Anyone confused by time period, just let me know. I'll be jumping ahead from time to time in future chapters because other characters will be telling Hiccup's journey through flashbacks and storytelling.

Mild violence and trauma will occur on occasion

Chapter 6: The Unknown

Berserker Island

Council were discussing what to tell Stoick about the emergency supply he requested. Their chief, Oswald the Agreeable, had disappeared. No warning, no note, no explanation. They were dreading how to proceed because it wasn't just Chief Stoick's impatience that concerned them.

"Nobody's seen Oswald for almost two weeks. What are we supposed to tell Stoick?"

"We'll have to to get word out to the Outcasts for one to see what caused that lightning storm. The weather out there's been unpredictable. First, dense fog then that. I'm guessing it's why they haven't pillaged for a while."

"I don't know. Word is Chief Stoick of Berk reached some kind of barter with Alvin involving his runt. Although, I don't know much else about it."

"Alright. Well we have to find Oswald's boy, Dagur, and travel to Berk. Until we can be sure of anything, he is in charge."

"Oh, great. And where is he?"

"He's been wandering around the shores for awhile. And I know this sounds strange, but he's been acting unusual."

"Unusual as in…?"

"As in normal. Depressed and cooperative."

"Wow. That IS unusual."

Young Dagur the Deranged, as he had been named by his village, was actually looking for his father too. Being Chief was what he wanted but for different reasons. So different from his father, many would come to think Dagur caused his father's disappearance. The young heir didn't do much to dissuade that thinking. He had plans. Little did he know those plans and his mind would both be influenced by unexpected encounters.

Dagur sat in thought before the Council approached. 'What was Dad thinking trusting that guy? I'll find you myself, sister. Someday. And Dad will stop looking at me that way.'

Bog Burglar Island

Hiccup and Toothless were charged with leading the way through the backwoods. Toothless had the best chance of spotting Changewings and Hiccup was his rider. Heather, Cami, a few guards, and a newcomer named Minden went along too. Heather because she felt connected to the Razorwhip, Cami because she knew the area better than anyone, including her mother, and Minden, so as to calm the lost dragon.

Guards gave some armor to the young ones in case of encounters with other creatures. Hiccup had fashioned some shields of his own with a special metal that he and Heather found on a rocky island far out to sea. He didn't know exactly what to call it, but it was more durable than the typical metal used by any tribe Hiccup knew anyway. The island seemed deserted but Heather swore she saw the chubby dragons that Hiccup believed were Gronkles. He hoped to go back there for more so as to solve the Bog's supply problem.

They stayed low to the ground and kept quiet as best they could, hoping not to startle the Changewings or the lost Razorwhip.

Eventually, they rested and built a small site. It gave time for Hiccup and the girls to get to know Minden.

"Pardon me for asking, Minden. Where are you from?" Hiccup asked.

Minden was hesitant, despite the boy having a dragon of his own."Well, young man, I'm afraid it's not something I can share with you. I can tell you that I came to bring this Razorwhip to a remote land free from hunters and other Vikings. She came of age and needed a new home." Minden could see this boy wasn't like most Vikings for many reasons, so she shared what she could.

"I was told to settle around here because the Bog tribe is mostly women and it's been well established by our leader and a confidant of hers back home that male Vikings are not the type to be trusted around dragons. No offense to you, of course."

"It's alright, Minden. Really." Hiccup reassured her.

"He means it." Heather added. "If anyone knows how most Vikings feel about dragons, it's Hiccup here. His father, Chief Stoick of Berk, had him banished to Outcast Island when he heard his son helped Toothless here."

"Berk, you say? Yes, Atali mentioned that was one of the many areas to avoid." Minden looked at Hiccup and said, "I'm very sorry. That sounds awful."

"Yeah, well. It's alright. It's nothing I haven't felt most of my life. Just never at this scale. Atali is right not to trust male Vikings around dragons. They're so quick to fight or claim a trophy without thinking twice or even at all. I can't blame you."

Minden eyed the boy curiously. She could tell the boy was struggling with something and had experienced more than someone his age should have. To see him with as rare a dragon as a Night Fury by his side was even more intriguing. This boy was something different. She told him all about Razorwhips and how her tribe protected them from birth until young adulthood. He was always eager to hear more about rare dragons. Made sense. He had one even more rare, but she would talk about that later.

