Hello again. In this chapter, Valka experiences her new world with new life within her and a Night Fury is enslaved but never fully owned. Posting this chapter 8-22-2014. Next chapter to be posted in 4-5 days. Thank you and please enjoy.

…

The mid fall sunlight embraced the isle of Berk with a warm honey glow. This time of year, apples and cabbages were fresh and abundant, Valka gathering as many of each as she could, feeling adventurous and wanting to make some kind of culinary masterpiece. It had been nearly two weeks since the strange light enter her body and ever since then things have been a bit different to her.

She felt her senses were fine-tuned with her surroundings. Every little sound, smell, sight, taste and touch would draw her attention as if experiencing it for the first time. The subtle breeze blowing to the east carried the scent of salty seawater that tickled the back of her throat, bringing with it the feeling of chill as the cold hand of winter approached. When she passed the bakery, she could feel the fires in the ovens slowly burning, the bread bubbling with small puffing pops as it baked. Even the sound of the baker taking hold of the freshly made loaves and pinching them lightly caused her ears to vibrate as the crust sang out in delight. All the colors she had ever seen on a regular biases appeared brighter and more vivid, from the solid tan ground to the bright white tips of the mountain tops.

Along with the positive senses she also experienced the bad. The sound of nails being hammered repeatedly into wooden planks as it tore through the timbers fibers made her cringe as she made her way down the plaza. Fragment scents of burning metal and soot from the forge rasped her lungs and the once pleasant flavor of fish slowly turned bitter on her tongue by the time she passed by a fishermen's stand.

She was nearly home when the sound of heavy beats echoed throughout the air and the sunlight that once bathes her in warmth felt heavy as if eyes were watching over her. From up in the clouds, out of human sight, Valka managed to gaze upon a large four-winged dragon with iridescent copper and rose-colored scales soaring high in the clouds over Berk. As luck would have it, only she could sense the great beast as he locked his golden eyes to hers.

…

The Storm Cutter stared at Valka curiously, a scowl on his face. This feeble female human was to be the mother of the next Runner? It couldn't be possible and yet she was emitting its energy that brought him there. Of all the creatures the Mist Runner spirit could have attached itself to, why did it have to choose to bond with a human?

Since the day the last Mist Runner roamed the Earth, the Storm Cutters vowed an eternal hatred towards mankind for their cause of their brethrens death. He had ventured a long distance and true he wasn't sure what to expect once he found the source of the Runner spirit, he never imagined it would take form of his mortal enemy once birthed. Would he hate it? Reject it? Would it reject him? Two weeks he had built up his excitement and now he just felt a mixture of disappointment and pain.

He wasn't too pleased with this revelation till the familiar hum of the Runner ringed in his eardrums once more. A soft voice of tranquility and ease flowed within him. Once the soothing hum ended, he lowered his head down to gaze at the female human, still frozen as he circled around. The important thing to him was the return of the Runner. If destiny chose for it to be human born, he'd love and care for it with all his heart and if he was to be rejected, at least he'd know he tried.

As swiftly as he appeared, he vanished from Valka's vision and down to encircle the perimeter of the island till he spotted a large opening. He entered the cave by the seashore and rested himself from his long journey. Here he would wait. Silently and secretly watching over both the child and its mother, they were now under his protection.

…

When the dragon finally left her sights she felt dizzy, tired almost and without much warning fell to the ground into a slumber, dropping all her groceries for the day.

As her eyes opened up from the sudden collapse, the image of Gothi hovering over her gave her a slight fright as she raised herself up. She was in Gothi's hut with Alvin, Stoick and Gobber by her side. They all looked to her with concern, none saying a single word.

"I did it again, didn't I?" she asked. Along with her heightened sense, her body would sporadically weaken and she'd fall under a dizzy spell. She wasn't too sure why she had been experiencing these symptoms, she just figured she was growing ill.

"What seems to be ailing her, Gothi? I've never seen her like this before," Stoick begged.

Gothi looked over to Valka once more, checking her tongue, eyes, pulse and finally her abdomen. She was sure she knew what was causing her these strange symptoms, she just wanted to be sure. Walking over to a shelf, she took hold of several chicken bone and rattled them between her palms before tossing them to the ground. Her suspensions confirmed she took her walking staff and engraved her message on a patch of sand by the fireplace.

