hi everybody. it's a while but i finshed the chapter. hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 8- going the distance

Rummaging thought dusty old scroll, Hiccup and Toothless searched the map room (which was a huge hut where the Vikings held all their books and maps) for what felt like hours.

"No. No. Not it, someone needs to come in and organise this place" Hiccup murmured and looked towards the shelf, while Toothless looked in some boxes, both hoping to find a map to DunBroch. If his dad and the other Vikings had travelled there, a map leading the Scottish kingdom must be in this room.

"How are you doing, bud" he said, looking over to his Night Fury. Toothless shrugged before continuing his search.

Hiccup sighed, he returned to the shelves. Hiccup was about to called it a day, he'd have to figure out another way to get to Scotland. He reached up to the very top of the shelf and felt something. Feeling hopeful, he pulled out what turned out to be an old looking scroll. He undid in string, unrolled it and his eyes widened.

"Oh my god. This is it! this is it!" Hiccup gasped. Toothless dropped the box he was looking in, he watched as Hiccup jumped off the chair and rushed to the table. Toothless followed as Hiccup spread the map across the table and the two began to study it.

"Ok, here's Berk" Hiccup said pointing at a drawing of the island. "And DunBroch is over... there" he run his finger across the paper to where DunBroch was written. "By boat, it would take a day or 2 to reach Scotland but flying it was only about 3 hours" he drew a line, connecting them before taking out a compass. "Ok, it's south westerly to DunBroch. If we set off in the morning, we would arrive in Scotland by the afternoon."

The dragon could see the joy on Hiccup's face, but then Toothless heard footsteps coming their way.

"Hiccup?"

Hearing his name, he quickly hid the map in his fur vest as Stoick walked in.

"Ah, there you two are. You are always in such a rush lately, I haven't seen you" his father explained which made Hiccup bite his lip.

"I'm sorry dad. I just have a lot on my mind" he answered as his dad noticed the room the first time.

'What are you doing here anyway?" Stoick asked "It needs a good dusting, some of these maps are older than me" he added good heartedly.

'Well, the thing is we were looking for maps" Hiccup said turning to the table, staring at some maps.

"Why?"

Toothless could sense that he should go, to leave them to talk.

"Well, when we were lost. We discovered new lands, new creatures, new things yet unseen.

"Yes, but why are you suddenly interested in this?" Stoick asked. Hiccup felt himself sweating nervously, he didn't want to lie but he obviously couldn't reveal the real reason why. He rubbed his neck before he looked up at his dad.

"Dad, I know I've only just returned and I know everyone is worried about me, but I need to go and see what's there. It may help us learn and grow, what if there are new kinds of dragons out there that no Viking has ever seen. What I'm trying to say, I need to do something. I hope you understand" Hiccup said. He wasn't sure what will his father reaction be. He didn't think his dad wouldn't let him, then he felt his dad's hand on his shoulder.

"It's ok, I do understand. You were always curious, you wanted to know what's beyond the shore of Berk. I was the same at your age, I travelled on ships and found that the world was a bigger place than I thought. I don't want to stop you discovering what's out there" Stoick explained, looking out to sea.

Hiccup listened with a glimmer of hope.

"So, does this mean?..."Hiccup held his breath.

"Yes. You can go but I want you to promise me something" Stoick asked. His son gulped.

"W...what is it?"

"Promise me you'll come home, I don't think I could handle it if you went missing again" Stoick explained placing an hand on Hiccup again.

Hiccup explained something else, but he knew he needed return home, so it was an easy promise.

"I will"

Stoick gave his son a huge hug which caused Hiccup to groan in pain.

"Well, while you and Toothless finish in here and I'll sort some food for your trip" Stoick said happily as he headed out.

Toothless quietly snook back. Purring to his best friends asking if he was ok. Hiccup sighed, out of relief and regret (he hated lying to his Dad). He pulled the map of DunBroch out from his vest. Hiccup nodded, knowing that he needed to go.

Not wasting any time, Hiccup started writing a letter to Merida.

Dear Mer,

When you read this, I'll be on my way. Toothless an I found an old map of Scotland and have planned our trip. No one else knows what we're doing. Astrid and my dad almost discovered us but I've managed to persuade them that I'm going exploring. hopefully we'll arriving at 12 and meet me in the woods. Anyway, I hope to leave as soon as I can. I can't wait to see you again.

From your Viking

Hiccup

He sealed the letter and tied it to the Terrible Terror. The small dragon happily took it and flew off.

The next day, he packed he things he needed and a special surprise for Merida.

Astrid wanted to go but Hiccup convinced her to stay to keep an eye on things here on Berk and promised to send a message for help if he got in trouble. Stoick handed him a very large bundle of food, clearly his dad had gone over-board.

"You'll be out there for a week, so you'll have enough for the trip" Stoick explained after questioning him. With the bags attached to Toothless's saddle, Hiccup said goodbye to his friends, now he, Toothless and Stoick were alone. The huge Viking hugged his son, not wanting to let go. "Please careful out there".

