I am so sorry for the lack of content these past few months. There is no excuse. I understand if you are not happy. Although I haven't been diligent with my work, I hope you can still enjoy this chapter. Have a nice day.

000

"Come on, Dray," nagged Dagur, "It's not that hard to make the deal. Hiccup made a deal with Alvin a year ago. All you have to do is give me your word."

Draymore growled at the Berserker chief from his cage. He stopped to watch as three Outcasts dragged Stoick into the arena.

"Oh, hey," said Dagur, cheerfully, "Welcome to the party. You're just in time."

Stoick glanced over to one of the slaves, who had young Arvid sleeping peacefully in his arms. "Where's Hiccup?"

"She won't be attending this ceremony today. She'd rather be out in the forest. I've heard there's an amazing view at one of the peaks there."

"Why is her child here?"

"Come on, Stoick, you of all people should know this. All parents need a break from kids once in a while."

Draymore reached through the bars of his cage and violentlly nudged Dagur with his paw.

Dagur threw one of his knives in the cage. The knife stuck on one of the bars near Draymore's ear. "Do that again, and I'll aim for your eye."

"Leave him alone, Dagur." said Stoick.

"Or what, Stoick." Dagur chuckled, "You're powerless here. There's nothing you can do. Now sit down so we can begin."

000

Hiccup glanced over her shoulder at the Berserker guard. Dagur wanted her to go as far into the woods as possible but didn't trust her to stay out of the way. He assigned the guard to prevent Hiccup from fleeing.

Hiccup walked down the path Alvin had set for her. On good days, Alvin would let her take walks through here. There was once a time where he trusted her enough to let her walk alone. Over the months, Hiccup had begun to bond with Alvin. It wasn't a married-couple kind of bond. It was more of a brotherly-sisterly bond.

Alvin seemed to feel the same way about Hiccup. Hiccup's pace slowed as she remembered her birthday. Alvin surprised her with a book on Greek Mythology. Dagur took that book shortly after getting rid of Alvin.

"What is it now?" the guard groaned.

Hmm blinked as she turned to the guard, "Hmm?"

"You're slowing down. What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Then hurry up. The sooner we reach the field, the sooner we can go back."

Hiccup let out an exaggerated sigh. She stomped as she quickened her pace, "Why do I even have to be out here? If Dagur doesn't want me in the arena, wouldn't it make more sense just to lock me up?"

A pained groan was the only reply.

Hiccup stopped and turned back. The guard was lying on the ground, motionless.

Suddenly Hiccup felt someone grab her from behind. A hand covered her mouth and a sword was pointed at the guard.

"It's okay, Hiccup," said a familiar voice. "It's just me."

Hiccup froze. She never thought she'd hear Astro again. She turned around as Astro took in her appearance.

"What are you doing here?"

Astro paused, "Wow..."

Hiccup sighed, "Astro, what are you doing here?"

Astro blinked a couple times before clearing his throat, "We came to get you. We're here to take you home. Everyone misses you."

"Oh, thank gods!" Hiccup hugged Astro, "I missed you too."

There was a moment of silence before stepping back. Astro observed Hiccup a second time, "Wow... Alvin.. he really.. where did he get that dress?"

"He bought it shortly after I came here. He wanted to make sure I realized my past life was over."

Astro nodded, "About that.. um."

Hiccup looked up, "Where are the others?"

"I'll meet them at the arena when Fishlegs gets there. I need-"

Hiccup suddenly turned around and ran back toward the village.

"Hiccup!" yelled Astro, "Where are you going?"

"I have to find dad and Draymore!"

"No! You can't go there! It's not safe!"

Hiccup didn't answer. Instead, she burned the chains off her body and took off. Astro quickly mounted Stormfly and flew after her.