The Dragon Whisperer

Hiccup slowly felt consciousness return to him. The first thing he registered was that he was warm all over. The next thing he realized was that someone was next to him, feeling their heat seep into his body. Then, he remembered what had happened. Being struck by the Red Death. He opened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was Astrid's sleeping face. He realized there was a fur cloak draped over them both. He raised an arm and lightly rested his hand on Astrid's face.

"Hiccup!" The voice filled his ears, making him flinch from the volume. "You're awake!" A wet tongue ran over his head.

"Hey, bud," Hiccup said weakly. He could feel Toothless nuzzling him, the excited Night Fury showing his happiness. "How long was I out?"

"A whole day," Toothless answered. "It's nearly dawn the day after."

"What's Astrid doing here?" Hiccup asked.

"She wanted to sleep next to you. She wanted to be there for you."

"What… for?" Hiccup realized he couldn't feel his left foot. He sat up and looked at the cloak and saw the flat part where his foot should be. "Toothless, my leg…"

"They had to take it off, to save you. To save you both."

Hiccup only briefly wondered what he meant by that, before remembering the shape he had left Astrid in, and looked over where her leg should be, seeing the same flat part. His left leg and her right leg were gone. He ran a hand over her cheek in sympathy. They had both lost a limb. In a way, it would make them closer.

He leaned down and lightly kissed her, which seemed to have pulled at her consciousness enough to wake her. She opened her eyes and they immediately went to him. "Hey," she said weakly.

"Hey," he said back. "We won?"

"Yeah. Thanks to you and Toothless. But um… your leg…"

"I already know. Mine and yours," he cut her off.

"Oh." There was a moment of silence. "Do you still love me?" she asked.

"Of course," he soothed. "I'll never stop loving you."

"Thanks," she sighed before lightly punching him in the arm. "That's for scaring me."

Hiccup rubbed where she had hit. "How is everyone?"

"Not sure," Astrid admitted. "People were still coming in when Goethi gave me the sedative."

Hiccup sat up as best he could and looked over the firepit to see they were in the Great Hall. There were blankets laid out on the floor, families huddled together for warmth. "Is this the only part of the village that survived?" Hiccup questioned.

"Think so. We didn't see anything that survived the Red Death's death," Astrid said.

"My mom and dad?" Hiccup asked.

"Fine too," Astrid answered.

"Yours?"

"Don't know. If they came to see me, it was while I was out."

Hiccup laid down next to her, waiting for the day to begin. Eventually Stoick and Valka came over, the woman the first to notice they were awake.

"Son," she said, hugging her child. "Glad to see you're finally up."

"It's only been a day, right?" Hiccup asked, wondering if Toothless downplayed how long he had been out for.

"Yes, but I'm still relieved you're up," Valka answered. "And good to see that you're awake too, Astrid," Valka said to the girl.

"Thank you," Astrid said politely.

Stoick was amazed at the affection between mother and son. Valka had implied that she had been seeing their son for some time, but never gave a straight answer. It must have been quite some time if Hiccup was so calm in her presence.

"How's the Bewilderbeast?" Hiccup asked.

"Recovering out in the bay," Valka said. "He's been hurt and he will need time to recover. The dragons who have lived under him though are more than willing to get him the fish he needs to eat while he rests."

"There are other dragons already here?" Astrid asked.

"Soon after you passed out, they came to the village in flocks. Everyone the Bewilderbeast had taken care of came back and the ones who had been under the thrall of the Red Death also came here," Valka explained. "They don't want to go back to the volcanic nest. They'd rather live here."

"And the rest of the village?" Hiccup asked, wondering how the Berkians were handling that.

"I'm managing to keep the peace between the two people," Valka said. "No fights have broken out and the Bewilderbeast is even having the dragons get food for the villagers."

"It really is amazing," Stoick spoke up. "We've been killing them for years, they've been stealing from us for the same length, and now they're helping us."

"It was never their fault," Hiccup said. "The Red Death was controlling them to do what she wanted. Now that they have a choice about what they want to do, they chose to help. They want the war to end as badly as us. This is just the first step in living together."

