Hey Everybody! Yes, it's been a while. Yes, this is still kinda short. But, I was able to add some stuff to lengthen it, so hopefully it's still good.

Ch. 8
The Dancing and The Dreaming

This was just amazing! My parents… both of them… they were united! They were together again! Oh man, this was incredible! Not only was this good for me- I finally have a chance to see what it's like to have a mother and father in the same room- but they are in the same room together! This is just the opportunity I needed! If I can get them in a good mood at dinner, I can probably talk to them and convince them both that my plans for Drago might work. But, one step at a time.

The whole day was spent with mom showing dad the whole haven. She told him about how she came to be here, how she became part of this gigantic dragon family, how she became the dragon savior that she is today. Obviously, my dad was impressed. He clearly didn't think that if my mom was alive that she would be this amazing and cool with dragons. Even he was amazed by the beauty of the tavern. He got pretty annoyed when he ran into the hatchlings, though. That was a barrel of laughs for me and Toothless.

"Mom, I swear, if you walked into Berk right you, you wouldn't even recognized it," I said as I walked toward the fish basket, pulling out a few fish and placing them on my tray. "Where we used to make weapons, we now build saddles, wing slings, we even fix dragon teeth! It's incredible and- Hey, stop it you!"

Toothless had been sniffing his nose into the fish basket and had opened his mouth to try to grab some, but I quickly closed the lid. It snapped on his nose and he sat back, blinking up at me.

'What? I'm hungry!'

"You'll get plenty of food in a moment, my boy," my mom laughed. "Don't you worry."

'Tell that to her,' Toothless muttered, glaring slightly at me.

I rolled my eyes. "Anyways… Yeah, everything at Berk is incredible mom. You wouldn't believe how much everything's changed."

"Oh, darling, I can only imagine," she said, holding up a tray of skewered fish slices.

"Aye, your daughters changed Berk for the better," said dad, taking the tray from me and setting it on the table. "I think we did well with this one, Val."

"Thanks, dad!"

He grinned at me as he reached up and placed his hands on my mom's shoulders. She gasped, her shoulders seizing up as she fumbled with the tray, and the fish slices falling down onto the ground.

'Heck, yeah!' Toothless cried out happily, making a run for the fish.

But just as he got there, Cloudjumper beat him to it, scooping the fist up in his jaws. Toothless stared up at him, then sniffed the ground, as though expecting to find some more fish. When he found none, he sat up and looked at Cloudjumper sadly. The bigger dragon looked at him with his large, curious eyes.

'Oh, alright…'

Cloudjumper started making a hacking sound and a second later threw up half of the fish he had just eaten. Toothless gave a happy chortle and leaned forward, sucking the fish into his mouth with a disgusting slurp.

"I am not kissing you again until you've cleaned your mouth," I said firmly.

'Oh, please,' Toothless said, rolling his eyes. 'What about that time I gave you the fish?'

"That was different!" I said quickly, blushing as I turned to help mom pick up her mess.

"I'm, eh… a little out of practice…" she said sheepishly as my dad placed some new slices onto her tray.

I smiled at mom as I took the tray from her and walked over to Gobber, who was sitting by the fire pit. From behind me, I heard my dad chuckle.

"Well, yah know… I didn't marry you for your cooking."

"I hope not," said Gobber. "Her meatballs could kill more beasts than a battle axe. I've still got a few knockin' around in here," he joked, laughing as he patted his stomach.

I rolled my eyes as I walked back towards my parents.

"Just think, mom. With the way things are going, we'll all be back at Berk in no time!" I said happily. "And once you move back in, with all your dragons? Oh baby, Drago won't stand a chance. Not against me, you, or anyone for that matter. Everything is gonna be just great and-"

"Eh, slow down, dear," my dad said softly, putting a hand on my shoulder. "It's a lot to take in."

I frowned at him, then turned to look at my mother. I only just realized that she hadn't responded to any of what I was saying. She had her back facing me as she walked over to a small watering spot, not even looking at me.

"Oh… right. Sorry," I muttered.