"What's she sayin'?" Alvin asked.

"She says Valka has been stomped on by a two-legged sturgeon," Gobber translated, his answer only earning him a hit to the head by Gothi. "Oh…wait. No, she's with child… Val's pregnant!"

The three men looked to Valka, her eyes wide to the news as she placed a palm over her midsection. The sensitivity to her surrounds, the vertigo; it all made sense now. A big smile formed over her face as she lifted her head to look to Stoick. He was frozen by the news, but inside he was dancing and going wild.

"I'm going to be a father…" he finally said, walking to Valka calmly. Placing one hand over her cheek and the other over hers on her belly, he kissed her sweetly before lifting her up in the air and twirling around. "We're having a baby!" He did this several times before placing her gently to the ground.

Alvin stepped forward and wrapped his arm around Stoick's neck, using his fist to rustle his helmet playfully. "Congratulations, to the both of ya. I get to be an uncle!"

They all shared in the laughter, till the excitement inside Stoick's heart couldn't contain itself any longer and he stormed out of Gothi's hut. He raced down to the streets, proclaiming at the top of his lungs he was to be a father. Everyone within hearing distance felted overjoyed to hear this. They felt if there were two people able and ready to be parents, it was Stoick and Valka. The both of them were dedicated to their beliefs, even if they were opposing ones and both were two of the most stubborn Vikings around. The day seemed to be a little brighter because of the revelation.

Vinn and his expecting wife smiled as she felt her little one kick her slightly. She was soon to birth her own bundle of joy and the thought he or she would have a little playmate and friend in the future brought her happiness.

Life on Berk, just got a bit warmer as the fall wind rushed by.

…

A month had passed since the egg raid. Red Death was growing impatient having to wait for his future subjects to arrive. It was early, and the sun was barely beginning to make its rise up when the first egg began to shudder.

To everyone's surprise, it was the black Night Fury egg that cracked first. The Gronckle still sleeping was motioned awake by the vibrations coming from the little thing. Knowing his prince would want to witness the birth, he carefully maneuvered the egg out of his hole in the wall to the open area where Red Death turned and watched closely at his first to arrive.

After several more shacks, the crack split apart in a blinding flash of blue light, enveloping the volcano's interior with radiant energy. The egg-shell shattered into dust and curled in a tight ball was a little black mass slowly uncurling to reveal itself. Its tail whipped outward and its paws firmly gripped the stone floor as it shook the sleep off itself and its wings extended out in a flash. Opening its serpentine eyes, the sight of six red eyes pierced through him and he reflected the same stare and energy as the creature before him. He let out a shallow growl and hiss at the larger beast, not out of fear but rebellion.

Although Red Death did not enjoy the insubordinate glare his little Night Fury was giving to him at such a young age, he was used to the shuttering fear in the hatchlings' eyes; he did like his intensity, already born and starting to challenge his stare. He had big plans for this little one. Opening his jaws, he let out an ear-piercing roar onto the Night Fury, him having to claw at the rock as to not be pulled back by the sheer force of the bellow. The call did more than just push him back slightly, it imprinted the sound into the Night Fury's mind. It was a cry of dominance and control, telling him he was this large dragon's servant and nothing more in life.

The Night Fury's eyes turned to slits and his demeanor changed. He sat obediently, his head forward and back straight. Red Death examined his posture and was thoroughly impressed with what he saw. Sharp talons, dark as night armor, a powerful set of wings and an intelligent set of eyes.

"Oh, yes, Night Fury. You are destined for greatness. And you are mine," he rumbled placing one of his talons to left sides of the Night Fury's neck and scratched at his skin, marking him as his property. "You are the Night Fury and I am your prince."

…

"Push, darling, it's almost here," Vinn encouraged his wife as she screamed in pain.

"DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO, VINN!" she snapped back, the pain down her spine causing her to shout out loud.

"Yes, dear," Vinn shuddered at his usually docile wife. A month had passed since the news Stoick and Valka were expecting a child and now their little one was on the way. The child was a fighter, kicking and fidgeting throughout the pregnancy restlessly.

