Chapter Nine: Decisions Determine Destiny


"Looks like someone's ready to go." Matt called out, trekking up the ramp that led to Dragon's Edge's Hanger. Heather was busy strapping on a saddlebag on Windshear, who smiled at hearing Matt and Wasatch walking up to them.

"Just about. Gotta make sure this doesn't fall off." Heather grunted, cinching the bag tight. Satisfied, she turned around and gaped at him "What're you doing? Where are you going?"

Matt had his snowboard goggles hanging around his neck. On his back was a small backpack and a hatchet strapped to it. His knife was tied to a strap on his red tunic, easy for him to access. His entire outfit made him look like an adventurer than the usual carefree snowboarder he was. "Going with you." He replied simply, shrugging at the question "Berk's a long flight, who knows what you'll run into on the way there."

"You don't need to do this, Matt!" Heather replied, taken back by the action "I'll be fine by myself, I know Hiccup depends a lot on you!"

"Which is why you better let him go with you. I might change my mind." Hiccup called out. At that, Toothless dropped out of the sky and landed next to Wasatch. Dismounting, Hiccup then said "I'm letting him go with you, because he wants to."

"And because the last time I let you go by yourself, you ended up living in a cell, bound in irons for a couple of months." Matt casually threw in.

"So really, he's just making sure nothing happens to you again." Hiccup explained with a smile "Well, at least without him knowing about it."

"I'm not asking either. I'm going with you whether you like it or not." Matt said adamantly, cutting off any chances for her to argue. Wasatch growled, standing up straight and sticking his chest out. Lightning then ran down his back, arcing from spike to spike.

Still surprised, Heather then let a smile grow on her face. Shaking her head, she then huffed "I guess I don't have a choice, do I?"

"Nope." Matt teased, lightly hitting her in the shoulder "You've never actually been free when we brought you here. You've been our prisoner."

"Figures. I knew something was up when you stopped bringing me breakfast in bed!" Heather laughed, going with the joke. Then, with a mischievous grin, added "I guess I'm going to have to come up with a grand plan to escape my new prison."

"Won't work if it involves Windshear." Matt teased, walking up and petting the silver dragon "She loves me now." At that, Windshear nuzzled against him, effectively proving Matt's claim. Then, in a quieter voice, said "I also have some business in Berk, so this is just an excuse to get it over with."

Before Heather or Hiccup could ask what he meant, Astrid's voice called out, sounding angry and frustrated "Hiccup! We need to talk! Now!"

"Astrid, what's going on?" Hiccup asked, turning to see Stormfly land at the hanger.

"The mutton heads you posted for watch last night, weren't there the entire time!" Astrid growled, sliding off Stormfly with the twins two helmets in her hands. Her arm was a lot better, as she had taken the bandage off and was wearing her usual linen gauntlet. Showing the helmets to him, she growled "Those dummies, left dummies in their place!"

"Let me guess." Matt said aloud "The twins thought they'd fool you by leaving replicas of themselves at the tower?"

"Yes! The entire island was unguarded last night! We might have another group of hunters here! Ready to take whoever they find alone!" Astrid yelled, obviously stressed about the situation.

"To be fair, that may not be a bad idea. I mean if we put dummies up in remote locations." Hiccup suggested, pondering his own idea.

"Hiccup! This is serious!" She growled, her eyes bulging out of stress and anger "Have you already forgotten what happened to you and Matt? Already?!"

"I know, I know." Hiccup assured, putting out any fires that were building up in her "I'll talk to the twins and hear their end of the story."

"Not what I had in mind…" Astrid huffed, rolling her eyes "But it's a start."

"Hey, take it easy Astrid." Heather threw out, smiling at her "I mean, it's not like we can't just kick the Hunter's off Dragon's Edge again!"

"That's a backup plan, not a solution!" Astrid growled, glaring at Heather "Its better if we don't have to worry about being attacked at night if we have a better watch system! Or a functioning one at that!"

Hiccup was about to say something, but was interrupted as a Terrible Terror flew right into him. "Whoa! Terror mail!" He cried out, surprised at the new guest.