Suddenly Toothless growled when he sensed something close to the site. Nobody could see it, which told them Changewings were near. Then they heard a scream. What they then realized is that Cami was gone. She had walked away to find a clear path while they were talking. They rushed out to see what happened and found Cami face to face with a Changewing. The camouflage thing wasn't exaggerated at all. The dragon was near invisible against the boulder it had been resting. Only its head was visible.

Cami backed against a nearby tree, trying to appease it, only to see another one hiding in the branches above. The dragons hissed to warn the intruders. Hiccup wanted to intervene but Minden mentioned male presence in nesting grounds was as problematic as foreign dragons.

The Changewings were getting closer, and everyone seemed worried, but what was strange was Cami didn't look scared. Hiccup saw her demeanor as cautious, but unlike with Toothless, she looked composed. Then, the two dragons came to her from both sides and Hiccup would've ordered Toothless to fire, then…

"Shadow, Whisper, what did I tell you two about playing that game around me?"

Hiccup and Heather looked dumbfounded and Minden raised a brow as Cami not only had the situation handled, but seemed to have a secret or two of her own.

Hiccup and company gave each other glances before he decided to ask a question.

"Cami, you want to explain?"

"They like to play hide and seek with me in plain sight. They're good at it." Cami said as Hiccup gave a scowl. "Oh, them? I thought it'd be obvious, Hiccup. You are not the only one with a special secret. Don't misunderstand. I haven't tried flying with them. These two just don't seem to mind goofing with me, as long as I stay away from the nest. Don't tell Mom, okay?"

"You kidding?" Hiccup chuckled. "She'll probably blame me for this."

"Yeah, good point. Go ahead and tell her" She said as everyone laughed and Hiccup scowled. "Anyway, we should be near the nest. These two are not full grown, but they are meant to ward off intruders, so I think we're close."

"Well, we can't go in there." Hiccup motioned to Toothless as he said this. "So what do you think, Minden?"

"If the Changewings are familiar with Cami, she should take the lead. Hiccup, you and Heather hang back with your dragon. I'll whistle if we need help."

"Alright."

Minden and Cami went into the fog, while Hiccup and Heather waited outside the nest. Things were pretty dull for a while, until they heard roars and an unusual whistle. Hiccup and Heather climbed on Toothless and charged in immediately. When they found the two girls behind some bushes, they walked over and Cami pointed to something down the hill. The Razorwhip was there guarding a fallen tree while the Changewings surrounded her. Heather was the first to speak.

"What's happening here?"

"I don't know." Minden answered. "She saw me but she refuses to leave those logs. She usually runs from strange dragons, but she won't back down from the Changewings now. Plus, she's nowhere near their nests. This aggression from the mothers makes no sense."

This whole situation confused Hiccup too. He stepped off Toothless and pulled out a scope he fashioned a while back. He took a closer look at the logs behind the Razorwhip and saw something small moving inside and realized. 'Those look like…'

"There are Terrible Terrors inside that log! Look."

Hiccup handed Cami the scope and she saw three Terrors inside.

"What are they doing in there?", Cami wondered. "They live at the higher points off the Bog. They never come here, especially in such a small group."

"Why not?" Heather asked.

Hiccup interjected. "Because the packs stick together. The terrors are too small and they depend on each other for protection. Traveling in small pairs is dangerous when larger dragons are here. It makes no sense they would come to this area in a small flock. Not unless…"

"What?" Cami asked.

"Well, either the glowing from the nests lured them down here because they are attracted to light or something threw them off course from their nest. Didn't the Razorwhip fly off course around here, Minden."

She thought for a second and realized. "Yes, that's true. It happened around here. She must've sensed the little dragons and now she's protecting them. Still, the Changewings are being way too aggressive."

'That's such a cool dragon, to protect those little ones', Heather thought before asking about the Changewings. "What do you think caused that?"

"We won't know until we get closer." said Hiccup.

Berk/a month later

Astrid was pacing her room. She watched Gobber from her window, waiting for him to leave the forge so she could put Hiccup's journal back. She thought about reading it, but didn't feel like she should invade Hiccup's privacy for some reason. She grew more frustrated by the minute. Gobber had been working non-stop to fix what little weaponry they had left because he had no help, not to mention his age wasn't helping. 'He has to go to bed soon. C'mon!'

