Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

To say Hiccup ever expected to be on good terms with Viggo Grimborn was a lie. But to say he never hoped to be on good terms with the man was also a lie.

So what in Thor's name is he to do when Viggo saves his life, ends up mortally wounded and is currently sleeping off the best medicine Fishlegs could offer?

Even more pressing, why are Skrills so hard to talk too?

Toothless hisses at the spined dragon that snarls sparkly back. Its great maw sapped at the air as it hovers by Viggos' bedside.

Dragons don't have many words. They're not a very talkative bunch, but they do have a language. It's made up mostly of body language, intent, and roaring. Of course that doesn't even touch on the thousands of different hisses and growls a dragon can make, the millions of different meanings hidden behind each and every sound.

The dragon language is a careful combination of sound and body. A language that Hiccup, for better or worse, is privy to. Not that most people besides his friends and Father know this. And that’s only because they can all understand it as well. Not as well as he can though. It's a skill honed after years of being around dragons, learning from them and trusting them and just being around them.

It's why he knows that Viggo is awake.

Stupid creature. The Skrill hisses at the bedridden dragon trapper that is the cause of all of Hiccup's anxieties. Does not know how to lie well.

Hiccup almost laughs out loud. If Viggo didn't know how to lie then they wouldn't even be in this situation.

Stupid man. Toothless corrects with a huff and a flare of his wings.

The Skrill crackles with energy. Stupid Fury.

Hiccup pats Toothless head when the dragon rises to the bait. “Not now bud.” he sighs.

Toothless grumbles but thankfully, backs down. Grumpily, Toothless curls himself in front of Hiccup, limbs tense as he makes sure that both the Skrill and Viggo would have to go through him before getting to Hiccup. 

Toothless glares daggers at Viggo. Tell him? The dragon asks with a pointed tail flick and a quiet hiss.

Hiccup sighs but obliges. “Oh dear, it would seem that Viggo, the greatest dragon trapper to ever live, is asleep. Very asleep and not awake.” 

Toothless gives a throaty chuckle, making Hiccup smile.

“Such a great Dragon Trapper he is, to know that dragons have excellent hearing and can listen to heartbeats, making it difficult to play dead.” Hiccup continues. “Let alone the fact that Skrills can feel the energy—”

“You've made your point.” Viggo interrupts.

Just as Toothless starts to snarl, the Skrill shoves its head into Viggos chest, shoving the man into the bed as the great dragon chirps and crackles.

Viggo flounders, eyes comically wide as he attempts to push the Skrill off of him with tired arms. Hiccup knows from experience just how hard it is to stop a dragon. They’re stubborn creatures. Almost as set in their way of killing vikings as vikings are in killing dragons. Though a dragon. Hiccup thinks, eyes faraway, would never kill a viking unprovoked.

“Hiccup!” Viggo nearly shouts. “Get this thing off me!”

Hiccup leans back, chair tilting as he looks at the scene in front of him.

Viggo is weakly pushing at the Skrills snout while the Skrill rumbles with sparky purrs and attempts to climb into the bed and onto Viggo.

Toothless watches with barely contained glee that Hiccup can't help but share.

“Eeeeh… no.”

“ Hiccup.” Viggo warns in a voice that would be scary if he didn't have a Skrill licking his face like an overexcited wolf pup.

Hiccup laughs. “Even if I could, I wouldn't.”

“Could?–” Viggo asks before being cut off when the Skrill leans on his face. Forcing Viggo to lean back to avoid being impaled on the Skrills crown of horns and spikes.

“What? You think I can control a dragon?” Hiccup taunts.

Viggo narrows his eyes and waves a bandaged hand at Toothless. Which Toothless lazily snaps at.

To the Skrill though, the lazy nip is deemed dangerous enough to its human. Immediately the Skrill shrieks, electricity bubbling up its throat as it throws itself over Viggo and at Toothless.

But Toothless is too quick and the Skrills jaws only catch air. Toothless snarls back, wings raised menacingly and jaws open wide to reveal glowing plasma.

STUPID FURY! The Skrill screams, wings raised defensively and tail lashing with anger.

Toothless hisses, a plasma blast building in his throat when suddenly, Viggo coughs.

Hiccup ducks when the Skrill whips around, its long tail barely missing his face but not the wall, leaving a deep gash in the wood as it hurrys back to Viggo with a single mindedness Hiccups seen in far too many dragons.

Toothless leaps to Hiccup, resuming his guarding position. CAREFUL! Toothless shrieks. COULD HURT RED QUEEN!

The Skrill hisses lowly. Red Queen is not MY Queen.  

Toothless huffs, ruff flared and claws digging into the wood he settles down. Both he and Hiccup can't blame the Skrill for its violent actions. When a dragon claims something, especially someone, they're ready to die for whatever or whomever they’ve claimed.

And Viggo, cunning, complex Viggo, just nearly threw his life to the gods for Hiccup and the Skrill.

To a dragon? That's the most personal kind of show of loyalty. It made Viggo worthy of the Skrills claim, the Skrills protection, the Skrills life. 

Viggo coughs again and Hiccup offers him a cup of water. The Skrill hisses but lets him hand the cup to Viggo after giving it an assessing sniff.

Viggo drinks and places the cup on the small table next to the bed.

They sit in silence. Neither daring to speak. Viggo looks around the room until his eye lands on The Skrill.

“Does she have a name?” He asks, voice soft from disuse.

Hiccup pets Toothless head, earning him a satisfied purr. “No.” He has to hold himself back from telling Viggo that dragons aren't big on names. At most they call each other titles, but those are normally reserved for powerful dragons. 

“Thought I’d leave that honor to you.” Hiccup chuckles.

Viggo raises a brow. “Dear Hiccup, you would let me tame a dragon?”

Hiccup leans back, something in his chest tightening at the wording, and crosses his arms. “Of course not. But the decisions already been made.”

The Skrill chirps. He will need to be taught.  

Toothless nods his head in agreement. Hiccup only sighs and observes the way Viggo tenses at every crackle the Skrill lets out, the way the older man's hands twitch when either dragon in the room flares its wings or stretches.

Teaching Viggo? Not something he had ever even dared to dream would happen. And it's not something he particularly looks forward to, no matter how great an opportunity it is.

—

Four days later and everyone and every dragon on the Edge is… well.. On edge.

Everytime Viggo goes out for his daily walk, which is more of a careful shuffle, everybody makes sure to hide away from his sight or linger away behind something and watch him with careful eyes.

This often makes the Skrill very agitated. And it definitely doesn't help that the twins keep trying to get close at every chance they get so they can touch it. Something about how cool it was and making great great great uncle Ivar proud.

Fishlegs has been a mess of stress trying to make sure Viggo recovers without actually having to be near the man for long periods of time. Hiccup makes sure to be there whenever Fishlegs checks up on Viggos injuries to ease his friend's anxiety but he can tell his presence only barely helps.

Snotlout has been showing off to Viggo whenever he can, especially if it involves his hammer and fighting skills. So far, Viggo has only commented on Snotlout's form, giving him critiques and advice. Which normally makes Snotlout storm off with Hookfang, who always huffs great plumes of smoke in Viggos direction, making Viggo cough and The Skrill crackle with rage. Hiccups had to settle more than one fight and he’s gained more than one new scar from it.

Astrid had taken a more… subtle approach to intimidation. Whenever she happened to come across his path, she’d comment on how his recovery is going while patting Stormfly, who’d brandish her tail happily. Then, Astrid would smile and wander off, the battle axe strapped to her back always newly polished and sharpened.

Which leads us to the clubhouse and current meeting. 

The stars are shining and the fire is bright. Hookfang has his great head shoved into the flames, smoke curling from his nostrils and around his horns.

Toothless is curled up by Hookfangs tail, Stormfly sits nearby while Meatlug chews on fresh andesite. Barf and Belch fight over a cut of lamb and a couple Night Terrors roost in the rafters, muttering about recent fights and moss.

Hiccup stands with a tired hand on his face while his friends gather in a loose semicircle around him, food in hand and stern faces that are clearly ready to fight with him.

“We all know how bad of an idea this is.” Astrid waves her arms. “Even the twins!”

Tuffnut raises a solem hand. “I, for two,” he gestures to Ruffnut who shakes a lamb bone at Hiccup and chews aggressively, “Vote we let the dragons eat Viggo and keep the Skrill.”

Ruffnut nods solemnly with her brother. Astrid groans angrily. “Can't you two take anything seriously?”

Snotlout interrupts. “He has tried to KILL us and our dragons multiple times, Hiccup!”

Hiccup sighs deeply. “I'm not asking for a whole lot here—”

“OOOOH not asking for a lot he says!” Ruffnut accuses.

“Perhaps he’s had a recent brain injury?” Tuffnut adds.

“PERHAPS!” Ruffnut declares. “A brain injury by Viggo himself!”

“Guys.” Hiccup tries desperately.

“I think we should hand him over to Stoick.” Fishlegs murmurs nervously.

“Yes! Thank you Fishlegs!” Astrid appraises. “Berk has great security that can keep Viggo safely away from us and our dragons.”

“GUYS.” HIccup shouts. “We are not giving Viggo to my Dad.”

Snotlout crosses his arms “Why not? It's a good idea.”

“As long as we keep the Skrill!” Tuffnut shouts.

Hiccup throws up his arms. “ Nobody is keeping the Skrill, the Skrill goes with Viggo whether we want it to or not.”  

“I thought it was acting strangely.” Fishlegs whispers, stars in his eyes at the idea that a Skrill had claimed Viggo.

“WHAT!” Snotlout yells, making Hookfang grumble and the Night Terrors chitter.

Astrid leans back on her heel, a thoughtful but determined look on her face.

“Aaaawww..” Ruffnut laments while Tuffnut pats her shoulder sadly.

“We can’t trap Viggo without trapping the Skrill.” Hiccup explains. “We are going to help Viggo recover and teach him how to take care of dragons and then send him on his merry way.”

Snotlout points an accusing finger at Hiccup. “And give him the chance to come back and kill us? No thanks!”

Hiccup sighs exasperatedly. “The Skrill will keep him in check, besides he saved my life—“

“ After trying to take it like a thousand times!” Snotlout argues.

Astrid cuts in. “Shut up Snotlout. Or would you rather take up Viggos' imprisonment with the Skrill?”

Snotlout huffs in a way that reminded Hiccup of Hookfang, but stays quiet.

Hiccup takes the opening he’s  been given. “All I ask is that you all stop bothering him. You can be angry, you can be bitter, but for the love of Thor, don’t give Viggo any more leverage to mess with you than he already has.”

“Allright” Astrid agrees. “But he can't go anywhere near the stables or weapons shed.”

“Or my house.” Snotlout adds. “And Hookfang. I don’t like the way he looks at him.”

“Smidvarg and the Nighterrors can keep an eye on him at night.” Fishlegs offers. The Night Terrors in the rafters all screech in agreement, always ready to help their alphas savior.

Ruffnut jumps up, startling Chicken, who'd been dozing near her feet. “I can watch him during the day!”

“No.” Hiccup and Astrid say in usion.

Ruffnut shrugs. “Worth a shot.”

Hiccup turns to his friends again. “All good ideas. I’ll make sure he stays away from any weapons, houses and dragons. Fishlegs, can you get Smidvarg to watch him tomorrow night?”

Fishlegs nods and the Night Terrors flutter their wings.“Yep.”

“Astrid, you can make sure the weapons sheds are locked up and in order.”

“Like I wasn't already.” Astrid teases.

“Snoutlout, you make sure the twins stay away from Viggo.”

Snotlout rolls his eyes. “Why not.” he grumbles.

Hiccup smiles in relief. “Great. Everyone, rest up. Snotlout you take the first watch and I’ll take the second. Sound good?”

Snotlout nods and goes to Hookfang. Rousing his dragon and mounting, but not before grabbing himself some more lamb.

When everyone else mutters tired goodnights and leaves with dragons in tow, or in the twins case, in tow of their dragons. Hiccup douses the fire and sits.

Toothless grumbles a question and sits next to him. Hiccup answers by leaning against his greatest friend's leg.

Neither speak, words aren't needed between them. They both know the next couple of months are going to be stressful.

And if Snotlout lets Hiccup sleep an extra hour before changing shifts? That's between him and Hookfang.

—-

Three weeks later and the only real mishap happened when the twins finally managed to get close enough to be electrocuted.

Hiccup sits across from Viggo, a game of Maces and Talons between them. The Skrill stands guard behind Viggo while Toothless attempts, and fails, to get it to play with him.

“Your mind is still as sharp as ever.” Viggo comments absently.

Hiccup's eyes narrow when Viggo takes another one of his pieces.

Viggo smiles. “But not sharp enough.”

A couple turns later and Viggo wins with Hiccup only two moves away from capturing Viggos chief.

Viggo sticks out a hand, now unbandaged but still scabbing over. Most of the damage having gone to his back and torso. 

Hiccup shakes Viggos hand carefully. “Good game.”

Viggo only grins and lightly pats the Skrills jaw when it leans over his chair to get a look at the game.

Mine is victorious. The Skrill purrs proudly.

Toothless nips at its tail. Mine is cleverer.

The Skrill looks ready to argue but when Toothless fans out his fake tail fin it quiets. 

Mine wiser. Red Queen younger. The Skrill amends.

Red Queen, Queen of Clever! Toothless boasts.

The Skrill whaps Toothless head with its tail and Toothless rolls with hissing laughter.

Viggo watches it all with carefully concealed wonder.

Hiccup smiles. “Have you thought of a name?”

“Ah. That, Dear Hiccup, is a question I have found myself puzzling over these past weeks.” Viggo flips the board and starts to store his pieces inside it.

Hiccup hums and helps him clean up.

“But, I do believe I have found a name worthy of our fine friend here.” Viggo glances at the Skrill and it Perks up.

Toothless pricks his ears.

Viggo’s face allows a small smile. “Thorneye.”

HA! The Skrill laughs. Mine bestows me a better title.

Name. Toothless corrects with a dignified grumble as he glares at Hiccup.

Hiccup nods, shooting Toothless a smile that the dragon returns with bared teeth. “It's fitting.”

Thorneye laughs until Hiccup and Toothless change shifts with Astrid. Viggos face the picture of curiosity the entire time.

—-

Two weeks and Viggo can walk smoothly, not a trace of a stumble in his step. Only his shoulder really needs to be bandaged. Though Hiccup has a feeling it’s mostly because he’s used to shrugging off pain in favor of the hunt.

Viggo sits outside the dome with Thorneye, carefully observing the mess that is the Dragon Riders when they try to train.

Ruffnut and Tuffnut are trying to get Barf and Belch to play some new game, and from the way the conjoined dragon listens intently and adds to their ramblings, it's definitely going to join.

Snotlout and Hookfang have been doing circuits for the past half hour, knocking down whoever’s unfortunate enough to be nearbye when they zip out of the tunnel and out of the dome.

Astrid is teaching Fishlegs how to use a bow and arrow, Stormfly piping up whenever she thinks Fishlegs is doing something wrong. But with Stormfly's only experience being throwing spines from her tail she keeps giving him unhelpful tips that have him missing by feet. Each time Fishlegs does release an arrow, Meatlug gives encouraging roars before darting off to retrieve it from the bushes.

Hiccup sits a couple feet away from Viggo, sketching a new prototype for Toothless tail and his leg. Toothless basks in the sunlight, eyes half lidded and purrs that shake the ground and Hiccups sketching rolling out of him.

Viggo interrupts the quiet. “It's a miracle you ever managed to beat so many of my men.”

“Oh, yeah!” Hiccup laughs lightly and erases yet another line he messed up. “We can be pretty…”

“Disfuncional?” Viggo offers.

“Yup. But it's surprising what years of working together will get you.” Hiccup jots down some notes.

“How long have you all been working together?” Viggo asks, hesitantly leaning on Thorneye.

“Oh, ages.” Hiccup blurts. “A little before I lost my leg.”

Viggo glances at the prosthetic, his hand jumping up to ghost the scars that cover his foggy left eye.

“I never did ask how you lost it.” Viggo states. “Though, Ryker assumed you got caught in a trap attempting to save a dragon. I was always inclined to agree.”

Hiccup looks up, eyes gazing out at the glittering sea. But all he sees is that smoggy island filled with the roars of dying dragons and the screams of stubborn Vikings.

Toothless leans into his side, wings lifting and purrs stuttering at the memory that they share.

“I was fifteen.” Hiccup answers. 

Viggos' posture doesn’t change, but his eye almost softens and Hiccup is reminded that even though dragons won’t fight unprovoked, they’ll still tear you limb from limb should you slight them. Hiccup is reminded that Viggo and his tribe have angered enough dragons to make an army.

Hiccup takes in a breath. “Then we found the nest they came from. And my Dad rallied the village and they set off.”

Viggo leans in, curiosity plainly on his face.

“By the time I got there they had already woken the Queen. She was magnificent. Nearly as large as the mountain she slept in. I’m still not sure how she managed to actually fly, but when she did her wingbeats were deafening” Hiccup recounts.

“Her roars were like earthquakes and each step she took killed Vikings and dragons alike unfortunate enough to be under her. After, long after, we took to calling her the Red Death.” At the ugly name that rolls off his tongue Hiccup feels his breath hitch and his words catch in his throat at the memory that forces itself into his mind.

“You don’t have to tell me.” Viggo suddenly murmurs with understanding and regret. Though, whether he regrets stopping Hiccup from recounting the tale or asking in the first place is uncertain.

Hiccup looks at the man who once, would have pushed to hear the rest, would have done anything to learn more about him, to expose and best him. Hiccup looks and he sees someone different. Someone changed and changing.

Hiccup goes back to drawing. Viggo lets him without a word.

When the sun lowers and night settles, Hiccup let’s Snotlout escort Viggo back to the infirmary.

Hiccup let’s Astrid comfort him when nightmares inevitably chase him to her door. Neither say a word, none are needed when you're as adept at reading body language as they are.

And when Toothless creeps into the room with Barf and Belch, the twins drowsily in tow and Fishlegs stumbling behind while Meatlug lumbers sleepily with, he’ll let them comfort him and they’ll all let themselves be comforted. Because if anyone understands the fear they all harbor? It’s the people they lived it with.

—-

The sun that shines through Astrid’s door darkens when Snotlout peeks inside. He’s learned his lesson about entering uninvited. He even has the scar to prove it.

Snotlout sighs when he sees the loose semicircle of his friends and their dragons that are scattered around the room. The twins are on the floor, snoring loud enough to wake the heavens but not each other.

Fishlegs is resting between Barf, Belch, and Meatlug by the right wall. Barf and Belch are spread out so they cover Fishlegs and Meatlug with a wing and so that their twin tails twine around the Twins.

Hiccup is dozing under Toothless' wing with Astrid and Stormfly next to them in the middle of the room. The blonde Viking is sleeping against Stormfly with an ax in hand.

“I’m really unappreciated here Smidvarg.” Snotlout mumbles to the Night Terror on his shoulder. “I stay up all night to watch the crazy guy we’re helping and they have a sleepover without me.”

Smidvarg chirps a tired goodbye and drowsily flutters off.

Snotlout sighs and lifts the bucket in his hand higher, water sloshing onto the floor as he grins. “Well, unappreciated I will go no longer!”

Chapter Text

Snotlout isn’t surprised that it takes Astrid five days to forgive him. He’s even less surprised when the twins wake him up by throwing a bucket full of dragon dung on him.

“Stupid revenge…” Snotlout grumbles. He’d long since washed it off but the scent clung to him like a dragon did to treasure.

Hookfang helpfully sits a few feet away, head held high and away from Snotlout. Smoke drifts off the dragons scales, covering up any remnant of the foul scent with its ashy smell.

Snotlout waves a cloud of smoke out of his face. “This feels like overkill.”

Hookfang huffs, sending a large plume of ash into the air. Your nose is not as strong as mine.

