WHO I REALLY AM

(A How To Train Your Dragon Fanfiction)

By: Astrid Camicazi N. Hofferson

Summary: Astrid Hofferson, shieldmaiden of Berk and second-in-command of the dragon riders, swears to tell everything to her betrothed, Hiccup Haddock, even secrets. She tells him everything, except for one. Will Hiccup still accept her after finding out the truth? (This story is set in the "Race to the Edge" timeline)

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

A/N: English isn't my first language so please bear with me. Constructive criticisms are pretty much appreciated.

- HTTYD-

III

FINDING ASTRID

THE HOFFERSON RESIDENCE, or simply House Hofferson, is the only place on Berk she could go, if not the Academy or the Forge. Hiccup went in there to see if Astrid was there. The house is a typical Viking house made of wood and decorated with a dragon head as a symbol of their clan. It is a bit smaller than the Haddock household and is located near the plaza. When he reached the house, he dismounted from Toothless and approached the doorstep.

"Stay right there, Toothless," he told his dragon, who obediently followed.

He knocked on the door until someone opened it for him. It was Mr. Hofferson.

He is a man in his mid-forties. Tall, blonde, and buff. Just the traditional Viking. But he is also smart and respected by the others. He is a bit baffled as to why Hiccup is there, assuming that he is on the Dragon's Edge with the others. But nevertheless, he greeted him with a smile and a cheerful tone.

"Oh, it is you, Hiccup, lad! Nice to see you again. How are you? It's been months already since you last went here. Come. Come inside, he said to Hiccup as he gestured with his hands for Hiccup to enter.

"No. But thanks, Mr. Hofferson. I.." he started, but the man quickly cut him off.

"I insist," he told Hiccup with emphasis.

They entered the house and were both seated on the wooden chairs of the said house.

"My wife is cooking the dinner, and the kids are helping her. Maybe you must come and join us,"Mr. Hofferson said.

No, sir. It isn't necessary," Hiccup said, shaking his head.

"It is. You are family. Besides, where is Astrid? Is she with you? And what are you doing in here?" asked Mr. Hofferson in curiosity.

"Well, I am here on Berk because I am finding Astrid. I am truly worried about her condition. She went off the Edge without us knowing where she'd go. Assuming that she misses you, her family, I decided to go here to find her," Hiccup stated.

"But she isn't in here," Mr. Hofferson said.

"She didn't tell you that she would visit or something?" Hiccup asked him.

"No, she didn't," He replied.

"Okay. That's it. Thank you, Mr. Hofferson, for offering me dinner. But it isn't important this very moment. What matters is Astrid's safety. I'll just go and find her," Hiccup declared.

Mr. Hofferson nodded in agreement.

"Hiccup, take care, and please bring Astrid home, safe."

"I will," Hiccup promised.

He went out of the house and approached Toothless.

"Well, bud. Astrid is not in here. Maybe I'll go find her somewhere else." He had already mounted his dragon and was ready to take off when a familiar voice spoke.

"Where are you going, son? Going to Berk without me knowing and leaving?"

Hiccup froze and turned around to see his father, Stoick the Vast.

"Dad! Uh, It's urgent."

"Tell me," Stoick demanded.

"I, actually, am finding Astrid because she left the Edge without us knowing. I want to know if she is safe. And since she wasn't in their house, I decided to go and find her in another place," Hiccup stated.

"I see. You really love the lass, don't you? Go ahead. Find her and be safe. Just break us the news when you find her," Stoick told his son.

"Yes, dad. Anyway, did you happen to see her around?" Hiccup nodded and asked.

"No," Stoick answered firmly.

"Okay. Let's go, bud."

Then they took off. First, they make a round on the island. Second, they checked the cove. Unfortunately, they didn't find Astrid in both of their attempts. So they left Berk and searched the neighboring island to see if she was there.

Murderous, none. Villainy, none. Hysteria, none. Uglithug, none. It is already the break of the day, and still, no Astrid.

"Where could she be?" That's the question that filled his mind at that time. But since they are hungry and tired, they have decided to take a break at a nearby island they spotted. It has an abandoned village and a rich forest. It was Bog-Burglar Island. They have landed and wandered the village a few moments later until they have reached the top of a hill, where they have seen and recognized a person sitting there. It was Astrid.

Hiccup decided to go near her and called her name.

"Astrid! There you are. You had me worried."

Astrid turned to the person who called her and was very shocked to see who it was.

"Hiccup?! What are you doing here?" she blurted out.

"It doesn't matter. What's more important question is: what are you doing here? You had all of us worried! I've searched for you everywhere and turns out, you are here. And why? Didn't you miss me?"

-HTTYD-

Originally Published: April 14, 2019

Updated: February 20, 2024