The Fae Sisters

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

Grinning at his sister, he commented, "You're full of great ideas, Lyr. I'm sure Fluffy wouldn't mind running some messages out for us."

The process took time, but he was able to delegate some of the work to Lyra, instructing her when she needed it and utilizing her dainty fingers when more precision was needed. It was different than working with Rose, but still fun.

Chuckling as Ash fell onto the bed, Hiccup replied, "Yes, but with good reason. One of those chiefs survived Drago's attack. He saw me and mom with our wings out, so.im hoping that this," he held up the glider, "will convince him that what he saw was merely one of my inventions."

He began to take out a stash of Toothless' shedded scales, setting them beside the device. Holding out a bowl, Toothless dropped a good amount of slobber in, and Hiccup then used it as an adhesive to attach the scales. "Hopefully this won't make them too heavy..."

As he worked, he explained Lyra's plan to Ash. "We'll just sneak out and test it. Stretch our actual wings, and return home without anyone knowing."

“And if he doesn’t fall for this?” He asked. Lyra sighed as she focused on her task.

“Even if he’s not convinced maybe it’ll convince the other chiefs he was seeing things wrong.” Lyra felt bad making them think Thuggory was crazy. But they would protect their family no matter what.

“Fine. You good if I nap here? It’ll restore my magic quicker.” It was Hiccup’s nest. Only polite to ask… Even if he was already falling asleep on it.

Rose and Kiara returned home and made their way to Hiccup’s room. Ash sleeping through the family being updated and Rose settling in to help. Kiara going back down stairs to keep watch so to speak. Lyra warned up stew since none of them were going to the Hall to eat.

When Rhiannon returned home the sun was setting. The fae had stayed by Stoick all day. Acting as his assistant much like Kiara often did. Though it was mainly to keep an ear on all the chiefs’ talk and an eye on Thuggory. The more he saw her as a human the better.

Rhia leaned on the doorframe of her son’s room. She looked over the scaled glider with a tired and curious gaze. When told of the plan, she didn’t even blink.

“Alright. But you tell me when you leave for the circle and you tell me when you return. Even if that means you wake me. Understand?” Her gaze then lands on Rose and Lyra.

“You two, nests. You need your rest. And Hiccup? You sleep when you get home and sleep in. We’ll say your leg is acting up.” Rhia rubbed her forehead. How did Kiara handle all the annoying talk that Stoick was tortured with? As their mom left Lyra turned to her brother with a grin.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

"What? He did?" Hiccup's brows furrowed. Perhaps he noticed the resemblance Lyra had to Rhiannon right away? But no, that couldn't be right. It seemed like he didn't realize it fully until Hiccup showed up with their mother. "If he was suspicious of you, I don't know if he would have been so cordial...you didn't use any magic on him, so we should be alright." At least, that's what he hoped.

"Dad did a good job of refuting those claims, blaming the smoke inhalation and circumstances. Besides, they are supposed to be working together to fight Drago, not point fingers and cause further unrest."

He laughed, "It's true! It wouldn't take much convincing," though her puppy eyes were a serious weapon. If things get desperate, they may need her to wield them.

The teen deflated. "Do we really need to bring that moment up now?" But all the embarrassment left him the moment he saw that look in her eyes. She was into something! His own eyes widened as she told him her idea, a smile forming.

"Lyra...that's genius! Then we can convince Thuggory he saw us wearing gliders and that it wasn't our own wings!" Grabbing her hand, he rushed upstairs. "I think I even have some pieces we can use. C'mon!"

After everyone saw him limping earlier, he figured it wouldn't be suspicious for him to be hidden away the rest of the day. Perfect time to work on those gliders!

It took several hours, and Hiccup had a prototype. But it needed to be tested. He made it look like his wings as much as he could, but there were hooks connected to his sleeves and pant legs.

Holding up the contraption, he said, "I have to test it in the dead of night, otherwise it could make things worse." If it didn't work, how could they convince Thuggory it actually had worked on that island?

“Ash and you can shadow step to your ring. There’s no way they will notice you’re gone in the middle of the night.” It’ll make sneaking out much easier and safer.

“I’ll keep watch just in case. I can have Fluffy send you messages.” Lyra didn’t want to admit this all was rather exciting. It was serious and this was to protect them… but it was also kinda fun. Secret missions and planning with her brother.

Lyra perched on Hiccup’s bed as he pulled out the leather and fabric. Then the mechanical pieces appeared and she giggled. Of course he’d store some of his inventions in here.

“We can send Fluffy with a message to Rose too if you need anything from the forge.” She kicked her feet where they dangled off the bed. Lyra wasn’t as technologically inclined as her siblings but loved to watch and help.

Ash returned as the sun was setting. The human looking dragain fae falling on the bed beside Lyra and watching Hiccup.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

His eyes flitted to the side as he thought of an answer. "It's...nothing time won't fix, I think." There wasn't much he could say with the other chiefs watching them. Dropping his voice to a whisper, he said, "I'll explain everything, in private." It was harder than he thought, maintaining a fake limp, but he supposed having the experience of actually limping gave him a bit of an advantage.