"You don't need to worry. I know what am doing" Hiccup reassured his dad before climbing on his dragon.

"Good luck son" Hiccup felt a pang of guilt. He loved his dad but the love for his princess was worth it. Hiccup and Toothless took off, waving to Stoick as they began their journey. Stoick stood and watched them until they disappeared. Merida was surprised that she had managed to sleep, despite being over the moon that Hiccup was coming. She received the letter a few days ago and she was counting the days until today.

When she woke up, she jumped out of bed, got washed, dressed and ran to fetch Angus. Merida was so excited; she wasn't watching where she was going and nearly collided into her dad.

"Whoa, whoa. What's the rush" Fergus said managing to move against the wall (before he was flattened by his daughter). "Getting breakfast before the boys eat all the food" he chuckled.

"No. I... I saw how wonderful it is today. So, I decided to get Angus and go for a ride in the forest" Merida explained. She was telling the truth. It was a wonderful day.

"Ok love, you have fun. I'll tell your mother where you're going" her dad called after her.

"Thanks Dad" Merida said. She turned and took a few steps when a thought came to her. "Oh, Dad" she went back and asked "How do I look?"

"Very out of breath" Fergus said chuckling.

"No, how do I look?"

He'd never heard Merida asking about her looks, he thought it was odd but he said "You look beautiful, Merida as always".

Merida smiled warmly and kissed quickly him on the cheek.

"Thank you" Merida said before ran to the stables. Fergus grinned as he watched her, on his way to his daily training. The princess made a quick detour to the kitchen, getting some cakes and fruit and then on and through the back door to the stables. Angus saw Merida coming this way. She was bouncing excitedly across the grass and opened his door. "Today's the day! Hiccup is coming today" Merida said her voice was giddy. She placed his saddle on, tied her bag of food to it and they set off to the meeting place.

Hiccup smiled when he recognised the land ahead of them. "There it is Toothless, we're almost there". The dragon looked over his shoulder and smiled to his friend. They landed in the meeting place, now all that the two could do was wait.

Hiccup started smoothing down his clothes and fixing his hair "ok, how do I look?" Hiccup asked Toothless, turning and putting both hands on his hips. Toothless simply shrugged which Hiccup knew he meant that he just normal. "Look, I just want to look good for Mer, it been ages, so I want to look my best". Hiccup explained, in which Toothless gave him a look that said 'Really you're being ridiculous'

"You'll probably never understand" Hiccup murmured and Toothless nodded, agreeing with him. It was then they heard hooves coming close. Hiccup turned again, to see a familiar horse and riding it was a very familiar young girl.

Merida couldn't stop smiling as she hopped off Angus and sprinted to him. Hiccup felt happy tears running down his cheeks as he ran to her. Merida leapt into Hiccup's arms which court him by surprise, his legs wobbled as he tried to stand. The world disappeared when they instantly made contact. The Viking buried his face in her mass of red curls, Merida rubbed her tears on Hiccup's shoulder but he didn't mind.

"Oh, oh, Merida this isn't going to work" Hiccup said panicking a bit, trying not to fall over.

"Oh sorry. I wasn't thinking. I was" Merida apologised but before she finished, Hiccup lost his balance and both teens tumbled to the ground. They looked at each other and burst into giggles. "Sorry again".

"No, it's ok I understand, you were excited..." Hiccup replied as they sat up in front of each other. They intertwined their fingers, knowing that this isn't a dream, he was here!

"I just can't believe you're here. You're actually here" Merida exclaimed. Hiccup reach out to brush away her tears, Merida leant into his hand, putting her hand on top of his. "I've really missed you" she whispered.

"I've missed you too" Hiccup whispered back. He pulled Merida closer and kissed her softly. His kiss was better than she remembered, their arms wrapped lovingly around each other, Merida wanted to freeze this wonderful moment for forever as she her fingers found his soft hair. Hiccup felt the happiest he had ever felt, kissing his princess, one hand on her waist and the other caressing her cheek.

They both felt like the only people in the world, they could have kissed all day until they heard something, they both pulled back and turned to see Toothless right in front of them.

"Oh Toothless, he doesn't know much about personal space" Hiccup said but chuckled.

"He just wants to say hello" Merida said, chuckling as well. "It's wonderful to see you too Toothless" she greeted the dragon, the princess stroked Toothless's head which make him purr, he licked Merida's cheek, as well as the rest of her face, but she didn't mind, she giggled and wipe her cheek.

"So how have you been, Mer?" Hiccup asked as Toothless ran to see Angus.

"Good, but it's been a bit dull since you left" Merida replied sitting cross legged.

"Yeah, I've felt like that too, I couldn't enjoy things without you" Hiccup added. She pulled herself up. "But my dad was so pleased when we returned home".

Merida couldn't stop smiling, the feeling of loneliness had disappeared now Hiccup was sitting across from her .

"Yes, that's great, is your dad really as scary as the stories say?"

"Oh yeah he is and that's when he's having a good day" Hiccup answered "He does live up to his name but he's a good man, once you get to know him".

