Flashback...
You can't do this to us!... You must remember your mission, it is your purpose to destroy him! It is your destiny!
I didn't choose that destiny! You did it! He showed me something new, it's not what we thought it was, I want that, I want to learn more...I... I want him...
- Because?...
- I'm sorry... I failed you, I couldn't protect you... I want you to know that I... I love you...
- Ahhh!
He quickly opened his eyes and began to gasp, the feeling was too intense to even let go, he didn't know what that was but all that...those voices, they just came out of nowhere.
- Astrid... are you okay?
Astrid turned to find Gobber looking worried along with the rest of the Berk council.
They were right to be that way.
Well, since her position as heir to the Berk Headquarters had been made official, Astrid has been busier than ever, and that's just an understatement.
After putting down Lenny's rebellion, they had to begin a reconstruction of the town that had not been seen since the last Dragon raid, resulting in some burned cabins, others somewhat destroyed and a lot to clean, with that in mind the council assigned to several groups to be in charge of each job, of which one of the most important was to count the number of people who died in the fight.
Many of whom died.
They found themselves in different places where, no matter how difficult it was, it was not possible to distinguish very well all those who were involved, in addition to the fact that no one dared to do it because there were faces of family and friends who were among those who did not make it and to think about Who could have been a traitor and who could not have been something that many did not want to know.
It was then that Stoick decided that everyone would have a dignified funeral where they would hopefully be able to reach Valhalla.
Astrid: I'm fine... seriously... we better continue with the next thing because there is still a lot to see.
Many accepted her comment and continued, although they were also somewhat tired as they had been arguing about various issues for much of the day.
But there was one in particular that they had not yet discussed and had to be resolved very urgently.
Stoick: Hiccup's issue is now the most important to discuss, it will soon be a year since his departure, and after what Dagur told us all our allies must have heard about those false rumors of Berk creating a new army.
Astrid: We still don't know who spread all those rumors.
Stoick shook his head - Unfortunately no, whoever it was, it is obvious that he knew how to cover his tracks and that is why we have to start resolving this matter as soon as possible.
Hoark: And what can we do?
Spitelout: I say we go to several groups and talk to them in person.
Phlegma: That won't help much if they think we're going with other intentions, which they may believe if they see several of us.
Stoick continued listening while he looked at a map that was on the table... on it was a series of routes that were taken... and if he remembered correctly someone would soon reach Berk.
Stoick stood up - What they say is very true, but we have to make the right choice about who we visit first...
Once that was clarified, it continued.
Stoick: Well for the moment that's all, you can go... also remember today it is necessary to stock up now as soon as he said that everyone began to leave the Great Hall leaving Stoick in his chair thinking about what to do now.
He looked at the map of the Archipelago once again, where all the tribes that inhabited it were located.
They would have a lot of work to do if they were alert to the thought that Berk would attack them. First, he had to see how to resolve this with the main allies and he focused on one in particular.
Stoick: Yes, I think it's best if we settle things with them first, after all, if we show ourselves at peace with you it will be easier.
With that, he got up starting to think about what to do in the next few days while he was gone.
...
On the docks...
Gobber: I'll be honest with you kid... I don't know where this change of yours came from but I won't complain about having some help at the forge...
Snotlout nodded - Of course not... after all you need some help and who better than me to do it - he said with some haughtiness.
Gobber: And there's the Jorgenson touch...
On the docks you could see many gathered waiting for something... maybe you don't understand why or why they do it... but when a ship starts to dock at the docks, people start to approach.
- Ohh Berk!, one of my island favorites, it's good to visit them after a long time!
Gobber, who was one of those who was there, approached to receive him.
Gobber: Welcome back Johann, it's good to see you again.
Johann: And it's always nice to come again... I bring new products from lands on the other side of the continent... notice that I was there...
Gobber however interrupted him - Yes well Johann... I need some new tools for the forge...
Johann smiled - Of course yes sir... come here, I have what you need...
Gobber smiled- Very good... Snotlout come!
The aforementioned nodded and hurried with them to reach a place where there were several tools for different uses.
While Gobber was checking which ones he needed, Snotlout approached Johann cautiously.
Snotlout: Tell me, Johann, do you have what I asked you for? - I ask.