His wife gave once final screech till the holler was replaced with loud crying. Gothi pulled the little boy into her arms, wiping his small body with a damp cloth before wrapping him in soft wool. She handed the crying baby to his mother, who opened her arms lovingly and held him close.

The child calmed down with the sensation of his mother's hold, his parents and uncle looking down to him close.

"He's perfect," the child's mother whispered. "What should we name him?"

Vinn looked to his wife and held her close, a smile on his face. "Aarne, so that he may be wise and strong like an eagle."

"Aarne," his mother nuzzled his still face. "Our little eagle."

A knock on the front door of the Hofferson household had them all turn their heads as Stoick the Vast entered.

"It's a boy," Vinn laughed as he greeted his friend and chief.

"A fine young lad," Stoick said as he walked to see the baby boy.

"How's Valka feeling?" Vinn's wife asked as she rocked her child in her hold.

Stoick lifted himself up. "Tired most of the day and can't stomach even the slightest piece of meat."

"Don't worry, Stoick, it'll pass and soon you'll both have yourselves a little one. I'm sure the two of them will be the best of friends."

"I hope so," Stoick grinned as little Aarne began to shudder once more.

…

As the months began to pass, so did Valka's belly along with her odd food cravings. Early in the mornings she'd awaken with a deep hunger for something sweet and earthy.

While Stoick was still sleeping soundly in bed, she slipped out and put on her robe. Walking out the back door, she allowed her new instincts to lead her deep into the forest, her mind in a half sleep-like haze. She made it to a tall wall of mineral rich clay, and tore off a small piece from its surface. Sniffing it, the sweet aroma of earth danced through her nostrils as she placed the clay into her mouth and chewed it slowly. The soil turned to a paste, coating her tongue and esophagus in its delicious flavor. She would have never dreamed to eat something like clay before in her life, but the baby seemed to know exactly what it wanted and she gladly obliged to its needs.

Eating several more pieces, the sound of rustling behind her startled her to a fright as the dragon from the previous months stood over her. He had been watching closely over her ever since he arrived, sending her bustles of sweet grass from the mainland and scattering more over the island for them to grow tall for the arrival of the child. From his paw he handed her a bundle of sweet grass, to which she slowly took, never leaving his golden eyes.

All her life, she had been campaigning for peace with dragons but she never guessed one would come so close to her, and regularly at that. She had worried at first about him getting close to her and her unborn child but he never once hurt her. If anything, he seemed to watch over her like a guardian angel.

He nodded once she took the blades of grass and with his wings, extended them forward and motioned her to return home. This had been the routine for the past three months since she learned of her pregnancy. She'd be guided out of bed into the forest by unknown forces and be beckoned back to the village by the Strom Cutter. He'd get close enough only to present her with grass but never close enough to form some kind of bond. He's goal was to aid the mother's pregnancy in any way he could so her Mist Runner human child would grow healthy.

All his life he was told humans were cruel and unforgiving creatures who only knew how to kill and harm others. This human mother wasn't like that it seemed but he couldn't allow her to venture too far off from the village and possibly be attacked by rogue dragons or wild boars. It was the least he could do to keep them safe and stay hidden from the other Vikings in Berk.

When she returned home, she brought a pot filled with water over the fires and placed the sweet grass inside. She brewed the grass, infusing the water with a sweetness she couldn't get enough of. The tea soothed her from the inside, making her feel warm and at ease and she knew her child enjoyed it as well.

"Good morning, dear," Stoick greeted as he walked into the kitchen. "What would you two like for breakfast?" he had grown accustomed to saying that.

"How about a nice bowl of porridge and fruit?" she asked softly between her sips of tea.

He chuckled loudly as he pick several pears and apples from a basket, "Whatever you two wish."

…

Valka shivered wildly under thick layers of yak and bear pelts on her and Stoick's bed. Winter had rolled around and usually she adored the white blankets of snow draping the island, but this season her bones ached from the chill. She wouldn't eat, couldn't sleep, it was as if her entire body was encased in a solid block of ice. It was her fifth month with child and she could faintly feel her unborn baby, as if it was shivering along with her.

