This story will be moving faster than my other ones, which are mostly about character development. This is more about the events and such…Anyway! Review please so I can get better!

~Hiccup~

I stumbled off Toothless, my feet thudding to the ground. I swayed for a moment before my knees thumped to the ground as well. I felt Toothless' nose press into my side asking, no, begging me to tell him what was wrong. Honestly, I didn't know.

It had been a month since we left Berk. We had traveled a long way, since we were flying every other day. Although we relaxed and just hung out the other days too. Toothless and I would fish for fun, which was awesome. Toothless would dive in and out of the water, snatching up fish while I rode of his back, practically naked except for shorts. We wrestled a lot, and I had gotten better! Stronger by at least a little. We were changing, both of us. We were closer to each other, forming a bond that couldn't be broken. We were with each other all day, every day and all night as well. I foraged for fruit on our little islands, with Toothless watching me curiously. He didn't understand why I liked fruit in the first place. I told him he wouldn't understand, because he was a meat eater. That just got more questions. Though through all this change, one thing stayed the same.

I still couldn't open my right eye. For a few nights, I stayed up worrying if I would ever see out of it again. Things were disorienting with only one eye, though I got used to it quickly enough, with Toothless' help. I was sure it was infected. My appearance was ragged too; my hair was grown out below my ears now. My clothes were barely scraps with holes and dirty as can be. The freedom was good, is good. But something is defiantly wrong.

My head was fuzzy, like it was stuffed with cotton. I could barely hear anything at all, and my tongue felt heavy. My one eye was watery, and I swear the earth was moving beneath my feet! The world was hot too, and I simply couldn't get used to the slight temperature change the further south we got. I was used to snow and freezing cold, not mildly chilly! And I was so close…I struggled to stand, using Toothless as support. He gladly put his head beneath my hands and used his tail to steady me on the other side. I just had to get to the other side of the island, but could I do it without Toothless' help?

We had spotted a village. Finally, I could see a healer! I stumbled over to the basket, rummaging and finding my money sack. I stuffed it in my pocket as I used numb fingers to unbuckle Toothless' saddle. It slid off him with a thunk, neither of us caring. I was too sore, to numb. Toothless was to worried to look at anything but me. I just had to get to the village! Panic was coursing through my veins, but as I eyed the forest, it faded into a dull throb. My will power drained away, and though Toothless egged me, I slid to the ground beside him.

I felt Toothless sit down beside me, watching. I let my body fall back, hitting the grass with a soft thunk. My one eye gazed at the stars, making swirls in my mind. The lights moved and twinkled, streaking through my vision. I just want a little nap…I tried to tell Toothless, though my tongue wasn't moving from its heavy resting place. I'll go to the village tomorrow…maybe buy some ointment or medicine from the healer for your leg…My eye closed softly and I heard a whine beside me. Don't worry, I tried to say. I'll be alright…

I sunk into darkness, letting its cool relief flow through me. I willingly asked for it to alleviate, lessen my pain, and it did so marvelously. I sank deeper into the darkness, feeling Toothless lie beside me and wrap his wing around my cold body.

It's just a fever….

I'll wake up soon, Toothless,

So don't worry-

~Forest~

Toothless paced beside the pale boy, his frail form still and weak. His red hair was plastered to his face, cheeks now red to match. His brilliant green eyes were shut, and darting around like in a bad dream. The black dragon looked to his human in alarm. It was mid-day now! Usually, Hiccup wakes up when Toothless lifts his wing and shins light on the boy. But not today. Last night, he promised he would wake up! He whined again, pleading to the unconscious boy, who even being awake sometimes couldn't hear him.

'Wake!' He growled and pushed his nose against Hiccup's side. 'Arise!' His human didn't move. He didn't even groan, or scold him and go back to sleep. He didn't roll over, covering his eyes with his arm like he usually would. Nothing is normal now. Toothless was worried. Worried out of his mind. He knew something bad was happening, a sense of foreboding was making his scales itch. Hiccup wasn't moving. And all he could do was wait. He hated being useless.

