I had no idea that this fit was going to be so well received! Thank you guys for all your reviews! They mean a lot!

—

Finally, Astrid and Little Hiccup landed outside the Great Hall where their friends were gathered.

"You've been gone for an hour!" Protested Snotlout. "What took you so long?!"

Hiccup slid off the saddle and darted to hide behind her.

"Whoa, H! Is that you?" Tuff called out, leaning on Barf's head.

Hiccup peered out from his hiding place, hesitantly. But he scowled and said, "Yeah, and what of it?"

"Aw, he's so cute!" Tuff leaned in close to his face. "Had some cold water shrinkage, aye Hic? Ha, we've all been there before."

Ruff elbowed her brother. "Don't be nasty."

Astrid urged Hiccup to stand in front. He hunched his shoulders and clenched his fists. He didn't like everyone staring at him, judging him.

"So…uh, you going to explain what happened?" Asked Snotlout.

"The final ingredient for the cure is Flightmare Algae from the North Swamp."

"Right," said Fishlegs. "We know that."

"So, Gothi switched our present day Hiccup with five years ago Hiccup." She rested her hands on his shoulders. "He's going to be hanging out with us for the next few days until our Hiccup returns. Try to be nice will ya?"

Fishlegs furrowed his brow and leaned in closer to examine younger Hiccup. "Five years ago…then this is before Toothless and the Red Death."

"The Red Death?" Asked Hiccup, shyly.

Snotlout leaned on his shoulder heavily. "Yeah man! A huge dragon! The size of a mountain! A dragon queen, that eats other dragons! And you go up against it!"

Hiccup just stared at him with a gasp, wide eyed.

Tuff laughed, "yeah, and you only get your leg ripped off!"

Repulsed by this idea, Hiccup shoved his cousin off of him forcefully and took off running into the the village.

"Hiccup!" Astrid and Fishlegs called after. Astrid gave chase while Fish smacked the two boys on the arm. "Nice going!"

"What! What did I do!?" Snot protested.

"Hiccup from five years ago? You three used to bully him relentlessly. Of course he's not going to take the news about losing his leg to a dragon very well, especially from you guys!"

"Well, what are we supposed to do? Not mention what was probably the greatest moment of his life?"

"We might all consider Hiccup's bravery against the Red Death as some huge accomplishment…but I know for a fact that he doesn't think so."
"What! How can he not think that's the most awesome thing ever!?

"Look, if you don't get it, then ask him yourself." Fishlegs huffed in annoyance and stormed off.

Astrid hurried through the village, glancing at the awe-struck people milling about.

"What's wrong with Hiccup?" One asked.

"Why has he shrunk?" Asked another.

"Nothing to worry about!" She called back. "It's all under control!"

Except it wasn't because she couldn't find him anywhere. She groaned in annoyance. Back in the day, whenever he'd get yelled at or picked on, he had the amazing ability to completely disappear for hours at a time. It probably wasn't that miraculous, given his size.

"Oh lass, where's the little Hiccup?" Gobber asked, seeing her alone already.

"Snotlout brought up the Red Death and he went running. I have no idea where he went."

"Snotlout eh? Well, Hiccup has several hiding places he goes, depending on who picks on him. I think it's…this way…" He beckoned her towards the docks.

"How do you know this?" She asked.

"Easy. I was the one who had to find him for Stoick, or for work. I rarely yelled at him, so I could get him to come out and go back home or to the forge. It was a daily duty."

She frowned. "Daily?"

"Aye. Do you not remember?"

"I…I thought he just got in trouble during the raids."

"No, no, I wish! Between Snotlout and the Twins tormenting him, and Stoick reprimanding him, there was hardly a day where he had any real fun at all."

"Oh my gods…" she winced. "I…I didn't know."

"I don't blame you lass. You were focused on your own stuff."

At this point, they had made it to the cliffs that looked down over the docks. Gobber led her down the ramps about halfway, and then shimmied over to a narrow plank. "Watch yer step."