Astrid sighed and gave up and threw herself into bed. On one side against her table was her new axe and on the table was the journal. Both creations of Hiccup but in different styles. The axe was detailed, sharp, and durable. A complete contrast of what everyone thought of him. The journal on the other hand was more appropriate to Hiccup's character. Small, insignificant, and while full of knowledge, not really helpful unless wielded by another. The urge to open it was tempting, yet she tried to ignore it. She just tried to go to sleep and as soon as she went for her candle, she accidentally knocked the journal off the table, which knocked the latch free and opened the first page to see an inscription.

-Love from mother (Happy 5th Birthday, my precious son)

Property of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Most famously known as "Useless" or "Stoick's Fishbone"

Astrid was confused at first, knowing Hiccup was still in a cradle when Valka was killed by dragons. Then she realized, Valka must've planned this gift in advance. A book didn't seem like anything Stoick would give him. Also, the handwriting on the last inscription was clearly scribbled in; by Hiccup most likely.

'A gift from his mother.' Astrid felt more guilty opening it now, but couldn't seem to help herself. The pages were worn and marked everywhere, which meant Hiccup wrote in this a lot. Astrid was a little perplexed by it though. Hiccup kept to himself this much? I mean from the age of six, it made sense. She barely ever saw him outside the forge or going home and it wasn't like she spent time with him. Ever since her promise to restore her family's name, she just wanted to train or learn from those who had knowledge in dragon-slaying. While she could barely tolerate the words and behavior of Snotlout, the Twins, and Fishlegs, at least they had helpful tips and were physically capable of helping. Hiccup wasn't. Astrid, without thinking turned the page.

There was a drawing of a Deadly Nadder at the top. It was pretty good, much like the sketch she'd seen in Hiccup's workshop. Underneath the drawing was an inscription.

'My beautiful boy, you are undoubtedly at that age where your father and the village will start lecturing you about the Viking way. That way includes "kill or be killed" and while I know there are forces in this world that will hurt you, I hope you will listen to my lessons as well.

There is always more to learn, no matter how old you get or how fast the world makes you grow up, and I see in you a gentle soul who could never harm the smallest nor deadliest of creatures, human or otherwise.'

'Wow. Insightful woman.' Astrid thought before continuing.

'But don't ever take that to mean there is something wrong with you. You are a gift to this world and I know you were born in this time and manner for a reason. Show your father respect and grant him as much patience as you can. He is a proud man and his ego can carry him too far. He will expect a lot from you and sometimes too much. Don't take that to mean he doesn't care. I think sometimes he forgets he can't be a parent the same way he is a chief or a viking. A lesson he may never learn completely.

Also, I am quite familiar with the villagers as well. Overall good people but many like your father, so set in their ways that they have no tolerance for anyone or anything different. No doubt there children will be raised in that manner as well. Most especially these clans. Your relatives, the Jorgensons, with their arrogance and so-called charm, the Thorstons and their lust for trickery and mischief, the Ingermans who are gentle but tend to be "know-it-all's", and even the Hoffersons who are great fighters but tend to jump in without caution. I fear that will cost them one day.'

'Damn. This woman has insight most would envy. She doesn't hold back on anyone, either. Is this what Hiccup thought of us too? I mean it's not fair to judge on appeara…' Astrid stopped herself when she realized what she was about to say.

'My dearest friend, Hilda, worries about her husband and brother-in-law, Finn, for those very reasons as she tells me. Don't tell her I shared this, okay? The men in her family don't appreciate humility.'

'Yeah no kidding, lady.' Astrid thinks while scoffing. Then she turned the page to finish the rest.

'She most especially worries about her young daughter, Astrid. She sees her father's side in her and it will no doubt drive the girl to be a fighter. There is no crime in that but, like me, a mother's worry never subsides.'

'What a judgmental woman. Does she think this little of everyone around her? I mean she makes some accurate insights, but…' Then Astrid caught sight of the rest.

'What I mean to tell you from this is try to see the overall picture of everyone. Different people can learn from each other and become stronger. That is how a village and its families survive. I fear they will be rough on you and those will be some of the hardest times of your young life. I just hope knowing this will make you a stronger person because the world needs people like you, no matter what others may say, including your father.'

'Oh. Man, I do jump in head first, don't I?'

'I write this all for you now because this world can be unpredictable and I hope to help guide you through it as well as have your father's strength, but there are no guarantees. Don't let the ugliness of the world make you bitter and vengeful. See the beauty in things and always try to find another way if you can. No matter how often you feel like something is missing, I know you will find it. Just like you will find a plurpose in this world.'

'You are the greatest gift I could hope for in this life.'

