to the memories of only a month ago.

Hiccup let out a strangled, choked, laughing sob. "I've tried so hard to make right what I did to Toothless, to try and show people that dragons aren't just mindless beasts but amazing and thinking creatures…and even now, I'm still hurting them, killing them. Even when I couldn't find the courage to dig my tiny knife into a downed dragon…my dad would've been so proud." He laughed again but it was dry, remorseful and self-mocking.

Loki gripped Hiccup by the shoulders, firmly saying, "No, Hiccup. None of that is your fault, in any capacity. You did what you have always done. You were building things to help and improve the lives of your friends and village. But you never gave Johann any of those—even then he was violating the trust you gave him. There was nothing you could have done to stop him, especially when you didn't know."

Hiccup started to argue but Loki cut him off before he could begin.

"Uh-uh. There is no argument on this." Hiccup hung his head and Loki continued. "And about Johann telling everyone—" Hiccup tensed and Loki started carding his hair again, "it is not a hopeless situation. I have had to get Thor and his friends out of much worse."

Hiccup was still, staring at the ground Loki was kneeling on, regathering his thoughts. After a minute, he drew in a breath.

"Anyway, there was a scuffle after that and I... mostly got away. He still had hold of my arm but at least he wasn't able to strangle me again." He paused and gripped his bare forearm. "I-in the struggle he, he must've ripped it off. I don't think it was in-intentional but-" Hiccup's breath shuddered again and he curled up around the arm and clenched his eyes shut like he was actively experiencing pain.

Loki pulled him back into a hug as Hiccup regained control of his erratic heart.

Hiccup fiddled with his fingers as he continued. "It-it wasn't so much that he saw me. I mean, he really already knew, but…he threw a dagger at Toothless after that a-and I panicked. I should've known better, Toothless' shot worse than a dagger out of the air, but…" He stopped again and looked over the iced hut before resting on Toothless' comforting eyes.

He rubbed the skin just above the eye as he continued. "I threw my hand out like I could catch it, don't know why—instinct I guess—but the next thing any of us knew Johann was shouting in pain and when I looked over there was, there was-"

Hiccup retracted his hand and curled up again, though thankfully let his head sit on his knees and stared at the corner.

When he didn't continue Loki gently grabbed his chin and forced Hiccup to look him in the eyes. "I will judge you for nothing Hiccup. How can I when I am in the same position?"

Hiccup searched Loki's eyes before he glanced at his hands around his knees and frowned. "When I, l-looked at Johann he had... a spike of ice sticking out of his arm." He said softly and his hands clenched. "The terror in his eyes…it wasn't like when I accidentally gave someone frostbite. This, this is-was—oh gods." Hiccup buried his head again and his body shook as he struggled to keep his breathing and emotions in check.

Loki frowned but sat next to Hiccup, rubbing circles on his back.

After a moment Hiccup's head popped back up though his eyes glistened with tears he refused to shed. "It's bad enough that I have to make sure I don't hurt them when I'm next to them. Do I have to watch out for killing my friends at a distance too?" He turned to Loki, the distress finally overtaking him and a tear fell and froze, hitting the ground and shattering instantly. "I-it's so hard, I feel like at any second I could turn wrong and hurt them or, or…"

Loki's face pinched and he pulled Hiccup close. After a moment he stood and pulled Hiccup up with him. "Follow me, Liten Listig."

Hiccup eyed the door but followed the god out silently.

Toothless bounded out of the hut, tongue hanging out. He ran forward a few paces before turning around and happily rubbing his head under Hiccup's hand.

Loki smiled at the black dragon and carefully kept a hand around Hiccup's far shoulder, keeping him in step.

As they walked farther into the village the noises increased: dragons screeching, Defenders chatting and a heated argument filling the air, as well as curious eyes. Several Defenders eyed Loki warily before glancing at Hiccup then back at Loki.

Loki felt his skin crawl at their slightly distrusting gazes. This was the first time, outside of Jötunheim, that he'd been seen in his… natural skin. However he was minutely grateful most of their eyes remained off of Hiccup, seeing Loki as the outsider, not Hiccup.

An unmasked Defender approached them, having just exited the store-hut. "You are Loki?"

It wasn't so much of a question as it was an observation but Loki nodded. "I am."

The Defender eyed Hiccup for a second before nodding. "I am Throk. Queen Mala wishes to speak with you."

Loki smiled. It wasn't the genuine smile that he often graced Hiccup with but it also wasn't the cruel smile that promised death to Viggo. Merely a political smile that he had perfected decades ago when Odin started demanding his and Thor's presences in court matters.

"Wonderful. I was wanting to speak with her as well."

Throk turned and led them farther into the village towards the square—their equivalent to a Great Hall—where the communion was placed.

As they got closer, the words of an argument filling air became clearer and Hiccup stumbled.

Loki stopped immediately and steadied his shaking Chosen.

"Oh gods," Hiccup mumbled. "Why are they here?!"

Loki frowned and listened and heard Ruffnut shouting something to the effect of "We demand to see him!" with Tuffnut adding, "You have no right to keep us, his brother and sister in Loki, from seeing him!"

"We need to make sure he's okay!" Ruffnut added in frustration.

Loki could pick up Mala's carefully worded response thanks to his advanced hearing but ignored it as Hiccup continued to tremble and tried to take a step back. "Hiccup."

Hiccup didn't hear him, far too lost in his thoughts of 'what if?'

"Hiccup." Loki tried again but received the same lack of result. He turned fully in front of Hiccup, taking up his full view, and gently rubbed his cheek, which finally snapped Hiccup's attention back to Loki and not his thoughts. "Everything will be alright."

Hiccup still shook. "No it won't. Astrid, they-"

Loki pointedly raised an eyebrow, silencing Hiccup who looked away. Loki glanced up in silent prayer to the Norns, before continuing. "They will have to contend with me. However, unlike myself-" Loki made sure to keep his tone as calm and neutral as possible, "you have people here who genuinely care about you. The Riders, not just the twins, have stuck with you thus far. I am sure I need not tell you that many a Viking would consider my gift of magic that you have as a curse more than a blessing. The...Jötunn changes are unexpected and more problematic, but I dearly hope and do not think that that one more thing will make them hate you. There is too much on the pile already.

"And especially as I only hear the twins, and they sound quite concerned, I think you have very little to worry about."

Hiccup's trembling slowly ceased but he was still unsure, too emotionally exhausted to even dare to hope. He leaned more into the hand around his shoulder and Loki tightened his grip. He wasn't leaving.

They continued into the village and soon came to the square where Tuffnut was holding Ruffnut back from Mala, but looking like he dearly wanted to grab Macey from Belch's saddle and take a swing at her himself.

Mala, for her part, stood at ease with the two fuming Riders, leaning casually on one foot with her arms clasped behind her. She was the first to notice the trio's entrance, having come up behind the twins, and smiled lightly as she took in Loki's protective hold on Hiccup.

Hiccup subconsciously moved slightly behind Loki as they entered the square, wanting to groan with exasperation at the twin's antics, but also deeply touched at their concern.

Loki was the one to bring attention to them by calling out and nodding his head to Mala before Throk could announce them. "I presume you are Mala? Although we met last night I shall make the formal introduction; I am Loki Friggason, Prince of Asgard, and god of mischief."

Mala smiled and nodded back, forgoing a customary handshake due to Loki's skin being an even deeper hue than Hiccup's. "I am Queen Mala, and welcome to the Defenders of the Wing Island. I would have greeted you yesterday, but you were in a bit of a rush."