Snotlout leans against the infirmary entrance. The door is open wide so he has a clear view of the man and dragon inside.

Thorneye lay’s on the ground in front of Viggo, eyes zeroed in on Hookfang who does his best to act like he doesn’t notice.

Viggo is sitting in the bed with a piece of charcoal and paper that Hiccup had given him. Personally, Snotlout thought that giving the guy anything was a bad idea, a sentiment that Astrid shared. When they’d learned Hiccup had played a game of Maces and Talons with Viggo, Snotlout swears Astrid came close to snapping and wringing Hiccup's skinny neck right then and there.

Unfortunately Astrid has the self control of a goddess and the team managed to compromise on giving him something to draw with because Hiccup was infuriatingly good at coming up with reasonable ideas.

“If has something to do, he has less time to do something bad.” Hiccup had argued.

And everyone was begrudgingly inclined to agree. Though Snotlout thinks Hiccup got the idea from taking care of Speedy. When they had given the speedstinger yak meat wrapped in cloth and placed in a box as a puzzle Speedy had kept at the task, ignoring everything else, like stinging people, until he had finished.

Which, fair. But Viggo Grimborn is not a dragon.

Abruptly the sound of charcoal on paper stops and the sound of chest rattling coughs starts. Snotlout whips his head towards Viggo, shoulders tense and hands gripping the knife in his belt.

Hookfang mirrors his human, neck twisting and tail lashing as he turns to get a look.

Thorneye is immediately sparking with electricity and worry. Quickly, Thorneye hurries to Viggos side, letting Viggo lean on her when he curls into himself.

Snotlout hesitates. He should do something shouldn't he? Viggo hadn’t coughed like this in weeks. He remembers having to help find the herb that Fishlegs needed to stop the coughing because they’d used up most of it the last time Tuffnut got sick.

Hookfang hisses and leans inside the room, great plumes of smoke following him. Viggo coughs harder, his whole body heaving at the coughs that rack his body.

It clicks. “Hookfang!” Snotlout shouts. “Flame off!”

Snotlout sees the realization dawn on Hookfang when the dragon lurches away and douses the fire that arched across his body. Hookfang fans his great wings forcing the smoke he’d made out of the room with Thorneye who after a moment's hesitation flares her own wings to force the smoke out.

Quickly, Snotlout grabs his water flask and shoves it into Viggos hand. Viggo takes it and drinks like a beached Scauldron.

For a moment everything is quiet. Then Viggo carefully hands Snotlout his flask back and sighs.

Snotlout takes a step back, noticing how close he is to the man who’d tried to end him and his friends' lives more than once.

Thorneye hissed angrily. You! She snarls at Hookfang. You hurt mine!

And he has hurt mine. Hookfang grumbles defensively.

Thorneye looks dead set on arguing when Viggo speaks.

“Thank you.” He says. Voice quiet but eyes sharp when they land on Snotlout.

Snotlout takes another step back and feels his face twist with some emotion he doesn’t have a name for. Regret? Disgust? He ignores the small part of him that whispers fear. (For Viggo? Or for change?)

“Don’t. Hiccup would lecture my ear off if I let you cough up a lung.” Snotlout states simply.

“Still,” Viggo insists. “Thank you. You have no reason to help me. Not after all I’ve done.”

Snotlout squirms, hand jumping to his knife and eyes darting to Hookfangs imposing form. “Yeah, we’ll, don't make me regret it.”

Viggo nods and picks up the paper he dropped. Snotlout catches sight of small sketches of Thorneye. They’re not perfect, Fishlegs and Hiccup could definitely do better. 

Snotlout steps back outside with Hookfang. He pretends he doesn’t see it when Viggo shows Thorneye the drawings and the pride that radiates from the Skrill. He pretends he doesn’t see when Viggo eventually falls asleep against Thorneye, the dragon carefully curling around the man.

Snotlout pretends until Hiccup takes his shift and he pretends until he falls asleep that Viggo is still the same man that he was months ago.

Snotlout has always been bad at pretending.

—

Three days later, the sky is cloudy and Snotlout is stuck on babysitting duty yet again.

A few Terrible Terrors flutter about and a strong breeze buffets the island, tugging stormy clouds closer to the outpost.

Snotlout sharpens arrowheads in the dome, a task Astrid had set upon him for what he suspects is revenge for throwing a bucket full of water on her. He always forgets that Astrid is one to hold grudges. Hookfang lays lazily in the shade the arena provides and Viggo sits with Thorneye nearby, charcoal and a small notebook Hiccup had spared him in hand.

Snotlout flips an arrowhead and starts on the other side. Embers spark on the whetting stone and rush to the ground.

Thorneye keeps glancing over, weary of any smoke that the small sparks make. Hookfang had made sure to be as far as he could from the Skrill. When she’d first seen him Thorneye had nearly thrown Viggo under herself to lunge at the Monstrous Nightmare, still angry about the coughing fit he had caused.

Snotlout drops the arrowhead and starts on the next.

Viggo breaks the silence. “She is agitated.”

Snotlout looks up but doesn't stop his task. “Yeah, Hooky really made her mad.”

Viggo looks at the dragon that claimed him with a puzzling face and all at once Snotlout wants to laugh.

“You don’t know why?”

Viggo looks almost disgruntled at the accusation. Then, as if it pains him to say it, Viggo admits. “No. I have no clue what your dragon could have done to anger her.”

Snotlout laughs aloud and points the arrowhead he was sharpening at Viggo. “ You the great Viggo Grimborn who knows more about dragons than even Mr. Red Queen himself, don’t know what—“

Viggo glares. “You’ve made your point.” He says. And if Snotlout were actually looking at the man he would have seen the calculating look in his eyes.

Hookfang lets out a huffy laugh that Thorneye hisses at.

Yours is stupid. Hookfang says with a snap of his jaws.

Mine is LEARNING . Thorneye defends, tail swishing righteously.

Snotlout laughs even harder. How oblivious is Viggo to have never realized that dragons understand far more than anyone could have ever dreamed?

Viggo leans against Thorneye and sighs deeply. “You wouldn’t mind telling me? Or should I ask the Red Queen himself?”

Snotlout freezes. Hookfang hisses. Viggo smiles.

“Call him that and I’ll make sure Hookfang has a nice meal.” Snotlout threatens.

Thorneye snarls deeply from her throat, electricity jumps from her jaws and across her scales. Hookfang growls in return, opening his maw to reveal his large fangs, smoke slithering from his scales in warning.

“A touchy subject?” Viggo asks innocently.

Snotlout scowls. “A subject you're never going to bring up.”

Hiccup hates it when people know his rank among dragons. He hates it even more when dragons and people treat him like he’s something to be feared or used. And Viggo is someone who wouldn’t hesitate to use such a fact to his advantage.

Snotlout still remembers the last time Hiccup had been forced to use that title around a wild dragon. The fear it had sparked in the trapped changewings' eyes had made even Snotlout wince. And for Hiccup, dragon loving, over caring Hiccup to have been the cause of that fear? Well Snotlout knows that hurt.

“A subject I will never bring up provided you explain Thorneyes behavior.” Viggo barters.

“Why do you even want to know?” Snotlout asks tersely.

Viggo gently pets one of Thorneyes' many spines. “She has always been temperamental, but I’ve never seen her so ready to attack unprovoked and Skrills are not known for their feuds with Monstrous Nightmares.”

“So you're just curious?” Snotlout confirms.

“Curious yes, but also concerned. Your dragon angers her and it worries me should she decide to attack.”

Snotlout picks up another arrowhead and turns away to sharpen it. He can’t deny that his thoughts stuttered at the idea that Viggo , the same guy that helped out a dragon fighting ring, would care about a small feud between two dragons.

 “It’s really simple, wise guy, She’s not unprovoked.” Snotlout answers.

Viggo raises a brow.

Snotlout huffs. “Why do you think me and Hookfang haven’t been watching you for the past couple days? You're smart, prove it.”

Viggo taps his charcoal against his notebook absently. “The smoke.” He murmurs.

Snotlout flips the arrowhead around, unconsciously keeping the sharpened end pointed towards Viggo.. “Yep.”

“But why?”

“Your hers.” Snotlout mutters distractedly.

Thorneye raises her head proudly and fiercely. Mine he is.

Hookfang nods his head in acknowledgment of the claim.

“I don’t understand.” Viggo states dryly.

Snotlout doesn't look up. “Do I have to put it together for you?” He snarks. “Thorneye chose you as a part of her hoard, pack, or whatever.”

Understanding spreads across Viggos face but it quickly goes to war with panic and awe.

Viggo leans away from Thorneye, conflict clear as day in his body language. Thorneye makes a questioning croon.

“I have hurt you. I have helped to hurt you.” Viggo murmurs to her.

Thorneye tilts her head. Yes. She says even though Viggo can’t understand.

Thorneye gently places her scarred nose against Viggos hand.

Viggo looks at her like the earth just split open and a thousand Whispering Deaths flew out. Viggo takes his hand off of her snout.

Thorneye leans further forward, trying to force her head into Viggos hand but Viggo hides it behind his back. 

“Go, dragon.” Viggo orders.

Snotlout stands, arrowheads forgotten and confusion growing. “What are you doing?”

Hookfang starts forward with a hissy huff.

Thorneye growls unhappily. Stop, mine.

Viggo stands steady with his hands behind his back. Thorneye rises in front of him, wings flared and tail lashing.

“ Leave .” Viggo repeats, tone steely and face a stone mask.

Anger flares in Thorneyes eyes when she realizes her chosen isn’t simply messing around. She snaps her jaws inches from Viggos face before rearing back.

Mine is foolish! She roars. Mine — ungrateful! ———!” Thorneye snarls, her words getting harder to understand as her accent thickens with fury. 

Thorneye turns to the sky, her tail whipping by Viggos face as she leaps into the air.

The stormy clouds they’d been expecting suddenly jump over the island, pulling towards the Skrill as she glides across the sky, electricity crackling and arching off her scales.

Terrible and Night Terrors alike screech warnings as they scatter. The wind picks up, tearing at the grass and trees with the vigor of Thor himself.

Snotlout looks at Viggo with disbelief. “What the Hel?”

Viggo looks back with nothing but an emotionless face. “She made a mistake.” He says simply.

“Mistake or not she decided you were worthy enough to be hers.” Snotlout replies, bewildered.

Viggo looks away. “She made a mistake.”

Hookfang hisses angrily. Ungrateful.

“Ungrateful indeed.” Snotlout mutters in agreement.

Lightning cracks across the sky, blinding him momentarily. Thunder follows, pounding his eardrums like a hammer on a nail.

Snotlout feels himself age seven years. “Get over here you stupid eel!” Snotlout shouts over the wind, climbing onto Hookfangs extended neck.

Viggo looks at him. “What?”

“I said get your psycho ass over here! I’m not dealing with a flood because you're emotionally unstable!”

“I will do no such thing.” Viggo says, a scowl plastered to his face. “What’s done is—“

“Hooky.” Snotlout grumbles. But Hookfangs already moving.

In one swift motion Hookfang gathers Viggo in his jaws and tosses the man onto his back. Wings spread, Hookfang leaps into the sky and battles the wind to gain altitude.

“LAND!” Viggo shouts, voice barely heard over the fast approaching storm.

Snotlout cackles with the sky, a great joy building in his chest at Viggos panicked face. “NO. YOU CAUSED IT YOU FIX IT!”

Viggo clings to Hookfangs spines and hunkers close to Hookfangs back when wind and rain attempt to tear him off and fling him to the ground below.

Wind whips Snotlout's face, almost stealing his helmet. Hookfang has to reorient himself more than once when the wind tries to pull them awry.

“Oh Hiccups going to kill me…” Snotlout mumbles under his breath. 

Something that looks suspiciously like the weapons shed door flies past them. 

“If Astrid didn’t get me first.”

-

Hookfang is forced to land when the wind becomes too strong for him to fight. Snotlout spots a nice cluster of rocks for shelter and points Hookfang towards the shelter.

Hookfang hits the earth unsteadily, making deep gouges in the dirt. Snotlout is quick to dismount. Viggo basically falls off Hookfangs back.

Snotlout grabs Viggo by the arm and tugs him under the slanted rocks. Hookfang curls around them, wings carefully pinned so that the wind doesn't tear at them.

“Augh!” Viggo shouts, clutching his shoulder.

Snotlout drops him like he was holding smoldering iron.

“Yak dung.” Snotlout curses and adds Thorneye to the list of people who are going to kill him. And hey! While he's at it he might as well add Viggo himself. Not that he’s not already on there.

“I do believe Loki's spite is much more fitting.” Viggo hisses.

“Well I do believe this is your fault.” Snotlout snarls right back.

Hookfang grumbles annoyedly and curls his tail closer when the storm tries to drag it away.

Snotlout leans back on his heel and groans angrily. “Ok, all right. You're going to scream Thorneye at the top of your lungs—“

“Absolutely not.” Viggo asserts with venom.

“Ok. Your going to run out there and be in mortal danger, screaming and everything, and we hope Thorneye—“

Viggo stands and raises a stern hand. “ No. What is your obsession with luring the Skrill to me?” 

Hookfang hisses sarcastically. Besides hurting bonded? I like my nest intact.

Snotlout resists the very strong urge to agree with Hookfang and to spring the fact that dragons can in fact understand Vikings onto Viggo. To see Viggo mentally process that information? Snotlout would pay to see that. Hel, he’d fight a Rumblehorn with his arm tied behind his back to see that.

Snotlout breathes deeply and gestures to the storm. “If we don’t calm Thorneye down then the whole island is going to be torn to shreds.”

Viggo looks past Hookfangs head and at the struggling trees and howling wind. For a moment the only thing Snotlout can hear is the raging storm and Hookfangs steady breathing.

Then, Viggo agrees. “Fine. But after, you will keep her away from me.”

Hookfang whaps Viggos head with his tail and pointedly looks at Snotlout. He is even stupider than you.

Snotlout glares but holds back from responding and instead focuses on Viggo, who hisses and holds his head gingerly. 

“I can’t do that.” Snotlout growls.

Viggo opens his mouth to argue but Snotlout cuts him off. “I’m flattered, really, that you think I can get a Skrill to listen to me. Let alone a Skrill that’s already chosen someone.”

“But I can’t. So you're going to have suck up whatever weird guilt you're dealing with and make up with the dragon that chose you despite the fact you hurt it before it destroys The Edge.”

Viggos face twists with something like desperation. Snotlout almost feels bad. Keyword: almost.  

“Hiccup—“ Viggo tries.

“Can’t and won’t.” Snotlout crosses his arms.

Viggo looks at Snotlout for a second. Eyes assessing and thoughts running. Lighting slams into the earth nearby, thunder closely follows.

Hookfang shifts uncomfortably.

Viggo sighs deeply, a war in his eyes when he finally speaks. “Very well. But we’re going to need a much better plan than hoping for the best.”

Snotlout grins a little ferally and plops down to the dirt. “Then we better get planning, wise guy.”

Hookfang rumbles with laughter at Viggos concerned face.

—

“Where could they be?” Hiccup asks no one in particular.

Toothless croons beside him, Mirroring Hiccup's worried face. Even though they’d already locked down everything on the edge and made sure the flood brigades were as ready as they could be, they still had one loose end that Hiccup couldn’t even hope to fix anytime soon. 

Snotlout, Hookfang, Thorneye and Viggo were still out there.

Fishlegs scratches Meatlug under the chin from his place by the clubhouse fire. It’s a weak flame without Hookfang to feed and add to it and a storm to strangle it.

Barf and Belch curl in a corner with the Twins, playing a version of Tic Tac Toe that no one but the Twins and Barch understood. Though Hiccup had a feeling even they only had a vague idea of the rules.

Astrid sidles up next to him with Stormfly hot at her heels. The Nadder is careful to keep her chosen away from the open door. They all still remember the last time Astrid went out in a storm, and even though she got her sight back it had never been the same, tending to get blurry when Astrid was too stressed.

“They’ll be ok. They’re strong.” Astrid comforts.

Hiccup sighs. “I know, I just worry.”

“We all do.” Astrid says, eyes taking in the storm that whips around them. “But we’ve done all we’re able. Hookfang will keep him out of trouble and Viggo will have to answer to me if he tries anything.”

Stormfly's wings flare in agreement. I’ll fill the trapper with spines myself.

Hiccup pets Toothless, who croons. And I’ll tear the flesh from his bones.

“And here I thought you’d warmed up to him“ Hiccup jokes.

Toothless ears go flat and an unimpressed expression takes over his face. Thorneye is good company. Grimdeath has much to be forgiven for.

Hiccup winces at the dragon's name for Viggo, Grimdeath. It wasn't something Toothless had come up with. It was a title that had spread throughout the archipelago, a warning to any dragon that heard it.

Astrid and Stormfly nod in agreement, making Hiccup sigh.

Abruptly, Lighting splits the sky and dances through the clouds, thunder slams into their ears and although it’s minuscule, Astrid flinches back.

Stormfly hisses at the storm like it had personally attacked her, tail rattling with her spines and crackling fire building in her throat until Astrid gently pats her.

Hiccup closes the last clubhouse door wordlessly with worry bubbling in his chest.

—

“Why do you have a knife!” Snotlout shouts, jumping backwards quicker than a speedstinger.

Viggo, annoyingly, raises a brow. “You expect me to be unarmed in my once enemy's base?”

Snotlout scrunches his nose and points at the both of them. “That’s a nice sentiment and all but I can’t help but notice the knife in your hand and the history we have.”

Hookfang grumbles and shifts. A rhyme. Did Fishlegs teach you that?

Viggo flips the dagger back into its hidden sheath. “I'm going to need all the metal you have on you”

“What? No way, I'm not giving you more things to kill me with.” Snotlout argues, making Hookfang grumble even more.

I want to be dry sooner than later. Hookfang says with a glare.

If Viggo could look even more unimpressed than he already was, he would be. “Skrills enjoy metal, or did you forget that?”

Snotlout pauses. Eyes Viggo wearily and carefully hands him another dagger.

Viggos' brow raises even higher.

Snotlout glares even harder.

“Very well, keep the other one.” Viggo says.

Snotlout huffs. “Damn right I'm keeping it. You'd have to pry it from my cold, dead hands to get it.”

Viggo turns to the storm, a ghost of a smile on his face. “That is not something I'm opposed to.”

Snotlout squawks angrily, a nervous hand flying to the knife in his belt.

Viggo holds up his hands innocently when Hookfang growls. “I jest, I jest.”

“Have you been taking notes from Fishlegs? Because that wasn't even remotely funny.” Snotlout grumbles.

“No, your friend is far too nervous to speak much to me.” Viggo answers while he gazes at the storm.

Snotlout opens his mouth to speak but Viggo cuts him off. “Ah, there she is.” 

Snotlout follows Viggos' gaze to a thick cluster of clouds that hang low in the sky. Everyonce in a while lighting flashes and illuminates Thorneyes haunting silhouette through the clouds while she hovers in the storm.

“Can your dragon get us close?” Viggo asks, eyes never leaving Thorneyes vague form.

…Yes. Hookfang answers, head tilted as he analyzes the storm.

Snotlout nods and speaks for his dragon. “Yeah. but not too close, that wind could tear his wings, you're going to have to lure her out.” 

Viggo hums. 

Hookfang leans down lower and Snotlout pulls himself into the saddle. Viggo mounts behind Snotlout and grabs his shoulders.

Hookfang gives a warning hiss and leaps into the sky.

Almost immediately, they're thrown off course and Hookfang has to violently flounder to reorient himself, almost sending Snotlout and Viggo on a one way trip to Vallhala. When Hookfang does gather his bearings, the dragon forces himself up and up and up towards Thorneye.

Towards the eye of the storm.

