Chapter Nine

A whole day later, after Eret and his crew locked all of the surviving slavers in his ship's cages; Hiccup, Astrid, Matt, and Heather were more than ready to go home. As the ship began to sail away from what they were now calling it 'Skrill Island', Heather just stood and watched the island slowly disappear. Wasatch himself was also staring at the island, not moving or anything.

Watching Heather, Matt couldn't help but feel concerned for her. Dressed in a black wool shirt, Matt had a few bandages showing on his arms from the bruises he had. Sighing, he limped next to Heather and asked "Hey, you ok? You haven't said much since we got on the ship."

"I'm fine." Heather replied quickly "Just…just thinking of what happened to us during the last week. I hope we're done with the drama and adventures."

Nodding, Matt grabbed and pulled her closer to him. Squeezing her with his one arm, he then said "It's not just that you're thinking of. You're worried about Valkyrie aren't you? Or at least thinking about her."

Looking down into the ocean, Heather quietly said "I thought we were friends. I thought that she'd stay with me." Looking back up at the island, she then added "I guess I shouldn't have told her to go and do what she needed to. Maybe she took that as a sign that we were done."

Matt just looked at Heather. He had no words to even try to help comfort her. Shaking his head, he turned to see Wasatch still facing the island. Thinking of what Heather said, he sighed heavily and let go of Heather. Slightly limping up to his dragon, he rested his hand on Wasatch's saddle and softly said "Well…I know this is your home bud. It'd be unfair of me to not let you choose to be with me…or to stay here." With that, he began to unstrap the bindings. About to pull off one of the straps, Matt was suddenly sent sprawling on the deck; which had gained the attention of more than a few people. Regaining his senses, he looked up to see Wasatch growling at him; and biting at him.

Unsure of how to take it, Matt rolled himself back up and again walked towards the saddle. Reaching for the strap he was trying to pull off, he barely moved his hand away as Wasatch snapped at the air. Growling, Wasatch then shocked Matt; with enough power that it dropped him on one knee. Now roaring, Wasatch started to radiate with lighting, as if daring Matt to come closer.

"Alright! Alright!" Matt said weakly, struggling to stand back up. Heather at this point ran to help him up. "I guess that is your choice then." Matt whispered, this time reaching for Wasatch's wing.

Wasatch stopped the lighting and lowered himself next to Matt. Letting Matt pet him, Wasatch rubbed against Matt, sending a lot smaller jolt into his trainer.

"Thanks Wasatch…means the world to me." Matt said, holding back a tear that was forming in his eye.

"I'm happy for you Matt." Heather said, resting her hand on his shoulder "I'm glad you and Wasatch are inseparable…"

"Heather, please!" Matt said, looking into her eyes "I didn't mean to make it look like I was rubbing it in. I just wanted to give Wasatch the chan-"

Heather cut him off by placing her hand on his lips. "I know what you were doing. And I'm not upset. Valkyrie and I just didn't have the time to build a bond with each other. Well, a bond like yours and Wasatch's."

"Heather. We'll find you a dragon. One that will be like Snatch and Valkyrie. I promise." Matt said, hugging Heather.

"One thing at a time Matt. You've got to teach me how to snowboard first." Heather teased, returning a hug of her own.

"Deal." Matt said, smiling as he looked down at her.

"Well, that was eventful to watch." Astrid's voice cut in, making the two turn their heads towards her "Good to see that Wasatch wants to stay with you Matt."

Seeing Astrid walk towards them with her arm in a new sling, Matt then said "And it's good to see your arm is back together again."

"Yeah, should only take a month to heal completely." Astrid said smiling "With Heather's attention of course. Only then will it heal quickly."

"We'll see. I might make you rest for two months." Heather said with a smile "Since I really don't want to stitch your arm back together again."

"I'll just ignore you." Astrid teased back "Matt will help me do what I need too, right?"

"Of course! I've got to pay you back for all the times you've helped me disobey the doctor's orders." Matt said, smiling at Heather "Besides, what's the worst that could happen to your arm?"

Heather glared at Matt, pretending to be angry. Finally unable to keep a stern face, she laughed and said "You two are going to be the death of me. Fighting against everything I suggest."

"Not everything." Astrid quickly corrected "Just the things we disagree with."

"Ah, of course." Heather smirked back "So almost everything."

"Yeah, that's about right." Matt said nodding with a goofy grin on his face.

Laughing, the three noticed Hiccup walk up to them, also smiling from ear to ear.

"What's got you so happy; other than finally going home?" Astrid asked, lightly punching him in the stomach.

