Hello again. This chapter ends the first act of The Viking and the Night Fury. The story is far from over; the next sequence will embark on the beginnings of the war between dragons and Vikings, as well as explore the early lives and relationship of Valka and Stoick. Consider it a prequel to the tale. I hope this doesn't inconvenience anyone. TVATNF will pick up right after the end of the prequel. I'd like to thank everyone for their support for the story and rest assure that it will continue. If you'd like the continuation of the story to remain here or for a new act to begin on a separate book, please say so in the review box if you'd like. Posting this chapter 8-1-2014. Prequel to begin in 5-6 days. Thank you all so very much and please enjoy.

Update: Prequel complete under the title: The Mist and the Brave One, and sequel in progress titled: The Riders and the Outcasts. I hope you'll enjoy. Thank you.

…

When Hiccup disappeared into the clouds, Stoick stormed out of the cove, darted for the village and pier, only to find the waves too treacherous to attempt going after her. He stood overlooking the grey and miserable world around him, men and women gathering by his side as the raindrops seemed to only blanket Berk. Soon everyone began making their way towards the Great Hall. It took several men to convince Stoick to enter and exit the rain.

Inside everything was silent. The crackling of burning wood being the only conversation within the hall. The doors flew open, bringing in heavy gust of cool wind and water as Gobber, Gothi and Gustav entered with their dragons respectively. They were covered in dense droplets of rain that seemed to just coat them rather than slide off their bodies.

Everyone stared at them, their expressions low, not speaking a word. Stoick pushed his way out of the crowd towards Gobber as Fanghook and Bones closed the door behind them.

"Where is she?" he grabbed onto Gobber's shoulders, hopping for some reassurance that she was coming home, reassurance that he could mend what was broken.

Gobber stayed silent for a moment, eyes down before speaking. "She's gone," he placed a hand over Stoick's elbow. "She needs time to heal her mind, body and heart."

Stoick felt his breath halt as he released his hold, taking a step back. In his mind, the images of his little girl raced around. The early visions were of her cheerful smile and laughter, he and Valka holding her tight. The later ones were of him walking out the front door, not man enough to tell her goodbye as he left for voyages and his returns where she slept by the fireplace for his arrival. When did it all change? When did his heart become so cold that he shut out the only comfort he had in this world? He felt like breaking down.

"Stoick," Gobber spoke to him, still trapped in memories past.

Coming back to reality, he looked into his friends eyes, clouded in sorrow and loss. He knew exactly how he felt. Both men turned towards the people, making their way to the elevated round formation in the center where he and the others had their last council. Stoick raised himself onto it and while his voice was veiled in grief, he held it steady and loud for all to hear.

"Today, we've lost someone dear, someone whom we all took for granted. Hiccup… committed the most traitorous act in accordance to our bylaws. Harboring and consorting with dragons, it is an act punishable by death… However," he paused and stared into the fire as it danced around, the figment of his child in the flames. "…it was an act that has bridged our two worlds together and brought forth peace." He lifted his arm out, pointing to the three dragon riders by their dragons. "I know as Vikings, we're stubborn and don't take to change very well, but if we ever want to get Hiccup to come back home, we need to prove to her that we can. Help me make Berk a home again, for us all…for my little girl."

All around, men and women looked to their chief. He had never led them astray, even during his darkest times and they could tell more were to haunt him. His daughter did so much for the people of Berk. They never truly gave her the time to just be free and experience life like the other youths. She had to grow up so quickly to fill in the void of her mother and to pick up the pieces till her father got better. By the time Stoick returned to his duties, she had already taken her own by forging, assisting during banquets and helping regulate rations in the food storage. Where was the time for four-year old Hiccup to play and smile? In all honesty, they didn't blame her for leaving. She must have been so frightened, thinking they were out to put her life to an end.

What life must have been like for her here where she was treated like an oddity? They all simultaneously thought to themselves.

"We'll help…" Bucket and Mulch raised their hooked hands up. They were still unsure of many things, but they knew Hiccup always did what she did for the good of her people. They witnessed her lose that spark of light years ago. But even with that hint of hope gone, she never let the last flicker fade and used it to make Berk a better place. Over the past few days they saw glimpses of her light grow and now they knew it was from her time with dragons. If dragons brought the light back into her eyes, what could they do for Berk and her people?

