{Hiccup's POV}

[Berk; The Cove]

I've been living out here in the cove by myself for three weeks, of course; I'm not by myself. I have Viggo, Ryker, and Toothless. Cinder, the male Titan Wing Monstrous Nightmare popped in once a day to visit us. Gobber was also a frequent guest, coming at least three days out of the seven we get. I entered the village only when I needed to grab some fruit, bread, and vegetables; everything else, I had already. The Grimborn brothers and I were able to hunt with the woods around us, and fish thanks to the ocean being just below Raven Point. Nobody in the Tribe bothered me when I was there, and no one dared come to the cove in fear of setting me off again. It wasn't like me to get upset and storm off, but I just couldn't deal with it. I still can't. Did I hate the Tribe? No, I don't think I ever could no matter how they treated me in the past. Would I go back eventually? Absolutely. Berk was my home, and all I needed right now was a little space to heal from everything. I got kidnapped, then held prisoner and tortured for a year. I got raped by Drago for two hours, then by any of his workers for another three. On top of all that, when I finally got home; I was unconscious for seven days, and for nine following that, I couldn't remember the last five years of my life. None of this was easy to deal with, and I just felt like getting away for a bit might help.

It was, a little bit. The distance gave me a chance to be alone, minus Viggo, Ryker, and Toothless. I didn't have to walk through the village and remember how they were towards me five years ago, and during the nine in which I couldn't recall anything. I know not everyone in the Tribe is guilty, but it was just better to leave entirely. Only Gobber got special treatment, and that seems unfair to many who didn't give me a hard time. The other Hooligans who didn't do anything to me also didn't help when they saw me getting picked on, nor did any of them try to assure me things would be alright. No, that was all Gobber. Even the day I left, Gobber came to cheer me up; reminding me that I never gave up no matter what I've been through, so I can't start now. I wouldn't give up; how could I? I just needed time to work through everything, and for me, the best way was to be away, but still not going too far. The Hooligans were my Tribe, my birthright, so I had to protect them from threats. I was going to be Chief one day, so it was my job.

I spend my days talking to Viggo and Ryker, Gobber too if he was visiting me. Toothless and I still took our flights; it was always my favorite thing to do. What was better than flying? Nothing because up in the air you just feel free, and I loved that feeling. Viggo and Ryker discussed how to deal with Drago, or ways we might be able to when the guy showed up. All three of us thought it was a bit odd that it's been almost three months since the escape and Drago hasn't sent anyone, or come himself. Viggo's idea was that Drago was plotting something big so we should be on our guard. I didn't disagree with him. Viggo and Ryker were both in the business of wanting something specific and planning ways to get it, so I couldn't argue with their suggestion on why Drago had not made a move yet. I suppose it was a little relieving and scary having all this time, but what could I do? I knew better than to bring the fight to Drago; that's precisely what he would want; me coming there to get revenge for what he put me through. My twentieth birthday was next month, that should be exciting provided we weren't all locked in battle with a madman. However, today wasn't going to be a good day. I could tell because I woke up late, tired, and achy, which meant one thing; I was probably getting sick.

I got up just a few minutes ago, and was still laying on my sleep pad. Viggo and Ryker had left the cave already, and I just didn't have the energy to get up. I wanted to go back to sleep, but unfortunately, I needed to use the bathroom; it was typically something that everyone did first thing in the morning anyway. I slowly forced myself to sit up with a hand on my head.

"Ugh," I moaned.

{Normal POV}

Toothless observed his friend, sensing that something was wrong with Hiccup. Toothless felt it through the night; Hiccup seemed uncomfortable and had a moderate rising body temperature. Hiccup looked miserable, and exhausted. Hiccup got to his feet and practically dragged his feet on the rock floor to exit the cave. Toothless stretched out his legs then rose to follow Hiccup. Viggo and Ryker were sitting on the stump chairs that Hiccup had made last week.

"Morning, Hiccup," Viggo greeted.

"Morning," Hiccup replied with his eyes half closed while he moved across the cove floor to reach the location of the bathroom, which was behind a tall rock.

"It's not like the boy to sleep so late," Ryker mentioned.

"Indeed. Perhaps he didn't rest well?" Viggo shrugged. Toothless laid down by the fire as Ryker dumped out fifteen to twenty fish for him to eat. Toothless gave a gummy smile in thanks to him for breakfast, then began to enjoy. Hiccup returned from the facilities and stood in front of the fire to warm up a bit since he was cold. "Decided to sleep in?"

"I couldn't get comfortable last night," Hiccup yawned and sat down.

"You missed breakfast, and your flight with Toothless," Ryker pointed out. "Hungry? There are eggs left, and bread with butter,"

"I'll pass for now," Hiccup mumbled.

"The morning meal is the most important of the day, Hiccup," Viggo chuckled some.

"Well, I'd like to keep my supper down from last night, so I'll hold off," Hiccup replied.

"Feeling ill?" Ryker questioned as Hiccup managed a nod. "Explains why he slept in,"

"Should we get the elder for you?" Viggo offered.

