Author's Note: Hey there, i'm sorry for the long wait, there's no excuse I can give for this especially after the amount of time I took. So here is the new chapter and I hope whoever is still reading will like it. Enjoy.

Chapter 25: Normalcy

The wind blew past Hiccup's face from all directions. Eyes closed and auburn locks flowing as he and Toothless soared through the sky, as the sun rained down on them. The Night Fury's wings flapped a few times before sticking out to the side, allowing him to glide for the time being. Both human and dragon elated at being in the air once more as they soared high up into the clouds. Then they would fly down right above the water, feeling the mist hit them both, before ascending. The two of them had been at it for a long while, but time didn't seem to exist for them as they focused on being in the air.

A sense of liberation and freedom surged through the one-legged teen as all his problems were put to the side as nothing else mattered. Just him, his dragon and the sky. This is the distraction that Hiccup needed, as he started to feel just like his old self, even if it was just for the time being. Oh how he missed flying, and nearly forgot how great it felt, as it felt like it had been a lifetime since he did it.

Still, despite this minor escape Hiccup knows he would have to return back to his problems…but not just yet.

Smiling he leaned forward and petted his dragon's head, "Ready for one more trick bud?"

"Always!" The Dragon looked back, giving a warbled smile.

"You know what to do," Hiccup gave one more pet before receiving a nod. The dragon's wings beat as they gained more altitude. The strength of the wind increased the higher they rose up, till Berk was very small on the ground. Giving a couple of pats, Toothless leveled out, maintaining his current altitude as Hiccup unhooked his prosthetic. Rising up and standing completely Hiccup smiled as he leaped forward, doing a small back flip before heading straight down, Toothless folding his wings and diving down alongside his rider. "Woooooohoooooo!"

Both of Hiccup's eyes closed as he free fell towards the sea, the wind pelting his face at a rapid pace. Just enjoying the sensation of falling down without fear. His eyes opened and the first thing he saw was Toothless' face, the dragon giving a gummy smile as they fell parallel with one another. Hiccup gave a smile back as they continued to fall, spinning in a circle for a few more seconds. They were way past the halfway point before Hiccup reached and got back on the saddle, reinserting himself back into place as the tail fin and wings opened up. Just in time before they hit the water, as the wind's momentum caused the waves to splash up, pelting them all in a heavy mist.

The teen gave a loud cheer, followed by his dragon's proud roar as they kept soaring.

Sometime later the two were found flying through the forest, heading into a familiar place for the two. In no time they arrived at the cove, Toothless gracefully landing down on the ground, and coming to a sudden stop. Hiccup jerked forward a bit but remained on the saddle before dismounting, smiling, feet planted down onto the ground as he started to stretch, his dragon mirroring the same thing.

"Man, I needed that," Hiccup said aloud.

"You needed it? I needed it as I'm the one made for flying," Toothless warbled back playfully.

Hiccup only chuckled as he looked around his sanctuary, smiling as he looked around the place. Finding it undamaged and untouched, no broken trees, no footprints, no signs that life was here, except for the fish in the water. One of the only positives of being here, as he knew this place could lift his spirits. Yet, a small frown then took its place as he remembered coming here after the first attack, how this was the rendezvous spot the villagers were supposed to be in but appeared to be the only one to make it. How alone, and disheartened he was to realize he was the only one to have escaped…as his problems had only just began. His head shook as he rid himself of the memory, walking over to a nearby rock and sitting down, back against it.

"You alright?" Toothless saw the whole thing and approached him. Sitting down as he waited for any kind of response.

He didn't respond at first, just opting to look down at the ground as he mulled over his thoughts. Thinking about all the words of advice he was given over the past few days, from his dad, Astrid, and Gobber. Everything swirling in his mind as he picked out a few important aspects of it. His dad said that it was alright to show what he is feeling, how it's not weakness. Astrid in regards that no one has anything negative to say about his decision. And finally, Gobber, in that the decision was already made and it wasn't important in dwelling on it. Three different pieces of advice, all of which were valid points, yet can it really be that simple?

Could he have been wrong these last few days?

