Hello, thanks for sticking around. I hope you are enjoying the story. I think this story is about halfway done as it is rather short. I posted frequently at the beginning here to get the ball rolling, but I should be able to post weekly updates after this. Enjoy!


Before them stood a deadly nadder. It was blue and gold with tan and purple accents. Hiccup already knew this dragon, it was the same dragon from the kill ring that trapped him and Astrid under the maze. The same one that she bonded with to save his boneheaded father and the rest of Berk from Helheim's gate.

"Stormfly!" Astrid yelled. The blue dragon squawked and turned towards Astrid. It immediately began running at her and nuzzled Astrid as she received scratches.

"It's been too long, girl." Stormfly seemed to squawk in agreement. Eventually the nadder turned its attention towards Hiccup and also charged at him. A little hesitant Hiccup took a step back, but not before getting a faceful of nadder love affectionately cooing against him. He couldn't help but chuckle and pet the dragon.

"You named her Stormfly?" He asked Astrid whilst she was fitting the saddle onto Stormfly's back.

"Yes, because she flew into a storm. At least I didn't name her something stupid like spineless to a dragon who very clearly has spines." She said with a smirk.

"They were retractable!" He bellowed in annoyance. "Speaking of, where is Toothless?"

"He is the alpha. So he is very busy keeping the dragons in order. Much like you are the chief here and also really busy. You both are trying your best to keep your respective species from killing each other and themselves. It's quite the daunting task. The dragons left for a bit, but it didn't last long. There are too many of them to keep hidden the whole time, so we decided to just try and hide dragons from the world and keep them a secret here on Berk and protect the hidden world."

Hiccup gasped, "So what my dad was saying? It was all true?" Astrid nodded. "And we found it?" She nodded again.

"But like I said it was too hard to keep them totally hidden so Berk has taken it upon themselves to keep any foreign adversaries from trying to control the dragons. Again." With one final tug she fastened the saddle on and hopped on her back. She reached out her hand and Hiccup climbed up behind her, slapping her hand out of the way and giving her a smirk.

"Okay Stormfly," Astrid gave her a pat on the head, "slowly." Without further hesitation the nadder took off at top speed. Although Hiccup was flying yesterday, it felt like he hadn't done this in ages. He was a head taller than Astrid, so he still got a face full of wind as Stormfly twisted and turned through the air. Whenever he was flying, it felt like all of his worries melted away. That he was free.

Before he thought dragons were free. And flying was that expression of freedom. Then he met the Red Death and it turned out the dragons were just a slave to one hungry spawn of death. Apparently it seems he succeeded in freeing them. At least most of them. I just hope dragons can live freely. Back them into a corner and they will bite, but that's not their nature. Hiccup thought.

Eventually Stormfly leveled out and they were just gliding through the air. Hiccup got a beautiful view of New Berk. And it was stunning. This new island had beautiful waterfalls and rock features while also being larger than Berk itself. He couldn't help but smile. It seemed so relaxing. Astrid even relaxed backwards into his arms as they circled the island which only brought a question to his mind.

"Hey Astrid?" He asked. She turned slightly to look in his eyes. "We seem kinda close. I mean you kissed me when I woke up. I was uh, w-wondering if . . . ifwearedating?"

"Slow down dragon boy, what did you ask?"

"I was wondering if we are d-dating?" He asked again while shifting uncomfortably in Stormfly's saddle. Hiccup noticed that Astrid was slightly bobbing in laughter.

"Yea, something like that." Astrid said before she melted further into his arms. He stiffened still not used to this foreign closeness with somebody. Hiccup looked over New Berk once again and he came to a conclusion.

"I'm dead aren't I?" He said and Astrid whipped around.

"What!" Her gaze was angry, she looked like she was about to punch him.

"Think about it, Astrid. Yesterday I was fighting a dragon the size of a mountain when it's tail hit me before I got engulfed in flames. I woke up, 23 years later where I apparently saved Berk multiple times. Not only that, but we nearly brought peace to humans and dragons and I am the chief. Yes that is all plausible, unlikely but plausible." He looked her in the eyes, "but what surprises me the most is that I am with you." He shook his head. "I must have died and gone to Valhalla, I'm sure that's the only place I could end up with you."

Astrid grabbed him and pulled him into a kiss. It startled him and he just froze. She eventually pulled away, "you better believe it Hiccup. Because if you think about going to Valhalla." She pulled him closer and whispered in his ear. "I'll kill you."