"I would like to meet him?" Merida said which made the young Viking bite his lip in thought, Merida saw his face change so she asked him "So have you been able to practice any archery?"

"Yeah, I've been practicing since I returned home, some people wondered why but I just said I wanted to learn a new skill"

Merida was so pleased to hear this, she had wondered if he continued with archery, she really wanted now to see if he'd improved. Thinking about archery, reminded her of something.

"Well now that I mention it, I haven't done much archery since you left.

"Really, is it because of your bow" Hiccup asked in surprise, he knew how much she loved archery.

"No, I know I can use any bow, but my heart just hasn't been in it" she admitted.

"Well... a matter of fact, I made something for you." Hiccup said. He stood up and started rummaging through his bags. Curious, Merida got up to join him, just as Hiccup pulled out something made out of wood and metal.

"What's that?" Merida asked rising an eyebrow.

"Well, if you open it, you'll see" Hiccup answered. Handing it to her.

"Open it? How?" She murmured, twisting it this way and that in her hand. Not sure what it supposed to be, even Angus look confused. Seeing this, Hiccup stepped next to the princess.

"If you hold it out in front of you and press this" he pointed at a small switch "and it will work" Merida did as he said, she pressed the switch and she gave a gasp when it unfolded itself. Merida took a closer look and realised it was a bow, a bow made out of wood and metal. It was lighter that she was expecting and it was beautifully carved. She wondered where the string was but found it on one end in a hidden hole and hooked it to the other end.

"Hic, where...where did you get this?" Merida asked, pulled the string as she stood as if she was about to aim.

"I... I made it" Merida instantly turned to him in surprise "I wanted to make one ever since you told me about your old bow. I made sure that it was heatproof and can be easily remedied. Also, it'll be easier to..." Hiccup didn't finish because Merida, overjoyed by his thoughtful gift, she could contain herself no longer and ran up and kiss him.

"Hic, it's wonderful." She said beaming after she pulled him towards her "This...this is the most amazing gift I've ever received" Merida wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you".

Hiccup returned her hug, letting his fingers run up toward her red curls "You're welcome, Mer".

For the rest of the day, the two teens enjoyed each other's company. They chatted, took a stroll through the woods, sharing their lunch. All the while, holding each other hands. Around 6 o'clock, Hiccup and Merida fell asleep, lying underneath the tree. The redhead laid her head on Hiccup's shoulder while his head was against hers.

Angus and Toothless had left the teens to catch up. By the time they noticed the sun was setting, they went to find their friends. They didn't really want to disturb them but Toothless gently nudged Hiccup's hand until he slowly opened his eyes.

Hiccup glanced at the dragon and then to Merida, he gave a warm smile placed a kiss her on her forehead. Merida woke up and smiled when she saw her Viking.

"What time is it?" She asked when she noticed it was darker than before.

"I'm not sure, we really need to get going" Hiccup said. He and Merida stood up and she was about to climb on Angus but Hiccup gently took her hand. He held his other hand toward his dragon. Merida knew instantly what he meant.

Merida petted her horse and Angus whinnied in understanding. Merida walked over to Toothless and Hiccup helped her on "Here we go milady".

The princess blushed as she sat then Hiccup climbed on, it was his turn to blush when he felt Merida's arms around his waist. They set off, Angus trotting beside Toothless. The Redhead rested against the Viking, Hiccup intertwined his fingers with hers, both happy and content.

The sky had turned orange-pink as they saw the glimpses of the castle. The teens unpacked and said good night to Toothless. They passed through the gateway to the stables. The teens fed and said good night to Angus, as they reached the main doors they were surprised when Elinor suddenly walked out.

"Merida, Oh thank goodness you're back" Elinor rushed to her daughter and hugged her. "Your father told me you were out but...Hiccup?" She said in disbelief when she noticed the brown haired boy standing there. "Where do...ho... what are you doing here?" She managed to say, gathering her thoughts.

"Oh he sent a letter telling me he was coming" Merida told her mum, patting her hand to comfort her.

"Yeah, I travelled here with my friend. Sorry to come without warning, but I didn't want to be a bother" Hiccup said, giving a small bow.

"No it's lovely for you to visit, but next time let me know so I can get a room ready for you" Elinor told them calmly, she knew why Hiccup had come back, but she wasn't going to spoil it for Merida. "Now, you two go and get dinner while I send some maids to make up your bed Hiccup".

Merida and Hiccup did as they were told. The ate and chatted to Fergus and the triplets until it was time for bed.

Merida was still awake as she lay on her bed, this time, knowing that her love was here. She was thinking about testing out her new bow, when there was a soft knock on her door. She sat up just as the door opened to reveal Hiccup peering around her door. The two exchanged smiles, Hiccup walked in, closing the door quietly behind him.

Merida knew without saying anything that he wanted to be close to her because she wanted it too, she moved to one side of the bed as Hiccup sat down and removed the prosthetic leg. He placed it against the bed before pulling the covers over them. The two laid down, facing one another. Their hands intertwined as the teens looked on dreamily. Soon sleep took over them, their eyes closed and they both fell into a peaceful, blissful sleep.