Snotlout wasn't sure how Thorneye had actually brought the storm closer. At least, he thinks Thorneye did. Skrills were known to follow weather like this, that's something every viking knows because of their mothers scolding them out of the rain by warning: If you stay out too long a Skrill will find you and eat you in tiny pieces.

But Skrills are not known to control storms. 

Hookfang drags them steadily closer and closer. His mighty wings pounding against the freezing gales.

Only when they get close enough to just barely see Thorneye through the hammering rain and close enough to hear the echoes of her bloodcurdling screeches does Hookfang stop to hover.

Suddenly, Viggo holds out a hand. In it, shining with each flash of lighting like a dying star, is one of the knives.

“ Skrill!” Viggo shouts to the storm.

Lighting flashes and skims Hookfangs side, surprising him and sending them into a spiral that he quickly recovers from.

Snotlout shouts, soaked to the bone and just barely able to hold onto Hookfang he turns to look at Viggo angrily.

“ Call her by her name dimwit! ” Snotlout bellows to be heard.

Viggo growls and hesitates a second before he shouts again, waving the knife to the sky. “ Thorneye!”

Thorneyes head whips around so fast Snotlout gets whiplash just from watching it. Suddenly, pressure builds in the air, their hair stands on end and an echoey scream rumbles through the sky.

Without warning Viggo throws the knife as far as he can to the right, sending it plummeting.

At the same time, Hookfang orders Hold tight. only giving Snotlout and Viggo seconds to find their grip when he dives and abruptly swoops, just barely dodging the bolt of lighting that was headed for them and even then it was thanks to the knife that was now a smoldering pile of ash and metal somewhere.

Snotlout has to grapple Viggo back into his seat when the man nearly flies off.

“VALHALLAS GATES!” Snotlout screams, one arm secure on Hookfangs horns and another firmly holding onto Viggo. “PLAN B! PLAN B!”

Viggo grasps at Hookfangs saddle. “IF YOU HADN'T NOTICED, WE HAVE NO PLAN B” 

Thorneye roars and swoops at them, missing their heads by inches but the electricity that bounces off of her jumps to them, slamming into Snotlout and freezing his body.

Snotlout feels himself slip out of the saddle and with panic bursting in his chest and roaring in his ears he realizes he's not going to regain control of his muscles in time.

A sturdy arm yanks him back onto Hookfang and forces him down and secure into the saddle.

Relief floods into Snotlout just as much as confusion does.

Hookfang keeps himself as steady as possible, worried and angry snarls  pouring from his jaws like the rain from the clouds.

STOP! Hookfang roars, diving into another swoop to avoid Thorneye. Anger blinds you!

Snotlout regains control of his arms to grip Hookfangs horns. Without wasting a moment to ponder over Viggo saving him, Snotlout shouts. 

“APOLOGIZE!”

Viggo loosens his grip on Snotlout and sits up higher to keep his eye on Thorneye, who circles them like a hunting seashocker. He can only catch glimpses of her purple scales as she weaves in and out of clouds and lighting with ease.

Hookfang keeps a loose but tense circle himself, ready to dodge at a moment's notice.

Snotlout shifts for better grip.

Viggo sits up as far as he dares and cups his hands to his mouth. “I APOLOGIZE!”

A screech and a crackle pierce the air and Hookfang swerves to avoid the blast while sending a blaze of his own at Thorneye.

Viggo reorients himself and shouts again. “I THOUGHT YOU MADE A MISTAKE!”

Another blast flies at them and Hookfang dives to dodge.

“ Not helping!” Snotlout hisses.

Viggo ignores him and swipes his soaked hair away from his eyes. “THAT DOES NOT MEAN I DONT–!”

Hookfang lurches forward, flames bursting from as jaws as Thorneye swoops past. A pained and angry screech erupts from Thorneye.

“STOP!” Viggo all but bellows, panic in his voice and eyes as he desperately tries to find Thorneye in the clouds.

Hookfang growls something but it's lost to the storm while slows to an erratic hover.

Quickly, Viggo takes the last knife from his belt and holds it high above his head.

Immediately, the pressure in the air builds and their hair stands on end.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!” Snotlout shouts.

“ Stay still!” Viggo commands.

“No–” Snotlout starts but Viggo interrupts him.

“I have a plan.”

Snotlout hesitates. If Viggo was trying to kill him he'd had the chance, besides he couldn't kill Snotlout without at the very least maiming himself.

Snotlout pats Hookfangs scales in a silent message, Listen.

Hookfang hisses when the electricity in the air gathers and gathers but he stays hovering.

“THORNEYE!” Viggo shouts. Thunder is his only response but Viggos not deterred. “THORNEYE! SHOW YOURSELF!” 

They hover like that for a second, hair on end and lighting thrumming through the air. The only sounds that greet them are the rain and thunder and the sound of Hookfangs beating wings.

Then, they feel the pressure in the air condense and gather away, towards the hovering form of Thorneye.

Thorneye hovers just out of the cloud cover, her scales crackle with white lighting and a small burn sits on her side. Her eyes are zeroed in on Viggo, and the knife he holds.

A moment, a deep breath and Viggo speaks. “I am sorry, I never should have spoken to you that way.”

Telegraphing his movements, Viggo extends the knife hilt first towards Thorneye, an offering.

Thorneyes head tilts and lighting shudders down her tail.

Viggo bows his head in an apology.

Thorneye hisses, lighting leaping off her scales and into the clouds. Not forgiven.  

Hookfang huffs, smoke curling from his nostrils and dispersing in the storm. He learns.

Slowly! Thorneye snarls, bursts of electricity sparking from her jaws.

Snotlout really wishes he could join the conversation, but he's too tired to be of much use and Viggos is right behind him.

Teach him faster. Hookfang hisses back.

Cant if he can't understand! Thorneye argues with a vicious snap of her jaws.

“Please, Thorneye.” Viggo murmurs to the wind.

Thorneye perks up, eyes narrowing at her human. Her stupid human that tried to send her away. Her stupid human that came all the way into a Skrill Storm to talk with her. Her stupid human that looks like a wet, pathetic lamb. Her human that could get sick.

— —- - Thorneye swears, the fact that humans were a thousand times more susceptible to sickness slamming into her like a herd of gronckles.

In one swift movement, Thorneye swoops and gathers Viggo in her claws, the electricity that once arched off her scales dimming and slithering off into the clouds. The pressure in the air loosens and disspersses.

Thorneye falls into a dive with Hookfang close on her tail.

Viggo shouts, knife forgotten and gone somewhere in the forest below.

Thorneye barely stops to slow, gliding to the infirmary and cutting through the wind and rain like a spear.

MAIN HOUSE! Hookfang roars far behind her, already turning towards the clubhouse.

Thorneye hisses agitatedly but swiftly banks to follow, careful to keep Viggo steady in her claws.

Hookfang gets there first and knocks his tail against the door twice.

The response is immediate, quickly, the door is pulled open a little. But when whoever's inside realizes it's Hookfang, they quickly open the door halfway.

Hookfang lowers himself and crawls inside.

Thorneye pulls Viggo close and tucks in her wings, zipping into the clubhouse like an arrow. In a quick motion, Thorneye drops Viggo and lands with a thump.

“Quickly!” Hiccup shouts as he and Toothless rush to battle the weather to close the door.

“Colder than a snowwraths ass out there.” Snotlout complains as he rushes to help. They manage to close it with a small struggle, but with two vikings and two dragons they manage.

Viggo helps himself up. “Indeed,” he agrees.

“Hey, since when did he get a sense of humor that didn't involve murder?” Tuffnut stage whispers to Ruffnut.

Hookfang huffs and lets his fire burn the rain off his scales before placing his head into the dying fireplace, filling the clubhouse with light and warmth.

Thorneye forcefully nudges Viggo towards the fire. Viggo complies with a surprised stumble that Thorneye rushes to rectify. When she catches him, Viggo sighs and pets Thorneyes wet scales.

Thorneye hisses at him and nips his fingers.

That's when Astrid approaches with narrow eyes, Stormfly next to her.

“The hel happened to you two?” she asks, nodding at Snotlout who now sits near Hookfang, hands outstretched as he attempts to dry off.

Snotlout glances at Viggo. The man's face is a careful mask of indifference. Thorneye looms over him, a rather irritable expression on her scaled snout.

Now, Snotlout has gotten into his fair share of spats with Hookfang. And he knows just how terrible it is to have everyone around him try to help and it's plain awful. He appreciates the gesture, really, but it makes him feel crowded, like there are eyes on him wherever he goes.

That said, he does sympathize with Viggo just a bit. But only a bit. Viggo is going to have to learn how to live with a dragon and it's about time they actually got around to teaching him.

“Thorneye got mad at Murder Mcgee over there,” Snotlout jabs a thumb in Viggos direction.

Fishlegs pipes up from the other side of the fireplace. “Did she bring the storm here faster than we expected because of her anger?”

Hiccup's face turns curious at the idea.

Snotlout gives them all an unimpressed look. “Why do you think I would know that?”

Thorneye hisses and settles down on the wood, curling her head into her stomach and closing her eyes.

Toothless warbles and goes to approach, but quickly backs off when sparks jump off her scales in warning.

Viggo sits down against the fireplace with a quiet sigh of relief and massages his shoulder. “It's safe to assume so.”

Fishlegs eyes blow wide and he glances between Viggo and Thorneye, a million questions building in his mind like fire in a dragon's throat.

That's when Hiccup speaks up. “Allright, we can ask questions in the morning but right now everyone should rest up. We’ve all had a long couple of hours.”

Astrid and Fishlegs look like they both want to argue when Ruffnut shouts from the corner, leaning on Barf and Belch with an arm over her eyes.

“Finally! I need to get my beauty sleep and if any one of you makes a peep.”

Chicken squawks from her place in Tuffnuts lap.

“You're not going to make it to see tomorrow.” Ruffnut finishes with an angry huff.

Snotlout flops onto the ground, Hookfangs tail curling around him. “I second that.”

Tuffnut raises a hand. “And I'll do it!”

Astrid sighs and Fishlegs leans on Meatlug.

Hiccup pats Astrid's shoulder comfortingly. “I'll take first watch.”

Astrid brushes his hand off and crosses her arms. “No way, I'm taking first watch. You've been stressed, rest.”

Hiccup opens his mouth to argue but Toothless whaps at him with his tail and grumbles. Hiccup gives Astrid a look but complies.

“If you're sure.”

“I'm certain.” Astrid confirms.

–

The storm rages. Each crack of lighting lights the clubhouse in haunting light and each blast of thunder rattles the earth and wood.

Astrid sits with Stormfly at her back, eyes locked on the single thing that worried her, the problem she'd been facing for months. Viggo Grimborn.

He sleeps leaning on his left shoulder and his right is carefully placed so it has as little pressure on it as possible. His breathing is even, only a little slow from sleep.

Astrid bares her teeth in a mock snarl. And settles so her legs are loose but ready to propel her forward should Viggo try anything.

Grimdeath would have to get through her if he wanted to hurt anyone on The Edge.

Chapter Text

The morning was bright with sunlight and humid from the storm's rain. 

Astrid grunted as she heaved more branches and rubble off the wooden pathways that littered the edge. A few needed repairs, but that was Hiccup and Fishlegs' job. The Twins had offered but no one trusted them with a hammer let alone nails, And Snotlout had stubbornly refused to do anything else until he’d fixed his cabin, which had taken the most damage thanks to its high spot on the mountain.

Stormfly chirped happily from behind her, nose deep in a shallow puddle. 

Wet. The dragon observed.

Astrid looked up and admired the way the dawn sun sparkled off Stormfly's damp scales and glittered on the dewy grass.

“Pretty too.” Astrid commented. 

Stormfly picked up a rather big log and tossed it aside, a grumply complaint building in her throat . Nest too broken.

Astrid nodded and swept aside more twigs with her foot, sauntering down the bridge. 

Glancing at the meadow below she paused with a frown.

Stormfly stopped next to her and followed her gaze with a tilted head.

Astrid’s face scrunched as she leaned forward, closer to the edge, the wet wood creaking ominously at her weight. 

Stormfly chuffed and flared her wings gentl, prepared to catch her viking.

Then, suspiciously, Astrid asked. “That’s Snotlout down there, right?”

Stormfly looked at the man in the meadow, a few feet from the dome and drawing in a sketchbook. Nearbye, in the dome, was a dark spikey dragon Stormfly had been keeping an eye on.

No. Stormfly answered, anger in her growl. Grimdeath.

Astrid tensed at that, fist tightening and glare narrowing. “He’s supposed to be with Hiccup? Where’s Thorneye?!” She hissed.

Astrid’s head whipped around furiously as she searched for the skrill. Stormfly clacked her beak towards the dome and Astrid’s eyes immediately locked onto the slumbering form.

Astrid paused a moment, eyes once again darting around before she made up her mind and mounted Stormfly with liquid grace.

Stormfly shifted under her vikings weight but otherwise, didn’t move.

Astrid tapped the dragon's side twice. “Come on, we gotta keep watch.” She urged.

Stormfly leaned back with a huff. Eyes.  

Astrid gripped the saddle tighter. “I know.” She muttered defensively, squinting down at her blurry hands.

Stormfly paused, considering her humans disadvantage for a moment before hedging forward with a warning hiss. They hadn’t practiced flying and fighting for hours with a blindfold for nothing.

Stormfly jumped, and for a moment they were airborne, wind tugging at anything it could catch before they landed with a gentle thump and the distinct sound of paper flipping in the wind. 

Astrid heard Thorneye rumble and Stormfly's tail rattle to warn her of the approaching dragon.

Viggo looked up and closed his book with a soft sound. Astrid’s gaze locked on his and she felt frustration build in her chest when his face was a blur of color and shadow.

“You're supposed to be with Hiccup.” Astrid snarled, she could feel Stormfly's wings flex in intimidation with her tone.

Viggo stayed calmly sitting. “He had to help with the stables so he left me here.” Then, almost as an afterthought he added, “with Toothless.”

Toothless? Stormfly chirped questioningly under her. Neither of them had seen any sign of Toothless.

Suddenly, a playful warble jumped from her left, an answer to Stormfly's curious chirp.

On instinct, Astrid's head snapped towards the sound to find a familiar black blob bounding over. Playfully, Toothless batted at Stormfly, earning an indulgent swipe back from the nadder.

Thorneye huffed from nearby and Astrid's mind snapped back onto her self imposed task.

Astrid had mostly finished clearing out wood from the major walkways she’d been assigned that morning and anything that needed to be fixed on her cabin could wait until Hiccup got back to watch over Viggo.

As much as she trusted Toothless, she trusted Viggo a thousand times less.

Stormfly took a few steps back and sat, ignoring Toothless continued attempts at play. 

Astrid still sat astride Stormfly's back, the viking could feel the eyebrow raise Viggo sent her even if she could barely see it.

“I suppose you could join me this fine morning.” Viggo conceded.

Astrid bared her teeth in answer and kept a careful hand ready to grab for her ax.

Viggo opened his book again and continued his scribbling.

They sat in silence.

Toothless huffed when Stormfly shrugged off his lively attempts at getting her to play a game and bounded over to Thorneye, who allowed his playful pats for a short time before she whapped him with her tail and edged closer to Viggo with a disgruntled hiss.

Too early. Birds not even awake. Thorneye mumbled.

Toothless sighed with feeling and gave Stormfly a final, pleading look that was met with narrowed eyes and a sharp crack of the dragoness’s beak.

Toothless growled back but finally flopped to the dewy grass in defeat.

“How long ago did Hiccup leave you here?” Astrid asked, breaking the silence. There was no need for awkward quiet when she could be getting information.

Viggo answered immediately. “About… twelve minutes? Possibly less.”

Astrid hummed and glanced at where she knew the stables were. Unfortunately, it was a jumble of color and blurred patterns to her eyes at the moment. Stormfly, sensing her vikings mood, crooned comfortingly under her.

Astrid pet Stormfly's scales with fondness and settled in to wait. Twelve minutes. It would have taken Hiccup and Fishlegs two or three to get to the stables on Meatlug. Roughly seven if they walked. And depending if they found something to nerd out over together and what it was that needed fixing, it could take twenty more minutes for them to return.

Thorneye huffed a crackle of energy and shuffled back a good couple of feet when Viggo lifted his book to show her what he was doing, irritation obvious in the way her spines crackled with energy.

Astrid's thoughts came to a halt when had to force herself not to flinch back at the sound, memories of helplessness and panic forcing their way into her mind. She could tell by the way that Stormfly's body tensed the dragon had a similar problem.

Viggo, if he noticed, ignored it in favor of shifting away from Thorneye, though he was careful not to turn his back to her.

A calm breeze buffeted them from the west, pulling at hair and cloth. Stormfly picked at the grass with her beak, her scales warm under Astrid’s hands. 

The day had just started and it couldn’t get any worse. Not only was every muscle in Astrid’s body tense as a bowstring but her sight had also abandoned her. The only good part about the day so far had been Stormfly. 

Astrid sighed with feeling and leaned closer to Stormfly's back. What would she do without Stormfly?

Suddenly, Wing beats. Quick and small, Toothless crooned questioningly and Thorneye hissed curiously. Astrid tenseded further when Stormfly rattled the tip of her tail, a warning to Astrid and any near that she was ready to defend.

“What—“ Viggo began.

A tail rattle, fast and coming from lower to the earth. Astrid just barely ducked in time to feel a small body graze her head with a squeal and crash into the ground with a grunt and more than a few hisses.

Astrid whirled around in her seat to get a look at the small dragon. It was a blob of pitch black, as big as a small dog, and with those screeches…

Night Terror? Toothless warbled and edged curiously closer.

TIRED TERROR! The small dragon whined, flipping itself right side up in a flurry of limbs and dirt.

Out of the corner of her blurry eyes, she  noticed Viggo just barely flinch back. Astrid fought back a wicked smile at the thought of Viggo, The Grimdeath , afraid of a dragon as small as a Night terror.

Astrid sighed internally as she successfully fought off the grin. While it was a hilarious thought, Viggo was still here. Ergo, she could not simply reveal that dragons could, in fact, understand Vikings.

Though with Thorneye being around the likelihood of Viggo learning this fact was increasing to the heavens with every day the skrill chose to stay, and Astrid wasn’t stupid enough to come between a dragon and its hoard, no matter how frustrated it made her.

So, with a little shame and more than enough anger, Astrid asked the night terror in her most, i am human talking to an animal I find adorable voice she could muster,

“What are you doing all the way out here?” While carefully unmounting.

Thorneye scoffed at the tone but Stormfly let out a quiet trill of laughter that Toothless joined.

Astrid vowed revenge on whatever god that had decided to put her in this situation.

The night terror flitted up and into Astrid’s face so quickly that Astrid jumped back in surprise.

RAIN! The nighterror hissed. DANGER. in. NEST.

Astrid held out an arm for the terror to land on, gently scratching its snout when it perched.

Shouldn’t you be in nest? Stormfly asked with a chirp.

The night terror barely spared Stormfly a glance before jumping into a fast explanation.

I find Red Queen and Protector! They fix! The terror chirped proudly, then, with drooping wings, But no find! No help!

Astrid just barely started nodding when the nighterror perked up, its mood change giving her whiplash as it put its face against Astrid’s, its large eyes wide and pupils narrow.

YOU help? It asked.

Astrid leaned back and chuckled nervously, glancing at Viggo. She felt her face droop back into a frown.

Viggo seemed to take that as an invitation to lean forward and join the conversation.

“Well.” Viggo said, and even though his face was only a smear of color Astrid could see the curious tilt to his mouth. “It’s certainly energetic, though I’ve found that they appear to be nocturnal. Which is concerning considering—“

“It’s day.” Astrid finished sharply. The heat of the rising sun warm on her face like the blazing fire of fury in her chest was to her heart.

