There is truely no rest for the wicked.

No nap for Millie.

The twins held a few small but boisterous contests to see who would collect the zippleback gas. It ended in a tie and came down to Ruffnut collecting the gas since it came from the head she rode on, thus making it her dragon so it was her responsibility.

Snotlout took off on Hookfang, claiming how the dragon needed to "work up a sweat" in order to expell enough gel worth collecting. He was probably trying to keep his distance from me, still superstitious.

Throk was kept involved at the beginning, judging many of the twins outlandish contests. But once that was sorted he turned his attention on me, which was tiring. Trying to explain myself to him was like talking to a toddler. And it's not that he's a stupid man, but he really couldn't grasp the basics. At least now he was trying to understand my situation, as opposed to stabbing first and asking questions later.

"If walking into the woods caused the shifting, why not just walk back the way you came to reverse it?" We'd gone around this circle three times now but Throk was still struggling.

"Because the woods that I walked through were gone. Vanished. Not a tree in sight. Like shipwrecked sailor's that wash up on a shoreline but only remember being tossed from the boat." His brow furrowed deeper. "If I could have walked back the way I came, I would have. Trust me. This isn't exactly a dream come true." It's pretty close, though.

Tuffnut had gotten bored with this endless looping conversation, weaving small creations for me. He already helped to tie off the sash around my neck to make a sling for my arm, as well as weaving a small hat that was more like a bowl he placed on my head. It didn't stay on very well, but now he was working on a mat of sorts, he held it up to me and once satisfied that it was just a little larger than myself he added more layers to make it thicker.

Throk was still struggling with the idea, but he finally gave up on it when he realized I would just keep giving him the same answer.

"What of these stories, you mentioned. How did they go?"

"There were maybe one or two that were more friendly, started and ended happily. Most were morbid and horrendously dark."

"How so?" My stomach churned at thinking of how to answer his question. I honestly did not want to think of those outcomes here.

"Well," I couldn't look up at him, my mind already reeling at what came to mind. "It was a fight for survival. Finding themselves to small and weak to fight back. They were treated worse than animals by those who found them. Tortured for others amusement."

"But they made it out in the end, right?" I swallowed hard, shaking my head as I felt the blood rush from my face.

"No. They more often died in creative and horrific ways by their captors."

"Such as?" Throk pressed further. Trying to get more information in hopes of finding a solution, or maybe to prevent such things, I couldn't say which. He could be a hard man to read.

My eyes shut tight. I couldn't answer him. I did not want to think about any of it in detail. I don't want to put those ideas in my head when I saw any of their faces. Shaking my head, trying desperately to get those images out of my mind.

I jumped out of my skin when Hiccup tossed his helmet on the table top, it landed in such a way that it stared dauntingly back at me. He was soaking wet, water dripping from his clothes and hair. It was rare to see Hiccup express intense negative emotions, and this was one of those moments. He wore a firm scowl as he paced about, earning our full attention before he stopped to glare at the map letting out an irritated huff.

Mala and Fishlegs were close behind, bone dry, and clearly keeping their distance.

"If it's out of our reach then it should be safe. And without the Dragon Eye it's useless anyway. You did all you could." Mala tried to place a comforting hand on Hiccup's shoulder but Fishlegs stopped her, the look on his face a clear warning not to go near. It was made evident why as Hiccup slammed his fist on the table. Toothless perked up, looking for a possible threat that had set his rider off.

I was paralyzed. My mind still thinking of those horrible stories that feeling the impact he'd made on the table was enough to make me shake with fear.

"For a twig, he can be scary when he's mad." Ruffnut whispered to her brother as they watched the scene with tense amusement. At least they weren't the focus of his ire this time.

"It's the jaw." Tuffnut noted. "Especially when he does that grinding thing--That! There it is." Hiccup was biting his tongue, trying to ignore the twins running commentary on his current mood.

"They will find a way." He looked over his shoulder at them, breathing evenly. "Viggo, Kogan and Johanne weren't the only resourceful hunters out there. If they want that lens then they'll find a way. We have to get it first."

"What happened?" Throk asked, unbothered by the outburst.

"We had it." Hiccup wiped furiously at his damp locks clinging to his forehead, trying hard to keep his calm. "We had the lens in our grasp. It was wedged in the walls of the volcano just near the back entrance. We pryed it loose but it slipped out of our hands and went into the inlet. I went in after it but it fell into a crevice. I couldn't reach in far enough to get it back."