"Jeez, turning into quite the gathering, isn't it?" Matt whispered to Heather, who just nodded in agreement.

Astrid just shook her head, seeing Hiccup more concerned with the letter that was delivered. Looking over at Matt and Heather, she finally noticed the pack on Windshear and Matt's backpack. "Where are you guys going?"

Before Heather could answer, Matt quickly responded with a joking voice "Well we knew you'd be having a raging tirade. So we decided to head out and wait for you to cool off."

"Are you saying I'm-" Astrid began to shout, which Matt interrupted again.

"I'm teasing Astrid, I'm teasing!" He quickly threw in to prevent her from smacking his shoulder. Again. "Heather's taking Windshear to see Gothi, and I'm going to…well, take care of some business."

"Which is what exactly?" Heather asked, raising an eyebrow to him.

Sighing, he quietly whispered "I've got to make a choice of whether I'm staying or going back home. I can't toy with the idea any more. I'm deciding whether I'm here, or going back."

Astrid stared at him, worried at the thought "Matt, what if you choose to go back?"

"I'll come back to say good-bye, clean up my room, set everything in order, and probably head back." He answered. Looking at Astrid, he then said "I want to do this by myself." Turning to Heather, he explained "This has to be my choice, and influenced only by me"

Staring at him, Astrid then turned to Hiccup who was buried in the letter he was reading "Are you even listening to any of this?"

"Kind of…" He replied, looking up from the letter with worry "Honestly, this letter's got me concerned too. It's Trader Johann. He's surrounded by Hunters and in trouble."

"What?" Matt cried with shock "I'm ready to go Hiccup, just say the word."

Shaking his head, Hiccup then explained, walking up to him "No, though I was reading the news, I was still listening to what you were saying." Squeezing his shoulder, he then whispered "I hope you choose to stay Matt. I want you to stay. You're my friend." Then, stepping back from him, added "But you're right. You need to make this choice for you. Without anyone influencing you."

Matt just stared at him, torn with what he was saying.

"You and Heather get out of here and head to Berk. Day's not getting any longer." Hiccup smiled, though it was tough for him to do say that "I'll take Snotlout and Fishlegs with me, and we'll go help Trader Johann."

"Wait, not me?" Astrid asked, shocked at the suggestion.

"No, I need you to hold down the Edge. And make sure the twins don't burn it down." Hiccup answered "Snotlout and I have the only working dragon armor, and Meatlug isn't affected by dragon root arrows. It just makes sense that we go."

"Hiccup! You can't leave me with those mutton heads!" Astrid cried out in anger and desperation.

Ignoring her, Hiccup faced Matt and said "Get going! I hope that you'll be able to find peace Matt, even though I hope it's choosing to stay here."

Realizing how hard it must have been for Hiccup to say that, Matt just nodded in understanding. "Thank you Hiccup…I…I hope the same."

"We better get going, before Astrid makes us stay with her." Heather whispered, gently pulling Matt away. She also knew how hard it must've been for him, but the best thing she could do, was to help him commit to his decision.

Reluctantly, Matt turned and climbed on Wasatch "Be careful Hiccup. Usually there's a second catch when anything involves Dagur or Ryker."

"I will Matt. Be safe yourselves." Hiccup called out, returning his attention to the fuming Astrid.

Making sure he was secure, Matt nodded at Heather. "Ready when you are." He announced, pulling up his goggles.

Heather nodded in acknowledgement. Launching into the air, Wasatch was quick to follow. Leveling off, she turned to see Matt in a somber mood, knowing that his mind was probably racing a hundred miles an hour. "I hope you stay Matt…I really do…" She whispered.


"Whooh…that ride gets longer and longer every time I take it, I swear." Matt groaned, stretching his arms as he walked into the Great Hall. It was night, and the two decided that they'd get something to eat and get some sleep, starting their errands at first light the next day.

"I think your just getting soft." Heather quickly teased, jumping on the moment to give him a hard time "If I had taken you with me when I left Berk a few months ago, I think I would have ended up leaving you behind! You'd be whining and complaining about the hours you put on."

