True to his word, Hiccup woke up that next morning to write a letter to Stoick saying they needed to have a meeting but when he sat down to start it, he couldn't. There it was again, the feeling like he couldn't forgive him. It was hesitation, Hiccup put his hands on the sides of his head as he sighed heavily. Why couldn't he do this, he forgave Berk, Astrid, and the others so why couldn't he forgive Stoick. Astrid came out of the spare room and saw him sitting there, she stood next to him and smiled softly. "Still hesitating huh?" Astrid asked.

"Yeah and I don't know why, again." Hiccup mumbled.

"Well do what I suggested you do the first time...Just go there and forgive him, Hiccup. No arguments, no talking, just forgive him. Come on, we'll go right now. Have your mom or dad watch the kids...Just go forgive him, you know he's awake right now...Forgive him, and tell him when he's ready to talk to come find you on Dragons Edge. Trust me, he'll be really confused and he won't seek you our right away because he'll be confused as to why after yesterday you yelled at him, and now you're forgiving him." Astrid said lightly.

"Astrid, I've always known how to handle things in the past but this...I don't. How can I just go there and tell him I forgive him...for the last 19 years of ignoring me..." Hiccup looked down.

"Just do it. Just tell him your forgive him and leave. Hiccup, you had Stoick the Vast begging on his knees for a second chance. He does love you, he just had a really hard time showing it. He realized how badly he messed up when he cast you out, we all saw it. Hiccup, he started drinking. Worse than ever before...spent his nights drinking, Gobber having to go over and make sure he didn't kill himself. Hiccup he hates himself for what he did to you...Give him a chance...He just wants to be in your life again. Let him...let him be a part of yours, your moms, and your kids lives. Forgive him, Hiccup...You let everything else go, now its time to let this go. Like you said...you have a new life now, lay the past to rest..." Astrid said putting a hand on his shoulder now.

"Alright, Astrid...after the kids wake up we'll go..." Hiccup sighed hearing footsteps on the stairs, he looked over seeing Runa, Viggo, and Thora coming down them. Hiccup smiled as he got up from his seat and moved to hug them. "Morning kids." Hiccup greeted them, Astrid only smiled watching it.

"Hi daddy. Why is Astrid here?" Viggo asked curiously.

"We–well we...came in really late last night and the stables were locked so I let her and Stormfly spend the night here...For now, head upstairs and get dressed. Breakfast will be ready soon." Hiccup told them lightly.

"Yes daddy." Runa said leading her brothers and sisters up the stairs again. Hiccup got up and made his way over to Toothless rubbing his head lightly and getting a croon from him.

"You know its still so unreal to me that you have kids..." Astrid laughed a little.

"Oh gee, thanks. Glad you think that way." Hiccup remarked sarcastically.

"No!...I–I didn't mean it...that way, Hiccup just...you were...so young when you had them..." Astrid tried to correct herself.

"Really, is it that hard to believe? That a...fishbone like me managed to have kids?" Hiccup asked curiously.

"Well yeah, Hiccup...I mean...come on. You came here when you were 15, became chief at 16, and married...then kids at 17 and 18...Its like your life just kicked in to high gear and you just went with it." Astrid exclaimed sitting down in a chair now. Hiccup laughed a little now as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Astrid, come on. I know what you're getting at, you can say it. You never thought I was the type of guy who would get a girl and sleep with her." Hiccup said, Astrid blushed deeply as he laughed again. "See its right there on your face...You never thought I'd be the kind of guy who would have sex at 16 and then have kids..." Hiccup pointed at her.

"Okay okay...yeah you're right. When you were on Berk, no never thought a fishbone like you would manage to get a girl and have kids. You didn't seem the type to be interested in it...but hell...you aren't a fishbone anymore! Look at you, man you filled out...great." Astrid told him, Hiccup chuckled lowering his head a bit.

"I'm still a fishbone, just got more meat on me now." Hiccup said as the kids rushed down and in to his arms tackling him down laughing. "Oh and the chief has been brought down by his children...the reign of Hiccup Holgerson has ended!" Hiccup called out dramatically laying there acting wounded. Astrid laughed at him, it was cute to see him interact with his kids he was an amazing father.

"Hiccup? Is that you?" Valka called as knocked on the door.

