I don't own How to Train Your Dragon.

This was a tuff one! I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. Also, don't think that because I haven't answered back to some of your suggestions I have forgotten about them. When we get to those chapters I will go over them. You have my word. I am just trying not to think too much about future plots when the one right in front of me is giving me so much trouble (sigh). My mind tends to overwork itself. Like, right now, from just listening to a song I got an idea for another story with title and all! Why me! Yeah, I have a strong imagination, but it's not always fun… like now.

Enough ranting, let us move on to the story…

The Switch (Part 2)

Think… think… think!

The sun had made its way up to the middle of the sky making the smithy even hotter than usual. Sweat ran down his face, but he didn't brush it away. Instead, he continued to work on the task at hand. Whoever saw Hiccup with such concentrated look on his eyes would think he was getting ready for battle, and that wouldn't be far off from the truth. The realization that something had to be done came to him in the middle of the night as he found it difficult to fall asleep. He had only been able to look at the old dusty ceiling of his room and hear Toothless soft breathing nearby.

He shook his head to keep his mind from wondering away. He couldn't believe he had been so dense. Hiccup had faced already many challenges in his young life. The most renowned was his victory against the Red Death; however, no matter what others thought or said, he believed his current challenge was the greatest of his life.

He needed to get Astrid to forgive him for running away from her and her food. When she had force fed him, almost breaking his teeth in the way, he knew he had gone too far somehow. It took Ruffnut slapping him across the head, and a few unkind words to make him understand why she had done that. He hadn't actually paid attention to what was being said during dinner most nights since the other chiefs arrived, but he realized that they did indeed talk a lot about the daughters of some of the chiefs. He knew his father's feelings about arranged marriages, so he didn't worry about his father forcing him into one. To any others it might not seem the same. Many Vikings married into certain families only for gain, especially chiefs, or someday to be chiefs to strengthen alliances.

He couldn't believe Astrid had felt threatened by that. She should know better, though he wondered if he would survive if he scolded her for that. Still, he needed to find a way to show her that he loved her. He stopped hitting the new axe he was making her. Once more, because of getting lost in his thoughts, he had messed it up. With a frustrated sigh, he threw it into the coals before going to sit at his work room. He stared at the design he had made for her axe. It was the most beautiful he had ever done… if he just could get it done. He sighed once more before putting his head down on the table. Was the axe enough? And after that thought, he fell into a deep sleep.

Freya didn't know who to thank, but she was thankful that they boy had fallen sleep in the middle of the day. She pulled out the pouch Loki had given to her before taking out a little bit of night blue dust and blowing it over Hiccup. She hoped he would be able to figure this out before those two made an even bigger mess of things.

Astrid had never felt so hungry. How could guys stand it? She didn't care that her family was giving her odd looks as she swallowed everything that was before her. She could even hear Astor in the back telling her to slow down, but she didn't. She knew she would need all the strength Astor's body could provide tomorrow to do what they had planned.

"Mom?" whispered her brother with a worried tone as a devious smile came to her lips.

"Let your brother be," whispered her mother back, though she was also worried for her son. She hoped that his appetite meant he was feeling better, though she was sure that smile meant he was up to no good.

Astor in the meanwhile only could watch and listen to Astrid rant.

I am going to kill him, I am going to kill him, no, first I am going to castrate him, and then I am going to make him watch as a Nightmare burns away his… AND he tried to tune her out after that, though it was difficult. Son of a troll rat eating bastard… she had such a vast vocabulary, how could anyone ever ignore her. He already bullied Hiccup back home, but he had to do something worse! I will kill him in the spot if he even lays one finger on her. But he could see that they agreed on something, and that was the most important. He could tell she loved the Hiccup of her home.

Shut up! She heard him.

As they finally went to bed to sleep, they found that their minds couldn't stop turning. In that place where Astor was within his own mind, he saw the image of the Hiccup Astrid knew. He wasn't exceptionally strong looking, but he had that same smile and eyes. He saw he was missing the very same limb as his sweet Hiccup did. So they were more alike than he thought possible. He almost felt like laughing.

Does she like to tinker with things too?

You wouldn't believe the things she has come up to. She is brilliant, though she is a terrible cook.

Hiccup is actually pretty good.

