=Normal POV=

{Tuesday, May 31, 2022-12:35 pm}

(Archian Preparatory)

As finals were over, the seniors could spend their day on campus relaxing. It could be outside, flying dragons, anywhere as long as they were on school grounds. Also, a lot of their morning and some of the afternoon was graduation preparations. Monday was just am an assembly about the rules, dress code, place, time, and who was allowed to come. Today brought fittings for cap and gown orders. The Archian Preparatory colors were brown and white. This meant that the girls would wear white, boys in brown. The tassels on the cap would have a gold piece reading the year 2022 as the strings would display brown and white. Everything had to be ordered by the end of the week to ensure they arrived on time for the week of graduation. Next week would start the lining up process, which was to make sure everyone lined up according to their last name.

The next set of processes in the prep was going over who would speak, the songs played, preparing to walk the stage, and how to receive their diplomas. This process would go on until Saturday the 18th when graduation would take place. There would be a rehearsal in the morning at 10 am. Graduation was set to be on the biggest field Archian Prep had to offer, which would be the Dragon Training field. The Senior Class had to arrive to change and line up by 2 pm. The ceremony started at 4 pm, and hopefully wouldn't last more than two hours. Afterward, most families would be taking their newly graduated teenagers out to celebrate with a late dinner, and some would just be hanging out with friends. Hiccup and Astrid would be having dinner with Stoick, Valka, Snotlout, Adelaide, Fishlegs, Alvin, Termagant, Spitelout, and Frida. And then on Sunday, there would be a friend's hangout celebration and sleepover. That was the plan at least, and all this was almost upon them.

Among other situations, Astrid's necklace still hadn't been found. Agent Hoark was aware of the break-in to Haddock Manor. The police were trying to locate whoever hurt Astrid and took her pendant. And Hiccup had hidden the Dragon Eye in the best place he could; with him. The Dragon eye was safely hidden within Hiccup's backpack. Hiccup assumed it was the only place he could keep to avoid it being taken if he wasn't around. And so far, that had been working. Nobody knew Hiccup had it, or at least he didn't think so. Hiccup didn't like keeping secrets from everyone, but he felt this was the only way to protect his family and friends. If nothing else; he would become the target for taking it from the Reaper. The Dragon Eye is what Drago needed Astrid's locket key for; to gain access to the maps to find the Dragon Eye. Drago wouldn't find anything because Hiccup had it.

Right now; it was lunchtime with the friends sitting together outside.

"Yoohoo…Hiccup? Are you with us?" Thuggory waved his hand in front of Hiccup's face. No response. Astrid rolled her eyes as she leaned over a bit and kissed his lips gently. Hiccup snapped out of his daze.

"Huh? What?" Hiccup asked.

"Welcome back," Astrid giggled some. "You zoned out on us when we were talking about the graduation party on the 19th," she reminded.

"Oh, right. Sorry," Hiccup replied, rubbing the back of his head a little. "Wait, did you kiss me to snap me out of it?"

"Yep," Astrid smiled.

"Why?" Hiccup blinked.

"Because I knew it would work, and I love seeing your reaction," Astrid replied.

"Huh…You're a devious little thing. I'm gonna have to watch out for that," Hiccup chuckled.

"Watch it, Haddock…" Astrid warned.

"Make me, Hofferson," Hiccup challenged.

"You're just mad that I made you blush in front of everyone," Astrid folded her arms over her chest with her eyes closed, a triumphant grin on her face. Hiccup rolled his eyes as he turned himself a bit and leaned over to kiss Astrid back. Astrid's eyes widened a bit, but she melted into the action and went to kiss him back, but Hiccup pulled away with a smirk.

"Right back at you, babe," Hiccup teased. Astrid blushed furiously as the socked him in the arm.

"That was for teasing me," Astrid glared; then she leaned her head on his shoulder. "And this is for everything else," she added. Hiccup chuckled, putting his head on hers.

"Oh, you two are gonna make such a cute couple when you finally get together," Heather clapped her hands together. Hiccup and Astrid laughed a little before separating, but neither of them said anything. It didn't feel right to tell everyone that they were kind of seeing each other already.

"Alright, so where were we at with grad party plans?" Hiccup asked.

"Discussing what everyone is bringing," Camicazi reminded.

"Well, it's the basic food for the main meal. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs. There will be chips, drinks…So I guess just maybe everyone being either an appetizer or dessert? There will be a graduation cake; I've taken care of that already," Hiccup informed.