Stoick looked over at Valka, who had told him a little about what she had been doing, and knew that if they didn't learn to live together, she would probably leave, and even take Hiccup with her along with his friends. He just got her back, and he wasn't going to lose her again. "Then I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen," he said after a moment.

"Thank you, Stoick," Valka said in gratitude, glad to hear that her old husband was giving them a chance.

"Stoick." A villager came running up.

"What is it, Ack?" the chief asked.

"I've got the preliminary list, as you requested," Ack said.

"What list?" Hiccup asked.

"It's a list of those who have died or are missing," Stoick said.

"And it is long, Stoick, but we have more missing than dead because of the few bodies we can identify," Ack reported.

"Who can we identify?" Stoick asked.

"Well, Mildew is dead," Ack reported.

"What was he doing in the village, he lives outside of town?" Stoick asked.

"Not sure, but we were able to identify his body," Ack said. "There are at least five others we were able to identify."

Hiccup didn't pay any attention to the names he listed. He hugged Astrid who was leaning on his chest. He guessed that she was still being affected by the sedative as she was never this affectionate.

"There's also several bodies we can't identify," Ack said. "We've been combing through the village, looking for bodies and any survivors. So far, we've found thirty-one burned bodies that we can't identify."

"What about the missing?" Stoick asked.

"At least fifty missing," Ack reported. He continued listing names of those who were missing. Hiccup and Astrid continued to ignore it, not having the stomach yet to hear who was possibly gone for good. At least until he said the names of both of Astrid's parents.

"Wait, my parents?" Astrid asked, snapping to attention.

"Yes," Ack said. "We can't find Alvar Hofferson and his wife Ingrid," he confirmed. "It's possible they're one of those burned bodies we can't identify or they were killed some other way in the battle."

Hiccup could see the sadness in Astrid's face. She had left on rather bad terms with her parents. He had been hoping they would be able to mend their relationship when this was all over, but now it didn't look like it would ever be fixed. He turned her head to look at him. "Hey, it's just a preliminary list. Those are people they can't confirm aren't here. They might be fine."

Astrid knew what Hiccup was doing and was glad he was trying to reassure her, but she didn't believe that. Something in her gut told her her parents were dead. "Thanks, Hiccup," she said. Ack finished listing off the missing before leaving.

Gobber came up a few minutes later, carrying something under his arm. "Glad to see the two of you are awake," he said.

"Hey, Gobber, glad to see you're okay," Hiccup said. "Is the forge?"

"Mostly a pile of ash, but some of it luckily survived," Gobber said. "Although it will be a while before we can get into working order. Hope you can take time out of your busy schedule to help out."

"Um, Gobber, I'm down a leg. Not sure I'll be of any help," Hiccup said, gesturing to the missing part.

"And I've lost a leg and an arm, but that doesn't stop me," Gobber retorted. "You'll still be able to help out once you've recovered. In fact, my first project is building you and your lass a pair of legs."

"Can you do that?" Astrid asked.

"Well, I've got plenty of metal to work with, now," Gobber said. "And your legs won't be made of wood like mine. I'll make them out of metal so you two can walk and everything."

"Thanks, Gobber," Hiccup said.

"Your new limbs won't be ready until tomorrow though. Until then, I've made you two these." He held out two sets of crutches, designed for their individual heights.

"Wow, thanks," Hiccup said, taking the shorter pair. "I don't think Astrid and I will be ready to walk for a while, though."

"That's fine. You two rest up. You've both done so much, you deserve it," Gobber said, turning to leave.

Toothless nudged Hiccup. The teen rubbed his nose. "He's right, you know. You two have gone through a lot, you deserve a break."

"Wait, where's Stormfly?" Astrid asked. She couldn't believe she forgot her dragon who had been hurt the last time she saw her.

"Resting. Valka made something called a splint for her wing so it could heal properly," Toothless reassured her. "She's sleeping right now while she recovers, but Valka believes that she will fully recover."

Astrid sighed at that. She was relieved to hear her dragon would be alright.

"So now what?" Hiccup asked.