Only once the door was shut behind them did he speak. In hushed tones, he brought her up to speed. He finished with, "We don't know if he will try to instigate some sort of a, a reaction out of any of us. Dad thinks you and the others could be targeted as well, since that chief saw mom and me with our wings."

Running a hand over his face, it mumbled, "Oh, it's so messed up. This is the last thing that should be happening here." His mother's words came to mind, and he took a deep breath. "Just be careful. Stick with Gothi, or mom, or me if you need to. If any of those guys bother you..." His hand closed into a fist.

"Maybe we can divert their attention. The twins might have some ideas for that..." When it came to a good distraction, the Thorstons were the ones to turn to. Looking back at his sister, his eyes were apologetic, "I don't know how long they're staying. Hopefully just a few days. All but one have to establish their leadership in their tribes, since they were just appointed. That doesn't mean Thuggory will leave with them, though..."

“So instead of focusing on the very dangerous and proven killer, Drago… Thug is focused on the two strange creatures he saw helping dad. Makes sense.” She huffs and crosses her arms.

“The chief I was bandaging… he asked me a few questions. Who my parents were. How long I’ve been apprenticing as a healer. He seemed pretty curious when I said Stoick was my dad. Maybe he was suspicious I was one of the creatures? He wasn’t mean though.” Could the Chief have looked at her and thought she was nothing more than a young girl? No wings or claws.

“I don’t think he suspected anything of me. He never flinched or looked at me suspicious. I hope that means they all think Thuggory is crazy.” Okay, that might have been harsh for her. But they deserved some peace gosh darn it!

“I won’t even have to use my puppy eyes on the twins. They’ll jump at the chance to cause trouble.” If it happened to help them then it was a happy plus to the twins. But them causing trouble won’t help convince Thuggory or the chiefs that no winged humans lived here. Lyra perched on the window seat looking out at Berk. Then an idea slowly formed and her eyes shimmered in mischief.

“Hiccup? Remember when you fell asleep and drooled on your notebook when we were kids?” Her grin grew as she looked to him.

“You happen to remember just what you’d been sketching out? A glider you could wear so you could fly with us.” Lyra was practically vibrating in excitement. If her wings were out they would have been rattling.

“What if we made a few? That just so happened to be designed after our friends’ dragons? And what if they happen to be… testing them while the chiefs are here?” They didn’t even have to be fully functional! Prototypes to look like wings that maybe someone could misidentify amongst smoke.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

Hiccup had to pick up the pace just to keep up with Rhiannon. His prosthetic leg creaked with each step. I need to fix that...

The thought of the visiting vikings ambushing his younger sister made him angry. After what happened at Thawfest, he didn't want Lyra to feel the need to hide away.

Was this his fault? He flew in without thought. He had no regrets saving his dad, but shouldn't he have known better?

It was as if his mother had read his mind. Hiccup relaxed a bit under her touch, "How did you know?" He was about to say more, but Rhiannon's pause and tightened grip had him look in her line of sight. The teen stiffened as well at the sight of Lyra patching up one of the visiting chiefs.

The man's eyes were on her, but Hiccup couldn't read his expression. Gothi looked up and began rifling through some papers, and passed the page to Rhiannon.

Being at the healer's station actually gave Hiccup a good idea. To get his sister somewhere they could speak privately, he needed a good reason to draw her away. "Lyra! Here, can you give me a hand? My leg has been acting up." He lifted the prosthetic, rubbing the back of his neck, "I think I've been too hard on it. I'll head home with you guys and rest it a while."

Moving towards her, he limped for good measure. Lyra would know he was lying, but she'd also know he had good reason to, as he never lied if he could help it.

“Rest that leg, lad. The little lass has already tended ta me. Thank you again.” The chief gave a nod to the healers and then Rhiannon before leaving the hut. While the man seemed genuine Rhiannon turned to her children.

“I’ll assist Gothi. Lyra, help Hiccup home for me, please.” Once Rhia knew it was safe she’d tell Gothi of the situation.

“Okay.” Lyra’s eyes were flitting between her mother and brother. Worry and confusion swirling in them but she didn’t ask any questions. Not yet.

“Here, you can take my arm and lean on me.” Continuing the act she stepped close to Hiccup. As they walked arm and arm she gave him a side eye.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

"All of Berk knows not to speak of the fae to any that don't live here. I'm not concerned, as they all know the consequences of a slip of the tongue. But if that Thuggory manages to get them to slip..." Oh, that better not happen.

Lyra. Hiccup even straightened, moving to find her but Rhiannon and Ash were faster. He didn't want to seal his circle, but he understood the importance. "When Ash gets back, I'll do it for my circle." The storm fae lived here now, to seal the paths too soon would effectively cut him off from the island. They couldn't do that to him!

"What about Fluffy?" The chance to play some tricks on unknowing vikings might be too tempting for the púca.