Loki fought down the embarrassed cold blush that creeped up his neck. He had seen her as he rushed past the villagers and even spoken to her, however briefly. He smiled again but made no apologies. "Yes, there were more pressing matters at hand."

Mala smiled in understanding and looked between the pair. "Indeed. I am glad Hiccup Haddock is doing better."

She didn't address it as a question but looked at him anyway for confirmation.

Hiccup nodded, his cheeks flushing a deeper blue. "Yeah, some."

She nodded. "Well, it is progress."

The twins hardly watched the exchange, almost solely focused on Hiccup and Loki—gazes bouncing between the blue pair in shock, confusion, and curiosity. As well as their typical excitement for anything relating to Loki.

"-came here to show Hiccup something."

Ruffnut shook herself and refocused on the conversation, looking away from Hiccup as he started shifting nervously—evading their eyes. She frowned for a second but it was overtaken by relief, other than his abnormal skin color—which considering how pale he'd been before the Flyers' invasion, made a good deal of sense now—that she ran up to them to give Hiccup a traditional Thorston-greeting-hug.

Hiccup's eyes widened to the size of a frightened Gronkle's and jumped back.

Both Mala and Throk rushed forwards to grab her as well as her brother as he ran to give his brother the same greeting, only to be beaten by Loki who gently but firmly grabbed them both.

Hiccup watched in horror as Loki held them still and away from Hiccup himself but with his skin still a deep blue.

The twins looked at their favored god in confusion while Hiccup's horror slowly died away into baffled curiosity.

Mala and Throk were in a similar train of thought as Hiccup, but it was Mala who recovered first. "I don't suppose that is something you can teach Hiccup?"

Loki turned his head and genuinely smiled. "This is why I brought you out here, Liten Listig. A little trick I picked up on Jötunheim."

Hiccup finally looked away from the harmless blue hands holding the twins at bay. "Ca-can I actually-?"

Loki turned away from the twins and held out his hand for Hiccup's.

Hiccup looked at it with hesitance, glancing at the twins who were watching and nearly bouncing with excitement and curiosity.

Loki waited, silently noting that the patch of ice ceased growing. After a second longer of thought, Hiccup gave Loki his hand. Loki drew Hiccup closer to the twins but did not yet initiate contact between them. Loki shifted so he was facing Hiccup and Hiccup watched as the blue melted away until it only remained on the hand holding his.

"Before I left, I told you that magic, Jötunn magic especially, is closely tied to emotions—especially early on." Loki started.

Hiccup looked up to meet his green eyes and nodded. "Yeah, the ice gets worse when I'm emotional. I've been trying to work on it."

Hiccup looked down again and Loki opted to continue. "I'm sure, though it is not an easy thing to learn. Now, do you remember when the change first happened, being attacked? You did not have time to calm yourself before Mala touched you."

Hiccup nodded, thoughts quickly drifting by the Singetail, Krogan, Johann…Astrid. He swallowed thickly, looking up at Loki. "I was confused and scared, then I was terrified I'd hurt my friends."

The twins frowned, jerking forward to comfort Hiccup but Mala and Throk held them back.

Loki nodded. "Exactly. Your magic is reacting to that fear, trying to protect you."

Hiccup clenched his fist and frowned. "Then how do I control it? I'm always going to be terrified I could hurt them, how can I not when I'm a-a-"

Loki put a finger to his lips with a pointed look. Hiccup bit his tongue and looked away. "You will be less afraid if you know that you control it."

Hiccup looked dubious, eyeing the twins, Mala and Throk.

Toothless crooned and slid his head under Hiccup's hand. Small frost patterns crept around his earflap and Hiccup stared at it forlornly.

Loki placed his own over Hiccup's. "Don't be frightened of it, Liten Listig." Loki felt conflicted, feeling like a hypocrite when he himself still loathed what he truly was and was afraid of it. "You have not hurt Toothless thus far."

Hiccup blinked and looked Toothless in his green eyes, staring up at him with concern and love. Hiccup frowned, biting his lip before closing his eyes, hand still resting on Toothless' earflap. He focused inward and saw the two balls of magic and recoiled instantly, shrinking in on himself and pulling his hand away.

Loki frowned and quickly grabbed Hiccup's hand, preventing him from pulling too far away.

Hiccup shook his head and subconsciously rubbed his chest, phantom pains from the other night shooting through him. "No, no—I can't. It-it hurt, so much. I-"

Hiccup's whisper died off and Loki shifted so he took up Hiccup's vision. "What happened last night, Liten Listig? It was not an emotionally powered outburst, was it?"

Hiccup's face pinched as he remembered, still rubbing his chest. "I-I decided to meditate, and saw that the—Æsir, it was tiny so I tried grabbing it and it grew. I guess I got excited when it grew and the Jötunn started shrinking…I don't think it was very pleased with that though 'cause it-it pulsed, lashed out. And, it hurt. Oh gods it hurt."

Loki frowned and glared at the ground, he'd never heard of magic doing that before. Then again, he'd never heard of a situation quite like Hiccup's before, either. He gripped Hiccup's upper arms, capturing his full attention again. "Oh Liten Listig," he whispered, nearly choking as Hiccup's hopeful yet hurting eyes looked up at him through bangs that needed a trim again. He pulled Hiccup close, resting his chin on Hiccup's auburn mop.

While Hiccup stood with his face buried in Loki's chest and neck, Loki focused on Hiccup's magic and saw the two magics. The Jötunn was still quite large compared to the Æsir, almost smothering it, but the way they faintly pulsed in tandem…

Loki frowned and pulled back slightly so he could look Hiccup in the eyes, concern in his own—which he mentally cursed as the emotion shot through Hiccup. "Hiccup," he said slowly, ever so slightly gripping his Chosen's arms tighter, "did you over extend your Æsir recently?"

Hiccup blinked and frowned. "Uhm…well, I-I don't know? What does it loo-"

Tuffnut leaned forward but didn't try pulling out of Mala's still firm hold. "He passed out the other day."

Ruffnut nodded, eyes never leaving Hiccup as her worry continued to grow alongside relief that he was alright—mostly. "Yeah, shortly after he made an awesome illusion that actually managed to trick the Flyers!"

Loki's eyes shot wide. "You passed out?! You neglected to tell me that in your tale." He scolded, accented by notes of concern.

Hiccup shrugged and looked away from his eyes again. "I was fine after that night, bit tired but-"

Loki's face twisted into a near scowl as he thought back on Hiccup's retelling of the previous days, readjusting his grip from Hiccup's arms to his shoulder and gripping so tightly it was almost becoming painful. "You mean to tell me that you not only pushed your magic so hard that you passed out but also continued to use it, without rest, to seek after gems to finish the Dragon Eye?!"

Loki normally wasn't one to yell and shout, but he was drawing close to its threshold.

Hiccup winced and curled back as best he could, staring resolutely at the ground and bit his lip. This was quickly becoming far too much like when Stoic would yell at him for doing something stupid and/or destroying half the village.

"Hiccup, what were you thinking?!" Loki asked sharply, still not shouting nor even with voice raised.

Hiccup's hands fisted and he looked Loki hard in the eye, face and body a confusing mix of fear, hurt and anger. "I don't know! I don't know what's happening, or what's going on or what I should have been thinking! I don't know why the magic's doing what it's doing! I don't understand anything about it!"

The twins, Mala and Throk looked on with concern and wariness as ice had begun to spread again.