"Think we could get something to eat? I'm hungry," Astrid suggested.

"I'll get you two some fish," Toothless said. He left their side, walking out of the Great Hall to presumably get some fish from the other dragons. Stoick and Valka also left to continue their own efforts in the village.

Hiccup turned back to look at Astrid, who seemed worried. He gently embraced her. "I'm sure they're alright," Hiccup assured, not fully believing it himself.

"Sure they are," Astrid said with a fake smile. "Sure they are."


The rest of the day passed without incident. The other Riders had come to check up on them, glad to see Hiccup and Astrid finally awake. They all caught each other up on what they had done, sharing their individual adventures to save Berk. The kid's parents were fine, though Spitelout was still having a hard time accepting the dragons. But Snotlout was working his dad around to that.

Toothless brought them both fish, cooked this time so they didn't have to eat it raw like before. Stormfly eventually returned, nuzzling and preening Astrid to show her affection. Goethi also came back twice to attend to their various wounds. The old woman was busy attending to everyone to heal them up.

Astrid had been anxious the entire day, despite the pain-killing herbs Goethi had given her. There still had been no news that her parents had survived and every hour no one came up to tell her something, her hopes fell.

Eventually, night rolled around, dusk settling over the village. Hiccup and Astrid were still tired and ready to go back to sleep when Gobber came running up.

"Astrid, I found your dad," he said.

"What?" Astrid asked.

"He's alive, but he's not looking so good. I can take you to him," Gobber offered.

Astrid debated for only a second before grabbing her crutches and standing up on her remaining leg.

"I'm coming with you," Hiccup said, standing up as well.

"You should rest, babe," Astrid said.

"So should you," Hiccup retorted. "I'm going with you to see your father."

Astrid sighed before nodding. She was grateful for the company. She wasn't sure what her dad thought of her and having Hiccup there when she confronted him might give her the strength she needed. Gobber led them to the part of the Great Hall they were reserving for the wounded, going between the rows of injured Vikings. Eventually, he stopped before a very badly scorched man. Astrid gasped as she looked at him. It was definitely her dad, but he was so badly burnt it was difficult to tell. Goethi was tending to him now, rubbing a paste on his skin.

"Dad?" she asked, leaning forward on her crutches.

The man's breath hitched before he opened his eyes, blue eyes looking at her. "Astrid, sweetheart. You're alive," he breathed.

Astrid knelt down next to him, Gobber walking off. She hesitated to touch him, worried that she might make it worse.

"I'm so glad you're here," Alvar said weakly. "I've heard about what you did. Riding a dragon, bringing a larger one here to save us. It's incredible."

"Thanks," Astrid said. "You're not… disappointed in me? I've betrayed our heritage in riding a dragon."

"My girl, I'll never be disappointed in you," Alvar assured. "You do what you feel is right and I will always be proud of that. I'm sure that, aside from Stoick, I'm the proudest father here."

Astrid struggled to keep her tears back. When she looked over at Goethi, the elder just shook her head to answer the unasked question.

Astrid hung her head, saddened. "Dad, where's mom?" Astrid asked.

"Your mother… I'm sorry about the way she acted," Alvar said. "She was so mad and I didn't want to upset her more than she was by not agreeing with her. But don't think I agreed with what she said. You're still my daughter, and I will always love you, and I will never be disappointed in you."

"But… where is she?" Astrid repeated.

"When that massive dragon showed up, she ran back to the house to try and save a few things, I'm not sure what," Alvar said.

"Where is she?" Astrid said again.

"Still in the house," Alvar answered.

"But… the house is gone, burned to ash," Astrid said.

"I know," Alvar said simply.

Astrid gasped when she realized what he meant. She wasn't sure how to feel about that. She was happy, but also sad.

"I'm sorry, Astrid," Alvar said. "I'm happy for you, though. You've managed to court Stoick's boy, who's had a crush on you for years from what I saw."

Hiccup blushed at that.

"If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been in love?" Alvar asked.

"Over a year now," Astrid answered truthfully.

