"Hiccup, I don't know what to tell you. I understand what you're saying. I understand how you feel. My issue isn't exactly introducing my people to yours. It's what's being asked of them. If there wasn't some invisible enemy breathing down our neck then yes, easily. But you're asking me to bring them all together, say 'make nice' and then have them turn around and fight them." Stoick shook his head.

"As though they're not just waiting for their next chance to kill." Hiccup rolled his eyes. Stoick laughed through his nose.

"You'd probably be surprised at how untrue that is these days. You stopping the attacks has calmed many people down. There are plenty who still watch the sky but the attacks never come."

"Well I'm glad to hear that. Sounds nice actually. But I still have to ask you to agree to everyone meeting. We can hide a bunch of dragons in the forest and you can make this big speech about what you've seen and done. The others with their dragons can stand behind you as proof that we can work, and play, and be allies, and friends. We can show them how the dragons could help with fishing or cutting trees down or gods just show them what Gobber does with a few Gronckles at his disposal. And I understand where you're coming from too, dad. Asking them to help fight. Not only fight but simultaneously with and against their old enemy. It's not ideal by any stretch of the imagination. But if we fight like this, with this many people, we're basically just going to leave the outcome to change.

And I hate that this is even happening. I hate that I even have to ask you for your support in a war. I don't want anyone to die. I want to save everyone I can. But right now I have to abandon what I stand for so that I can continue to help in the future. And right now I need you to be a voice of reason to people who hate us but will help us win.

We need your help, dad."

"Well how am I supposed to say no to that?" Stoick sighed. "But if, if, we do this you have to accept the result no matter what it is."

"If they reject it can I still hide them somewhere? Like near Raven's point?"

"Sure that would be fine. I know your people can't stay like this."

"Sorry to push you like this dad."

"I simply wish it was under better circumstances."

"I would too but right now we need all the people we can get. I refuse to lose this place." Hiccup nodded to himself.

"Well then I suppose we should round up the others. Let them know what's going to happen and just check if any of them except for Astrid has had any success in actually befriending one of these things."

"Well I know Fishlegs was down with Gobber trying to get that one out of the forge. Astrid was forced to get one. I've seen most of the others interacting, some for sure have gotten one by now. The only ones that probably don't are the twins cause they were trying to go after one of the dragons we use to signal for others. Those guys are pretty busy so I don't know about that."

"Then I'll round up everyone I can." Stoick nodded.

"I'll send for Gobber, Fishlegs, species heads, the other alphas, Care, and Spark."

"All hands on deck then." Stoick went off and weaved his way through the crowd of dragons just trying to find space.

"What is your plan for Spark? Toothless asked.

"I want him to be the lead for those on Berk."

"I can't advise that Hiccup."

"I know you two don't see eye to eye but as it stands right now I think he's the right person for this. Just because you two bicker like brothers when he's around even when you're on the same side of the argument, doesn't mean he isn't the right choice. He understands our mission, he's not once wavered, and has always helped when needed. He's strong, smart, and loyal. And we know he'll keep our people in line when we're not there. We'll set up a support team for him, people he can trust to go to and we'll just have him under similar rules as we did with Color. Weekly-ish check-ins allowing us to to get updates and give orders or guidance."

"Fine." Toothless shook his head.

"Aww. I think you're just going to your friend." Hiccup smiled.

"We're not friends." Toothless stood up and stretched.

"Sure, whatever you say." Hiccup shrugged and started walking towards the regular meeting spot. On the way he stopped and asked a few of the dragons there to notify the handful of others that they were to meet up. With a new task those dragons got up and did their best to make a swift exit. Their next stop was Dusty and Color. "How is she?" He asked while looking her over.

"Still in a lot of pain. Hiccup I know what you said but she…"

Hiccup held up his hand. "I know. It's been too long. I'm sorry I've put her through this. After the meeting today I'll come back and give her something to ease it. She probably needs to be fed and given water too, yeah? Have you been able to feed her?"

"Some days I do better than others." He admitted sheepishly.

"It's not easy and made all the more hard when you think you're hurting them I'm sure."

"The sounds she makes sometimes." He balled into himself a bit.

"You're doing fine." Toothless piped in. "And for the whimpering and pain sounds you have to shut them out." He looked down at Color. Hiccup could almost see Toothless standing over him, wondering how he was going to save the little human unconscious on the floor. "If you don't shut them out you'll start to doubt yourself." Toothless shook his head to clear his thoughts. "And if you need any help you have all of us here." Hiccup took to his mate's side and put his hand on Toothless' neck and gave it a rub.

"We'll let you get back to taking care of her." He gave Dusty a reassuring smile. "Just do as Toothless said and I promise right after we're done with this meeting I'll come right back with my things and give her something to help." Dusty nodded silently and went back to pressing himself against Color. Toothless and Hiccup continued to the meeting spot and proceeded to wait.

"Hard to see that." Hiccup said, looking over to Dusty again. Toothless laid down and put his head into Hiccup's lap.

"It's not easy." Hiccup slowly scratched Toothless' head. "But he's doing good. We can help if he needs it."

"Of course, big guy." Hiccup whispered. As people began to gather, Toothless sat up and eventually took his place behind Hiccup as normal.