"I'll be," he paused to force back whatever was rising from his stomach into his throat. "okay…" Hiccup finished.

"Why don't you go back to bed and see if that helps? That's the best to recover from sickness; sleep it off and drink water," Ryker informed.

"Yes, that's what mother always said," Viggo nodded.

"I'll give it a shot. Thanks, guys," Hiccup got up and went back into the cave, laying down on his pad and trying to get comfortable to rest. Finally, after twenty minutes; Hiccup was out. Toothless decided he would stay outside and keep an eye on things, but he hoped Hiccup would be alright.

Hours later, Hiccup began to wake up once more and he felt a great deal worse than when he'd laid down that morning. Hiccup put an arm over his head, feeling that he had a fever. Groaning, a hand moved on his stomach which was doing summersaults that made Hiccup feel like he was going to hurl. Hiccup stayed still, hoping it would pass, but no such luck. Hiccup sat up quickly and reached for an empty bucket used for carrying water then threw up three times. Hiccup spit once or twice, then coughed. As if on queue, Toothless came in and nuzzled Hiccup's face.

What's wrong, Hiccup? Toothless crooned with worry for his rider.

"I-I'm okay, Toothless; just a bit sick," Hiccup tried to soothe his Night Fury before throwing up again. Toothless looked over to see Viggo and Ryker coming inside.

"You really should go see Gothi, Hiccup. I'm sure she'll have something to ease your stomach," Viggo suggested again.

"As tempting as that sounds; I can't get there. Flying is going to make this worse, and walking would take hours," Hiccup groaned.

You two go. Toothless said, warbling at the brothers. Bring Gothi here for him. He added with a motion of his head to go.

"I think the Night Fury is telling us what to do," Ryker informed.

I am. Toothless muttered.

"Like what? Get the elder for Hiccup?" Viggo questioned.

YES! Toothless whined.

"Easy, bud. Viggo and Ryker aren't used to associating with dragons this much. We can't expect them to understand how you communicate," Hiccup rubbed his head as Toothless relaxed some.

Sorry. Toothless bowed his head softly to them.

"Toothless says he apologizes for getting upset. And I believe he was trying to tell you to get Gothi for me since I can't go there, so good on you. Not bad for the first translation of dragon noises," Hiccup stated.

"We'll take Cinder to the village," Ryker mentioned.

"Get Gobber too; he's the only one who can read Gothi's runes," Hiccup reminded. Viggo and Ryker nodded as they exited the cave.

"Cinder!" Viggo called out. The Titan Wing hadn't been far, thankfully, and soon descended into the cove as the brothers climbed on. Hiccup was throwing up again as Toothless poked his head out and looked at Cinder.

Take them to the village, Cinder. Toothless commanded the Titan Wing.

Will do. Toothless. Cinder nodded as he pushed into the sky, beating his giant wings.

Almost an hour later and Hiccup was resting peacefully after Gothi had made a batch of something to ease the pain, keep down nausea, fever, and allow Hiccup to sleep.

"Gothi says he'll be fine by tomorrow, or at the latest, the day following that," Gobber informed after Gothi had written in the dirt.

"I assume it's some stomach ailment?" Viggo questioned.

"That's what Gothi thinks. You two stay with him; I'll return Gothi and myself to the village. We'll check on him in a few days," Gobber remarked. Viggo and Ryker nodded to the blacksmith. "Oh, and there's more of Gothi's cure too; if the symptoms come back," after that Gothi got on Grump, then Gobber in front of her as the Hotburple left the cove and returned to the village. Viggo and Ryker decided to clean up a bit, then relax since Hiccup was sleeping.

[The Cove]

Four long months had passed since Hiccup's homecoming to Berk, but he still lived in the cove with the Grimborn brothers and Toothless too. Hiccup had forgiven the village; he knew he was troublesome back in the day with all his inventions, and they were right to say he wasn't a Viking. Hiccup knew he wasn't; he was a dragon trainer/rider, but he just wished they had treated him like a member of the tribe. Hiccup had wanted his father to be a dad to him instead of a Chief, and maybe to be taught on how to improve; not just shot down and scolded. Either way; he would return to the village soon, but for now, he was pretty comfortable at the moment. Hiccup still had a hard time dealing with everything he went through. Hiccup spent so much time trying to cope with the village situation, and doing patrols to watch for Drago, that now he'd let things go with the village; he was tackling the torture and rapes. And it wasn't anything easy.

"Hiccup?" Viggo's voice cut through Hiccup's thoughts.

"Hm, what's up?" Hiccup replied.

"Forgive my curiosity here, but are you alright?" Viggo wondered.

"Never better," Hiccup looked at him. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, it's just that Viggo and I heard your nightmare last night, and you've been like this all day," Ryker informed as Hiccup tensed a little.

