HICCUPS POV

I could tell she was panicked, I could tell she knew I was pissed, it made sense that she ran before I could touch her or say another word. Yet the look in her eyes: guilt, longing, shame. It almost made me feel bad for her, almost.

I wanted to tear her in two, really I did, but I could always do that later, for now I could just use her. And even though the whole plan was thought out, I knew what she would do. She always feared being marked something other than a trophy, a sheidmaiden. To me she was a toy, my shiny toy that sooner or later I'd throw out.

I sat by the fire with the Twins, of course they wanted to know my plan. "Either She betrays us again or I get toothless." I put simply "but what about us, we need barf and belch, toothless can't hold all three of us." Ruff said mater of factly. She was right " so what do you suggest?" I asked her, she shrugged "well I can guess where they are." I answered

oOo

Luckily for us the twins made secret under the town passage ways, we snuck right into the plaza, coming up right next to a storage shack. "We have to get to a boat. Then sail to the Academy." I whispered "are there guards?" I followed up, the twins looked around then turned back to me and shook their heads, I was about to walk out when Tuff put his arm up to stop me. I gave him a questioning look "as you sure we should do this, what if she actually is bringing T to the forest." He asked me.

I shook my head "look" I said as I pointed to the great hall "what?" The asked in unison "no one's out, the doors are closed, the torches are light, and it's being guarded double. A meeting is going on." I whispered "it could be about anything." He responded "I can hear them." I responded while still looking at the doors. "What are they saying?" He asked quietly

"He's in the forest, north of Raven point." A female spoke above murmurs of the crowd "The beast resides in the forests alone and you didn't slay him!?" What sounded like spitelout asked the girl "He wasn't alone!" She responded "more traitors?!" The recognizable voice of Stoick boomed "It was the twins, they praise Hiccup as a gift from Loki." She explained "DAMN BEAST IS POISONING THE MINDS OF OUR PEOPLE!!" Stoick boomed "THIS HAS GONE ON FOR TO LONG! SEND ALL TROOPS AND KILL THOSE TRAITORS AND BRING ME THEIR HEADS!!" He roared

"So yeah, good thing we're gone." I said after replaying all I heard. The twin's faces were grim "just wait for all their warriors to leave to go to Ravens point, when they're gone, we go." I whisper, they nod then we wait.

After about 15 minutes warriors began to file out of the hall, Astrid among them, I make a low growl at the sight of her, wasn't as quite as I thought though.

Some warriors, Astrid still included heard and caused a commotion. We darted out of sight, further into the shadows. The warriors came towards the alley way. "Cover your eyes, they're torches!" Ruff whispered. I obliged and covered my eyes and relied on my other senses .

I could recognize the scent of Astrid anywhere, it got stronger and stronger, the sounds of men and clanking weapons played over in my ears. The twins anticipation for battle, was just keeping me on edge. I could tell they wanted to just jump out and slaughter them, I don't blame them, but we need to play this smart.

The smells of sweaty men and older woman got fainter and fainter, except one- Astrid. "Go get the boat, I'll handle this." I whispered to the twins who I heard walking off. I uncovered then opened my eyes, she gasped, before she could cry out I grabbed her and clasped my claw over her mouth, dragging her into the shadows and away from sight. Her attempts to call out for help and her squirming, scrambling body only further enticing my bloodlust.

I opened the back door to the warehouse and dragged her in, grabbed some ropes and bound her up, now we need a gag.

I grabbed a smaller rope and some cloth, run the rope threw the cloth and tied the cloth around it. I stuffed the cloth into her mouth and tied the rope around her head, securing its place. I grabbed her and swung her over my shoulder, she was punching my shoulder the whole time. "Would you stop?!" I whisper yelled, clearly annoyed "she says something muffled but the message got across. "Alright, save it little lady, we're leaving." I whisper. She tries to yell and hit harder but it didn't work.

I left the shack and headed for the docks. Luckily there was no one to stop us and the twins had the boat ready. I cackled a little at the simplicity of the mission, little did I know, that was ironic.

