Chapter eighteen – Parting Ways*

So… sorry for the hiatus, but the time has come to finish what was started.

…

Hiccup woke up to find the cave alight with sunshine. Glancing to his left, he realized Astrid wasn't there. Stepping outside, he realized none of the wolves were there anymore.

He came back in the cave and stood over his bed. He glanced over at Astrid's dried pile of leaves. Her impression still warm and evident.

Then he noticed his things had been piled neatly beside his bed. His red hood was folded up in a neat square – the mask portion long lost and forgotten. The little cut in the fabric (from where she'd nearly slashed his eyes out) had been amateurishly mended with simple stitches. His sword was back in its scabbard, clean and polished. There was even a leafy package, tied with string. Curiously, Hiccup decided to open it.

Inside was more dried jerky. Thankfully, not chewed up for him.

Hiccup warmed with a little chuckle.

…

After eating some of the food, Hiccup fully dressed himself, put his sword back at his side, and pocketed the food. When he walked out of the cave, he was greeted by bright, warm sunlight. Glancing down, he spotted Toothless in the grassy grove beneath the cave. He had his reins on his head again.

"Toothless," he said with relief, "Sorry if I worried you."

With a leap, he jumped down from the cave ledge, expecting to land as he normally would. But on contact, his legs wouldn't lift himself up to stand and he immediately rolled over, falling a little down the hill.

Toothless cocked his head at the boy laughing to himself. "I guess my legs are still pretty weak, huh?"

Then, just a moment later, his instincts went on alert.

Hiccup sat up as he saw a white wolf, sitting several paces away. It was one of Astrid's brothers. He seemed to be waiting for him.

Before Hiccup even asked, Toothless lowered his head for the boy to climb up. Gingerly, the boy did. The familiar feeling of sitting high on the elk's back was soothing, despite the slight dull ache still lingering in his muscles.

The wolf remained indifferent. He stood up on his paws and started walking down a rocky path, leading away. It was obvious he wanted them to follow.

…

The path was steep and rocky, but it was nothing Toothless couldn't handle. The elk went slow for the boy's sake, his steps careful and calculated.

The wolf never hurried – neither distancing or closing the reserved space between them. He merely paused every so often and waited for the deer and boy to catch up.

The forest was eerily quiet compared to how Hiccup had known it. There had always been a slight hum in the air. But now it was gone.

"It's so quiet," he thought aloud to Toothless, "I wonder where our friends the little kodama went."

Soon enough, the sound of water found them as they once again emerged from the trees into daylight. But this river was filled with boulders and dead trees that had been washed away down the stream from the storm – which felt so long ago.

A pungent smell wafted in the air.

"I can smell the ironworks from here…" Hiccup muttered.

He turned and looked back at the wolf, still stoically sitting several paces away, watching him indifferently.

Hiccup quirked a smile on his lips and raised his voice, "Thanks for showing us the way! I have another favor to ask!" He reached into his shirt and shrugged off the crystal dagger from his neck.

It had first been a gift for his sister, a thing for protection. Then it was a sentiment to remember his home. But if he was doomed to die alone… the little blade would serve no more purpose.

He clenched his fingers around it one more time. Then raised his arm over his shoulder. "Will you please give this to Astrid for me?" he called. "For luck. And to say I'm sorry..."

The wolf lifted his head and expertly caught the piece of jewelry in his mouth. Without a word, the creature stood and left, disappearing into the trees once more.

Hiccup watched until he was sure the wolf was gone, breathing a heavy sigh.

It had been fun while it lasted. But at least… the dagger from his homeland could at least join her in her fight. Maybe even save her life…

He held on to that thought, milking the comfort it brought. If only a little.

"Let's go," he mumbled.

He didn't even need to squeeze his heels for Toothless to respond. He plodded onward.

…

Again, so sorry for the wait. I also have other stories in the works for any Arcane fans.

Westside Story – Arcane, and Coraline – Arcane.

While these also follow the story they are set, they have their own unique chapters and twists and turns.

That said, I'm not going to apologize anymore for a story that does follow the original storyline. I wrote it that way because that was how I wanted it.

Hopefully, these future chapters will come out a lot more consistently and we can reach the end. Let's enjoy the ride!