"I've never seen Val like this before. She's always been good with the cold," Alvin said sorrowfully with his arms crossed in the kitchen of the Haddock home. When Stoick had told him his sister was experiencing some chills he never expected it to be at this level.

"I just wish I knew what to do. I tried to feed her some soup but her stomach simply isn't agreeing with it. I'm scared at this rate I could lose her and our baby," Stoick paced back and forth. It had been three days she refused a meal and the shivering only seemed to get worse after each passing day. He felt so powerless and it hurt.

"I'm sure once Gothi gets here, she'll know exactly what needs to be done. She hasn't rested a wink since you told her about the fever," Gobber tried to reassure them all. Truthfully he had hoped one of his family recipes would be the cure of her sickness but all proved to do nothing to aid her worsening symptoms.

They waited for some time till a firm knock at the door had all three race to answer it. Gothi walked in immediately, a bag of sand and a book at hand. She dumped the sand to the floor and opened her herbal manuscript and pointed to several pages filled with text and illustrations of various plant life. Marking her words in the sand, she told them exactly what they needed to do in order for Valka to recover for her and her child's sake.

"But half these ingredients don't grow on Berk," Alvin remarked.

"She says we need to get the rest of the things, we have to go to the mainland," Gobber added as Gothi continued to write.

"What about Healers Island?" Stoick asked. Going to the mainland in the middle of winter was madness in it upon itself. If they were lucky, the ice hadn't set in around the coast and the journey to the mainland and back was more than a week's travel.

"Won't help, these things only grow on the mainland," Gobber finished.

Stoick thought for a moment. He didn't want to leave his wife's side for so long but he knew she'd need these things if she was ever to regain herself. "It's settled then, I'm going to the mainland."

"Count me in," Alvin said extending his arm out to with Stoick took hold.

"Aye, me three," Gobber added placing his hooked hand over theirs.

A small party of seven boarded a ship that same day, packed and ready to voyage off to the mainland. Stoick, Gobber, Alvin, Bucket, Mulch, Finn and Vinn gathered their belongings and placed them onto the boat. Before departing, Vinn said his farewells to his wife and three-month old Aarne, rustling his growing blonde locks. They would have asked Spitelout to join them but he was busy tending to his own wife as she experienced her own troubles of being with child and judging by the loud yells she was producing from her growing mood swings, he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

With many waved of good fortune in the faint distance as Berk was nothing but a speck, they sailed off to the mainland.

…

Lady luck was in their favor as the winds and sea pushed them closer to their goal three days ahead of schedule. The grey skies gave an eerie appearance to the land as the morning light was clouded by thick puffs of haze above. Stoick was the first to exit off the ship as their boat collided with the coarse sandy beach of the mainland. It had been close to three hundred years since their ancestors left these very grounds and they could see why it had pained many of them to leave in the first place. The coastline was long and seemed to go on for miles with no end in sight and the forest ahead was filled with trees, untouched by man in centuries.

"Fan out and gather the ingredients you're each assigned to," Stoick ordered as he tore the herbal list into several pieces and handed a sheet to Alvin, Mulch and Finn. "Alvin and Gobber, you look for kippernut roots. Bucket and Mulch, you dig around for black salsify. Finn, Vinn, you've got skirret roots. I'll be on the lookout for honey glow mushrooms. We meet back here before the last light."

With their orders set, each group went their separate ways in search of the ingredients.

Stoick was deep in the forest, looking to the ground and old logs for any sign of honey glow mushrooms. Gothi had told them they were easily identified by their mysterious bright glow and grew on decaying flora and hollowed oak trees. He was surprised to the fact that the area seemed deserted, by not just man but by animals of all kinds. Every now and then he'd hear a bird chirp or the sound of a small rodent passing by but not a single dragon.

Further he ventured through the evergreen till he made his way to a slight clearing where the air seemed fresh and somehow separate from the surrounding breeze. To the left he saw the oddest thing. There was a low line of cut trees with smaller trees emerging from each cut trunk. It was as if something chopped off every tree for what appeared to be a fair distance all at once without killing the trees themselves. Even the nearby stones were cut clean to a smooth polish. It all seemed so unreal to Stoick.

