Hiccup was barely conscious now, with his head spinning crazily. He felt like any move he made cost him to get worse. He knew he was dying, he was very aware of that. If he had some strength left, he would use it to help get Astrid. But thing is, he was empty. The slightest move was weak. His eyes weren't closed but weren't focusing on anything at all. Every breath he took he thought would be his last, but then he would exhale and inhale again.

Toothless stayed by his side by the time he had left, his head under his rider's arm, wanting to be reassured everything would be okay in the end.

Hiccup's eyelids were slowly closing on themselves and soon he would be gone, for the moment he would fall asleep, he would never wake up without that cure. It was a matter of minutes now. If he didn't see Astrid safe before he left, he would never be in peace in Valhalla.

There were sudden noises of someone coming towards him, the sound of the leaves and branches being pushed aside. He didn't fear it to be the enemy for he knew that whether or not he was found, he would die here.

And on that last thought, he closed his eyes, inhaling for the last time, body going completely limp.

...

Astrid, followed by Dagur ran across the woods, back towards were Dagur had left Hiccup. But Dagur suddenly stopped, mid-track.

''Wait, wait,'' he said, grabbing her arm, causing her to stop as well.

''What now Dagur? I have a life to safe!'' Astrid snapped, putting the bottle containing the cure before his face.

''If he ever makes it... just tell him I'm thankful,'' he said, ''I can't believe I just said that...''

Astrid stared at him, not quite getting what was going on.

''What are you gonna do?'' she asked.

''Well, I won't be your prisoner once again, and neither will I be Viggo's.'' he said, ''Just, tell him I'm gone now.''

''Gone?''

''After what he's done for me... I promise I'm not bothering you Dragon Riders again.'' he said, ''That's my return.''

Astrid didn't say another word and sprang off, back to Hiccup, leaving Dagur behind. The man sighed heavily and ran in another direction for his own escape.

It didn't take long for Astrid to spot the place she was told about. She pushed the large almost jungle-like leaves away from her passage and as soon as she got sight of Hiccup's completely limp form with Toothless beside him, bowing in respect, she collapsed beside him.

''Hiccup!'' she shouted, placing an arm at the back of his head, her fingers sliding through his hair, the other arm wrapped around his body protectively. ''No, no no no no, stay with me, please!''

Tears dropped down from her eyes and on Hiccup's own forehead, not creating any reaction from him at all. She held him tightly, crying out her pain, her head pressed against his in a way to apologies for not being there sooner than later.

Her watery blue eyes caught on the bottle she dropped on the forest floor, the substance inside waiting to be used. She took hold of it, her other hand still holding Hiccup close to her. With trembling hands she pulled on the top and with a POP! it opened. She would've forced him to swallow it, of course if she hadn't been wise at that precise moment. She grabbed his hand, which she held dearly, and turned it around for her to see his palm. She took hold of her dagger and pressed the sharp side of it in the hand, sliding it to cut the skin. Blood instantly stained the blade, dropping down on the ground. Astrid positioned the bottle's opening above his opened hand and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply before injecting the cure in him - in his blood.

If the poison was injected in his blood, than so did the cure need to be.

She waited some seconds, minutes, and then there was a slight sign.

Toothless sat sadly on the other side, his ears flat on his neck, not expecting much to happen.

But Astrid did.

It was hard to see, but the dark veins which have climbed up to his face were slowly disappearing, almost like they were pulled back towards the cut. Astrid watched, hardly believing it was actually happening. Then there was a moment of silence. She pushed her bangs out of her face and looked over Hiccup, checking if he was awake – or at least alive.

As if suddenly struck by lightning, Hiccup's eyes burst opened and he sat straightly in such a speed Astrid barely avoided her head being banged against his.

His breath was quick as he scanned his surroundings, eyes round in alert.

''Hiccup..?'' Astrid called softly, an obvious sign of worry in her voice.

Hiccup turned around to face her and almost instantly jumped in her arms, hugging him as tightly as he could. Astrid sighed in great relief, closing her eyes shut, returning the embrace.

''I thought I lost you forever,'' she cried, not moving at all

Hiccup gave a slight laugh, tears sliding down his cheeks as he did.

''How many times do I have to tell you, Astrid?'' he said back, never letting go. ''I can handle myself just fine.''

They finally broke and stared at each other.

''To be honest,'' Hiccup continued, ''I, well, how to say? I really wanted to get that cure... I felt so weak and, well, I needed it. But you, you were captured and I couldn't just let you—''

''You put me in first place.'' Astrid finished for him. ''I get it. You're the most selfless person I've ever met.''

He smiled weakly, lowering his head.

''Now what do you say we get back to the Edge? I think some back there are probably missing us.''

Toothless came between them, jumping above Hiccup, licking his rider's face joyfully.

''Toothless, hey bud!'' Hiccup said, placing both hands on each side of his dragon's head. ''I missed you too.''

Toothless responded with a light loving growl, finally backing off to allow him to climb on the saddle and head home.