This part of the ramp wasn't used for actual walking or navigating, it was simply support. The only people who would be over here, were those repairing a collapse, or perhaps dragon damage.

"Ah, just as I thought." Gobber gestured inside the ramp. Two thick beams on both sides, the walkway above, the cliffs in the back, and only a few cross beams to sit on. That was where Little Hiccup had holed himself away.

"How did you get back there?" She asked the shadow.

Hiccup didn't respond, he only sniffled.

"I'll take care of this," said she, weaseling her way to him. It was a tight fit, and the hole went back far, but finally, she reached him. He had drawn his knees in, and hid his face in them.

"You didn't need to come for me." He said. "I can handle yourself."

"I doubt that." She scoffed.

He glared at her with bloodshot eyes and snotty nose. "You and everyone else on this stupid island."

She winced. "That's not what I meant..."

"Then what did you mean? That I'm too weak to swing a sword? That a dragon could kill me with one swipe or one bite? Because I've heard it all before! But I can handle not having to be babysat for five minutes!"

Astrid didn't know how to answer, so she sat beside him. Carefully, she ran a few fingers through his hair and began to braid it.

He sat trembling, whether it was his anger or nerves, she didn't know.

"Listen Hiccup. Berk has changed in the last few years."

"So I noticed..."

"And you are to thank for those changes."

"Great! It's nice to know that I don't change! Always messing things up!"

She pulled on his hair with a tug, shutting him up.

"These changes have been good, Hiccup. I promise. Yes, you have to face a mountain sized dragon, but you don't face it alone. Toothless is with you, and together you defeat it."

"The dragon?"

"Hmm-mmm." She finished one braid and started another. "You lose your leg, but you gain so much confidence and self assurance. Because of your sacrifice, we no longer have to fight the dragons. Instead, they protect and love us."

"Dragons…they can't do that."

"Says who?"

"Everyone! Especially my dad!"

"Your dad does get really mad at you…he disowns you even."

"Well, that sounds like something to look forward to."

"But," she continued. "You prove him wrong. You prove everyone wrong."

He was quiet, and then gave her a doubtful look. "I don't know if I should trust you..." He spoke softly, but honestly.

"Why not?"

"Because my Astrid—er, the Astrid I know in my time...she barely speaks to me. Sure, I see her glance at me sometimes with pity in her eyes, and sometimes she has me work on her axe in the forge...but she would never comfort me. If anything, she'd punch me and tell me to buck up."

Astrid snorted. "That's me."

"So...are you being real right now?"

"Here's a fun story," she said, winding yet another braid. "I was the first one you convinced. You basically kidnapped me and took me on a flight on Toothless. You showed me how great dragons could be, and I supported you through everything after that."

"So...you and I become friends?"

She snickered, "not quite."

He deflated.

She hooked a finger under his chin and turned his face towards hers. "We're betrothed."

"B-B-Betrothed?! But...oh, an arranged marriage?"

"Nope, totally mutual. I love you, Hiccup."

He hid his face in his hands. "I never thought I'd hear those words from you."

"Oh, do you have a little crush on me?"

"No!" He shouted, much too loud, much too obviously. "I mean…you can't ask that!"

"Hiccup, we're all ready together, you can tell me."

He dared to look at her, his face red and his lips tight.

"I promise, nothing bad is going to happen."

He nodded. "Okay…I…havebeeninlovewithyouforyearsbutIknowyoudon'tfeelthesame—"

"Breathe! Hiccup! Gosh, I don't remember you ever being so nervous before. Even back then. You stuttered a lot, but not like this."

He frowned, "sorry…okay. I have been in love with you for…a while. But I know I don't—wouldn't have a chance with you unless I killed a dragon. So…there. I said it."

Astrid smiled brightly and hugged him tightly. "Oh Hiccup, my sweet, silly Hiccup."

Though he still blushed, he hugged her back.