Turning his head to the right, an opening to an old hollowed oak tree filled with light captured his attention. Walking to it, he lowered himself to its opening and inside the hollowed tree was filled with honey glow mushrooms, all radiating a golden afterglow. It was as if the inside of the tree had its own personal sunshine. He was taken aback by the beauty from within and the calming warmth of the hollowed oak, it was almost magical.

Breaking his trance, he proceeded to pluck dozens from the wooden structure till his travel sack was filled with a bright starlight glow. Satisfied he gathered plenty, he exited the tree back to the outside world and the once tranquil air suddenly turned heavy. From above, strong gust of wind blew down to him along with a large shadow. Looking up all Stoick could see was a large four winged dragon glaring down at him. Stoick stood still before slowly reaching for his trusty axe till the dragon dropped a tied bundle of grass by his feet. He recognized the blades as the very ones his wife had been using for tea since her pregnancy.

What the… he motioned the words mutely from his lips. Was his dragon actually helping him or tricking him?

Before he could glance back to the Strom Cutter and find out, he had already vanished in silence as if never there. Even though Stoick was confused by the events, he openly examined the blades of sweet grass and coming up with the conclusion they were safe, took them with him and headed back to the shore line to await the others.

…

"Find everything?" Stoick asked as he leaned himself off the side of the ship to greet his company back.

"More than plenty," Gobber confirmed as he held out bustles of kippernut roots.

The others had also found their items in abundance, all thick and healthy from the fertile soils of the mainland.

"Spot any dragons?" Stoick felt he had to inquire.

They all shook their heads and gave each other semi-concerned stares. They had found it peculiar that the mainland, the home of their ancestors who faced dragons on a regular basis, seemed quarantined.

Stoick looked down to the sweet grass in his grasps and wondered if it was even real or an illusion caused by mischievous spirits lurking in the evergreen. Shaking off the feeling he hopped onto the boat. "Alright, let's head back to Berk while there's still light."

They sailed back. Like before, the elements were in their favor as they watched the mainland fade into grey. To them the mainland was certainly a strange and mysterious place.

…

The golden brew of soup boiled slowly as Gothi stirred the cauldron over the open flames of the fire pit in the Haddock home. The aromas were rich and filled the air with warmth as she mixed the pot. Once the soup was complete, she ladled a hefty spoonful into a bowl and handed it over to Stoick before sprinkling a dash of finely chopped sweet grass. She motioned for him to enter the bedroom where his wife had been restless for the past six days since he left.

She barely ate anything and only accepted water and the bilberry and rosehip tea Gothi would brew for her. Every fiber in her ached and she had curled itself tightly to stay warm under the covers. Mrs. Hofferson would come over with her son, Aarne to try and soothe her but Valka could barely speak and would grow tired quickly. Thankfully Aarne was a very quiet child and just watched Valka as she shivered under the sheets.

"Val," Stoick said quietly as he reached out to pull the furs from her body. She was covered in thick droplets of cold sweat and could faintly open her eyes to see her husband seated right beside her. "Please, eat this."

Valka looked to the thick and rich soup, the smells traveling through her nostrils, giving her slight energy. The familiar scent of sweet grass tickled her nose and the sensation of warm filled her body as she slowly lifted herself. Back propped up by pillows, Stoick slowly spooned the honey colored liquid and brought it to his wife's mouth. He was half expecting her body to reject the treatment but instead her shivering began to subside and her eyes slowly brightened again.

"Could I have some more?" she asked, the first sentence she truly managed since becoming ill.

"For you dear, anything."

…

The young Night Fury growled and hissed as the Gronckle approached him. It was time for hatchling inspection and he was proving to be difficult to keep in line. He was stubborn and refused to take orders from anyone other than Red Death. He had earned himself a little reputation as being the favorite of the litter and it was easy to see why. The Night Fury was already five months old and was already developing his basic hunting skills such as striking and stealth. There were nights when the Gronckle would wake to find him clawing at the stone walls, sharpening his claws and displaying early signs of dominance towards others around him. He'd even give most of his elders' foul glares as he passed by whenever Red Death had him combat the other hatchlings.