I sighed slightly as I walked over to sit on one of the logs at the fire pit. Toothless shuffled over and sat down next to me, laying his head in my lap. I smiled as I petted him softly. Then, to my surprise, I heard something. Someone was whistling a soft, melody that I had never heard before.

"Oh, I love this one," Gobber said dreamily.

I stared at him for a moment before looking up, and I was surprised to see that the one whistling was my dad. He was gazing at my mom, who had gone solidly stiff. He slowly walked over to her, still whistling, taking the water jug from her hand and setting it down.

"Remember our song, Val?" he whispered.

And then, my dad did something that I had never seen him do before, and began to sing.

I'll swim and sail on savage seas…
With ne'er a fear of drowning…
And gladly right the waves of life…
If you will marry me…

All I could do was sit there and stare, gazing happily at my parents. I had never seen my dad act so tender before, and I was loving every second of it.

No scorching sun, nor freezing cold…
Will stop-

"Will stop me on my journey!" Gobber piped up, leaping to his feet.

I whipped around to glare at him, angry at him for interrupting.

'Not cool, man,' said Toothless.

Gobber rubbed the back of his neck as he flopped back down into his seat. "Sorry…"

My dad sighed irritably before turning back to mom and continuing to sing. As he did, I saw he had reached forward and had grasped her slender hand in his own.

If you will promise me your heart…
And love…

My dad looked at my mom expectantly, as though wanting her to continue. She didn't, remaining silent. My dad sighed, looking defeated.

And love me for eternity…

I gazed in amazement. My mom had started to sing as well. Her nervous posture had completely vanished and was replaced with a look of contempt. My dad was gazing at her, his eyes actually glittering. My mom turned to face him, a smile forming on her face.

My dearest one, my darling dear
Your mighty words astound me
But I've no need of mighty deeds
When I feel your arms around me

My dad let out a harty laugh, then started to dance with my mom as he continued to sing.

But I would bring you rings of gold
I'd even sing you poetry
And I would keep you from all harm
If you would stay beside me

My mom beamed as she joined in:

I have no use for rings of gold
I care not for your poetry
I only want your hand to hold

I only want you near me!

By now, everyone was dancing. Gobber had been tapping away on his leg and wooden peg leg before bouncing up onto his feet. He cheered, reaching back and pulling me up to my feet. I felt a nudge at my lower back, and turned to see a happy Night Fury dancing away as well, flashing his gummy smile at me. I laughed as I started to dance with him.

To love and kiss, to sweetly hold
For the dancing and the dreaming
Through all life's sorrows and delights
I'll keep your love beside me

I'll swim and sail on savage seas
With ne'er a fear of drowning
And gladly ride the waves of life
If you will marry me…!

At the last note, my dad had lifted mom up into the air, spinning her around. Gobber continued to sing, keeping the last tune going. It wasn't until I patted his chest and asked him to stop that he finally ceased. I heard more laughter, and I turned to see my parents embracing each other. I smiled at them.

"I thought I'd have to die before we'd have that dance again," my dad said breathlessly.

"No need for drastic measures," my mom said, half laughing.

My dad smiled, then slowly got down on one knee, holding my mom's hands.

"For you, my dear, anything…" he gazed up at her. "Will… Will you come home, Val? Will you be my wife once again?"

My mom stared down at him, her mouth slightly open. I felt a nudge at my side, and I turned to see Toothless.

'I got this,' he said in a hushed voice, nodding over to my parents.

He slowly and quietly waddled over to stand behind my mom. Then, he not-so-subtly nudged her forward, pushing her into my father's arms. They laughed, and I chuckled as I walked over to the pair of them.

"It would be nice to have you home, mom," I said softly.

"Exactly!" my father stood up on his feet, putting an arm around my shoulders. "We can be a family! What do yah say?"

Toothless pushed forward and reared his head up toward my mom. 'Please?'

My mom giggled, reaching up and petting his head. Then, she turned and smiled up at both of us.

"Yes," she sighed, eyes watering.

I inhaled softly, beaming at her. She smiled back at me.

"Great!" Gobber chimed in, pushing himself into the circle. "I'll do the cookin'!"