'Love always, Mom.'

Astrid had to force the book shut after that, feeling she may cry. 'How did Hiccup feel when he read this?' She wondered. His mother died before he learned to crawl. That's a lot for a five year old to hear, Viking or not. Astrid had always been indifferent towards Hiccup. One of the reasons was he never seemed to stand up for himself. If he couldn't do it then, how would he be taken seriously as the next Chief of Berk. As time went on, the possibility Hiccup would be denied this title grew greater in her eyes.

Looking back though, remembering how reserved Hiccup was; how he never pushed back or responded with venomous words in kind, to her or anyone else who mocked him. Astrid assumed it was because he was afraid or being so small, he knew he would be severely hurt. Maybe, just maybe, he was respecting his mother's wishes. He had so little from her and knew even less about her, other than words from the village. I guess there was something to be said there. Hiccup respected his mother without really meeting her. It must've been a comfort to him to know his mother had faith in him; albeit a small comfort since she wasn't there to reassure him along the way.

Astrid, however, felt guilty reading even that much, invading Hiccup's privacy. She latched the book shut and almost immediately fell asleep, not realizing Gobber left shop not an hour earlier. 'Maybe I'll have more questions for Hiccup than I realized.' she thought to herself. What she didn't know was those questions would pile up with time and more discoveries. And her emotions would be along for the ride too.

Bog Burglar Island/around the same time

Hiccup was hard at work in the forge, fighting old and fresh injuries, as he had been for the entire month, preparing more weapons and stronger roofing for the Burglars' homes. Weapons, especially, since the new metal on that island he discovered was very durable and would be great in case of sneak attacks and for battle soldiers in case of invasions. He dubbed it "Gronkle Iron", because he noticed, when he flew back, Gronkles were spitting up lava after chewing rocks. What was left behind was a durable metal that put steel to shame. He wasn't, however, going to give stronger dragon-killing weapons to Berk.

When he returned and tested the metal on a new shield melded with the iron, he convinced Bertha to send much of the Burglar's remaining stock to Berk. It had been nearly a month and there had been no signs of invasion, so the waters were presumed safe. Hiccup flew on Toothless nearby in order to keep watch in case of attack, but stayed far from Berk while the ships brought in fresh stock. Once he saw them return he gave air support to protect the ship from any sneak attacks back to their island. It had been a couple weeks while Toothless and Heather's new dragon, the Razorwhip, kept guard. It had taken a liking to her and chose to remain. She named her Windshear and talked with Hiccup and Minden about how to best handle her. The two bonded very well.

Things had calmed down over the next month considering what happened with the Changewings. When the group returned from the mission in the Bog, Hiccup had a gash on his arm and Cami and Heather were riding dragons as well. Bertha was confused to say the least and got the story from her daughter while Hiccup went to the village medic.

Minden was staying to help out for a while, but did manage to get word back to her tribe, courtesy of something she learned and passed to the others. Small dragons like Terrors can deliver messages across the Archipelago as long as they have a trail to follow. The Terrors protected by Windshear had ridden her back into the village and treated her like a surrogate mother. She taught Heather some tricks about Razorwhips while she talked about her home, Wing-Maiden Island, and what they did for the Razorwhips. Heather was fascinated, to say the least.

Camicazi told her mother about the two Changewings she befriended and there was some sort of plant making the dragons act feral in the Bog. The plant apparently had been attached to the Terrors, making them act erratically, which is why they flew out of their territory. This felt like an intentional act, but by whom was unknown. By the time the Razorwhip found the Terrors, remnants of the plant had gotten to her and some of the Changewing mothers. Hiccup's story of injury was halted as they had to administer an antidote for Sharp-class poison. It wasn't severe as the barb grazed him but the precaution was necessary and left him with a fresh scar to go with the old ones on his back. Bertha calmed herself about her daughter's two new invisible companions as best she could. She after all had a number of people who could help her daughter take proper precautions. Since her daughter was heir to the tribe, she made it clear to the villagers it would take a lot to make this a common thing, most likely an emergency situation.

After everything settled, Hiccup worked relentlessly in the forge to make sure the Burglars had enough weaponry. He hadn't been getting much sleep though. Heather tried to explain that away with what happened on Outcast Island. And despite the concern, Bertha allowed it provided he get some sleep in the early mornings. Along with the weapons, Hiccup helped Cami and the tribe resupply the rations they had lost in the attack. Toothless made it easier to gather fish, as did the girls and their dragons. So things returned to normal in the Bog, well, plus four dragons, a lost girl, and a fugitive.