"Yeah mom, come on in." Hiccup replied to her. Valka came in with Alvin behind her seeing Astrid in the house and the kids having Hiccup on the floor. "Morning." Hiccup smiled.

"Um...good morning lad...are you...feeling alright?" Alvin asked him as he and Valka were both confused.

"Yeah...I feel great actually." Hiccup said as he sat up with the kids around him.

"That's...great son. When did you...get back last night?" Valka asked him curiously

"Round 1 in the morning...But I plan to leave again." Hiccup said calmly.

"What...why daddy?" Thora asked.

"Got something to do..." Hiccup smiled as Valka and Alvin looked at one another not sure what he meant. "You'll find out in a few weeks or so. Mom, will you take the kids to breakfast?" Hiccup asked her.

"Of course son but...aren't you coming?" Valka questioned.

"I'll join you after. Ready Astrid?" Hiccup looked to Astrid now who nodded to him. "Alright, then lets go." Hiccup told her as Toothless got up and stretched his legs. The kids went with their grandparents as Hiccup and Toothless went outside, Astrid followed and saddled Stormfly then climbed on her back, Hiccup saddled Toothless and got on him. Just as they were about to take off a group of 4 called for them.

"Wait!" Fishlegs said panting.

"Guys? What's the matter?" Astrid asked curiously.

"Nothing, you never returned to the inn. We thought something happened to you..." Ruffnut replied now.

"No...I'm fine. I promised Hiccup's children I'd find him for them so I did and when we got back it was late so I just...stayed at his place..." Astrid blushed a bit, their eyes widened. "Nothing happened alright! Jeeze..." Astrid rolled her eyes with a huff.

"So...where are you two going?" Fishlegs asked tilting his head.

"None of your business. Get to the hall...Astrid and I will be back in about 3 hours, maybe less." Hiccup ordered firmly. They nodded and walked off, he shook his head. "Alright lets go." Hiccup mumbled. Astrid nodded as they two of them took off heading North West towards Berk.

(Flying)

"So...how close are we to Berk?" Astrid asked him after an hour or so of flying.

"Close. We should be in Berk waters in 20 minutes, actually near the island in like 40." Hiccup replied.

"Think he'll be surprised to see you?" Astrid looked over at him.

"Well you figure I did force him to leave yesterday under the assumption I wasn't forgiving him...and to show up today telling him I forgive him and leave again, yes I'm saying he'll be surprised." Hiccup shrugged a bit.

"You're really going to just tell him your forgive him and bail out again?" Astrid asked.

"That's what you said to do...you think I'm going to hang around? I still have a village to run, and kids to take care of." Hiccup retorted. Astrid nodded understanding what he meant as they continued to fly beside one another. The next 20 minutes were quiet between them. "Astrid, can I ask you something?" Hiccup said now but not looking at her.

"Um sure I guess...?" Astrid replied.

"When we flew back to Dragons Edge last night...Why did...you ask how many similarities you and Cami had?" Hiccup asked. Astrid froze a bit as she looked the opposite direction sighing, why did his memory have to be so good.

"I don't know..." Astrid shrugged slightly, "When we had talked last night you said me and her were alike...I guess...I was wondering if...the only reason you forgave me is because...of what I did for Runa...when I saved her from danger...You said Camicazi, died doing the same thing...I know it sounds stupid...just ignore me..." Astrid mumbled lowly looking away still. Hiccup looked at her a few moments before sighing. Is that what she thought?

"Astrid. You and my wife have many similarities, but many differences too. You and Cami both have a fighting spirit, excellent fighters, smart, loyal, caring, protective, and exceptional dragon riders. You both knew how to see the good in people, and push for a second chance because there's always a way for people to change." Hiccup began slowly, "But then again, a lot of people on Dragons Edge are that way, its literally what makes us well us...Its what makes us all different..." Hiccup explained.

"So you forgave me because I remind you of your wife...because I did something she would do..." Astrid sighed closing her eyes.