"Are they all right?" Hiccup spoke up, looking up into his dragon's green eyes, which stared right back at him. "Is it that simple to move on?"

"Only if you allow it," Toothless cooed back, sitting on his haunches with his head tilted. "You need to be a strong person in order to endure what you did and manage to go on. You're one of the strongest humans I know of. If anyone can walk away from this, it's you."

The teen just sighed, lowering his head once more, "Even if I could…what do I do about…about…the guilt? Knowing people call me a hero, yet in reality I am not, especially as I gave up…if it wasn't for the others coming, they all would still be imprisoned."

Toothless' eyes rose up at that, being reminded of that. Hearing that worried the dragon in the beginning, as far as he knew his rider never gave up. He would always have an ironclad will and persevere no matter what…yet, hearing that piece of info made the dragon baffle and warrant concern. As this was something new, he never thought he would encounter, but still there was a positive out of it. "But you didn't in the end, and things worked out for the better."

"All those people who see me as a hero…I know they'll flip their tune once they hear about it. Then who knows, chances are that their thoughts with my decision with Dagur could change. Yet…does it all really matter at this point?" Hiccup looked back up, but into the sky, just seeing the bright blue and fluffy clouds slowly passing by. Just going forward, or whatever direction they were set on, all without a care in the world. Funny…shouldn't he be following their example?

Toothless' ears perked as wing beats were heard, prompting him and Hiccup to look and see familiar dragons approaching and landing in the cove. Hiccup couldn't help but smile upon who it was as his friends dismounted their dragons, looking his way.

"I figured we'd find you all here," Astrid spoke with a smile.

"Hey there," Hiccup greeted from his spot on the ground.

"How does it feel being back in the air?" Fishlegs then asked.

"Feels incredible, especially after all that had happened," the one-legged teen spoke, as his hand gently rubbed at the Night Fury's saddle.

"So, uh…are you like right in the head still?" Tuffnut asked, only to receive a smack to the head from his sister.

"Of course, he is, look at him!" Ruffnut shook her head.

"I question if you two are right in the head," Snotlout shook his head before looking back over at his cousin. "Even I can tell he must be feeling ok if he's out here."

"Well, you would be right in some regards," Hiccup responded back with a rub to the back of his head.

"Really?" The burly teen responded, not expecting to be partially right.

"I just have been doing a lot of thinking for the last few days…some thoughts good, some bad…but I'm holding up," Hiccup gently responded, looking at everyone.

"So…are you ok, with everything that has been going on?" Astrid then decided to ask for them all. Her mind went back to the conversation they had yesterday and hoped her words could have helped. Just seeing him here could be a good sign, or not, as mainly as the Cove is his safe haven, and coming here could be a safety mechanism.

"I rather not speak about it," Hiccup simply said.

"Ok…" Astrid nodded slowly, looking over at everyone else, and seeing them having a neutral expression as well. They seem to understand and respect this, mainly as the last thing they wanted was for him to go back into his default setting. He has come a long way since they found him in broken state, he had been in. Hiccup was broken, and slowly he was being pieced back together, yet one move could cause all that work to shatter, and leave them with a shell of his former self.

"So…do you want to be alone?" Fishlegs then asked, wanting to know if his friend needed some distance or not.

"No…you can stay," Hiccup looked up with a smile, which seemed to earn a couple of raised eyes. "If…you all are able to."

To be honest after all those days being inside, Hiccup didn't want to be alone. He…He just wanted a sense of normalcy, not having to think about all that has transpired. He wanted to hear the Twins argue, Fishlegs babble on about facts he knows, Snotlout boasting about himself, and Astrid's annoyance towards the burly teen. He just wanted some time to just forget about all this and just have a sense…of how things were before.

"Things have slowed down enough for me," Astrid then smiled, glad to hear that response.

"Same here," Fishlegs nodded and smiled as well.

"I could use a long break," Snotlout agreed as well.

"Ruff annoyed our parents enough that we were kicked out for the day," Tuff said next as he pointed his thumb at his sister.

"That was you, dummy!" Ruffnut glared at her brother.

"No, you!" Tuff glared back.

Hiccup silently chuckled at that, the casual twin bickering coming true to form. "Well, it doesn't matter to me, just glad you all are free."