Loki's previous anger instantly melted with a nasty, humiliating shock of realization. Idiot. He released Hiccup to pinch the skin between his eyes and took a deep breath. After a moment Loki opened his eyes again to see Hiccup's anger slowly melting as well, leaving him looking more exhausted than anything else.

"Hiccup." Hiccup hesitantly met his eyes. "When you passed out, it was from magical exertion."

"Kinda figured that." Hiccup mumbled.

Loki frowned at his interruption but ignored it. "Pushing your magic that far," he gently but firmly grabbed Hiccup's chin so he had his full and undivided attention, "it is dangerous. Had you been in training on Asgard, you would have been put on immediate bed rest and on minimal duty for a week."

Hiccup frowned. "But I wasn't—I only felt kinda tired. I wasn't-"

"Which is a miracle. Your core has been badly strained-'' curious confusion overtook Hiccup and he made no attempt to hide it. Loki took a small breath, glancing up in thought before continuing. "It is like this, Liten Listig; your core is identical to your heart but instead of moving blood it transports and regulates your magic—magic that is now as essential as your very blood."

Hiccup's eyes widened slightly, some understanding finally washing over him. "W-what would happen if-?"

"To repair the core your magic turns on your body. Depending on the damage, you can be merely fatigued or become violently ill. Breaking your core often leads to death—most often for weaker or untrained users."

Hiccup started shaking, really only being held up by Loki. "I-I didn't know—I wouldn't have-"

Loki placed a finger on his lips with a pointed look. "I realize that, and that I should have informed you of these basics from the very beginning. Which is why I am telling you now…as well as why you did not feel the effects like you should have."

Hiccup frowned in thought before his eyes sparked. "The Jötunn magic—it-it has something to do with it. Doesn't it?"

Loki nodded, not smiling but pleased. "What you saw last night was it trying to heal the Æsir. When you tugged the Æsir, the Jötunn perceived it as attempting to use it—and in such a weakened state—for self-defense. So the Jötunn lashed out, to protect you. Though it might've pressed too hard and stressed the Æsir more."

Hiccup's brows pinched, once again rubbing his chest and asked in a breathy whisper. "So, what I felt after…I should've been feeling that the entire time?!"

Loki nodded.

Hiccup felt his knees nearly give and he swallowed thickly.

Loki continued to steady Hiccup as his reality changed again.

Mala sighed heavily behind them, face pained as she remembered what Hiccup had looked like the other night—and that was after Loki was able to offer some relief. "You will stay then, until you are recovered and have better control of-'' she nodded to the ice.

Hiccup couldn't help a small smile, sheepish but grateful to and for the Defender Queen.

Loki nodded in agreement, turning his head to her and dipping it. "Thank you, it is a generous offer I believe we will take."

The twins shared a look before shifting uncomfortably.

Hiccup noticed their change and started to pull away from Loki only to realize the shock and realization of everything was leaving a longer lasting toll. He swayed, vision swimming slightly, before Loki steadied him again. Hiccup waved him off though Loki still didn't release his hold. "I-I'm alright…just need a moment to process it all."

Ruffnut didn't look at Loki, eyeing Hiccup and still desperately wanting to give him a Thorston hug, and drooped her shoulders. "We—don't have that long."

Loki frowned, Mala and Throk shooting them confused looks.

Tuffnut dug his foot into the dirt as he explained. "The Chief sent us…he wants Hiccup back on Berk. Johann's betrayal hit pretty hard-"

"-and he's afraid Krogan will hunt you down like he did before. And with Astrid, thus everyone else, pretty convinced you wouldn't go anywhere near people…"

Hiccup flinched again. "Does, does she hate me?"

Loki gazed at Hiccup in understanding before unconsciously staring at the ground as he thought about his 'brother and friends'. He hated to admit it to himself, but the answer the twins would give would either give him a faint glimmer of hope or crush it entirely.

Ruffnut shook her head, eyes wide. "No!"

Tuffnut nodded with his sister. "Actually, I think this is the most remorseful we've seen her-"

"-in like, ever." Ruffnut finished with wide-eyed surprise.

Hiccup blinked, looking at the ground before staring at them again—a pained hope still lingering. "But, she…?"

Ruffnut sighed, hands loosely fisting. "Regretted it almost immediately."

Hiccup's lips thinned in thought before Tuffnut interrupted. "Anyway, we have three-"

"-two now." Ruffnut corrected.

Tuffnut nodded in her direction. "Two days to bring you back before the Chief sends out an all Rider search and rescue."

Hiccup grimaced, knowing that would be a nightmare and leave Berk open to attack. He sighed loudly and ran a hand through his hair before freezing and staring at his blue wrist.

Loki placed a hand on his shoulder, catching Hiccup's gaze before turning to the twins. "We will leave in a few hours then. Come Liten Listig, you have a new trick to learn."

The twins shared looks before asking together, "can we watch?!"

Loki glanced between the pair and his Chosen who shrugged so he nodded.

The pair cheered in triumph, quickly falling into line beside them.

Hiccup frowned from a thought, turning his head to Loki. "I thought I wasn't supposed to be using my magic?"

Loki raised an eyebrow but smirked. "And you won't, not for some time, but you will be retraining your magic into recognizing what is and is not a threat. After that we will work on training and calling on your Jötunn specifically."

Hiccup nodded and the trio followed the trickster to a clearing at the edge of the village.

Loki instructed him to repeat the process from before, not to be afraid of his magic.

Hiccup frowned but touched Toothless' neck like before. Toothless crooned and leaned into his hand, hoping for some scratching, and Hiccup chuckled—rubbing his snout. "Not right now bud—I've got work to do."

Loki smirked and nodded down. "And you're already succeeding."

Hiccup looked down and saw no ice coating Toothless.

Loki eyed Tuffnut and gestured him forward.

Tuffnut beamed while Ruffnut pouted.

Hiccup saw Tuffnut move closer from the corner of his eye and jerked back, eyes darting between Loki and Tuffnut. Ice once more began to spread across Toothless.

Toothless huffed and head butted him while Loki frowned, gently grabbing Hiccup's hand. "Don't, be, afraid." He said softly.

Tuffnut grinned at Hiccup and offered him his hand. "I trust you brother."

Hiccup stared at Tuffnut's opened hand, making no moves towards it.

Loki pulled him towards Tuffnut and Hiccup stiffened then jerked back, terror reigning in his eyes again. Loki felt Hiccup's veins pulse as flight or fight kicked in and he gripped Hiccup's wrist tighter. He stared Hiccup dead in the eye, face blank but his own eyes not uncaring. He pulled Hiccup again and again Hiccup resisted but less so.

Hiccup looked pleadingly to Loki, almost biting his bottom lip to keep it from trembling.

Loki looked at Hiccup hard, eyebrow raised again. Hiccup was not going to get out of this.

Tuffnut rolled his eyes before throwing himself at Hiccup and enveloping him in a long overdue Thorston-hug.

Hiccup saw the male twin move but didn't have time to react, not with Loki holding him, and flinched, pressing his eyelids tightly shut. He felt Tuffnut's arms wrap around him and all he could think or do was quickly mentally chant: don't freeze him, don't freeze him, oh Loki, don't freeze him. Tuff you idiot! Loki let him be fine, calm yourself Hiccup!