Alvar nodded. "And the dragons, how long have you been doing that?"

"Um… a month. Maybe more."

"I've heard about the dragon you came flying in on. A Deadly Nadder?" Alvar asked.

"Her name's Stormfly," Astrid answered.

"Is she alright? I heard you were both hurt."

"Her wing's hurt, but she'll be fully recovered in a few weeks," Astrid answered.

"And you?"

Astrid sighed before showing her father what was left of her right leg. "They couldn't save it. It was too broken."

Alvar ran a burnt hand across the bandages, inspecting her stump himself. "Oh, Astrid. I'm sorry."

"It's fine. It's only fun if you get a scar out of it," Astrid said with a smile.

Alvar chuckled a bit, which quickly devolved into a fit of coughs. Astrid grabbed a cup of water and handed it to him, the cool liquid soothing his coughs. "Astrid, might I see your dragon?" Alvar asked. "I want to see the creature that changed my daughter's mind about dragons."

Astrid stood up, using her crutches for support. "I'll bring Stormfly, but Hiccup's dragon is the one who changed my mind about dragons."

"Bring them both, then," Alvar said. Hiccup made to get up, but Alvar stopped him. "I want to speak with you, son."

Hiccup sat back down, minding his own stump. Astrid left, leaving her boyfriend and father alone. "What is it, sir?" Hiccup asked.

"Astrid. You care for her, don't you?" the dying man asked.

"Yes," Hiccup answered.

"If I might be so bold, what were you planning on doing with her?"

"What do you mean?"

"What were you hoping to do with my daughter?" Alvar asked. "I know you're a couple, but were you planning to take it further?"

Hiccup hesitated, unsure how to answer. "We… we didn't think we could go any further, sir. Your wife hated me and we knew that if she found out, she'd try to separate us again and we didn't want that to happen. We were content with just being a couple."

"But now… what about now?" Alvar asked.

Hiccup thought it over. "I'm not sure. We never thought we could pursue an actual relationship. We always thought that, because of your wife, we'd have to keep our love a secret."

"But you don't have to anymore. Surely you'd wish to be more than just lovers?" Alvar asked.

"Yes," Hiccup answered truthfully. "Very much."

"Then, I need to request this of you." Alvar took a shaky breath. "When I'm gone, Astrid will have no family left. She will be all alone and because of her… injury… she won't be able to take care of herself. She will need someone to help her until she's strong enough to survive. I'm hoping you could be that someone."

"Me?"

"I won't be able to rest if my little girl isn't taken care of. Promise me that. Promise that no matter what happens, you'll care for her."

"You don't have to ask, sir," Hiccup said.

"Good," Alvar muttered weakly. "I know one day, you will be together. And so, I give you my blessing for when that day ever comes."

Hiccup's eyes widened. Did he mean… marry her? To be honest, he wasn't against it, but he doubted they were ready for that kind of commitment. But… it was nice to know he had the approval of Astrid's family. Well, remaining family.

Astrid came back a few moments later, Stormfly and Toothless following. She stopped by her father's side, the two dragon's standing by his feet. Alvar looked up to see the two dragons.

"Dad, this is Stormfly," Astrid said, gesturing to the Nadder. "Stormfly, this is my dad, Alvar Hofferson."

Stormfly leaned her head forward. "It's very nice to meet you. Astrid's told me… almost nothing about her sire."

Astrid nervously rubbed the back of her head, thankful her father couldn't understand the Nadder.

"And this is Toothless," Hiccup said, gesturing to the Night Fury. The black dragon bowed his head.

Alvar reached a shaky hand up to Stormfly, managing to touch her snout. "Such a beautiful creature, like my girl." Alvar complimented.

"Thank you!" Stormfly said.

"She said thanks," Astrid said.

"Can you… understand her?" Alvar asked.

"All dragons now. Just like Hiccup and his mom," Astrid answered.

"How?"

Astrid and Hiccup looked at each other, silently debating whether or not to tell him. Astrid nodded, deciding to tell her dad everything.

"Well," Hiccup began. "It started during the raid before Dragon Training…"

End of Chapter 28