(HTTYD) To Protect Its Own

Mysterious Shadows

Astrid POV

It has been three years since the death of Hiccup. Berk has progressed normally without the troublesome boy. Stoick was still depressed about Hiccup, but he managed to not let his death get to his chiefly activities. Even though I said that the village is acting normally, it's mostly due to the fact that we just made sure to never say his name out loud in front of Stoick. Weapons were never the same without Hiccup's hands. I mean, some weapons were actually stolen under the noses just last weekend. I was still sad about the tragedy, but I've gotten stronger. I actually became one of the strongest shieldmaidens in the village and can defend myself from any dragon. The Night Fury scale was threaded into a necklace around my neck and serves as a reminder to kill the beast that killed Hiccup.

Still, dragons have stopped raiding Berk and we have had some peaceful years. It was only three years ago when Trader Johann told us that the dragon nest has been destroyed and the Red Death, queen of the dragons, was killed. He never told us who did the deed and but it must be true if there are no regular raids.

It was nighttime. I was regularly training in the forest when a dark shadow loomed over me. I hid quickly and looked around for that mysterious shadow. The dark figure stopped and looked around before running into another direction. I tried to chase after him, emphasis on the tried because he was really fast. His movements were so wild, yet so natural as he swung off branches and jumped over rocks. My chest burned when I arrived at the cove in the forest. I realized that we were at the place in which Hiccup was declared dead, making the mysterious figure very suspicious. The dark figure was silent and now I can see him more quickly. He was tall and looked to be about my age. His figure was lean and I can see the hidden strength radiating from him. His face was obscured by the black hood of his cloak. I noticed with the black scaly cloak, he was wearing a dark brown leather suit and even though his face was hidden already with hood, I saw a hint of a mask. Whoever he is, he didn't want anyone to know what he looks like.

I frowned when I heard him speaking to someone. I narrowed my eyes, trying to find out who else was with him. He was suddenly pushed to the ground and I was about to help him, but I heard something. Laughter. I watched as the moonlight shined on the other figure and my eyes widened at what I saw. It was a dragon. It was a Night Fury. I slowly backed away, running back to Berk. I need to tell Stoick. The Night Fury is back! And it wasn't alone. I smirked. We now can avenge Hiccup.

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Hiccup POV

I was inside a cold cell, my hands bound tight and Berkian guards making the rounds around the dungeon. One time, I come back to Berk and I am captured. My head filled with worry at the thought of the dragons. They're going to wonder where I am. I sighed in exhaustion. At least, Toothless is still out there in the forest. I sighed. How did I get here?

12 hours ago....

Rustle. Rustle.

I opened my eyes quickly, wearing my hood and putting my mask on. I would rather die than let everyone to know who I am. I shook Toothless quickly and he shot up too. Someone was coming. I closed my eyes, letting myself just focus on hearing the sounds. Footsteps. Whispers. More than one. My eyes widened in panic.

"Toothless! Time to go!" He growled in agreement and I quickly sat on his saddle. We were ready to take off when Vikings came out from the rocks, surrounding me. I looked around, seeing familiar faces and I growled in frustration. Why couldn't I sense them coming sooner? I guess I let my guard down because of Snoggletog. Great, captured on Snoggletog day. That would be a great story to tell the dragons.

"Bud, now!" He flapped his wings and I felt myself lifted from the ground. I watch the angry Berk gather around me and we were just a hair-breadths away before a bola hit Toothless. Toothless roared as we were crashing back to the ground.

My leg roughly took the fall as I was roughly thrown over by Toothless. The dragon rolled over before hitting a boulder and groaned in pain. I groaned in pain as I felt covered by Toothless's wings. He took the fall for me.

"Toothless, let me out!" He growled but he grudgingly let me out. I groaned when I saw that we were completely surrounded by the Vikings. I sighed in relief when I stood up. No broken bones or sprains. And my peg leg is still in shape. I looked at Toothless and grimaced at his awkward position. His legs were littered with cuts and his prosthetic tail was severely bent out of shape. Great, we can't fly.

"NIGHT FURY! KILL IT!" I glared when I heard that. It's nice to see that nothing's changed.

Toothless roared at the Vikings when they try to get closer to us. I need to think fast. I took my sword from my thigh and I quickly activated it, the fire lighting up the blade.

"SORCERY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH A DRAGON, BOY!?" I rolled my eyes. I relaxed into a defensive stance and quickly was thinking of an escape route. I have to admit the Vikings were smart. They didn't leave any openings for both to escape. I noticed a younger group of Vikings guarding the entrance to the cove. They were glaring at me heatedly and I recognized them as the gang. They might be the opening I need. I glanced at Toothless and gave him a hard look.

As expected, he glared at me and shook his head heatedly. I know, bud. But one of us has to escape. I'll be fine.

He roared at me in stubbornness and waved his tail at me. I ducked, noticing he took out the Vikings behind me. I glared at him and took out the Viking about to hit Toothless.

"YOU PROMISED!" Toothless froze at that and grumbled.

WHEN HICCUP LANDED ON BERK

"Toothless, I need you to promise me something." He nodded in understanding. This time, I turned his head to look at me. "Bud, you have to promise to leave me here, even if anything happens."

That time, Toothless growled in disapproval and shook his head. I gave him a glare while he was reciprocating the same expression. "You're going to have to trust me someday."

The stubborn dragon snorted and grumbled sarcastically. Not making any promises.

Toothless, growling, finally nodded. He screamed, ready to shoot.

"NIGHT FURY! Get down!" I took this opportunity to throw canisters of zippleback gas, fogging up the surroundings.

"Get back! It's gonna light up!!" I watch as the Vikings scramble for cover and the entrance was open for once.

"Go!Go!Go!" Toothless took the cue to run out to the entrance. I was relieved when I saw him out of sight. At least he's safe.

"The dragon left! Get it!" That was my cue to block the entrance, fighting off any Vikings going after Toothless.

"Over my dead body." I swung my sword at one Viking and kicking him to a rock, knocking him out. I glared at the crowd of Vikings. "Try me."

"You're in big trouble, boy." I recognized the deep voice and tried to turn around. But it was too late. Stoick punched me, making me stumble over and pass out.

Oh Yak's Milk.

NOTE: FOURTH CHAPTER! Plz vote and comment! Again, nervous about how all this is turning out. Next, we get to see Hiccup in all his sarcasticness and sass. Everyone is gonna be so surprised! Hope you like the update. Spread the word about my fan-fiction!