The dragon paced the camp, back and forth until he had made a line where he had been walking. He started to bite his lip, a habit he picked up from Hiccup. Glancing at the boy, Toothless ripped off a huge tree limb and started to gnaw on it like a dog would a bone. The sun began to set in the sky, and though Toothless didn't have to eat every day; he felt like he needed to today. So he left the small boy in the clearing, hoping nothing would happen. Toothless hunted and stalked a pack of deer, finally gorging himself on a buck and its small one. He ate silently, in the woods. When he came back, Hiccup was exactly where he left him. He began to pace more, scratching up dirt and biting trees. He sharpened his claws on a poor sapling. He even began to gather twigs gently in his mouth and setting them in a pile near Hiccup, like he had seen him do. The sun was going down as he lay beside the unconscious boy.

'Look, I made a fire so you can keep your warmth inside that pitiful shell of yours.' No response. Toothless puckered his lips, and with the normal whine, he shot the pile of twigs with a blue ball. They lit almost immediately. He turned his head to his human, but still he didn't move. The sun was casting pink light across the sky and Toothless went back to pacing again. He paced and gnawed on the clearing, worried about Hiccup. Though his stomach was full, he considered hunting again just to get some violence out. He gazed to the boy, now lit by only the fire. The sun had long since gone down again, the second sunset since Hiccup had fallen asleep.

Toothless curled up beside the boy sadly, wrapping his wing around him and creating a tent. He hoped that maybe, just maybe he'd wake up, bouncing around like always and laughing with that twinkle in his eye. Maybe one more night of sleep would cure him. Maybe the hotness radiating from him would cool down. Maybe Hiccup would wake up, stumble to the village and find a cure. Toothless pushed the limp body closer to him, touching his side and closing his eyes. If only Hiccup would wake up. The dragon didn't like him being asleep for so long. It was wrong; it was a sign of something else, he was sure. He just couldn't figure out what. If Hiccup could wake up, everything would be fine. He briefly wondered what he would do if Hiccup never woke up. Toothless shook his head quickly before his panic could develop into sadness, heart pounding, crippling sadness. How could he go on without Hiccup? It didn't seem possible, like reaching into space searching for prey. It simply wasn't possible to live without Hiccup. He knew this, like he knew a rock was good for sharpening claws. It was simply true.

Like the sun rose every morning from the same direction, and set in the opposite horizon. Like a deer follows tracks made by its father and its father's father. These were simple truths. As the trees shed their leaves signals the the cold. If Hiccup were to leave form the world, Toothless would be not far behind. He couldn't bear the pain, even to think of it. So he lay as the fire died and its embers cast ghostly forms upon the grass. His wing around the boy protectively, a strange whine began to creep up from his throat. He tired to silence himself, but the whine raised more. And soon, Toothless was howling, crying into the sky. His high-pitched noise spread through the forest, causing birds to flee from the heart-breaking sound.

His rider was not waking. Why wouldn't Hiccup wake up? What enemy was ravening inside the boy's body, the enemy Toothless could not fight? He hated it. He couldn't help him.

But who could?

~Stoick~

Stoick the Vast stood, hands on his hips, watching over the docks. Vikings rushed from here and there, carrying boxes and crates, weapons and food. Some were herding sheep, scolding and yelling the whole time. The docks were a frenzy, shouts and voices clattering among the group. The Vikings were once again working together, like a well-run ship. It's only been a month since Hiccup left, but as Stoick surveyed the docks, he saw his village working again. They were united under one banner, and their usual Viking demeanor was back.

It had worked. And just like that, the village was united. Well, most of them. He glanced up to see Astrid, watching with folded arms. Stoick had tried to convince the young prodigy to come with them; it was an honor of course. But she refused, and left him more confused than ever. But he couldn't think of that. He couldn't think of Hiccup, he couldn't think of the dragon. He couldn't even think of the dragon nest. Stoick had found a worthy pursuit of the Vikings. After talking with the crew of serenity, after filling them with ale, their tongues loosened. A war, a place far away with riches to be given to any who helped. Yes, that was a worthy pursuit. They just had to get away from here. Actually, it was Stoick who begged to leave. He couldn't be here any longer.

Everything reminded him of Hiccup. The house, the blacksmiths. Even the trees and the rocks. He remembered scolding the boy for climbing trees, saying 'look daddy I can fly!' He remembered telling Hiccup to hit his head on the rock, and his quizzical looks. Suddenly, he was everywhere. Hiccup was his son after all, how could Stoick have done all that, been such a horrible father…everything that was a fluke, a flaw in Hiccup, was now a unique view. He was special. Why couldn't he see that? If he had, maybe Hiccup wouldn't have fallen into the dragon's trap. Damn Night Fury, taking away his son…Stoick shook his head. Now was no time to be thinking of things he could not change. Now, he had to be strong as a leader. They were going to the land to the east. In the East, there was a battle readying, a battle of glory and riches. Suddenly, there was a voice behind him.