Johann turned to him to see him - Of course, I love Snotlout, the information he asked for was not easy to collect, but for me, it was not difficult, just as it was at the time when I found myself in the middle...
Snotlout rolled his eyes- Yes, yes, that's fine Johann... but I need the information...
Johann: Of course, I understand... is it okay where to start?...
...
Later...
Snotlout came out of the forge stretching after putting Gobber's tools in his place... Gobber himself decided to take the luxury of resupplying the entire forge after Lenny's rebellion.
Rebuilding was hard work that took many days.
But luckily Hiccup's creations had many uses and several of them creatively helped to make things faster.
It was curious and very ironic how he began to appreciate Hiccup's inventions after he left.
Snotlout then saw someone approaching where he was, seeing that it was a familiar face. It was Astrid.
Snotlout: Hello Astrid... you look terrible...
When Astrid arrived she shrugged her shoulders and gave a tired sigh.
Astrid: Well let's say that putting the village back in order is more complicated than it sounds... did you manage to obtain it?
Snotlout nodded - That's right and let me tell you that...
However, he did not have the opportunity to tell it because a new person arrived.
Stoick: Astrid, it's good that I found you... I need to talk to you.
Astrid and Snotlout turned to look at Stoick and quickly fell silent. He shouldn't find out what they were doing... at least not yet.
Astrid: Okay- she nodded to Snotlout to leave, which took a while to understand but when he did he left.
Once Snotlout left, Astrid focused all of her attention on the Chief.
Astrid: What did you want to talk about, Boss?
Stoick: It's about the matter of the rumor, it would be best to start as soon as possible with what was planned.
Astrid: That's why you could have called me," she said, intrigued.
Stoick: Even so, it was better that I came to tell you in person, tomorrow I will have to take a trip and it would be good if you accompanied me, it would be good to start communicating to our allies that you are my heir in and of itself...
Astrid nodded - I understand, but are you sure about leaving at a time like this?
Stoick saw her concern and put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry Astrid, I have left orders of what has to be done and I doubt that anyone would dare to challenge, after everything that happened it wouldn't be very wise to do so."
Astrid: Okay... by the way, which ally should we visit if you can know?
Stoick: One of our best allies, the Bog Burglars, her Boss Bertha is an old friend of hers and her daughter Camicazi is the same age as you, I imagine you could establish a good relationship with her.
Astrid was intrigued upon hearing that name. "That name seems familiar to me."
Stoick laughed lightly at her expression. "I can imagine why, she was a great friend of Hiccup's the two have known each other for years."
Astrid: Ah... Sure- when she remembered what she remembered, she drew a slight grimace on her face, because now she remembered that she knew her because when she and Hiccup were children and he accompanied his father on trips with other tribes When I returned I talked to her a lot about Camicazi in a very "friendly" way for her... - Seriously, them?
Seeing their expression, Stoick laughed slightly, giving himself an idea of what it was about. "That's right... I know that if we manage to convince them first, then we can convince the others as soon as possible... that's why I also want you to go after what step with Dagur your help may be very necessary.
Astrid, upon hearing him at first, was not very convinced about going, but after hearing him say the last thing, she knew that it was about the tribe and she had to help as much as possible and that is why maybe and just maybe she accepted.
Astrid: Don't worry, I'll accompany you tomorrow...
Stoick nodded - Okay... then I just need you to help me with a couple of things and that would be all for you for now, I need you with all the energy possible... tomorrow we will leave at dawn...
Astrid nodded and prepared to follow him...
...
Later...
Astrid, once she had finished with the tasks for that day, she headed to the outskirts of Berk to a specific location, a cliff where she could see a view of the entire village...
Astrid narrates...
Seeing this cliff fills me with a lot of peace... it always did, when things were simpler and we didn't have to worry about growing up, we were just children playing...
Flashback...
One afternoon is what you can see, the sunset, no matter how curious it may be, was always the best moment for them, they didn't know why but they felt that there was something for them when every afternoon they saw themselves on that cliff...
A small brown boy is running in that direction in a hurry, more worried about being late to meet her with her best friend, he didn't want to make her believe that he left her waiting.
"It's about time you arrived... I thought you stood me up," she says with a touch of amusement.
The boy turns red with embarrassment.
"I'm sorry..." he said with his head bowed.
The girl, upon seeing her condition, approached to see him. "What's going on?"
