{Normal POV}

Hiccup had been very surprised to hear Viggo and Ryker both give him such words of encouragement as to being able to get through what happened to him regarding Hiccup's one year as a prisoner to Drago Bludvist. Also how the Grimborn brothers firmly believed that Hiccup would make a great Chief to the Hooligans; that was three who thought that. Gobber, Ryker, and Viggo. The rest of the village was a different story, and Hiccup didn't know how they felt about the subject. Genuinely, he didn't care either because Hiccup was the next Heir, and the Tribe didn't have a say in the matter. Another thing to occur yesterday was Hiccup agreeing to turn Viggo and Ryker into dragon riders. Sure, Hiccup knew right away that nobody would agree with him, but they weren't the leader of the Berk Dragon Training Academy, were they? Nope, that title belonged to Hiccup. Today was the day following that talk, so Hiccup, Ryker, and Viggo were making their way to the village to find dragons for the Grimborn siblings.

"How does this entire thing work? We just pick dragons and start riding?" Ryker decided to ask.

"It's not so simple as that," Hiccup informed. "There's a lot that goes into becoming a dragon rider," he added.

"Such as?" Viggo tried.

"Well, for starters; there are rules to follow. Also, there is a lot to learn. Dragon calls, hand signals, saddle building, fly formations. You have to know about your dragon such as their shot limit, what they are weak and strong against. However, the first thing is trust," Hiccup stated.

"And how do we do that?" Ryker wondered.

"You will understand when we find you dragons to bond with. There are always dragons flying around the plaza or wandering, so that's the best place to begin in searching," Hiccup pointed out.

[Town Square]

"Uh, guys?" Tuffnut started.

"Isn't that Hiccup coming into the village with Toothless, Viggo, and Ryker?" Ruffnut finished. The friends look to see that it indeed was Hiccup arriving with the Grimborn brothers, and Toothless.

"Is it just me, or does it seem like he's closer to them in a…friendly sense?" Snotlout asked.

"Well, they did save him from Drago," Fishlegs pointed out.

"So those two are his new best friends?" Astrid rolled her eyes. Of course, it bothered her to no end because she and Hiccup had been lovers up until this whole situation arose with Hiccup losing his memory, but now, not remembering her as anything more than a friend. It hurt, but what could she do? Astrid only hoped Hiccup would recall it, or possible spark the flame between them again.

"Hiccup did say that they had his trust," Ruffnut reminded.

"No, he said he trusted them as much as he trusted Toothless; with his life, and nobody else but those three has it," Snotlout muttered.

"We hurt Hiccup back then, and he said that to us before he left," Fishlegs sighed. "Hiccup trusts Viggo and Ryker because they believe in him while none of us do. When Hiccup was Acting Chief, sadly, there were instances we didn't think he could do it, and we didn't help him like we should have as his friends. We left him to fall on his own, but Viggo and Ryker didn't,"

"And they have told Hiccup he can beat Drago since he was able to defeat Alvin, Dagur, and even them," Astrid closed her eyes. "Fishlegs is right. Hiccup trusts them because Viggo and Ryker saved him from Drago, and put their full confidence and trust in Hiccup protecting them, and getting rid of Drago so everyone can live in peace. Viggo and Ryker destroyed the Dragon Eye in an attempt to actually help, but it backfired, and when they realized they needed help, and went to Hiccup for it after seeing that Drago had Hiccup as his prisoner,"

"Well, we've gone to Hiccup for help too, and saved him," Tuffnut insisted.

"But when it comes down to the more prominent battles; Hiccup is the one risking his life, not us. When Alvin attacked, Hiccup stood up to say he was the Dragon Conqueror to protect Berk. Dagur started a war, and it was Hiccup who went to Outcast Island to face off with him to save his father and we only followed his plan. Every critical situation we've faced has been with Hiccup standing front to protect us and restore peace. And that's precisely what happened here too, the difference is that this time; Hiccup was ASKED for his help," Fishlegs enlightened.

"Why does them asking for Hiccup's help make it different?" Snotlout inquired.