He furrowed his brows, "That doesn't make-" He faltered seeing her eyes narrow. "N-nevermind. I won't die."

"Good." Satisfied she turned back around and signaled Stormfly to begin her descent.

Once Stormfly hit the ground, Astrid and Hiccup hopped off and she turned to him, "Anything come back to you?" Hiccup sadly shook his head.

"Only the memories I already had, nothing new." Astrid opened her mouth to reply but they were interrupted by a villager.

"Chief!" They both turned to the newcomer. "There's a problem at the sheep pen. The teens painted them again."

Astrid groaned, "Hiccup, I'll take care of this. You walk around the village and try to figure out your . . . issue. I'll meet up with you later." He nodded in response before Astrid hopped onto Stormfly and took off.

Hiccup looked around before he realized he has no clue where anything is on this new island. He sighed and began walking in a random direction where he thought the forge might be. He saw many houses and buildings that looked to be more for storage of dragon goods and food. There were also a few dragons flying around that caught his attention, some of whom he has never seen or heard of before.

After walking around for about an hour, constantly saying hello to the villagers happily greeting him as he passed, he was surprised no one stopped him and asked for help with an issue or had a problem. It seemed things might be running smoother than on the older island. Granted dragons were raiding the village constantly so everyone was on their toes. But it was a refreshing pace.

"Hiccup!" Someone called his name and he looked to see who it was. It was an unfamiliar woman with black hair and green eyes. She looked to be around new Astrid's age. Er, technically his age.

"Hello," Hiccup replied as she came to stop in front of him.

"It's been a while since we had the chance to talk, I heard you got hurt, how are you feeling?" She asked.

"Could be better. Still a little sore and some side effects." He said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I'm sorry to hear that. I just received a terror mail saying that my brother is coming to visit. I thought I should let you know."

Hiccup gave a fake smile, "I'm sorry your brother is?"

She recoiled, "My brother? Dagur? You know the deranged berserker? Are you sure you are feeling alright Hiccup?" Hiccup's eyes widened. He had no idea that Dagur had a sister. But she seems so normal. Can they really be related?

Before Hiccup could make a bigger fool of himself, Fishlegs ran over to them. "Heather!" He yelled.

The black haired woman looked to her husband. "Hey Fishlegs." She gave him a quick kiss. "I was just informing our chief of my brother's visit." Fishlegs gave a worried look to Hiccup.

"I'll prepare things for Dagur's arrival." Fishlegs said as he placed an arm around Heather's shoulders. "You need to get all this sorted out." He then gestured to Hiccup.

"You just gestured to all of me." Hiccup said sarcastically.

"Exactly, get it sorted and I'll handle the berserker."

"Thanks Fishlegs." The chubby man nodded in affirmation before pulling his wife off to the side and Hiccup briefly heard the words lost and memory. With the departure of the couple, Hiccup trudged on looking around the unfamiliar land.

He couldn't help but notice how much the architecture of Berk resembled dragons. It seemed that every building had some sort of integration with the beasts and really gave the impression that Berk had been friends with dragons forever. The population also seems to have grown quite a bit and he has caught sight of villagers who he knows were not part of Berk when he remembered them. He never guessed that some people would decide to immigrate to Berk.

Eventually Hiccup came upon the kill ring. Or at least what he assumed was the kill ring. It was a small pit in the ground that had a dome covering the majority of the pit. It seemed to have some mechanism that allowed the dome to open and close. There was a viewing platform at the top of the pit that Hiccup sat at and looked down into the ring. He was pleasantly surprised that it was no longer a dragon killing arena, but a dragon training arena. Further to his surprise, Gutav was currently leading a class of younglings and showing them how not to aggravate the old gronckle.

Hiccup smiled and watched Gustav teach the newer generation of 10 year olds how to handle and work with the gronckle. He sat there watching for nearly half an hour before something caught his eye.

At the back edge of the dome there is an expanse of forest. He saw something moving in the tree line. It seemed to be a person and a dragon. What intrigued him the most was the unknown species of dragon that was following the viking. Being Hiccup his curiosity got the best of him and he followed the pair into the forest.

Hiccup was getting more comfortable using his prosthetic leg, but he was still not proficient. Still, he did his best to stealthily follow the two into the forest without alerting them. He assumed the dragon knew he was there already, but was busy with the other viking. He almost lost their trail a few times, but he managed to pick it back up. Eventually he followed them to a small clearing in the forest. As he approached, he heard an all too familiar battle cry and the sound of metal on wood. He knew that sound anywhere. It was the genocide of trees.