- It's no big deal...
-I don't think so... I know something is wrong with you- the boy raised his head to look away, which made the girl know that something happened to her- come on, tell me, I want to help you... please...
The boy saw her friend and saw her expression that he knew he only saw, he could not refuse what she asked and so he once again gave in to what he asked.
- I don't understand why you continue being with me if you can be with others...
The girl saw him with a frown. "What are you talking about?"
The boy got nervous - It's just... I'm saying it... because look at me, I'm the boss's son who is the object of everyone's ridicule, someone who only causes accidents... The talking fish... ouch!
However, it didn't end because the same girl hit him on the man - Don't talk about yourself like that... you're worth a lot, but they don't see it, but I do, besides, I don't care!... I will always like to be with you, I enjoy being with you, because only with you do I feel as if a part of me comes out inside me... and I like that to happen.
She smiled at the boy, approaching him to look into her eyes.
"We will be best friends forever Hiccup, no matter what happens, I will always be there for you," she said with a smile on her face.
Little Hiccup, upon seeing her smile, blushed slightly and smiled shyly but nodded his head. "Of course, so... we will always be best friends..."
End Flashback...
Astrid, after remembering that, smiled nostalgically, seeing the place where that moment was.
Astrid: I miss you... you don't know how much... I know that I was the one who walked away from you and it's something I can't forgive myself... even so my feelings for you haven't changed and it doesn't matter what happened, I'm going to look for you and find you...
-Here you are... it was difficult to find you, you know?
Astrid turned when she heard a voice that for a moment reminded her of something familiar.
But as she turned she ran into Snotlout who looked tired.
Since the reconstruction of the tribe and the town began, Snotlout decided that he should find something to put his time into, where to Astrid's surprise he ended up helping Gobber in the blacksmith's shop.
Astrid: Oh it's you... what are you doing here?
Snotlout: I don't understand why you came here, your parents are looking for you for something...- he said somewhat exhausted.
Astrid nodded, intrigued. "However... I don't think that's just why you came... what's wrong?"
Snotlout sighed and nodded - You're right, it's not the only thing... I went to see Johann earlier before anyone else, I asked, and based on what he told me, we can confirm it... Hiccup is no longer in the Barbarian Archipelago. ...
Astrid lowered her head in disappointment at that.
Snotlout: However...he said that in the northern markets, stories have begun to be told...stories of how a scrawny little boy has taken on Dragon Slayer ships and riding a Night Fury.
Astrid raised her head and then Snotlout saw something he never expected to see in Astrid's eyes... illusion, but he didn't know why.
Astrid: So it's not far away...
Snotlout nodded - But we still don't know how long he will be there, we may never even hear from him again.
Astrid however smiled - I don't think so... I think that being a sympathizer for the dragons he wouldn't leave them to their fate, he may stay for a while but not how long it will be...
Snotlout: So we'll let the boss know so they can go look for him?
Astrid started to think after he asked, although the idea of going after Hiccup was good now that they had a clue, she knew there were more important things now.
... and that is why I responded with confidence.
Astrid: No... it is not yet the time, there is a lot to do here, we have to rebuild the tribe and do everything possible to strengthen our position with the rest of the Archipelago, it will take a while... but yes what you say of the stories is true, then it must be Hiccup.
Snotlout: So what are we going to do?
Astrid then fixed her gaze on the horizon specifically where the sunset was. Wait, it's all we have, the best until Hiccup's name doesn't cause a stir even by mentioning it, convince Stoick and Gobber to look for him and make passes with him.
Snotlout: Maybe years will pass Astrid and we don't know what she can do
Astrid: Only time will tell...
...
Dragon Edge...
- That's it... very good with you, I'll finish and I will have fed them all.
She said and then walked back a little and watched as the dragon began to eat the chicken she had brought him.
Then when I finish I raise my head and chirp happily to go up to her and thank her.
-It's okay... it's okay girl, you don't need to thank him- he said smiling- although I must admit that of all of you, you are the only one who eats chicken is something curious...
He began to caress her while she saw that the dragon was enjoying the gesture she was making, which made Heather smile.
After that, she was about to leave the stables when she heard some noises coming from outside the stables.
She went out to see what she was passing by, meeting a certain brunette.
Heather smiled. "Hey Hiccup, how are you doing?"