"Please don't be unreasonable today, Night Fury, you know the prince hates to wait," the Gronckle plead as he yanked the black dragon by his tail, dragging him.

"No," the little Night Fury grouched as he sank his talons to the floor. It made pulling him rather difficult as he was already quite strong for his age.

"Just like your father…" the Gronckle sighed under his breath as he finally managed to get the little dragon out of the cavern in the wall.

"Night Fury…" a cold and slimy voice trailed behind him. "What seems to be troubling you, my little soldier?" That was one of the many pet names Red Death had for his rare little one.

"Too hot," his Night Fury responded with a bitterness in his young growl.

It had come to his attention his Night Fury seemed to dislike the intense heat of the volcano, always returning to the cooler caverns after combat trainings were over. Of course to any other dragon this would be fixed by just killing them but his little warrior was special to him, he had many dark plans for him in the future so it was in his best interest to accommodate his Striker. A dark smirk formed over his fangs.

"Very well. You battle so well in the training ring. Why not earn yourself a dark, cold little cave by fighting in the arena?" it was not a question, he really wanted to see how far the Night Fury was willing to go to get what he wanted.

Nodding his head and a match was set.

The other dragons were in shock. Never had a dragon so young competed in the arena and most games ended in death. They hadn't known the Night Fury very long but they felt he was far too young to take on any adult.

To the left, the Night Fury stood, his body ready for any opponent thrown his way. On his opposing side stood an adolescent Nadder, said to be one of the best and current champion of the games. Once Red Death gave the command, the battle began.

The Nadder advanced first, charging at him with great speed but it was no match for the Night Fury who swiftly avoided his launch, but not before getting a good bite to the Nadder's wing which ripped a hole in it.

"You think you're so tough just 'cause you're a Night Fury! Well let me tell you something, kid, I've killed over two hundred dragons and more Vikings than you can count. I'm on my way to the top and you know what that makes me? The best!"

The Night Fury examined his surroundings as he jumped back, crouching low to the ground like a waiting jungle cat. He looked up to see a tall pillar directly above the chatty Nadder as he continued to monologue. He already knew this guy's strategy. He'd talk and talk and once his opponent got fed up with his yammering, he'd release his poison spines and burn his victims to the ground till they stopped screaming. He didn't just do this to opponents in the ring, he had seen him kill the stronger hatchlings at night while Red Death was sleeping. While he didn't really care much for the hatchlings, any act against the prince was an act against the hive and therefore was nothing more than dirt to the Night Fury. There was also one other reason he wanted this Nadder dead.

Readying a shot, his first, he took great aim as a siren-like screech came from his jaws and shot a burst of blue fire to the pillar. The talking Nadder had only seconds to react but it was too late as his wing where the Night Fury tore at grew, spreading the hole even further till it split in two. The Nadder screamed in pain as his wing became limp and the feeling of strong jaws grabbed hold of the other. He hadn't realized that as the pillar fell, the Night Fury sped forward and lunged onto his back. The Nadder plead for mercy and then shouted in more agony as the small Night Fury forcefully ripped off his other wing. He finally silenced the noisy Nadder by slitting his throat open, his paws covered in fresh blood.

Every dragon was speechless. In a few moves, the young Night Fury managed to kill the Nadder whom had killed many of their brethren not just out of sport but for pride. The sound of content groans from Red Death filled the air as he lowered his head to the victorious Night Fury.

"Perfect. Simply perfect. He was quickly becoming a bore. You've earned yourself a cave. Which do you prefer, my soldier?" Red Death grinned wildly as the Nadder's blood escaped its body.

"Outside," the Night Fury seriously stated bluntly.

Red Death's eyes narrowed a bit at the response. He didn't like his answer nor the way he said it but a deal was a deal. "But of course. Gronckle," Red Death motioned to his Night Fury's tutor.

"Yes, my liege," he answered swiftly.

"See to it my prized soldier finds a suitable cave on the outside. You will be tutoring him from there from now on." If he was going to let his prized possession out of his sights, he'd put someone he could rely on to monitor him.

"Understood," the Gronckle flew by his student's side and both exited out the volcano to a nearby cave.

It was dark and defiantly cold, just how he liked it.

