-JenniferTjandrajana

"No, it's not worth it. Besides, we're happy here, aren't we?"

For the past twenty minutes, Hiccup had been telling Valka about his plans for visiting Berk; to see his home again.

Valka seem to object with this idea. She had left Berk long ago because she wasn't a dragon killer.

Even though Berk may not kill dragons anymore, if Hiccup was right, that didn't mean the Berkians would change their ways.

They were bull-headed, proud dragon killers, who weren't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed.

At least that is what she had experienced while living there.

The thought of going back made Valka stomach turn, fearing both hers and her son's safety.

Being spotted with their dragons was just the other problem that seems to pile up now that she thought about it.

There was no denying what punishments they would get, especially with Hiccup as a Berkian outcast.

After all, Berk wasn't very welcoming of Berkian outcasts.

"Yes, I know. But I have been thinking," Hiccup said while chowing down on his smoked cod, "Scratch that. I have been wondering what Berk is like now. It's been two years since I last saw Gobber, Da-''

"Didn't your father banish you?" Valka shook her head angrily, "That man. What was he thinking? Banishing his own son, not to mention disowning him too,"

Hiccup felt a sharp pain in his heart. He remembered those words exactly. He remembered when his father declared he was no longer a Viking nor was he his son.

Every day, the memory kept haunting him, and he knew there was no escape from the truth; he wasn't the son of Stoick the Vast anymore.

But that didn't mean he stopped caring about the man who raised him, the man who he was related by blood.

Hiccup stared out the window to find Toothless resting under a pine while Cloudjumper munching on a nice smoked cod.

"He did," Hiccup shuddered at the memory in the Great Hall, "I know he told me never to return, but I feel I need to see him again. I feel I need to show him and the village that dragons aren't so bad. Maybe they're willing to change,"

"Change," Valka scoffed, "Change is not common among those Berkians. Believe me; I tried to reason with them. I pleaded so much for them to stop fighting, but no. They refused to put down their weapons and listen. I guess some of us were just too different,"

Hiccup nodded, knowing his mother had a point. Yet, there was something that troubled him. Something he wanted to ask his mother.

"Mom...do you stop to think about the life you left?" Hiccup stood up from his seat, "Do you still miss him, mom? And you know who I mean,"

Valka dropped the spoon she was holding. She stared at the ground, inhaling deeply.

Seventeen years. That was how long she hadn't seen Stoick or everyone else.

Every now and then, memories of her life spent with Stoick, happy memories would pop in her mind.

They'd remind her of the life she left behind; the life she was supposed to live.

Sometimes, she wished she had stayed to watch Hiccup grow up, to be with Stoick every day.

"Stoick..." Valka murmured, holding back tears, "I...haven't seen him in...years. I still remember him. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about him; not ever since that night I left,"

Hiccup looked at his mother with empathy. He could understand how much it hurts to miss someone; to not see them in years.

That was how he feels about his father.

"Mom..." he said, his eyes filled with concern.

Hiccup went over to Valka, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Placing a hand over her mouth, Valka let out a muffled sob.

"Son..." she placed a hand over Hiccup's, "I abandoned you and your father. I honestly didn't expect it to happen. I didn't mean to hurt you by leaving. I only left because...I felt you'd be better off. I felt the village would be better off," she sobbed, choking through her words, "Son, if I see Stoick again, I know he would never forgive me,"

Hiccup hung his head. He hadn't been so easy to forgive his mother, but now he understood her reasons.

Ever since Valka settled in Edon with him, they had tried to mend the mother/son bond that never existed before.

Hiccup felt he had gotten closer to his mother over the past few months. Now he could fully trust her.

"Mom, it's alright," Hiccup placed a confiding hand on her shoulder, "You had to leave, I get it. But maybe after you explain to Stoick, maybe he will understand. I doubt he would hate you,"

Hiccup stared out the window, deep in thought.

"Dad would often mention you from time to time," he smiled at the memory, "I don't see him smile often but whenever he thinks of you, he always hums this little tune. I...I forget how it goes,"

Although he was mad at his father for disowning him, Hiccup would forgive him.

Maybe if he could reason with him about dragons, then it would be easy to show him Toothless was no monster.

It was worth a try, but part of him had doubts about it.

After all, Berkians were narrow-minded people, believing in their customs and traditions.

Just because something is tradition, that doesn't mean it is always good.

"Do you really think he would understand?" Valka asked, wiping her tears, "If we visit Berk, would everything be fine?"

Hiccup gave a slight nod. Though, he was quite uncertain.

"Well...let's hope so. But we have been gone for so long. It's time we let Stoick and everyone know we're still alive. We've learned so much about dragons and met some incredible people. I mean, the island of Edon is amazing. I'm sure the Berkians would want to know where we have been all this time,"

Hiccup looked at his mother, his green eyes sparkling.

"Mom, what do you say? Should we give Berk a little visit?"

Valka glanced at their dragons, frowning.

"I'm more worried about our dragons. If we bring our dragons, they'll-''

"I know, I know," Hiccup heaved out a sigh, "but we can try to reason with them. We'll show them that they are amazing, intelligent creatures who are just misunderstood. For a long time. With time, they might be willing to accept change,"

Valka placed a finger on her chin, considering it.

Honestly, she wasn't convinced coming to Berk would be the best idea. She wasn't fond of their dragons being shot down; ready to be punished because of tradition because they believed dragons were monsters.

After all, she knew what these Berkians were like. Trusting they'd change was something she struggled to imagine.

"I don't know...I need time to think, son," Valka could only say.

Nodding, Hiccup back away towards the door.