"Us as well," Gobber, Gustav, and Gothi raised their palms out, Fanghook and Bones lifting their wings while Etch lifted her whip-like tail.

Soon more began chiming in. Others were more resilient but after the image of Hiccup crossed their minds, they agreed.

Mildew, wanting nothing to do with either dragons or the Haddock girl, stormed out of the hall and out into the storm outside. His sheep, Fungus, following close behind, his thoughts on the matter unknown to all as he exited with his companion.

…

On the opposite side of the hall, the teenagers gathered together. They were silent for a good while, Ruffnut finally ending the silence.

"Mr. Awesome…was a dragon."

The others looked to her with confused expressions, all but Aarne who had his arms crossed and tensed as he leaned to the wall.

"You mean her "special someone" was that thing?!" Snotlout questioned pointing outward.

"That 'thing' is a Night Fury and has a name, it's Toothless, and I can see why she'd pick him over any of the guys here," she crossed her arms, staring at the lot of them. "No offense, Fishlegs," she said to him in less of an aggressive tone.

"None taken, he definitely lives up to the hype," he said nervously twiddling with his fingers.

"Wait, so you two aren't in the least bit worried about any of this?" Tuffnut asked stepping closer to his sister.

"Well of course we are, but look at this from Hiccup's point-of-view: mostly everyone here either treated her with hostility or completely ignored her. So what if the one person who showed her some humility happened to be a dragon, she seemed happy with him," Fishlegs answered.

"Him?" Aarne repeated as he pushed himself off the wall and began on a death march towards Fishlegs, who cringed and whimpered at his advance. "You think she was happy? She disowned herself as being one of us to be with him?" he said the last word with resentment.

"Well can you blame her? He was the only one who ever treated her like an actual person," Ruffnut stepped forward, blocking Aarne's path.

"You guys may have treated her like a garbage, but I was looking out for her," Aarne got right in her face, their eyes piercing each other's like daggers.

"What, you thought being this tough guy would make everything better? That's the difference between you two, he didn't have to be strong, he proved himself by being vulnerable and there when she needed it."

Aarne puffed his chest out and balled his fist before punching the wall, leaving a wide crack in the stone causing them all to flinch back. He paced back and forth, mumbling under his breath.

What could she have possibly seen in him?! A dragon, I've been beating myself up over a dragon?! A Night Fury nonetheless. She kissed him, said she loved him… How could she choose him over me…?" He thought as he gave the wall a second jab.

That was really all that it came down to, he was jealous. He had never worried about another guy coming into her life because he was sure he'd be the only one worth being seen. Who knew he had a Night Fury as competition over Hiccup's affection?

What could he have conceivably done? Give her a shell and be by her side? It couldn't have been that simple!

It hit Aarne about mid-pace that it was that simple. That dragon did something he hadn't, he was there. He spent years watching her from a distance and fighting behind her back when all she ever needed was someone by her side. That was all she ever wanted, a friend.

He took a breath of realization. If they ever wanted to see Hiccup again, they had to change things around Berk, he'd have to change himself. No more tough guy act, he had to be himself for a change. In his heart he still wanted to be with Hiccup but he had to do it with a clean slate. No more aggression. If he wanted to earn her back from, Toothless, he was going to do it by starting over, even if he really hated the idea.

Walking by, Gustav made his way past them towards the door before being stopped by Snotlout. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Not now, Snotlout, I'm not in the mood…" Gustav side-stepped away from him only to be pulled by the collar up into the air.

"Well I am, so talk or do you want a mouthful of fist? Hiccup isn't here to protect you anymore," he held his fist high till hot puffs of smoke brushed along the back of his neck. Looking behind him, he caught glimpse at the Monstrous Nightmare over him, snarling deeply. Snotlout lowered Gustav to the ground gently before stepping back. Hiccup may not be there, but just as threatening was an adolescent Nightmare.

Fanghook growled at the buff teenager before him. No one messed with his brother. "Come on, Fanghook. He's not worth it," his voice as dry and slightly irritated that Snotlout hadn't managed to learn a thing. Complying with his brother's request he walked past the group of youths but not before flicking his tail to Snotlout before leaving out the door.

"Can you believe that kid? Thinks just cause he's got a dragon, he's better than us," Snotlout pouted as he rubbed his hit shoulder.