He stayed tense, waiting for Tuffnut's screams of pain, trying to control his breathing and heart while mentally chanting to himself that he will not freeze Tuffnut—that he would be fine. After several excruciatingly long seconds he cracked an eye open to see Tuffnut grinning like an idiot, to which Hiccup personally thought he was a moron at that moment.

Tuffnut pulled back after a moment, looked himself over and grinned again, pulling Hiccup in for another hug which Ruffnut joined as well—both giggling.

Hiccup stayed frozen in both shock and desperate desire to keep doing whatever it was that he was doing.

Loki smiled lightly but didn't release Hiccup's wrist. He could feel Hiccup's pulse slowing down once again as he calmed, relief and pleasant shock washing through him as the twins both touched him without freezing. He made sure, though, that he never released Hiccup—mentally glaring at the frosty magic trying to break past his own magic holding it at bay.

He would get it, in time, with more exposure that it didn't have to harm anyone who touched him. You would do well to listen to your own advice, said an annoying voice that sounded disturbingly like Odin.

Ruffnut was the first to break from their celebrations, a slight frown marring her face. "So, now he won't freeze people but, uh, he still has a blue problem."

Tuffnut frowned, looking at Hiccup with a nod of agreement. "Yeah, the chief might miss or ignore quite a bit but even he wouldn't miss that."

Hiccup's face and elation fell.

Loki released Hiccup's wrist to gently grab and guide him by his shoulder to a nearby boulder. Once seated he unstrapped his remaining bracer.

Hiccup's eyes widened slightly before he ducked his head with a small smile of relief and gratitude.

The twins watched with rapt attention as he carved.

Hiccup took to scratching Toothless behind the earflaps, ignoring the small fingers of frost creeping around his scales.

Ruffnut eyed Hiccup thoughtfully as he rubbed Toothless' earflaps, the dragon cooing contentedly. "I got a question."

Loki glanced up from his work but did not stop nor verbally acknowledge her.

She took his look as que enough and gestured to Hiccup and Toothless. "How is it Toothless is unaffected? Are dragons immune or is there some other Chosen hocus pocus going on between them?"

Loki blinked in thought while Hiccup snorted. "Dragons are definitely not immune. A poor Singetail found that one out the hard way."

Loki bowed his head in thought for a second before he said, not looking up from his nearly completed work. "I cannot say for absolute certain, but it is not uncommon for mages to have an animal counterpart to help them stabilize their magic. It is common enough knowledge on Asgard that Odin has Muninn and Huginn while Hela had Fenrir-"

"Wait," Tuffnut interrupted, eyes wide in surprise, "isn't he your son?"

Ruffnut nodded, missing Loki's shocked expression. "Yeah? Why would they-"

"Where did that tale come from?" Loki asked in near horror.

Hiccup bit his lip not to laugh or crack a smile at Loki's expression.

The twins shared a look then shrugged before Tuffnut answered. "I don't know, with all the other stories we have about you and the rest, I guess."

Loki was silent for a long moment before his face darkened. "I'm going to kill Thor next time I see him.

"It must have been a century past when last we came…he and the Warriors Three brought enough Ale with them to stone a regiment."

Hiccup gave up trying to hide his smile and ducked his head, feigning the need to rest his forehead on his hand.

The twins looked on, wide eyed before Ruffnut asked. "So…do you actually have any kids?"

Loki withheld a snort, returning to his work. "If you mean past my magical adoption of Hiccup, then no." There was a silent pause in the feild before Loki slammed the bracer and knife down onto his lap. "By the ancient All-Fathers, what all did Thor say I sired?"

"Well," Ruffnut started, glancing at the sky.

Tuffnut continued her thought, not making eye contact with Loki. "Hela and Fenrir for one."

Loki's eye twitched under his look of growing horror.

Hiccup frowned and bobbed his head to the side as he added to the twin's chain. "Then you carried and birthed Sleipnir."

"He's centuries older than I am!" Loki cried, shooting off of the rock.

Hiccup held up his hands. "Don't shoot the messenger."

"There's a couple others…" Tuffnut muttered, still avoiding eye contact.

Loki fisted his hands tightly, glaring up into the clear blue sky. "No, I'll stab Thor, right in the spleen. Hela, Fenrir and Sleipnir?! What on Asgard was he thinking?!"

Tuffnut shrugged while Ruffnut answered with ease. "If half of the stories they told had any similarities to you being a parent, he wasn't."

Tuffnut scrunched his nose and nodded. "I know we're boneheads but seriously, most of the stories we have of Thor are just him swinging Mjolnir around and bashing stuff, more or less. Even the stories he told last time he was here were along the same vein!"

Ruffnut rested an elbow on her knee, watching with interest as Loki paced in fury for another minute before resigning himself and set to finish carving. "No finesse at all. Honestly. Don't get me wrong, the destruction is great!"

Tuffnut beamed. "I think the only person to nearly match his destruction with a single weapon would be Hiccup when an invention went wrong."

Hiccup cringed and rolled his eyes up.

Ruffnut continued, smiling at the happy memories. "But they could have been so much greater with just a little planning for mayhem!"

Loki chuckled and blew out the shavings. "I knew I like you lot for a reason."

The twins shared a look of euphoria, blood rushing to their ears as they nearly vibrated with glee.

Loki ignored them and said a quick incantation, his hand and the bracer glowing green for a moment before it died again. He held it out for Hiccup who took it with the utmost gratitude.

Hiccup undid the binding on his right arm, replacing it with the bracer, and the twins watched with rapt fascination as blue melted into pale pink. Hiccup stayed sitting next to Toothless for several long seconds after, holding the bracer tightly.

Loki lightly gripped his shoulder, snapping him out of his daze. "I-I'll be okay."

Loki nodded once before flipping his dagger around and migic'ing it away with a green flash. "I made a few minor changes; one is that now only you or I can remove it—I should have thought of that sooner, my apologies Liten Listig. The other is that if, for some odd reason, you do happen to lose it you can recall it like you do your dagger."

Hiccup shot him a small smile, relaxing his hold on his arm. "Thanks."

Loki nodded. "Now, I believe it would be best if we return to Berk before your father does something rash in his worry for you."

Hiccup nodded, still unsure about seeing his father—the Riders, Astrid—so soon after being so exposed. But he shoved aside those thoughts and feelings. If he didn't get back his dad was likely to put Berk in jeopardy by ordering out all Riders to find him, he could still remember the look of worry his father held when they found him after the bounty incident.

Besides, from what the twins said, it was just Astrid that knew of his… condition, and he needed to talk to her about it. At least, figure out her motivations of why she hadn't told anyone.


Snotlout plowed through the crowd of hungry Vikings like a starving Hotburple. Many of them voiced their ire with all their Viking quietness but were quickly hushed as the three traders stood up at the front table.

Split-beard waved for them to hush before talking. "We now have the food ready. Please, don't take everything because this is a competition to see who among us is most fit to be your new trader."

The female trader rolled eye, spreading her arms wide. "Let's begin!"

Berkians moved forward en masse, pushing, shoving and shouting at each other to grab food as though they'd been starved for a week and not just a day.

Astrid and Fishlegs hung back and watched, Astrid unimpressed and Fishlegs hungry but willing to wait so he wouldn't be trampled.

The Hall filled with chatter as the Vikings ate. Gobber walked up to the pair, already tearing into a piece of meat with a look of bliss. "Mh! I'm so hungry I can't tell if this is yak chop or boar rib!"

Fishlegs leaned over, smelling Gobber's food while also nearly drooling on it. Gobber quickly swiped his food away, fearful Fishlegs might try and steal it. "Oh! Can't say that I really care. This all smells so delicious!"