She remembered that the summer before they had all gone camping with their friends only. It was until they waited for dinner that they realized that only Hiccup knew how to cook. The twins burned everything. Fishlegs was too picky about the ingredients. Snotlout refused to even try…, and she actually hadn't known how to cook that well back then. So they had left Hiccup to it. Though Snotlout and Tuff made fun of him, she didn't say anything at the time because she had actually felt jealous. She was a terrific Shield Maiden, no one ever could deny that, but Hiccup was a man, and he could cook better than her. That hadn't felt right with her, so she had taken the time to learn from her mother, and what does he do when she cooks for him? He runs away!

Are you serious? You think guys shouldn't know how to cook? The indignation in his voice was quite clear, and she could tell there was some pride too.

No. no; it's not like that. I just…

I heard you ranting this morning about how unfair it is to be a woman, and how unfair it is that you have to stay home looking after the house and children. Now, you complained because a man can do a household chore better than you? Make up your mind. And she recognized that tone, she didn't want to, but she recognized it perfectly.

Am I seriously this annoying?

It's the truth, and you know it. Besides, if your Hiccup is like mine; I highly doubt he is the traditional type. I know that if our plan works, I will be the one cooking dinner every night.

And she knew he was right. Hiccup wasn't the traditional type. He never was, and he would never be. She could see him standing by her side the whole time. What was her problem then? She was scared, but that was as far as her mind would allow her to go.

In this Astor didn't voice any opinion though he understood her perfectly.

At home, Hiccup walked around her home not knowing what to do. She finally sat on her father's comfortable chair and sighed. She had to clasp her hands together because they wouldn't stop shaking. She had gone totally mad. She was crazy before, but now she was utterly insane. There was a voice inside her head, a man's voice… and it was talking to her, asking her where he was.

She refused to listen to him. She blamed it on the pressure of her wedding that would happen in only a few days. When exhaustion finally beat her, and she no longer could keep the voice away she had no other option but to listen. His name was Hiccup, but he came from another Berk. He didn't understand why this happened, but it had happened once before. Last time he had to help another Hiccup beat the Red Death again, and he suspected that he was there to help her. He understood that she was afraid, but he didn't believe she would resolve anything by marrying.

From that point, she refused to listen again and fought it off until she fell asleep. He would never understand; she said to herself in the remains of her consciousness. She didn't have a choice. If she broke the engagement Dagur would use it as an excuse to start a war against them, and he already had most of the tribe on his side. She would not get them killed.

Astor Hofferson entered the Great Hall with an air of confidence and Vikingness, which was actually very natural of him. Still, no one could believe that after just one day of heart break, he was back and up as if nothing. Everyone remained in silence as he looked up at the main table where the chief, Hiccup and other chiefs were eating breakfast. He gave a confident smile before he went to sit with his friends.

"What was that all about?" asked Stoik to his daughter.

"No idea," she confessed, and when that voice tried to tell her to be careful she pushed it away again. Still Hiccup kept glancing at him, and every time she did he would smile at her in a way that made her heart ache.

We got her attention. Astor told Astrid who was a little too distracted with his friends. She had already met Fishlegs, and she had mentioned the twins were about the same, but Snaily was something entirely different than what she expected. She had thought the Snotlout of that world would be a slutty, ugly, and stupid girl that threw herself at him at every chance. Well, she did but not in such an obvious way as Snotlout did with Astrid.

Snaily was beautiful without a doubt with her long black hair, large eyes and well shaped body. She talked and walked like a lady of the highest class, and her laugh was like a soft chime. However, Astor knew that behind all that softness was a woman that did not forgive, was selfish, and would do anything to get what she wanted, and she wanted him. Whenever she smiled at him, he felt a shiver run through his body.

You are exaggerating. Astrid would tell him every time she found something amusing about Snaily.

Just don't follow her to any dark places. He told her as he remembered it had been a hard lesson for him to learn. He couldn't punch Snaily like Astrid punched Snotlout, so getting away from her or stopping her flirting was difficult.

Then they heard a yelp, and they all turned to look at Hiccup who was standing indignantly and glaring at Dagur, who had been sitting on her other side. She was rubbing her behind as Dagur offered a dangerous smile, daring her to complain.

Can we start already? Astrid asked him. Had she been Hiccup she would have punched Dagur in the mouth.

Be my guest. Astor said shortly trying to hold back his temper. In due time, he would get his payback.