"I think he's just sad because he lost his best friend," Tuffnut corrected, shrugging his shoulders.

"Please, Hiccup, his best friend? That's the lamest friendship ever, right Aarne?" he leaned to one side as his hand made contact with Aarne's left shoulder pad, a smirk on his face.

After his epiphany, Aarne didn't look as he punched him square in the jaw, knocking him to the ground.

"Just shut up, Snotlout."

…

Gustav walked over to the arena, the stone walls and grounds covered in moisture as more rain fell. With Fanghook by his side, they unlocked all the cages, the doors slowly opening wide. The first head out was the Nadder, how recognized the boy as the one watching the training from above. Soon the Zippleback walked out into the rain followed by the Gronckle and the red Nightmare. They all gave each other a confused stare before trailing their vision to the young boy and the young Nightmare.

"You're all free, you can go now," Gustav said for all to hear.

They chattered amongst themselves, not too sure if it was some form of trap.

"My friend, Hiccup, she tried to tell everyone you guys weren't bad. But…she had to leave and find a new home. Berk has no need to put you all in cages anymore, so go before they realize you're all gone," He swatted the air for the dragons to go.

They slowly began out the main gate, Gustav and Fanghook proceeding into the pen that once housed the larger Nightmare. He was tired. She had promised things wouldn't go wrong and they hadn't till Stoick interfered. Now she was gone. He knew she'd return, but Berk needed to change. The one thing he didn't know was how long it would take.

Before exiting, the Nadder looked back to the boy and his Nightmare companion. The name Hiccup resonated to her as the girl who gave off a benign aura as well as the owner of the sweet blood. That Viking girl helped then as did this boy. He would be willing to take the blame when they all left. It was a kind act, but he looked so cold and damp inside with just the Nightmare. Mind set, the Nadder turned around as she made her way towards the pen with the two inside.

"Wait, so you're going back?" the Zippleback on the right asked seeing her.

"Into the cage?" his brother on the left added.

"Yes," she answered.

"Do you know what you're doin', sug? Freedom is this way," the Gronckle inquired nudging her head out the main gate.

"I know," she chirped as she ruffled her scales dry in the pen.

"So what are you doing?" the Nightmare looked to the Nadder as she entered further into his former cell and curled up next to Gustav and Fanghook.

"I'm staying."

They stared as the boy pet her head before lowering his onto the two toned Nightmare.

"Incoming," the left Zippleback head pulled his neck back a bit. "Message to a Nadder."

"What's it say?" he right head joined.

"'You're crazy'," his brother finished.

"Suit yourselves, I'll be here where it's dry and cozy," she closed her eyes and rested.

"Hey, if you guys are leaving and you meet my friend, Toothless, tell him I said 'Hi'," Fanghook called out to them.

"Sure thing, sug', what is he, a Nightmare?" the Gronckle asked.

"Night Fury. He's traveling with a human girl, Hiccup."

The red Nightmare froze. "You're saying that Night Fury is out there in the wild, away from here?"

Fanghook nodded his head in confirmation.

"I'm staying. Move over," the Nightmare returned to his cell, leaning closest to the wall. If the Night Fury was out there, he did not want to confront him, especially if his woman was nearby, no matter how nice she was.

"Might as well stay too. It's too windy for me to fly out anyways," the Gronckle shrugged as she made her way to the pen by Fanghook's left side. A smile crossed her face as she remembered the sweet grass smelling child from days before.

"I guess it's just you and me bro. Us against the world and…where are we going?" the left head of the Zippleback asked as his brother led their body into the dry area. Soon both rested themselves by the Nadder.

Gustav looked around and a warm smile enveloped his face. Inside the pen began to get warm and comfortable, Gustav's clothes drying quickly and stopping his shivers. As the sound of rainwater lullabied them all into a peaceful slumber, he held the Book of Dragons close, knowing someday he'd make Berk a place for both Viking and dragon.

…

Throughout the duration of their flight, Hiccup remained silent as she nestled her torso and head flat onto Toothless' back. She placed the items given to her into her satchel and tucked the staff under her legs. Her mind slowed down for the first time in many years and thought of herself for a change. She was now a renegade on her own self-exile, with Toothless by her side. She'd miss many things on Berk like the cove, her garden, the forge, her study, her home… The people too, she'd miss every single one of them from the fishermen, Bucket and Mulch, and to Mildew and Fungus, even if they didn't quite like her very much. Most of all, she'd miss the times when Stoick the Vast was her father.