Hurrying out with his parents, he practically ran right into Thuggory himself. "Watch where you're going, Berkian!"

The teen's upper lip curled as though he was going to bare his fangs, but he restrained himself. "Sorry."

Stoick motioned to the others to go on ahead. "Thuggory. Just the man I wanted to see," Hiccup swore he could see his father have difficulty saying that. "You were there when Drago attacked. Let's see if we can strategize and find a weakness." He led the man away, and Hiccup placed his hand on his mother's back as they walked off.

"The sooner we find Lyra, the better..."

“Lyra doesn’t know they suspect. I don’t want her being ambushed.” Rhiannon’s voice cuts off as they run into the one Viking they didn’t want. Rhiannon made a note to make Stoick his favorite dessert as he lead the chief away from them.

She didn’t run but Rhiannon did use her full strides to move across Berk. She could feel her daughter at Gothi’s still. Good, the elder fae would watch out for her.

“You need to understand something.” She spoke softly to Hiccup. “You should not feel blame for any of this. We couldn’t have known. We acted to save Stoick. Your father. Never feel guilt about that.” Her hand rested on his shoulder as they entered Gothi’s medical hut. The one not so far from Berk. Rhia still couldn’t get over the fact Gothi placed her home so high.

Rhia paused and her grip tightened slightly on Hiccup. There, sitting on a stool was one of the visiting chiefs. Lyra delicately wrapping his arm and chatting away as she does to distract from any pain. The chief was watching the small healer. At least it didn’t look accusatory but Rhia didn’t like it.

“Afternoon, Gothi. I thought I’d come and get a list of medicines you need made.” Her voice was calm and drew the attention to her from her daughter. The chief looked up and down Rhia before looking back at Lyra.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

He wasn't sure if he was succeeding or not.

"I don't know," he answered Kiara, "it's likely the massacre of the previous chiefs made them be on edge, leaving their islands. But there's more to it than that..." He couldn't quite pin it down, though.

Stoick motioned for them to come into the Great Hall, which was closed to the village at the moment solely for the meeting. He did introduce Rhiannon and Kiara, the former as having a high position on his council and the latter as his daughter. That caused even more whispers, ones that Stoick chose to ignore for the time being.

With the way the chiefs were regarding Hiccup, he suggested the teen stay out of the meeting for now. Hiccup didn't mind one bit, though that unsettled feeling returned as he watched his dad lead the chiefs into the Great Hall.

Once they were out of earshot, he said, "I hope they don't stay long. The way Thuggory was watching me..." He shook his head. "Something isn't right."

---

Stoick sat down at the large table, chiefs lining both sides. "We have a threat that needs to be extinguished. Drago--"

"Drago is a threat, but what about those creatures?" Thuggory's fist hit the table. "On that island, I saw something not quite human go straight to you, Stoick."

Years of discipline made it so his surprise didn't show. Stoick leaned back, brows furrowed. "What in Thor's name are you going on about?"

"You know! Those winged creatures, they flew right to you on dragons, and got you off that island."

"I did leave on a dragon, as Berk is allied with them, as you all know. Thuggory, there was a lot of smoke. I'm sure you don't remember correctly--"

"Oh, I remember!" Thuggory stood, his voice rising, "I remember that thing looked like your son! And the other too, it looked like that woman on the dock! One had wings black as night, the other had feathers!"

There were more whispers, and Stoick stood as well, slamming a fist down and silencing the others. "I will hear no more of this nonsense! Drago is out to make war, and you start pointless rumors? Now, more than ever, we need to work together to stop this madman. I asked you here so we can save lives, not gossip!"

----

"We have a problem," Stoick burst into Rhiannon's hut, making Hiccup jump. The chief began to pace. "On that island. He saw the two of you with your wings. I think I have the others convinced it was the smoke that got to him, but he's adamant."

A pit grew in Hiccup's gut. "A--are you sure?"

"I wouldn't say it was a problem if I wasn't! He described your wings, both of your wings. He's set on proving it, too."

"How do we stop him?" His green eyes were wide, darting between both Stoick and Rhiannon. How could he have not thought to put his traits away? He'd been so focused on finding his dad that it just wasn't a concern for him.

And because of that...his mom and sisters lives could be at stake. Never mind his own life. "H--how do we convince him that what he saw was wrong?"

“Sadly, finding evidence of guilt is easier than finding evidence of innocence.” Rhia looked to Hiccup sadly. “At this point Thuggory will use anything as evidence against us. The only thing we can do is simply continue our lives. Keep our fae traits hidden and show him we are only human.”

They had a bit of an advantage now. Living on Berk had the family relying less on being fae. They didn’t have to use their magic to survive. It was only for convenience… oh shoot.

“Kiara. Go to the forge and alert Rose of our situation. At this point, no magic can be used at all. That means no fire from Rose to work. The flames she uses will draw suspicion with the gold.”