"And now," Split-beard announced, "fresh out of the oven, honey-roasted boar butt!"

"Hands off my end piece! Don't you know that's the butt's butt?!" Snotlout shouted, shoving aside the last of his tribe mates ahead of him.

Astrid rolled her eyes.

Gobber turned back, savoring his meal. "I'd get up there, you two, before this horde comes back for seconds. Thor knows I'm about to!"

Fishlegs ran off and Astrid shook her head, just shy of glaring at her fellow Berkians. She wasn't hungry. If anything, despite how delicious it smelled, it made her sick. Well, maybe it wasn't the food…definitely not the food. Her stomach was still turning on how she reacted, what she shouted at Hiccup.

While the village celebrated eating again and the prospect of a new trader who might bring in a new variety of things, she couldn't help her disdain. Wanting so badly to be out there with the twins, searching for Hiccup just to apologize…and maybe to understand.

The Hall began to quiet down as plates were licked clean and Gobber stood up with the three traders and bellowed. "Alright! Listen here, this is how we're going to work this! You're going to stand with whichever trader you liked the most. So, left side of the hall, middle and right. Got it? Good. Now go! Come on! The sooner we have a winner the sooner we can begin trade again!"

Astrid and Gobber watched from opposite ends of the room, Astrid with more amusement than Gobber as the Vikings split in an almost perfect three way tie.

Gobber groaned loudly, dragging his remaining hand down his face as he tried to count the groups before giving up.

"Come on!" Snotlout shouted from split-beard's side. "A three-way tie, seriously!?"

The traders glowered, the silent trader banging his fist on the table with a growl.

Gobber glanced at the quickly incensing Vikings. "How about a sudden death? Best cheese plate wins!"

The female trader glared at them. "Cheese plate? Na. Sudden death?" She and the other two traders shared a look before each pulled out a weapon. "Coming right up."

Split-beard grinned viciously. "Served cold."

The Great Hall doors banged open and several Hunters ran in, shouting and stunning the already shocked Berkians.

Astrid growled in annoyance and flipped over her chair, rolling her eyes as Snotlout was knocked unconscious almost immediately—not that he gave much fight after hitting the ground. Opting to take that nap he'd been denied earlier.

She took her pent up anger out on the foolish Hunters who dared approach her, easily making it outside—only to stop dead in her tracks as the Hunters and Flyers ran amuck through the village, half of it aflame, taking down the few villagers not inside and capturing all dragons within the vicinity.

Stormfly squawked in defiance as she thrashed under a net. Astrid's heart raced and copied its pace as she ran down the steps, taking out the few Hunters on the stairs with her momentum alone and lunged for an axe, never breaking stride. "Oh, no, no, no! Nobody messes with my dragon!"

Flames leapt up from the ground just in front of Stormfly, cutting her off from her goal with a painful heat wave. She pulled back and looked up in the direction the fireball had come from.

A red Singetail stood on the hut behind Stormfly, Krogan looking smug. "How gallant. Risking everything for your miserable island and your worthless dragon while your so-called heir and boyfriend is nowhere to be seen." He smirked as Astrid bristled, white-knuckling the axe. "No doubt to afraid and ashamed to bring himself anywhere near this island!"

Astrid growled as the image of the last glimpse she'd caught of Hiccup's face reflected just that, her guilt doubling. So, she took it out in the most productive way she could think of…throwing the axe at Krogan's head.

Unfortunately, he caught it with an infuriating smile. "Johann was right. So predictable. Even down to Hiccup being nowhere near Berk…or very likely, not even in the Archipelago itself."

Two Hunters quickly restrained her while she was momentarily distracted, something which she'll berate herself up for later. "You might as well save the men, Krogan. You'll never take Berk!"

Krogan leaned forward, amused, and looked around. "From the looks of things, we already have."

She glared, straining against the Hunters. "Just like you took Dragon Edge? I'd watch your back, Krogan."

They dragged her back up to the Great Hall where the other Hunters had almost already finished securing the other Berkians.


It was nearing sunset, though it would still be fully light out for another hour or more at least. An island, not Berk, showed as a speck on their horizon and they corrected—putting it to their left as they continued on to Berk. It continued to grow larger and larger as they flew near it and as it became the size of a plate, Hiccup couldn't help his curiosity from being piqued as black smoke rose from it.

This wasn't too odd. It may not have an island inhabited by Vikings, but wild dragons did inhabit the island and fires breaking out weren't unheard of if two dragons got into a scuffle. What was odd, though, was the triad of Singetails hurriedly flying away from the island.

Hiccup pulled up in Toothless' saddle, changing gears as he did so. Loki, not expecting Toothless to rear up suddenly, gripped Hiccup tightly with slightly widened eyes—scanning the skies and seas for the threat or point of interest. He narrowed in on the Singetails and, judging by Hiccup's abrupt halt, they were not native to this island.

What added to the oddity is that they didn't have riders.

The twins pulled up beside them, about to ask before catching sight of the Singetails. Tuffnut pulled a face before asking like a disgusted cheerleader, "What are they doing here?"

Hiccup scowled, guiding Toothless towards the island while also scanning for more Singetails or ships. "Johann's making his move. Or preparing it at least."

They were nearly at the island when a green, battering-ram of a dragon flew away.

Toothless turned immediately and crooned while Hiccup froze but whispered, "Dad?"

Ruffnut squinted then pointed. "Hey, isn't that the chief?!"

Tuffnut nodded then frowned. "I do believe it is, dear sister of mine, but what-"

"-is he doing this far out-"

"-while Berk is on high alert?" Tuffnut finished, looking to Hiccup like he would have all the answers.

Hiccup didn't seem to hear them, still frozen on Toothless' back, while said terror of the skies flew to catch up and intercept the chief.

Loki took a breath before unwrapping an arm from around Hiccup's middle to grab his shoulder, managing to break him out of his trance—at least a little. "What is wrong, Liten Listig?"

Hiccup tore his gaze away from the rapidly approaching Rumblehorn, eyeing Loki through the corner of his eye. "I-I, what will my dad…I mean, we're finally at a good place and…gods, what if Astrid told him and he hates me. Or-"

Loki stopped him with a finger pressed against his rambling lips, eyebrow raised. "Have not the twins already said that Astrid refused to tell anyone anything about what occurred between the two of you?"

"Yeah, but what i-" he looked away again to the ocean as Loki cut him off before he could spiral more.

"And if you are worried about recent events. Might I remind you that though you, the twins and Defenders know you look… different and have Jötunn magic growing, this," he tapped the bracer now adorning Hiccup's right arm, "will prevent anyone from seeing that. You have complete control now of who may see you as you truly are now. And no one will be able to take that away from you again."

Hiccup took a few seconds to really accept his words and, likewise, Loki seemed to pause as he thought about the words that flowed from his mouth.

Hiccup leaned closer to Toothless, Loki copying him, and they quickly closed the distance to Stoic.

"Dad!"

The Rumblehorn stopped abruptly and Stoic whirled around, taking in Hiccup for a brief second before a relieved grin broke across his face. "Hiccup! Thank Thor the twins found you. Astrid was skeptical they would."

Hiccup smiled sheepishly. "Yeah…uh, sorry—I—there were some things I needed to... figure out first."

Stoic nodded. "Astrid said as much. Actually, she was almost convinced that-"

The twins pulled up and Loki leaned over to hear what they were saying without them having to raise their voices and drown out Hiccup and Stoic's conversation with one another.