"How could the hunters retrieve it if you couldn't? Have you seen those guys? If you're scrawny fingers couldn't get it, how could their fat sausages? It's probably safer out there than with us anyway." Ruffnut voiced, but it was no use. Hiccup was determined.

"Because the hunters won't stop until they have it. We can't let them get to it first." He began pacing again. "I just need to figure out a way to get it out of that small space."

Why does this sound familiar. Almost like an overused plot. One that would most likely end up with me getting into more trouble.

I watched timidly the scene before me. Convincing myself that they weren't like the horror stories I'd read. That I was just tired and my imagination was running away with me. They didn't treat me like an animal or a prize, they treated me like a person. A fragile person mind you, but still as a human being. Even so, I could feel my heart pounding against my ribs as I found my voice to ask one of the most stupidest questions of this whole adventure.

"H-how deep is it?" Hiccup stopped. Thinking a moment before he looked down at me. His eyes lit up as he finally figured out what I was asking.

"About five meters down to the bottom."

"No. Chicken risked her life for you and I'm not going to have you waste it by doing something stupid and dangerous." Tuffnut pulled me closer to himself protectively, out of Hiccups reach. "And I know stupid and dangerous. I've lived with her my whole life."

"If it's really that dangerous in the hands of the dragon hunters, then it's worth trying." I forced my way out, back to where I stood before, craning my neck to look Hiccup in eyes while trying not to shudder. "The real problem is that five meters for you is a lot farther for me. I'm a strong swimmer but my lungs aren't that good." His face fell slightly, trying to find a solution.

"The diving bell could work but that's back on Berk and it would take too long to bring it here." I rattled my brain, scanning the immediate area. What would work the same as the diving bell to create an air pocket?

I'm going to hate this. "What about this?" I leaned against the mug I was using as a support earlier. "If you were to dive with me, to keep it steady, it might work."

Stepping back as Hiccup picked up the mug to examine it before he downed the remaining contents. I grimaced, my mind still rattled from previous topics. Don't go there. Do not go there. Don't even think about it. Hiccups face twisted, whatever was inside that cup was not something he was used to but no one told him to drink it either, he could have simply dumped it out instead.

"Could that actually work?" Throk took the empty mug, turning it upside and testing its weight, trying to imagine it holding up underwater.

"But you arm is badly injured. Not to mention the trauma you've been through. And you look like you haven't rested at all." Fishlegs pointed out sternly. "You're in no shape or condition to even think about anything like this."

"Fishlegs is right." Agreed Mala. "You would be putting your life at risk, even with Hiccup beside you."

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Hiccup got onto his knees to be more eye level with me. As much as he was on board with the idea, he wasn't going to force it. This was not an easy decision. I took a deep but shakey breath, striding as confidently as I could to place an assuring hand on one of Hiccup's fingers.

"You helped me when I needed it. Let me return the favour." That sounds familiar. Hiccup studied my face briefly before he accepted.

"Okay. Let's do this, then." Hiccup tossed the empty mug into Toothless' saddle bag before seating himself, coming alongside the table to hold out his hand. No turning back now, I thought to myself as I clumsily clambered onto Hiccups waiting hand. This was definitely a different ride as he kept me close to his chest.

"I can't watch this." Moaned Fiahlegs. "But I can't let you do this without a spotter, either." He mounted Meatlug, ready to follow us.

"We'll meet back here, if the others return before we do. But we should be back soon." Hiccup did what he could, the rushing wind was harsh on my face and ears.

The view, though, was worth every ear popping moment. It felt like a roller coaster ride, only with less loops. My eyes were watering but it was amazing to watch the island speed by underneath, curving against the volcanos base. It didn't last long though as the island wasn't very big and we landed on the shore of the cove behind the rumbling mountain after roughly ten minutes.

I was set on the saddle seat while Hiccup prepared for the dive, again. Toothless kept trying to turn around to see me, nearly tossing me off onto the coarse sands if Hiccup hadn't caught me.

"Easy there, bud. You're going to hurt her." To try and calm him down Hiccup held his hand steady, showcasing me to the dragon. Under different circumstances this would be a dream come true, being this close to one of my favourite dragons. Toothless' tail brushed through the sand, eagerly wanting to get close while trying to be gentle. It made me think of those videos when dogs are introduced to new babies and they are trying desperately to contain themselves.