Hiccup smiled and peeked his head into the clearing. He was not prepared for what he was about to see. His jaw dropped and he froze in his tracks. The dragon looked similar to Toothless, but it had almost all white scales. It's spine, tail and ears had black accents to it and the dragon had bright acid green eyes. He had no idea what breed of dragon it was. Some sort of Night, White, Light hybrid. If the dragon wasn't shocking enough, it's rider was.

He looked over and saw Astrid. Not the new older Astrid, but the one he remembered. The young 15 year old Astrid that barely talked to him until that amazing flight on Toothless' back. This little girl looked exactly like her. She wore similar boots and olive leggings and ended at a studded skirt with skulls around her waist. She had a red shirt and two leather bracers on her wrists and leather wrappings on her elbows. She even had spiked pauldrons! The axe she had looked almost like Astrid's but newer? And she wore a kransen that looked exactly like Astrid's. The resemblance was uncanny.

Much like Astrid would, she screamed and threw her axe with deadly accuracy at the nearest tree. She stomped over and ripped it out before setting up and preparing to do it again. Hiccup would have thought this was Astrid. There was one minor detail that separated the two. This girl did not have blonde hair. It was a sort of brown or auburn-ish hair color. This was terribly confusing, but one thing was certain in his mind. This must be a Hofferson, she has to be related to Astrid somehow. Especially with those axe skills.

Hiccup thought of the initials ZH that was on the chair next to Astrid in the grand hall. That must be her chair. He racked his brain and remembered the name that Astrid said when he woke up. That's it! This must be Zephyr Hofferson. ZH. Hiccup smiled and was content with just watching this girl and trying to piece together more of his memories. But being Hiccup, he managed to slip and come crashing down into the clearing.

Upon face planting on the mud, he heard the dragon approach and the girl gasp. He looked up to get a face full of dragon tongue and nearly being trampled by the over affectionate dragon. Hiccup chuckled and the dragon helped him to his feet. He tried his best to remove the saliva, but he knew it wasn't going to wash out.

"Don't jump me like that, I almost axed you to bits!" Zephyr complained.

This caused Hiccup to laugh more, "I don't doubt it." Zephyr glared at him before she ran over and slammed into Hiccup giving him a hug and nearly causing him to fall back into the mud.

"And what is this for?" He asked, returning the hug to the smaller girl. She was nearly Astrid's height.

"I never got to say thank you." She said, her voice muffled into his chest.

"Well, you are very welcome. I am curious though." She pulled back to look at him. "You are out here killing some innocent trees. What's bothering you?"

She groaned then let go of the hug. "I just couldn't help but think. It was all my fault. I caused the nadder to attack. It hurt you! You could have died! It should have been me. We would all have been better off if it instea-" She complained.

"Enough of that!" He interrupted. "It was my choice and mine alone." He leaned down to her eye level and placed his hand on her shoulder. "And I would do it again if I had to. Die if I need to. A chief protects his own." He consoled giving her a warm smile.

She only groaned again, "you always say that!"

"Because it's true." He retorted.

She gave him another quick hug. "Thanks. For everything."

He chuckled, "Don't mention it. Are you going to continue killing the poor trees?"

She laughed, "Naw, I think I'm going to take your advice and go for a flight to clear my head."

"That a girl." She smiled before looking over to the dragon.

"Come on, Pouncer, let's go!" At this Pouncer, well, pounced around and cooed happily before Zephyr hopped on her back and took to the skies.

Hiccup smiles at where the young girl was moments before feeling like he actually made a difference. He made someone happy and supposedly saved a life. It was a good feeling. He wasn't lying about what he said before.

Hiccup's stomach grumbled and he realized he still hadn't eaten all day. He turned and looked at his surroundings and realized he had no idea how to get back. And even then he had no clue where to find food. He missed Toothless and their fishing adventures. He sighed then made his way to where he believed was the right way out of the forest.

-o0o-

He didn't want to admit it. But he was lost. Quite lost in fact. It took him nearly two hours to find his way out of the forest. And even worse, it took him another hour to find his way back to the main village. It was already starting to get dark and he was starving and very sore.

He was wandering looking for some food when a very frantic Astrid landed next to him.

"Hiccup! I've been looking everywhere for you!" Astrid yelled.

He jumped at her sudden appearance, "A-astrid. What's wrong. I'm sorry I got lost and was trying to find my way back."