"Well, two things actually." Hiccup said, grimacing from the punch. Walking over to Heather, he continued "First, Snotlout's away from me and on a patrol. He hasn't stopped talking about what he would have done if he was chief."

"He does…get a little carried away." Astrid said with a smile "We all know that."

"Second, is because of Heather." Hiccup continued, squaring up to Heather.

"Wait. Why?" She asked in confusion "What did I do?"

Laughing, Hiccup grabbed her shoulders and spun her around. "Because you're still a dragon trainer of a Skrill." He said gesturing to a dragon flying towards the ship.

Heather gasped as the purple and white Skrill landed on the ship, causing some of Eret's men to quickly jump out of the way. Walking towards Heather, Valkyrie bumped her in the chest and shocked her lightly. Heather grabbed the Skrill's head and hugged it, crying out of joy and surprise.

"And here I thought you were going to leave me. I'm the faithless one." She said, burying her face into Valkyries "Thank you for coming back…Thank you…"

"I knew that she'd never leave you like that." Matt said with a smile "I guess we'll still have to share dragons on our moonlight rides."

"I guess if that's the worse problem we come up with, then I'm alright with that." Heather said, sobbing still. Looking up at Matt, she then said "I guess you'll have to teach me all that you know about training Skrills now."

Teasing, Matt jokingly said "Not until I teach you how to snowboard. One thing at a time remember?"

"Matt!" Heather said in frustration, knowing that she was being teased with her own joke. "You're impossible sometimes you know!"

"I know. But you can handle it." Matt said, looking down at her "That's why I keep on doing it."

"Hey Hiccup!" Ruffnut shouted walking up to him "Why don't we fly to Berk? Won't that be faster than sailing?"

"Yeah, it's been awhile since we've had a dragon race. I want to kick all of your guy's butts!" Tuffnut followed up with. Cracking his knuckles, he said "The warrior within is ready."

"Well, as much as I'd like to get home as well, we can't leave Eret with all the prisoners." Hiccup said smiling as he turned to the Twins "and besides, I figured it'd be nice to relax for a little bit before we went back to the daily grind."

"That being said" Matt cut in "Now that you have Valkyrie, you'll be able to race with us!"

"Well, I guess I'm going to need to practice before then." Heather said, looking at Valkyrie "And to make sure that Valkyrie doesn't eat the sheep."

Matt smiled as he watched Heather rub Valkyrie's head. Looking at Hiccup, he whispered "I think now's a good time Hiccup."

A small smile grew on Hiccup's face as he returned a nod. Pulling Astrid close to him, he motioned to Matt to start.

Taking a deep breath, Matt walked up to Heather and pulled her close to him. "You know Heather, this little adventure gave me a lot of time to think. Especially when I was captured by myself." Feeling something bump into his back, he turned to see Wasatch glaring at him. "Well…When Wasatch and I were captured."

"Oh? Isn't that dangerous to think when you're alone?" Heather teased, lightly hitting Matt in the stomach. Groaning at the hit, Matt just laughed and hugged her tighter. Heather then got a suspicious look. Matt was a little more giddy than usual. Out of nervousness? Or maybe just relishing the fact that they were going home alive.

"A lot of times, I've always wanted to try something new; but never did because I was scared. Not really scared, but never felt ready to do it." Matt quickly said. He couldn't help but stutter a little bit, causing Heather to look at him with even more curiosity. Taking another deep breath, he added "Well, today I'm going to do something I've been thinking of doing for a while. I don't know if I'm ready for this, but frankly, after what we went through this week, I don't care."

"Matt…why are you telling me this? What are you going to do?" Heather asked "Do you need help? My help?"

"No Heather, this is going to have to be all me and only." Matt said, now visibly shaken and obviously nervous for something. "I don't know how you Vikings do this, so I'll do it the way I know how to. I don't even have a ring, but to hell with it."

"Do what!?" Heather asked, even more confused than ever "What's going on Matt?"

Dropping to one knee, Matt asked "Will you marry me Heather?"

Heather gasped as she covered her mouth in surprise. Tears were immediately pouring out of her eyes.

"I know this is the last thing you expected, but after this week; I can't imagine what life is like without you." Matt said, staring into Heather's eyes. Tears were starting to form in his eyes as well "I promise that I will do everything to make your life comfortable, and more importantly, safe. So please Heather. Will you marry me? Can I be your husband?"

Closing her eyes to try and stop the tears from pouring. Nodding vigorously, she whispered weakly "Of course Matt! Yes!"

The ship then exploded into a cheer as Matt rushed Heather and picked her off her feet. Kissing her, he then said "That was the longest second in my life. Thank you Heather! Thank you! I promise I'll get you a ring as soon as we get back!"