"I kind of always knew. You're not very good at lying."

"I know!" He groaned. "I suck at keeping secrets!"

She pulled away from him and kissed him on the nose. "I'm not going to kiss you on the lips, because you're so much younger than me now, but just know that one day, we will. Soon even."

His blush returned. "This is torture, you know that, right?"

She simply laughed as she patted his back. "Come on, lets go back. And Hiccup?"

"Hmm?"

"Don't take anything Snotlout says too seriously. In our time, he is pretty desperate to impress you."

That stunned him to silence. "What? No…"

"Yes! He'll never admit it out loud, but it's pretty obvious. You're a hero now."

Hiccup sat up a little straighter, evened his chin and said, "about damn time."

—

Big Hiccup had been drawing for the last 45 minutes, as his father went on a tirade about the evils of dragons, how they were the spawn of the most sinister creatures, and how anyone that willfully chose to align themselves with them must be evil themselves.

It almost made him nostalgic.

Almost.

Once finished with his masterpiece, he interrupted his dad's speech. "Look dad, I get it. But, here's a crucial thing you're missing." He handed the sketch over to Stoick, who furrowed his brows at the sight. It had been a few years, but that dragon haunted his dreams. He remembered every scale. "This is the queen of the dragons. I saw her first and when I finally told you about it, you decided to ignore my warnings and take the entire tribe with you to kill it."

"It doesn't look so bad. Pretty ugly, but most dragons are."

"I drew you in there for scale."

Stock scanned the bottom of the page. "Where? I can't see me."

"Exactly."

His eyes widened as he looked to his son. "You mean…this thing is alive right now?"

"Yep, and all the little dragons that you see day to day have to feed her, or else they get eaten instead."

"Oh," Stoick said. "Did you say…that you defeat this monster?"

"Yep, and that's how I lose my leg." This he said with a little smug smirk and a hand on his hip.

"Don't get smart with me, boy." Stoick reprimanded. "I'm still your father and chief."

Hiccup nodded, "sorry, it's just...you change, dad. We change."

"Apparently I become a dragon sympathizer."

Hiccup groaned. How long had they been talking about this? It seemed like forever. He wiped a hand down his face. They were getting nowhere.

"Look," Hiccup began, gesturing with his hands. "I'm just here to get some Algae from the North Swamp. We can argue about this until the yaks come home, but when I leave in three days, everything goes back to normal, and you'll forget all about this little tirade…and do it again in a few months with me anyway. So save your breath."

Hiccup suddenly found himself on the floor, his right cheek stinging.
"This isn't a joke, Hiccup!" Stoick shouted at him. "Things may be all peachy keen in five years, but today, they aren't. My people, your people are starving, and you have the audacity to sass me? If this dragon exists, we have to kill it! There's no point in waiting if we can end this problem now!"

"See!" Hiccup shouted back, from the floor. "This is what I mean! You're not listening to a word I'm saying! You can't beat the Red Death! You aren't supposed to! It's my fate!"

"You can't do anything right in the first place! Why would I trust you with something like this?!"

This is why Hiccup hadn't wanted to return to this past, when Stoick was close-minded and full of anger. Of course he wouldn't listen to Hiccup, because Hiccup never gave him a reason to listen.

"Fine," said the boy. "I see how it is. But please…there are events that have to happen. Don't change the future because of what I told you. You'll ruin everything."

Stoick scoffed and left the room, leaving Hiccup alone on the floor and feeling very cold.

Part of that was probably attributed to him not wearing a shirt. So he got up, rubbing his throbbing cheek, as he rummaged through his old trunk. He found his largest tunic and tried to put it on.

Obviously, it was too small.

For the rest of the night, Hiccup undid the seams and restitched fabric in the shirt to widen it. After, it was still a little tight, but it fit and he could deal with it.

The day had been exhausting, and so he laid down in his bed and tried to sleep.