Kiara was out the door with a steady stride. Rhiannon knew her ended would be fine. She was more and more a high fae in her own right. Maybe more fitting would be a chief’s daughter. She held herself with strength and confidence.

“We should find Lyra. I know she has great control of her magic. But if they push at her I fear she may panic.” Rhiannon stood but Ash was already heading to the door.

“I’ll find her.”

“No.” Rhiannon’s voice had him freezing. “I need you to go to the Fire Opals and Mosshill. Let them know I am sealing all paths to Berk and preventing any fae from coming here. The last we need is for unannounced guests to show.” Rhia looked to Hiccup apologetically.

“That means your circle as well I’m afraid. We can’t risk it.” Ash’s jaw clenched but he nodded. Turning from the door and instead to the shadows.

“Stay safe.” He muttered before leaving. Rhiannon sighed and continued to leave.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

---

With the three of them in the forge, Berk's weapon cache was quickly increasing. The dragon scale armor took time, but Hiccup and Rose were able to find a way to make it work. Shield production quickened, while Astrid readied the other dragon riders for battle. They ran drills often, and Hiccup joined them when he could.

Time in his circle was limited, but it was always a relief to let his wings out and scales show. He knew it felt the same for his mother and sisters.

----

"Two ships?" Stoick straightened, listening to Kiara and Rhiannon's words. "Hm. Let's hope it's due to the letters, but we will be prepared if not. Good spotting, Ash."

The chief recognized both flags once the ships got close enough. "We'll see how this plays out. Hiccup, stay with me. Rhiannon, I'd like you here too. Kiara, you may stay as well. If this is anything but friendly, I need you to warn the others."

The ships docked, and men came out. Stoick recognized one as Thuggory of the Meathead tribe. His eyes widened in surprise, "Thuggory! You survived the attack as well!"

"I did, no thanks to you," Thuggory eyed them warily.

That made Stoick angry. How could he have known that Thuggory had been on that island, alive? The man hadn't gone to Stoick, either.

"Is that Hiccup?" Thuggory's eyes narrowed, taking in the teen's appearance. The messy mop of auburn hair matched that creature he'd seen...

"Uh, that--that'd be me, yeah." Hiccup shifted uncomfortably, feeling a little exposed without his scales and claws.

Stoick stepped in front of his son and the others. "What is the cause of your visit?"

"The cause? The letter, of course. And something else, but we won't discuss that here."

That comment made Hiccup and Stoick exchange a look. If he was on the island, did he see Hiccup and Rhiannon?

The other ship began to empty, and Stoick went to greet them as well. Hiccup stayed close to his mother, unsure of what else was in store.

Kiara kept more to the side, observing. Ready to send a message with her magic if needed. She didn’t like the way that one chief was eyeing her mother and brother.

As more chiefs… new chief entered Berk they all looked at Hiccup oddly. Were they appraising the chief’s son? It was the first time they’d seen him, Rhia supposed. For now she kept close to her son and dutifully followed Stoick.

“The chiefs seem oddly on edge. You think it’s our dragons? The letters did explain our peace and Hiccup’s training.” Kia appeared by them. She had gotten annoyed by some of the chiefs’… looks. Like they had been appraising her instead. A few swift glares had them looking away.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

Stoick thought that was a good compromise. He didn't like asking this of Rhiannon or the kids but he saw this as necessary until they knew more.

When each of them spoke up with what they'd do to help, the chief looked at every one of them with fatherly pride. "Good. I'm proud of you, all of you." He then turned to Rhiannon. "My thoughts exactly. If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't have believed it." They would take precautions, and do what they could to ensure the safety of their people and dragons.

Getting to his feet, Stoick leaned on the fae for support. Hiccup watched them leave, feeling a mix of emotions that he didn't quite know how to deal with.

Lyra's voice cut through the turmoil, and he faced her with confusion at first. As soon as she explained, his eyes widened and he nodded. "Lyra, that's genius." Having a project too would help him think things through, and it would provide a place for his pent up energy to go. "I'll go with you. Let's head to the stables first. There's bound to be loads of scales there."

Another look at his sister told him something else: he needed to check and make sure she was okay. She looked more shaken than the others, and they all deserved to know how they found Stoick.

Before they all went to do their tasks, he explained as best he could what they found, and all his dad had said on that island. As he finished, he looked between his sisters and Ash. "He...I've never seen him so, so shaken up. I've never even seen him injured. Whatever this Drago guy did, it was..." Unable to find the words, he simply shook his head, "it was bad."

Moving and pacing felt strange without the weight of his wings. The teen squared his shoulders, already wanting to get his wings back out. "If this Drago guy shows up, we'll be ready."

“I’ll be as fast as possible. Get the Fire Opals up to speed and ready. Then I’ll be back.” He clasped Hiccup’s arm then turned to Lyra. He surprised her with a cocky smirk and took her hand, kissing it. Lyra’s face turned bright red. It had been a while since the dragain fae had been a jokester.