"Thank you Matt! But I don't need a ring." Heather said laughing and crying at the same time "I just need you!"

Hiccup suddenly went into a flashback when he watched his dad and mom singing and dancing together. It almost seemed to be the exact same thing. Looking at Astrid who was whistling out of excitement, he couldn't help but do the same thing. Caught up in the moment? Probably, but it seemed right and fitting for the moment. Even though it wasn't Viking tradition, he liked what Matt did. Dropping to one knee and grabbing Astrid's hand, he asked. "Astrid. It feels like the God's are doing this to me, but will you marry me as well?"

Astrid stared at Hiccup in shock, completely blown away by Hiccup. Almost everyone on the ship went silent when they realized what was going on. Even Matt and Heather were wide eyed at what Hiccup was doing.

After what seemed to be an eternity, Astrid closed her eyes to try and stop a tear roll down her cheek. Softly nodding, she quietly whispered "…Yes…I do Hiccup!"

The ship once again exploded with another cheer, except a lot more loudly since it was the chief and his love FINALLY tying the knot.

Gently hugging Astrid, trying not to bump her bandaged arm, Hiccup whispered "Thank you Astrid. I've always loved you. Thank you for…everything."

"Hiccup. I love you too. Remember that forever!" Astrid whispered back, resting her forehead against his. Slowly, they both leaned forward and kissed each other. Holding it for a few seconds, the world almost seemed quiet, as if they were alone. The only thing that brought them back to the world was when the dragons simultaneously shot fire and lighting into the air; know that this was a time of celebration.

Finally looking at Matt and Heather, Hiccup said "Look at what you made me do! I'm engaged now!"

"About time!" Matt said laughing, still holding Heather "How long have you known Astrid? 7, 8 years maybe?"

"My whole life basically." Hiccup said, smiling at Astrid.

"Well, I've only know Heather for 6 months!" Matt said, laughing "It was only a matter of time for you!"

"He likes to take his time with things." Astrid said, defending him "One of the reasons why I love him."

"Congrats Hiccup." Matt said, smiling widely. Finally walking away from Heather, Matt stepped up to Hiccup with his hand extended towards him.

Not taking the hand, Hiccup just walked up to Matt and brought him into a tight hug. "You too Matt…Congratulations!" Stepping back from Matt, he laughed and said "I guess you're staying here for good now aren't you?"

Grabbing Heather with one arm, Matt just said "I made that decision 6 months ago. This is the nail in the coffin. I'm never EVER going back. I have everything I need and then some."

"Plus a snowboard." Heather teased, smiling up at Matt "Can't forget that!"

"No I guess we can't." Matt said smiling. Looking at his friends, he knew that this was going to be the start of his best days to come.

After an hour passed by, as well as the excitement, Matt and Heather were sitting at the bow of the ship.

"So…Astrid wants to have the wedding feast at the cove. You know. Where Hiccup found Toothless." Heather said, staring off into the ocean.

"Is that what you want?" Matt asked "We don't have to have the wedding on the same day if you want it to be your day."

"Our day." Heather corrected, leaning against Matt "The cove sounds like a good idea. And I think it'd be great if you and Hiccup had your weddings on the same day."

"If you're happy with it, then I'm happy with it." Matt said, leaning against the railing of Eret's ship. "I can't believe that I'm actually getting married."

"Neither can I…" Heather said softly. Looking up at Matt, she then said "I'm just glad I'm getting married to you."

"Same here." Matt said with a wide smile "Same here…"

"Matt!" Hiccup's voice sounded behind him. He sounded panicked almost. Turning around, he saw Hiccup running to him in a small frenzy.

"What's going on Hiccup?" Matt asked, standing up. Heather also stood up, concerned with Hiccup's tone.

"A ships coming at us." Hiccup quickly replied "And fast!"

"Want us to blow it out of the water?" Matt asked, activating his brace in anticipation.

"It has red sails." Hiccup said "It's Bruvos."

"Wait…why!?" Heather asked in shock "Why's he coming here?"

"I don't know. But Snotlout should have spotted him before we did." Hiccup said angrily. Turning to Matt, he then asked "Mind getting ready just in case he means to fight us? I'm sure he has other motives other than talking to us."

"I'm already ready." Matt said following Hiccup. Walking onto the main deck, Matt saw the red sails, making progress towards them.

"He's not wasting any time is he?" Astrid observed seeing the ship edge closer.

"Eret's letting up on the sails as well." Hiccup said, explaining why Bruvos was catching up "I want to see what he wants."

"Well, they have a white flag." Matt said, pointing to the white object waving frantically "I still don't like it."