"Remember Heather, I'm standing, not sitting on my dragon." Matt defended, staring her down "Completely different!"

"You can sit if you wanted to! I've seen you do it before!" Heather countered, smirking at him "Face it; you're just getting soft!"

Sighing, Matt shook his head, saying "Yeah, I guess you're right. Never mind how many times I saved you."

"Hey! We're even!" She cried out, lightly shoving him "First, I saved you from bleeding out, then you saved me and Hiccup from Dagur; plus those Tide Gliders."

"And then saved you from Darien, in which you left and got yourself captured a third time!" Matt pressed, teasing her.

"Which I ended up saving you! Who did you escape with when you were captured?" Heather quickly fired.

"That hardly counts, but for the sake of the conversation, I'll let it." He replied, a grin growing on his face "By my count, that's me with three saves, and you with two."

"Nope! Saved you from the Hunters with Hiccup!" Heather laughed, thinking she won the argument.

"Try again. It was Barf and Belch that saved us." He shot back without missing a beat.

"Oh? Who saved you from falling? I don't think it was Wasatch." She asked, smirking at him.

Realizing that she was indeed even with him, he just shook his head and laughed. Throwing his arm around her shoulder and leaning against her, he then said "Fine, I'll allow it. We're even. Though, with our luck, I'm sure that'll change."

"Matt? Heather?" Stoick's voice called out. The giant man stood from the chief's seat, staring at the duo "What are you two doing here?"

"Just here to get some stuff done, that's it." Matt called out, picking up his pace and leaving Heather slightly behind "No one's injured or missing. Yet."

Heather just smiled at him, shaking her head at the joking snowboarder. He was one of a kind, and she was lucky that he liked her. Then remembering why he was here, frowned slightly. She knew he was torn with what to do, and she wanted him to stay, but she also wanted him to have peace. She, of everyone, understood that desire. Shaking her head, she watched him get bear hugged by the massive chief.

"So what brings you back to Berk?" He asked, setting Matt down onto his feet.

"I'm wanting Gothi to check out Windshear. Just to make sure she's doing alright." Heather explained, smiling at Stoick.

"Ah, yes. I've learned about what you two went through." He said quietly, looking down at Heather with concern "Are you alright?"

"I'm better now. And so is Windshear." She answered, turning to Matt. Smiling, she added "Thanks to Matt and Hiccup. Plus the gang."

"Good to hear." Stoick replied, nodding approvingly. Turning to Matt, he asked "And of you? Just traveling with her?"

"Well, yes. But also another reason." Matt began to say "I…I'm here to make a decision. You know what I'm meaning."

Stoick took a deep breath, as if something hit him in the stomach. Nodding, he turned to Heather and said "Mind if we talk alone? You can bring Windshear to Gothi right now, just to see what she says she can do."

Knowing that Stoick knew about Matt's dilemma, she nodded, saying "I might do that. She's over at the main table?" Seeing Stoick nod, she turned to get Windshear. Glancing at Matt, whose face grew solemn, she whispered "Whatever you choose. I'm ok with it." At that she walked away, leaving the two behind.

"Let's go somewhere quieter." Stoick said, guiding Matt with his massive hand. Walking out the doorway, the two looked up to see the moonless night. Hundreds of millions of stars littered the black sky, creating a beautiful view of the heavens. "So, why now?" Stoick asked, now looking down at Matt.

The thought of food and sleep was well out of his mind at this point. With Stoick wanting to talk about it right then, he couldn't help but have the pit in his stomach return. "Because I need to make a decision. I can't let this linger anymore." He replied, not taking his eyes off the stars "I…I honestly don't know what to do though."

"What's making you want to go back?" Stoick quizzed, watching Matt for his response.

Sighing, he finally tore his sight from the sky and looked at Stoick "Only one thing really. Well, maybe two. I get flashes of missing my old lifestyle. The friends I had there and the stupid stuff we did. I mean, that was my life! Of course I'm going to miss it." Looking down, he quietly added "But the main reason is because of my dad. My family." Looking up at Stoick in the eyes, he continued "I left him alone. I left him when he needed me. You know that my mom died not too long ago, and now he probably thinks I'm dead. He's alone! And I left him!"

