SUNRISE

The Skaldron followed their ship for the remaining days, even pushing the boat along when the waves died down. Many of the men began trying out names for the new arrivals, though none seemed to fit. The dragon itself seemed quite happy with the attention, singing songs not unlike the whales that would nurse near the islands further south. It thankfully avoided jumping and splashing like the other water-bound creatures though; considering its huge bulk mostly hidden in the water, it would no doubt sink the boat if they were hit. The boiling hot jets it would shoot also came in handy when small flocks of dragons would get a little too close to the boat and its easily clawed sail.

Finally, after songs and storms and stories, Berk came into view, and the Skaldron found its roars matched by the cheers of Stoick's men. The villagers could already be seen running down the steps towards the harbour, ready to aid the ships party. The Skaldron hesitated in the waters for a moment, watching Stoick in the boat, who had turned his eyes to the sky. There was a little red Terror flying away from the island, heading towards the boat. Then, flying over one of Berk's high cliff sides, Hookfang flew into view, followed by several more. The Skaldron crooned at the sight, only to stop as the Nightmare roared in reply, turning to stare at the Terror that was getting ever closer to the boat.

The Skaldron ducked under the water, then leapt up, shooting a strong burst of boiling water straight at the Terror. It hit the target perfectly, only giving the little dragon time to give out a squeak before plummeting down, hiding the water's surface with a harsh slap.

Stoick watched for several minutes. The Terror never surfaced.

The Skaldron, now encouraged by the signs of dragons in the air, sped past the boat, swimming up to the harbour. The boat was angled into its slipstream, and the villagers took a step back as the dragon reached the harbour. But one was already pushing forward, helped by his perpetual black shadow. As the boat docked and everyone went to help, Hiccup was on his knees, staring at the green and blue dragon with a mix of awe and delight. Toothless sat by his side, purring contentedly to the Skaldron's deeper tones. Stoick shrugged off the greetings and questions from his tribe, directing them to his men, and walked over to his enraptured son.

"Hiccup?"

The teen's head jerked up, and he got to his feet with a nervous smile. Stoick was almost caught off guard when he realised he was once again taller than his son. By his side, Toothless gave him a sly glance and smirk before turning his attention back to the new dragon.

"Dad! Uh, hey, uh… how was your trip?"

Stoick gave a small smile, and ruffled his son's hair.

"Enlightening."

Enlisting the help of the dragons that had flown into view, the boat was unloaded in a matter of minutes, and Stoick took the free time to wrap an arm around Hiccup's shoulder and start leading him away back up the steps. Toothless followed after, giving the two an unusual amount of space for once.

"So… how's things been while we were away? Your lessons go as planned?"

Hiccup jerked under the shoulder, but quickly masked it under a grin. "Uh, yeah; yeah, they were… uh… fine, yeah. Everything's good."

Stoick stared at him, trying to hide the guilt he could feel spinning in his chest. "Anything… interesting happen?"

He watched his son struggle with the words he wanted to say, mouth opening and closing several times before finally choosing an opening statement.

"Well… there was this little thing that happened. Just before the storms hit Berk I found this little, and I mean really little, wouldn't even notice if it was around full-time little, Terror washed up at the dock. I've been taking care of it for the past few days."

"Have you?" Stoick asked, hiding the wince as they headed up the stairs.

Hiccup swung round, stopping at the last few steps and stared at his dad with genuine desire.

"Please, Dad, I know how you feel about dragons in the house and I know I said it would just be Toothless, but I swear, you won't even know Freakout's around, I promise."

"Freakout?" Stoick repeated as Hiccup headed up the last few steps.

"Just come see him, I promise he's—"

Hiccup trailed off and stopped at the top of the steps, staring at the grass in confusion.

"…He was right here."

Stoick followed him up and scratched the back of his head as Hiccup took a few steps, looking around in vain. Toothless quickly came to his side, immediately crooning to comfort.

Hiccup spun round with a nervous smile. "Okay, so we haven't quite got 'stay' down yet. But he's no trouble at a—"

"This Terror," Stoick interrupted, an idea forming in his head, "wouldn't have been red, would it?"

His son paused in surprise.

"Yes…"

Stoick nodded. "When we were coming into dock, I saw a red Terror flying out to sea. Little sluggish but, definitely seemed to know where it was going."

Hiccup stilled, and slowly turned his head out to sea. He walked up to the cliff edge, barely aware of Toothless by his side, and stared out.