Astrid sighed heavily, forcing her anger down and considered her options. Leave Viggo with Toothless and go alone? Terrible idea. She was not leaving the Grimdeath unsupervised on her island. Take him with her to the Nighterror’s Nest? And expose the small dragons home to the Grimdeath ? Not in a million years. Find Hiccup?—

Hurry! Screeched another terror from the bushes a few feet away.

TRYING. The one on her arm called back with a flap of its wings.

EGGS IN DANGER!! The night terror in the forest howled, its roar making Astrid cringe.

The terror on her arm shuffled anxiously, its small claws kneading into her skin. It gave her a panicked look with wide watery eyes and a blurry scrunched face.

Astrid felt every option fall off the face of the earth to present the only reasonable one with this new information like a sacrificial lamb.

“You can fly?” Astrid demanded, climbing into her saddle.

Viggo startled. “Well, yes, in theory, but Thorneye has no saddle and I’m fairly certain she’d drop me for the thrill of it.”

“So you can fly.” Astrid confirmed hastily, already turning to Toothless.

Eyes narrow and gaze more than a little off center she commanded the night fury. 

“Toothless! Find Hiccup.”

Toothless hesitated, shifting towards Viggo.

Stormfly hissed at him . Best choice, yours would agree.

Toothless huffed but didn't argue as he turned to the stables, raised his wings and half ran half glided away in a flurry of black and the distinct sound of flapping leather.

Meanwhile, Thorneye snorted at Viggo, who was eyeing her back reproachfully.

Thorneye shuffled a step away, head held high. He is not forgiven. I will not carry him.

Astrid bit back another sigh and a question. Despite everyones interrogating, Snotlout hadn’t revealed anything about why Thorneye was upset with Viggo and vice versa.

instead, Astrid held out a hand. Considering her luck so far she shouldn’t really be so surprised. As protective of Viggo Thorneye was, she was definitely one to hold grudges. 

“Come on,” Astrid stated dryly. “If you can’t ride her, you're hitching a ride with me.”

Viggos eyes darted between the two dragons for a moment before he took Astrid’s hand and hauled himself up behind her.

“You know, you could always leave me here.” He pointed out helpfully, if a little hopefully as well.

Astrid snorted and leaned forward. “And give you the chance to sabotage something? Not a chance.”

Stormfly's wings flared and she took off, leaping into the sky with a little effort, more used to bearing one rider than two.

Thorneye jumped after them, following closely. It seemed even though she hated Viggos guts right now she was unwilling to leave his side. Which was expected but irritating .

Thorneyes devotion to Viggo made Astrid want to scream, to shout, to knock some sense into the skrill because that’s the Grimdeath, he has spilt more dragon blood than any amount of water Thorneye could ever drink, he has ravaged nests and killed hatchlings, butchered them and sold the remains for sport, he has hunted them and hurt them—

The night terror on her arm jumps off and flutters ahead, leading the way with a chirp and a hiss, the other terror from the bushes bursts from the foliage behind them and flutters after its companion.

Viggo shifts behind her, lightly holding onto the saddle. Even if she couldn't see him she could feel his tense posture in the air.

Astrid kicked at Viggos foot from its spot on Stormfly's wing with a growl. He was supposed to be smart, didn't he know how sensitive dragon wings could be under pressure? Especially so close to the joint?

Suddenly, Viggo very nearly bowled them both off of Stormfly when they took a sharp turn, forcing Astrid to hastily yank him, and herself back into the saddle.

Thorneye darted under them in a flurry of panic when this happened, making Stormfly take another sharp right to avoid a thicket of branches and Viggo hiss with worry under his breath when Thorneye half crashed into the thicket herself.

He is called the Grimdeath for a reason. Astrid reminds herself when the anxious sound meets her ears.

Stormfly's beak clacks with aggravation, and as Astrid has to once again keep Viggos boots off Stormfly's wings when he leans to get a look at Thorneye, well, Astrid was nearly ready to just shove him off and be done with it herself.

—

The night terrors lead them right to the terror cave. And, look, Astrid hasn't been to the place a whole lot but she's been there enough times with Fishlegs or Hiccup to know what the cave entrance looks like, even with shitty eyesight. So when she says she nearly missed it? She means she nearly missed it.

The entire area is unrecognizable, littered with broken trees and pieces of The Edge. 

The earth squelches messily under Stormfly's talons and it honestly looks like a small marsh.

Thorneye lands next to them, splattering a layer of mud and water into the air. 

Curiously, the skrill peers at the blocked entrance of the cave.

And it really is clogged, To Astrids subpar eyesight the mass of branches and mud blends in almost seamlessly with the surrounding wreckage.

Distantly, if Astrid listens, she can hear the frantic screeches of night terrors inside.

Astrid dismounts, Viggo close behind, and approaches the blockade. Stormfly sniffs it from over her shoulder and noses at a protruding twig.

“Are there any other entrances?” Viggo asks as he eyes the mud with distaste.

Astrid yanks at stick and nearly falls on her ass when she manages to pull it, and a portion of the muddy wall, off. 

Stormfly steadies her with a wing and paws at the wall, making deep gouges in the wood and mud.

Astrid thinks of the trapdoor. It was on the ground and unfortunately in a shallow meadow. The chances of it being flooded were high. She had been planning on putting some sandbags around it before the storm came but then it had come early and well, the rest is history.

“Nope.” Astrid answers with a grunt as she tears away another branch. 

One of the night terrors lands on top of the wall, Astrid glances around and narrows her eyes when the other isn't in sight.

Stormfly, noticing her rising suspicion, helpfully points out a small tunnel in the blockade.

The night terror on the wall chirps and noses the tunnel before looking up at her hopefully.

Astrid feels the edges of the hastily dug and makeshift entrance. It’s roughly made, wet, and just barely big enough to fit her head. With some prodding she can confirm that it definitely won't fit her shoulders.

The night terror croons sadly from above her, coming to the same realization. Astrid holds out a gentle hand for it to crawl onto.

you can go back. We help ourselves. The night terror warbles sadly, making for the cave after lightly bowing its head in thanks. 

Astrid takes a couple steps back, bringing the terror with her, and lets Stormfly speak for her. 

Can I dig? Stormfly asks the terror, eyeing the tunnel carefully.

Huh? The terror says, perking up.

A bustle of sound and a screech from the tunnel. Stormfly jumps back, tail rattling in surprise.

From a few feet away Throneye throws a wing over Viggo, effectively shoving him into the mud, and snarls menacingly.

The missing night terror that jumps from the tunnel is less than unfazed by the much bigger dragon's reaction. 

Yes! Good plan! Dig wall so helpers can help! The terror trills and promptly lands himself into Astrids arms, snuggling comfortably next to the other terror, who makes a disgruntled sound as the jubilant terror messily crawls around to get comfortable, tracking mud on Astrid and its fellow terror.

Gingerly, Astid notes out of the corner of her eyes, Viggo pulls himself out from under Thorneyes wing with a grunt. The dragon in question eyes both terrors in Astrid's arms with murder in her eyes.

Viggo just begins brushing himself off when Thorneye yanks him down again as a glob of mud is thrown carelessly in his direction.

Watch it! Thorneye hisses and shoves Viggo further back.

Sorry. Stormfly chirps absently, too engrossed in her task to actually apologize.

Astrid laughs openly at the surprised shout Viggo makes as he stumbles across the marshy grass, far too used to a dragon's protective nature to find it no less than hilarious when someone like Viggo was subjected to it.

Viggo catches himself on a bendy sapling and glares. “Do you have a plan? Or are we just improvising?” He demands flatly.

Before Astrid can answer, Stormfly chirps and looks back, the dragons blurry head the picture of pride as she stands aside to reveal a haphazard but otherwise perfectly dragon, and human sized hole in the once barricade.

The night terrors in her arms scramble against each other in excitement and zoom into the cave, tripping over each other all the way. Chirping with joy and urgency, flitting back and forth towards their colonies cries like speed stingers with decisive issues.

Viggo brushes past Thorneye, who gives him the stink eye as the man brushes himself off and takes a stand next to Astrid, peering into the cavern and at the erratic night terrors curiously. 

“I often wondered where you kept so many dragons.” Viggo comments when a third terror zooms into the cave from behind them, sticks and moss gathered in its claws.

It chirps at their guides, who trill back.

Without a second thought, Astrid unsheathes her axe and bars Viggo from the cave when he moves to enter. 

Thorneye growls lowly and Stormfly's tail rattles with a warning that Astrid barely needs when she can feel the pressure in the air build with electricity.

Viggo hums, almost apologetically, and takes a step back. “I assume this is the part where you threaten me?”

Astrid laughs again, it's sarcastic and challenging and it makes Thorneye snarl louder.

“Of course.” Astrid confirms, then, with dragon fire filling each word, “Don’t you think for even a second that I won't free your shoulders of your head if you even dare touch any creature on this island.” Astrid's axe hovers against Viggos throat, glinting in the sunlight.“I am not letting you come with me because I trust you, you are here because it makes it easier to keep an eye on you.”

Viggo holds up his hands in surrender,eyeing the axe at his throat as Thorneye rumbles like thunder beside him.

“I was under no such delusions.” Viggo placates simply.

When Stormfly clacks her beak Astrid nods and resheathes her axe.

 “Good.” 

They enter the caves single file.

Chapter Text

The caves are deep. Deeper than Astid could have ever imagined.

Fishelgs had told the group about how big the cave system was once, when he’d been led though the system of tunnels by the terrors to help fix a cave in. 

Tuff even dramatically regaled how he'd gotten lost chasing Chicken into the caves and found a beautifully shiny sword that was jammed into a rock and impossible to pull out. 

That had been a little under a month or so after the lycanwing incident, so everyone had a hard time believing such a tale.

Somehow, despite that, Tuff managed to convince them all to search for the sword.

Astrid had stayed back, not wanting to leave The Edge undefended for such a stupid reason. She remembers everyone coming back either dejected or angry, having been unable to find the sword again even with the night terrors help.

Tuff had been especially defensive because all of the terrors they’d questioned said they knew nothing of a cave with a sword in it.

That said, Astid did not expect the temperature to drop so quickly. 

The lighting, she noticed but barely acknowledged. Her eyesight was already on the fritz, being literally blind wasn't that much of a downgrade.

(she quietly ignored the part of her that curled into a shivering ball, the part of her that remembered how useless she'd been, how alone she’d felt when that storm had taken her sight).

But the temperature.  

They had taken three turns and descended down a tunnel or two and Astrid could feel the goosebumps on her arms as she rubbed them together. The humidity from the soil did nothing to help besides giving the caves a pleasant earthy scent. 

An echoy chirp bounced off the cave walls, coming from the night terror that hovered near Astrid. The sound made the distant echo of screeching pause before erupting into a symphony of answering trills.

The terror near Astrid clacked its beak contently, answering back with a drawled trill of its own before taking a perch on her shoulder, letting its friend lead the way.

How far? Thorneye grumbled from behind Viggo, her yellow eyes piercing through the dark like judgmental lanterns.

The terror leading their procession churred, Little more!

Considering everything Astrid knew about the Terror Caves, and the last fifteen minutes, she highly doubted that.

Suddenly, Viggo stumbled right into Astrid.

“OI!” Astrid snarled, pivoting on her heel to shove him off of her.

Viggo rocketed back with a grunt, Thorneye catching him with her wing and a huff.

Viggo righted himself with the help of the wall and primly brushed himself off. “My apologies, unlike our small guides I am not accustomed to navigating such dark places.”

Astrid glared at where his voice had come from for a moment before continuing down the rocky hall.

Stormfly rattled her tail comfortingly. Well, comfortingly to Astrid. To anyone else it was a threat.

Astrid hissed thoughtfully under her breath and tapped the blunt hilt of her ax.

Viggo’s feet shuffled annoyingly loudly against the stone.

Astrid took in a seething breath, and hissed to Stormfly.

Stormfly opened her jaws from the back of their little conga line, the low light of her fire illuminating the small tunnel and warming Astrids cold arms.

Astrid's eyes registered the vague outline of the walls and scattered pebbles, everything else blurred together in the shadows.

Viggo startled a moment, his feet scuffing the earth as he paused before walking forward, his strides more confident and quiet.

Thorneye grumbled something Astrid couldn’t hear but made Stormfly chuff a laugh that had Astrid instinctively relaxing. There was nothing quite like knowing the dragon that had been by your side for years, protecting you, fighting with you, was at ease.

The same couldn’t be said for Viggo, who tensed the second any sound left Stormfly or Thorneye’s jaws.

Something vindictive and mean curled in Astrid's chest when she heard Viggos steps falter at the sound of Stormfly's churrs. Something Astrid recognized from the early days of getting to know Heather, when Astrid had been the one Hiccup had relied on instead of the other girl.

It was something she knew wouldn’t lead to anything productive or good. Something she shoved deep in her belly with all her fears.

Something—

Astrid took a step and her foot dropped . A gasp escaped her lips as for a second, she was falling.

Vaguely, Astrid heard Stormfly's shocked screech and something akin to relief, but not quite, flooded her chest and grappled with her fear. 

A rough hand caught her arm and yanked her up . Astrid stumbled back, a quiet oomf of pain leaving Viggo as he was suddenly squished between Thorneye and Astrid.

The fears in Astrid's belly leapt to her throat as she scrambled away, Stormfly's comforting hissing and rattling tail doing nothing to soothe her nerves when they were trapped in a narrow tunnel with the nearest exit miles of winding caves away.

As fast as an arrow Astrid turned, heart pounding as she unsheathed her ax blindly, a snarl etched on her face.

Viggo grunted, his blurry figure hunched in over his right arm. “No need to be so touchy dear, I do believe I just helped you.”

Stormfly clacked her beak, momentarily plunging them into startling darkness, Astrid ok??!! Ok!?? The dragon hissed, frantic sparks jumping from her jaws.

Stormfly shoved past Thorneye and Viggo, eliciting startled and angry sounds from both as she worriedly shoved her snout into Astrids stomach, nostrils flaring wildly and wings flapping defensively.

Astrid stumbled but kept steady, calming hands quickly rubbing up and down the nadders snout.

“Im ok, girl.” Astrid soothed as she leaned into the dragon.

“Calm your dragon before it kills me!” Viggo hissed, scrambling to make himself one with the wall as Stromflys spikey tail lashed about.

Careful! Thorneye growled from her place on the ground, large eyes glaring as she too ducked away from Stromflys tail.

Astrid took a deep breath and sighed.  

Stormfly's tail slowly stopped swishing at the sound, then, with big eyes, Stormfly let out a long sigh of her own.

Astrid chuckled and gently kissed the dragon's snout before releasing her from the hug.

Stormfly gave one last chuff of content before gently pushing past Astrid with glowing flames flickering past her open jaws.

Tiredly, Astrid rubbed at her face and followed her friend, the stress that had bubbled up once again coiling down to a more manageable state.

“No need to be so dramatic.” Astrid murmured over her shoulder.

Viggo gave her a displeased grunt but peeled himself off the wall to get a look at the giant crevasse that Astrid had nearly plunged into.

It was definitely deep, as her voice echoed in the open chamber.

The dim glow of Stormfly's fire only made the pit seem endless and the dark expanse deeper.

It, in all honesty, looked like a pool of the darkest night sky to Astrid's eyes, even with the light.

“Seems we’ve reached a dead end.” Viggo commented.

Astrid grunted.

An echoy chirrup rang throughout the stale air. Waiting for sun fall?! Said you’d help!

Thorneye hissed at the terror that fluttered over the crevasse. You are foolish, we'll be blind and fall to death.

A distant chirp from across the cavern made the hovering terror falter.

Then, it hissed, a vicious and aggravated sound that grated on the ears. Then fall! I only help you because protectors pack let you come.

Thorneye snarled at the challenge, her spines crackling with energy.

Enough! We’ll all help! Stormfly hissed.

We’ll all help! Thorneye’s tail lashed in disbelief. Mine and I will not help! We agreed to nothing!

Fiery sparks fluttered into the air as Stormfly growled back.

Viggo shrunk away when the vicious sounds the dragons made echoed back and throughout the chamber uncannily.

Astrid herself tensed at the haunting echo, a hesitant twinge of sympathy flaring in her for Viggo.

Stormfly, sensing Astrids unease, ceased her snarling and let out an indignant huff.

You cannot get back without us. Stormfly reasoned tersely.

Thorneye narrowed her eyes and bared her teeth in a display that Stormfly fought the urge to yawn at. Stormfly had been under the Red Deaths rule. A huffy tantrum from a dragon her own size, that was all bark and no bite, was less than intimidating.

Thorneye let out one last aggravated hiss. Fine. she agreed.

GOOD! The terror shrieked. HURRY! EGGS ARE IN DANGER.

Stormfly and Astrid bowed their heads swiftly in an apology while Thorneye simply glared, and Viggo stood to the side.

Stormfly took a few steps back and sidled right next to Astrid, letting the vikings wandering hands run across her scaled hide as Astrid searched for the saddle. When she found it, Astrid gripped the pommel and swung herself up.

HURRY. A terror urged.

Astrid held out a hand in Viggos general direction. For a moment, it was quiet. Then, a warm hand took hers and Viggo hauled himself up, and onto Stormfly.

Thorneye hissed, blue sparks lighting her face. Drop mine, and I will not be forgiving.

Stormfly flexed her wings. Then carry him yourself.

Stormfly jumped, leaving a smoldering Thorneye behind.

For a moment, they were airborne, falling. Then, Stormfly's wings snapped open, her powerful muscles worked, and they were flying.

The sound of Thorneye’s wings quickly followed as the purple dragon chased after them, carefully angled to catch Viggo should he fall. 

—

After the cavern, the sound of dozens of panicking night terrors quickly grew until it drowned out the loud clicking of Stormfly claws and Thorneye’s hissing.

Astrid cringed at the shrieks but kept her hands steadily by her ax.

Viggo walked on like he was deaf to any sound yet aware of every movement.

Finally! The night terror ahead of them screeched and ducked into the shadows. Here! hurry!

Astrid fumbled for a moment before Stormfly's great head sniffed at a small tunnel in the wall. 

Astrid followed her dragon's snout and instinctively peered in. Only to tiredly sigh when she saw nothing but darkness and the outlines of rocks, illuminated by the fire from Stormfly's jaws. 

Irritatedly, Astrid felt around the tunnel. Only for her irritation to grow like a slitherwing nest when she realized how, to put it nicely, fucked she was.

Stormfly rumbled lowly, coming to the same conclusion. The humans would have to go in alone.

Viggo called curiously over the sound of shrieking night terrors. “Well? What now?”

Astrid swallowed her worries and slid into the tunnel head first.

“We see what's got them all riled up.” Astrid answered with a grunt, the irony of her words jabbing her in the side as a voice that sounded suspiciously like Ruffnut laughed in her ear.

“You would allow me to enter a dragon's nest?” Viggo asks, some sort of disbelief in his voice.

Astrid pulls herself out and into the night terrors nesting site with a huff, the tunnel had been blessedly short.

“Didn't I tell you I'd free your shoulders of that arrogant head of yours if you tried anything?” Astrid says in lieu of an answer.

Viggo pauses a moment. “Indeed.” He settles on, and the sound of him claiming meets Astrids ears.

Shuffling. Pebbles falling. Armor against stone.

Astrid reaches into the tunnel and grasps Viggos hand, hauling him out and into the night terrors nest.

Finally . Astrid sighs to herself, a sort of relief filling her, covering her worries.

That relief is immediately shattered when a dozen night terrors swoop low and circle her head, their small wings brushing her face and catching her hair.

Astrid ducks on instinct, her hands flying to her ears when hundreds of ear bleeding shrieks that fill the echoey chamber—

HURRY HURRY!

MOVE!!!

THE EGGS !

— And a couple of colorful draconian insults pierce the stale air.

Astrid doesn't flinch when a night terror perches on her shoulder, but Viggo all but jumps when the blurry white form of Smidvarg lands on his.