Hearing Heather's voice, Hiccup turned around and found her with her arms crossed as she approached them- Hello Heather... she was just passing by and I ran into this... the usual.
When Heather got to her side she could see exactly what she was referring to.
She didn't know very well how it all started, or how she got to this situation, but without a doubt, this had her somewhere between confused and amused by what she was observing, two dragons, one black and one white, were in a kind of fight that consisted of grunts and both of them trying to knock each other down
Heather: I still don't understand why they're both like that...
Hiccup turned to see Toothless and Lys having another of their fights. "I'll be honest, no one here knows, Mr. Belios thinks it's because they want to do a mating process..."
Maybe they were involved in their current argument... but that didn't stop them from hearing the last thing Hiccup said... that's why when they understood what he meant, they were shocked and turned to say scandalized. ..
Toothless / Lys- He said that ? ! / He he say that ? !
When they heard each other speak at the same time, they both turned to look and were horrified for having thought the same as the other and looking away again... at that moment Lys separated and transformed into a human.
Lys: I couldn't even imagine being in a situation like that with him... let that be clear to you!
Toothless in the same way and a little indignant at his comment said- Oh... and you think I would like that?... just look at you, you're not my type.
Lys was also offended by her comment that she was not left behind. "You're not my type either, for very obvious reasons that don't need to be mentioned."
Hiccup and Heather laughed at the situation of those two, nowadays this was something very routine in Dragon Edge, as the days progressed after returning from the island of the Defenders of the Wing, things did not change much, although After the first raid against the Dragon hunters left Hiccup a lot to think about, he didn't have time for anything else, because many more followed after that.
And so it has continued until now, where after a long time he can barely believe that it is about to be a year since he left Berk.
The fact that Heather has integrated into this life here in Dragon Edge was very good for Hiccup, the company of another human with whom he could talk and not have to, plus Heather knew how to cook and her dishes were the best option to have. than just eating fish.
But that does not mean that others like Lys like Heather's presence, because after explaining to Heather the existence of the Draconians and what they are, Lys introduced herself to her, of course, there was mistrust at first, but that did not stop her from As the weeks go by, the relationship between the two improves.
For now, her life had not been more full until now and she liked that, although after so long there was the issue of what to do with her life now.
Now that he was no longer tied to Berk, she had nothing to do the idea of flying away with Toothless was still on her mind, but there was still something that prevented her from leaving the Archipelago yet.
He had to discover what it was and if for that he had to return to the Archipelago then so be it.
He just hoped he could tell Mr. Belios, who was not in Dragon Edge, as he often made trips back to his place of origin to report what was happening here.
Usually, it only took three to four days, only this time it took longer than usual.
Some Senior Draconians have begun to worry about his tardiness, believing that he had been captured, and have proposed that some go out to look for him.
They haven't come up with anything yet but the idea becomes more popular with each passing day.
For now, she would have to wait until he returned.
He turned his attention to Toothless and Lys to calm them down.
Hiccup: Okay, how about we go to lunch, after all the work that has been done it is the best.
Hearing him say that Toothless nodded at the idea and rushed to be next to Hiccup.
Lys, who saw it, rolled her eyes at her attitude but followed them anyway with Heather.
While they were on their way they saw in the distance that some Draconians were around someone.
This caught the attention of the group who came closer to see what was happening. The more they did it, the more they saw that this was a well-known figure.
And when they saw it, they confirmed it, Belios had returned.
Hiccup: Mr. Belios...
The aforementioned turn to meet Hiccup.
Belios: Hiccup Haddock, it's good to see you...- he said with a slight smile.
Hiccup: Thank you, and how are you? He was gone for longer than usual.
Belios nodded - Yes, I know, I had to take care of certain... matters before I could return...
Lys: Is this something serious, Mr. Belios?
Belios became serious for a moment to see everyone in general - Nothing you need to worry about now, I'll tell you later... for the moment I would like to rest and catch up on what has happened during my absence...
Everyone nodded at his request.
One by one they left before Belios saw them, wondering what was so important, but when he thought everyone had left, he noticed that Hiccup was still there in his place.
Belios: Hiccup... what's happening? Did something happen in my absence?
Hiccup shook his head. "It's not about that, Mr. Belios, it's about what we talked about the other time before he left."
Belios then remembered what he was talking about and nodded.