"Because it shows Hiccup that Viggo and Ryker know he's capable of making it happen; restoring peace by getting rid of Drago. It reveals to Hiccup that those two trust him entirely to be able to handle this situation, and they knew who to go to when not even they could do it themselves. The Grimborn brothers put their lives on the line to save people and dragons by destroying the Dragon Eye, and then again when they realized Hiccup was taken as the backup plan. In short, kids, the brothers believe in Hiccup, and Hiccup trusts them with his life because they are trusting Hiccup with theirs, and they understand what it means to risk everything for a greater purpose," Gobber remarked as he walked up.

At the same time, Hiccup reached Gobber with a smile. "Hey, Gobber,"

"'Ello, laddie. What brings you to ta village today?" Gobber asked.

"Dragon Training," Hiccup responded.

"With them?" Astrid arched a brow.

"Don't give me that look. It's the same one when you found out I taught Dagur with Shattermaster," Hiccup rolled his eyes. "And that turned out just fine,"

"Before or after he spent the better half of four years trying to kill us!?" Snotlout scolded.

"After when he realized family is more important than seeking revenge. Don't start this again; we've already been over it. If Alvin and Dagur can change, and redeem themselves, then so can Ryker and Viggo. Everyone deserves a second chance. Besides, if they betray me, Toothless never misses his target. Ain't that right bud?" Hiccup rubbed Toothless's chin.

You bet! Toothless replied with a gummy smile.

"See?" Hiccup motioned.

"As there will be no talking you out of this, would you like any help?" Astrid asked.

"I think I can handle it," Hiccup remarked. "Come on, boys. We got a lot to do before the day is over," he instructed the Grimborn brothers.

"Right behind," Viggo stated quickly as he and Ryker followed Hiccup on to the town square.

"I know it's not what you want to hear, but Hiccup still needs time to deal with everything. Recovering from a year of torture, and being raped does not come easy," Gobber enlightened. "Working with dragons makes him happy, and he needs that," then the blacksmith walked away.

"I suppose as we have no choice," Astrid sighed. After that, the group of friends mounted their dragons and went flying. A moment later, Hiccup and the siblings arrived at their prime location.

"What's first?" Ryker asked.

"We need to find you dragons you could work well with; it helps in bonding. Like how Toothless and I have; he's my partner, ally, best friend. Basically me as a dragon," Hiccup chuckled a bit. "Viggo, you're pretty good at flying Cinder, so maybe a Nightmare for you. Ryker, perhaps a Nadder? Or, you two could share a Zippleback," he suggested.

"You mean as your twin friends do?" Viggo inquired.

"Yep," Hiccup nodded. "But you'd have to work together with one," he mentioned quickly.

"I suppose we could manage that," Ryker shrugged.

"Hideous Zippleback it is, Hiccup," Viggo told him.

"Do you care male or female?" Hiccup wondered.

"Not really," the brothers shook their heads in response.

"Well, that makes it easier," Hiccup smiled as he looked around. "Looks like we've got a few males around here and one female," he stated. "Alright, it's your pick. Why not move around them and see if any stick out to you both. Remember that it's two heads one dragon, but the heads can have their own personality at times. Barf and Belch should be a perfect example," he muttered as a reminder.

"Got it," Viggo and Ryker said. The two started walking around the dragons, remaining calm and discussing things among themselves as Hiccup watched to see how they'd do in picking a dragon, or if perhaps one of the Zipplebacks would take to them of its own will. After ten minutes had passed, there seemed to be no connection. Hiccup was going to step in to try another method when another dragon landed, and it was unlike anything he'd seen before. A black and white Hideous Zippleback; one was white, the other black but the patterns on their backs were opposite their color. Meaning the black one had white and the white had black. In addition to this, the spines going along their neck and tails were opposite, plus the very end of the tail too. The eyes of the two-headed dragon were a light blue.

"Guess we have a newcomer who wanted in on the gathering," Ryker blinked.

"Yes, and I believe it's a female too," Viggo nodded.