Astrid! Smidvarg chirps fretfully. This way! He directs, leaping into the air, his white scales like a dull lantern in the dark.

Without a second thought, Astrid bursts forward with small, precise, but quick steps that navigate the rocky terrain with an ease that's practiced, skillful.

She had hated how careful she’d had to be the first time she’d gone blind. Stormfly had helpfully suggested a blindfold paired constant walking and in two weeks Astrid was navigating all sorts of terrain almost perfectly, while blind.

Boots scuffing on stone and Astrid knows Viggos' following, but she barely pays him any mind. Her main mission right now is to get those night terror eggs.

Trickling water, the creaking and scraping of rock against rock, shrieking night terrors.

Viggo grunts from behind her, his voice, wich is oddly far, nearly lost to the cacophony of the cave.

“Slow yourself, dear,” Viggo murmurs tiredly. “You could trip.”

Astrid bristles at the comment and turns to face him just when Smidvarg darts onto a large boulder, the dozens of night terrors that had been following copy their leader and settle onto the mound of dirt and rock around Smidvarg.

Smidvarg lets out a low hiss and all at once the cavern is silent, the ghosts of the night terrors roars echoes eerily along with the distant trickle of water.

Drip drip drop..

Viggos boots finally stop next to Astrid, the man himself stiffening minutely at the sudden quiet.

Astrid herself is… mildly disturbed. Quiet is never a good sign. Especially around a place like the edge. With its dragons and eccentric people (The Twins. Odin help her when the twins suddenly go quiet), the edge is rarely silent .

In the absence of the night terrors shrieking the sound of trickling water grows.

Drip drip drip

Astrid feels herself move towards the sound, towards the wall the night terrors are perched on.

Drip drip drip

Smidvarg hisses as Astrids hands brush against the thick dirt and stone.

Inside. Help eggs. Smidvarg says, his small wings flaring. danger. He says some other things that Astrid can’t quite make out. She’s not an expert on dragon, more skilled at understanding Stormfly than any other. But she gets the idea.

Astrid nods and experimentally digs her fingers into the dirt. It crumbles.

A night terror shrieks and disappears into the wall, only to come back out and shriek again.

Odd. Astrid thinks as she observes the small tunnel the night terrors had made. They had a clear way to get to the eggs… maybe the problem was something else? Something in the cave, like flooding?

Viggo shuffles closer and eyes the tunnel as well.

“Do not tell me we are climbing through this one as well.” Viggo grumbles.

Despite herself, Astrid grins.

–

Getting through the tunnel was harder than the last, it was smaller and unstable, Astrids shoulders barely fit and Thor knows how Viggo managed.

The other side, similar to the tunnel, is much smaller. The air staler. It smells of wet dirt and moss.

It's also much darker.

Astrid feels her stomach flip as she frantically finds her inner peace when all she can see is black and barely her own blurred hands.

Viggo grumbles beside her, unaware of Astrid's boiling temper he carefully observes the small cave.

Drip drop drip the water echoes thickly— Almost… oddly.

Then, Viggo perks up. “Dragon eggs.” He says confidently.

Something in Astrid bristles as her head whips around, all thought shook from her head as she tries to catch a glimpse of the shells, hel, she’d take seeing their outline if it meant she could find them. 

Night terrors enjoy roosting in high, dark places, they also favored small alcoves and narrow spaces. Astird mentally recited, recalling Fishlegs ramblings. He liked to run his entries by others for review before officially adding them to The Book of Dragons: Another View . Hiccup had been off patrolling that night, so he’d run the updated night terror one by Astrid.

  So, Astrid reasoned, it's safe to reason that the eggs are high up…

Astrids gaze slid to the sky– or ceiling –she scanned the stalactites, her eyes straining as she identified each little dip in the rock.

No… no… Astrid held back a frustrated hiss.

Nope… maybe, wait… Astrid paused and focused her eyes.

She just barely managed to shove herself and Viggo to the ground in time to avoid the projectile slime as it slammed into the wall behind them with a loud, thick, splat.

A flash of green and Astrid feels heat on her back as the goo set ablaze.

Viggo snarled in surprise but Astrid gave him no time to respond as she yanked him up and shoved him behind a stalagmite.

She went to dive behind a nicely sized rock, only to jerk back when the cavern crasher landed on it with a hiss, the goo on its back drip drip dripping to the ground.

Yummy? Food? The cavern crasher growled, its head tilting to let a long string of saliva stretch to the stone.

Astrid hisses back, her words broken and a little high pitched. No. NO food.

The cavern crasher tilts its head, its beady eyes narrowing. Food. it confirms.

Astrid rolls out of the way in time to feel the cavern crasher's body whoosh above her. It screeches when it realizes she isn't in its claws, and like liquid, it redirects itself with the help of a couple stalagmites.

Unfortunately for the cavern crasher, Astrid can redirect herself as well.

Unfortunately for Astrid, she cant fucking see.

Astrid throws herself into the air on instinct and only just barely manages to deflect the dragon's claws with the side of her ax, snarling as she stumbles to the ground, landing in a sloppy roll that puts too much pressure on her wrist.

The cavern crasher snarls right back and Astrid hears the sound of dozens of night terrors shrieking.

The danger hadn’t been a cave in or some sort of flood, Astrid realizes, her mind shoving the puzzle pieces into place, it had been the cavern crasher.

The cavern crasher that is barreling right at Astrid.

Astrid shouts as her back hits the stone ground, her ax the only thing between her and the dragon that snarls and hisses, goo and saliva dripping to the ground and Astrid's face.

Astrid feels her arms burn with effort, her wrist creak in pain, as hundreds of pounds of flesh and scale tries to tear out her throat.

Then, suddenly, the dragon is thrown off her with an indignant shriek.

Astrid barely has time to process before Viggo is there, pulling her up and away from the cavern crasher as it retreats to the ceiling, snarling and spitting.

“I’d say it's an interesting creature, if not for the fact it's trying to kill us and i’ve no weapon.” Viggo hisses under his breath.

Astrid grunts back. “No.” 

She had made sure to confiscate any knives or daggers after Snotlout had informed her about the knife Viggo had hidden.

Viggo was a smart man, clever. She won’t, can’t, trust him with a weapon.

Viggo sighs deeply. “It was worth a try, now, what do you know about this particular beast?”

—

Beastly hoard stealer. Thorneye mumbles, eyes locked onto the tunnel her only pack member had disappeared into.

Stormfly grumbles but doesn’t move from her spot in front of the tunnel Astrid had climbed through. Insecure wyrm.

Thorneye exhales out of her nostrils. Porcupine butt.

Eel eyed—

Stormfly halts, her body freezing as her head tilts and nostrils flare.

Thorneye shuffles and glances at the nadder before jumping three feet into the air when Toothless churrs a greeting.

THUNDERS MIGHT AND LIGHTINGS GRACE! Thorneye yowls .

Toothless! Red Queen! Stormfly chirrups.

I told you not to call me that. Hiccup huffs. Where’s Astrid and Viggo?

Saving eggs. Stormfly answers as she headbuts Toothless, tail lashing to the tunnel. Couldn’t follow.

Hiccups brow furrows.

From what? The Viking asks.

Cavern Crasher. Stormfly answers absently, more focused on playfully swiping at Toothless.

Hiccup and Thorneye both pause.

What’s that? Thorneye churrs just as Hiccups face pales.

Does Astrid know draconian for Cavern Crasher?

Stormfly pauses.

Stormfly bursts into panic.

Thorneye, trusting that Stormfly knew more about humans and whatever a cavern crasher was, followed suit.

—

Drip drip drip

Astrid whips her head around just in time to slash her ax in a wide arc, forcing the cavern crasher back. Once again the dragon retreats to the ceiling with a snarl.

Her attack was sloppy though, too wide and too weak to do more than scratch a dragon's scales. 

Absently, Astrid thinks she’s sprained her wrist from that sloppy roll.

Thinking briefly on Viggos' question, Astrid answered quickly. “It likes eating baby dragons and invading nests that are still occupied.”

Drip drop drip…

“The goo on its back helps it tunnel through impossibly small spaces…” Astrid continues, tilting her head.

Viggo almost sighs.

“I should have specified.” He says exasperatedly. “How does one defeat it.”

Astrid wavers. Defeating a cavern crasher is difficult. They only barely managed to with the fireworm queen, and that was almost all of Hookfang and Snotlouts work.

(That’s not what he meant and she knows it. She simply refuses to consider the other option).

Drip drip..

Astrid yanks her extra hunting knife out of her boot and forces it into Viggos hands. It’s a dull knife, and won’t do much besides make the dragon wary. But the way things are going, wary is an advantage they’re going to need.

“You either get a lot of firepower, or you pray it gives you a swift death.” 

Viggo stiffens, but Astrid doesn’t have time to figure out if it’s from surprise at the trust she’s showing him or something else.

Even with the green flame of the cavern crasher's first attack Astrid can barely see the outline of a couple stalagmites. Not to mention the cavern crasher's rocky coloring lends it an upper hand that would be hard to overcome under normal circumstances.

Astrid feels Viggo shift minutely beside her.

Scrabble, click, drip.

Astrid lashes out with her ax, but she’s too early, too fast. Her stroke misses and she feels dread fill her stomach as she leaves her back wide open for the leaping dragon.

Claws ripping through cloth, talons grazing flesh.

Viggo throws himself on Astrid, just barely managing to flatten her to the ground in time.

Astrid stiffens and jumps up the second Viggos grip loosens.

Viggo lets her, he even lets her tug him back against the wall.

“That was sloppy, dear.” Viggo grunts, the scent of blood fills the air. “Anything you wish to share with me?”

Astrids heart lurches and she forces it back— forces it to slow. After all, Viggo is a smart man.

Astrid swallows her pride, her caution, her fear.

“I need you to be my eyes.” She states. All business, even if it hurts something inside her to ask the Grimdeath for help.

She’s surprised when all Viggo does is nod and say, “while I can only be one of your eyes, dear, ill assist as well as I can.” Then, almost as an afterthought, hastily spoken Viggo finishes with, “I’ll need you to be my blade.”

Astrid blinks. 

Astrid nods and shifts her weight so she can attack with more force.

…drip…

Both Vikings perk up.

…drop…

“Left, on the ceiling.” Viggo murmurs confidently.

Drip drip… drip…

Astrid shifts.

Scraaaape, drip…

“It’s on the wall now.”

…drop…

Claws against stone, the whoosh of a body cutting through air.

“Strike!”

Astrid swipes her ax through the air and feels it connect with the blur of color that makes up the cavern crasher.

The dragon screeches and leaps back, the drip of blood joining that of its goo.

“You hit its front, right leg deep enough that it’s limping.” Viggo narrates quickly.

Astrid thanks Odin that she sharpened her ax yesterday.

“Ok.” Astrid huffs, collecting her running thoughts. “Ok. We need to get it away. Or ourselves away. And the eggs.”

Viggo snorts. “That much is obvious. The how? Not so much.”

Astrid doesn’t bristle, but it’s a near thing.

“We need to get to the dragons.” Astrid thinks aloud, trampling over Viggos snark.

Astrid can feel Viggo roll his eyes. “That beast is powerful, and while we can take it together, we’ve barely managed to hit it once. Alone?…”

Viggo trails off.

Astrid considers their predicament. And it really is a situation, isn’t it? How does she get one of them through the tunnel without being food for the cavern crasher? Better yet, how does one get a deadly madder and a skrill through not one, but two small tunnels in enough time to make sure the Viking left behind isn’t killed?

“Can you see any tunnels? Anywhere the cavern crasher could have entered through? Or our dragons can use?” Astrid tries.

It’s a long shot considering the cavern crashers whole collapsible skeleton thing. But it’s the best thing she can think of. (That’s not true. They could always really use her ax. Most dragons have a weak spot on their underbellies and necks).

Astrid shakes her head, flinging away memories that feel like they come from another lifetime away. No harm will come to anyone or anything on her island.

It didn't matter that the cavern crasher was trying to take over the night terrors nesting sight, it hadn’t actually brought mortal harm to anyone yet. Until it did, Astrid wouldn’t actually hurt it either.

Viggo looks up, his eyes quickly categorizing everything he could see.

“There are many tunnels, all small.” Viggo shares. “The only exit, or entrance for that matter, that is big enough to fit anyone is the tunnel we entered through.”

Astrid nods, ideas clicking together and falling apart. “Stormfly can dig, the dirt was soft.”

If she could see, she would know that Viggo was nodding thoughtfully before he suddenly paused.

“While I hate to destroy this semblance of this plan we have, what’s going to stop it from raining its fire down on us as we escape?” Viggo asked evenly.

Astrid snorts simply. “Me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, you won’t be able to properly defend yourself without your sight.” Viggo rebutted.

Astrid glared and let out a warning hiss to the circling cavern crasher before turning her attention back to Viggo.

“Ridiculous? Do you have any other ideas?” Astrid growled.

“You think so little of me.” Viggo chuckled. “I’ll keep its attention and you get the dragons.”

“You’re recovering from a near fatal injury, and now, you have a fresh wound. not to mention the fact that there are some nice, vulnerable, dragon eggs in this room that are easy pickings.” Astrid stated venomously.

“Dragon eggs that I can’t reach and have no use for.” Viggo countered evenly. “And, as it is, you will be able to reach the dragons faster and be able to get Stormfly to dig. I do not believe your dragon has any fondness for me—“ A pause, an inhale “—I’ve also fought with worse injuries before, dear. ”

Astrid opened her mouth to argue, only to shut it just as quickly. Viggo made good points.

Reluctantly, she let out a deep sigh. “Where’s the tunnel we entered through?”

“Almost right across from us. I’ll escort you to it.” Viggo planned.

Astrid nodded and shuffled forward, prompting Viggo to take the lead and gently guide them towards their exit, and only hope.

“Keep that ax of yours ready.” Viggo murmered.

Drip…

Drop…

Astrid tensed as they shuffled across the cavern.

…drip…

“Here.” Viggo said, taking one of Astrid's hands and leading it to the exit.

Too focused on listening for the cavern crasher and executing the plan, Astrid forgot to bristle at the touch.

After briefly feeling around the tunnel, she pulled herself in. Then paused. Viggo was going to be trapped in there without backup for Thor knows how long. And his only weapon would be a small, dull, knife.

Gently, and quickly so that she wouldn’t change her mind, Astrid held her ax out in Viggos direction.

“Take it, it’ll do you a lot better than a dull knife.”

Smoothly, Viggo took it.

“I’m honored.” He said simply.

Astrid pulled herself into the tunnel with a chuckle.

“Yeah? If you kill that dragon with it I’ll tie you to a ship and sink it.” Astrid threatened lightly.

Viggo hummed. “I’d be surprised if you didn’t.”

Despite herself, Astrid grinned.

—

“SMIDVARG!” Astrid shouted when she slipped out of the tunnel.

The white night terror trilled, and landed on her head.

Danger gone? Astrid fix??

“No—“

A cacophony of shrieks erupted from the gathered night terrors.

“BUT! I will get rid of it. I need Stormfly though. Can you get her in here?” Astrid explained in a mix or half panicked draconian and smooth Viking.

Smidvarg didn’t hesitate.

Two tell the sun wakers that they are needed, five find the best tunnel to enter this chamber and the nest.

Seven night terrors took off, serious expressions taking over their normally happy faces. 

Astrid would have sighed if the cavern crasher hadn’t chosen the exact moment to let out a roar that shook the ground and grew and grew and—

— a few minutes earlier —

Viggo managed to dodge the cavern crashers claws in time, barely avoiding slipping on a puddle of the dragon's goo to side step another swipe— forcing him into a stalagmite that he had to dance around to avoid another blast of goo.

The dragon hissed, drawn by the scent of blood that sluggishly spilled from his back.

Crack.

It was like a spell fell over the both of them, freezing Viking and dragon in place.

Crick. Squeak.

In the future, when this tale is told, Viggo will always hesitate to admit that he was not the first to move. That the great Viggo Grimborn, known for his intellect and skill at hunting creatures twice his weight and a thousand times more dangerous, let his guard down because of a hatchling's shriek.

“Augh!” Viggo snarled as claws dug deep into his leg, leaving three bloody ravines in his calf that rendered moving almost impossibly painful.

The cavern crasher, hasty and hungry, turned tail and practically leaped to the sound of the small, distressed calls.

Night terror shrieks rose to meet the howling hatchlings.

Viggo was moving before thought caught up to body.

The cavern crasher screamed in aggravation when Viggos full weight slammed into its beaked face.

Why was he defending dragons?

Viggo asked himself as he made sure to slash carefully at the cavern crasher. His bloody leg made his stance weak and in turn, the attack almost pointless except for the fact the sturdy dragon had to rear back, away from the alcove that held the freshly hatched dragons, to dodge.

Enough! The cavern crasher hissed, fire burning in his throat. Hungry! It snarled, some other words that Viggo never bothered to learn mixing into its sentence.

I… Viggo paused, forcing himself to recall the dragon-eye lense he wished he never read and a boy he once thought he would kill. Am Viggo Grimborn… you—

A low, worried snarl made Viggo pause when fear flashed in the cavern crasher's eyes, and for once, it voluntarily stepped back.

Grimdeath? It hissed warily.

Viggo paused but didn’t untense his stance.

Grimborn. He corrected, the name spoken through an awkward mix of hissing that scratched his throat and foot stamping that made him feel like an idiot.

What happened next, would be something Viggo would puzzle over until the answer was given, and then he would feel like a real idiot.

The cavern crasher, eyes growing wilder by the second, dropped open its jaw and roared so loud the earth shook.

—

Astrid shoved her hands over her sensitive ears, crouching low to the ground on instinct and pain.

That’s when the feeling of something large flew over her, forcing her hair on end and the realization that Thorneye had managed to get into the cave, into Astrids head.

Dirt rained onto Astrid and forced the night terrors into the air as Thorneye rammed into the final wall that hid Viggo from her.

Barely beginning to stand again, Astrid had to stumble when two more bodies whooshed past her. Following one, was the familiar rattle of spines that had Astrid calm in seconds.

Following the other was a flash of red at the tail that made her smile despite the absolutely horrid day she was having so far.

“Astrid!”

“Hiccup! We need to get in there as fast as possible, do you have an extra shield? I didn't bring mine and there’s a cavern crasher—“

Hiccup took Astrids hands with his own and bumped his head gently against hers.

“I know, I know.” Hiccup confirmed. “Stormfly and Thorneye are working on the tunnel right now.”

Astrid squeezed Hiccup's hand and took the shield he offered her. Pausing when familiar carvings met her fingers.

“I said give me an extra shield, not your shield.” Astrid huffed.

Hiccup shifted and Astrid could all but see the sheepish look on his face.

SHRIIIII—

ROOOAR!!

RRRRATTLLE

SPLAT!

Taking the lead, Hiccup darted to the entrance the dragons had made and into the prime nesting sight of the night terrors with Astrid close behind.

Im gone! Im gone! You have wishes to meet a sentinel so young? Fools harbor one like the Grimdeath! The fleeing cavern crasher howled as it attempted to scamper into a crevice.

With lighting crackling off her scales, Thorneye yanked the smaller dragon into her jaws and shook— sending green goo flying in all directions.

The cavern crasher let out a horrible shriek that made Stormfly growl and Toothless hiss.

No need to hurt. Toothless reasoned after a moment. Yours is not yet with the sentinels.

Thorneye growled lowly but obliged, and stopped shaking the cavern crasher. She did not, however, drop it.

“Ah! Hiccup! It’s good to see you.” Viggo waved, severing Astrids attention from the dragons.

“And Astrid, I must say you did a timely job of acquiring backup.”

Viggo stood despite the blood that pooled from his leg and stained his back. The ax in his hand was held in a white knuckle grip while his other arm steadied him on a stalagmite.

Thorneye growled again at the sight and dropped the cavern crasher with an unceremonious thud, allowing Toothless and Stormfly to loom over it.

