Hey there! Long time no story! Yeah, I'm so sorry about that. It's been tough since I last posted. I do hope you enjoy this chapter.

ENJOY! XD


Stoick walked onto the plane with slight hesitation. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he walked onto the aircraft. He sighed and walked over to his assigned seat, waiting for the take off. As he sat there, he looked out the window and he liked to believe that he could see the house and Hiccup inside safe and sound. He hated to fly to these sudden meeting for he knew the strain it had on Hiccup. Stoick completely understood. When he could, Stoick would drive or take ferry to Meridian.

"Please take you seats and put on your seatbelts. We are about to take off. Enjoy your trip," the flight attendant announced on the speakers.

Stoick took out his phone.

About to take off. Text you when I've landed. Stoick was about to turn his phone off when the response from Hiccup came only seconds later.

Stay safe. I'll be waiting for that text Dad.

Stoick smiled as he turned his phone off and leaned back to enjoy the flight. To the other passengers, he was relaxed and care free, but under his closed eyelids, all he could think about was that tragic night.

It was Christmas Eve in Berk. The snow was deep, the temperature was freezing but the household of the Haddocks was warm with light and happiness. Astrid was over at the Haddocks for a Christmas exchange of presents. Why wasn't she with her family? Well, her mother wasn't feeling well and went to bed early. Astrid wanted to stay to take care of her but Emily insisted that she enjoy the evening with the Haddocks. Harold stayed and watched over her mother.

"Are you sure there's nothing we can do?" Valka asked kindly. "It is Christmas after all. We could bring our cheer over there."

"Or we can bring her some warm soup," Stoick added. "A lot of people get sick this time of year. A nice bowl of chicken noodle soup helps."

"Never did for me," Gobber informed.

"That's because you're weird," Valka replied jokingly.

"Now you finally see that!" Gobber exclaimed.

Astrid and Hiccup giggled together at the adult's banter. Astrid was happy with the Haddocks and she could see that Hiccup was happy to have her there.

"It's alright Valka," Astrid said. "Mom just wanted to sleep. We had our Christmas earlier today. Mom must have been feeling bad all day."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Stoick smiled genuinely.

Cloudjumper walked into the room and nuzzled up against Astrid and Hiccup before laying down at Valka's feet.

"I have something special for the two of you," Valka smiled. "Well, we do." Valka nodded to Stoick. They each brought out a present the size of a book. "Hiccup, I know your journal has been running low on pages so here's one to replace it."

Hiccup opened his and saw that it was a brand new journal but on the cover of the plain brown book was a dragon in a circle.

"Is that my symbol? The one I made up for my Strike Class dragons?" Hiccup asked.

"Yep," Stoick nodded. "I went to fix your window and I happened to knock your drawings over. I saw it and liked it. I showed it to Val and we agreed to put on your next journal."

Hiccup jumped up and hugged Stoick tightly. Well, as tightly as he could considering that his arms barely made it past his shoulders. He then turned to Valka and hugged her as well. "I love it!" He beamed.

Astrid watched the pleasant scene before her with a great smile. She then went to her gift from the Haddocks. She was surprised when she was handed the gift. She hadn't expected anything from Hiccup's parents let alone from both of them. When she saw the present, she gasped then smiled. It was a journal as well but on the front was the same symbol that was on her necklace.

"Did Hiccup give you the design?" Astrid asked in surprise. Hiccup turned around to see what she was talking about. From the look on his face, he was just as surprised.

"I'm actually the guilty party," Gobber sounded proudly. "The design fell out of his notebook one day. I liked the design and copied it. I later approached Stoick and Valka about the design and who it was made for. They were the ones though that came up with the journal idea."

"You're probably not as much as a writer as Hiccup but we figured that you'd use it for something," Stoick explained. "Even as a paper weight if need be."

"Stoick," Valka scolded smiling knowing he was teasing. She then turned to Astrid. "I had one when I hit junior high and it help a lot. I even had one through high school. I hope it will help you as it helped me."

"Thank you," Astrid beamed. "It's beautiful. You guys are too nice to me."

"Well," Stoick said. "It's the least we could do for being so supportive and kind to us. Especially to Hiccup."