"That's correct, and she's different from the rest with the colors; never seen something like this. I've seen black dragons, and white ones, but never both on one," Hiccup enlightened.

"She is a beauty," Ryker stated as the female Zippleback seemed to turn her attention to the brothers now. "And what is she doing?" he asked when the two heads began to sniff them, and walk around; inspecting almost.

"I think she likes you two," Hiccup informed lightly. "It's okay, just stand there and let her do her thing. Sometimes the dragon picks you," For a few moments, Viggo and Ryker allowed this dragon to sniff and walk around them. Finally, the white and black Zippleback nudged the brothers; the black one licked Viggo's cheek as he shook a little, surprised at the action.

"Yeah, you get used to dragon spit," Hiccup laughed as Toothless grinned. "Don't even think about it, Toothless,"

Already thinking. Toothless licked Hiccup's face.

"Ugh! You know that doesn't wash out!" Hiccup groaned.

But you still love me! Toothless chuckled.

"Yes, I still love you, bud," Hiccup rubbed the sides of his face. "Alright, boys. I think this female has picked you, but you still have a part to play," Ryker tried to touch the white head, but she growled at him. "I said likes you, and I think she picked you, but I did not say you earned her trust,"

"What must we do?" Viggo questioned.

"Well, I'm going to have you do it the way I showed the others. First, get rid of your weapons," the brothers removed their weapons and slowly pushed them away. "Now, I want you both to close your eyes and turn your head away from the dragons, but put your hand out with the palm up. Don't talk or move, and we'll see what happens," Hiccup instructed. Above the other riders had returned to see the scene, astonished at the sight of the black and white Zippleback. Viggo and Ryker did what they were told, and there was silence as the two heads leaned in, pressing to the open palms. The black to Viggo's and the white to Ryker's. "Congratulations, guys; you just bonded to your dragon,"

Viggo and Ryker turned their heads back to see the female Zippleback they had bonded with, and the two found a smile. It was an incredible feeling, as described by plenty. "How extraordinary," Viggo remarked.

"Told you there was no better feeling," Hiccup reminded as Toothless nudged him. "Now, all you have to do is name her,"

"How do we do that?" Ryker blinked. "Two names or one?"

"Doesn't really matter as long as you know she is yours. I believe on a female that the left head breathes smoke and the right sparks. So Viggo has black and Ryker, you have the white from what it appears in which head connected to your palms," Hiccup said. "You could name them separately, or something that would go together as they need one another to create their attack,"

"I believe I know of such a thing from previous readings while growing up as a young boy myself. The legend of Yin and Yang," Viggo mentioned.

"Aye; I remember that teaching, brother. So different, but you can't have one without the other," Ryker nodded.

"Weaker apart, stronger together. I believe I know precisely what we can name them," Viggo said gently. "I shall name mine as Yang for the dark,"

"And mine will be Yin to represent the light," Ryker replied.

"I think you two will make fine dragon riders," Hiccup smiled as the brothers did the same. "And now, we've got a lot of work to do,"

"We're ready," Viggo and Ryker responded together.

[Hiccup's Birthday]

Officially, Hiccup was twenty-years-old! And it wasn't a bad day either! Toothless and Hiccup started their morning with a flight at sunrise as always and joined by Viggo and Ryker who were doing exceptionally well in their dragon training. Hiccup had covered dragon calls, signals, statistics, shot limits, weaknesses, strengths, everything. Thankfully, none of that took very long as Viggo was very knowledgeable in dragons, but not Ryker; he knew some or basics. Hiccup had learned long ago that Ryker had the brawn, but Viggo was the brains, which made a lot of sense as to why Viggo ended up Chief of the Dragon Hunters. The village threw Hiccup a party, and he definitely hadn't been expecting that; it was all Gobber's idea too. The celebration included an announcement from Stoick that Hiccup, when he returned to the village and was ready, would be starting his Chieftain training. That surprised Hiccup a lot, but he couldn't exactly say no with his father being fifty-years-old and likely ready to retire. It made Hiccup nervous, but he knew this day would have come eventually, so why put it off? Of course, Hiccup needed time, and Stoick seemed to be alright with granting his only son that to recover.

