Astrid hugged her knes, staring out at the empty ocean. The cold wind blew around her, seeming to pierce her skin. 

She'd never realized how much she had depended on Hiccup until now. He'd always been there for her, willing to risk anything to save her. She would have died countless times without him. 

But it was more than that. She'd always been confident, independant and strong. But now she felt lost, afraid, and angry. 

Stormfly curled around Astrid comfortingly. Her usually fierce eyes were full of sympathy and loss. Toothless and Stormfly had always had a competitive, but close relatoinship. Undoubtably she was missing them too. 

Astrid let out a long slow breath, the last bit of it catching in her chest. 

What if... what if he was never coming back? What if the Outcasts decided they had no more use for him? 

Shivers that had nothing to do with the cold wind tingled down her back. 

She couldn't afford to think like that. They had no evidence to suggest he wasn't perfectly fine. For all they knew, he could be on his way back right now. 

Astrid stood up, shaking off her feeling of hopelessness. Time to get this done and find Hiccup. 

-------------------------------

Stoick paced furiously around his room. He never should have trusted Rylan. He'd sneaked in at a moment of weakness like a snake, making Stoick believe he could be different. But an Outcast couldn't change. And now Hiccup was gone. 

He clenched his massive fists in fury, struggling to keep his rage and desperation in check. He was waiting for a response from the Bog Burgler clan. Though they mostly kept to themselves, they had been known to be helpful against common enemies.

Hiccup had a friend there, Camacazi, who also might be a great help. Sure she was a tiny blonde girl, but she was crafty and resourceful. 

And then there was Trader Johan, who had once fought the Outcasts alongside them as well. Aside from his fast ship and flawless nevigation, he was also capable fighter and an old friend.

And, if they could reach her, there was Heather. She'd occaonally sent messages to them with Trader Johan, telling them she was doing well, and had trained a dragon of her own. 

Stoick suddenly came to a halt. Even is the Bog Burglers decided to help, it would take them a week at least to get here by boat. He had a team of dragon trainers not far out of reach who could be here in a few days. And Trader Johan would be back to Berk soon as well. 

He scratched his chin thoughtfully, rage being channeled into a sudden and incredible idea. Why not unite with their old allies?

For those of you who don't know, Camacazi is a character form the books. She and Hiccup have been on many adventures together. She'd fearless and feisty, and an expert with a sword. Her main catch phrase is, "Not bad... for a boy"