(Pub. 29th November 2022)
(Small edits 8th Jan 2023)

Previously:

Dagur was about to kill Hiccup, but Toothless had broken out and shown up just in time. From there Hiccup made a new (new, new technically) tail and fixed the gear to the best of his ability. Then they broke out Bo and the Nadder, and together they all managed to escape!

Now:

We fly high amongst the clouds, only the occasional patch of blue visible far below us as we travel across the sky. Toothless is gliding carefully, partly so I don't have to mess with the tail too often, but also so he can preserve energy. And so Bo can keep up, of course.

"...And then I looked down and we were the perfect position," Bo laughs, sitting on the Nadder as they fly to our left. "So I just threw it!" He at least has settled slightly in his position, probably because there's no other option.

"That was brilliant," I point at him, chuckling. "And those reflexes blocking the arrow? Amazing." I praise. I give him a genuine smile. "You really should think about becoming a dragon rider, find one of your own."

The Nadder has agreed to help us out, but she doesn't want to stay around for long, and we respect that; she has to go find her flock. She told us she'll take us as far as we want, as thanks for helping her escape, but then we will part ways.

Bo laughs, shaking his head. "No offence but I doubt it. I don't think it's for me."

I let it go, smiling to myself. Somehow I think that could change. I have to believe that there are people out there that would truly be as open to dragon riding as I am, and I'd like to hope Bo could be one of them. I have to believe that.

"Hey, let's go down and see if we can get our bearings," I suggest after a few minutes. I know we'd have to be well out if range by now, probably even out of sight.

Toothless dips down gently, cutting through the clouds below us to reveal wide open oceans— aside from a few sea stacks in the distance. I look behind us, seeing what I think is Dagur's boat a tiny speck on the horizon. I doubt they'd even be able to see us. And even if they could, there's nothing they'd be able to do.

"At least we're far away," I muse, turning back around. Some of the tension in my body leaves me now that I know I'm no longer close to Dagur.

"Hey!" Bo shouts and I jump, whipping around to look at him. He doesn't notice, busy staring ahead. "I know those sea stacks!"

I exhale, shaking my head and trying to calm myself down. "Do you?" I ask, surprised.

"Yeah! I recognise them from the half annual fishing trips I take!" He beams, "we're only like... two hours away from home!"

At that, I brighten up. "That's— that's great!" I exclaim. "We can get you home, rest up for a few, then Toothless and I will be good to go!"

Bo grins, looking excited. "I can't wait to see everyone!"

I'm glad he's excited, I am too! A proper chance to rest will be nothing short of therapeutic for Toothless and I. I just want to give my wounds a chance to heal, maybe figure out how to change my prosthetic leg. I am determined to get back in the sky again, properly. How we used to. Not how we are now, with the slow gliding and my hand beginning to cramp. If I can figure out a way to make that happen, then it'll solve a lot of our problems.

It'll be especially useful in getting us as far away from Dagur as possible. Part of me knows it won't be the last time we see him, but part of me just want to relax for once in my gods-damn life! I feel like we haven't been able to slow down; we went from life on Berk, to exile, to fighting the Red Death, a small coma, and then this whole Dagur fiasco. It feels like we haven't been able to take a breath, for Thor's sake!

I know my old life is gone, and good riddance! I just want to move on, build a life for Toothless and I. Help and befriend more dragons, perhaps figure out what the hel everyone means by 'Raven' and why that involves me. I just want to find our freedom.

Meanwhile... (Third Person)

Dagur paces the ship's deck in frustration, his hands wringing together as he imagines what he was so close to doing, yet was unable to achieve. His eyes are scanning the sky above, hoping for opportunity. Timidly, a member of the crew approches Dagur.
"What do you want us to do, Dag— uh, your deranged-ness." He fumbles over his words, knowing one wrong word could set Dagur off.
"Arm our defences," Dagur instructs loudly. "Maintain our course to Berserker island." He turns to the closest archer. "Any sign of Hiccup and his little Night Fury, you shoot!"

"Yes sir!"

"Be ready, Berserkers! Soon we will be the most powerful tribe in the archipelago! Hiccup and his little Night Fury will fall at our feet!" Dagur yells at his soldiers passionately. "Dragons and vikings alike at our mercy!"

The Berserkers cheer loudly in response, their minds reeling on the possibilities. Dagur just walks off, chuckling to himself. He's going to get that Night Fury, and he's going to make it his. Everyone will fear him. No one will be safe.

 
Very short, I know. Sorry about that haha. Hope you enjoyed! I'm currently working on the next chapter, as I write this I'm already nearly halfway through it. So once it's done I'll get it out as soon as possible!
Ok bye 👋