It was odd not hearing Toothless' snoring, or the frequent squawks from dragons outside. But then again, in this world, the sound of dragons were an alarm, and it was best to just let it go.

—

It didn't take Little Hiccup long to get comfortable with the future.

In the evening, after Hiccup had been coaxed from his hiding spot, Stoick had beckoned him up to the stairs of the Great Hall, and gathered everyone else in the square.

Already, whispers were forming as folks studied the boy in too-big clothes.

"Friends," Stoick called out, making them hush. "We are fortunate to have within our clan, Gothi, the Healer. She has created a cure for those quarantined up in the Great Hall."

There were several cheers and sighs of relief at this news.

Stoick held up his hands again for silence. "Unfortunately, one of the ingredients no longer exists, and so she has crafted a clever way for us to retrieve it." With no effort at all, he hoisted Little Hiccup to sit on his shoulder. "As you may have noticed, my son is a bit smaller than he used to be. Gothi has taken our Hiccup and replaced him with the Hiccup you all knew 5 years ago. He will remain this way for three days until Older Hiccup returns from the past. All this being said," He gestured at the boy. "This Hiccup hasn't trained Toothless and never fought the Red Death, but he has been told the gist of the situation. Don't try to get dragon advice from him, because he doesn't have it yet. But above all, be patient with him, and treat him like you would now, and not the way you did then."

Hiccup watched as the villagers all smiled at him broadly, sincerely, it was not something he was used to.

Stoick set him back down on the ground. "Boy lad, I haven't picked you up like that in ages. I forgot how small you were."

Hiccup stopped entirely, and just stared at his father. Him being small was a fact of life, wasn't it? The sky was blue, the ocean was salty, and Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III was a pint-sized viking. For his father to forget…how big must he get? Taller them then all, is what Astrid said. But there was no way, there was just no way.

"Hiccup? You alright, son?" Stoick asked as he stood there in shock.

Elated, Hiccup threw his arms up into the air and proclaimed, "This is the best day of my life!" And he went to run down the stairs, but his leggings dropped mid-step and he tumbled down the stairs.

"Oof!" He landed at the bottom.

So much for being popular and heroic.

Astrid yanked him to his feet easily and blocked everyone's view as he readjusted himself. "Thanks…"

She dusted the dirt from his shirt. "Are you okay? That was quite the tumble."

"I'm okay! I promise!"

Stoick looked down in fondness. Clumsy, gong ho, and chattery, those were traits his son had more prevalently when he was a child. Back then, it just annoyed him, and he even…

Oh gods, he had forgotten about that, too.

There were so many horrible things Hiccup had endured before the Red Death. That really seemed to be his lowest and most desperate place, and yet, Hiccup had never asked for an apology from anyone at that time. All the hurtful words from friends and family were just swept under the rug, and all was fine.

But Stoick made a vow at that moment, to dredge it up. It wouldn't do Hiccup any favors to keep nasty feelings buried any longer.

It seemed like Astrid had the same idea, as she rubbed his head affectionately.

—

When Big Hiccup finally fell asleep, it was only for a few hours, because soon after, there was a vicious roar of a dragon. Then, the village came alive with shouts.

It was a raid.

Of all the times to be sent back, it had to be during a raid. Gods, what was he going to do? Just stay here and not get involved?

No, he couldn't possibly do such a thing! Not if he could help it! He stood quickly, tying his foot into place. Then he patted himself. Gothi had taken his armor, and with it, his journal, knife, compass…but Inferno! It had been on his belt, and was now resting on the bedside table, where he had set it before going to bed. Quickly, he grabbed his sword and raced down the stairs.

Stoick was there, hammer in hand. He was prepared for the fight, and glanced at Hiccup. "What do you think you're doing?"

"What does it look like? I'm going to help."

Stoick scoffed. "Help? Are you still a stubborn dim-wit in the future? Stay here!"

Hiccup sneered. "Are you serious right now? You need all the help you can get!"

"Not from you!"

Hiccup shook his head. "You used to be such an asshole."

