Returned

Astrid was having a bad dream. It's one she had occasionally. It's born out of shame, guilt, and sorrow. In it she's her younger self. She was standing on the shores of Dragon Island and watching Hiccup, his Night Fury, and the Read Death battle in the sky. She couldn't tear her eyes away. She saw the sky flash as if lighting had crashed and illuminated the figure of the monstrous dragon. She could hear the call of the Night Fury as the boy she loves is battling to save them all.

Then suddenly the whole sky was lit up by its fire. A few moments later the Night Fury was diving towards the ground with the Red Death in pursuit. The monster opened its gaping mouth to burn the Night Fury and its rider alive when in a blue flash the Fury sets the Red Death's mouth on fire. Then the black dragon opened its wings before pulling up and away as the monster was sent crashing towards the ground. The fireball was intense. Astrid is forced to look away but squints to spare a glimpse toward the sky.

What she sees made her stomach drop to her feet. It was Hiccup falling into the flames. She reached a hand out and cried out in anguish but it does nothing. She doesn't know why her mind shows her this. Maybe it was trying to bring her closure. Maybe she blamed herself and the guilt forced her to watch this. All she knows is she hated it. It broke her heart every time.

She fell to her knees and she started to cry. Her whole body racked with sobs as she attempted in vain to hold back tears. She expected herself to wake up now. It's what usually happens. But she doesn't. She opened her eyes and glanced down at her hands. They're different. They're bigger and aged. Glancing down she realizes she was her 20 year old self now. This had never happened. She rose to her feet and glanced around. It's all milky white round her. She can't make out anything. Suddenly her warrior sense tells her there was a presence behind her.

She turned around to find a building in front of her. She couldn't make out much details about the building. Only that's it was wooden and almost two stories. As her eyes wandered over the structure she gasped when she spotted something at the top. Or someone.

There was a man standing at the top of the building. He was tall and thin. He was gazing down at her. But she can't make out his face. All she could make out were his clothes. Green tunic with brown pants and a fur vest. All familiar.

"Hiccup," she whispered while gazing up at the man.

Then everything faded away as she suddenly sits up in her bed. She was breathing hard and her mind and heart were racing. She had dreamed of Hiccup as a man. But why? Hiccup wasn't there. Shaking her head she threw back the covers of her bed and got ready for the day. It was the day of the village's anniversary with the peace with their dragons. Or as some people call it, 'Red Death Redemption Day'. She had to do the sky parade with the academy. She was looking forward to that at least.

Still, she sighed as this whole day reminds her of Hiccup. The day's only just begun and she already wanted it to be over.

"So bud, what should we call this place?" Ryuiji asked his scaly companion as he sketched the island they were on onto his ever growing map of the archipelago. At his side Toothless sneezed and wrinkled his nose. "Good idea bud. We'll call it 'Achoo'," he said as he continued his sketching.

Ryuiji had been back in Viking territory for a little over a month now. But he'd yet to return to Berk. So he was prolonging his return by making a map of uncharted islands. As he sketched he stared thinking about this new group of marauders that seemed to be popping up everywhere. The Vandals they called themselves. Ryuiji had run into several groups of these unsavory people already. The first group consisted of five who'd stumbled into his camp and tried to rob him. Big mistake. He'd killed them all. Then there was the time he saved this family who'd been attacked on their island. He'd killed all but one, the last man escaping a hand down. Then he attacked a ship on the open waters. Then there was the time he saved Trader Johan and that family from another group. Lastly he attacked a group attacking a company of Bob Burglars. This group was very bold. To enter so deep and raid in the territory of a powerful tribe such as the Meatheads and Bob Burglars. He wondered how long this group had been around. He hadn't heard of them before he'd left.