Viggo held out a tired hand when Thorneye approached. He was hurt, wary and on the verge of collapse. He did not need another dragon to bowl him over, even if it was by accident.

Thorneye, in an uncharacteristic display, paused. Then, sniffed it, and the air. She eyed her hoard, her pack… and shoved her nose into the hand with a loud chuff.

Viggo startled, but didn’t fall. Thorneye was gentle and didn’t push, simply allowing Viggo to initiate the contact. Allowed herself to trust him with her emotions.

Only when Viggo leaned his weight onto Thorneye, did the skrill move. And even then, it was slow and careful as she allowed Viggo to use her as a crutch.

And Viggo allowed himself to trust her as his crutch.

Astrid, unable to see anything but blobs of color, moved forward and held out a hand. Viggo, getting the message, released his death grip on the ax, relinquishing it back to its owner.

“The eggs hatched.” Viggo said.

A shrill wail confirmed his words.

“The night terrors will take care of it.” Astrid answered with a shrug.

Viggo seemed to ponder it. “What of the caves? The defenses the night terrors once had, have been destroyed.”

“We’ll work on that tomorrow, Fishlegs made backup plans a while back.” Hiccup said as he mounted Toothless.

“Until then, Astrid, you can get Viggo and yourself out of here. I’ll take care of the cavern crasher.”

Astrid nodded.

Viggo didn’t refute.

—

When sunlight finally met Astrid's skin, she sighed.

Stormfly rubbed her face into the grass.

Viggo grinned as Thorneye did the same, careful not to jostle Viggo and his hastily patched wounds.

“That was stressful.” Astrid commented to the air.

Viggo grunted in agreement. “Indeed.”

There was a silence between them, an awkwardness.

“I'm sorry” Astrid mumbled, breaking the silence and fueling the awkwardness.

“What for?”

“I… didn’t accept how much you’ve changed.” Astrid continued, mind flashing to Viggo, bloody but standing between the cavern crasher that sported no injury but the cut she’d given it, and the eggs.

Astrid didn’t sigh, but it was a near thing.“I don’t think I wanted to. You… hurt us, hunted us… and everyone told me that you changed, that you were different. I wouldn’t accept that even when you proved it to them, to Thorneye. So I’m sorry.”

The silence returned.

“You have every reason not to trust me. But you did, with those eggs and with the cavern crasher. You trusted me not to harm either.” Viggo paused, an absent hand stroked Thorneye’s neck. “It’s I who’s sorry, I apologize for giving you every reason not to trust me.”

Astrid looked over at him. He was blurry and not very easy to read, but she didn’t need eyes to understand his remorse. She’d felt something similar once during the weeks after befriending Stormfly.

“I accept your apology, though should you be elaborately lying, I do not.”

Viggo bowed his head in understanding. “Of course. Your apology is accepted as well.”

Do you apologize for calling me a hoard stealer? Stormfly asked as she raised her wings.

Not unless you apologize for calling me an insecure wyrm.

Stormfly tilted her head. Then no.

—

It had been hours since Hiccup, Astrid, and Viggo had returned. In the time that followed, Fishlegs had turned his once neat work area into a mess.

Scrolls had taken over most very surface, two inkwells had fallen over and he had not bothered to pick them up, he had broken four quills in his quest to think of how to fix the night terror caves, and Meatlug was thoroughly annoyed that whenever she stepped, paper crumpled.

Rest. Meatlug urged from her place right outside his cabins door.

“We need more bandages from the market, we’ve almost run out of that cream Gothi makes to prevent infection, I’m going to need sooooo many rocks to fix terror caves, not to mention string so I can set alarms in case another cavern crasher decides to get in—“

Those are not now problems, they are tomarrows. Meatlug reasoned, stamping her foot.

Dust fell from the rafters like snow and Fishlegs sighed. 

The four night terrors that had scattered about his cabin trilled.

Protecter should sleep. It is Protectors sleeping time? No? Asked a night terror snuggled in an empty space on of his many shelves.

Yes. Fishlegs answered in draconian. But—

Than Protecter sleeps! The night terror chirruped, the other three hissing in agreement.

Meatlug gave him a look.

Fishlegs rubbed his eyes.

“Fine.”

Chapter Text

His eyes opened slowly and his thoughts turned sluggishly in his head.

Reluctantly, Fishlegs sat up. Then, he stared as a scroll sluggishly fell off his bed with a muffled thump .

Fishlegs groaned and glanced at the door. Sunlight was seeping out from under it, partially blocked by Meatlug who had taken to sleeping in front of it.

Glancing at the ceiling, Fishlegs confirmed the presence of two night terrors. They liked to be around him, even during the day. He’d tried to tell them that they didn’t have to, but dragons tended to be stubborn. So Fishlegs had just made room for them in his cabin. After making the hatch for them in the valley, it had been simple to add one to his cabin’s roof. Even simpler to add more shelves for them to perch on.

A sleepy chirrup echoes in the cabin. Fishlegs answers it with a churr in near perfect draconic that simply meant here, ok.

It had taken him months to perfect the sound, half of the time had gone to refining each tilt and drop in it, the other half had gone to putting it into practice.

The night terror that had chirruped lets out a low coo and stretches out each of its limbs before curling into a tight ball.

Fishlegs smiles softly as he stands, paying no mind to the scattered mess of papers. He already has the plan memorized.

—

It had taken considerable bribing with granite before Meatlug had sleepily moved away from the door so Fishlegs could get started with the day.

Always in such a hurry. Meatlug squints at the sun as it hovers just above the ocean.

“Because it’s always important.” Fishlegs returned softly as he gently closed the door.

Meatlug turns her gaze to him before taking the lead, scuttling across the boardwalk deceptively fast for a gronckle. It was one of his favorite things about the species, their ability to be just as fearsome as any other dragon despite appearances.

Fishlegs hurries after her with a fond smile. 

First stop, material check!

—

Large rocks and small rocks, it didn't matter, they were all a hassle to lug around. Which is why at the very start of the Edge, a pile had been made near the center of all the construction. This pile would later be turned into a shed. The rock shed.

The rock shed, which had been so wonderfully named by Toughnut, was where Fishlegs and the others commonly stored… Well, rocks and other building materials. Most of the time the rocks were fed to Meatlug. Some of the time, they were used for building.

Unfortunately, a shed can only hold so many things.

“This is all we have?” Fishlegs muttered, eyeing the small collection and even smaller rocks. The most rocks they had were a scattering of odd crystals, geodes, and other interesting rocks that were lumped in with the few normal stones stored against the walls.

Meatlug stomped a foot. Time has been… busy. 

“That's an understatement.” Fishlegs snorted.

Viggo arriving had started a chain of events that kept everyone busy. Especially Fishlegs. between searching for herbs that Viggos wounds needed, and keeping his medicine stock semi-full, and patching up the man and now Astrid, Fishlegs had had little time to do other things, things like refill his rock supply.

“Lets…” Fishlegs paused and considered his options. The small quarry the Edge had would definitely be unstable with the recent rain. Considering how Thorneye had most likely made the storm much stronger than it would have been, a landslide was a high possibility.

Mental note. Fishlegs thought to himself. Read the dragon eye lens for skrill again.

Mental note two, remember to bring the quakens a gift for gathering rocks from their territory. Maybe ask what they know about cavern crashers too…

We should get packs help. Meatlug said with a flutter of her wings and a deliberate blink.

“Yeah.” Fishlegs agreed, thoughts faraway. “Let's do that.”

—

“Really? Everyone’s busy?” Fishlegs groaned.

Meatlug let out a comforting chuff as she wearily flopped to the ground next to her human.

They’d been around the edge twice in the past hour in their search for help. Hiccup was unfortunately busy trying to help Astrids sight go back to normal. Which was more so Astrid ordering him to help her with sharpening weapons or making the tea Gothi had prescribed.

Snotlout had ejected himself from the conversation via Hookfang the second Fishlegs had mentioned rocks and gathering.

And the Twins were… somewhere in the woods. He’d looked. The most he found was a footprint and melted yak butter. Fishlegs did not want to know what they were doing.

So he was on his own with this. Which meant more work for him.

Fishlegs slid so his back rested against Meatlug.“hmmmm…” he looked at the rock shed in front of him, its looming form blocking the sun. Pointedly, he ignored the existence of the one other person on the Edge that definitely had the time to help him. 

“This is going to be so tedious.” 

“What is?”

Fishlegs felt his heart skip a beat before flying out of his chest.

Viggo raised his eyebrows.

—

Viggo had awoken that morning with an itchy wound and a dragon tail across his stomach.

The feeling that filled him when he brushed his hand across the limb was fluttery and fragile and hopeful.

The last time he ever remembered feeling something Like this…Odin help him, he'd been barely six winters old and Ryker had been helping him document the local minnow population in the small trickle of a stream next to the village.

So naturally, Viggo gently pushed the tail off, rose from the bed, and walked out the door with a sleepy Thorneye at his heels.

He'd gone to Hiccup first. The younger was supposed to be his appointed guard for the day. Astrid had quickly brushed off that idea.

She had taken one glassy eyed glance at him and snorted.

“What are you doing here?”

“Simply awaiting my guard for the day.”

Hiccup looked up from the axe–Astrids, if the pointed pommel was anything to go by–he was sharpening.

“Did you or did you not defend three night terror eggs from a dragon, while also avoiding killing said dragon.” Astrid asked, trampling over anything Hiccup had attempted to say.

“I don't see how that matters–” Viggo began.

“Did you or did you not?” Astrid repeated evenly.

Viggo paused. “...I suppose I did.” 

Astrid settled a hand on her hip. “You did. ”

Silence hung in the air. Viggo glanced at Hiccup, who merely shrugged.

“I'll be on my way, then.” Viggo said.

“You will.” Astrid had nodded.

That's how Viggo found himself sitting in the sun with Thorneye. And, should it be counted, a single night terror hidden in a tree. The white one, if he saw the flash of scales in the bushes correctly.

Viggo hadn't had a day of rest in a long time.

“I don't suppose you've any ideas as to what to do today?” He asked Thorneye absently.

The dragon opened one of its yellow eyes and blinked. Then, she rolled over so her stomach faced the sun.

Viggo took a moment to think. Such a blatant display of trust… 

Slowly, ever so slowly, Viggo laid down next to her.

Thorneye's pupil zeroed in on him and she bared her teeth.

Viggo barely kept himself from flinching at the sight. He'd seen the riders dragons smile before, a habit they definitely picked up from their humans. 

Viggo bared his teeth back.

A delighted rumble that made Viggos smile all the more real jumped from the skrill.

Viggo smiled wider, his eyes going to Thorneyes. That's when he noticed Fishlegs, scampering across the boardwalks with Meatlug.

Thorneye rumbled and turned to see what he was looking at. A huff leaving her snout when she caught sight of the duo.

They stayed like that for a while. Watching as Fishlegs knocked on door after door. So when the boy finally stopped his frantic searching and slumped in front of a shed, mumbling about this and that, Viggos' curiosity itched.

“This is going to be so tedious.” Fishlegs groaned.

“What is?” Viggo asked as he stepped into view.

–

“Huh?” Fishlegs squeaked.

Meatlug snorted, smoke bursting from her nostrils as her eyes locked onto Viggo, the source of all of Fishlegs worries lately.

Thorneye met Meatlugs gaze with a lazy blink. He is bored, like a hatchling.

Fishlegs bit back the urge to laugh. Viggo’s face remained curious but  impassive. That didn’t help stop the spike of fear that tore through Fishlegs heart and clogged his throat.

“Apologies for my sudden… appearance.” Viggo finally continued. “I've simply watched you wander about Dragons Edge for the better part of the morning, and i'm curious as to what you’re doing?”

Fishlegs voice caught in his throat. How did he go about this? What did he say? Why was Viggo here? Shouldn't Hiccup be watching him??

Meatlug bumped Fishlegs leg with her head.

“Oh- oh. Um, I'm looking for rocks to bring to terror caves so I can cover any entrance a cavern crasher could get through, cause’ you know…” Fishlegs paused for a moment and gestured at the air.

Viggos' expression did not budge. 

“And– and, the rocks I have in the rock shed, that shed right there–” Fishlegs raised a slack arm to the shed, suddenly feeling very dumb, “–are, uh, too small for what I need. So I'm going with Meatlug to search for what I need.”

Thorneye opened her long jaws to yawn. Meatlug settled herself in front of Fishlegs with a rumbly grunt.

Viggo, of all things, nodded like Fishlegs stuttery ramble made sense. 

“So you've been looking for help with your search for larger rocks?” Viggo asked.

Fishlegs nodded hastily. Where were his friends when he was trying to escape awkward conversion with the Grimdeath?

Viggo’s eyes glanced around in a quick circle.“I assume you've been unsuccessful in that regard.” 

“Mhm.” Fishlegs mumbled.

“Then,” Viggo straightened. “If you'll have me, I would be grateful to help. It's the least I can do after all you’ve done for me.”

Fishlegs felt faint. That Fox-like grin? That unshakable confidence? He’d seen it from afar, a few times up close when Viggo had been executing a plan they had no idea existed, let alone how to stop.

Astird said he's changed. Hiccup believes he’s good, Snotlout thinks he's learning. Whispered a small, echoey voice in his head.

“Um.” 

Hiccup believes he's good.

“Are you sure? You’re still hurt?”

Snotlout thinks he's learning.

Viggo smiled. “Yes, you’re quite the healer when it comes to it.”

Fishlegs chuckled. It sounded strained, even to his ears. “You should see the twins, they're surprisingly good at fixing broken bones!”

Viggo laughed, and it wasn't that victorious laugh that sent shivers down Fishlegs spine, no it was a simple thing that held nothing but simple surprise.

Astrid said he’s changed.

Fishlegs took his friends' opinions seriously. But he was a scholar at heart, and seeing was believing.

And what he saw right now looked like a man trying his best.

Or a fox playing dead so the rabbits think it's safe to come closer.  

Fishlegs shook his head and put a shaky hand on Meatlugs head. Even Astrid attested to Viggos' change, who was he to question his most paranoid friend?

—

“You can wait outside while I grab the travel net.” Fishlegs all but mumbled as he hurried into the stables.

He didn't see it, but Viggo nodded. “Of course.”

Swiftly, Fishlegs made his way to the back of the stables as he searched for his prize; The travel net.

Now, the travel net was an invention that Gobber had actually fabricated back on Berk. It was basically a big, sturdy square of fabric that had four iron rings attached to the corners for dragons to hold onto.

When Fishlegs had seen it in action back on Berk he had been in awe of how stupid his past self was. How had he not thought of something so simple but so useful? So he had run to Gobber for supplies and refused any instruction as he eagerly, and perhaps a little brashly, crafted his own.

The first one he had made had been too flimsy to carry more than a zippleback. The second had been better, but some of his stitches had been to loose and everything had fallen apart. The third, and the one he now searched for, had taken the longest to make because of how dedicated Fishlegs had been to getting each stitch right.

Meatlug made a polite grumble that pulled Fishlegs from his head.

Turning, Fishlegs smiled a shaky smile at the sight of the travel net carefully clamped in her jaws.

“Good job, girl.” He said as he patted her bumpy head.

Meatlug churred and loosened her grip so Fishlegs could grab the cloth and carefully shove it into the biggest saddlebag on her saddle.

It is ok. Meatlug comforted as they turned to leave.

I know. Fishlegs grumbled.

Meatlug bumped into his side with enough force to put him off balance. You're too high in the clouds of your mind. 

Fishlegs closed his eyes and let out a breath. “It's hard to land with everything going on.”

I know. I am here to bring you down, and I am telling you that your fears are unsound. Meatlug urged.

Determinedly, Meatlug trotted up to Viggo, whose face went from curious to cautious every step Meatlug took closer to him.

Thorneye let out a suspicious chirp as her posture shifted to be more alert. Meatlug responded with a tail wag and gently bumping against Viggo’s legs.

Thorneye settled back into a curious stance that had her hovering her large head over Viggos shoulder to eye the small gronckle.

Fishlegs felt his throat dry as he hopelessly skirted a tad closer, unsure of what to do. “Um… Sorry…” Fishlegs said.

“Ah.” Viggo answered. “It's of no consequence.”

A tense silence settled in the air.

“You can… uh, pat her. If you want.” Fishlegs stiltedly offered.

Gently, Viggo lowered his hand to pat at Meatlugs head. Meatlug churred at the touch and promptly returned to Fishlegs, a big grin that would have looked disturbing to anyone else on her face.

See? Meatlug said.

Fishlegs rubbed at one of the many knobs that protruded from her skin. “I got the net, we can head off now.”

Thorneye interrupted. Mine needs… that. She said, pointing at the saddle on Meatlugs back with her nose.

“Oh!” Fishlegs blurted as his brain finally dropped from the clouds and dive bombed into his thoughts. “You need a saddle!”

Viggo nodded. “Ah, yes. I was going to ask if you have any rope or something of the sort on hand?”

Fishlegs blinked and didn't even bother answering Viggo as he recounted his mental list of the storage on the edge.

“This way.” Fishlegs said as he twirled on his heel and once again hurried away.

Chapter Text

“This… is amazing.” Viggo complimented as he glanced about Hiccup's workshop.

Fishlegs nodded absently and pointed vaguely to the left. “Search that tangerine chest over there for a blanket. Make sure its a big one”

Without hesitation Viggo strode over to the painted chest and began to rummage through it.

Fishlegs mostly ignored this in favor of another chest that had a pleasant vermillion lining.

Opening it, Fishlegs quickly removed two half made saddles and grabbed a third that was nestled near the bottom. It was a wider saddle, built more for large, burly dragons with wide backs. If Fishlegs remembers correctly, it was one of the first prototypes Hiccup had made after Skullcrusher had chosen Stoick.

Because of it being a prototype, it was unfinished and more of a saddle made to get a feel for what actually needed to be constructed. That did not mean it would fall apart when used, it had been built with Skullcrusher in mind after all.

Meatlug, who was standing right next to Fishlegs, lowered her head and allowed Fishlegs to use her as a makeshift table so he could get a good grip on the Saddle.

It does not look strong. Thorneye observed with a head tilt from the entrance of the cabin.

Meatlug wandered over to the bigger dragon and flicked her webbed ears. It is built to withstand a — —-. She supplied. 

The dragon words for Rumblehorn blur into obscurity for Fishlegs. Dragons didn't really give species names, but there were key words in their language that referred to certain dragons. These keywords, fascinatingly enough, didn't have a translation.

Fishlegs remembers asking Meatlug about dragon words like that for days. Meatlug herself had been curious about human words that didn't translate to draconian. Those couple of weeks had been frustrating as both attempted and failed to explain what those words meant to the other. Eventually they had given up, agreeing that it was near impossible to describe a word that neither could truly comprehend.

Thorneye snorted and raised the scales above her eyes in a skeptical expression that reminded Fishlegs of Viggos classic eyebrow raise. The thought eased something inside him. The twins and Barch had something similar, where Barch had learned and could almost perfectly replicate the twins mischievous faces.

Then, Viggo spoke. “I've found a few potential options.” he said as he walked over.

Fishlegs eyes were immediately drawn to Viggos bounty. He was awful at initiating interaction, but being in a setting where he and Viggo had a common goal? It was almost like he was in the workshop with Hiccup attempting to build some new invention.   

“Great. Uh…”

Viggo held three blankets in his hands, all large and of varying sizes. Taking a moment to observe them, Fishlegs concluded that the second largest blanket would work. Plus! It had a lovely, dusty gold yarn that complemented Thorneye’s mulberry scales.

“That one, with the dusty gold coloring.” Fishlegs said and hefted the saddle up towards Thorneye.

“Would you mind?” Fishlegs asked politely.

Thorneyes' large eyes glanced at Viggo, who neatly placed the other two blankets on the ground, then back to Fishlegs before she lowered herself to the floor with a long, drawn out hiss.