"Excuse me?"

"You're excused." With a huff, he shouldered passed him and into the village. Normally, Hiccup would never speak that way to his father. But past Stoick didn't know. He didn't understand. He wasn't being logical, or trusting his successor. He wouldn't even listen to him! It was frustrating and made Hiccup's blood boil. He missed the father he knew in the present.

Fires had already broken out over the early morning sky, and Hiccup hurried into the fray. He stopped at the forge first, to grab a shield.

"Gobber, I need a shield."

"One shield coming—…" The Blacksmith dropped it immediately as he stared at him. "Hiccup? Is that…? No…"

"I will explain everything later, just give me the shield!"

Wordlessly, Gobber held out the armor as Hiccup snatched it away.

"Puberty is a magic I will never understand…" He muttered to himself. They he called out after him, "Where do you think you're going!? Come back!"

Hiccup, now with shield, withdrew Inferno and ran towards the loudest squawks and roars. His goal was just to wave the dragon on and keep the townsfolk safe.

He heard a familiar dragon croon; a Nadder, his favorite Nadder, to be precise. Stormfly had landed and had all of her quills out, at the ready.

A young girl was on the ground, a spine in her leg.

Hiccup ran in and threw up the shield just in time to block the next few incoming quills. Then he waved his sword slowly, the flames creating an arch of light.

"Back…back!" He warned.

No doubt about it, this was definitely Stormfly. And if this was the raid he thought it was, then—

A net was cast over her, and she cried in indignation.

As much as he hated it, Hiccup continued his soothing motions. She had to be caught, or else Astrid wouldn't train her in the future.

The Nadder began to calm as she watched the dancing fire. Then, Hiccup reached forward and scratched under her chin. Instantly, she collapsed.

"Oh wow! She fell right to sleep!" A man exclaimed from behind the dragon.

"All the better to kill her!"

"No!" Cried Hiccup.
The two vikings looked at him in question, obviously not recognizing him. "What? Do you expect us to just let her go?"

"No no...just uh…use her for training?"

"Yeah, yeah, that's a good idea…" They were saying to each other.

Hiccup backed away quickly, not wanting to changed anything in the future on accident. But he did look to the injured girl.

But his heart beat a little harder when he realized it was young Astrid. "Uh…are you okay?"

She hissed, "do I look okay?"

He quickly knelt and scoped her up into his arms, "I'm going to take you to Gothi."

"Put me down! I can handle it!"

He held firm and hurried his steps. "Nadder spines are poisonous. You look like you're fairing okay for now, but who knows if that will last."

She had to be fine. His influence in the past so far wouldn't ruin her future, right?

Astrid winced slightly as she was jostled, but didn't fight him anymore. Instead, she rested her arms around his neck to better hold on.

"Sorry…" she whispered. "Thank you. I'm Astrid. I don't think I've seen you before…"

He laughed. "Oh, yes you have. I'm surprised you don't recognize me."

She frowned, her eyebrows pulling together as she looked over his face. "…Hiccup?"

"Surprise!"

"Wha—how—?" She wriggled in his grip, trying to get down. "Put me down before you drop me!"

"I'll only drop you if you keep struggling!" He returned.

"You can barely hold the weapons in the forge! How are you supposed to carry me!?"

"Stop fighting and I'll explain everything!"

Whether it was because it was early morning, or just sheer curiosity, Astrid relaxed and listened to what he had to say.

It was the same story he told Stoick. He was from five years in the future, and he was here to retrieve some algae that didn't exist anymore.

"So you're what Hiccup looks like in five years?"

"Yes."

She was quiet, mulling this over carefully. They were almost at Gothi's now.

"What am I like? Five years from now?"

Hiccup smiled fondly. "You become the most skilled, intelligent, intensely focused, and big hearted warrior on Berk."

She smiled widely. "So do I kill a dragon?"