A croon pulled him from his thoughts. He turned and looked into the large round orbs of Toothless. The dragon cocked his head to the side and crooned again while flicking his gaze out towards the ocean. "I know bud, you're wondering why we haven't gone back to Berk," he said. The dragon nodded in confirmation. Ryuiji rubbed the back of his head. "It's just…what the Hel do I say when we get there? I've been gone for six whole years," he said gesturing to the air. "Not to mention, oh yeah, I was banished," he added.

"Do I just fly into town and say 'Hey everybody! It's me. Sorry about disappearing like that, but I'm back now. Oh and if you could please not execute me for returning that'd be swell'," he said in exasperation. It technically was forbidden for him to return. His father had cast him out. But then again, they'd reconciled on Dragon Island. Maybe he'd repeal his judgment? Dad has never been one to go back on his words though, he thought with a snort.

He sat back with a sigh, unsure of what to do. He was afraid to return. He admitted it to himself. He was afraid of the unknown. Would he be welcome? Would they still treat him as an outcast? Would he be killed?

A croon caused him to turn his head back to Toothless. He saw that the dragon was holding his swords in his mouth. With a smile he reached out and took them. "You're right bud. I'm a samurai now. And one of the principles of Bushido is courage," he said standing up. He looked out towards the horizon with determination.

"Let's go home bud."

Stoick was in the great hall as he speaks to a clan seeking to join the Hooligan tribe. They are called the Solstice clan and are recounting their recent encounter with the Vandals. This group raided their small island and nearly made off with the clan head's middle daughter. But like a miracle a mysterious person that matched the description of this samurai Johan talked about appeared out of nowhere and saved them. Then he just vanished. After that the clan head decided it was best that they join a tribe and set out on a few week trip to Berk to petition their admission into the tribe.

"And that's why we've come to you Stoick," Gaer, the clan head, said.

Stoick rubbed his bearded chin as he took in their story. Seated next to Gaer are his family. There was his wife, then there was his oldest daughter, holding her baby boy, her husband, her younger sister, and her youngest sister. They are there to represent their clan.

"Why have you chosen the Hooligans?" Stoick asked curiously. It's a fair question. There are many tribes they could choose from.

"We've heard that you are a kind and fair leader. Plus we have friends here," he answered while turning his head and nodding to Silent Sven. Sven is here vouching for Gaer's clan. Their families were apparently friends.

Stoick continued to rub his beard while he mulled it over.

"We haven't come empty handed either Stoick. We've brought yaks, chickens, boars, timber for building are own houses, we can fish, my daughters are skilled healers, my son in law a blacksmith, and we have trade agreements with other tribes that can benefit Berk," he said offering added incentive.

"You understand that if I allow you to join the tribe, you will have to swear loyalty to me," Stoick added. The Solstice clan have never been in a tribe before. They've always stuck to themselves. It's important that they know Stoick will be their leader.

"Indeed we do Stoick. But a tribe is safer. And the safety of my grandchild and family is the most important thing in the world to me," Gaer said.

Stoick took in his answer and smiled. Then he stood up in his seat and extended a hand across the table. "Then welcome to the Hooligans," Stoick said proudly. Gaer smiled and his family all sighed in relief. Gaer took Stoick's hand and gave it a firm shake.

"Thank you, chief," Gaer said adding the last part respectfully.

"You'll have to bunk in the great hall for now until we get you some houses built," Stoick informed him. Gaer nodded in acceptance.

Suddenly a gasp caught their attention. They turned to see the youngest daughter staring in wonder at a Terrible Terror that's crawled up onto the table for some food scraps. She's nervous and enthralled as she reached a hand out toward the small dragon. It looked back at her curiously and cocked its head to the side.

Stoick smiled. "The dragons might take some getting used to," he said with a chuckle. Gaer nodded in agreement. "But the dragons are all friendly on Berk if you treat them right. Today is our celebration of our peace with them. You're all in for quite a sight," he said with a smile. He watched as the little girl stroked the Terror nervously before it crawled onto her shoulder and nuzzled her face. The girl smiled and giggled happily.