Belios: So what did you decide?
Hiccup fixed his gaze on the horizon, the idea of continuing and not looking back was still in his head but he knew he couldn't, not only because of everything he had seen that was happening but because he felt that there was still something that does not allow him to leave. , but you have to find it, no matter how long it takes...
Hiccup sighed already with an answer for Belios.
Hiccup- I have decided to stay with Mr. Belios, after seeing what I have seen during the last weeks it is something that I cannot ignore
Belios smiled- I'm very grateful Hiccup, I am...
Hiccup: Yes... but you should also know that another reason why I decided to stay is because of that thing that won't let me leave the Barbarian Archipelago - Belios saw him intrigued and nodded - Maybe if I go back and manage to find it I'll finally know the answer. ..
Belios: So you want to come back?... after what happened before we took you out of there?... I don't know kid, I don't see it very convenient...
Hiccup nodded- That place may be many things but it's not that bad, not if you look in the right places... plus that's the home of many dragons that also need to be helped...
Belios: Yes I think you are right... but still, Hiccup that decision is not mine, it is our master's, he sent us to help you but we have already spent too much time in this world, more than we should have been... just That was something I was going to tell you too, on my last trip, my teacher told me that our task is already completed and it is time for us to return to our home...
Hiccup, upon hearing it, ended up in shock...
...
Somewhere in the sea...
Near the northern limits of the Barbaric Archipelago, Drago Bludvist's great armada was setting up while all the ships were settling in and surrounding Drago's flagship, who in turn, was in a strategy room with several of his commanders, planning strategies on a large map.
On the map, you could see several crossed-out points and others as points to explore.
- Our scouts have returned and unfortunately, they failed again.
- And that's not the only bad news, our groups of hunters to the east were attacked once again by that Dragon rider.
-How was it that a single guy managed to beat all those men?!
- The subject is protected by several Dragons...
-And what about the strengths? How does it destroy them?
- It must be some hidden Dragon.
- But what Dragon would do such a thing?
While everyone was discussing strategies and the losses they were suffering, one of them was sitting in his chair in silence, looking at the map itself, it seemed that the attacks his forces had once again been the work of that Horseman.
He doesn't know how he appeared, but he only knows that one day many years ago, a person dared to challenge him in his search for more dragons for his troops, and not only that, but this guy has managed to assemble a Storm Cutter with which he has led several attacks against him that have affected him.
But despite all that, the truth is that there was one more reason why the Horseman could defeat his forces in that way.
And he already knew why that was.
Just like that, she got up from his seat to get to the table, where everyone around them fell silent and paid attention to her, waiting for what his leader had to say about it...
-His failures have been a disappointment to me...
- But Lord Drago, we...
However, he could not finish speaking when he began to be choked by Drago who approached him to whisper to him - Excuses are useless to justify the result commander... they are useless just like you...
And with that, he launched it and indicated to a couple of guards who would take care of him.
The commander on the ground when he recovered saw what was happening and worried about what would happen to him.
- Wait, Lord Drago!... I can be of use to you, give me another chance... no sir, please no!...- he begged while they held him by the arms and took him away in full view of everyone. , while the commander continued pleading.
Drago: Let this be a clear example of what will happen if they fail me so miserably... Any mistake and they will have the same fate... it is clear!
Everyone in the room stood at attention to say - Yes, Lord Drago!...
Drago nodded- Well then get to work!
Everyone nodded to continue with their assignments while Drago returned to his place to continue planning.
Drago: Maybe you'll escape for now, Rider of the Stormcutter, but it doesn't matter, I'll have you in my power and I'll get what I want... no matter how long it takes... - he said quietly.
To be Continued…
Hello all the readers, how are you? I hope and well, well here is the new chapter, I'm sorry for the delay but I hope the chapter is to your liking, well, I also to say that things are already heading to a new scope, but I will not lengthen things, as you see in the story it will already be a year since the events that happened when Hiccup fled Berk, with that the departure of the Draconians is also added, but I am planning something for it and it has to see with the next chapter.
The next chapter will focus more on Belios, Toothless, and Lys, especially on a specific topic. However, another thing to emphasize is that with the next chapter, the story will already be halfway done.
That's all I have to communicate so far. Without further ado, I say goodbye and see you in the next chapter.
Thank you...