"No. I forgave you because you showed me that you cared about someone other than yourself." Hiccup told her, she looked over at him quickly with shock in her eyes. "I forgave you that day because you risked yourself to save my daughter. Yes, Cami did the same thing but she didn't choose to get hurt...she chose to rescue Runa. The queen ordered her dragons to attack Cami, and there were to many for her to avoid or so she told me at least...you Astrid...you chose to put yourself in harms way to save someone, someone you didn't have to save. Runa would of been safe because my mom would of swooped in to get her but you didn't hesitate. You jumped off, grabbed Runa, and took the full force on your back so Runa wouldn't be hurt." Hiccup told her.

"But...how...what do you mean cared about someone other than myself? Runa is...7 years old...it was just...instinct I guess..." Astrid shrugged.

"From what I recall on Berk, your only mission was to win the honor of killing your first dragon in front of the village. That was everyone's mission in dragon training class. To be the best so everyone thought about themselves and winning. Like I said when I brought all of you to Dragons Edge, I didn't believe you were all sorry for what happened. Especially you because you followed me to the cove that day, and told Stoick about Toothless...I figured you were thinking about yourself. How did the fishbone get so good with dragons...Yeah it was there. Guess you could say I was training with someone else, and that would be Toothless. But Astrid...what you did the day of the dragon race, saving Runa without a moments hesitation...I forgave all of you when I went to Berk to stop you from going to the nest, well except Stoick. You already had my forgiveness. If you remember...I told you that you earned my trust." Hiccup smiled a little.

"Yeah but...isn't that...the same thing?" Astrid asked.

"No its not. Getting my forgiveness means I let go of what happened in the past, you Astrid earned my trust which is not easy to come by these days because of the past. Its hard for me to trust people who were supposed to be my tribe, supposed to stand together threw me out because they didn't want to accept change. It was like you would all rather keep killing dragons rather than have what I created on Dragons Edge. That probably bothered me the most about being cast out, that for once I did something huge and because it involved a dragon...everyone just saw hate. You didn't have to save Runa that day, but you chose too. You ignored everything else and just saved her. Because of that...I can trust you with anything, including my life and the lives of my children." Hiccup told her calmly.

Astrid just stared at him, but before she could say anything else she saw Berk coming in to view. "Well there it is...are you ready?" Astrid asked.

"As ready as I can be..." Hiccup sighed taking a deep breath as he flew in past the two markers sitting in the water signaling they were officially in Berk waters now. Astrid was right, he had to do this.

(On Berk)

"Dragon riders..." People questioned confused.

"Its Hiccup! He is alive..." Someone shouted, hearing this Gobber left the forge and rushed to Stoick's house where he knew his friend had been since they returned yesterday. Hiccup didn't land, he hovered more than 5 feet off the ground. He could see their overjoyed faces that he was alive and it honestly bugged him. He ignored them and flew to Stoick, Astrid following him quietly.

(Stoick's House)

Gobber rushed in without knocking. "Stoick!" He announced.

"Gobber, I said to leave me alone..." Stoick sighed out with his eyes closed.

"Come outside, Hiccup is here..." Gobber told him.

"I appreciate you trying to cheer me up but I lost my son. Just leave me be, Gobber." Stoick stated quietly. Hiccup landed in front of the house and slowly got off Toothless and walked in silently behind Gobber.

"No, Stoick...I mean it. He really is..." Gobber stopped as he felt Hiccup put a hand on his shoulder. Gobber blinked a little surprised but backed up to let Hiccup in. Gobber looked back to see Astrid there who only smiled at him as they both watched Hiccup approach his father.

"Losing your son would imply that I am dead and I can assure you that I am very much alive." Hiccup stated coldly with his arms over his chest. Stoick had never moved faster in his life lifting his head to see Hiccup standing there before him.

"Hi–Hiccup?" Stoick asked.

"You know anyone else who rides a Night Fury?" Hiccup asked sarcastically. Stoick shook his head quickly, "Then yes, its me." Hiccup replied.

"What are...you doing here?" Stoick said getting to his feet.

"Are you going to kill me for coming here? That is what you told me 6 years ago, if I ever returned I'd be killed on sight." Hiccup retorted with a calm tone.

"N–no...no Hiccup, I could never...I–I know what I said that day but I was just..." Stoick began.

"Confused, angry, scared...Don't worry, Stoick. I know how you felt. Same way I did when I got cast out but given you said won't kill me...Gobber. Astrid. Could you give us a minute?" Hiccup asked without facing them.