Stoick smiled at the new additions to the tribe. Seems like they would get along nicely. Still, his thoughts lingered on the Vandals. It seems they were intent on capturing women. Stoick knew what the implication of that meant. Then there was this samurai that kept showing up. Who was this man?

Stormfly was in her stable resting after her performance in the sky parade. She was waiting patiently for her human to bring her a treat when the door to the stable burst open, startling her and making her ail spines stand at attention. But with a glance she calmed down when she saw it was her rider.

Astrid slammed the door behind her before stomping up to Stormfly with a bucket of chicken legs. She was angry. Her parents have just informed her that a suitor will be arriving in a few weeks that she will have to meet. It seemed like they had been discussing this for some time without telling her. When she expressed that she had no interest in meeting her they threatened to ground her.

They were insistent that she meet this man and start considering accepting the idea of marrying him. Astrid argued that she would rather just be a shield maiden for the rest of her life. It's not a crazy idea, she wouldn't be the only Viking girl to never get married. But her parents argued that she needs to keep the Hofferson bloodline going. That it's her duty to her family. That made her feel guilty. Astrid had no siblings so if she doesn't marry the Hofferson clan ends with her.

Then they revealed that they know the true reason she's so keen on not marrying. That she'd been waiting for Hiccup. They told her how futile it was to wait on a person who was likely dead. They said that if he was ever coming back he'd have done so already. They told her she needs to grow up and start thinking about her future. She had nothing to say back to them. So she stomped off and said she needed to feed Stormfly.

The Nadder looked up from her chicken and squawked at her rider. Astrid smiled and started stroking her horn lovingly. "Maybe my parents are right girl," Astrid said. Their words struck her deep. "Maybe I do need to move on. Maybe he really is gone," she whispered aloud. Stormfly stepped forward to nuzzle the girl in affection.

Astrid smiled and hugged the dragon's head. "I'm gonna start looking for a suitor girl. I mean, nothing wrong with just looking right?" Astrid nodded to herself. She wanted to feel good about this. But it just felt like she was giving up. And she's never been one to do that.

With a sigh she slumped back against the wall of the stable and sank to the floor. She then brought her knees to her chest and hugged them. Stormfly lowered herself and placed her head beside her rider's legs. Offering a much comfort as she could.

"Where are you Hiccup?"

A few hours later the majority of the village was gathered in the great hall. It was time for the feast. Everyone was in a jovial mood. Sprits are highs as the villagers talked about the sky parade earlier and eat, drink, sing, and fight till their hearts were content. Stoick smiled as he took in the state of his people. But unfortunately he couldn't find as much enthusiasm for this day as they could.

This day always reminded him of his son. Who he had no idea if he was still alive. Secondly, like every year the elders and council have once again been pushing him to name an heir. He knew that he'd been putting the village in a tight spot by not choosing a successor. But he could never bring himself to do it. The title of heir was his son's birthright.

But if something were to happen to Stoick the village could fall into chaos without someone to lead. Spitelout, his brother in law, suggested his son Snotlout. While he admits the boy was too arrogant and pig headed, he argued that he was a good warrior and given time he could be taught to lead the village. Gobber and a majority of the elders suggested Astrid. Stoick was leaning more on the girl. She was smart, skilled, a natural leader, and good example of what a Viking should be.

The only problem was that she was a girl. Vikings rarely had female chieftains. With the only exception being Big Boobed Bertha of the Bob Burglars. The elders don't know if Berk is ready for a female leader. While Berk had gone through many changes over the last few years it was important to stick to the old ways on certain things.

"Everything ok Stoick?" Gobber asked to the chief's right.

Stoick looked to his friend ad sighed. "Am I a fool Gobber?" he asked his friend. He should've declared his son dead years ago. If it were anyone else he would have already. But he could never bring himself to do it.