Bertha entered the tiny forge and walked to the small workspace Hiccup made for himself. She knew the boy was a hard worker, but didn't want him working himself to death. His craftsmanship was impressive as well as the time in which he completed tasks, sometimes days ahead of necessity. Most in his position would make demands by now, but Hiccup still acted like a guest, which he technically was, and felt the need to earn his keep. 'Does this poor boy have any pride? So unlike his father.' She wondered. He had a right to be proud, but for some reason, he made nothing of what he had done.

"Well son I think you've done more than enough to replenish our supplies. Perhaps you should rest." Bertha said, but Hiccup did not respond and kept hammering.

"Hiccup?" Still nothing. She wasn't about to get close as she knew he could accidentally hit her with something if startled.

She called for Heather saying he was doing it again. Heather called Toothless and grabbed a bucket of cold water. Bertha and Heather stayed outside while Toothless was given the water and did a task he was accustomed at doing lately. One loud splash later…

"AHHHH! Toothless!" Hiccup screamed, until he realized. "Wha…?" He came outside and asked them, "Was I doing it again?"

The Chieftess and Heather nodded. Hiccup sighed in frustration. "I'm sorry, Chieftess. I meant no disrespect."

"You don't have to tell me that every time, son. I know by now, alright?"

"I know." Hiccup was patting Toothless and realized his state of mind was fixated to the point where he became lost in his own head. Another gift from Outcast Island and his solitude for the first six months.

"Stop saying sorry, Hiccup, and talk to someone who can help you with this. Take a break for a short while. We have hypnotists and medicine here if you need it."

"You're very kind, Chieftess. I'll give it more thought." He then left to eat with Toothless in tow.

"He doesn't like asking for help, does he?" Bertha asked.

Heather shook her head. "No. He's not used to graciousness either. Fifteen years of being left to fend on his own didn't help, I suppose."

"Ah, yes. The Hooligan tribe keeps on giving." Windshear and the Changewings then came to land with Cami on Whisper's back. "Daughter, what did I say about flying around here?!"

"Oh, mom. That's what I came to show you. Whisper, Shadow, up!" The two then flew just above the trees. As soon as the two dragons were above the forest, they went invisible. It looked like Cami was floating above the air. Heather smiled, out of Bertha's sight of course. "See I taught them how to go invisible when they're in clear skies."

"That's very cute, Camicazi. Now, COME DOWN HERE!"

"Alright, alright." Cami came down and took the usual lecture.

"I told you you can fly at low altitudes away from the main camp, alright. Just make sure you're careful." Bertha said while Cami responded with a nod. Bertha then left to deal with other matters.

"What's with the water bucket? Dragon boy go zombie again?"

"Yeah", said Heather. "I wish he could get past it."

"Who knows? Let's just hope it doesn't get worse."

Back on Berk the next morning

The dragons in the kill ring were wailing again. Nobody knew why, but at least they let Berk know when the sun came up.

"Will someone shut them up already?! What is wrong with them anyway?! Damn creatures are a plague from Hell." Stoick had his fill of this. "And where is Spitelout?! Why isn't he back yet?!"

Gobber did his best to appease him. "Ah, Stoick. You know Spitelout has never been a button-down type."

"He's doing this to irritate me. The same thing Bertha did when she lagged on our supplies. If the Boggers hadn't gotten off their arses with those supplies for us two weeks ago, someone would pay for it."

"Well, you might want to regain your composure. The Berserkers and their chief are coming with the rest of the rations they promised."

"Well isn't that nice of them. Oswald is normally the most cooperative. No doubt his son is giving him headaches again for him to be this far behind. Least will have something to discuss."

Gobber, if he was being honest, hoped Stoick would go easier on Hiccup when he returned. The boy spent well over a year in a place that was too harsh for whatever he was accused. If he survived, it would be amazing. Plus, Gobber was exhausted at the forge, he needed his best worker back in decent shape.

Just then a horn blew with sentries telling they saw two ships in the distance. One with the Berserker flag, another with Berk's.

"About time." Stoick said. Little did he realize neither boat carried good news for him.

Sorry this took a while. Couldn't be certain how to write this chapter. If anything's confusing you here, let me know. I'll be doing a majority on Berk next chapter. I just hope the time jumps aren't confusing anyone. Good day.