Everyone watched as Astor stood up raising his cup high in the air before turning to look at the high table. He got curious looks from everyone, but a very worried one from Hiccup, "let us all toast for our dear lady Hiccup! For hers and her soon to be husband's happiness and prosperity!" just about everyone stared at Astor Hofferson keep his arm raised until they reacted and they all did the same, "for our brave and wonderful lady!" he shouted again before everyone shouted their best wishes to the couple, "Everyone hear me out! I believe this memorable occasion calls for a special task. It's only a few days, but it shouldn't be much trouble for us. We must make the celebration unforgettable, so I say let's all go out to hunt and bring back a feast worth of a king and queen!"

Everyone shouted their agreement. Hiccup was loved by her whole tribe not just because she was a pretty little thing, but she was also brave and kind. Though they weren't sure a marriage with Dagur the Deranged would bring her much happiness, they still wanted her to be happy the day of her wedding. Soon all men and unwed women went to look for gear to hunt leaving the hall just about empty. The only ones remaining were Astor, Hiccup and Dagur.

"Hey Hofferson," said Dagur as he and Hiccup walked up to him. The moment he placed a hand around Hiccup's hip both Astor and Astrid had to resort to all of their self control not to punch him, "what are you up to?"

"What do you mean?"

"I know you like Hiccup, so I don't believe even one bit of that show you just put up"

"Chief Dagur, you are right on saying that I like Hiccup. She is my best friend. She changed our lives and saved everyone"

"Yeah… blah, blah… get to the point"

"I want Hiccup to be happy," it came out in one breath, "even if it's with you, I want her to be happy. So, I am going out there to hunt the biggest boar in the island, and you are going to eat it all on your own and make sure to remember to make her happy with every bite"

"Is that so?"

"Yes," Astrid made sure to keep eye contact with Dagur, challenge him, "she only deserves the best"

"She will get the best,"

Hiccup watched as a smug smile crossed Astor's lips. It said 'we will see about that,' and she knew Dagur got the message like an arrow to his ego.

"Move," he growled before Astor stood to the side to let him pass, but he stopped in front of Astor, not bothering to look at him, "don't get in my way" and then he left the Great Hall to get his hunting gear.

"What are you up to?" Hiccup said as an awful feeling crawled all over her skin.

"Just setting some things straight," and his smile, she noticed, was a little different. His smile always had a little sharpness to it, but this time it was gentler "I truly want you to be happy because I…" but then her eyes were filled with tears and Astrid couldn't complete the words Astor was telling her.

"Please, don't do something stupid," and then she got on her tip toes and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. For that moment, Astor thought of stopping right there, taking her on his arms and running away, "and be careful" she was unsure about trusting Astor, but she was sure Dagur was not to be trusted at all.

"I will," and then Hiccup left the Great Hall, but she looked back twice and pleaded with her eyes that he truly didn't do something stupid. She loved him, and she could not tell him now, but at least she could live knowing he was well.

She loves you. Astrid told him. We have to make sure Dagur does not come back alive.

You don't have to tell me twice. Astor said before they went to his home. All his hunting gear was waiting for him by the entrance door, and so were his parents. They didn't say anything. Once they heard what their son had said in the Great Hall, and seen the gear by the door they knew he was doing something crazy.

"You must truly love her"

Astrid looked at her mother, and she saw her fear. She feared her son would not return from this so called hunting trip.

"I do," and though it was Astrid saying the words, she imagined she was speaking of her Hiccup, "I will be back as soon as possible"

Astor told her to go around the houses. They wanted to make sure no one invited them to their hunting parties. Both knew that Dagur wasn't as stupid as he acted. He knew Astor would try something, so he would not let his guard down at all. He was going to surround himself with his best warriors. They would have to take them all down, then kill Dagur, make it look like an accident, and then go back home with the biggest boar as a price.

As Hiccup made her way home lost in her thoughts, she realized the voice returned and kept talking about not trusting what Astor was trying to do. That if she loved him as much as she claimed, she would stop him. She hated that the voice was right so she hurried home. When she caught sight of the only home she had ever known she saw her father leaving with his hunting gear as she made it to the door.

"I will keep an eye on him," Stoik told her knowing well she was worried for Astor.

"Dagur is joining the hunt," she told him, "you need to be careful too"

Stoik kneeled down before his daughter. The only other person he had ever kneeled down to had been his wife. He placed a strong hand on her lean shoulder and remembered when she was born when he held her with one hand. She had been so small, and her first cry had been so small and shaky he felt as if his heart would stop.