"I think you're a father that's lost a lot," Gobber said reassuringly. He knew his friend had lost a lot. His wife and then his son. It was amazing that the chief had kept going all these years.

Stoick remained silent for a moment. "I need to let him go Gobber," Stoick tried to say with resolve. He needed to think about the future of Berk. It had been six years and no sign had been seen of Hiccup. He had to move on.

Gobber sighed at his side. "That would probably be best," he said in agreement.

Stoick nodded before making his way to the stage at the back of the great hall. He was determined to make his declaration. It was time to stop living in the past. Stepping up onstage the villagers became silent as they looked toward their chief, curious as to what he had to say.

"Evening everyone," the chief called out in his booming vice. "I hope you are all having a good time on our sixth annual 'Red Death Redemption Day'," at his inquiry the crowd raised their mugs and gave a hearty cheer. Stoick bellowed out in laughter. "Good. Good. I'm glad that we're at peace with the dragons now. I never would have thought I'd see the day when we'd lice alongside them. I hope we can continue this peace for generations to come," everyone murmured and nodded in agreement.

"Now I'd like to thanks Astrid Hofferson and her friends at the academy for their time and efforts with the dragons. And how about that sky parade?" he said clapping to the young people. Then village raised the mugs and clapped along with him while looking to the riders' tables. The riders nodded in acceptance of their praise and smiled proudly. "I'd also like to welcome Gaer and the Solstice clan to the Hooligan tribe," he added motioning to Gaer's family. The villagers once again lifted their mugs and welcomed his family.

"Now I also have a declaration to make," Stoick said silencing the crowd. When they all looked at him in inquiry he cleared his throat to continue. "For too long I have put this off. As a father I just couldn't bring myself to give up on my son," he began. The villagers' hearts went out to their chief. They knew what he was trying to tell them. "But it's time I look to Berk's future. So I, Stoick the Vast, chieftain of Berk and leader of the Hairy Hooligan tribe, announce my son, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III," he paused to swallow the lump in his throat. This was the hardest thing he'd ever had to do. He took on final breath to finish his declaration when the doors to the great hall suddenly burst open.

"We're under attack! It's the Vandals!" A frantic villager shouted.

Stoick's eyes widened at the man's words. But he immediately shook off his surprise and started issuing orders. He ordered approximately half the fighter in the hall to start pushing back the vandals while the women and children remain inside and the other half guard them. The villagers leapt into action. Astrid was among the group going out to face the marauders.

She was determined to defend her home. When she reached the outside she saw villagers and dragons engaging the marauders. The dragons were a huge help, but unfortunately they couldn't use their fire for risk of burning the village down. Astrid ran to the armory. As quickly as she could she snatched up a battle axe and charged into the fight. She would have preferred her own but she didn't have the time to run to her home and get it.

All around the Hooligans are engaging the Vandals. A villager informs Stoick that they appeared to have come from the rear of the island. Stoick cursed under his breath. He'd lowered the village's guard for the celebration. He also wouldn't have expected anyone to attack them. No one picked a fight with Berk anymore due to their dragons.

Stoick didn't bother grabbing a weapon as he leapt into the fray and started swinging and downing the invaders left and right. As Astrid fought off the marauders Stormfly had located her and had started fighting alongside her. The loyal dragon sent the invaders flying and kept others at bay with her spines when they tried to flank her rider. Astrid deftly wielded her axe as she fought and against the invaders as they charged her. Gripping the handle of her axe securely in her hand she jabbed it into the ribs of the current Vandal she was fighting. It was a large man with black hair and a hook hand. He stumbled back from the blow ad glared at her. Astrid glared back and readied herself for another attack when an alarmed squawk from behind her caught her attention. She glanced over her shoulder to see Stormfly on the ground, entangled and ensnared by bolas the Vandals had brought.