“Now place the blanket just behind her ruff.” Fishlegs explained and deliberately averted his eyes from Thorneyes sharp pupils.

Gently, Viggo unfolded the chosen blanket and flared it into the air. Then, he glanced at Thorneye’s eyes, only throwing the blanket over her neck when she turned her attention away  from Fishlegs to return his gaze.

Carefully, and with a little help from Meatlug, who placed herself closest to Throneyes jaws, Fishlegs placed the saddle on top.

Viggo observed with curious eyes that made Fishlegs both curious as well, and greatly nervous.

Show him. Meatlug said suddenly, flapping her wings and stomping a foot.

Thorneye turned her eyes to look at Fishlegs. Yes. she hissed. I will tear your flesh should you attempt this again.

I will break your wings should you try such a thing. Meatlug churred pleasantly.

Feeling more than a little ganged up on, and very much threatened, Fishlegs hesitantly looked in Viggos general direction. He was not about to look a near stranger who he has had more than a dozen awkward interactions with in the eyes. 

“So, you want to grab the upper buckle first.” Fishlegs began hesitantly.

There was a moment of hesitation from Viggo, who looked at Fishlegs. His one eye almost felt like it was looking through him. Then, Viggo took the uppermost buckle of the saddle and lightly tightened it across Thorneye’s chest.

“Like so?” Viggo asked.

Fishlegs crouched to see. 

“Tug at it.” Fishlegs instructed, his quiet voice gaining more confidence. “Make sure your firm. The wind is strong and flying uses all sorts of muscles that could flex and undo a loose belt.”

Viggo raised a hand and looped his fingers around the thick leather. Then he gave Fishlegs a look that Fishlegs nodded at. It wasn't until Viggo firmly tugged at the belt did Fishlegs realize that Viggo had asked him for permission.

Fishlegs felt his mind stutter to halt. Viggo Grimborn, the Grimdeath, had asked Fishlegs for permission? It sounded like a fever dream. Was he in a fever dream? He had gone to sleep late last night…

A forceful headbut from Meatlug brough Fishlegs back to the earth just in time to stutter out, 

“You'll, uh, want that to be a bit tighter.”

Viggo followed the instruction immediately, only stopping when Thorneye let out an annoyed huff about leaning down for too long and how she was regretting everything immensely.

I'll have mine tell yours to stay behind then. Meatlug teased with a wag of her tail.

Not needed. Thorneye grumbled and relaxed her posture.

Unnoticed to Fishlegs and his worrying, but noted by Meatlug, Viggo had tilted his head the second she had spoken to Thorneye. Almost as if he was listening.

Fishlegs, oblivious and mildly panicked, nodded at Viggo after the man gave the belt another tug. “That's good, now you do the same thing with the second belt and we'll be all good to go.”

With that, Fishlegs awkwardly rose from his crouch and mounted onto Meatlug. Then, he allowed himself a moment to let his thoughts run wild.

Loki’s spite! Fishlegs realized. I ordered him to grab blankets!

How had Fishlegs found himself in this odd position of power? When had Viggo swallowed his pride—

Allegedly. Fishlegs more logical thoughts piped up. His pride could very well not be harmed by taking orders from me.

—to defer to him?

Astrid thinks he’s changed. Fishlegs repeated to himself, his friend's words feeling more and more real the further this day went on.

“I don't believe I asked.” Viggo said from his place in the saddle. Belatedly, Fishlegs wondered when that had happened.

Viggo looked awkward, sitting there. If Fishlegs remembers correctly Viggo had never ridden a dragon with a saddle. He hadn’t had saddles built for the dozens of singetails that he captured and used, most likely had not wanted to waste the resources. Not to mention the awkward shape of the singetail made it difficult to design a good saddle for the dragon.

“But where is it that we’re going?”

“The Dark Deep.” Fishlegs answered without much thought.

It was then that Fishlegs realized the Quakens would not take kindly to him just bringing the Grimdeath over to their territory.

It was also then that Fishlegs realized he had set his funeral boat on fire because he A, needed the rocks from Dark Deep and B, Fishlegs did not want to boss Viggo around any more than he had already. And C, Fishlegs had been quietly hoping the quakens would know the best way to counter cavern crashers and their collapsible skeleton.

“The Dark Deep?” Viggo asked, surprise plain in his tone.

Fishlegs felt himself melt into an embarrassed puddle as he also remembered Viggo had, in fact, enslaved the Quakens for his own means a while back. Curse his nervous brain for forgetting important details!

Maybe good to bring him? Meatlug suggested quickly. Can apologize? Or bring them gifts? More than we already planned?

Fishlegs pat Meatlug’s flank and attempted to recover from his colossal blunder. “Yeah. uh, you should probably bring an offering.” 

Thorneye let out a sparky snort directed at Meatlug. Crack—eng?

Quaken. Meatlug politely corrected.

Quaken? Thorneye continued. I do not know if I can take one in a fight.

You will not have to protect yours as long as you bring a satisfactory gift. Meatlug stated simply. Though, y ou will have to relay the apology to the quakens for yours.

Viggos' once curious demeanor had shifted to something more guarded. “They are the same quakens I had my men use for my own benefit? I assume, at least.”

“Ah.” Fishlegs mumbled. “Yeah. I just thought it would be a good idea for you to apologize. The dragon way. The quakens are still pretty upset…” 

Fishlegs felt the gears in his head turn as he floundered for words.

Wait…

Meatlug was right! If Viggo apologized he would be one step closer to clearing up his title of Grimdeath . This would greatly benefit him and Thorneye when they inevitably left the edge!

Fishlegs remembered Hiccup doing something similar after the defeat of the Red Death . He had tasked himself with bringing food and aid to any dragon he could find that had fled the nest and needed it. It was for that reason all the dragons around Berk knew the title Red Queen to be one of benevolence. Unfortunately, despite terrible terrors spreading the word, many dragons outside of the archipelago had a hard time believing a name as gruesome and as filled with bloody history as The Red Queen could ever be a benevolent dragon. Or in Hiccup's case, a viking.

“And if you're an enemy of the quakens, you're definitely an enemy of gronckles and the like. And as Thorneye’s hoard, she'll be their enemy as well.” Fishlegs reasoned.

Viggo leaned back in his saddle and considered this for a moment. “I suppose it would be wise to make amends, for Thorneyes sake.” he agreed after a moment.

Fishlegs nodded eagerly. “Right! We're going to need to grab some amethyst!”

—

Fishlegs found it ironic that the place that had been the source of his troubles was now the place that would solve one of his problems.

The rock shed stood proudly against the afternoon sun, casting a shallow shadow across the grass.

“You're going to want to grab the shiniest rocks you can find.” Fishlegs instructed as he opened the door.

“Stones like geodes and crystals?” Viggo asked.

“Yeah! Like those.” Fishlegs answered, his earlier fears forgotten in favor of completing a task.

Viggo and Fishlegs scoured the shed for any stone that had even a bit of luster. This left Thorneye and Meatlug to wait outside.

Yours is slow and weak. Easily scared. Annoying. Thorneye observes.

Meatlug gives the other dragon a side eye. Yes. She says with a deliberate blink. And he keeps a kind heart that is softer than mud.

Thorneye settles into the grass. Yes. She agrees. Then, hesitantly. Mine is the Grimdeath.

Meatlug nods simply. Yes.

All will want to kill him for what he has done. Thorneye rambles,

 As if a da has been broken inside her. I would have too if I knew it was the Grimdeath that came to my cage and opened the door.

Yes. Meatlug grunts.

Thorneye snorts and glares. You are not as helpful as Stormfly made you out to be.

Do you want me to deny what you say? Meatlug asks. Deny that the Grimdeath is also yours and that you would have killed him if you had known?

Thorneye wraps her tail around her talons. No. It is truth.

Does the knowledge he is the Grimdeath change the fact you have chosen him as your hoard? Meatlug questions.

No. Thorneye hisses with reverence.

Will you still defend him from others that wish him harm because of his past? Meatlug says, her large eyes locked onto Thorneyes.

Yes. Throneye answers.

Then you have no reason to be conflicted. You are a dragon and you have hoarded the Grimdeath because you found him worthy of being hoarded. If others find a problem with your judgment then you will prove them wrong with tooth and claw. Meatlug states.

Thorneye uncurls her tail and shuffles. You are… wise.

Meatlug rumbles with a chuckle that shudders the dirt beneath her. I try.

—

Viggo ran a hand across a particularly purple hued geode. It reminded him of the ones he and Ryker would gather from that small trickle of a river. Albeit, much larger. He wondered if he would meet Ryker in Valhalla. He wondered if he could have saved him.

Thoughts for another day. Viggo said to himself as he lifted the rock.

“Do quakens normally hoard geodes?” Viggo asked to the air.

Fishlegs, who rummaged through a small pile of sparkly rocks, debated leaving the quiet question unanswered. He had already bossed Viggo around multiple times, answering a question felt almost surreal. 

…It almost made him giddy. Viggo was renowned for his knowledge on dragons. Just thinking of the things they could teach each other!

“No.” Fishlegs answered. “but they like the way the crystal crunches and vibrates when they chew it. I think.”

Fishlegs was, frankly, awful at covering the fact he could understand dragons. He was so nervous or aloof he would slip up and hastily attempt to sweep leaves over his tracks with I think or by changing the topic of conversation entirely.

“Ah.” Viggo knew how quakens used vibrations for communication. It was curious that such things would be taken into consideration when looking for a meal. “Would they prefer rubys and the like then as well?”

Fishlegs lifted a large, round stone that unmistakably had a geode inside, from the pile. “That's a good hypothesis. Normally we reserve more precious stones for trading, but I did give the quakens a gold crystal before! They liked it but they really have a preference for geodes.”

Viggo nodded and grabbed a large geode crystal that had broken off from its cluster. “You say they like the way the rock crunches or vibrates. Do you think it would be reasonable to assume lava rock might work as a substitute for crystals?”

“Well, it’s a possibility,” Fishlegs blurted, mind jumping at the idea. “But I assume lava rocks would produce less vibration when crushed, thus the quakens would enjoy it less.”

“Indeed.” Viggo said, eyebrow raised in thought. “A brilliant counterpoint, Fishlegs. Though I do believe we have forgotten our original purpose for being here.”

“Ah.” Fishlegs blinked. “You're right. We have to head out now if we want to be back on time.”

“Shall I take all of these crystals, then?” Viggo asked as he presented a small bounty of shiny, purple stones.

Fishlegs took in the pile, five in total, the fourth (if you counted from left to right) was much bigger than the rest and the first was barely as big as a terrible terrors eye.

“Drop the first and the fourth one, well replace them with this gem–” Fishlegs promptly placed a crystal of similar size and weight to the others into Viggos hands when the man dropped the requested crystals, “--we want them to be as even as possible. If we give one quaken too many, or a crystal bigger than all the others, the other quaken is likely to get jealous.”

“Of course.” Viggo nodded and placed them in the same satchel on his belt he kept his sketchbook.

The data. Fishlegs thought as Viggo subtly held the shed door open a second longer for Fishlegs with his foot, confirms that everyone was right.

—

Flying wasn't something Fishlegs had to think about anymore. It was like breathing or blinking, an unconscious act that he could just… do. Really, when he and Meatlug built up their trust in the fight with the Red Death, and continued to build their relationship after, it was as simple as gardening. All you had to do was give the plant some help here and there, and trust that it would continue to grow.

Fishlegs knew Viggo had ridden dragons before, multiple times and on multiple dragons. Of course, this was done on the dragons part, out of fear. So Viggo wasn't used to not being the one in charge when in the sky. And of course, of course, Fishlegs forgot about this.

In his defence! He had gotten caught up in his thoughts of potential quaken snacks and how his day was becoming much more pleasant now that that buzzing fear he felt around Viggo had dulled in light of their scholarly bonding.

No, wait. Fishlegs furrowed his brow. That sounded weird, different word. Connect? Connection? He and Viggo had begun building over the horrible chasm of their past and reached a point of understanding?

“Fishlegs.” Viggo called calmly, a hint of stiffness in his tone. “How do I request that she stop tearing through every cloud she sees?”

Fishlegs craned his neck up. There, above him and Meatlug, joyfully bouncing through the air with careful and reckless abandon, was Throneye and Viggo.

“I don’t think you can stop her.” Fishlegs observed. “Though, you should stop tensing your muscles so much, you'll open your stitches.”

“That–” Viggo was cutoff as Thorneye abruptly snapped her wings shut to drop through a cloud below them, thus bringing the skrill viking duo next to Fishlegs and Meatlug.“–is not something I think is wise.”

Fishlegs shrugged. “You have to trust her. She won't drop you.”

Thorneye churred, a mischievous, evil churr that made Fishlegs promptly eat his words.

Meatlug let out a joyful rumble.

Viggo, on the other hand, gasped as Thorneye spun upside down and thus forced Viggo into a free fall.

Immediately, Thorneye dropped after her hoard, her playful chirps booming through the air as she outstretched her talons and plucked Viggo from the sky. Similar to how she had carried him into the clubhouse during the storm. 

Fishlegs watched with mild guilt as Viggo plummeted towards the ocean below, his death delayed only because Thorneye pierced through the air, teasingly swooping beneath Viggo once before snatching him out of the sky with her talons.

Then, after a moment of controlling their freefall with Viggo in her claws, slowing them with her wings, Thorneye shallowly banked right and promptly swooped over Meatlug.

Hold. Thorneye chirped and promptly dropped Viggo onto Meatlug's back.

Rude. Meatlug grumbled, mirth in her tone.

Speeding ahead, Thorneye pumped her powerful wings and climbed higher into the sky until she deemed herself at the right velocity to drop, free falling into a fast spin that turned into a wide loop when she flared her wings with a snap of leather.

Fishlegs felt his lips turn into a smile at Thorneye’s antics.

Viggo watched the skrill with concealed awe. Though, he almost slipped off Meatlug when he craned his neck to keep his eyes on his dragon.

Thorneye, seemingly aware of Viggos wonder, swooped by to tussle her hoards hair with the wind, a staticky laugh leaping from her jaws.

“She’s showing off for you.” Fishlegs smiled as Throneye twirled through another cloud, the electricity from her scales lighting up the fluffy thing even in the sunlight.

“I can see that.” Viggo laughed in time with Throneye as the dragon ducked into a tight swan dive.

Then, Throneye sidled up just below Meatlug, her great wings spread out like a bridge.

You looked like you were having fun. Meatlug churred.

Thorneye grinned, the human way. Yes. When mine is better I will show him the tallest peaks and we will dive from the greatest heights with joy in our guts.

Thorneye shuffled closer, her wing tip tapping Viggos boot. Come, mine. You ride with me now.

Viggo barely hesitated as he carefully maneuvered himself across Thorneye’s wing, making sure to not touch her wing joint while he settled back into the saddle.

A wonderful idea indeed. Meatlug chuffed, covertly eyeing Viggo as his face seemed to twist with hope and want.

Fishlegs, oblivious, smiled wider. If only Viggo knew how much Thorneye cared.

Meatlug held back a snort. If only vikings understood the value of communication. She beat her wings, head tilting. And dragons.

— 

Peacefully, they flew over the ocean for another couple of hours. The occasional banter between dragon or human breaking the silence until finally, shrouded in mist and shadow the Deep Dark appeared.

 Fishlegs pat Meatlug. “If you would, girl.”

Meatlug rumbled, vibrating her hoard's bones before she opened her jaws and let out a low, rhythmic sound as she landed.

Thorneye opted to hover in the air for a moment before landing behind Meatlug. This is… eerie.

Meatlug let out another rumble that echoed into the air, this time paired with three stomps of her foot. Then she turned to Thorneye. It is safe. If you stay close, at least.

Thorneye shook herself, hiking up her shoulders so her wings almost hid Viggo from view. How many of these quakens are there?

Meatlug shook her wings to answer, only to be interrupted when the earth rumbled beneath them. 

The flaring of leather, scales shifting against scales, a deep, menacing grumble.

Who is this? 

Thorneye whipped around with a hiss that died in her throat when she caught sight of the scarred quaken that emerged from the fog behind them.

Fishlegs bowed his head in respect as Meatlug subtly shifted them in front of Viggo and Throneye.

Summitsnapper! Meatlug greeted with a churr. We bring friends, and gifts!

Summitsnapper leaned his massive head forward, his jaw so close FIshlegs could touch it.

Friends? Summitsnapper said with an unhappy stomp of his foot and a sniff that ruffled his and Viggos hair.

Fishlegs' entire plan had banked on the fact that Summitsnapper would be the one they encountered first. He had even taken the effort of landing in an area he knew Summitsnapper favored as the oldest quaken on the island  was less accustomed to lashing out immediately. 

Fishlegs had, however, brought the man who had imprisoned him, the Grimdeath, directly into Summitsnappers nest.

“ Bow your head.” Fishlegs hissed, suddenly realizing he probably should have coached Viggo on dragon etiquette on the flight here. “ Don't look him in the eyes.”

Fishlegs didn't dare to glance behind him to see if Viggo had heard him, or listened. But with the intrigued huff Summitsnapper let out, he was inclined to believe the man had.

You call the Grimdeath your friend? Summitsnapper asked, finally leaning out of the group's personal bubbles.

I call the Grimdeath mine.  Thorneye hissed rashly, static sparking across her scales. 

Fishlegs moves with Meatlug—shifting just out of his seat despite how long he’s flown with her—as Meatlug hastily flares her wings and places herself directly in front of Thorneye and Viggo. 

Following his dragon's lead, Fishlegs unconsciously stiffens his posture and rises to his full height. A sense of vertigo flared inside him. He was defending Viggo. And he couldn't find it in himself to regret it. Not when Thorneye had churred on and on about all the mountains she wanted to show the man. Not when Viggo was so clearly, so obviously trying even after he fucked up.

So Fishlegs not to discreetly waved at the saddlebag that swayed from Thorneye’s saddle. And despite the fear that thrummed through his bones when Summitsnappers large pupil landed on him, Fishlegs held his protective position.

Chapter Text

Viggo was, to put it lightly, completely in and out of his depth.

He was used to pleasing temperamental allies with gifts and flowery words, used to calming those he crossed with some gold or a threat. When you were someone as big as Viggo Grimborn, you didn't bother with the small not-threats that popped up wherever you went. 

It was the blood that trailed behind him, concealed yet obvious that kept most fools at bay. But when they got too cocky, too determined, there were two ways to deal with them. With a sword or with a bribe. 

Viggo didn't— hadnt, had the time to deal with such small inconveniences. So for a good portion of them, Viggo paid them off. And if they reappeared, albeit with fancier weapons thanks to his generous funding, then they were dealt with.

So as Viggo eyed the familiar quaken in front of him, he felt a tad torn.

Thorneye growled beneath him. The sound rumbling through his bones and hers in a way that made him feel like they were one. The familiar, almost same instinct to fight this threat that dared to threaten them, pooled into Viggos veins.

The plan he had made with Fishlegs, a plan he had executed with many human adversaries, waited in the saddle bag next to his foot.

Hurriedly, Fishlegs not too discreetly signalled towards said saddle bag they had stored the geodes in. 

Viggo eyed the mountainous dragon in front of them. Then the boy and his dragon that stood firmly in front of him and Throneye, posture defensive and nervous. 

An odd sort of feeling dropped Viggos heart to his gut as the quaken huffed warm air in Fishlegs direction. It was… it felt like Ryker, like the panic that used to lace his brother's voice when Viggo had bit off more than he could chew when they were younger.

Ignoring his and Thorneye’s instinct to fight, Viggo pulled a few geodes from the bag. His mind had been wandering more than usual as of late.

Viggo raises the shiny thing towards the dragon, Snapper, if he had translated correctly. Though he knew that was not the dragon's full name. Frustratingly, whatever was in front of Snapper, was not a verbal cue, which was what the dragoneye, and thus Viggo, was most familiar with in terms of dragon words.