"Have you seen Zephyr? She's usually back by this time." She asked nearly breathless.

"Yea, I saw her a couple hours ago in the forest. She then went for a flight on her-" He then saw Pouncer land next to Stormfly holding a leather bracer in mouth, "dragon." Astrid let out a frustrated yell.

"She's missing Hiccup!"

"Alright, alright. It's okay, I'm sure she's on the island somewhere. You have a tracker class dragon, I'm sure you and Stormfly can find her." He reassured her.

"That's the thing Hiccup, we already searched the whole island. She isn't here. And her dragon is here!" Astrid was starting to lose it.

"Astrid, it's alright. I'll take care of it. You head home, I'll go find her and bring her back." He commanded.

"But-" She tried.

"No, buts. I've got this handled." She nodded before Stormfly began walking Astrid away, to where Hiccup hoped she lived.

He looked at Pouncer and beckoned her closer. The dragon came over timidly and dropped the leather bracer in his outstretched hand. It was definitely hers. He held it in his hand and he realized it started to tremble. He was scared. Scared he wouldn't find her. He looked into the dragon's eyes and saw it's fear as well. This caused something to happen to Hiccup that he didn't expect. He didn't know he was even capable of doing. Hiccup snapped.

He let out a blood curdling scream, which molded and somehow shaped into the sound of a Night Fury call. In the distance he heard a familiar call back. Within a few seconds a black night fury landed between Hiccup and Pouncer. It was Toothless. His beloved dragon and best friend. He noticed that the dragon had no saddle and his prosthetic tailfin was almost completely unnoticeable. But this wasn't the time to reminisce or catch up.

Hiccup held out the leather bracer letting Toothless get a few sniffs in. Toothless looked at Hiccup then to Pouncer. Toothless seemed to sense the same thing that Hiccup did. The dragon turned back and looked at Hiccup with determination. The same determination Hiccup has to find Zephyr. The both nodded to each other and like a well oiled machine, Hiccup hopped onto his back and they took off into the sky.

No words were spoken between the two, this was the fastest he has ever felt Toothless fly. The whistling sound was low and almost constant, just on the precipice of being made. What worried Hiccup the most was that they were not flying around the island. They were flying out to sea.

The sun had completely set at this point and the ocean disappeared into a dark expanse. Hiccup couldn't hear anything over the sound of the wind. His heart was beating in his chest. Normally this speed and feeling he would be screaming in joy. But a pit in his stomach, a fear of her safety kept that at bay.

Off in the distance he saw a few lights. A ship. He thought. Hiccup didn't know what enemies Berk currently had. They could be Outcasts, Berserkers or maybe even some other nation like the Meatheads or Uglithugs. It didn't matter. If Zephyr is on that ship, they are going to have a nice chat with Hiccup's best friend.

They leveled out and slowed down above the ship. "Is she on that ship, bud?" Toothless nodded and warbled in affirmation. "Then let's pay them a visit."

Within a second Toothless' wings were tucked into his side and the two of them plummeted downwards. The low whistle became much louder and deafening. The ship became ever closer. There was movement on the ship, a confused panic. With a swift motion Toothless dropped Hiccup onto the helm of the ship and the dragon himself landed on the bow. When the dragon touched down the whole ship rocked with the sudden weight.

All of the crew were focused on the black dragon that decided to let out a massive roar. Forcing the crew towards the front to stumble backwards. Hiccup saw that Zephyr along with two others were gagged and tied up to the main mast at the center of the ship. Unfortunately for the crew, Hiccup needs to go through them to get to her. The man directly in front of Hiccup still has not noticed him.

Hiccup is slightly taller but definitely skinnier than the man. By the way he holds himself and stands, this must be the leader of the ship. The captain gulped then bellowed, "What is that thing!" Most of the crew shook their heads.

"The unholy offspring of lightning and death itself." Hiccup said calmly, earning a start from the captain and part of the crew turned to look at him, the rest still entranced by the beast.

The captain stumbled backwards towards the center of the ship. Hiccup instinctively reached for his waist and removed a cylinder. He thrusted it out to his side and a blade emerged which quickly engulfed in flames. This caused the rest of the crew and the captain to retreat further back only to earn a growl from Toothless and they both slowly sandwiched the crew towards the center of the ship.

The terrified captain looked at the man before him, "What are you?"

Hiccup smiled and looked him dead in the eyes, "Ragnarok."