The Vandal facing Astrid took advantage of her momentary distraction and stepped forward, hooking his hook hand around the handle of her axe and ripping it form her grip with a sharp tug. Astrid cursed herself for getting distracted and turned back to face the man only to be met with a hard kick to the stomach. She doubled over in pain and gasped for air when he kicked her in the chest hard enough to send her to the floor. She was at his mercy as he had a sword pointed at her. She crawled backward until she was pressed up against Stormfly and glared up defiantly at the man.

"One chance lass. Come with us. Be my lass or I kill you and your dragon," the man said with an evil smile.

"Never," Astrid spat back at him.

The man narrowed his eyes at her disrespect. Then he lifted his sword up and cocked back his shoulder, ready to finish her off. Astrid could only wait for him to attack. The Vandal glared into her eyes until something caught his attention. Glancing passed her she saw his face pale and his eyes widened. Suddenly he lowered his sword and he stared taking steps backs. Astrid furrowed her brows in confusion. He totally had her at his mercy. What happened?

"It can't be. Not you again," the Vandal whispered, fear and dread evident in his voice.

Astrid slowly rose to her feet before glancing over her shoulder, following the man's gaze. Behind her was a building, and she let her eyes wander up it until it stopped at the top. Astrid gasped at what she saw.

It was a man. A man was standing at the top of the building, gazing down at what could have been the Vandal or her. He was clad in black armor the likes of which shed never seen. And at his left hip were two curved swords.

"Demon," she heard the Vandal whisper. She silently agreed. In the low light the man's eyes couldn't be seen. There were only two black pits in his helmet that made him look as if he was a being sent from the gates of Helheim itself. The man stepped forward and off the roof, landing in a crouch before walking slowly forward. The Vandal backed away, shaking in fear as he kept his eyes glued to the man.

Astrid didn't know if the man was friend or foe. Not taking any chances, she grabbed her axe and pointed it at him. He stopped and turned his gaze to her. "Don't move stranger," Astrid demanded lowly. "What are you doing here? Are you friend or foe?" she asked harshly.

The man stared down at her axe before his head lifted back up to her. "Baka," he said.

Astrid raised an eyebrow in confusion. What did that word mean? 'Baka'? She felt like she'd been insulted. The man took a step forward, before she could warn him he suddenly snatched the axe away from her with surprising strength for someone his size. Then he swept her legs out from under her. Before she could get back on her feet he placed a foot onto her shoulder and held her down. She looked up at him in surprise only to be met with the blade of her axe in her face.

"That's for pointing a weapon at me," the man said. She felt as if he was glaring at her. Then he shifted the axe and bounced the handle of it on her solar plexus before catching it back in his hand. Astrid wheezed and gasped as the air had been knocked out of her. "And that's for everything else," the man said before swinging the axe to his left and cutting Stormfly's bindings.

Stormfly immediately rose up and screeched at the armored man pinning down her human. She flared her wings op and raised her tail up in warning and sniffed at the man. Then suddenly, and to Astrid's surprise, she squawked curiously before her posture relaxed. She folded her wings to her sides and lowered her tail before cocking her head to the side curiously. Astrid remained on the ground, confused at her Nadder's change in posture. She looked like she saw the man as no threat. She was acting like she would if he'd been a villager. The man then dropped the axe and raised his hand up and presented his palm toward her. Stormfly stepped forward and placed her snout against it and purred happily. The man scratched her snout before stepping off Astrid and walking toward the Vandal again.

Astrid got up and watched the man. Who was he? Why did Stormfly act the way she did? Why were the things he said to her so familiar?

The Vandal recoiled in fear, his stump throbbing at the memory of the last time he'd encountered this man. Or whatever he was. "You've come back for me haven't you demon?" The Vandal asked in dread. The man remained silent as he advanced. All around the fighting had stopped as everyone's attention turned to this newcomer. The remaining Vandals all rushed to the aid of their comrade. They knew who this man was. They'd heard rumors of him killing off their people.