"I don't think any of us do." Hiccup said grimly watching the red sails get closer and closer.

After a few long minutes, Hiccup and Matt could see Bruvos standing near the railing with a big smile on his face. Matt couldn't help but feel a sinking feeling in his stomach.

"Greetings Hiccup!" Bruvos shouted, waving towards Hiccup.

"What do you want Bruvos. I thought I told you that I didn't want near us anymore." Hiccup shouted, not showing any emotion towards Bruvos.

"Ah, well, I thought you'd like your friend back." Bruvos said smiling even wider. Motioning behind him, he had Snotlout walk up next to him. "I found him in the water with his dragon. Thought I'd help out by giving him a lift."

Shocked to see Snotlout on their ship, Hiccup quickly followed up with "What do you want for him Bruvos?"

"Nothing." Bruvos said through his smile "If you land a plank across to our ship we'll let him walk on by!"

"Where's his dragon?" Astrid then asked loudly, not seeing Hookfang anywhere.

"Ah well, you see." Bruvos said, his face darkening a little "I am going to keep the dragon. Purely for selfish reasons, but mainly as payment for my good deed."

"I knew you wanted something!" Hiccup shouted, leaning over the railing to show that he was angry.

"Yes, I know. I am selfish." Bruvos said in a careless voice "Regardless, I am willing to trade passengers. Well, for a specific passenger that you took from me."

Hearing this, Hiccup then said to Eret "Get Savage up here."

"No. Not Savage." Bruvos corrected. Looking at Matt, he said "Matt is the only one I'll trade the dragon for."

Hiccup looked at Matt in horror, who looked like he just watched someone get hit by a snowplow.

Heather stared at Matt with wide eyes, not wanting to believe what she was hearing.

Finally recovering, Matt just nodded and grabbed his sword handle. Handing it to Heather, he quietly said "Keep it safe for me. Just while I'm gone."

"Matt…" Heather said, tears forming up in her eyes.

"There has to be something else you want!" Hiccup shouted out of anger and despair "Gold!? Gems? Anything!?"

"No. Only Matt." Bruvos said adamantly.

"You said you were honest in all your dealings!" Eret shouted, stepping next to Hiccup "What happened!?"

"I am honest!" Bruvos defended "This is just a new deal!" Then, his face scowling, added "This offer has a time limit. Make your decision. I promise that once Matt gets on board, I'll let him cut the dragon free to fly back to your ship!"

"We will come after you!" Hiccup shouted angrily, realizing that he was losing the argument.

"After a month at least." Bruvos stated "If we see any of you 'Berks' near my kingdom, he'll be dead before he can blink. That is a promise."

Hiccup looked at Matt, who was hugging Heather and trying to calm her down. Making eye contact with him, Matt just nodded to assure him that he's ok with it.

Looking back at Bruvos, Hiccup glared at him and said "It's a deal…Matt for the Monstrous Nightmare. We'll wait exactly one month and then you can count on a reckoning. You do not want to go to war with us."

"I'm sure…" Bruvos said unfazed by the threat "I'll let him say good-bye to everyone he wants to. For now, you might want to drop a board over to our ship. I'm sure this young man would like to get aboard."

Eret's men were already placing a board across to Bruvos' ship. Hiccup just looked away from Bruvos, trying to contain the anger that was building up in him. Just an hour ago, the world seemed to be perfect. Now, it was shattered. Looking up at Matt, who was still trying to comfort Heather, he couldn't help but whisper to himself "I'm sorry Matt…I failed you by letting that scumbag live…"

"But…what about us!?" Heather whimpered, sobbing uncontrollably.

"We'll just post-pone it for a little while." Matt said, forcing a fake smile

"Oh Matt..." Heather said, gasping for breath "Why is it always you…"

"Just comes with lifestyle I chose." Matt said jokingly, trying hard to lighten the mood "Maybe I'll be able to get you a ring while I'm gone."

Heather just squeezed Matt hearing this, now sobbing uncontrollably. Reluctantly, he began to pull away from Heather. Grasping her hand, he stared into her tear stained eyes. Feeling the tears swell up in his, he softly let go of her and began to walk towards the plank. Heather collapsed on her knees, crying like a child, as he walked away.

Snotlout was already onboard, ashamed to even look up and Matt. Feeling a hand grip his shoulder, he looked up into Matt's smiling and crying face.

"Don't think for one second that I blame you." Matt said, squeezing Snotlout's shoulder "Thank you for helping Hiccup.

Not saying anything, Snotlout just nodded, trying to cover up the tears that were building up in his eyes.

"Matt…We'll be coming for you." Astrid said, grabbing him in a hug "And we'll make sure Bruvos pays for this."