Stoick could only watch Matt, seeing that he was having some of the same regrets he had.

"I want to stay Stoick. I do! But what if I need to go back to my dad? Am I being selfish staying here?" He asked "I have so many things keeping me here. You, Hiccup, Astrid, Wasatch, dragons in general, the lifestyle…and Heather."

"She's special to you, isn't she?" Stoick asked in a caring voice.

"In ways that I can't describe." Matt whispered, looking down at the ground "I've never been close to someone before. Er, well, like this I mean."

Stoick guided Matt to take a seat on the top steps to the Great Hall. Sitting next to him, he let out a long sigh, as if preparing himself for something. "You know Matt, I don't know what to tell you, other than what I've seen. I believe you've not only found someone and something special here for you, but I truly think you found yourself here. I've seen it."

"I've felt that too." Matt agreed, his eyes misting as he tried to control the emotions and stress.

"But you love your dad. And can't have both." Stoick continued to say, making Matt shake his head out of angst and frustration of what to do.

"What if I pick the wrong one? What if I choose that which will make me regret what I did?" He asked, looking up at Stoick "I don't want that! I don't want to live a life like that!"

"You know Matt, I've lived life long enough to have made decisions I regret almost every time I'm reminded about them." Stoick began to say, catching Matt's attention "I don't think you can escape this life without having something like that happen." Looking down at Matt, he then whispered "I almost killed my only son. The only family I have left."

Matt just stared at him, listening intently to the story.

"He tried to stop me. Tried to keep me from hunting down the dragon's nest four years ago." He continued "I wouldn't hear him. I couldn't. He betrayed his people after protecting Toothless." Looking at the ground, Stoick's voice went flat "He saved us, even me, when he didn't have to. When he had every right to be angry with all of us, he didn't. And because of that, he lost his leg. And almost died."

Matt just stared into Stoick's misting eyes, knowing that it must have been hard for him to relive the experience.

"I'm telling you this, because whatever you choose, you'll have the other choice and the mystery it involved in your mind." Stoick whispered "You can never escape it, or make it go away. You can only move forward with what you did choose."

Matt nodded silently, understanding what Stoick was telling him. Whatever he chose, he was going to commit to it and never look back. At least, in the sense of regret. "I…I'm going to be right back…" He said quietly, standing up "I'm going to the cave to make my choice…I think that'd be a good place for me at least."

Stoick nodded, agreeing with the idea. "Take as long as you need. I'll entertain Heather, though I'd imagine she's going to be with her dragon if Gothi's working on her."

"Thank you Stoick. I…I think I'm going to leave right now." He whispered, standing up from his seat. Staring into nothing for a moment, he then quietly added "Don't stay up for me. I don't know how long this'll take."

Stoick grunted, acknowledging what he said. Standing up also, he gently rested his hand on Matt's shoulder "For what it's worth, even though you are technically my grandson; I view you as a son."

Matt glanced up at Stoick, who just smiled at him. Patting Matt's shoulder, he turned and walked back inside, leaving Matt with his thoughts.


The flight to the cave seemed to take longer than he ever remembered it being. Guessing that it was just because of what this trip entailed, he didn't dwell too much on it. Letting Wasatch handle the landing by himself, he smoothly jumped off. Again, the leg didn't bother him.

"Must be getting stronger." He muttered, looking down on it "Or at least gave it enough rest to be able to recover."

Regardless, there he was. In the cave. Though he wasn't really surprised, as he expected it to be as such, he just stared at the open cavern, leading to his world.

"Figures." He whispered. He had no idea what he was going to do. How would he make this choice? What would make it different if he made here or back at the Great Hall? OR Dragon's Edge for that matter. Sighing, he shook his head and pulled down his goggles, letting them hang around his neck. His eyes were revealed being red and bloodshot. Partially from crying and partially from the stress he was feeling. He wasn't under any time crunch, but he knew he was going to have to decide sooner or later; and he opted for the sooner part. If things went south being with Hiccup, he didn't want to be the person that would bail on him. He was going to make his choice, and he was going to live with it the rest of his life.