Stoick watched in fascination as the Vandals deemed this man to be more of a threat than his villagers. He heard them whisper amongst themselves, calling this strangely armored man a demon.

"A Dark Demon or a Guardian of Twilight?" came a whisper beside Stoick. Stoick turned to see Gaer standing beside him. His eyes were trained on the armored man.

"What?" Stoick asked quietly.

"Which of these two names will you believe once this tall warrior, clad in an armor as black as night, will stands before you? A "Demon" as he fought swift yet brutal to those who oppress.
A "Guardian" as he will stand to fight for those who couldn't." Gaer whispered aloud.

Everyone watched as the man crouched low and placed a hand onto the hilt of his longest sword. He remained motionless as he waited for an attack. The Vandal around him were confused. They didn't know what they should do. Then three of them standing directly in front of the man exchanged glances and nodded. With war cries they charged forward with their weapons at the ready.

"No!" shouted the hook handed Vandal. But his warning came too late. The men had sealed their fates the moment they stepped within striking distance.

In the blink of an eyes and in a flash of moonlight the man drew his sword and slashed at the Vandals. He slashed at them from the left before gripping the hilt of his sword with both hands and swinging from the right. Then he spun and stepped around them before sheathing his sword and standing upright.

Everyone stood there in shock and confusion. They were amazed at the speed of his attack but had he done anything? Their questions were answered as the three Vandals collapsed. Blood pouring out of the slashed on their necks from the man's attacks.

"His battles are short as he could finish his opponent before anyone can blink... and in another, all those against him have already fallen."

The Vandals were getting scared now. The hook handed Vandal had seen the man do that before. He knew the speed of the man's attack was inhuman.

The man drew is sword once more as he faced the rest of the Vandals. As he was about to step forward he was stopped by a shout to his left.

"Stop right there!" the man turned to see a Vandal holding a crying infant in his arm. A knife was raise above his head and the mother could be seen trying to get to her child but being held back by some villagers. "I'll kill the baby! I swear I will!" the man shouted in warning. His voice was quivering in fear as he spoke.

Behind the armored man a Vandal was sneaking up on him. Hoping to deal the death blow while he was distracted. As he came within striking distance and raised his weapon to attack he was snatched up by the shoulder and carried into the air. He released a terrified scream and he disappeared into the dark sky.

Everyone gaped in shock at what happened. They had no idea what happened to the man who had been sneaking up on the armored man. The man holding the baby was just as surprised and was staring up at the sky. The armored man used the distraction and charged forward. The Vandal's attention was suddenly drawn back to the man and he prepared to stab the infant. But before he could strike his hand was cut off in a flash before being kicked in the chest hard. The man stumbled back in a heap and the infant was tossed into the air. It cried and flailed before being caught by the armored man and cradled in his left arm.

The man turned and walked towards the infant's mother. Her eyes widened as he presented the baby out for her to take. She slowly did and brought the baby to her face to nuzzle and inspect before shedding tears of joy.

The armored man then trued around. He stared the Vandal's down and then placed his hand on the hilt of his other sword. Then he slowly drew it. Astrid narrowed her eyes as she saw that the sword was completely black.

The man took a step toward the Vandals, who took two steps back in response. They were sweating and gripping their weapons tightly in anxiety.

"A sword is held high to protect, flashes like the moon to those who's against him.
But once he draws the sword of the shadow..., eternal night awaits... as your days are done."

The man stopped his advance as he stared at the marauder. They waited as he kept his swords at his sides. Then he surged forward. The Vandals gave war cries as they charged to meet him. Everyone watched as one by one the Vandals were cut down by this man. His longest sword flashed, reflecting the full moon's light as he slashed his opponents apart, removing hand, arms, and even heads as he fought. And his black sword, whatever it was made out of it had to be incredibly hard. It sliced clean through the wooden handles of axes and maces and bit into and cleaved through the steel of their swords. The man didn't even bother to defend himself from opponent coming from behind him. For when they tried to attack they were carried off into the sky by some unknown force.