"I heard from Ruffnut that the battle might involve dragons." He looked over his shoulder to see the sad girl, Astrid behind him. Her eyes were watching him with a look of betrayal, hurt and loneliness. Although he felt the same, and he knew his eyes reflected that same pain.

"Yes it does. Would you like to come?" He asked Astrid, and almost immediately she shook her head. For a moment, she stared at him, and abruptly she turned on her heels and left. He shrugged and turned back to the docks. Yes the battle had dragons, but what didn't? It wasn't too far either, the only reason the sanctuary knew of it was because they passed and were denied port. He smiled as a Viking past him, clapping him on the back. Said Viking stopped beside him, surveying the docks as well.

"It was a good plan." Gobber said, scratching his leg.

Stoick turned to him, one eyebrow raised. "Was? It is a good plan! Look at this!" He swung his hand towards the docks. "It's happening! We're together again, as Vikings!" he almost roared. Gobber, used to his friend's outburst, didn't flinch.

Instead a small smile spread across his face. "Yeh, it is. But it's not bringing Hiccup back, nor is it solving this problem with the dragons, is it?"

Stoick folded his arms. "There is no problem with the dragons. Everything…will continue as it always has."

"Righ'." Gobber yawned and set his hand on Stoick's shoulder. "Well, I miss the boy, nonetheless." There was a pause as Stoick didn't answer. "Of course, you have a duty. You need to be chief, right?" The chief nodded hesitantly.

"Yes I do. And I will do that job until I die."

Gobber sighed and began to walk off. "Well, there's always Snotlut."

Was there? Stoick huffed as his best friend shuffled away. But as long as he held this job, he would always be torn. He couldn't love Hiccup and banish him at the same time, could he? But then…he gazed out to the villagers. They would follow him wherever, and right now they needed guidance. Although right now, he needed a distraction. So, to the east. To the tiny island calling for help. To riches and glory and distractions.

To battle.

~Hiccup~

The world was black, and hot. But was there really a world right now? I couldn't feel anything except for the burning through my veins. I was blind, and deaf. I wanted to move….but I don't know where I am, or where my body was. I was struggling though, fighting. Fighting what? I don't know, but I knew as soon as I relaxed my muscles and gave up, something bad would happen. So I fought. I struggled to stay awake, conscious in one way or another. It was so dark. I wanted to reach out for comfort, something. I wanted my dad, I realized. Maybe he didn't love me anymore, but if he did…I wanted to cry out for him. Where was Toothless? Why wasn't he here with me?

Suddenly, I felt something beside the dark and the hot. I couldn't tell quite what it was, but it was a presence of sorts. It was comforting and familiar. It was wild and strange as it brushed against my mind, pushing for something. It was deep and shallow at the same time, child-like and a thousand years old. It was cool, like Toothless' scales when he lay in the shade…I felt an image being forced into my mind. I wanted to repel it; I was still in battle mode. But the presence coaxed, comforted me. I was grateful for it. I asked it not to leave, please not to leave. I didn't want to be alone. The presence told me never, he would never leave my side, even in death.

'Way to be dramatic, buddy.'

I heard his strange little laugh for a moment. 'Just…stay awake! Listen to my voice.'

I wanted to scrunch up my face, but I couldn't feel anything. 'As long as you're saying something interesting…'

There was a pause and a hint of panic. 'AHH! What do I talk about? You know practically everything about me!'

'I do, don't I?' a hint of pride touched my voice. 'Oh well…'

'Hiccup?' Toothless sounded panicked. 'Your voice is fading!'

'Sorry…I don't have enough energy…'

'Damn it you scale-less mammal! You can't leave!' I saw him, in his mind's eye, putting his head on my stomach.

'I'll wake up soon, Toothless. So don't worry…'

'How can you let an invisible enemy hurt you? I can't protect you in this one! Fight it!'

'I love you Tooth, you know that…right?'

'…I love you to Hiccup.' There was a pause. 'SO WAKE UP!'