We all laughed as we broke the circle, my parents walking away, arm-in-arm.

"Thank Odin you didn't listen to me, dear," my dad said, looking back at me. "We never would've found each other."

"Yeah," I said. "Good I never listen, huh?"

"That's debatable," said Gobber, who was playfully glaring at me. "You've still got work piled up to Valhalla to take care of when we get back home, yah know."

"Err, right," I said, suddenly remembering all the work I had missed.

'Somebody's not being responsible,' Toothless teased.

I glared at him, shoving his snout away from me.

Night had come sooner than expected after dinner. My parents had both decided to spend the evening going around the entire haven. I didn't blame them. They had a lot of catching up to do, and a lot to discuss now that my mom was moving back in. There was still the situation with Drago that had to be dealt with, and I hoped that they would both come to their senses and realize that we could deal with this thing without war or anything. But, no matter what happens now, at least there was something amazing to look forward to. I'll be able to go home to Berk with my family.

Family… Even the word is enough to make me giddy. The fact that it won't just be me and my dad anymore, it'll be me and my parents, it was almost too much for me to handle. I nearly cried when my mom said she would come home.

After my parents went away to talk and Gobber fell asleep next to his dragon Grump, Toothless and I decided to take a stroll around the lake. We haven't really had any real time alone together since we went flying the other day, and that didn't really count since Austen and Stormfly decided to barge in.

"This was some day, huh?" said Toothless as he walked next to me in his human form.

"Yeah," I said. "Crazy. But, everything turned out perfect."

As we walked around the lake we could both see the Alpha, fast asleep in the water. He seemed to just hang out there all day, never really moving. I looked up at the mighty dragon. The thought of what he did for me last night, giving me the spell to change Toothless' age, it made my heart heavy. I still haven't told a soul about it, and I wasn't sure if I was going to. No, that was silly. I'd have to tell Toothless eventually, how else is one of us supposed to take it?

I felt Toothless' warm, scaly hand grasp my own.

"Are you thinking about Drago again?" he asked.

I sighed, thankful of an excuse to get the spell out of my head for now.

"Yeah, kind of," I said. "I mean, I want to try to keep the peace as much as I can, to keep anyone from getting hurt. I just need a chance to try, but… neither of my parents are giving it to me."

Toothless held my hand in both of his own. "They're just worried. With Drago's history, anyone would be. After all that he's done, you can't blame them for not thinking talking will work for him."

I stopped walking. "What do you think?"

Toothless sighed. Then, he stood in front of me and grasped my shoulders.

"I think," he said. "That whatever you decide will be the right choice in the end. It may not be the one everyone else likes, it may not even be the one you like, but I know everything will be okay no matter what you decide. You're the smartest being I know, Hicca, and I know you can finish this."

Toothless raised his hand to place it on my cheek. I smiled at him, holding the hand on my face. Toothless grinned, leaning forward and pressing his lips to my own. The kiss felt so wonderful; it felt like it had been years since I'd kissed him. I grabbed his shoulders and pulled him forward as he placed his hands on my lower back. We stood their kissing for a few moments before I felt his hands move to my hips, gripping them tightly. I didn't think anything of it as I continued to kiss him. Then, I felt him lower his hands and grasp the back of my knees.

The next thing I knew I was on my back on the soft, grassy ground, Toothless hovering over me as he kissed hard. I was so shocked I felt my heart skip a beat. It's wasn't unpleasant, but it was very surprising.

"Toothle-"

I had no time to ask before he was kissing me again, his hands gripping my legs tightly. I felt a breeze as the wings on his back flapped a bit. I felt his forked tongue graze my bottom lip before he finally leaned up. I was gasping for air by now, but he seemed completely fine. In fact, he was staring down at me with his large, piercing green eyes, which seemed to glow in the shadow. A wide smirk was on his lips as he leaned down low enough for our foreheads to touch.

"Hicca…"

I gasped slightly. I knew exactly what that deep, powering voice meant.

"T-Toothless… please…"

Toothless leaned forward, nuzzling my neck. I shuddered as his warm breathe tickled my skin.