Astrid smiled as she saw Hiccup rising up to his feet, a smile on his face. A true one instead of a forced one he always seemed to put on. This was a good sign that the ball had started to unravel, and now it had to keep rolling. "So, dragon boy, anything you're up for?"

"Actually…yeah," he nodded as he petted his dragon before looking up into the sky. "I…I just want a day just like the one before all this started. Just forgetting about everything that happened, and just…treat it like it was a normal day. Just us flying around and having fun like usual."

Silence filled the Cove as everyone heard this and slowly started to smile. Knowing that this is something they can definitely do, and to be honest it was something that is for the best. Plus, having a day of fun is a good change for all the work they have been doing, as they gave one another nods. It was Astrid then decided to speak up for them all, "I think we can accommodate that."

Hiccup's smile widened upon hearing that, "Then let's get up in the air then."

Everyone agreed as they went to go mount their dragons, ready to have fun. Hiccup went over to Toothless, climbing atop of his saddle. The Night Fury looked over at his rider, warbling, "Feeling like your old self?"

Hiccup gave his dragon a few pets, "You ready?"

"Yes!" The dragon took that as a good sign, before the tail fin was opened. And just like that everyone took off into the air.

Like all things, the good time had to end.

Hiccup and the Riders had spent the whole day flying about, having fun and doing the usual competitions they were used to doing. Nothing about the current events were spoken of, they kept those out, as the usual fun banter one another would trade remained. They would fly up high into the clouds, do trick competitions, races, and more. It really was something the one-legged teen needed, as it helped him forget about everything and things were treated like a regular day. Yet as the sun started to set, they all had to head back to Berk, much to the teen's chagrin.

After saying bye to everyone, and silently thanking them, Hiccup flew on to his home, just as the sun had set fully. Once Toothless had landed, Hiccup hopped off, landing on the ground with a large smile. His hand going up and smoothing over the leather saddle as his green eyes gazed upon it.

"Man…I needed that."

"You weren't the only one," Toothless warbled, glad to see his rider in such a good mood. Today's events were really helpful as it changed his mood and the dragon had to hope that it wouldn't turn south.

"Come on boy," Hiccup smiled as he walked up the steps and reached to open the door. Upon stepping inside, he wasn't surprised to see his father sitting by the brazier, stoking the flames. The creaking of the door, and heavy footsteps, caused the chief to look up as a smile graced his face.

"Hiccup, there you are," he put the metal poker down to the side, turning to face his son.

"Didn't expect you to be home already," Hiccup responded as he entered the home and shut the door after his dragon came in. Which is true, as since he was out in the village, he figured his father would be spending more time in the village to try and settle any more unexpected issues. Despite things settling down there were still more things to do, and like anything else, unexpected problems were the norm.

"Well, considering that there were reports of a Night Fury in the air, my interest was piqued. Plus, I wanted to know about your day and if it was ok or not," the chief asked as he motioned to a spot on the floor. Well, that was half true, as there was something Stoick wanted to inform his son of but the first part was mainly it.

Hiccup went over and sat down on the nearby chair, Toothless padding up and laying down next to his rider. The teen couldn't help but hide his smile upon reflecting upon his day which is evident to the chief. "It was…unexpected to say the least, especially as Gobber fixed Toothless' harness. Being in the air is something I really needed as it gave me a peace that was welcoming."

"That's really good to hear," Stoick nodded, smiling as well as nothing negative seemed to be sprouting. He took the smile on his son as genuine as he had trouble telling which is real or not. "And the villagers?"

"They were the most surprising out of all," Hiccup leaned back in the chair as he thought back to them. "They were actually concerned for me, and…happy to see me out of the house. I…I never thought I would see them so worried for my wellbeing since…well after the Red Death."

Stoick could understand that, remembering how unpopular his son was to the villagers. Yet, after risking his life to save everyone and killing a massive dragon managed to change the views of everyone. When Hiccup was in his coma many villagers would come and ask about his condition, which of course surprised the large man. More and more people came, even bringing food for him and Toothless. It was then the chief realized how everyone changed their views on his son and realized just how important he is to the village.