"Still having trouble coping with the year you were a prisoner?" Viggo inquired. Hiccup didn't answer; he just looked down. "Hiccup, my dear boy; it's alright. You suffered quite a bit, and I can imagine how difficult it is for you to move past all that. But you must remember that no matter what you endured; you refused to give in, and you did not break,"

"Then why do I feel like I am?" Hiccup put his arms on his knees. "After it happened; I was blank, in pain…then the memory loss, gaining it back, getting stuck on Acting Chief duty. It's just, there was so much going on all at once," he sighed. "But now, it's all returning and I can't get away from it. I-I feel like I'm…cracking, breaking apart. And I…don't know how to deal with it,"

"You've got too much time on your hands," Ryker stated.

"What do you mean?" Hiccup questioned.

"You always knew what happened to you, but you were so…busy with everything going on that you were, well, distracted from always thinking about it. You need something to do," Ryker suggested.

"I'm open to ideas," Hiccup mumbled. At this point, Hiccup was willing to try anything at this point.

"Ryker, no. That's not what he needs right now; he needs to heal, and move past it. I believe I've found what's holding you back. Your body is here my friend, but not your mind; you're still locked in the prison and letting the things Drago did hold you down. Break free, Hiccup. You have that power. You need to let yourself be happy. So, Hiccup, what is something you love to do…that makes you happy,"

"Drawing, forging, inventing, dragon riding and training, spreading peace," Hiccup listed off.

"Good! Yes, excellent! Start doing all of that again, and you'll begin to recover. The only way to do that is to start doing the things you stopped. Moving to the future involves getting out of your past," Viggo tried.

"Well, I can do four of those six things, or try to," Hiccup shrugged.

"Which two can't you do?" Ryker blinked.

"Dragon Training and spreading peace," Hiccup said.

"Why can't you do those things?" Ryker pushed.

"Well, there's no one else who wants to learn to be riders. Sure, we all live among the dragons, but not everyone wants to become a rider, and learn how to train them," Hiccup informed.

"And the spreading peace bit?" Viggo asked.

"We've got a madman after us; I think its self-explanatory," Hiccup tried to laugh.

"But look at all you've done, Hiccup. All the minds you've changed. Yours and other's Tribes. Alvin. Dagur. And even us," Viggo insisted as Hiccup's eyes widened a little. "The day you threw the Dragon Eye into the volcano, do you remember what I asked you?"

"Not really," Hiccup replied truthfully.

"I asked if you were really willing to give up your future for the Dragon Eye, all the wonderful years you have ahead of you. You told me; No, I'm not. Then you tossed the Dragon Eye away. Well, my brother and I, after realizing that our futures and everyone else's were at risk with Drago having the Eye; we destroyed it. You continuously told us that it didn't have to be the way it was; fighting dragons for a lucrative business. Now, we're able to see it for ourselves," Viggo remarked.

"So what? You're done capturing, selling, and killing dragons because of me?" Hiccup blinked.

"You were right; having peace with these creatures is much more…satisfying, and far less work!" Ryker laughed a bit.

"Indeed, brother! Yes, Hiccup. You can add Ryker and me to your list of converted people. We've seen the truth, and we helped you because you did not deserve what you went through when all you wanted was peace. We don't want to harm the dragons; we want to be part of the lifestyle you have created between dragons and humans," Viggo smiled.

"What Viggo is trying to ask is if you would consider allowing us to remain here even after the Drago situation? We would much prefer peace over fighting, and you are the man who somehow ensures there is peace no matter what," Ryker mentioned as Hiccup stared at them in surprise.

"Y-You mean become members of the Hooligan Tribe?" Hiccup questioned. The Grimborn brothers nodded.

"The hunters are gone, working for Drago now. The only remaining people from our Tribe is Ryker and me," Viggo responded.

"You know that means I will end up becoming your Chief," Hiccup reminded.

"There is something my father told me when I became Chief, Hiccup. A Chief Protects His Own," Viggo said.

"And you do that for not just your Tribe, but all of them. You deserve to be Chief of the Hooligans, Hiccup, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise because you can do it. For us, though, it would be our honor to be ruled by a young, intelligent, creative, and strong leader such as yourself," Ryker added.

"Wow, I, uh, didn't think you thought so highly of me. Especially with the past we've had," Hiccup gave a half chuckle.

"Well, we came to you for help with the Drago situation because we knew that if we couldn't do it, then the man who was able to defeat us could definitely beat Drago," Ryker relaxed.

"I don't mind you living here, but my dad is the Chief right now, so you gotta run that by him," Hiccup finally said. "But for living this lifestyle; I can help there. If you two are being genuine, then I'd be happy to teach you how to be dragon riders,"

"Would you really?" Viggo and Ryker looked at him.

"I don't see why not, and you said I should do things that make me happy. Showing others how amazing being a dragon rider is, spreading that and peace makes me ecstatic," Hiccup smiled now.

That's the spirit!" Viggo patted his back.

"We can start tomorrow with getting two dragons," Hiccup nodded as he put his hand out to them. Viggo shook it first, then Ryker. "Get your rest, guys," he added afterward. All they really had left to do this evening was eat dinner and then relax a bit before going to bed. Hiccup knew he wasn't great, but he was okay, and he would heal with more time. At least for the time being; it was a starting point to have some mild distractions that made him happy to take part in.