"O–of course lad..." Gobber said as he and Astrid left the house closing the door.

"Hiccup I–I'm sorry...for everything..." Stoick started softly. Hiccup put his hand up to stop him and he did.

"I didn't come here for apologies. We are way beyond that point." Hiccup said firmly staring at him. "I came here in high hopes that for once in your life you might listen to me and what I have to say. Can you do that or have I wasted me time?" Hiccup asked him. Stoick nodded to him and sat down, Hiccup was here on Berk and in the same room as him. He didn't know why but he wasn't about to question it.

"I never wanted to yell at you yesterday, Stoick. I truly didn't, I only wanted answers that you beat around the bush in giving me. I knew I reminded you of mom and that's why you avoided me, I'm every bit like her down to hair and eyes. I only wanted to know why it was so different. Mom was different and wanted peace, she begged all of this place to agree. Many didn't agree but you never treated her differently because she was your wife and you loved her. So why was it then after she was taken and you saw her in me...why was I treated differently?" Hiccup asked him now.

"I–I don't know, Hiccup. Being around you just...reminded me of your mother. That night she was taken...was one of the hardest things I ever had to watch. Seeing her being taken away...I never hated you...I was afraid." Stoick sighed now.

"Well don't stop now. These are the answers I wanted yesterday, so keep going." Hiccup stated.

"Your mother was always different, Hiccup. Its what made me fall in love with her. She was adventurous, fiery, but loving and gentle too. When she told me she was pregnant with you...I was over the moon about it. Your mother and I...well we lost a few before you, Hiccup...when we finally had you...you were born early and we didn't think you'd make it...I was scared...and after your mother was taken because she couldn't kill a dragon...and as you grew up you were just like her. Carefree, happy, didn't worry about a thing. I was afraid I would lose you, like I lost her...so I tried to keep you away from me so you wouldn't get hurt. I was always in the line of fire, Hiccup being chief...and I would of never forgiven myself if something happened to you..." Stoick explained.

"If this was true, then why didn't you just tell me this yesterday or explain it to me when I was younger instead of letting me grow up thinking you hated me." Hiccup asked now.

"I...don't know, Hiccup. I don't know its one of many things I wish I could go back and fix...I don't hate you son, its impossible for me to do so. When I saw you standing before that dragon...all I saw was the night your mother was taken. She was standing there too, a dragon in front of her. She was holding a sword but never attacked it, I let my anger get the best of me and I made the dragon mad. It attacked the house, setting it on fire. I rushed to get you first, but by the time I turned around...your mother was being carried off...and foolish me let it happen again. Every time I heard the word peace mentioned, and you telling me we didn't have to fight them...I...only cast you out that day...because I knew no matter what I did you were siding with dragons and I was afraid that they'd turn on you, and kill you...and that was something...I never wanted to have to see happen..." Stoick lowered his head now.

"So it was fear controlling you then. Fear to relive the same thing again, but it came off as anger. Why couldn't you just tell me the truth yesterday? You made terrible choices after mom was taken, things you didn't have to do. I gave you proof that day in the ring dragons weren't dangerous. I know mom didn't...but I had proof, Stoick. When Toothless had you pinned down and was going to blast you...I stopped him. It was me telling him to stop that made him stop. If dragons were as mindless as you thought...he would of ignored me and killed you on the spot. He wouldn't of come to rescue me, he would of kill me in the forest that day, but instead...he let me go. He gave me his trust, and I did the same...we are best friends. I made peace...that's all I wanted you to see..." Hiccup sighed.

"I see that now, Hiccup...And I'm so sorry for ever making you feel like you weren't worth something because in the truth of it...you were and are worth everything to me." Stoick said softly.

"I told you yesterday...I could of forgiven everything else you've done...if you would of just accepted me. And I don't mean by wanting me back on Berk, allowing dragons to reside here...Accept me, for me. For who I am. Different. All I ever wanted from you was acceptance...for you to be proud of the things I've done and can still do. You found out I was alive and have been in shock that it was me under that mask...but never once were you proud of what I've done. Becoming a chief, getting married, having kids...making outcast island in to Dragons Edge...All you've wanted since you found out I'm still alive...is for me to come back here and be your son again, be your heir...And you can't deny that, can you?" Hiccup asked.