The party ended not long ago as Hiccup, Viggo, and Ryker returned to the cove with Toothless, Yin, and Yang. The brothers could see that Hiccup had a lot on his mind about the announcement.

"Hiccup? Why don't you take a flight with Toothless, to clear your head? It's been a trying day with everything," Viggo offered.

"Yeah, I guess it has. You two gonna be alright down here?" Hiccup questioned.

"We have Yin and Yang, and Cinder not far if there is trouble," Ryker affirmed.

"Just an answer I would expect from two dragon riders," Hiccup nodded. "I'll be back in a bit. Come on, Toothless,"

You got it, Hiccup. Toothless motioned with his head for Hiccup to get on his back. Hiccup did so, and then they were gone into the night sky.

[The Sky]

Hiccup sighed heavily while sitting in the saddle, his head facing the sky. "What am I gonna do, bud?" Hiccup finally spoke after much silence between them. "I always knew I'd take over the Tribe as Chief, but not anytime soon. Dad can make me leader as soon as he thinks I'm ready. None of them believe I can do it,"

You can; you just have to believe in yourself as Viggo, Gobber, and Ryker do. Toothless replied, though, Hiccup only heard a warble.

"How can he expect me to be ready when I'm dealing with all this? I'm a mess, and he thinks I can run the village? I couldn't even handle two weeks without Viggo and Ryker's help. Odin knows that they only cheered earlier because none of them wanted to hurt me by making comments. I guess there's no use complaining; I have no choice," Hiccup sighed.

Hiccup, you'll make an excellent Chief! Don't put yourself down like that. You just need a little training, and confidence! Needing help isn't a bad thing; everyone sometimes does. Your dad doesn't do it alone; he has Spitelout, and Gobber. Toothless informed.

"Gods, I wish you and I could talk the same language. I feel like you know exactly what to say to make me feel better," Hiccup mumbled as he rubbed Toothless's head, making him warble and wishing he had the connection with Hiccup so they could understand one another. Hiccup bent down and hugged Toothless the best he could. Suddenly, a gust rushed by and whirled around them with some sparks of lightning, then it was gone. "Okay, that was weird. Oh, well. I hope you know you're my best friend, Toothless. I don't know where I'd be without you in my life; probably dead," he chuckled a little.

Strange indeed. And you're my best friend too. Toothless said with a roll of his eyes. Hiccup's eyes snapped open hearing a voice. Sitting up quickly, Hiccup blinked while looking around.

"I must be losing it," Hiccup stated.

Possibly with all you've been through since we met. Toothless snickered sarcastically.

No, Hiccup was not out of his mind! There really was someone else talking. "Toothless? Do you sense anything around us?" Hiccup questioned, assuming his Night Fury would check the area.

No, Hiccup; it's just us out here. Why? Toothless asked curiously. Hiccup's eyes widened. D-Did Toothless just respond to him in words instead of sounds?

"Toothless?" Hiccup looked down at his friend.

What? Toothless replied.

"Why can I suddenly hear you?" Hiccup tried to stay relaxed.

Toothless stopped abruptly, hovering, then looking back at Hiccup quickly. WHAT!?

"Oh, my Odin! I really can hear you! What? When? Where? Why? How?! Holy Thor; I can't believe this! You can talk, and I-I can listen to you. Actually understand you speaking words instead of noises, but only in my head?!" Hiccup rambled off, trying to make any sense of this.

Did I initiate the connection by accident? Great, this is precisely what I figured would happen if he knew I could make it so we could understand one another, or he hears me. Toothless muttered.

"Hey! I can hear you, Toothless. So this is happening right now?" Hiccup asked.

Yes, Hiccup, Toothless sighed.

"I need to understand this. Have you…always been able to talk to me? Why couldn't I hear it before tonight? How does this work?" Hiccup fired off questions.

If you promise to calm down, I will tell you. Toothless informed.