"So why did you really want to leave the hive?" the Gronckle asked. He knew his student far better than anyone else, even Red Death.

"Nadder…" the Night Fury sleepily said as he curled into a ball. "He planned to kill you next raid."

The Gronckle was speechless but a smile grew on his face. Red Death was so sure he was training a senseless killer, but his father was right, he'd never have his son.

They both slept peacefully as the cold winter air brushed by the dark foggy island of dragons.

…

"Are you sure, grandfather?" Valka asked as she held her dying guardian's frail hands.

"It's my time, dear. I'm so glad I've lived long enough to see you and Alvin grow to be such fine adults," he slowly spoke, a smile on his face as he looked to his two grandchildren and their friends. He had lived a good long life as an axe man and watched as his own son grew and married before both died of illness, leaving him two mourning and small children. He treated them with all the love and kindness he had raised their father and his time spent with them were some of the happiest moments of his life. Now, it was his time.

"We owe ya so much for raisin' us right," Alvin softly said as he laid by his grandfather's side.

"No, it was my privilege and joy to have had you two in my life. I'm so proud of the both of you."

He turned to Valka, looking to her large belly. He had hoped to live long enough to see his first great-grandchild but the Valkyries had different plans for him. Slowly he lifted a hand from Valka's hold and placed it to where her child was. A vision came to him. He saw a brave leader, not of physical strength, but power from a pure and noble soul. Bright peridot eyes shined as the smell of sweet grass enveloped his senses. A warm smile and a single tear rolled down his eye.

"Keep your child safe and loved. The universe has many plans for this one. I will see you one day, sweet one…" he closed his eyes and his hand lowered to the side of his bed as he drew his last breath.

Valka let her tears fall as Stoick wrapped his arms around her. Alvin gently ran his fingertips over his grandfather's sleep-like face and silently shed several tears.

The village held a traditional funeral for the elder. He was a friend to all and never judged others based on their thoughts or beliefs. To many, he was a wise man, a sage; and his memories and laughter would forever stay with the people of Berk for as long as they'd live.

Alvin struck the first burning arrow to the floating ship as it sailed off towards the sunset, the gods awaiting a great warrior to the gates of Valhalla.

…

Fires climbed higher as the dragons soared overhead, circling Berk in their usual madness in search of sustenance for their master. Stoick had two Monstrous Nightmares to deal with, Alvin wrestling with a Gronckle and Gobber sharpening and handing out weapons from his mobile cart. Valka was to stay inside the house, safely away from the wreckage outside.

All she could hear were the loud roars of dragons and the sound of steel clanging away. It was like any other day she was to be kept inside, or not as she was soon to realized. From the far side of the house, a massive fireball came crashing down from the ceiling, setting the kitchen on fire. She had to escape otherwise she and her child would be burned alive or smothered by the growing smoke. As she tried to make it out to the other side of the action outside, a large Nadder slowly paced towards her, thankfully caught in its blind spot.

She motioned herself out of sight till the Nadder quickly turned its head, spotting her as she turned to run away as fast as she could. All she could do was run as fast as she could. If she didn't hide herself, she and her baby could possibly be harmed.

Seeing her run the Nadder took it was a sign for an easy attack and cried out as it tried to snap its jaws to her. Almost inches from biting at Valka, the Nadder turned its head instantly as a large Storm Cutter soared from the skies and pinned it down, roaring at the smaller dragon. The Nadder took one look at the Cutter, seeing the intensity in his eyes and accepted his challenge. As the two dragons fought, Valka saw this as a perfect opportunity to continue her escape.

She made it past the bakery where the daily breads from the morning before burnt into black hunks of dust and several members of the fire brigade as they doused houses, not seeing her as she ran by. Turning a corner to make it to the Great Hall, she came face to face with several dragons all at once. They snarled and bared their fangs to her as she stepped back, tripping to the ground and pushing herself back till her backside hit a stone wall.

Each dragon moved closer, watching the female human cower in fear. From her belly they could see the bulge but this did not deter them from their mission. Red Death required food, animal or human and unborn human child was something he extremely enjoyed. They knew what they were about to do was wrong, but it was either her life or theirs.