"Aye...its true, Hiccup...I was shocked to find you and your mother alive...hearing you did all...no it didn't matter to me. Yes, its impressive, amazing even. But you Hiccup...you're my son and I made many mistakes in the past. Hearing from 'Strike' you were dead because of me casting you out...I don't think I'd ever felt so much pain. But when I saw you that day in the hall, taking your mask off and realized you'd been alive all this time...I only wanted the chance to do what I didn't before...I am very proud of you Hiccup, very proud and I do accept you. But all that matters to me is that you're okay and alive...I've waited 7 years for the chance to say I'm sorry to you and do all I can to make it up to you..." Stoick said calmly, his tone sincere and apologetic. It sounded like he was going to cry.

Hiccup could tell he was telling the truth, he wasn't supposed to be here for answers again. He was supposed to just forgive him and return to his island but for some reason he was staying because he had to know and now that he knew the truth he could accept it. Stoick did answer his questions, apologize, and made it clear he was proud of him but all that mattered to him was having Hiccup be his son again.

"You've had 22 years, Stoick. 22 years to show me you cared, to show me what you're showing me now..." Hiccup began coldly. "I know you are sorry for the past unfortunately no amount of sorry's can change what has already happened. However...that is why we have future. Every day we are given is another chance to better ourselves...That being said, Stoick...I will forgive you." Hiccup said to him, his head shot up in shock.

"Yo–you forgive me?" He asked.

"This doesn't mean we're perfect. It means I'm letting the past go, you still have to earn the right for me to call you my father again. You have to prove to me what you've said here today but for the time being, yes I will forgive you." Hiccup replied with a calm smile. Stoick couldn't believe it, Hiccup forgave him. He was getting another chance to be the father he should of been. He wouldn't mess this up, he refused too.

"Oh son...you don't know how happy this makes me." Stoick said, he could of cried. He still might.

"Remember what I said, I will forgive you for the past. You want me to call you my father again, the you have to prove it and earn that title. Keep in mind that because of what Alvin has done for me these last 6 years...I will still always consider him my father as well. I will allow you back on Dragons Edge to visit. I can't offer you a place to live there because you are chief of Berk, so your place is here. And also...this doesn't mean I'm coming back here permanently...I can't. I'm chief of my own island and I have 3 heirs to it. If these are terms you can accept, then you have my forgiveness." Hiccup said firmly.

"All of that is more than fine with me...I understood that when you brought us there...that is your home, the one you built. I wouldn't ask you to leave it. I just...want to be allowed in your life again and if I may...my grandchildren's lives?" Stoick asked with hopeful eyes.

"Lets take it one step at a time. You have my forgiveness, Stoick. You work on what I told you too, and then we'll see about the rest...Deal?" Hiccup said offering his hand to Stoick who put his out and they shook. "Right then. This is all I came here to do, I do have to get back. You are welcome to visit whenever you like, I'll set up an alliance meeting later in the week and we can sign a treaty between our tribes. I look forward to seeing you again, Chief Stoick." Hiccup told him with a smile.

"I as well. Safe travels home to you..." Stoick said. He didn't want him to leave so soon but he knew getting on Hiccup's bad side wouldn't be good right now, or ever. Hiccup forgave him and that is something he would hold on to and make up for everything in the past. Hiccup opened the door and headed outside seeing Astrid, Gobber and the other members of the Hooligan tribe standing there. Hiccup mounted Toothless and opened his tail up as Astrid got on Stormfly standing beside him waiting for his command to go. "And Hiccup..." Stoick said as he walked outside now with a smile.

"Yeah?" Hiccup replied.

"You make a great chief, and father. I'm very proud of the man you've become, and all you've done these last 6 years. I meant what I said that day in the ring before you fought that dragon...No one is more surprised or proud than I am. Don't ever stop being who you are." Stoick told him with a nod. Hiccup was a little shocked to hear those words but he smiled calmly and gave a nod back.

"Thanks, I won't stop. Its what I'm good at...See you soon. Lets go bud!" Hiccup ordered as Toothless took off, Stormfly right behind him as they headed South East back to Dragons Edge together.