Stoic glared at the god but proceeded to otherwise ignore him.

Hiccup frowned, looking back at the now too-distant-to-see Singetails. "What were the Flyers doing out here?"

Stoic scowled before turning Skullcrusher away, intent on finding the next island Gothi had said was prime with Willow Bark, and Hiccup and the twins followed. "With Johann's betrayal—I had no choice but to burn all food and medicine he had brought."

Hiccup cringed. "Couldn't you have tested it to see if he poisoned it or-"

"And how would you propose I did that?!" Stoic snapped.

Hiccup curled inward and again averted his eyes, muttering, "It was just a thought."

Stoic's lips thinned after a second. It wasn't Hiccup's fault Johann betrayed them—betrayed him. He turned to check on Hiccup and growled when he saw the trickster sitting behind Hiccup, whispering something in his ear, mollifying him after his harsh and unfair rebuttal. He sighed and swallowed it, pulling back on Skullcrusher to even out with Hiccup again—eyes softer than they had been in days and very determinately overlooking Loki.

"The idea had merit, son. However, I didn't think about using Snotlout before I burned everything."

Hiccup chuckled, some of the tension that had built up over the last few days relenting some.

Stoic smiled lightly before refocusing on the horizon. "Ah. I really should be back on Berk but, as I'm sure you noticed, was a bit too furious with Johann to stay. I couldn't even pick one of those lousy traders."

Hiccup's head whirled around to his father, the small, pleasant moment shattered. "Traders? What trader could've gotten to Berk that fast?"

Stoic's mouth and brow pinched. "Eh, apparently they were at the Northern Markets. I mean, is it really so hard to choose between three crummy traders even when they all had no bark and all the same fish?"

Stoic saw Hiccup shift, entering deep thought with more than a little concern—which didn't sit well with him but his son didn't speak.

"Out with it." He commanded, maybe a bit too harshly but Hiccup was liable to not answer him quickly otherwise—and by his face it looked important—to which Loki glared.

Hiccup was blissfully unaware of his father's and god's mini standoff—the twins taking bets with each other on how Loki was going to de-saddle the chief. "I-I just think it's a little odd. Well, more like it seems like a pretty big coincidence. No bark, the same fish."

A terrible thought struck him then, eyes going wide as an uncomfortable chill ran down his spine. He turned to look at his father, eyes almost pleading. "That fish…what kind was it?"

Stoic's nose wrinkled in disgust, cheeks turning slightly red with embarrassment. "I was so busy acting like a child, I only saw it for a moment."

Loki blinked in surprise. He actually admits it? No excuses, just, blatant acceptance? He glanced away, dark thoughts about his own 'father' and any myriad of excuses he would no doubt give if Loki ever questioned his origins. He eyed Stoic again as he listened to Hiccup's awful theory but not yet placing its significance.

"-Ice Tail Pike, was it?" Hiccup queried nervously.

"Hmm…" Stoic nodded and face lit up as he placed it. "Indeed it was. How'd you guess?"

Hiccup's stomach dropped, the twins looking worried as well, before he growled—mentally berating himself for leaving Berk and the Riders in a clearly obvious time of need. But then a gentle hand rested and squeezed lightly reminded him why he so necessarily left. However, he couldn't help the snarl that accompanied his words. "That's what Singetails eat!"

Loki's eyes widened partially, now more conscious of the danger these Hunters and Flyers presented not only to Hiccup but him as well. He would not make the same mistake of underestimating them, merely because they were magicless mortals, twice.

The twins gasped, Ruffnut shouting, "Those sneaks!"

Tuffnut nodded, scowling. "Doesn't matter which 'profession'" he air-quoted, "a trader/traitor is in."

"-they're all in it for themselves. Sell anyone out for a nice gold." She crossed her arms in disgust.

Tuffnut snorted. "Do we really need traders anymore? I mean, really? No offense Hiccup, but I think I'd rather go plunder and pillage the old fashion way than even remotely 'trust' another trader to turn traitor."

Stoic's shoulders straightened instantly, the niggling feeling he attributed to Hiccup's absence now realized as something else entirely, and sighed in frustrated disappointment. "Ah! Johann sent me on a wild-goose chase to get me away from Berk so he can launch an attack."

Hiccup leaned close to Toothless, Loki automatically again copying behind him. "Let's go bud."


Hiccup and Toothless dove, firing at the ballista ready to impale the Rider's dragons. "That should do it."

The plasma hit with a bang and some smoke but it cleared to reveal the entire contraption still intact. His heart stopped momentarily as they whirled it around to face him. "What?!"

"Fire!"

A bolt streaked towards them and Toothless rolled, easily evading the lethal bolt.

He growled, eyeing the infernal device and trying to calculate a way of taking it down.

He didn't have to as green fog leaked into the area, confusing the Hunters who began nervously checking the caged dragons, before the vicious grins of the twins and Zippleback popped over the edge of the Arena.

"Light 'em up Belch!" Tuffnut shouted, throwing a fist into the air.

There was a click from below him and the fog turned white with explosive heat, sending all the Hunters flying into the walls.

Toothless landed, Barf and Belch hopping over and they eyed the Hunters but none moved. Their riders ran to the cages and began unlocking and releasing the trapped dragons.

Hiccup just about had the lock picked on the cage with the Riders' dragons when the many pebbles covering the solid rock ground crunched just behind him. He turned his head, eyes wide and shoulders scrunched as he tried to bring his arm up as a Hunter brought a sword down upon him.

He heard Toothless' roar of fury and the sickening squelsh of metal tearing into skin—but felt no pain. He opened his eyes to see the Hunter dead on the ground with a line of crimson dripping across his throat and Loki standing next to the man with a sneer and a red dagger.

Hiccup nodded to Loki, grateful, but took a second to turn and resume freeing the dragons as the sight remained in his mind and adrenaline lingered.

A shout followed by a few pounding feet from Hunters, who were at the edge of the blast, erupted as their fellow Hunter fell unmoving.

Loki sighed but resisted the urge to roll his eyes at their stupidity. Instead, bending down to grab the horribly unbalanced and crafted blade—by Asgardian standards that is—from the deceased Hunter and turning to meet his foolish comrades.

There were only three of them and the battle was short lived. Though he did not prefer a sword to his daggers, it made it so he need not be quite so precise with his attacks and ended the 'battle' that much sooner.

Hiccup watched in awe as Loki gracefully, like everything, wielded the sword. Not a minute later he discarded the weapon and walked back to his followers—the twins' eyes sparkling as they watched Loki work.

"You have to teach me that." Hiccup said as he finally got the lock to click open.

Loki smiled, straightening his coat. "Yes, I daresay your sword work does need some help. However I will need to bring a sword I favor." He cast a disparaging glance to the Hunter's now discarded sword. "Not that tool of blunt destruction that would be better suited to a carpenter as use of a hammer."

Hiccup's chest shook with near silent laughter.

Roars and explosions in the sky stole their attention, the Rumblehorn and Titanwing Singetail going at it before the Singetail's tail caught the Rumblehorn and threw it into a hut.

Hiccup hopped onto Toothless and shot out of the Arena, the freed dragons correcting their flight course to follow him.

The twins followed along beside him but Loki remained on the ground, glaring at the man on the Singetail, before a green flash enveloped him and another dragon took to the sky. Once more, ignoring the tinges of pain beginning to spread from his over use of magic. I can rest once he's safe.