I gave him a good pat on the nose, earning myself a signature tooth-less smile as he spun and pranced around us.

"Okay, okay. Calm down, bud." Hiccup chuckled at the dragons behavior, trying to keep him still as he retrieved the mug.

"You should have a tether." Fishlegs pulled a length of twine from one of the pouches on his belt. "So you don't lose her in the current."

"Great thinking, Fishegs." One end was tied around my waist and the other around Hiccups wrist, leaving my sash/sling behind so it wouldn't get in the way.

"We'll wait on the shore and keep watch." Fishlegs stood back with the two dragons.

"Sounds good." Hiccup looked back to me. "Are you ready?"

"Yes." No. I was very anxious of what should happen if this goes horribly wrong. Hiccup started wading his way into the waters.

"We'll do a test run. I'll hold it under for a minute and we can see how it holds up first, okay?"

"Okay." The water was up to his ribs now and there was no stopping my getting wet. You'd think with this inlet being so close to the volcano that it would be like a hot spring.

Nope.

It.

Was.

Ice.

Cold.

Even with all these layers I had, it was a shock as I didn't get a chance to work my way into it. I clung to Hiccups thumb as the waters reached my neck, listening to him laugh at the string of curses that came from my mouth.

"It's not that bad, is it?" He grinned. I'm sure my lips were already blue. This had better be quick.

"This is terrible. I hate being cold."

"Well, hopefully this will be over quickly." He pushed the mug down, expelling half the air inside and holding it there. "Give it a go. Tell me if it holds." I struggled to keep my head afloat, luckily the cold waters had numbed my shoulder enough that I couldn't feel much of anything. Hiccup helped to guide me as I went under, keeping his hand under the mugs opening. There was what I would consider three feet of space as I emerged, plenty of breathing room. It reeked of beer but it was breathable with no leaks from what I could tell. I could see the murky light below me but inside was dim. This should work.

Using the tether to pull myself back I kicked off Hiccup's palm for the surface.

"Itll werk." My teeth were chattering, I couldn't feel my face anymore.

"Perfect. It's not too far out there, I'll bring you down close to the crevice. If you get the lens, you can just pass it off to me. It might be a bit awkward to try and swim with it. Sound good."

"S'good." It was a challenge to get out the rest of the way, the tether being only two feet long to him, not long enough to swim with both arms without dragging me under. Once where we needed to be, we did the same as the test. Hiccup got it ready and helped me under, making sure it was workable before diving down himself. The water only seemed to get colder as we went deeper, the sensation was strange. It was almost like I could feel the weight of the water surround me pushing against the mug, it gave me a headache.

The dive was quicker than I thought it would be. I will honestly admit I screamed when I felt something brush against my leg. Only to realize that was Hiccup trying to tell me we were there. The sooner we get this, the sooner I can get warm. Maybe I'll look pitiful enough that Eret will give me his furs again.

Hiccup had held the opening just above the crevice, I think. You really can't see crystal clear underwater without goggles, as the movies make you think. And cold salt water stings. But I needed to have some idea as to where I was.

Thankfully the afternoon sun broke through the overcast to glint off the lens. At least I hope that's what it was. Pushing past Hiccups fingers, feeling my way along a gruff and slimy rock face, relieved to feel a smooth metal edge holding a polished stone.

Yes, thank you. It wasn't wedged but my hands were so cold it was hard to get a solid grip on anything. I will be surprised if I don't get hypothermia. I clumsily passed the lens to Hiccups waiting hand, scrambling for the air pocket as my lungs were desperate.

"I should not have tossed the shoes." I felt the initial push as he kicked off the bottom, thankful this was over and done with.

I couldn't catch my breath fast enough when my world turned upside down. A rather large fish had barreled into us causing Hiccup to lose his grip on the mug. There was a rush of bubbles from the movement but I had no idea which way was up, scrambling for anything. I couldn't even feel the tether anymore. Air, I need air! The worst part was the desperate need to breathe in and knowing full well if I did that I would drown.

I was encompassed, pressed firmly against something that covered most of my face, and in my complete panic I almost missed my chance as large air bubbles rushed by me. I was then forced in a direction I guessed was up, breaking the waters surface with Hiccup only seconds behind. Holding up the lens he grinned as he shook his bangs out of his eyes.