Hiccup turned away from them and pretended to look at his journal as his cheeks flushed red. Little did he know that Astrid's cheeks were also turning slightly red.

"Can you feel the love tonight…" Gobber sang in a whisper to Valka and Stoick.

"Stop it Gobber," Stoick chuckled.

"You're not helping the situation," Valka smiled brightly at the thought of her son having feelings for such a wonderful girl.

Suddenly, the happy moment was broken by a piercing chime that made everyone jump. Hiccup turned around and Astrid looked up as Valka looked at her phone.

"It's Christmas," she huffed. "I'm off until-" she suddenly went silent as she read her phone. Her expression went from annoyed to fearful in seconds.

"What is it Val?" Stoick asked concerning.

"I have to go to the airport now," Valka said hastily.

"Why?" Hiccup asked as he placed his journal down.

"A very rare animal is dying Europe and if I don't leave now, I could lose my job," Valka explained.

"That seems pretty harsh," Gobber stated.

"It's a rare animal," Valka said. "We have to do everything we can to save them."

"You can do it mom," Hiccup cheered.

Valka looked down at her supportive son and smiled brightly. "Thanks. I'll be back as soon as possible." She went into her room and came out in seconds with a carry on suitcase. "Come on Cloudjumper."

The snow tiger leapt up and followed Valka out the door to the car.

"Your mom packs fast," Astrid noted.

"Naw," Hiccup shook his head. "She just has one ready in case of something like this. It's happened before."

"I'll take her," Gobber offered. "You stay and be with Hiccup."

"Are you sure?" Stoick asked.

"Of course," Gobber said. "What are friends for? You need to spend time with your son. You hardly see him as it is."

Stoick looked down at Hiccup who looked back at him. Stoick nodded. "Alright. But be careful. The roads are dangerous with all of the snow."

"We will," Valka says as she approaches Stoick and kisses him. "Merry Christmas dear."

"Merry Christmas Val."

Valka then turned to Hiccup and kissed him on the head. "I'll see you soon. Merry Christmas Hiccup."

"Merry Christmas mom."

Valka then turned to Astrid and smiled warmly as she hugged her. "Thank you for coming over for Christmas," Valka whispered in her ear. "This has definitely been the best Christmas ever for Hiccup. Thanks for keeping an eye out for him."

"No problem," Astrid smiled as she and Valka pulled away. "I'll keep doing the best I can."

"That's all anyone can ask," Valka said. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas."

Valka jumped into the car and Gobber backed out carefully and raced to the airport as quickly as the snow would let him. Hiccup, Stoick and Astrid watched until the back lights were out of sight and went back inside.

"You'd think the board could wait until tomorrow morning," Stoick grumbled having to lose his wife on the one night the entire family could be together.

"But the animal's dying," Hiccup said. "I'd want the best doctor if I was dying even if it was on Christmas."

Stoick smiled at Hiccup. Astrid could see the love he had for Hiccup. "I'd have to agree." Stoick then picked up Hiccup and hugged him tightly making Hiccup blush and hard to breathe.

"Dad!" Hiccup gasped. "Can't-breath-!"

"Sorry," Stoick said as he put Hiccup down. Hiccup took in a deep breath making Astrid laugh as he held his chest thinking it would help his breathing. "Come on you two. Let's have some egg nog."

The three drank and talked and sang songs. Astrid realized that Hiccup wasn't a bad singer and was actually pretty good at it. Stoick wasn't bad either but he was a bit raspy probably due to his deep voice. They continued to talk until Gobber came back letting them all know that Valka took off safely. He then joined them until it was almost eleven at night.

"Alright," Stoick smiled. "You two should be getting off to bed. It's almost midnight."

"You don't want to catch Santa riding in now do you?" Gobber winked.

"Really?" Astrid asked. "Santa?"

"Come on," Hiccup played along. "You know the guy that comes down the chimney…"

"I know but aren't we getting to old for those?"

"You can never be too old for those kinds of things," Hiccup smiled.

"Valka never was," Stoick agreed.

Astrid thought about it for a minute and nodded. "You're right. I'll pretend that he'll come tonight. But he normally doesn't."

"Really?" Hiccup asked.

"The last time was when I was seven I think."