Hiccup's breaths shortened as Krogan instructed the Singetail to fire, patting Toothless' head. "Make it good, bud."

Toothless shook himself before firing, catching the Singetail right on the snout and sending the dragon flipping sideways to the ground.

Stoic turned and beamed up at his son. "Just in time, son!"

Hiccup grinned, relieved that his father was relatively unhurt. "Heck of a plan, dad!"

"You think one more of you is going to make a difference?" Krogan and his dragon, a bit shakily, flew back up to meet them. He eyed Hiccup, lids narrowing as he took in details. "You're looking better than what Johann said you would." His gaze shifted to Stoic. "So tell me, does your father know?"

Hiccup growled, leaning close to Toothless, and Krogan chuckled—grinning maliciously at him.

Stoic glared at Krogan but warily caught a glance of Hiccup who shifted, shoulders growing tenser.

Krogan beamed. "Ah, well. Best he know sooner rather than later, no?"

"What are you blathering on about?!" Stoic snapped at the lead Flyer. "I already know about his magic, that ship has long since sailed."

Krogan tore his laughing gaze away from Stoic to his son who was tenser than a jack rabbit staring down a rabid coyote. "Then let me make this easy for both of you, as I don't mind being the hand to break the ice." He leaned forward, resting his elbow on a raised knee, smirking at Hiccup. "Your son is a m-"

An enraged roar cut him off. He just managed to turn his head and catch a shocked and mildly terrified, wide eyed glance of a diving green dragon. A very familiar green dragon. Krogan dropped flat against his Singetail but not soon enough, the dragon catching him in the shoulder—talons easily slicing through his armor and into muscle, down to the scapula.

He cried out in pain, unable to help it, while the dragon over shot and nearly collided with Stoic, evading at the last second and gliding back up to take a second pass at Krogan.

Hiccup eased Toothless away from the anew'd fight.

The twins flew up to him, the horde of dragons from the arena right behind them.

Hiccup nodded to them, momentarily ignoring Loki and Krogan. "Now, Toothless! Fire!"

Toothless shot at the barricaded doors and the other dragons followed suit, the twins whooping with glee as the door and props splintered in a glorious explosion.

Hunters ran, shouting from near the doorway, aiming for the docks, while the previously locked up Berkians ran out with looks of painful retribution. Astrid leading the charge and scowling at Krogan before pausing with a smirk.

Krogan was almost blissfully unaware of Hiccup's attack, almost, but aware. Just too preoccupied with not being slashed and torn like paper by a vengeful god. He could see it in the dragon's eyes that he had not forgotten their last encounter…nor his recent attempt to turn father on son. Only alive still because of the Singetail he rode was just as terrified of the shapeshifter.

Shoulder bleeding profusely and dragon bucking wildly, Krogan steered them out to sea with a sneer directed at Hiccup.

Hiccup watched the Hunters and Flyers flee and smiled down at his dad, checking again to make sure he was okay. Stoic nodded at him so he turned to find the Riders, just making it to the cliff to greet their dragons and watch as the Hunters hurriedly sail away.

They landed and Hiccup eyed them, visually checking them over. "Everyone okay?"

They all nodded but Hiccup looked away before he could see Astrid's response.

He didn't see it but Astrid visibly flinched and looked away as well, hurt and ashamed.

The twins landed, each leaning on their respective dragon head's horns. "Did you see that gorgeous explosion?!" Tuffnut cried, throwing his arms wide.

Ruffnut stared off dreamily to see at the retreating ships. "Oh yea, I'm gonna be dreaming that for a while now."

Stoic started towards the Riders and jumped when the green dragon landed with a flash and Loki followed beside him. He frowned for a moment, glancing at Hiccup then quickly grabbing Loki's wrist before they could get within earshot of the Riders.

Loki turned his head towards him, face pinched in near disgust that Stoic had grabbed him so—wrenching his arm out of the man's grasp.

"Wait, please." Stoic quickly said, keeping it low enough that even Toothless would have trouble hearing it over the din of rejoicing Berkians.

Loki paused, arcing an eyebrow in silent acceptance.

Stoic glanced again at Hiccup before asking, "What was Krogan going to say? The way Hiccup tensed—it must have had some connection to why he hid after Johann…some connection with you that Astrid refuses to tell."

Loki pinned him with a hard look that made his spine tingle uncomfortably but he would not back down, not with Hiccup in possible danger. "You would be correct." The trickster answered after a moment before reverting his eyes back to Hiccup, feet proceeding to follow their path. "And as thus, it is a matter between me and him—with words spoken to a certain Shield Maiden."

Stoic felt a growl low in his throat and stepped in front of Loki, pinning him with the same hard look.

A father's worried look for their child.

Stoic hid his rising turmoil with his signature stoic expression with a touch of angered exasperation. "And as Krogan and no doubt Johann and Viggo know about it, I think I need to know about it to help him combat whatever plan they concoct to use that against him!"

His voice rose slightly but was still quiet enough that the Riders would not hear.

Loki scowled at the man before taking a breath, staring at Hiccup who shifted on Toothless uncomfortably as Astrid looked at him before biting her lip—equally unsure. The twins rolled their eyes and Ruffnut grabbed Astrid and Tuffnut, Hiccup, dragging them aside. His brows pinched in determination, a half-cocked idea forming. Not his best, admittedly, but desperate times and all of that.

He turned to Stoic, chin up and shoulders square—an imposing form of a prince of Asgard. "No, you don't. Should that bridge ever need to be crossed then something will have gone horrifically wrong—something which will not happen."

With that he turned and approached the group of tricksters.

Stoic's fist balled tightly, irate with the god and turned to Snotlout and Fishlegs with an angered huff.

Hiccup shifted uncomfortably, peeking up at Astrid who seemed to be debating on what to say. After a second he sighed. "Astrid, look, I understand if-"

"I'm sorry." She blurted out, looking pleadingly into his eyes before looking away ashamed. "I-I said some pretty awful things and they're not true. I was just, shocked and— a bit scared but it was still wrong and…I'm sorry. You're not a monster, and neither is Loki. Viggo, Krogan, Johann, they're the monsters.

"Whatever is happening to you, whatever it is you're going through—if you still want me to be—I'll be right here for you."

Hiccup nearly stopped breathing, relief he never thought he'd feel again loosening more cords around his chest. He reached forward and gingerly grasped Astrid's hands, watching her for any sign of repulsion but she didn't even so much as flinch. "I should really be telling you that last part."

Astrid started to retort but he reached up to cup her face, pausing momentarily before Astrid smiled softly and grabbed it, bringing it to her cheek and resting her head on his cool hand.

He took a small breath, casting a side glance at Loki who stood by the twins watching them. "You didn't say anything I hadn't already thought of, or about me."

"It was still wrong." Astrid whispered.

Hiccup's lips thinned and whispered back. "Then help me. E-even if it isn't, even if you can't touch me—just…be there."

She smiled and leaned forward to give him a kiss. "Then I'll be here, anytime you need."

He smiled, true color once again in his cheeks.

Loki nodded approvingly, giving the twins a small, appreciative nod as well before becoming thoughtful of Astrid's words. Strange how, once again, it was Midgardians who accepted monsters among them with open arms. But did not Odin and Frigga already do that?

He wanted to sneer at the thought. Odin clearly had another objective when he took him…but it does not mean it had to be the entire reason.