“Stay safe.” And then he was walking through the shadows and gone. Lyra was still red when she mumbled,

“Not a word.” She then headed out the door to the stables.

~~~~~

Days passed as Berk prepared for a possible war. Yet as every day passed and nothing happened, the fae found themselves relaxing back into a comfortable routine. Going to Hiccup’s ring when needed. Sure their traits were still hidden, but laughter and smiles had returned.

Then a day came that had Ash running into Berk and directly to Stoick.

“Chief! Two ships on the horizon. They bear flags of other tribes.” Ash was tense, unsure if this was a good thing or bad. The young man was dressed similar to Hiccup these days, his red eyes a dark brown. Though he carried more blades than Hiccup.

“Why would they come here? Could they think Hiccup or another has become chief thinking you dead?” Kiara placed a hand on Hiccup’s shoulder. Were they anticipating challenging Hiccup for chiefhood? Wanting to take control of the land?

How disappointed they will be to see Stoick then. But would they then blame Stoick for the attack on the other chiefs? He lived and dragons were everywhere on Berk.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

Stoick shook his head. "No. Berk needs to be ready," he put his empty plate to the side, his mind at work. "Ground all dragons. No one is to leave the island until further notice," his eyes flitted to Ash, "the only exception are your circles. Drago can't track those."

Ground all dragons? Hiccup's pacing stopped, his green eyes wide. "For how long?" Toothless was the only way that Hiccup could experience flight. It wasn't the same both ways anymore, Toothless now had an automated prosthetic, but the dragon still preferred to fly with his best friend.

"Until we know that Berk is safe," Stoick's tone was sharp, his exhaustion making him lose control. Hiccup's mouth snapped shut, his wings lowering behind him so they practically brushed across the floor.

Taking a breath, the chief continued. "Inform our allies of what happened at the gathering. Let them be ready, and let us pray to Thor that man never comes to our shores. In the meantime, we will ready ourselves for war."

"War?"

"Drago will stop at nothing to control all the dragons. He likely knows that we have allied ourselves with them and will make us a target." It was only moments after He had told the other chiefs of Berk's progress when Drago had infiltrated.

He looked at each of his kids, including Ash, then at Rhiannon, "And if he finds you, any of you...I don't know what he'll do. As a precaution, I suggest you all look as human as you can. We must be ready, and I can't lose any of you. I won't risk it."

As he finished speaking, his eyes fell on Hiccup and Ash. Being dragon fae, Stoick saw them both at a higher risk. Drago's men were hunters of all things dragon. What would they do to these boys if they got a hold of them?

Hiccup's fist was clenched, but he tucked away his fae features. His wings disappeared, the scales melting into his freckled skin. "Fine." He hated hiding, and hadn't looked his father in the eye until after he looked human again. But the look on his dad's face gave him pause. Why is he looking at me like that?

Stoick gave a small nod, his eyes glistening. Hiccup resembled Valka even more, now that he was growing up. It was harder to see the resemblance with the fangs and scales, but now it was clear. The chief tore his eyes away, clearing his throat. "I should go, I think I ought to rest."

“For now, if the itch to fly or drop disguise becomes too much you can do so only inside Hiccup’s circle. But, you must tell either me or Stoick that is where you’re going and you will return before dark.” She looked to each child to make sure they understood.

Rose was the first to hide her wings. It was easier for her anyways. The usually playful fae serious as she leaned back into the couch.

“Hate ta say it, but looks like the forge will need ta light up and work on more weapons. Probably armor too.” Rose crossed her arms.

“I’ll write to Mossyhill explaining everything. See if they can offer sentinels to keep an ear for any rumors.” Kiara’s ears rounded out and her wings disappeared. The fae shivering at the feeling.

“I’ll go back to Terria. Speak with Phoenix and Crimson. No matter what, Berk is still the Fire Opal’s clan sister. They’ll be ready to protect.” The fact Ash was willingly going back and to speak to Crimson spoke of his dedication to Berk and his new family.

Lyra and Rhiannon’s wings and features disappeared. Ash staring at Lyra a moment before looking away. It was strange seeing them without their wings. Without a part of themselves.

“I’ll work with Gothi. We’ll need plenty of human and fae medicines. Burn salves especially. This Drago controlling dragons brings worry on how he is doing it.” Rhiannon looked over the tired chief. She could feel the worry for them coming off him.

“Here. Let me walk you home so you may rest.” Rhia stood and went to Stoick. Lyra shuffled out of the way but had been surprisingly quiet. Without her wings the little fae looked even smaller.

“I’ll collect dragon scales.” Lyra said softly, looking to Hiccup as their parents left.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

Stoick nodded, "Good. I won't bring them in unless I have to. Let's hope we don't hear from that madman again."

As soon as Berk appeared over the horizon, both the chief and his son felt a surge of relief. At Lyra's worry, Stoick replied, "I'm okay. Ready to touch the ground again," he joked, making Toothless give a sarcastic grunt.

After landing, they all made their way inside. Stoick greeted his daughters, glad to see that all was well with them.