An arrow screamed threw the air, piercing skin and tissue, I roared in pain, nearly dropping Astrid, I turned back to see a handful of warriors coming down the docks, and more archer greeat. I jumped up and hid behind some crates, I heard the plunks of arrow heads hitting wood. Then sprung "START THE BOAT! WE GOTTA GET OUT OF HERE!" I roared "BUT WHAT ABOUT YOU?!" Ruff yelled back "DONT WORRY ABOUT ME! JUST GO!" I responded

They nodded and got to work untethering the boat, and dropping the sails. I ran at full speed, leaving the warriors in the dust, the boat started moving, I ran faster, it left the docks, I prepared to jump. I crouched and sprang, my own power surprising me, the twins had their hands out to grab me.

I hit the rails, I grabbed their hands and pulled myself up, crawling and scratching at the wood of the boat for leverage. I finally heaved over the sides and landed on the boat, I grabbed Astrid who had, amazingly held on, and threw here to the ground. Before I did anything with her I turned and looked back at Berk, letting out a cackle to taunt them of their lose.

I turned and tore the gag off and she spat out dirt and dust.

I gazed at her and she meet my gaze with a look of horror. She knew what I'd do to her for betraying me, but I planned on something worse still. "Hiccup, listen please." She begged but I didn't care, I kicked her chest, sending her flying into the railing on the other side of the boat.

"IT WAS SIMPLE! GET TOOTHLESS AND I LET YOU LIVE!" I roared. She let out a shaky breath "I- I couldn't do it, they-" she tried to speak "YOU DIDN'T WANT THEM TO THINK LESS OF YOU!" I seethed. She began to cry, I looked to the twins and nodded. They went into the captain's quarters and came out with all sorts of tools: knives, pliers, scissors, etc.

I grabbed the scissors and inspected them, these will do nicely. I walked over to her and grabbed her braid, she struggled against me, but I didn't falter. I began to cut the braid, now you may be asking: how is cutting a braid off torture? slaves have short hair, to separate them of their braids or locks, is to rid them of their dignity.

She screamed as it snapped off, I held it in my hand, like a fragile bird. Her tears came faster now, knowing what this symbolized. I threw it down to her feet, then kneeled down to her level "your my slave now." I whispered with venom into her ear. She was sobbing now.

I grabbed her by the throat and took her into the quarters, and laid her down on the bed. Her eyes widen upon realization. I cackle before I spoke coldly "I'll make you want to die. But I'll never give you the satisfaction." I spoke

STOICKS POV

We arrived at Ravens point after half an hour of walking threw the damp forests. Astrid was nowhere to be seen, but that wasn't my concern. "Split up into three groups! Search as far north as possible! When we find the traitors send the signal! When you see it, Thor's speed!" I commanded, the soldiers grunted in agreement and split up and began their march in their own directions.

Gobber came up to me "if ya have'n noticed Astrid isn't ere." He pointed out "I know Gobber, but what am I to do?" I responded "find 'er." He deadpanned, I sighed "I can't focus on that right now, she's Astrid I'm sure she's fine." I responded without looking at him. He sighed "you'd better 'ope so chief." He said before wobbling off.

He was right, losing Astrid was like losing one of Berks main supports, I had a feeling she was in trouble, but I've had that feeling since the night Hiccup tore the door off his prison cell. The raw power and anger radiating from him at that moment has honestly scared me into treating him so awful.

I walked further threw the woods, noticing I was completely alone. I walked and walked until I found myself in the cove. I sighed remembering how years ago history was made, and how Viking history was changed forever. By my son. But now, I had no son, I had no one.

I sat by the lake, thinking about the past and the future. If we find then slay him, Berk will lose its heir, and Snotlout is not a worthy heir, Astrid is always a good choice, but I don't know where she is. I sighed

I heard twigs snapping behind me, I heard several people, must've been a scout group, I turned to see that I was right. About six total warriors walked through the trees, but Astrid was not there. "Where's Astrid? Wasn't she with you lot?" I asked they looked grim "the beast... the beast has her." One woman spoke lowly. It took me s few seconds to process what I just heard before roaring in rage.