He winced. "Uh…yeah, yeah you do." It wasn't a total lie, given that she definitely helped kill the Red Death.

"Awesome! What kind?"

Rats. "Uh—let's finish this later, okay?" And he hurried to get to Gothi.

The healer was outside when they arrived, no doubt watching the destruction below and waiting for the idiots to line up. But she was surprised to see Hiccup there, with Astrid of all people in his arms.

"Hi Gothi, Astrid got hit with a Nadder spine."

The old woman nodded and urged him inside. She made no comment about his appearance, not even a second glance.

Following Gothi's instructions, Hiccup carefully removed the spine from her thigh and ease her out of her leggings, Astrid blushed hotly all the while.

"It's okay, Astrid. You need to get this looked at." Then he backed off as Gothi did the rest of the job.

After Astrid was all bandaged, she pulled her leggings back up and tried to stand. But Hiccup was there quickly, and picked her up again.

"The spine's out and I'm fine," she insisted. "Please let me walk."

Gothi on the other hand, did not agree. She simply smacked Astrid with her staff and gave her a hard look. Then she scratched something in the dirt, which Hiccup was able to piece together.

"She says…the spine didn't release it's poisons, but the wound was deep. Try to avoid walking for a while."

Astrid groaned. "Fine…can you take me home then?"

"Oh course, Milady."

Astrid smiled slightly. "Milady? What, do I become chief in the future?"

Hiccup began carrying her down the hill, at a much more leisurely pace. "No, and why are you so interested in the future?"

"Why wouldn't I be!?" She exclaimed. "It's exciting! Tell me more! Am I part of the Berk guard? Am I a legendary dragon killer?"

Hiccup exhaled, hating where this was going. He just had to weave the story carefully. He didn't want another explosion like Stoick. "You're…hm. Let's just say, I'm very much on my way to becoming chief, and you're on your way to becoming my General."

Her mouth dropped open. "You picked me as your general? Wow…"

He smiled. "Who else was I supposed to pick? Snotlout?"

She shrugged. "I mean…if he didn't become chief instead of you, I figured he'd take his dad's place. He's probably pretty sore about that, huh?"

"No, not at all." They had reached the village at this point, and it appeared that the Raid had ended. There was a lot of smoke, but not as many flames. "In fact," Hiccup continued. "Snotlout is one of my close consorts and I trust him with a lot of responsibilities."

Astrid outright laughed. "You have got to be pulling my leg! There's no way you and Snotlout get along, and him? Having responsibilities? Please…"

"Oh, don't think it wasn't a struggle. It takes him a long time to listen to me and do as I ask, but eventually, he sees things my way."

"And what about the others? The twins? Fishlegs?"

"Everyone has their roles. The twins have a knack for pranks and destruction, but I've found if I can channel that talent, then they usually listen to me and spare me from their pranks. Usually." He laughed. "And Fishlegs is very helpful, though he and Snotlout don't always see eye to eye."

"Yeah, that's true now too."

"But they can work together when necessary."

Ironically, Hiccup could hear Fishlegs and Snotlout arguing just around the corner. "I told you to put this building out!"

"Why couldn't you do it yourself!?"

"Because Hoark asked me to put his house out first!"

Astrid wriggled slightly. "Put me down, I'll straighten these numbskulls out."

Hiccup set her on her feet, but kept his arm close for support, though she refused it. Rounding the corner, the two found Young Snotlout and Young Fishlegs battling it out while the baker's shop continued to burn.

"Hey!" Astrid called, limping into action. "Stop fighting each other and start fighting this fire!"

Snotlout scoffed. "And where have you been?"

Hiccup, ever the leader, crossed his arms. "She was injured, because she was doing her job! Now we can argue about this later, but that fire isn't going to put out itself!" And he snagged a bucket abandoned on the ground. Then he turned to Astrid, "don't run." Then he took off.

Snotlout and Fishlegs looked at her. "Who was that?"

She shrugged with a smug little smile, "wouldn't you like to know?"