"Dad?" she spoke softly, her voice was almost like her mother's.

He looked at her worried face and spoke with that strong voice that comforted her for many years after her mother was gone. "I will be back," and he gave his best smile under the circumstances, "you are getting married in a few days. Your mother wouldn't forgive me if I missed that."

"I wouldn't forgive you either," she said with a shaky smile, "get going, and return soon"

Stoic nodded, straightened his helmet and went on. Hiccup watched over him until he was fully out of sight, then she rushed inside. Toothless was inside hanging from the rafters giving her a curious look. The dragoness could sense something different about her friend, but she couldn't put her claw on it.

Hiccup hurried to her room and got her bow and a pack of arrows, when she got down she found Toothless getting her saddle "good girl, we are going on a hunting trip." They left the house through the backdoor. They didn't take into the sky because the other would see them. Hiccup held tightly as Toothless jumped from tree top to tree top like a shadow until they found a larger tree to settle on. From there, they watched hunting parties pass, including Dagur's.

"Keep track of him girl," Hiccup told her as she kept looking for any sign of Astor. Then that little voice returned again and told her Astor was smarter than that. He would find another path.

Hiccup sighed before she realized exactly which path Astor would use. She and Toothless went towards the edge of the forest. If Astor was seriously trying what she thought he was trying, she had to stop him. If anything happened to him, then the other chiefs that were allied to him would see his death as a threat. The last thing you wanted to do was make a Viking feel threatened. They got all edgy and violent.

"Do you smell him girl?" Hiccup asked before Toothless dropped to ground level. Here, she found a fistful of dragon nip hanging for a tree by a string. Hiccup took a look around and saw they were all over the place, "congrats Astor, you are actually making me upset" she said aloud hoping that wherever he was he could hear her.

And heard her he did. He was hiding behind a tree just a few paces away from her. Astrid made sure to keep their breathing down. Toothless still had her incredible hearing, so if it detected they were nearby they were done.

"Toothless, we don't have time for that," said Hiccup as the dragon tried to pull down the dragon nip, "let's keep going" and they left to go deeper into the forest hoping that was the direction Astor had taken.

That was close, Astrid said as they slid down to sit against the tree.

I told you she would come after us. Said Astor not believing they had been so lucky to hide just in time. She is so stubborn; of course she wouldn't stay home and wait. Now we track down Dagur.

This already took a long time. He could be anywhere.

Astrid went to get the rest of their gear hidden in the bushes. She tried to think of the best hunting spots around the island, but many were only known to Hairy Hooligans, which narrowed down the list. Still, on foot it would take them a long time to catch up to Dagur in any of them.

"So, you are trying to kill Dagur?"

Astrid jumped and turned to find Snaily standing behind her with a shield and sword. Astrid hadn't believed Astor before about her not being as likeable as she seemed, but that condescending smile pissed her off at first glance.

"What of it?" she said coldly.

"You do realize everyone will know you did it, right?" she said as she closed on them, "the Berserkers will call out for your blood"

"I will cross that bridge when the time comes, just don't get in my way" Astrid picked all their gear before walking away from Snaily.

"Why can't you love me instead? I am better than Hiccup, aren't I? I mean, look at me. I am perfect, the wife any man would ever want. Why can't you love me?"

Astrid turned them to face her only to find Snaily's sword pointing at their gut, "what are you…"

"A year ago, just about every single man came to my house seeking to set a marriage contract. I rejected them all, the wealthiest too, and do you know why? It was because of you. I waited, and waited for you to come to my house even after less and less proposals came my way. But, you didn't notice, right? You only had eyes for tiny, weak, and pathetic Hiccup. I thought that after her engagement to Dagur you would forget about her, but then you do this. Why? Why must you make me do this?" and she pressed the tip of her sword slightly.

"Because he doesn't love you," and before Snaily could turn someone hit her on the back of her head with her shield.

Astor and Astrid stared still in shock as Fishlegs took hold of Snaily's legs and dragged her body into a bush where no one would find her until she woke up.

"Fishlegs…" Astor couldn't believe kind and noble Fishlegs had just done that. She detested Snaily but rarely acted against her.

"I know where Dagur went," she said sheathing her sword on her belt, "c'mon before he gets away"

And that was an even greater surprise.

*****TO BE CONTINUED*****

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