Wasatch bumped him in the back, making sure his rider was ok.

"Hey boy…" He whispered, not turning to look at him "Stay here…I'll be right back." At that, he pulled out his flash light, clicked it on; shining his way as he traversed into the cavern. He just wanted to see it. The cave from his world. The rocky path did little to sway him. If he was going to make a choice, he was going to have to see where he came from.

Climbing over a rock, he saw what he was looking for. His cave. His cave that he took shelter from a blizzard in, leading to his discovery of Berk. His cave that he foolishly wrote down in his journal, allowing Darien to come. It was exactly the same way he remembered it, but what he didn't expect was to see a large plaque in the middle of it. Hesitating, Matt slowly stepped out of the cavern and to the plaque. Staring at it, his eyes misted with tears as he read: "In memory of Matthew Haddock. A friend to those who had none, a son that made parents and ancestors proud, and a heart that cared for everyone."

Matt sniffed as he wiped his nose. His dad must've had this put here. Staring at the plaque, he heard something behind him. Turning around, he gasped as he stared at Wasatch, who was just barely in the cave. After watching his rider go through the cavern, the same cavern that he disappeared into three years earlier, the Skrill refused to lose him again. Growling, Wasatch sniffed the air, as if sensing he was somewhere different.

"What are you doing here? Huh bud?" Matt whispered hoarsely, walking up to his friend. Rubbing his head, he then said "I guess you don't want me to go either, huh boy?"

Wasatch growled, pressing his head into Matt's chest. Lightly shocking him, he then pulled away and stared at Matt with quizzical eyes.

"I'm ok bud. I'm jus-" His eyes caught something he didn't notice. Next to where Wasatch was standing, behind a sizeable rock, was a black duffle bag. Moving past Wasatch, he pulled up the bag into his light. Opening it, he was shocked to see it full of snowboarding clothes and other gear. Right on top of all the gear, was a folded piece of paper. Grabbing it, he unfolded it and read:

"Damn you, Matt. You made me spend Christmas alone, entertaining family! How'd I draw the short stick? Listen, I don't blame you for staying, or whatever happened to make you not come back. In fact, I don't know if I could've been alright with myself if you came back and weren't happy here. I want you to be happy. Here or there. That's all your mom wanted for you.

The bag is full of snowboarding stuff I was planning on giving you for Christmas, and I figured you'd find it, assuming you're alive. If not, well this is just an old man's ramblings and another's prize to find.

I miss you son, but I love you; take care and be safe.
-Dad"

Matt wiped his eyes, finishing what he read. He loved his dad, he missed him! Looking back into the bag, he pulled out a new, black and bright green snowboard coat. Slipping into it, he whispered "Dad…you made it harder to choose!" Looking at Wasatch, who was now sniffing the coat, he whispered "I don't know…I just don't know…" Looking up, he turned to face the cave exit "What do I do?"


Heather was finishing feeding a raw fish to Windshear, coated with a special green paste that Gothi prepared for her. Supposedly, it was to help her scales grow more even and flush with her body. "There girl, how's that taste?"

Windshear pulled a face, closing her eyes and letting her tongue hang out of the side of her mouth in disgust. The sight made Heather laugh, which she responded "I guess you'll have to choke it down, at least until your scales finish growing." At that, she tucked the vial Gothi gave her into her pouch. Looking around the Great Hall, she saw that there were only a few other villagers remaining. The lights were low, as the central fire was burning out and the candles beginning to diminish in brightness. The soft glow of the room was enough to put her to sleep, not taking in the fact that she rode on Windshear all day.

Sighing, she shook her head as she watched Windshear curl up into a half circle, waiting for her to lay on her side as usual. Sleep was the last thing on her mind. After Stoick told her that Matt was going to the cave alone, it was everything in her power to not take Windshear and follow him. But, he was clear that he wanted to make this choice on his own, with no one to influence him. Who knew how long he'd be.

Seeing Windshear's gaze, she finally broke down and went to lay against her. "Goodnight girl, see you in the morning."