Astrid couldn't take her eyes off the man. He had to be fighting at least ten, no more, men all by himself. And that's when she realized who he was. This man was the samurai Johan had spoken of. The one that had saved him and that family.

In just a few short moments only one Vandal remained. The one with the hook hand. He'd been too afraid to charge. When the man shifted his gaze toward him he flinched in terror. Then the man started to stalk toward him.

"No," the man whimpered out. "Please don't kill me," the man begged. The armored man wasn't listening as in a flash the man's remaining hand was gone. The Vandal fell to his knees as he brought his bleeding stump to his chest. He looked up into the face of the man.

"I gave you a chance when I let you live before. Now you'll lose more than your hand," the man said lowly. The Vandal continued to stare before he felt something cold and metallic pierce his chest. He looked down to see the black sword stabbing him in the heart. His whole body went cold as he coughed up blood and died.

The man pulled his sword free of the Vandal's body and shook the blood off his weapons. Then he sheathed them. The full moon illuminated his form as Stoick came forward. The man's gaze shifted towards him. Stoick gasped at what he saw.

"Before he leaves, the last will be seen are his eyes that burn bright green to honor life...or judge death."

The color of the man's eyes were familiar. And it wasn't just the color. Something about them called to his memory. Then a cloud passed overhead. Casting a shadow over the man and completely obscuring him from view.

"And just like the shadows, he too vanishes."

Then a beat of wings was heard before something loud touched down in the darkness where the armored man had been. Then the cloud passed and the light of the moon cast itself over the man once more. A gasp went through the crowd. There was something behind him.

Something big. Something black. It rose up into hind legs and stood behind the man protectively. It flares it wings open and growled lowly, shifting its toxic green eyes aroud and gazing at the villagers with menacing black slits.

"But on the night when the moon shines its brightest, this heavenly light will show a glimpse of who he is. For what stands behind him is his soul... His shadow, but not of a man, but something... something worthy of both fear and respect."

Everyone froze in shock as they made out the thing behind the man. Many of the villagers knew what it was. It was a dragon. A dragon that they'd only ever seen once. A dragon that on this day six years ago vanished without a trace and its rider disappeared along with it. It was Night Fury.

Astrid stood there slack jawed and wide eyed. It was without a doubt a Night Fury standing behind the man. Acid green eyes, black scales, large wings, and as she traced the details of the dragon she gasped when she saw the tail. Half of it wasn't real.

The odds were too impossible. It had to be. It was him.

Astrid took a step toward the man, causing him and his dragon to shift their attention to her. "It's you," Astrid whispered quietly. She stopped within a few feet of the man as she just stood there, paralyzed in shock. "Hiccup."

At her words the dragon quickly dropped down on all fours and circled around the man. And in the next moment he was atop the dragon. Before Astrid could even cry out and move the dragon crouched low and jumped into the sky. It beat its wings steadily and all too soon disappeared into the night sky.

Astrid scanned the sky, frantic to find the dragon and its rider. Then she whirled around and ran to Stormfly she was about to mount her when someone caught a hold of her wrist. She turned around with a snarl on her face to the chief.

"Easy Astrid. We have more important things to do right now," he said evenly.

"But sir that was Hiccup. It had to be," she said frantically.

"I know. But we need to treat the wounded and assess the situation in the village right now. This will have to wait," he said firmly. He held the girl's gaze as she reluctantly relented. H nodded before releasing her and then looked up into the night sky.

He knew she was right. That had been his son. He wanted desperately to go after him himself but as chief he had to put the village at the top of his priorities at the moment.

Still, the chief was filled with a hope that had been extinguished. His son was alive. He was back. They could find him.

They would find him.

New chapter. Sorry for the wait guys. Have and stuff now. Hope you like. Feel free to review and comment.