"Thanks Astrid. Take care of Heather for me. She's…going to need some help" Matt said, glancing back at Heather.

"Don't worry about her. Or Wasatch." Astrid said "Just focus on staying alive."

"Don't worry, not much else I can think of." Matt said with a small smile. Returning a hug, he turned to see Hiccup trying to cover the tears in his eyes.

"I failed you Matt…I should have never let him go…" Hiccup said softly, not looking into Hiccup's eyes.

"Hey…" Matt said, grabbing Hiccup and shaking him gently "Listen to a brother. Crap happens. Get back up, shake off the snow, and board on. I would have made the same decision if I was in your boots. Forget it, and start thinking of ways to get me back. That's what I'll be counting on you doing. I'll be waiting.

"I'll get you back even if you're in Valhalla." Hiccup said angrily "That I promise."

"I know you will." Matt said, again with a small smile. Grasping him in a hug, Matt finally pulled away and walked to Wasatch.

Confused with what was going on, Wasatch stared at Matt as if waiting for an explanation. Tears in his eyes, Matt quietly said "Take care of Heather for me. Help Toothless when he needs it. Protect Berk when you have to. Thanks for being there for me boy." With that, Matt grabbed his Skrill and hugged him.

Pulling away, he looked at his friends one last time, and then proceeded to cross the plank that was set down. Crawling ever so slowly, as to not fall into the ocean, Matt eventually made it to Bruvos' ship. He could see Hookfang tied down on the deck, pinned down by a massive net. Feeling himself grabbed and pulled off the plank. Matt stared helplessly as Eret's ship immediately began to pull away.

"Alright…into these you go." A sailor said, holding up some shackles.

"Those aren't needed." Bruvos said slowly, stopping the sailor. Grabbing a sword from one of his men, he handed it to Matt. Pointing to a rope that was strung up next to him, he said "Cut this rope, and the net comes off."

Staring at the sword, and then at Bruvos, Matt tried to quell the hatred that was burning in him. Bruvos stared back, as if daring Matt to try and kill him. Fighting against what he wanted to do, Matt quickly sliced the rope. The net was immediately pulled off of Hookfang, who instantly erupted into flames.

"Calm him down before he sinks this ship!" Bruvos shouted, backing away from the raging dragon "I'll make sure you go down with us if you don't."

Matt immediately ran to Hookfang, shouting "Hey! Hookfang! It's alright boy!"

Hookfang stared at Matt, still angry.

"That's right! Now get out of here!" Matt shouted, motioning for Hookfang to fly away.

The Nightmare did so, leaving Matt on the ship. Matt's heart sank as he watched his only possible chance to escape flew towards Eret's ship.

"Well, welcome aboard Matt!" Bruvos said loudly, placing his hand on Matt's shoulder "I can't wait to show you my kingdom!"

"Like I had much of a choice." Matt growled, shrugging off Bruvos' hand. Walking to the side of the ship, he leaned against the railing as he watched Eret's ship get smaller and smaller; until there was nothing left to see except for the wide blue ocean.

Bruvos was standing next to him, still smiling proudly after all that had happened.

"So…let's put everything on the table." Matt said, looking up to Bruvos. "Why do you want me so bad? It's not for my leg or back, that much I know."

"Yes, well, you see Matt…" Bruvos said quietly "It's for selfish reasons actually. I want you to help us train dragons!"

Matt just stared in horror at Bruvos. He should have figured out why Bruvos wanted him. To train dragons! Gaining his composure, he then asked "So…why me? You had Snotlout who trains dragons as well!"

"I wanted you and your friends know that you can't get away from me. That once I claim you as my property, I keep you!" Bruvos whispered, his voice getting lower.

"So much for not referring to me as a slave or merchandise." Matt huffed, sick at Bruvos' mentality "So…what kind of dragons do you want me to train? King." Matt said with venom in his voice.

Shaking his head, Bruvos quietly replied "You heard me wrong Matt…I don't want you to train dragons. I want you to train my people how to train dragons!"

Matt's blood froze hearing this. Not showing any emotion, Matt just stared at the ocean. After teaching Dagur how to train a Skrill, he vowed to never again teach someone that wasn't a friend or ally to Berk. Watching the waves dance up and down, he feared that he may have seen Heather for the last time.

So…how was that for a last chapter? Hate me right? Anyways, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or whatever you call it. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to start on the next one. Thanks again for all the support. Special thanks to dreamin-about-dragons, and One-Crazed-Up-Dragon-Fan for their extra support and ideas! Have a great rest of 2014 and keep writing on!

-Dustnblood