"Relax, love," he whispered lowly. "I know you're not ready yet. I just love teasing you, that's all."

I let out an irritated grunt as reached up and shoved his arm. He chuckled, grabbing my arm and gently placing it on the ground.

"Oh, come on, it's no fun teasing you with that attitude."

I puffed my cheeks as I turned away from him. I realized too late that this was a mistake. I saw him lean forward and his lips brushed against my neck, making me tense up. He chuckled, peppering kisses all along my throat. I felt knot form in my stomach as I let out a soft sigh. It was truly amazing how gentle such a powerful creature like Toothless can be.

Toothless chuckled, leaning up to look down at me. His eyes had gone softer, and his smirk had turned into a smile.

"It's late," he said. "We should probably get some sleep."

I gulped. "Y-Yeah. We probably should."

Toothless grinned. Then, he stood up on his feet and offered his hand to me. I grabbed it, and he pulled me up so fast I landed right in his chest. I laughed, shoving him playfully.

"C'mon," I said.

Toothless placed an arm around my shoulders, and I placed one on his back as we both set off.

Drago's P.O.V.

It was late at night, and my men are hard at work, making sure our ships reach the haven by sunrise. The prisoners and that idiot, Eret, were dumped off miles from here. No doubt they've freeze to death by now. As I stood alone on the front deck, looking out at the dark ocean, I thought about everything the blonde boy had told me. Stoick the Vast… I remember him. He was among the chiefs that I had come to offer help to a long time ago. I thought he had burned along with them, but it seemed he survived.

More of the boy's words were still ringing through my head, many of them sticking out more than others. Hicca… Dragon Master… Night Fury... He had said that this Hicca was Stoick's daughter. I snorted. That fool couldn't even produce a strong son to take his place as chief. But, it was apparent that she was not like other Viking women that I had come across. She was apparently some kind of dragon trainer- a master, he called her- one that had been traveling on the lookout for dragons everywhere. And, what was most extraordinary, it seemed she had the strength to tame a Night Fury to her will.

Now, I was never much for Night Furies, but I did know how powerful they are, and how much rarer they are becoming. The fact that anyone could even find one and live to tell the tale is surprising enough, but to actually control one. But, from what I can tell, this- girl didn't try to control them and use them for her own, as I do. She tames them, befriends them, and lets them wander about like pathetic pets. How foolish can one be?!

Still, despite the fact that she clearly has no clue of what she could do if she actually tried, the fact that she has such an impact on dragons is… fascinating. I am not a naïve man, I am aware that this woman must be powerful, and with a Night Fury on her side, even more so. Still, it is clear that she doesn't have the guts to see what she can really do with dragons. But, what if she did use them as they should be used? What if she saw how powerful she could be with them, and chose to use that power?

I started to pace around the surface, arms at my side. If I could persuade her- which should not be difficult in the slightest- then I could have a powerful, intriguing alley on my side. With my power and her influence, it would not be difficult to control these dragons and use them to our advantage. But, how?

And the idea came to me in an instant.

"Soldier!" I bellowed.

One of the men who was on deck nearest me jumped. He straightened his helmet as he ran quickly towards me.

"Yes, sir?" he asked quickly.

I smirked. I could see the fear in his eyes; how delightful.

"How much longer until we've reached the island?"

"Erm… w-well," the soldier gulped. "We should be there by tomorrow afternoon, I think, sir."

I nodded. "Stop the ships. There's been a change of plan."

"Change, sir?" he asked. "But, we're so near, why can't we keep-"

"DO NOT QUESTION MY TACTICS!" I yelled. "GO NOW, AND TELL THE MEN TO STOP THE SHIPS!"

The man jumped out of his skin, tripping over his feet as he turned and sprinted away. I straightened the cloak around my shoulders as I took a deep breath. This is why I have a dragon army; men are so cowards, uncoordinated and foolish.

I let out a sharp whistle. There was a loud cry, and something large and black soared above me. I raised my arm, and a large, dark hawk landed on my arm. It screeched, and I hushed it by brushing its head.

"Now, little one, I need you to send a message for me…"