Snapper turns his attention back onto Viggo and Thorneye. Viggo feels the skrill beneath him tense, preparing for whatever might happen.

He places a calming hand on her forehead as he allows Snapper to observe the geode. Then, Viggo makes a clumsy attempt at one of Thorneye’s churrs he’s heard a thousand times when she settled next to him as he was resting off his wounds or when she was attempting to comfort him after the cavern crasher incident even though he didn't need comforting. He’s fairly certain it means something akin to Safe, happy or here.

Thorneye relaxes immediately, her coiled muscles hesitantly untensing as she tilts her head into Viggos hand.

Both completely unaware of four dragons and one human eyeing them with love, curiosity, contempt, smug pride and confusion.

Here. Viggo churred again to Thorneye, instantly relaxing his friend. 

—

Fishlegs felt his brain burst into action to figure out when and how Viggo had learned to churr. Thorneye definitely did make the sound a lot. It was a high possibility Viggo was just copying a sound he assumed she would recognize. 

Meatlug’s wings, on the other hand, flutter smugly at the confirmation of her hypothesis. 

Lightly, Fishlegs kicks at her armored side. The realization that she definitely knew something he didnt hitting him. This elicits a delighted rumble from the gronckle that Fishlegs returns with a begrudgingly fond pat.

Meatlug always had her reasons.

Then, like a landslide, Summitsnapper bursts forward; nearly trampling him and Meatlug in the process.

Thorneye shrieks, wings flaring as she attempts to take to the sky, only to be thrown off course and into the ground when a blur of rock and dust slams into Summitsnapper, creating an explosion of wind and debris.

TRAITOR! Crookedscale roars.

Meatlug flutters her wings defiantly as the great dragons clash, claws against scale, snarls against roars, wings against wings.

Fishlegs feels his heart beating in his throat. Ah. he had thought he had timed their arrival perfectly…

Thorneye, who scampers quickly behind him and Meatlug with her jaws open in threat, is a hissing mess. She snarls and spits, lightning arcing in the air. Fishlegs has to duck to keep from being bowled over by her body as she slowly but surely inches over him and Meatlug.

From what Fishlegs saw of Viggo, the other man’s face is twisted with some sort of anger.

This does not help Fishlegs' already high blood pressure.

No. Summitsnapper calmly says as he grapples Crookedscale to the rocky ground. Friendly. Calm.

HURT! HURT US! HURT KIN! THREAT! Crookedscale thunders, twisting and clawing from beneath the larger quaken. 

NO THREAT! Thorneye snarls. MINE! SAVED ME!

Meatlug decides to chime in. It is true. Red Queen has let him stay on the island for months now.

Somehow, among the sound of dragons too big to properly fit through Berks meeting hall doors, this is heard. 

LIES! Crookedscale erupts, finally squirming out from under a surprised Summitsnapper.

Immediately, Crookedscale lunges for Thorneye and Viggo. 

Summitsnapper leaps, flaring his wings and slams back into Crookedscale with a growl that has Fishlegs stomach dropping.

“Fishlegs.” Viggo says, eerily calm. “It seems the offerings diddnt work.”

“Uh huh.” Fishlegs mutters. Then blinks. Viggo hadn’t asked any questions. Or done anything really, since… they landed. He had to be confused—why hadn’t he said anything? Fishlegs had been too busy keeping up with the dragons to pay the man any attention, he had just assumed Viggo had been listening as well—

Now that was a thought. One that was backed up by Viggos churr… No. not possible.

It was a thought, but not a sound hypothesis. Fishlegs only proof was an easily replicated churr.

“Lets just…” Fishlegs tries, and fails to come up with whatever their next course of action should be. He had planned on the quakens being angry, they had brought offerings. What else could be done? Thorneye would never apologize.

Viggo seems to recognize Fishlegs helplessness because the man speaks up. “Normally, I would say we retreat, considering there are two of us against two rather large dragons.”

Thorneye snorts. 

“However,” Viggo sighs; a tired resolve fixing his posture, “you dragon riders have never been known to leave anything involving dragons alone.”

“Yeah.” Fishlegs rubs tiredly at his face as they back away from the fight.. “Yeah, we never do.”

Meatlug laughs, the sound somehow not lost amongst the grappling mountains.

—

Krogan is not a patient man. He is achingly aware of this fact.

Viggo, however, was. Viggo was a viking of deadly accuracy, a man that could wait until he found the perfect moment to strike, the best strategist the archipelago had ever seen.

Krogan throws another dagger into the wall with a solid thunk.

Viggo was a man that could outfox a fox. If there was ever a viking that could cheat death, it was him. 

No, not cheat. Viggo was many things, a cheater was not among them. Viggo Grimborn would beat death at its own game.

The fact that Krogan’s men had never found a body despite searching for days, despite the fact a dozen arrows had been planted into his back, all but confirmed that he was still out there, waiting. Plotting.

Krogan had seen what VIggo did to those that betrayed him.

“Captain!” a voice called from above deck. “Dragon riders! Headed east!”

Krogan eyed the map on his desk. It was marked to hel and back with ink and notes of the dragon riders' known haunts and islands that landed under their annoying protection. The familiar neat writing always itched at his insides but Viggo was a thorough man. it would be nothing short of stupid to deny using something Grimborn had made.

Grabbing a pen Krogan marked a small x in the adjacent area of where the ship was. Then, he eyed all islands, or the island , east of it.

Krogan took a moment to read the notes. “Dark Deep, eh?”

—

Fishlegs is grasping at sticks. 

Summitsnapper rumbles and snaps at Crookedscale, who manages to wiggle out from under the larger dragon and is attempting to pin the older with a flurry of sign beats and gnashing teeth. 

Traitorous worm! Soft bellied fool! Crookedscale howls.

Summitsnapper claws back. Calm yourself! Red Queen accepts them!

There are two potential ways to stop the fighting: find the rest of the pack and have them break it up…

Or

Get Viggo to leave somehow and explain everything to the quakens.

Neither are very good options.

Finding the rest of the pack and bringing them anywhere near Viggo is a sure fire way to break the quakens trust even more.

Finding an excuse to get Viggo to leave is its own story and considering Fishlegs and Meatlug are currently attempting to not be bowled over by a protective Thorneye, out of the question.

“Okay.” Fishlegs says. “Okay.”

Fishlegs needed all of the information, he needed something to work with here! What could—

“I suppose there won't be a better time to tell you,” Viggo says. And when FIshlegs looks up, he meets the older man's eyes. “But I do understand a good amount of draconian— or the dragon language.”

Fishlegs blinks. 

“So you don't need to attempt your lackluster attempts at hiding it from me, I already know.” Viggo goes on. “Please, commence whatever negotiations are needed. I would myself but my ability to speak it is far below my ability to understand it.”

“ Hel help me.” Fishlegs exclaims after a moment of processing. “ When? how?”

Viggo chuckles. “You're terrible at hiding it, everyone is, really.”

What? Thorneye hisses, surprise breaking her protective stance. Truely? Mine understands?

“Not all of it, simple things, really.” Viggo amends with a pat to her neck.

Oh. Thorneye lashes her tail in thought. A conflicted noise leaves her throat. Would mine… like to fly to the tallest peaks? Dive from the greatest heights?

Fishlegs starts to translate for her when Viggo interrupts him.

“Yes.” The older viking adds a churr to the edge of his voice.“That sounds wonderful, Thorneye.”

SEE!? Summitsnapper huffs, one large talon shoving at Crookedscales face. They are bonded, Grimdeath is no longer Grimdeath.

Crookedscale hisses, his two jaws flaring out. NO.

Yes. Viggo says in a mix of draconian and norse. “I am..” Sorry. His accent is clunky and hard to understand, but unmistakable draconian.

Crookedscale roars. NO! Killed so many—

Yes . Viggo repeats. I did— “As I was taught. As I thought was necessary to keep my tribe alive.”

Fishlegs hurries a translation, stumbling over the draconian words as he grapples with shock. Meatlug helpfully corrects him whenever he gets a word wrong.

Summitsnapper eases off of Crookedscale, a contemplative look on his face. 

Thorneye meets Crookedscales deadly glare head on. The larger dragon grumbles and growls. His wings flaring with his jaws as he bursts forward, halting just short of Thorneye’s nose. Wind and debris sweep past, buffeting Viggos hair and tugging at Thorneye’s spines.

Fishlegs protects his face with an arm. He makes sure to shield Meatlugs eyes with a hand. She gives him a thankful churr that feels oddly normal amidst all of the chaos of the past hour.

Neither Viggo nor Thorneye flinch. Each has a fire burning in their eyes, an unmistakable tornado of determination.

Summitsnapper flares his jaws in warning, sending a meaningful hiss into the air and bones of their little gathering.

Crookedscale exhales, his breath hot and heavy. Then he turns, his large tail just missing Thorneye’s snout. Without another word he shambles off, an angry hunch to his shoulders.

Fishlegs slumps with relief. He honestly wasn’t sure how they managed to get such a good outcome. Without Hiccup or the others here, Fishlegs had to be the buffer. 

Fishlegs. He was the wallflower of them all, the let's stay back and see? Guy of the group. While Hiccup or Astrid wouldn't have hesitated to make a decision, hel, even the twins would have acted faster, Fishlegs had hesitated. He had given Crookedscale the time to notice and attack.

They all watch Crookedscale go in silence. It’s not oppressive or heavy but undoubtedly awkward.

“I don’t suppose you would still accept this gift?” Viggo sighs, showing the geode to Summitsnapper once more.

Summitsnapper eases his tense posture and leans forward to sniff the rock. I am sorry. The great dragon rumbles. I cannot accept. You have my respect, not my forgiveness.

Meatlug is the one to spot Viggos pointed eyebrow raise. With a sharp jostle, she rattled Fishlegs brain into action and Fishlegs once again takes up the translator role.

Thorneye hisses low in her throat, no doubt upset about going through all that trouble for nothing, but Viggo silences it with a sharp nod. “I understand. And apologize for this poor meeting. One day, I hope to give you a more proper apology.”

This time it’s Meatlug that translates.

Summitsnapper nods. Fishlegs. He says, shifting his weight towards him. What’s is it you came here for? Besides introducing… what is Grimdeaths name now?

“Oh!” Fishlegs blinks. He had honestly forgotten their original reason for coming. We came for supplies, rocks.

A —- snuck into nest. Meatlug adds. The name for Caverncrasher is familiar but mostly meaningless to Fishlegs. Grimdeath fought it off. Did not kill, though.

Soft bellied lizards, those ones. Summitsnapper flutters his wings and turns his head to the left. You may find what you seek in the quarry over yonder. And for my second question?

“Uh, Viggo, what do you want your new name in draconian to be?” Fishlegs asks. Because it’s polite.

Viggo gives Fishlegs a look. “ New name?”

Meatlug, Thorneye and Fishlegs all kind of… freeze up. Because, how does one explain that because of one’s past murderous ways they gained a terrible reputation along with a terrible name that holds more weight than Odins to the dragons one once slaughtered.

“Well, you see.” Fishlegs starts. Then pauses to consider his next words. “You're kind of known as Grimdeath to all dragons.”

Viggo seems to process this. “That is what the cavern crasher called me.” He says after a moment. “What does it mean?”

“Uh.” Fishlegs glances to Meatlug and Thorneye. Both of them shuffle awkwardly. Summitsnapper merely looks rather amused.

I cannot explain with words he understands. Thorneye excuses.

Fishlegs already knows Meatlugs answer. With a sigh, he says, “It means, basically, Grim death. Or brigner of a terrible death. I have a theory that the dragons heard Grimborn at some point and mixed it up.”

Viggo considers this. “I see,” he finally says.

I will give him a new name. Thorneye states more than offers. Mine, my hoard. She calls, drawing Viggos' attention. I will give you… new name. New title.

Viggo inhales; something sharp and full of recognition in his face. Something Fishlegs is completely oblivious to.

“Thorneye says she’ll give you a new name.” Fishlegs repeats on autopilot. He was used to translating for others, especially back on Berk. It's second nature at his point to blurt out whatever a dragon says. Even on the Edge Fishlegs has to bite his tongue to keep from repeating everything a dragon rumbled out.

“I heard.” Viggo murmurs.

Fishlegs suddenly feels completely and totally out of place. “Well, uh—”

I apologize for interrupting. Summitsnapper rumbles. But I must say farewell now.

“Oh–” farewell to you too . Fishlegs waves.

Meatlug bobs her head. Farewell.

Thorneye takes a quick moment to nod before returning her attention to Viggo, who, with the obvious context clues, nods as well.

“Until we meet again.” Viggo acknowledges.

With that, Summitsnapper departs.

—

Viggo sits in silence on the way to the quarry. Thorneye churrs beneath him, content. He can't help but feel the same. It's been so long since he's been able to be like this. Happy. And a dragon of all things is the reason for it.

When they reach the quarry, an indent in the ground full of large boulders near the sea, Viggo signals Thorneye to lag behind with a swift pat to her flank and pointing towards a rock away from Fishlegs and Meatlug.

Thankfully, Fishlegs and Meatlug don't question it. Just get to work spreading out the travel net.

Viggo dismounts, using Thorneyes whip-like tail as a stair when she offers it.

“I..” Viggo thinks over his words. Name? He says, adding a tilt at the end of the sound like Thorneye does to make it a question.

Immediately, Thorneye lights up. Literally. Sparks of electricity jump off her and gently pushes what little hair Viggo has upward. Slowly, Viggo smiles.

Name! Thorneye repeats. Then lets out a garble of words so fast VIggo has to pat her snout to get her to slow down.

Slow, please. Viggo chuckles.

Slow. She repeats. You?

Viggo nods.

Name you Sharp— Throneye lets out an edged hiss followed by narrowed eyes and a quick churr.

Sharp? Viggo tests the word. What other? Part? Piece?

Hmmm. Thorneye rumbles and repeats the sound, this time making sure to slow down and specifically narrow her eyes. Sharp wit .

Sharpwit? Viggo tries; then, “Sharpwit?”

Thorneye grins with all her teeth. Sharpwit! I call mine Sharpwit!

Viggo leans into her large head. “Yes.” He mumbles into her sparking scales. “You do.”

—

It takes them half an hour to completely fill the net. And that's mostly because the large rocks take up so much space. They come to the decision that they’ll have to make multiple trips if they don't want to end up with two fatigued dragons.

Lift-off takes a little work, with Thorneye unused to the net and Meatlug forced to fly harder to keep up with the skrills larger wingspan, it takes Viggo eventually offering that they should start with Meatlug in the air first, then Thorneye flying up.

They end up at a slow pace, forced to stop at every other sea stack to re-orientate the net so no boulders fall out.

Overall, Fishlegs feels pretty good. He had completed his goal for the day after hours of hanging around the one viking that wasn't Hiccup who made things needlessly complicated with his presence.

Not that Fishlegs blamed Hiccup. Inheriting the Red Queen's title wasn't something he had wanted, and definitely not something any of them ever expected to actually happen.

Sharpwit! Thorneye purrs once again, delighted sparks jumping off her scales when Viggo responds with a fond,

Thorneye!

Fishlegs hides his smile by turning his attention onto the setting sun. Their adventure had taken much longer than he had predicted. Fishlegs just knew he was going to have to deal with and upset Astrid after this. Hiccup was far more forgiving, but no less stern. Oh, Odin. Fishlegs was definitely going to be in trouble.

He smiles despite the consequences as he glances about the sea stacks that litter the sparkling waters. 

You treat Sharpwit like he is your first treasure. Meatlug teases, eliciting a happy sound from Thorneye at the name.

Thorneye lets out the equivalent of a giggle. An intimidating sound that makes them all smile nonetheless. Sharpwit is better than any first treasure there ever was and will be!

Fishlegs turns back to the conversation, a thrill of excitement filling him as he jumps at the chance to explain something so fascinating that had become common knowledge for most everyone he knew. 

“A first treasure is very important to dragons, a big tradition that transcends most every species.” He explains.

Viggo grins. Something no less terrifying than Thorneyes giggling, but also no less happy. “It's an honor to be compared to something so idolized to you.” 

The conversation between dragon and rider continues and Fishlegs once again fades into the background. He takes it with grace and observes the pair with a nostalgic fondness.

“Were we like that?” Fishlegs asks absently.

Meatlug snickers and jumps into a story of the early days that has Fishlegs feeling giddy.

Now, if Fishlegs or Meatlug had been paying attention to anything else, they might have noticed it. As it was, they were ensnared, tangled in the memories of the past and the hopeful possibilities of the future.

So no. They did not notice it.

The sound. 

A whistle of air they both knew intimately.

A warning that experience had taught the dragon riders to duck and run.

Thorneye did.

With a roar like thunder she dropped the travel net and full bodied herself into Meatlug and Fishlegs; Effectively throwing Viggo out of the saddle and over the weighted net that slammed itself into her body, pinning Fishlegs, who had reflexively grabbed at her saddle to her body.

Meatlug howled as the two dropped past her fumbling form and towards the ocean like stones.

Fishlegs had just enough time to watch Meatlug yank Viggo from the sky and inhale before they hit they water.

—-

Viggo didn't think that the hate in his heart was possible. He didn't think he could want to kill as much as he did now. Before, death was a necessity. It happened all the time in his business. But it was needed for the tribe to survive. It had been a calculated thing that he took into account every time he sent out hunters to search for dragons to bring in. Now though… 

Viggo inhales and feels the breath catch on his heart. 

Thorneye screams as she thrashes against the deck of the ship, her great wings fighting against the net that binds them to her side. The electricity that crackles from her scales whipping at anyone who dares to come closer.

Viggo lets out the breath as he watches from the top of Meatlugs back. The gronckle herself is not faring any better than him. Her normally constant rumble of sounds is dead silent as her beady eyes drill holes into Fishlegs from where he’s trapped beneath the skrill. Still and unmoving.

“It would appear,” Viggo says evenly, eyeing the reinforcements he had added to those ships. Reinforcements that made an attack with a single dragon suicide. “That we have a plan that needs making.”

A rhythmic rumble echoes through Meatlugs bones and into Viggos. Yes. She responds, turning with the calmness of a particularly unbothered cat. We do.

—

“Loki’s spite ,” Ruffnut exclaims, dropping the spyglass into her brother's eager hands, “Did you see his face? That's a man on his way to send some bastards to Hel’s embrace!”

Tuffnut all but shoves the spyglass to his eye, zeroing in on Viggo and Meatlug as they begin flying towards the sea stack they’re hiding in, toward The Edge.

Barf tilts their head at the duo. Meatlug is ready to tear flesh from bone.

I will help her. Belch hisses, stomping their right foot.

Barf snaps at their other half. Not without me!

Absently, Ruffnut slaps at the dragon's bickering heads, entirely focused on Viggo as he approaches.

“Who knew a murder face could be so–” Ruffnut waves her hands at Viggos general direction– “Hot!”

Tuffnut elbows her, almost sending her over the edge and into the water below. Thankfully, Barf steadies their rider with a flick of their tail.

“I thought you hated his guts?” Tuff snorts.

“Yeah! But he's like, redeemed now!” Ruff argues.

Ew. Barf gags. 

Ruff rolls her eyes. “Oh, shut up.”

Yes, shut up. Belch echoes with a reedy hiss. We cannot let them take the others.

“I agree.” Tuff nods.

Ruff eyes the receding ship and approaching duo.“I second that agreement.” 

Barf snaps their teeth at their other. I’ve already voted.

“So it is decided!” Tuff declares, yanking Macey out of Barch’s saddle bag.

“We fight! ” Ruff grins with Barf.

Tuff moved Macey so that she was cradled in his arms like a babe and rubbed his hands together. All the while he glared at the hunters ship. “Yes, yes, we fight.”