"I guess that wraps that up," Dagur remarked. "Oh, what's going on for the 11th?" he wondered.

"11th?" Nadia asked.

"It's…Runa's first birthday," Fishlegs said. Astrid looked over to Hiccup now; he wasn't saying anything, but his head was down.

"Hiccup?" Astrid asked; her hand moving to his softly; then Hiccup glanced over at her questioningly. "You okay?"

Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine," Hiccup replied to her.

"Well, you didn't answer Dagur's question," Thuggory reminded.

"I just didn't have an answer to give," Hiccup laid back against Toothless now as the Night Fury warbled at him, nudging his head a bit. "I'm not sure what I'm doing yet. It falls on a Saturday, so probably a party for her that Mom and Dad will insist on throwing that day, which is fine with me. I'd never deny my little girl a party on the day of her birth. That was a crazy day; I wouldn't change it for the world, though," Hiccup chuckled a little.

"How did it go?" Astrid asked. "Well, if you don't mind talking about it?"

"Nah, it's okay," Hiccup sat up now. "Olivia's original due date was July 9th, which would have been ideal with me not missing any school to help her out for a few months until September when we started Senior Year. But, I guess Runa didn't want to wait," he laughed a little. "Birger and Olivia weren't always homeschooled; they used to attend a private school in Outcast. I forget the name; it was a small place with no more than eighty students at best. Olivia learned she had cancer; then we found out she was pregnant during an appointment where they were running tests to figure out the best treatment plan for her. Olivia refused treatment to save the baby because Olivia's chance of survival was still up in the air even if she terminated the pregnant to take the medications. Olivia wanted to give the baby life instead of saving her own," Hiccup explained.

"That's…Really brave," Camicazi commented softly.

"And I supported it. What else could I do? The doctors told her that there would be no saving her if she continued the pregnancy, so I knew that day I'd lose her eventually. Initially; they didn't think Olivia would even survive giving birth, but she pulled through. Bless that woman's fighting spirit," Hiccup laughed a little.

"So, the day she went into labor was crazy? We remember you taking off around lunchtime, wasn't it?" Eret asked.

"That's right," Hiccup nodded. I called sent Liv a text saying good morning at 6:30 am. Olivia didn't answer until a few minutes before the first bell signaled, and she told me morning and said she was uncomfortable. I asked if she was okay, and she said it was hard being eight months pregnant and getting out of bed in the morning. I told her I had to get to class and call me if anything changed," Hiccup started. "Most of the morning was okay, a few texts back and forth of her updating me on what she was doing, or asking how my day was going," Hiccup put his hands together as his arms were on his kneecaps.

"All day; it got worse. Exhaustion, hard to move, severe cramps; Liv described them as beyond intense first-day menstrual cycle pains," Hiccup explained.

"Oh, Gods; I never want to get pregnant if labor is that bad!" Nadia shook her head.

"That bad, huh?" Snotlout snickered a bit.

"Apparently; all I felt was Liv nearly breaking my hand and her telling me what she was going to kill me," Hiccup smiled.

"Hey, don't knock period cramps on day one; it sucks!" Heather frowned as the other girls nodded in agreement.

"Anyway, your story Hiccup," Astrid urged.

"Well, Olivia called me at lunch hour to tell me that her water broke. Maeva, Bard, and Birger were off shopping or something; I don't remember. I called them once I arrived, and said I'd take her in on Toothless. Liv got admitted right away while I let my parents know. Liv's water broke, but her labor wasn't totally active yet, and she'd only dilated half a centimeter. The contractions were inconsistent too, meaning that they were basically 30-40 minutes apart. As birth nears, there is more dilation, and the contractions become almost constant," Hiccup enlightened.

"Live was pissed and tired because of how slow everything moved, and she couldn't even get an epidural until she was five or six centimeters dilated. It was just hours of trying to get her to dilate more. We tried walking up and down the halls, and anything else they suggested. By 3 pm, Liv made it to a full centimeter dilated. At 5, she hit two. 7 pm was four and a half. By 8:30 pm, Liv hit five and got the epidural; that kicked in around 9:10 pm. Olivia was able to get some sleep from 9:30 pm to 11:45-ish and they came in to check her again; Olivia hit seven cm somewhere when she was sleeping. 12:30 am, Liv reached seven and a half. 1:30 am; nine centimeters. And finally, 2:30 am; ten cm and time to push. It took about five good pushes to get Runa out and happened over the course of seven minutes. So 2:37 am on June 11th, 2021; Runa Haddock was born," Hiccup informed.