Windshear let out a soft growl, acknowledging the comment. Heather felt her dragon let out a long sigh, and then begin to breathe in a rhythm, signaling she was indeed falling asleep, or already gone.

Smiling that she was resting, and being on a better road to recovery, Heather let her mind drift into the recent events. She remembered seeing Matt for the first time, after months of being imprisoned. It was a scary, heart wrenching moment seeing him in the cell; but one where she was relieved to see him at the same time. Then the fact that he and the others were the reason why she and Windshear were free. Closing her eyes, she silently thanked Thor for the recent blessings. Though she technically had no home, she knew she was welcome at the Edge and Berk. All thanks to Matt.

The Great Hall doors swung open, making Heather quickly sit up and turn to see who it was. Seeing that it was a couple of villagers leaving, she let out a disappointed sigh and returned to her position of leaning against Windshear.

She hoped and prayed to Odin that Matt would stay. Without him, it was hard for her to see herself settling down at the Edge; or Berk even. Not only would she be changing a way of life completely, she'd be agreeing to an everlasting torment of Snotlout hitting on her. Matt was exactly the reason why she wanted to stay. She still cared about Hiccup and Astrid, plus the others; and she still planned on being friends with them. She just couldn't see herself living there without a solid reason for herself.

Frowning, she then began to think of Matt's reasons to leave. He still had family from where he was from. A dad. The thought of her birth father made her tuck her knees to her chest. If she had the option to see him, to be with him, and get the chance to know him; at the cost of not seeing her friends anymore, she wouldn't know what to do. It was a hard choice, and only Matt could choose what to do in his case.

Reluctantly, she began to give in to her tired body, though she continued to fight the drowsiness that slowly overcame her. She wanted to wait for Matt. She wanted to hear his choice. Her eyes started to droop, which she tried to counter by jolting them open and blinking a few times. Finally losing the battle, she leaned her head against Windshear and fell into a black world.


"Heather…Heather?" A voice called out, making her stir.

"Huh, what?" She stuttered, opening her eyes and wondering who was talking to her.

"Heather, are you alright?" The voice said again, this time gruffer.

Yawning, she looked up to see Stoick. "Stoick? What's going on?"

"Just seeing if you were still breathing. You've slept half the day." He replied, still looking down at her.

"What? How is that-" Her head snapped up "Where's Matt? Did he come back?"

Stoick's face went hard as stone, making her heart skip a beat out of anxiety. "I don't know where he is. I haven't seen him at all today."

Heather jumped to her feet, her heart racing a million miles an hour. The action caused Windshear to jump awake, thinking they were under attack. "I'll be right back!" She shouted, running out of the doors. Windshear was right behind her, confused at why her rider was wound up. "Come on girl!" She shouted, climbing onto her saddle "Come on! Fly as fast as you can!"

Windshear let out a roar, launching into the air with speed that actually made Heather recoil back. Faster and faster she went, her wings pounding harder with each stroke in the air. Heather guided her dragon towards the cave, unsure of what she'd find. She didn't want him to leave! She had to tell him! "Please Gods, don't let me be too late!"

"Wow, what's got you in a hurry?" A familiar voice called above her. The sound made her heart stop out of joy. Looking up, she saw Matt and Wasatch drop right next to her.

"Matt!" She cried out in relief, visibly relaxing.

"Come on, I want to talk." He said, guiding Wasatch down.

Sitting back in her saddle, she let Windshear glide slowly down to where Matt flew too. It was the cove. The one where Hiccup first trained Toothless.

Watching Matt unstrap himself, and jump down, she quickly slid off her saddle and ran to him. "Matt! I was so worried!"

"About what? Me leaving?" He laughed, stopping where he stood. Then the strangest thing happened to her. No matter how hard she ran, he seemed to slowly get farther and farther away.

Then Matt's voice called out to her, sounding distorted and echoing. "You don't need to worry, I'm already gone…" At that, he turned and began to walk away; into a cave that seemed to magically appear. Wasatch had vanished, and the world was turning a dark red.