"Oh," Hiccup said sadly but then his eyes lit up with an idea and he smiled. "But he might this year."

"I'll see," Astrid said, not seeing the mischievous look in Hiccup's eyes.

"Alright miss," Stoick said. "I'll take you home. Hiccup you should be going to bed."

"Ok," Hiccup nodded. "It was nice having you over."

"It was nice of you to invite me over," Astrid said. She started to go out the door when she remembered her present. She turned back around and went to grab it the same time Hiccup grabbed it. Their hands touched and both felt a shock run through them and their hearts quickened.

I like him as a friend. There couldn't be anything more right? She thought. She smiled while her cheeks got hot as she held her journal close to her. "Thanks again for a great Christmas." She then, in an act of bravery, leapt and hugged Hiccup.

Behind her, Gobber and Stoick looked at each other knowingly while Hiccup was stunned. He then hugged her back, liking the warmth she gave him.

"You're welcome."

Astrid left the house and went to her room, with the journal still clutched to her chest. She thought about the night and smiled as she fell asleep. As the sun peaked through the window, she didn't hear someone enter her room and then leave quietly. When she woke up, she realized she still had the journal in her hands and went to place it on the night stand next to her but stopped.

She gapped in surprise to see a pair of brown boots and a brown headband on her night stand. She looked closer and found that in the boots, there was wrapped candy and a gift certificate to Wal-Mart.

Santa did come. Astrid thought. Who knew? She got up and went to show her mother, who was in the kitchen making a pot of tea.

"Who are the presents from?" Emily asked with tired eyes and a smile. She coughed a few times but gave Astrid her full attention.

"They're from Santa," Astrid said playing along. She then ran up to Emily and hugged her. "Thanks mom. I needed new boots."

Emily was stunned for a second. "But your father and I didn't get those for you."

Astrid backed up and looked at her mother confused. "If you didn't then who did?"

Emily shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe Santa does exist."

Astrid went back up to her room puzzled but still warm inside with happiness. I don't care who got them for me. They're just what I needed. The headband is pretty too. She put it on and realized she looked good in it. I think I'll keep it on.

As she looked in her mirror, she saw movement in the corner of her eye. She looked out the window to see Hiccup running towards Main Street in a sloppy hurried manner. She then saw Stoick run out and heard him call.

"Hiccup! Come back!" Stoick then bowed his head and went to get the car to look for him.

He looks sad. But it's Christmas. What could make him sad like that? She decided that she'd go looking for Hiccup too. If he's just as upset as Stoick was, she knew where he'd be.

She put on the new boots and grabbed her coat. She went outside and headed toward the forest, followed the frozen stream, and climbed the snow covered log. She entered the snow covered cove and saw the sun reflect off the frozen lake, outlining Hiccup.

She approached slowly not wanting to startle him but as she got closer, she saw something that made her gasp. He was shaking. Not from cold. No. This was crying shaking. His shoulders were throbbing up and down as he hid his face in his arms and legs.

"Hiccup," Astrid said softly as she placed a hand on his shoulder. Hiccup must not have heard her approach even with the snow crunching under her feet for he jumped at least a foot in the air. He then looked up and quickly looked away wiping at his eyes.

"Hi Astrid," Hiccup said softly with a tired voice.

"You're crying," Astrid noted as she sat down next to him.

"No I'm not," Hiccup lied.

"It's obvious you're crying. What's wrong?"

Hiccup turned to her with red, swollen eyes and she gasped. His lashes were clumped together from the tears and his green eyes were fogged with sadness. Down his cheeks were streams from where his tears fell and now threatened to freeze on his face.

"Mom never made it to Europe," Hiccup explained softly. "Her plane exploded over the ocean. She's dead."

He then turned away and bowed his head in his arms again and began to cry once again. Astrid was stunned. She didn't know what to say. Just a few hours ago, they were all laughing and having a good time but now they're mourning. Astrid was lost for words. She then decided that words wasn't what was needed.

She scooted closer to Hiccup and put her arms around him and pulled him closer to her. She then wrapped her arms tighter around him, embracing him in a hug. He leaned into it and nuzzled his face in her chest as he continued to cry.

Astrid's eyes brimmed with tears and they fell on Hiccup's head which quickly froze into ice. She looked up and thought to herself. I promise to look after him Valka. I promise.