"Does it help with everything you have been thinking of?" Stoick then asked. Hoping at least this could ease the tension the teen was having and healing some personal demons within.

"I think so…but I'm not fully sure about it," Hiccup tilted his head back, averting eye contact for the time being. Unfortunately, this is something that won't leave the teen as he knew that the people that greeted him weren't the entire village. Just a few people, as there could be more people who could have a different view of him.

"Why do you say that?" Stoick moved a bit closer, curious as to what more could be going on in his child's mind.

Hiccup was silent at this, not sure how to say it or if he should. Still, it was hinted at, and he knew it was best to say something…besides he really wanted an honest opinion, and his father has proved he wouldn't sugar coat things, which was very welcomed. Albeit hurting some but having a dose of reality is something that is welcomed, and needed.

He continued to look at the fire, watching the dancing and crackling flames. "Dad…will people have…expectations of me, because of all of this?"

"Expectations?" Stoick raised an eye, and odd, and unexpected question to hear. Especially after everything he was vocal about. "What do you mean?"

"Dad let's face it…I've survived being chased in the forest, killed eight people…and helped save Berk…and of course made a decision regarding Berk's future. These are major actions, especially coming from me since I'm heir. So, don't you think in the eyes of all the villagers they would be expecting more of me? Like expecting to see me take charge more, defending our home using lethal means…or worse, being able to shake off everything I have been going through." Hiccup explained, airing out everything and finally looking at his father for confirmation, who just looked back in silence.

To be honest the chief was still pleasantly surprised, not sure how to respond. Mainly as this topic wasn't one that was expected. His son made out some good points there, as the actions his child has done were ones that a mature Viking would make. It is true how some people would expect more of a Viking with credentials like those, yet that's the problem in itself. His son is still a child, so it would be less likely for anyone to expect more of him…but of course due to Hiccup being heir, that did change things as he needed to show he is a capable leader for the future. Many might see this as a time for him to step up, but how many is the question.

All in all, this was a difficult question to answer.

"To be honest Hiccup…I can't really answer that," he saw his son's jaw drop some, but stopped him before he could speak. "Only because I truly don't know."

"How do you…" Hiccup trailed off but is cut off.

"It's hard trying to determine what everyone else would think…whether they expect more out of you or not is up to them…and to be honest you can't control it. If they expect more from you, then you shouldn't have to be on par with those standards. I know you had tried to fulfill those kinds of expectations in the past but this time around you don't have to. If they don't expect anything of you, then it's alright. Just continue being who you are, and I say you'll be fine," Stoick finished explaining, in a calm and understanding tone. Which stunned Hiccup a lot as he didn't say anything. The way his dad explained it just…made the confliction ease up but it made him question things.

"C-Can it…really be that simple?" Hiccup asked.

"That's up to you son…just think about it," Stoick responded as he decided to change the topic, wanting to help ease his son further. That and knowing this next part could have the opposite reaction but it needed to be addressed. "Yet, there is something I needed to bring up to you."

"What is it?" Hiccup perked up, he and Toothless giving the chief attention. He didn't receive an immediate response yet tensed up a bit as he watched his father take in a breath. Automatically small red flags going off, as he knew this would be something he wouldn't like.

"Many of the villagers have spoken…the village is just about restored. Due to everything that has happened, it was proposed that we hold a celebration as Berk is freed…and most of all, honor you…"

Just like that Hiccup's body stiffened and breathing nearly skipped as he heard that. His heart slowly started to beat faster as he tried to fight back the trembles that wanted to come out. Almost immediately he wanted to protest but managed to hold his tongue. He needed to be calm, and collected, don't lose control and hold it together. Just hearing the silence coming off of the teen surprised Stoick majorly, as he wanted to ask if he was ok, but held his tongue. Immediately he could tell now that the news is processing through his child's mind.

"Dad…why?" Was all Hiccup could say.

"Because everyone is saying they owe you a major debt…you're a hero in their eyes, and they feel you should be celebrated for your actions," Stoick responded simply and calmly.

"It wasn't just me dad…the others helped me most of all," Hiccup tried to explain, not wanting to take sole credit for this all.