Advancing closer, Valka's breath began to hitch. All her life, she had said dragons weren't monsters; that they were misunderstood and now she was going to be attacked by a pack of Nightmares, Nadders and Gronckles. She placed her arms over her stomach in an attempt to save her unborn child, hoping for a miracle till the most miraculous thing happened.

Bright orbs of light, white as starlight surrounded her as if out of thin air and a thick layer of fog began to spread. The dragons watched as the lights confused their focus, only interested in the lights. All became quiet as the mist lifted upward into a spiraling vortex and the lights exploded in sporadic flashes, stunning and terrifying the dragons who tried to fly away only to have the vortex spin them around before spitting them out the top.

Soon more lights appeared around Berk, flashing in the faces of the attacking dragons causing them all to flee in a panic. The only dragon unaffected by the beams was the Storm Cutter who by instinct saw the lights and soared high into the air and began chasing away at the rising dragons. When all the attacking dragons fled, he took his mighty wings and fanned the flames from the village till they died out. The remaining lights soon faded as well by the gust of wind from the Cutter.

…

Valka had watched as the events unfolded before her eyes. She had no idea how any of that happened. All she could feel was a slight turning in her stomach till a sharp pain hit her. She let out a shallow cry, a nearby woman hearing and seeing her laying on the ground as she turned.

"Valka!" she cried out and soon others came to her side, Stoick and Alvin running fast as news spread to get to her side.

"Valka! What happened!?" Stoick asked as he lifted her up.

"A dragon burned the house and…" she had to pause as the movement in her belly increased, her water breaking as her eyes opened wide. "The baby's coming…"

Stoick was still in a mindset of concern and confusion when she popped that out, it having to sink in for a few seconds before it registered.

"The baby's coming… THE BABY'S COMING!" he shouted out as he struggled to figure out where to go. Gothi ran quickly to his side and patted his arm for him to hurry and follow to her hut nearby.

Valka in arm, Stoick, Gobber, Alvin and Gothi raced to the hut where Stoick nearly kicked the door opened and set his wife on the delivery bed. They had always planned for their child to be born in their house but with it burnt that wasn't an option they had.

"Isn't it too early for that baby to come out?!" Gobber panicked as Gothi prepared everything for the arrival of the child, his good hand reaching out to grab Valka's.

"Try tellin' the babe that when it gets here," Alvin remarked as he stood by her left side, watching as her breathing sped.

"Stoick," Valka managed between breaths. "I'm scared."

In all his years, he had never heard her say those words. She was always brave and to hear she was scared, scared him. "Don't worry, Val, I'm going to be here by your side," he stood by her right side till Gothi pushed him by her side by Valka's open legs.

It was time.

…

She gave one finally push and the room was filled with silence for the longest while till the soft and quiet cries of a baby filled the hut. Valka breathed a sigh of relief to the sound of her child, its silence lasting forever to her.

"Congratulations, Stoick!" Alvin lifted himself from his sister's side to shove Stoick on the arm. "I can't believe… " he pushed Stoick right then and there, his friend silent and still with his eyes wide open. "Stoick?" To his surprise, Stoick the Vast, had proceeded to fall to the floor.

The sheer excitement of seeing his child for the first time caused this great man to fall to his knees in defeat.

…

Stoick woke up to the sensation of cold water being splatter to his face. Lifting himself up, he saw his wife holding their new born child in her arms. Her expression was that of deep love and slight sorrow as she turned to face Stoick.

"It's a girl. She's so small, so frail. What if she doesn't make it because I couldn't get her to safety in time?" she nuzzled her tiny child close, a small whimper coming from her throat.

He slowly walked to their side and looked down to his little girl, her cheeks bright pink and her nose dainty like her mother's. Secretly, he had wanted a son, but seeing her, he wouldn't change a thing. She was just who she needed to be.

"No, your grandfather was right. She'll be destined for great things. She'll be the strongest of them all," he lovingly grinned as he ran his finger over his child's sleeping face. So soft and sweet. "I'd like to name her Hiccup. It's a tough name to grow up with, but I know she'll make it her own," he continued as his daughter nuzzled her cheek towards his touch.

"Hiccup," Valka smiled down to her sweet little one. "Our sweet child."