"Oh… I guess… I guess he remembered somewhere he had to be…"

It was a poor joke, even by Hiccup's standards, and Stoick walked over, again bringing his arm around Hiccup's shoulders, wondering if he should take it back.

But… no. Even if Hiccup did believe him, it would be too easy for him to tell someone else by accident. Hiccup could keep a secret, but when panicked or excited words would slip – and the last thing he needed was the Vikings of Berk learning that dragons could turn them into dragons at any time they chose.

Judging from the lack of glaring coming from Toothless, the dragons agreed. That admitting the events of the last few days would only hinder everything.

For now, Stoick patted Hiccup's back in comfort.

"Maybe he'll come back."

Hiccup shrugged. "Yeah, maybe."

Stoick sighed. "And if he doesn't… maybe… maybe we can see about… I don't know… taking in one of the stragglers running round here. So long as it's house-trained."

Hiccup looked up in surprise. "Really?"

Stoick shrugged. "I had some time to think over the past few days, and well… I can't really be the leader of a dragon-friendly Berk if I don't start being a little more friendly with them myself, can I?"

Hiccup didn't even blink, and Stoick was vaguely worried he may have snapped Hiccup's overworked brain, when the teen flung his arms around him and hugged him tightly, a genuinely happy laugh working its way out through Stoick's heavy furs.

A laugh Stoick couldn't help but return.

The morning passed quickly and smoothly, with the boat unloaded and tales from the neighbouring tribe to tell, and Stoick found himself with more than enough to do as Chief. When he finally managed to drag himself away, leaving any remaining details in Spitelout's hands, he headed back to the harbour, where he'd heard the twins were making the new arrival "welcome."

As he walked down the steps, he could see two of them, along with Hiccup and Toothless, watching them. Ruffnut and Tuffnut had climbed up a post that hung diagonally over the water, each holding a chicken in their hands and watching the water with glee.

"Come on, Doom Bubble!" Tuffnut goaded.

"It's your favourite!" Ruffnut chimed. "Cooked chicken…"

The water rippled, and Stoick watched the two yelp as the Skaldron's head erupted from the water, swallowing not only the poultry, but their hands. He hadn't bit down though, and the two yanked their arms out before the water dragon crashed back into the water with a happy foghorn sound.

"That. Was. So. Cool!" Tuffnut yelled, throwing his hands into the air, only to fall back and crash into his sister, toppling the two into the water. Moments later they flew out of the water on a powerful jet spray, the Skaldron's head bobbing on the surface.

Hiccup was on the edge of the dock, staring at the dragon in fascination. He was lying on his belly, hands free, and as the dragon came closer, he held one out, several inches from water. Doom Bubble appraised him, head bobbing, before lifting himself up slightly, letting Hiccup's hand pat his smooth scales.

Stoick couldn't help but match the smile on Hiccup's face, and decided to make himself known.

"Doom Bubble? Is this what happens when I let you name new dragons?"

Hiccup's jerked up, awkwardly forcing his body into a sitting position.

"Dad! Um, it's a… temporary name. Ruffnut and Tuffnut came up with—"

Stoick held up his hands. "Thorstons? Say no more."

Hiccup considered that a strange reply, but didn't question it. His father seemed oddly nervous, and let it be.

"Hiccup…" Stoick started, then sighed before starting again, this time with more conviction.

"Hiccup, I want you and I to make up plans for the best way to introduce dragons to the other tribes."

His son blinked in shock. "Come again?"

Stoick rolled his eyes. "You heard me. You're right, we can't just wait until it's time to trade, but we can't force them to see our ways. So we need to find a medium, something that'll work for everyone. And I need your help to do that."

A smile was slowly spreading on his son's face. "You want my help?"

"Yes."

"And you'll actually listen to what I say?"

Stoick's eyes narrowed. "As long as you're willing to do the same."

The smile became a grin, and Hiccup stuck out a hand.

"Deal. First thing's first. You. Hookfang. Flying lesson. Today."

Stoick's mind flashed back to the day before, another lifetime ago – where wings fought against the wind, tongue flapping against the breeze as his little body floated in mid-air… and shook his sons hand fiercely.

"Deal."

END

...And were done. Thank you everyone for following this. Hope you enjoyed my first foray into continuous fiction for this fandom, and that you all enjoyed it. At least more than I enjoyed writing it (writers block on a deadline is HELL!)

Luki