Hiccup noticed his father was moving slower than he usually was, but that could have been due to a number of things. "Go and sit down, Dad. I'll bring you something to eat."

For a moment, Hiccup thought his father would protest. But to his surprise, he didn't. The chief sat down in an armchair with a wince, keeping his injured arm still.

Right. The sling! "Lyra? Could you bring some cloth for a sling for dads arm? Mom mentioned he'd need one." As he spoke, he was putting some dried meat, bread, and slices of cheese onto a plate.

"Here. This should help."

"Thanks, lad."

Rose perched on the arm of the couch, Ash sat on the stairs. Everyone could feel the seriousness of this. Lyra returned with the sling and her and Rhia moved Stoick’s arm. Only once it was secure did Rhia sit on the couch and Lyra on the ground by Stoick.

“Alright. There’s much to go over and even more that’ll need to be done.” Rhiannon started solemnly. “Stoick? Do you want to rest first? You’ve been through much. Surely you need sleep.”

Rhia knew how stubborn the chief was. Hiccup got it from him after all. But she knew getting him to rest would most likely be useless until he gave his orders.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

The other chiefs. Hiccup looked at the half sunken, smoldering ships in the harbor. Where had they all gone?

Unfortunately, the answer was worse than he imagined.

"I was the only one to escape. There's no other survivors. None that I saw." Stoick's voice and expression were equally grim. "This island didn't belong to any of us. It's neutral ground, held for meetings."

Hiccup's eyes stung. "Who did this, dad?"

"Drago Bludvist."

"Dargo What-fist?"

"No. Drago Bludvist." He reached up, pinching the bridge of his nose tiredly. "Lingering here is dangerous. We need to go to Berk, strengthen our defenses. I don't know if he's aware I'm alive or not. We're too exposed here."

Too many things were happening at once, and Hiccup was trying to reconcile all of it in his mind. A man attacked, with dragons, killing every chief here except Stoick. What could he have thought that would possibly accomplish?

Stoick's eyes scanned their surroundings. He had a feeling they were being watched, but he hadn't seen a soul since the attack. Could someone else be hiding out there? Getting to his feet, he stumbled slightly, Hiccup doing his best to help his father regain his footing.

"Whoa! Take it easy, dad. You've been through a lot."

"I've been through worse," he argued, though it fell flat. "Just get me home."

“Agreed. Let’s get home.” She helped her son get Stoick onto Toothless.

“Worry not about defenses. Mossyhill and Fire Opal are aware something is wrong and on watch. We will have plenty of time to get Berk’s defenses in place.” Once Rhiannon was certain he’d be alright and Hiccup was ready, she went to Altair.

The return home was both relieving and noisy. The moment Lyra could sense them she was flying to greet them. Not even letting them land before circling Hiccup and Stoick. Ash right behind her and hovering. He too looking at the exhausted chief in worry.

“Dad! You’re okay! What happened? What can I do to help?” Lyra fluttered around anxiously.

“Go ahead home, Lyra. Get the fire going and warm some of the cider.” Rhiannon instructed. Ash raising an eyebrow knowing well that was just something to make Lyra feel useful. Lyra nodded though and flew ahead. Ash giving a nod to the returning family and going with her.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

The options weren't great, but Stoick was resolute. "Do it. More pain now means less later, I can handle it."

Hiccup's eyes widened. He knew Stoick was no slouch when it came to persevering in any circumstance, but to willingly choose it was something else entirely.

It was fortunate that Rhiannon was there. Her magic was going to help far more than anything Hiccup could have done on his own. Wrapping his wing around his father's back, he looked at his mother.

Steadying himself, Stoick gave a nod. His hand gripped Hiccup's, and he took a deep breath. He was ready.

Like a true warrior, Stoick didn't make a sound as Rhiannon's magic repaired his arm. His grip did tighten around Hiccup's hand, but he showed no other signs of distress.

Hiccup was left looking at his father in awe. The strength he had was more than he ever thought.

“Altair? Some cold please?” The dragon lowered her nose to breathe the ice breath right onto Stoick’s arm. Numbing it a bit before she began. Her eyes glowing as magic flowed into his arm creating a tingling sensation before the pain. The bones cracking and re-aligning then fusing back together. The whole healing process of weeks in seconds.

“There. That should be set. Still, I’d like to have it put in a sling when we get home. Give your arm at least two days of no use to be sure.” Her eyes returned to normal and she let his arm go. “Careful. It’ll be tender.”

Now with the chief’s health and safety certain, Rhiannon returned to his earlier words.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

The brooch was extremely helpful, guiding them straight to where Stoick was. The ground below was devastated, fires burning and half sunken ships in the harbor. One of those ships belonged to Berk.

"Dad?" Hiccup's eyes narrowed, searching the landscape. Finally, he could see the chief hunkered behind a makeshift shelter, coughing and in bad shape. Many scrapes and some cuts were visible on his skin, something Hiccup had never seen on his father before. "Dad!"

Diving, Hiccup's feet hit the ground before Toothless'. Running to his father, he sank to the ground beside him. "Dad! What happened? Oh, gods, dad, I--"