I grabbed one of the warriors bows and fired a flaming arrow into the sky. In time all the warriors rushed in weapons raised "HOLD!" I yelled, they all quickly lowered their weapons and muttered questions to each other. "THEY BEAST HAS ASTRID! IT TOOK A BOAT WITH HER AND THE TRAITOR TWINS!" I roared, the soldiers grumbled and cursed at this new information.

"WE GET OUR TRACKING DRAGONS AND WE FIND THEM, IN THE OCEAN THEY HAVE NOWHERE TO FLEE!" I continue. The men and woman quickly ran to threw the woods to the village. I followed suite rage burning in my chest. To think I had pride in my son, some son he is. I'll teach him.

oOo

We arrived at the docks, I was greeted with the sight of arrows imbedded in the wood and a missing ship. I growled, barely any evidence to work off of. "What here can tell us where they are going?! We can't use tracking dragons if the scent isn't updated!" I yelled in frustration "perhaps it's time we let them go." Gobber spoke "are you mad?!" I yelled at the man "no, it's just we've got no leads, nothing, and besides it seems Hiccup is leaving for good, best to leave it alone on a good note." He explained, I thought on it.

"If we fail to get them on this sea assault then we leave it." I try and compromise "what sea assault? As of now, there is no assault, there is no plan." He said as he crossed his arms "there has to be something with his wolf scent on it!" I said mostly to myself.

"Snotlout?" Gobber suggested, I shot him a confused glance "he got a good beating, might have some scent, never bathed." He explains "best chance so far, go fetch him." I wave him off and he nods and wobbles off.

I pinch the bridge of my nose and let out a heavy sigh. I few minutes later I hear Gobber and Snotlout walking towards me, I look up at Snotlout then I nod at skullcrusher, he smells Snotlout then roars "WE'VE GOT A SCENT!" I yell to the warriors who quickly board and arm their ships.

I mount up unto skullcrusher, who roars before launching into the sky. I look down to see the fleet following, I smirk as I imagine defeating the beast in glorious combat. A worthy opponent is one of your own blood, one who knows you, one who can battle skill on skill born from shared blood and flesh. That's what I considered a worthy opponent.

oOo

We saw a lone ship ahead of us in the water, I patted Skullcrushers head "is that them boy?" I asked and in response he roared. I lowered us closer to the water in front of the fleet. The commanders of the front ships nodded and sent the order to halt the boats, the boats behind them followed.

I flew skullcrusher closer cautiously checking for artillery onboard that could take us down. None, and I thought this would be hard.

"BEAST!! SHOW YOURSELF!" I roared over the waves, the captains quarter's door burst open. He stomped out onto the deck, I heard the gasps of the warriors behind me. I made a hand signal telling the archers behind me on the boats to ready their arrows, it wasn't the most honorable way to die, but that kind of raw power is to much of a risk to fight one on one.

"I don't think shooting me is wise." He barked out, that's when I saw her, he had her in his tight grasp, she looked awful, shredded clothes, bloodied and bruised, her braid was cut off and her hair was messy, the bags under her eyes and her pale skin made her look like a spirit.

"WHAT DID YOU DO?!" I roared in fury at him "I taught her one of many lessons." He seethed, and I saw Astrid flinch "if you're smart maybe we can work this out." He continued. "What are your conditions?" I asked him "let me and the twins go free, and I give you the girl." He replied as he tightened his grip on Astrid, I laughed "why would I let you and the traitors go?!" I laughed "because it's the only way you'll get Astrid back." He responded "we could just kill you then take her." I laughed smugly "we both know I can kill all your warriors and that if you use arrows or artillery then she will die." He said smugly back. This made me think.

He's right, he has the advantage we have to cooperate for Astrid to get out of this. But that's he's only advantage, if we get her, then we can just kill him. "FINE! Give her over and we let you three go." I ordered. Hiccup laughed "alrighty Chief you think I'm that dumb?" He laughed, I noticed their boat began to move "I KNOW YOU! IF I GAVE HER TO YOU! YOUD KILL ME ON THE SPOT!" He yelled to me, I snorted in rage. That's not his only advantage, he knows how I fight. I can't win the way I normally do because he knows that.

We watched their boat sail off "FOLLOW THEM!" I ordered, the commanders obeyed and began to trail the lone boat.

oOo