Hiccup buried her face on Toothless' saddle as she thought to the things she now couldn't do anymore. She no longer had to get up and cook meals for her and the chief or do laundry or clean the house. She didn't have weapon orders to fix or make and do inventory on metal supplies. She wouldn't have to worry about decorating and making dishes for feasts or deal with cleaning up by herself after it. No longer did she have to hide her sorrow over what was being said about her behind her back or look over her shoulders for projectile rocks.

It dawned on her just how much she did for Berk and just how little time she had to herself. Now that she wasn't there, she had all this free time.

I'm free…? She thought as the clouds began to part and the formation of a large mountain came into sight. She recognized the island by the black pebbled beach and the cluster of dragons freely soaring about. "Dragon Island?"

"The one place where no Viking can ever find you," Toothless said as he lowered his angle down towards the island's shore.

At the sight of the Night Fury, the dragons below gathered around and when the wind carried the scent of sweet grass across the island, more came out to greet their new arrival. Toothless landed softly on the stone beach, Hiccup slowly lifting her head up to see the cluster of wild dragons forming around them. Zipplebacks, Gronckles, Nadders, and Nightmares gathered around as Hiccup cautiously got down from Toothless and laid the staff to the ground, showing she meant no harm. Almost instantly, the little violet Nadder popped out from the crowd and raced to her, chirping merrily at sight of her.

"Hey there, sweet one. How's your wing?" she asked with a smile as he brushed his head to her open palms lovingly. He sent her cute little chatters and peeps which she couldn't understand but was sure he meant he was alright. She looked over to Toothless with a small grin.

"His wing's better. He really missed you, calls you 'nice lady'," Toothless smiled down to her as she kneeled to gently pet the Nadder.

"My name is Hiccup, I missed you too," she nuzzled the Nadder's face, him doing the same to hers.

"Is she gonna stay, Night Fury?" the Nadder asked as Hiccup allowed him to move about.

"She must. Her kind threatened her life. Until she's ready and their island is fit to house her again, she must remain here. I know many of you aren't comfortable with humans, but I can assure you she's docile and means no harm to anyone," Toothless called out for all to hear. He was expecting complaints, even being told she wasn't allowed, instead he got the opposite.

The wild dragons nodded in approval to her arrival, many flapping their wings in joy to the revelation she was to stay. He was taken aback by the positive reaction.

"She's more than welcomed," the Gronckle walked up beside the two as he motioned for the young Nadder to return to his mother's side. "Hiccup, has given us our greatest treasure, our freedom. She helped vanquished Red Death and protected our own from harm." He looked over to the flock of hatchlings as they eagerly crept up to Hiccup's side, to which she extended her arms to them in embrace, gazing at them with caring eyes. They then proceeded to snuggle around her as she giggled sweetly to their actions. "In physical form, she may not be a dragon, but in spirit she is one of us." He leaned close to Toothless, whispering to him before letting out a call to the flock who in response called out in delight to the news.

Toothless leaned down to Hiccup, giving the young ones the look that told them to go. He nuzzled her hair and helped her up from her kneeling position. "Welcome home, my Queen."

He lowered his head to her as did the other dragons. A queen protected all, young and old. To them, Hiccup was their jewel, their savior from a life of imprisonment. And like she defended them with her life, they too would battle for hers.

Hiccup watched in awe as every dragon bowed their heads to her. They wanted her to stay, to be safe. Clearing her throat, she readied her words. "Thank you. I'm not too sure how to be a queen, but I'd like to start off as being your friend. I'm not strong, or brave, but I'll protect everyone the best way I can," she lowered her head and bowed to the crowd of dragons.

The horde gave out mighty roars, some even blazing up the air with spirals of fire. For them, she didn't need to be strong physically, her strength lied within her soul and she was far braver than she considered herself to be. They knew she'd make a glorious ruler, a kind one who would look after them and never bring them harm.

For the first time in centuries, Dragon Island had itself a fit potentate.

…

As the sun shined high in the sky, storm clouds came within sight of Dragon Island. Hiccup gathered the young dragons back to their mothers and fathers, even assisting many find places to stay dry before the rain fell. The more she explored her new home, the more she felt at ease.