"What time did you get to sleep finally?" Camicazi asked.

"I don't know…4 am? Runa was cleaned up, weighed, measured, and did her little hand and footprints. Runa was wrapped; then given to Liv to feed her. We tried breastfeeding, but Runa wasn't having it. That was basically it. Our parents came in to see her quickly; then Liv fell asleep, so I took Runa until 3:30 am before putting her in the bedside crib; I passed out around 4 am and was up again at 7 am. Everything after that was just taking care of her, and learning that Olivia wouldn't have a lot of time left; they said less than two months, but Liv made it to November. You know the rest from there," Hiccup stated.

"Wow. In labor for about fourteen hours…" Ragna blinked.

"That's about standard for a first-time mom, according to the doctors at least," Hiccup shrugged.

"Well, Olivia was lucky to have such a supportive man at her side through it all," Astrid smiled.

"Thanks," Hiccup looked at her. The bell sounded as they began to clean their garbage and get up. "See you guys at 3 pm. Thug's dad asked to see me for something at the end of the day; I'll meet you afterward," he added.

"No problem," the rest replied, and soon everyone broke off to get to classes. Yeah; they weren't doing much in them, some were just parties, movies, or preparing for college stuff.

. . .

{3:15 pm}

"I understand, Mr. Meatsen," Hiccup replied as he shook the man's hand; then exited the principal's office. Not that I mind the honor of being Valedictorian, but I didn't need a long meeting about it… Hiccup sighed to himself as he went to meet his friends at the stables. I'm so late… he thought. By 3:30 pm; he reached his friends. Everyone was there but one; his girlfriend.

"Hey, there you are," Dagur greeted.

"Yeah, the meeting took a bit longer than expected. Is…Astrid in the bathroom or something?" Hiccup asked while preparing Toothless for the flight home.

"That's where she said she was going," Eret stated.

"It's been twenty minutes, Hiccup," Ragna informed. Hiccup faced her now. "Astrid went to the bathroom around 2 pm, but we haven't seen her since, and she hasn't replied to any texts or calls,"

Hiccup's worry began to rise. "Hic…Relax a bit; I'm sure she's okay…" Snotlout tried. Hiccup glared as he put his phone against his ear.

"Do not tell me to relax, and I won't until I know for sure. Come on, Ast…Pick up the phone…" Hiccup said. "Pick up, pick up, pick up…" he repeated quietly. Finally, he lowered it and mumbled under his breath. "Damn it; voicemail twice…"

Ruffnut, Minden, Camicazi, Ragna, and Nadia rushed back panting. "She's not in any of the bathrooms, and wasn't in with the nurse or the office," Ruffnut said trying to catch her breath.

"You don't think something has happened, do you?" Heather asked quickly.

"Astrid always answers when I call…" Hiccup looked at Heather. Hiccup dialed another number and put it to his ear. "Agent Haggard? Astrid hasn't answered calls or texts since 2 pm," he stated. "I got called away to the principal. Astrid was with our friends, but left at two to use the restroom," he explained. "The girls checked all the bathrooms, the nurse, and the office. No one has seen her. I'm still at the school," then a pause. "I'll be here," then the call ended. "Fuck me," he slammed his head against the stable wall. "This is my fault…"

"Hiccup, you can't blame yourself…You can't be everywhere," Thuggory reminded.

"I didn't need to be everywhere…Just with her, and I fucked that up…" Hiccup closed his eyes. "If I ever get my hands on the guy who did all this; I swear to Odin I'm going to knock his ass out…" he grumbled. All Hiccup could do was wait for Hoark, and likely Spitelout. By 4:00 pm, Spitelout, Hoark, and Alvin arrived. To make matters worse, his parents and Gobber showed as well as Mogadon Meatsen.

"Hiccup, what is going on?" Stoick asked.

"Astrid's missing, Uncle Stoick," Adelaide informed softly.

"We'll find her, not to worry," Alvin assured.

"I just want this over…" Hiccup remarked as his eyes glanced at Stormfly, who seemed on edge and looking around. "Where is she, Stormfly?" he asked. Stormfly squawked sadly. "Toothless, do your thing, bud. Find her," Toothless stood up and let out a screech-like roar in several different directions. Finally, Toothless's ears started twitching about before he locked onto something to the right of them and growled.

