A.N.

Well, this is it, the last chapter. I'm writing it in the copy-n-paste box, so apologies for any typos. I've already posted the new story Burdened Onus so go check it out if you'd like once your done reading.

Sorry about this conclusion being fairly smaller than the rest of my chapters.

Disclaimer: I own nothing

Escape

Chapter 10

Teamwork

Toothless wasted no time in feasting on the available fish. He buried his head into the basket and gulped down the cod as fast as he could. His rider, Hiccup, was being dried off with a towel by Stoick. Hiccup sat on the table by the fire pit in his house, his wet, cold shirt off so that his dad could rub his body free of the chilling cold. Stoick covered his head with the towel and scrubbed his wet hair, earning a protesting moan from Hiccup. The chief chuckled and removed the now damp towel off of his son's face. Hiccup's hair was a mess and he groaned while trying to fix the standing up strands.

While Hiccup took the time to pat his hair down, Stoick hung the cloth up to dry before going to the back of the house to get a cup of hot tea.

Hiccup picked up another towel, a bunch of them sitting beside him to his right, and lifted up his left leg. He removed his prosthetic and began cleaning the stub free of sand and sea water. When he was done, he moved onto his prosthetic.

Stoick came back over and sat the hot cup of tea down next to him. Hiccup turned his head, smiled and thanked his dad for the help. Picking up another basket of fish, one that Toothless had yet to get a hold of, and took it outside for Thornado. On his way out he saw Hiccup's friends and Gobber coming up. He nodded to Gobber, a gesture saying that they could go in.

Hiccup was putting his prosthetic back on when Gobber, Astrid, Fishlegs, Snotlout and the twins came in.

"Hi guys," He greeted with a smile.

"Hi Hiccup, are you feeling any warmer?" Astrid asked.

"Much, much warmer." Astrid smiled at him and grabbed one of his dry shirts. She handed it to him and he took it with thanks.

"Thank you milady." He slipped it on, took the cup of tea in his hands and sipped.

Snotlout took a seat in one of the chairs, leaning back and resting his feet up on the table.

"Well, that camping trip was an utter failure." he stated nonchalantly.

"Uh, don't remind me." Fishlegs commented.

"Well it looks like we proved we couldn't defend ourselves." Astrid added, looking down with shame.

"I wouldn't be so sure." Gobber said, gaining the attention of the teens.

"Gobber, we almost died." Hiccup stated.

"Yes, but you didn't. I've realized that you guys have actually survived and escaped disasters many times before before. And each time, you used teamwork. It was wrong of me to separate your team and expect the same results." Gobber explained.

"Separate our team? But we were all together, for the most part." Astrid replied, confused as to what Gobber was getting at.

"No, you weren't." Stoick said, coming into the house and closing the door. He sat the now empty basket down and walked over to the group. "Me and Gobber wanted you kids to learn to defend yourselves using teamwork. We didn't realize how big your team really was. The dragons are a part of your team, and even though they can be your weakness, they are also your greatest strength-as it is with most things."

"But honestly, we're just glad you are all back safe and sound. And now that the Berserkers are all gathered up and snuggled tied in our prisons, we can pack 'em onto a ship and sail them off to Berserk." Gobber stated.

"I'm sure Dagur will appreciate the present." Stoick added with both hands on his thighs.

The last Berserker, Svidi to be exact, was shoved onto the small Berkian boat, her bindings causing her to stumble a little and bump into the rest of her men.

"Oops, sorry, hope I didn't brake one of your nails." Gobber criticized, earning a glare from Svidi.

"Alright, that's all of them." Hiccup said.

"If anyone of you want to do some last minute gloating, now's the time." Gobber said while coming down off of the plank that lead onto the boat.

"Ooh, ooh, ooh," Snotlout exclaimed with a raised hand, running onto the board and standing in front of the Berserkers.

"You guys seriously thought you could take us? I don't think so, you can't handle any of this!" He ranted while pointing to himself. Astrid rolled her eyes,

"Oh please, at least spare them of that." Hiccup, who was standing next to her, shook his head at Snotlout. He crossed his arms as he watch the boat leave the dock and sail off towards Berserk.

Suddenly, his arm was punched by Astrid's fist. He stumble slightly to the left before regaining balance and rubbing his now bruised arm.

"Ow, what was that for?" he asked.

"Hmm, just felt like I had to do it." She replied, smiling compassionately at him. The rising sun's rays made her hair almost look like gold, a slight breeze blew and gently swayed her strands of hair back and out of her face.

Hiccup looked at her like he was in trance. He made up his mind and moved closer to her, planting his lips on hers and giving one of his own kisses. When he pulled away, he looked down before glancing back up at her eyes and smiling. He began walking off of the dock, a small blush on his cheeks.

Astrid looked out at the horizon, a smile growing on her lips. He turned around and watched for a little while as Hiccup walked away.

Her smile grew more and she dashed after him.

The End