"Matt! No! Don't leave!" She screamed, unable to do anything. She ran harder and harder, but couldn't get closer to him. She watched helplessly as Matt became a silhouette, eventually becoming a massive shadow that was projected along a wall and lit by a red light.

Still running hopelessly after him, she let out an audible gasp as she watched a second shadow appear next to his shadow. The new shadow pulled out a sword, and ran it through Matt's shadow, its tip sticking out of his back.

"No! Matt!" She yelled, hearing his voice scream in pain. His shadow fell, with the second shadow laughing maniacally.

"Matt!" She screamed. Looking around, she found that Windshear was gone, and was staring into Dagur and Darien's faces, both laughing at her. Darien's face then slowly came closer to her, staring her down. Heather watched in horror as the face slowly twisted into her own, as if she was staring into a mirror. The reflection then hissed out the words "Your fault. It's all your fault!"

"No…No!" She cried, falling to her knees and grabbing her head, as if trying to block out the accusation "I…no. It's not my…"

Suddenly the second shadow reached at her, grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking her "Heather! Heather! Wake up!"

The voice was familiar, but it couldn't have been him, she watched him get killed!

"Heather! For the love of your Gods, wake up!" The shadow shouted again.

Snapping out of her trance, she found herself looking up at an oh so relieving sight. Matt's face looking down at her with worry. Wasatch and Windshear were also looking down at her, both with concerned looks on their faces.

"Matt!" She gasped, reaching up and pulling him down into a hug.

"Heather, what the hell was going on? I just walked in here and saw you shouting my name in your sleep!" He quizzed, looking at her with worry.

"I…I don't know. I think it was a nightmare…" She whispered, letting go of him and sitting up from where she lay. Rubbing her head, she looked around and found herself in Berk's Great Hall. Breathing a sigh of relief, she stared into nothing as Matt took a seat next to her. "I…I saw things that scared me."

"It's over. And just a dream." Matt whispered, holding her close to comfort her, situating himself next to her.

"Matt…" She whispered, closing her eyes and leaning against him "I saw you die…you were killed."

Surprised at what she dreamed about, Matt simply flashed his casual smile and brushed her hair out of her eyes "Hey, it's just a dream. Forget about it."

Finally, after lightly shaking her head, she turned to look at him in the eyes. Then she saw it. He was different. He was wearing a coat, like his old snowboard one that was lost, this one being black and green instead of just black. He also had a new pair of goggles hanging around his neck, this time with amber looking lens. "Matt…what…where did you go?"

Smiling, Matt chuckled as he explained "I…went back to my world. Only for a few minutes."

Heather gaped at him, shocked at hearing he actually left.

"My dad left these in my cave. For me." He continued to say, slinging his duffle bag from off his back. Opening it up, he showed her that it was full of snowboard gear, some things she never seen before. "He left a letter. Said that he wanted me to stay if I was happy here." Looking up at the Great Hall's ceiling, he whispered "I chose to stay. I've made my decision."

Heather let out a long sigh of relief, grateful to hear the news.

"I guess I'm still coming to terms with it, but it's something I'm never going to regret." He expounded sitting himself against one of the pillars.

"Matt…I didn't want to tell you, because you wanted to make this choice without any pressure…" Heather began to say "But I need to tell you that you're…important to me. I didn't want you to go."

Matt smiled at the comment, to which he whispered "That means a lot to me Heather. It's only confirmed I made the right choice." Then, resting his head against the pillar and closing his eyes, quietly added "And you mean a lot to me too. You're a big part of why I wanted to stay. Believe me…"

Closing her eyes, Heather simply leaned against him, grateful he chose to stay. Feeling Windshear and Wasatch settle down next to them, she then heard Matt lightly snore; obviously tired from the trip and stress he had.

Closing her eyes, she too tried to get some real sleep. Feeling the drowsiness overcome her, she heard the chilling words echo in her mind "Your fault. It's all your fault…"


Here's Chapter Nine!

I seriously want to thank all who are and have supported the story. I hope the story has taken a turn for the better and will take the title of being the better story written for the series. Again, hope you enjoyed it!