He watched Astrid and Hiccup embrace each other, relief in his Chosen's shoulders as they drooped; studied the twins, his oldest followers as far as he knew of, and smiled. He shoved all other thoughts on that subject aside because here, in this moment, he was content.

*O*

They finished unloading the abandoned supplies left by the 'traders' when Dagur and Heather touched down, both their dragons carrying large boxes of bark.

Dagur leapt off before Sleuther before he could land and ran up the dock to Hiccup who was carrying one last box up to the Great Hall. "Brother!"

Hiccup paused and was halfway turned when Dagur gripped him by his upper arms and nearly picked him up, wide eyes searching for any mark of harm.

"You're alright, and back on Berk!" His moment of jubilation instantly soured into one of admonishment. "And just what were you thinking! Running off with Johann just suddenly at large?! And then you don't tell anyone where you're going and leave us to pick up the pieces and try and figure out what's going on?! No, no-no. That was surprisingly stupid for someone of your smarts."

Hiccup cringed slightly but squirmed a bit to not drop the box. "Uh, Dagur—you're holding a little tight."

"Eh! Incorrect answer!" Dagur yelled though he did loosen his grip some but not enough for Hiccup to wiggle his way out of an explanation.

Hiccup frowned, an eyebrow arching in defiance and Dagur steeled for the argument that was sure to ensue. "That's complicated and-"

"And nothing! Hiccup, brother, you had us all worried." Hiccup looked down, wonderful, even more to add to my conscience, but it was missed by Dagur who started pacing as he tirade\. "You just, ran off. Ran off, ran off! Good Thor, you're acting like Heather when she's obsessed and—Hiccup you know how much that scares and stresses me out!"

He continued to rant and Hiccup felt a bit bad but he couldn't find it in himself to care too much. Gripping his bracer to ensure that he wouldn't just suddenly switch back as his emotions ran like Toothless doing stunts as uncertainty still held firm. No doubt it would for years.

A hand suddenly landed on his shoulder, jarring him from his thoughts and whipping his head around to see Loki standing there with a sympathetic smile. His shoulders laxed and he leaned into it.

"I'm afraid I must disagree with you." Loki spoke sharply, cutting Dagur off and catching him by surprise—it showing as he jumped. "You were not there and have no idea the changes Hiccup is experiencing. Running off to a people who already know and do not fear him for it was, undoubtedly, the wisest decision he could have made." Certainly much better than the one I would most likely have made.

Someone huffed deeply behind them and Stoic set down the box of Willow Bark he was carrying, just shy of glaring at Loki. "I'd have to agree with Dagur, as crazy as it is. Hiccup is the heir to Berk and the Dragon Rider's leader, it was foolish of him to run off for any reason—but especially with Johann after him and the lenses. Whatever magic he's developing from you, we could have handled it."

Loki held his gaze, long and hard, before tilting his head up and away with a small, displeased wrinkle. "Pardon me, chief, if I don't believe your reaction would have mirrored your words if not even Astrid—Hiccup's betrothed—could 'handle it'."

Stoic started to retort before Hiccup ran up to him and grabbed his forearm. "Dad, please, just let it go. I promise I won't run off like that again. It was just…I won't, I promise."

Stoic relented after a few seconds of inner debate, Dagur was not so happy to let it go but relinquished when Loki sent him a glare before turning to give father and son a little space. Still keeping an eye on Dagur as he proceeded to carry the crate up to the healer's.

Stoic picked up Hiccup's small box of supplies and added it to his own box of Bark, gesturing for him to follow. He smiled at Hiccup as he fell into step next to him. "Clearly a lot has been happening outside the Archipelago."

Hiccup snorted but his lips twitched into a tiny smile. "You have no idea."

"Then tell me, I'm all ears."

Hiccup looked down, brows pinched.

Stoic stopped, halting Hiccup, and set down his load once again. "Hiccup."

Hiccup looked up, worried that he was going to try and pry more out of him than he was willing to share.

Stoic shifted the boxes to gripped him, large hand covering his shoulder and part of his upper arms. "Son, you've been at the Edge a long time now. And you've done amazing things. Things I could never have dreamed of. But if I've learned one thing in the last 24 hours, it's that you and I—we're better together than alone. Berk needs you son, I need you. The bounty hunter incident should have made it clear that we need better communication. Even, even if you don't tell me everything.

"But son, I am chief and you are heir. I know we haven't had the best relationship, and it clearly still needs work, but I want to try. At the very least to protect our people."

Hiccup nodded slowly.

Stoic took a moment to keep his voice even. "I, won't try and get you to tell me what about your magic you're afraid of me knowing." He was silent for a second before laughing, eyes far away. "Odin knows there are things I wouldn't tell my father for the world. But, please, don't ever think you have to hide from me."

Hiccup nodded again, but only because he thought it easier than trying to argue with his father about the topic. And he wasn't ready, not yet—maybe not ever.

Stoic grinned, clapped Hiccup on the back, and picked up the crates and resumed their walk to the Great Hall. "Good! Now, about what's been happening outside the Archipelago…that Dagur sure has changed."

Hiccup laughed, remembering how Dagur used to be—how Dagur even describes his old self.


Krogan landed his Singetail on the lead ship, hissing as he jostled his shoulder and hopped off carefully. The bleeding had slowed but hadn't stopped, spots had been dancing in his vision for the last several minutes and he fought not to sway drunkenly.

He stumbled into the captain's quarters with a healer in tow, slumping down on the chair. He heard another chair scrape against the wood and opened a bleary eye.

Johann stood, hands clasped behind him, looking expectantly at him. "So, where is it?"

Krogan's nose scrunched from a scowl. "It wasn't there."

Viggo nodded, making a sound to accentuate that while also sounding smug. "See, as I told you, Johann. It would be either Hiccup or one of the twins that would have the Dragon Eye and with Hiccup exposed, he would undoubtedly flee with the twins in hot pursuit."

Johann glared at the man, about to strangle him, but Krogan's wet laugh distracted him.

Krogan kept his eyes closed as the healer tended to him, too tired to open them. "That may have been but he was there and normal looking when he, Stoic and Loki drove us out."

Viggo's stance suddenly shifted, lighter, more ready to run even though the threat wasn't in the room. "Again? What does it take to keep him away!?"

Johann stared at Krogan's shoulder. "Am I to assume that it is because of him that you came back so disgraced?"

Krogan glared at Johann but then snorted. "He was aiming for my gut—I managed to evade most of his attack."

Viggo sat with a heavy breath, fingers steepled, and looked at Johann expressionless. "It may be time to give up on taking Hiccup's Dragon Eye."

Johann exploded. "Wh-After all this, just to give up now?! Because of a runt and a god."

Krogan eyebrows arced. "Just a god? Have you gone mad?"

Johann was ready to start yelling again.

"Enough!" Viggo shouted, pounding a fist against the table, staring them both hard in the eye. "I am not proposing we simply give up trying to attain the prize altogether but that we take a different path."

Johann took a breath, arms dangling but fisted. "And how do you propose we do that without the Dragon Eye?"

"Simple." He stood and walked around the table, grinning wickedly and snagging the 'honorable chief' off of his Maces and Talons set—tossing it to Johann. "Show him the prize."


Okay, so, that happened and now I can finally move on to something a tad lighter after such a heavy chapter. Only a few chapters left to RttE, unless something points out a really good episode I haven't done. But wow, it's really crazy to me how much this story has grown, and actually has a plot, from what I initially envisioned-but wouldn't change a thing...except my early grammar and spelling.

Anyway, have an awesome day/night, R&R!