"Bravo, Master Hiccup. Bravo indeed," came a familiar voice. Hiccup's eyes widened as the figure came forward holding Astrid's arms behind her back and forcing her into sight with him. The man grinned as Hiccup tightened his fist. "You look surprised to see me,"

"Johann…" Hiccup's shocked look turned to anger.

"The one and only," Johann answered as Toothless prepared a blast. "Call him off," Johann pushed the blade more.

"Toothless, cease," Hiccup put his hand out as Toothless stepped back, but continue glaring as Hiccup swirled his finger once and Toothless retreated farther into the stables. "Johann, how could you? We've worked together for years," he demanded.

"I know, a nice act, wasn't it? Years of friendship, trust…All a lie to gather information. And like the naïve teenager, you are; you never guessed I'd be behind a lot of things. The perfect way to infiltrate your life was to be part of it, and you didn't suspect a thing. Working for you was all I needed to gather the information I needed, so I can thank you for getting me this far…" Johann laughed a bit as Hiccup glared. "And yet…You and that Night Fury are always in the way of things…" he said coldly.

"What are you talking about?" Hiccup asked.

"You and your meddling in things that don't concern you is aggravating. You're always where you shouldn't be, and then you had to go and ruin a seven-year operation by taking on the Red Death we planted on Dragon Island…Never expected you to survive that, and now you're in the way of everything," Johann informed. "I should just kill you now…"

"If you think you got what it takes to beat me after all this; I dare you to try it…If I'm in your way; then let her go and come at me," Hiccup offered.

"Oh, I'd love to, but, unfortunately, I need her," Johann said. "She's all I got to get to you because Odin knows you'll do anything to protect her,"

"What do you want?" Hiccup inquired.

"I must admit; you're a clever boy for your age. You gained access to the safe with Colden Hofferson's documents on an ancient artifact that tells all information about dragons," Johann said as Astrid's eyes widened as her eyes snapped to Hiccup's figure. "Figuring out that the key to the safe was a locket she wears around her neck. Studying the maps and finally locating something Colden himself couldn't. You've been a busy boy indeed. Now. You're a smart kid…You know I know that you have what we've been after…Hand it over,"

"Let me guess; you want the Dragon Eye in exchange for Astrid?" Hiccup called to him as the two were a decent distance apart.

"Oh, it sounds so much colder when you say it like that, but yes," Johann remarked. Hiccup grabbed his backpack and dug the Dragon Eye out; then he tossed the bag to the side."While I don't appreciate you meddling in things that don't concern you, I suppose thanks are in order as you managed to use just a few days to decipher those maps and locate something we've been after for seven years. Now, I must insist you give it to me so we can get on with things…Taking over the world is a bit of a process, and that artifact puts everything into motion," he added.

"Hiccup, don't even think about it!" Astrid yelled at him as Hiccup looked at her now. "My parents were killed to protect that thing, don't you dare hand it over!"

"Astrid…" Hiccup stared now.

"Be quiet, girl," Johann growled.

"Hiccup, listen to me; if they get that thing…It's all over, for everyone. My parents were murdered over it…A-And if I have to die for it to stay safe…" Astrid lowered her head a bit.

"Silence. Don't be a fool, Hiccup. Come now. Are you really going to give up your future?" Johann started as Hiccup's eyes narrowed. "All the wonderful years you have ahead of you over that?" Johann continued. Hiccup knew what he was getting at too, and Hiccup knew his answer; his eyes met Astrid's as she shook her head no to him.

Hiccup held the Dragon Eye in his hand now. "Wow, Johann," Hiccup started. "Well, I guess when you put it like that…NO, I'M NOT!" he yelled as he threw the Dragon Eye as hard as he could pass Johann.

"NO!" Johann panicked as he quickly released Astrid and she ran over to Hiccup, and he held her in his arms; then glared.

"Toothless, now!" Hiccup called. Out of nowhere; Toothless rushed into sight and used his tail to knock the device up in the air out of Johann's reach. "Do it, bud! Destroy it; full power!" he demanded. Toothless charged a blast and fired it at the Dragon Eye. The moment the two things connected; the Dragon Eye shattered into nothing at all. Hiccup had Toothless destroy it, and now, it was gone.