"Ha Ha! You did it!" He beamed. Using his tethered hand he lifted me up so I wasn't fully treading water as I choked and coughed up painfully whatever liquid entered my lungs.

"You're breath reeks of beer!" I cussed. "Seriously, you'd better chew some mint or something before you think of kissing anyone." My throat burned. My lungs were on fire. My eyes were unfocused and they stung. I love the waters, the beach was only a ten minute drive from my house. But after this I don't want to set a single toe in the water. I want to be far away from it.

"Fair enough." Laughed Hiccup, my snarky reply apparently enough for him to know that I was alright. More or less. Toothless swam out to us, Hiccup cutting the tether loose to place me atop the saddle as we made our way back to shore.

"Thank you, th-though. For doing that-t. For saving me, again."

"You're welcome, Spörr."

"No. Don't you s-start now, t-too." I groaned.

"Sorry. But it really does suit you. Almost as much as calling you a spitfire sprite." He chuckled when I rolled my eyes, wrapping my arms around myself to try and capture the faint heat I could feel radiating off the nightfury as we walked up the sandy shores.

Hiccup held onto me when toothless shook himself, shaking the water out of his own hair.

"Did you get it? Is she okay? Please tell me your okay." Fishlegs fretted.

"A li-little waterlogged, b-but I'm stil-l alive." Fishlegs did not seem too relieved from my comment, giving Hiccup a cold look that shifted to awe when he was passed the lens.

"I still think that was stupid and reckless." Hiccup patted his shoulder as he went to sit in the sands, leaning back against the nightfury who was laying on stoney beach to dry off. "But, we have the lens and the hunters don't. So, nice work I guess."

Millie was shaking like a leaf in my hand that rested on my lap. I owed her greatly for this, if I live long enough. Astrid is gunna take my other leg if she doesn't kill me for this first. This felt so strange. It was hard to believe she was truely a human being. There's still a chance Snotlout could be right, and she's something more magical, but she was stronger than she looked.

I guess the water really was colder than I thought. Her cheeks were flushed, her tiny nose was almost glowing red, and her lips were blue from what I could tell. My clothes were soaked but I cradled her closer, hoping she'd warm up.

"W-what-t ki-kind of bir-ird is-s ah s-spoor?" I could hear her teeth chattering, her small voice struggling, tugging at my heart. I should have found another way, why did I agree to this?

"Ah, it's a small-ish bird. Probably as big as you." I tried to lift her mood. Toothless curled around, craning his head closer to rest it on my lap as well, crooning softly. "It has a dusty white under-belly with brown wings and a tiny black beak. I'll point one out next time I see one."

She was quiet for a moment. Toothless nuzzling a little closer, breathing softly in her direction. She still shivered but it was becoming less violent. Atta boy, keep her warm bud. Using my free hand to wrap around toothless neck, giving him a good scratch behind his jaw.

"If it's w-what I'm thinkin-ing of, then we call them s-sparrows where I'm from." She meekly patted toothless nose, making the dragon purr.

"Spah-row." Testing out the word. It didn't sound familiar but it seemed simple enough.

"Don't tell him I know."

"I won't. Don't worry, Millie." Her smile was strained. It seems like she and Eret were becoming fast friends. Which was good. But what about when all this changes? If we do manage to figure out what happened to her and return her back to what she claimed was normal?

I glanced back down at her and my heart stopped. Was she even breathing?

"Shit." Toothless growled when I tried to push him away, but she was so pale and she wasn't moving. "Oh gods, please no." It was hard to find a pulse on such a small body, and I couldn't hear anything. "No, no, no." Tears pricked my eyes as I started to panic.

"Hiccup? What's wrong?" Fishlegs was distracted, examining the lens when he heard his friends distress.

One last desperate test I pulled out the knife from my arm guard, wiping the tears from my eyes so I could focus on the blade. Holding it as close as I could without cutting her face. A clumsy laugh escaping when I saw the faint fog of her shallow breathing.

"Oh, thank Thor." She was still alive, just passed out. Pushed past her limits and just shut down I suppose. Good. She needs a good rest. No matter what the odds, I'm never putting her through this again. Fishlegs saw the whole thing, heaving a deep sigh of relief before pointing out the obvious.

"Astrid's still gunna have your head for this."

"Among other things."