"Hiccup?" How did he get here? Stoick coughed, shaking his head. "We were attacked. Some lunatic that insisted only he could control dragons came, telling us to bow down to him." The chiefs had all laughed, and Stoick himself had stood to tell the man that Berk had found peace.

Then fire came down on them all.

During his escape, a beam had fallen, pinning Stoick. He managed to free himself, but a lot of smoke was inhaled in the process, and he couldn't use an arm due to sustained injuries.

It took him a while to explain all of this to his son, who helped him sit up and was waving someone else over.

Rhiannon.

They both had come for him.

"How did you survive? This attack, it was a while ago..."

"I'm resourceful, lad. Though I was running out of time. If you came a day later..." The wind brought more smoke towards them, and Hiccup and Toothless beat it away with their wings. The Chief hissed in pain, grabbing his arm. "It's broken. I haven't the means to set it on my own."

Kneeling down by Stoick, the fae listened. Her brows furrowed in concern that someone was controlling dragons. She handed him a blue vial and urged him to drink.

“This will help ease your pain and start healing your minor wounds.” Her eyes dropped to his arm.

“Usually it is better to set the bones before healing. But I don’t like how long it’s been broken without attention. We can set it but there’s a change something may need to be rebroken to do so. Or…” the healer looked at the chief in sympathy.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

At the sight of her packed bags, he adjusted the strap of his own bag across his shoulder. A new determination came over him. They were really doing this. Running off in the night to check on Stoick.

"You really thought of everything." It hadn't even occurred to Hiccup to think of those things...and it was something he really should have prepared for. Running a hand through his hair, he realized he had a lot more to work on before he became Chief.

That would have to wait.

Following her out the door, he petted Altair before mounting on Toothless. "I know where the island is. Let's start there."

Toothless crooned, "I won't let you fall behind."

Hiccup tucked his wings along his back as Toothless took to the sky. They flew in the direction Stoick's ship had gone, the Night Fury flying fast, but slow enough for Altair to keep up.

After flying through the night, dawn came. On the horizon was a plume of smoke, and Hiccup knew the source. "That's where we're headed. We need to hurry!"

Those nerves flaring at the sight of smoke.

“I’m with you! Let’s go!” Rhia tucked herself down close to Altair. The dragon surprisingly fast as she took off.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

After the past year, he was probably just getting paranoid.

----

The days turned into weeks. Things ran well on Berk under Hiccup and Kiara's leadership, though the former did go to Rhiannon and Gobber for guidance more than a few times. It seemed a part of him was still afraid he'd fail and be seen as the useless heir once again.

When four weeks had passed since Stoick's departure, Hiccup's uneasy feeling had increased, and he couldn't hide his worry any longer.

Something was wrong, he could feel it.

I'll give it a few more days, he reasoned, this isn't the longest dad's been away. I can't overreact. Berk needs me here.

But when it had been five weeks, he couldn't take it any more.

Late one night, Hiccup scrawled out a note by candlelight. It was just to let his mom and sisters know where he went. Hopefully by the time they found it, it'd be too late to stop him.

He knew where Stoick had been headed, and he intended to find out why his father hadn't returned yet. Earlier that day, Trader Johann spoke of some trouble near that island, rumors of an attack, and Hiccup knew it had something to do with why his father wasn't back yet.

As unlikely as it was for his dad to be in trouble, Hiccup couldn't stay put any longer. He had to go investigate.

Toothless was ready with his saddle, and as quietly as they could, the pair crept down the stairs. Hiccup's prosthetic creaked, making him pause, but he continued on. Dropping the paper on the table, he went to straighten his satchel, the bag full of supplies and healing elixirs just in case, when a figure made him stop in his tracks.

Freezing, his wings and arms were tense, the teen holding his breath to see if they noticed him or not.

When Stoick failed to show at his determined date, Rhiannon realized her mistake. It was him the stars were warning about. Still she kept a calm and unbothered front for her children. Assuring Hiccup and Lyra Stoick was fine.

She could see they weren’t convinced.

That’s why she knew one of them would be reckless. Knew one of them would try to figure out what was going on…. She knew it would be her son.

“Sneaking out seems to be your favorite.” Rhia was sitting in the living room with a single candle illuminating her writing. She set the thin charcoal down and looked over at her son.

“You still don’t know how to ask for help.” His mother sighed as she stood with her paper. Bringing the candle over so she could read his note.

“At least you were leaving a note. Better than last time.” Setting her note down she picked his up and placed it in the fireplace. The fire salamanders lighting it on fire and eating it.

"You should have known she'd catch us," Toothless reminded him, "She always knows these types of things, Hiccup."

Instead of answering, Hiccup merely patted his dragon friend's head. Of course Toothless was right, and if he thought he could have gotten away without Rhiannon catching them, he'd been a fool.