Snotlout walked down the nearly empty street, quite proud of how much homework he had accomplished in the past day. He never felt so happy and proud of himself before and he loved that feeling. He was proud that he was breaking away from his father's wants and desires and doing something that he wanted to do, something that made him proud of himself.

He was about to take a step when he felt a pair of hands grab him. He was pulled into the ally way nearby and thrown to the ground, his face digging into the dirt as one assailant put all his weight on his spine. Snotlout tried to fight and turn around to see his attackers but he couldn't.

"Hey!" he started to yell. "Get your h-" A cloth was shoved into his mouth just moment before he felt a sharp pain in his right shoulder, right by the base of the neck. The pain suddenly disappeared, he was lifted up off the ground, the cloth removed from his mouth and shoved back out on the sidewalk. "Who the hell do you think are?" Snotlout spat angrily as he turned to face his attackers but he didn't see anyone.

He continued to look up and down the street for someone who would have looked suspicious enough to be his attackers but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. "Ok," Snotlout said, slightly freaked out. "That was weird."

He shrugged as he continued to walk down the street. He didn't feel any different but a few blocks down, his vision began to blur and it was hard for him to keep his balance. He put his hand on the brick wall next to him to keep balance but that's when the realization that he was having a hard time breathing hit him. His eyes went wide as he began to panic. He didn't understand what was going on, what was causing this. In his mind, he wanted to tell his father off but his body refused to move. He grabbed his chest as it heaved violently up and down. He clenched his eyes to try and concentrate on the breathing and only opened when he thought he heard his name being called.

"Snotlout?"

He opened his eyes to see Hiccup drop the bag he was holding and rush up to him. Even through his blurred vision, he could see the worry in Hiccup's eyes.

"Snotlout! What's going on?" Hiccup questioned desperately.

"Hiccup," Snotlout reached out to grab him but he missed and began to fall forward only to be caught by his cousin. "Can't-breathe-"

He felt Hiccup move his body around to get a better grip on him when he heard Hiccup whisper, "Oh my God! God no. Please. Not you."

Before he knew, Snotlout was in the car with the scenery rushing by fairly quickly. The next thing he knew, he was surrounded by white, beeping, and a smell of sanitation. "Hiccup." He mumbled. Snotlout saw Hiccup lean over him, his lips moving but not being able to hear anything. Darkness began to engulf him and in a matter of seconds, darkness is all that he saw.


"So where were you Friday night?" Harold asked.

Astrid snapped her head towards her father in surprise at the sudden topic change. "Huh? What?"

"You weren't in your bed Saturday morning," Harold eyed Astrid suspiciously as he swished his soda around.

"Oh," Astrid's heart began to beat fast. "I was at Ruff's. She called me having some girl crisis which ended up taking most of the night.

Harold starred her down trying to find some hint of a lie, making Astrid's stomach knot in fear of getting caught. The stare down was broken by the waitress who walked up. "Is there anything else I can get for you today? Dessert perhaps?"

Harold turned to her and gave her a very pleasant smile. "No. That will be it."

"Well, have a fantastic night," the waitress nodded to the two of them.

Harold snapped his head back to Astrid, his smile completely gone. "I don't believe you."

"It's the truth," Astrid lied.

"If that's so," Harold pulled out his phone. "Then let me give her a call."

Astrid's heart beat faster and faster with every push of the buttons. Oh no! I'm so busted. Keep it together. Don't panic. She could hear the phone ringing on the other end and she prayed that no one would answer until she could tell Ruff to cover for her-but someone did answer.

"Yes. Can I talk to Ruffnut? This is Astrid's father." Harold glared at Astrid as he waited for the correct person. "I have a question for you. Was Astrid at your place all night Friday?" Harold's confident smile dropped. "Oh. She was?" Astrid tilted her head in confusion. "Thank you." He hung up and cocked a frustrated eyebrow at Astrid. "Well, I guess you were telling the truth."

Harold got up and paid for the food as Astrid slowly got up, confused by Ruff backing her up. She pulled out her phone.

Thanks 4 backing me up. How'd u know?

Ruff: Grl. I got ur back.


Let me know what you think! XD