"I'm…trying to be relaxed here, Toothless, but this is amazing!" Hiccup exclaimed.

"Yeah, I know. Come on, we're going to Dragon Island. I can't risk anyone else hearing this. Toothless stated.

"Lead the way," Hiccup invited, then seconds later; they were gone in the direction of West from Berk towards the former Dragon's Nest.

[Dragon Island]

Landing a bit later, Hiccup climbed off Toothless after what was a silent flight while the Night Fury debated the easiest way to explain things.

"Um, should I make a fire or something?" Hiccup asked.

If you want to. Toothless replied. Hiccup rounded up some wood, then made a quick ring with some larger rocks. Hiccup poured a little Monstrous Nightmare gel on the wood as Toothless shot a small blast to set the logs ablaze. Hiccup took a seat as Toothless sat back on his hind legs.

"Have you always been able to communicate?" Hiccup inquired.

With other dragons, yes. I've never attempted using the connection with a human, though. Toothless admitted.

"So this is a connection the formed? Was it because I said I wish we could talk?" Hiccup wondered.

Unfortunately, I'm not entirely sure what brought it on. Growing up before separated from my family; I was told of it being an ability only Night Furies have. From legend; the connection is initiated by a Night Fury, but only once the dragon was sure they had found their human counterpart. If that makes sense? Toothless tried to explain.

"Somewhat. Well, a few weeks ago; I said you were basically the dragon version of me. Would that have anything to do with it?" Hiccup questioned.

It's possible, Hiccup. You and I are very much alike in being different from our Tribes. I'm supposed to be the unholy offspring of lightning and death itself who doesn't let its victims live, but I didn't destroy you after you spared me, and you're a Viking, brought up to kill dragons. My pack didn't like that I was different, and yours was the same with you. Toothless mentioned.

"Suppose so. How did this happen? Because of us bonding?" Hiccup inquired, trying to understand more.

The bond does have a part to play in it, but the communication barrier shouldn't have broken unless I initiated contact. I didn't want to scare you with knowing we could speak like this. Well, me in your head. Nobody else can hear me, just you. Odin only knows what chaos that could bring. Toothless sighed.

"Everyone else would just hear noises, right?" Hiccup asked. Toothless nodded. "Why would this scare me? This is fantastic!"

Hiccup. Did you see how you earlier when we were in the sky? If this had happened in front of others, well, I don't want to imagine what could happen if the others knew we could talk. It is cool, and I've desired to sever the connection a few times, but I didn't want to freak you out knowing we could do this. If I had to take a guess, that whole gust of wind and lightning sparks thing is when barrier shattered. It was right when you'd wished we could talk, and then said I was your best friend. I suppose this is our bond and a higher force is at work. Toothless informed.

"You're saying that the link formed because I desired to speak with you, knowing that if we could; you'd make me feel better?" Hiccup blinked.

I don't know, but it happened and here we are with you able to understand me. I've always heard you, though. Toothless enlightened.

"Alright, so we can talk. Well, we've always done that, but I can hear you now. It's not a big deal, and we can chalk it up to the strength of our bond. It's cool with me, Toothless. Seriously; this is amazing, and I'm glad it happened on tonight of all nights. It's my birthday, and knowing I can talk to my best friend; nothing could make this better!" Hiccup smiled.

I agree, Hiccup, and I'm glad this makes you happy. But you know that this only lets you talk to me, not any other dragon? And also, you can't tell anyone about this? Toothless urged.

"Toothless, I'm ecstatic just to understand you, and yes, I know I can't tell anyone," Hiccup nodded. Toothless smiled and nuzzled his face.

Good. To everyone else; it will be like nothing changed, just be careful in your responses to me. I talk in your head, but they can hear you. If it sounds too specific; it will raise questions. Toothless reminded. Oh, and happy birthday, Hiccup.

"Thanks. Don't worry, bud. I got this," Hiccup replied calmly as he pressed his forehead to Toothless's, eyes closed for both of them. Hiccup loved this and Gods; it make him feel better. However, all that aside, Hiccup understood this was major and it was forever to be their secret.