I smiled in my mind. I was sure I was going to wake up. It was just so hot, so burningly hot. Did we go further south? Toothless faded from my mind, cursing me the whole way. But with his fading, the heat faded as well. I no longer felt like my skin was melting. Now I was just being cooked slowly, roasted over a fire… I wonder what dad was doing right now… did he hate me? Did he still love me? I wish I could know… the blackness swirled, and there were…colors? Brown and green mashed together until I saw a scene…

We were in the forest, next to a huge bolder. I had followed Dad reluctantly, knowing something was wrong, or about to be. He stopped and put his hand on the boulder.

"Son, I want you to hit your head on this boulder."

I gaped at him. Has he lost his mind? "W-why?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Why doesn't matter. Just do it."

I blinked and stared at the boulder. "I'll break my skull open!"

He sighed and turned, disappointed. "You'll never be a Viking, son! You can't follow the simplest orders, you can't handle and axe…I don't know what to do." He slid his head across his face.

I eyed the boulder. If what I heard was right, then if I hit my head against this boulder, I could become a Viking? Would I get better at everything? Dad wouldn't be disappointed in me anymore? Mom would be proud of me too? I was the chief's son, and all the other kids laughed at me because I wasn't strong, or buff or even fat! I couldn't swing the fake, wooden axes they give us. I failed at 'Dungeons and Dragons' every time! Astrid, the new girl, hated me already! Maybe if I could do it, she would like me…Suddenly, I was walking up to the stone, determined. Dad had his back turned, but when he heard the thunk he whirled around in surprise. He saw me standing there, with a strange grin on my face and blood pouring down my forehead.

"I want to make you and Mommy proud! I'll be a Viking, Daddy! Just like…you-" The world faded to black, and I remember Dad picking me up with a sigh. Was I still not good enough? I had hit it, was that not what he wanted? How did I fail the test? Was I not to become a Viking, ever? I woke up in bed, the moonlight pouring into my bedroom. Mom was yelling at Dad. I didn't understand why. Why wasn't I a good Viking? Mom came into my room a while later, her long red hair swinging. She put her hand on my head and sat down beside me. I don't think she knew I was awake. So I spoke up.

"I just wanted to be a Viking." She jumped, and then smoothed out my hair in a motherly fashion.

"Oh Hiccup. You don't need to be a Viking to make me proud."

I blinked at her face in the night. I couldn't see it very well, and every time I tried to remember it, it slipped away…

"Then what do I do?"

She chuckled. "You can do anything! You can be a blacksmith, you can be a fisherman. You can be a sheepherder-"

"Can I fly, mommy?"

She leaned in and kissed my forehead. "You can fly Hiccup."

The memory faded away. Yeah, I can fly mom. You don't know how true that is now…I wanted to see her face, so I could remember her again. I can fly, and I'm flying with my best friend. Its amazing Mom! The wind through your hair, the sights…you can see everything! The world faded to black again, and the heat returned. My skin itched, my blood boiled. My thoughts got fuzzy; I couldn't think straight…I forgot what was happening to me. Where was I?

And why did it hurt?

~Forest~

Toothless roared as he lost contact with his human. He swore with all the words he knew, plus some he had heard from Hiccup. He stomped on the ground, making big indents on the grass. He barreled into a tree, cracking it painfully. He snapped off another branch and began to chew on it as he eyed his Hiccup. This was the third day, and he kept getting hotter and hotter. Last night, Toothless had pressed his forehead against Hiccup's only to recoil in shock. He was really, really hot! How was it possible for such a small body to gather so much heat? Now, Toothless was really worried. But what could he do? If anything?

Toothless spit out what was left of the limb in his mouth and crept up beside Hiccup. It was that wound on his eye, he knew it. That wound has caused so many problems, it even made Toothless' eye hurt. He lifted his paw, claw out and hovering above the young boy. He had to see…He grabbed the gauze gently, and took a deep breath. The dragon pulled with his claw, ripping the gauze across Hiccup's eye. It was worse. Puffy, swollen to three times its size. The eye's wound was leaking white fluid, and clear fluid, and a little blood. And it smelled horrible! Toothless recoiled from the smell alone. It smelled like rotting flesh! The dragon knew, the longer they leave it, the worse Hiccup would get and the less likely he'll be able to see out of that eye! He had to do something! The duo had worlds to explore, places to see! They had barely gotten off Berk! And now, what? Toothless had to do something, anything.

If he didn't Hiccup would die.