"I know…but everyone sees it as you were the focal point in all this, and if it wasn't for you, we all would still be prisoners of Dagur," Stoick had to explain, which held truth. Many believed if it wasn't for Hiccup remaining uncaught, then chances are the Riders could have walked into a trap and got captured as well. Not only that but he did tell them of the back entrance into the Great Hall, which was a major asset in freeing everyone else. Despite his son not supposed to be talking about that spot, the situation outweighed everything else.

Hiccup was silent once more, eyes casting down at the fire once more. His fingers twitching, heart racing and silent breathing becoming uneasy. Just when he thought he was over these feelings from before they come back and making him feel like he would crash down into that bottomless pit of despair. Surprising how one's feelings could take a sharp nosedive after climbing back up so high.

Unfortunately, he couldn't hide the look upon his face, "Hiccup, are you-"

"I'm not a hero…" Hiccup cut him off in a low tone, shaking his head as both eyes closed. Not able to see the pained face on his father, as he sighed deeply, figuring he would get a reaction like this.

"You are to them," Stoick tried to reassure.

"Then I don't feel like one…just like I told you before. Everything I did and everything I was going to do…they aren't the actions of a hero. Many may see me as such, but in reality, I know for a fact that I'm not a hero…I'm just someone who survived. Someone who killed eight people, and almost gave up. And besides I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without my friends, they did the bulk of the work."

Now it was Stoick's turn to be silent as he mulled over what was said. He knew of this, as his son was pretty vocal about all this, as he kept protesting that his friends were the reason why he managed to keep going. He kept on saying he wasn't a hero, and it was mostly them. He could understand his son's plight on this, yet it was out of his hands.

"I understand son…but I can't change the minds of everyone…" He stopped, looking at his son's dejected expression, as he seemed saddened by this part. Still, he knew he could try and help his child in some way. "Still…if you're not up to it…you don't have to come."

"What?" Hiccup looked up at his father in confusion. "R-Really?"

Stoick nodded, "Yes…I know you feel uncomfortable about being celebrated…I won't put you through that, you can skip it all together if you want."

That completely surprised Hiccup to say the least, not expecting that at all. Usually in instances like this, parties and celebrations of the like, his attendance is mandatory. What good is being an heir if he doesn't attend special functions? Yet, being allowed to skip it, by his dad none of the less surprised him. This only made him more appreciative that his father is understanding of his struggles and mindset.

"Dad…I…"

"Just give it some thought, whatever you decide, I will support it," Stoick reached out and patted his son on the shoulder. "Yet, I'll have to be there, to say some words and the like...but I can come back so you won't be alone."

That made Hiccup smile, yet also surprised that his father would cut out of a celebration early just to be with him. It helped a lot hearing it yet didn't want to do that to him. He's the chief so he's expected to be there for everyone. And besides, he knew his father was in the category of people who would look for a reason to celebrate. Viking parties were always fun. "You don't have to dad."

"I want to son…I don't want you to be alone," Stoick reassured, wanting to make his son a priority. If skipping out on a Viking celebration would help that then he would do it over and over again.

"I won't be alone," Hiccup responded, back.

"Right!" Toothless then warbled next to his rider, chiming in that he's still there.

"True, you two haven't separated ever since being reunited," the chief smiled at that, getting a rare glimpse at the strong friendship the two had. Still, it didn't move him from his stance on staying with his son, he could tell he wasn't over all that had happened with him, and he wanted to be there just in case. But it would be great if he did come, as it would show that he's healing, albeit slowly. "Like I said son…think about it at least."

"Ok…I will," Hiccup nodded, deciding to at least give his father that. The topic was then dropped for now as father and son sat down around the brazier, talking more about their day. As a sense of normalcy could be felt around them. For the first time in days, today, including in the night, felt normal again, and Hiccup was glad for it.

A/N: Hope you like. I'm glad to have another chapter done with and now there is one more chapter left to the story. Yes you heard it right just one more chapter is left, and believe me I'll be happy when this story is done with as another idea came to mind and it's one I have been wanting to do. I hope it'll be a good one as well, and i'll try hard not to take long with this final chapter. Till next time.