"It--it's not that I don't know how to ask, I just..." He sighed. "I didn't want you to worry. I just, I can't shake the feeling that something is wrong. Dad should be back by now!"

His brows furrowed at the sight of her note, mouth parting in surprise to find that in her neat, flourished handwriting she had written something similar to what he had. The teen let in a gasp as she burned up the paper he'd left.

"You...you mean, you're coming with me?" Or, more accurately, she was letting him go with her?

“I had a suspicion that you would be my trouble maker. I could feel your restless magic all day. So, I left clear instructions for while we are gone.” Rhia scratched Toothless’s neck absently.

“You’re acting chief while your father is gone. If you’re to leave Berk as well Kiara and Gobber can act as your court- er council. Along with that, I requested Ash to inform Phoenix and Monarch of Berk’s situation. I trust Ash to go right to them. So they will also look after Berk while we are gone. Should anyone or anything attempt to attack there will be two fae clans ready to defend at a wind whisper.”

As Rhiannon spoke she was carrying her bags to the door. Opening it revealed Altair lying directly in front. An extra precaution if Rhia had fallen asleep. She attached the one bag to the saddle.

“Now, we’ll be flying blind until you are close enough to sense your father’s broach. I haven’t an idea where this meeting took place, so you’ll have to take point and guide us.” Turning back to Hiccup, there was a gleam to his mother’s eyes. A gleam like when Lyra was up to mischief. Or when Kiara knew she had the upper hand.

A gleam that meant his mother was completely on board for going to find Stoick and any trouble that may face them. It made her look years younger as she tied her hair back.

“Ready, Sunflower? You do love your adventures, do you not?” She teased and with help from Altair hopped up in her saddle. Rhiannon had hidden her own wings away.

Hiccup ran through the forest, vision blurry from the tears welling up in them.

His dad was leaving on another trip again, and Hiccup would be all alone... again.

"You'll have Gobber, lad," his father had said, sitting the boy on his knee.

"But I need you!" Hiccup had cried out, "You're always leaving, it isn't fair!"

And, being the wise Viking he was at six years old, he packed himself a little bag and took off into the forest, thinking that maybe if the trolls took him in, they wouldn't leave him.

Tripping over a rock, Hiccup tumbled into the forest floor with a cry of surprise. Dirt was smudged across his tunic, and a few stray leaves were stuck in his hair. Sniffling, he sat up, looking around.

...He was good and lost now.

Fear gripped at him. He had been angry before, but now? He didn't want to live with the trolls. He was scared, and he wanted safety.

Drawing his knees up to his chest, his bag sat beside him as the tears rolled down his cheeks.

A twig snapped, and he looked up in alarm. A girl about his age was there, with red hair similar to his own and green eyes. Sniffling, Hiccup wiped his face with the back of his hand, "You...you're not a troll, are you?"

After the past year, he was probably just getting paranoid.

----

The days turned into weeks. Things ran well on Berk under Hiccup and Kiara's leadership, though the former did go to Rhiannon and Gobber for guidance more than a few times. It seemed a part of him was still afraid he'd fail and be seen as the useless heir once again.

When four weeks had passed since Stoick's departure, Hiccup's uneasy feeling had increased, and he couldn't hide his worry any longer.

Something was wrong, he could feel it.

I'll give it a few more days, he reasoned, this isn't the longest dad's been away. I can't overreact. Berk needs me here.

But when it had been five weeks, he couldn't take it any more.

Late one night, Hiccup scrawled out a note by candlelight. It was just to let his mom and sisters know where he went. Hopefully by the time they found it, it'd be too late to stop him.

He knew where Stoick had been headed, and he intended to find out why his father hadn't returned yet. Earlier that day, Trader Johann spoke of some trouble near that island, rumors of an attack, and Hiccup knew it had something to do with why his father wasn't back yet.

As unlikely as it was for his dad to be in trouble, Hiccup couldn't stay put any longer. He had to go investigate.

Toothless was ready with his saddle, and as quietly as they could, the pair crept down the stairs. Hiccup's prosthetic creaked, making him pause, but he continued on. Dropping the paper on the table, he went to straighten his satchel, the bag full of supplies and healing elixirs just in case, when a figure made him stop in his tracks.

Freezing, his wings and arms were tense, the teen holding his breath to see if they noticed him or not.

When Stoick failed to show at his determined date, Rhiannon realized her mistake. It was him the stars were warning about. Still she kept a calm and unbothered front for her children. Assuring Hiccup and Lyra Stoick was fine.

She could see they weren’t convinced.

That’s why she knew one of them would be reckless. Knew one of them would try to figure out what was going on…. She knew it would be her son.

“Sneaking out seems to be your favorite.” Rhia was sitting in the living room with a single candle illuminating her writing. She set the thin charcoal down and looked over at her son.

“You still don’t know how to ask for help.” His mother sighed as she stood with her paper. Bringing the candle over so she could read his note.

“At least you were leaving a note. Better than last time.” Setting her note down she picked his up and placed it in the fireplace. The fire salamanders lighting it on fire and eating it.