The forests were lush and filled with tall, thick healthy trees and the waters of the streams tasted crisp and full of energy. It was difficult to believe such beauty could exist on a land once filled with fear and smog. To the dragons, her presence seemed to push back the toxic miasma surrounding the island, filling it with the fresh essence of earthy mist. The air became light and the isle soon warmed under the bright sunlight. The climate certainly felt different to her than what she was used to on Berk. It was warmer and she felt the alp helped to add the heat along with the rays.

The Gronckle as well as several other dragons began gathering supplies for Hiccup from wrecked Viking ships like ropes and sails, little things that she could use to make her adjustment to her new home more comfortable. By the time the sun was setting, she felt humid and once she found a suitable stop by a waterfall, she proceeded to undress for a bath. Thankfully, Gothi packed her a vial of sweet grass cleaner and with that she made her way under the falls.

She was happily bathing when she felt a presence loom over her. "Toothless? What is it?" she looked up to him as he stood on his hind legs, placing his paws over to the stone wall behind the falls as water fell down his head. Not answering, he spread his wings out till the ends sliced through the water.

He looked over her bruised skin. Her forearm was darkly marked, as was her neck and cheek. Taking one paw, he reached out and motioned her to turn her back to him. There he saw large discoloration as well as a purple line to her side. Purring softly, he leaned down to heal her wounds. "I'm so sorry this happened to you," he said after lapping her back to its normal condition.

"I thought, I could change their minds, maybe show them the truth," Hiccup whispered as he treated her arm.

"Some just don't change…" Toothless lowered himself to heal her bruised side.

"I know. I just had to try."

He nudged her back softly for her to turn towards him before mending her neck. "You're safe now. I won't let anybody hurt you again."

"You too. I'll protect you," she stared into his eyes after he soothed her cheek, leaving a warm natural blush.

They stayed like that for a while, smiling to each other as the cool water blanketed their bodies. Toothless leaned down to her once more as she tip-toed to him. They're lips close till the snap of a twig halted their moment.

"Here are some items for her, sir," the Gronckle laid the items gathered by Hiccup's belongings before chuckling slyly and flying off to shield himself from the coming rain.

Toothless sighed reluctantly, the feeling of a soft kiss to his cheek soothing his irritation.

…

After taking Hiccup to his cave, she took one of the torn sails, mended herself a few articles and a simple white gown for her to sleep in. Once she was finished, Toothless gave her the leather cuff, to which she reattached to his paw. Exiting to the soft sand, she grabbed a few pieces of dry driftwood on the beach before the first droplets of water fell onto her island.

By the time the rain hit, the sun was gone. The warm night air mixed with the cool rain, washing away the bad memories the island held for its residents.

Lining the wood together, Hiccup formed herself a small bed. Lifting herself up, she figured it would make do until she managed to make a more permanent one. She was getting ready to lay down when the pieces of dried wood caught fire, burning away in beautiful shades of red and amber. The feeling of strong paws pulled her back as Toothless fell to his side, embracing her close.

"There's no way I'm letting you sleep on driftwood. You're sleeping with me," he pressed her closer to his body, letting his warmth transfer to her. He missed this softness. The feeling of her by his side and for as long as he could, he'd never let her go again.

Hiccup didn't object to his command, his hold was delicate and she loved the sound of his heart lulling her to sleep.

"Toothless," she whispered.

"Yeah," he hummed, breathing steadily as sleep drew near.

"At the arena, when you called me your woman…did you mean that?"

He tensed slightly to the question. "Yeah, and I'm not taking it back."

"I wouldn't want you to. It actually made me happy… I'm glad to be yours," she nuzzled her head onto his chest.

Toothless relaxed himself. "And I'm honored to be yours." He took a deep breath of her decadent aroma and chirped peacefully. "Our lives have only begun, Hiccup. I can't imagine what the future holds in store for us."

"I'm not too sure, but I want to spend as much of it with you," they closed their eyes and let their gentle heartbeats drift them to sleep.

For them, the future could hold joy, danger, excitement...it didn't really matter right then and there. All they did know was that it was sure to be better than their past. As long as they were together, the world wasn't as dark.

As the last drop of rain fell by the cave entrance, their breaths and heartbeats synced.

Tomorrow's our future, they thought as the weights of the world were lifted off their shoulders.