He knew there was a lot for his mother to take in. So it was best to let her think things through.

"Okay, mom. We don't have to go right now," he said, "Take the time you need. I'm going to go for a flight with Toothless. I'll see you later,"

Hiccup gave Valka a side-long glance, who was hunched over the table, immersed in her thoughts.

Sighing, Hiccup stepped outside, shutting the door behind him.

"Come on, bud. We're going for a flight," Hiccup called over his dragon.

Toothless, who was sunbaking, perked up then trailed after his rider.

He tilts his head to the side, letting out a soft whine.

He could sense his human was troubled.

"I'm fine, bud," Hiccup smiled weakly, "Just tired. But after a flight around Edon, I'll feel better,"

Sighing, Hiccup mounted on his dragon.

Toothless glanced up at his human; concern filled his emerald green eyes.

He then launched into the grey early morning sky.

~

After the morning flight, Hiccup went to the forge for his usual shift.

When he got to the shop, he found a queue of grumbling Vikings needing their weapons fixed.

These days, the forge was always packed, which was a good thing. Though, there were days where he wished the forge wasn't always so busy.

Everyone deserved a breather every now and then.

As he worked his shift, Hiccup found himself losing focus. His mind kept coming back to his mother and Berk, especially.

His mother's reluctance to visit Berk was something he could understand.

After all, Valka had lived seventeen years of her life exploring new lands and living among dragons. So she was probably not accustomed to coming to a place where people harmed dragons.

At least Edon wasn't like that. It was a place they both felt accepted and had no need to hide who they really us.

But Berk was their real home. Berk could change if they wanted to, which involved a lot of time and patience.

Deep in his heart, Hiccup believed Berk would be more than just a place to kill or be killed.

He hoped his mother would give Berk a chance.

Just one chance.

Mind you, but Hiccup was just as afraid of going back as his mother was.

Confronting his father was something that he kept pondering about.

It made his stomach twist, knowing he would confront the man who said the words, 'you are not my son' with such resentment and bitterness.

Though those words ripped his heart, Hiccup knew he needed to see his father again.

Hiccup winced when he accidentally hit his hammer on his hand.

Again, he managed to get himself distracted.

Backing away, Hiccup felt his hip hit against something solid.

A throbbing pain stabbed his hip.

There was a loud clatter from behind, which alarmed the young Viking.

Hiccup whirled around to find a pile of blunt, broken weapons- the ones he was supposed to fix- clattered on the ground.

"Oh, for the love of..." he sighed, getting on his knees.

"Lad, I heard a noise. Are you-''

Hiccup looked up to find a shocked looking Bjorn staring at the cluttered weapons.

He stood up, chuckling nervously, "Uh...I may have had a bit of a..." he leaned his hand on the hammer, which bounced down the ground, hitting his good leg.

"...accident," Hiccup winced silently to himself.

He crouched down, picking up the hammer while trying to ignore the pain on his leg.

Bjorn stared at him, wide-eyed, "What happened?"

Hiccup lowered his eyes. He felt his cheeks flush with guilt.

"Got a little distracted," he grunted, gathering the weapons, "You know how clumsy I can sometimes be. But it doesn't happen usually,"

Bjorn looked at the young Viking closely. He furrowed his brows suspiciously.

Something tells him his apprentice seems troubled.

"Lad, this is the...fifth time this week you had an accident in my forge. So..." Bjorn leaned forward, crossing his arms, "Alright, what's on your mind?" he grabbed a broken dagger off the ground, "Whatever it is, out with it,"

Silence. That was the only response as Hiccup tried to gather his thoughts.

He swallowed a nervous lump in his throat. He feared what he will say might make Bjorn lose any trust in him.

Nobody knew, except Ingrid and his friends that he came from the Isle of Berk, home to dragon hunters.

It's been two years now, and he knew the truth had to come out. He needed to tell Bjorn, the man who had helped him settle in Edon, the man who helped fixed Toothless' tail, the man who was like a father to him.

"Hiccup," Bjorn fixed his gaze on Hiccup's, "you know you can always tell me anything. Remember, I am not just a blacksmith, but your friend. Whatever is troubling you, you don't have to hide it. You can tell me,"

Hiccup glanced over at the queue of grumbling Vikings outside. He turned to Bjorn, letting out a sigh.

"Fine," he sucked in a breath, "I've known you for a while, Bjorn. To me, you're a father. But there are some things I'd like to keep to myself. I do want to tell you, I really do. But I am worried how you'll react,"

"Lad," Bjorn placed his hands on Hiccup's shoulders, "I am sure whatever is on your mind, whatever you want to tell me is fine. Trust me, lad. I will understand,"

Hiccup stared longingly at Bjorn's soft gaze, uncertain if he should tell him.

He was a Viking outcast; a traitor to his people. He didn't want Bjorn to think him differently once the truth does come out.

Before Hiccup could speak, he was cut off by a villager complaining to Bjorn about something.

"Wait here, lad,"

Sighing, Bjorn went over to tend to whatever complaint the villager had.

With Bjorn occupied, Hiccup quickly slipped out of the store.

Telling Bjorn who he was had to wait.

Right now, he needed to leave before people could question him.

He sprinted through the village, eager to get to his lodge as soon as he can.

"What? Where are you going, lad?" Bjorn called through the passing villagers.

Hiccup turned around with an apologetic smile, "Sorry. I'll be back later. I promise,"

Once Hiccup was further away from the village, he sighed with relief.

"That was close," he muttered to himself, "I just hope he won't follow me,"

When he reached his home, Hiccup darted inside, muttering things he needed to pack.

If his mother didn't want to visit Berk, then Hiccup had to go alone while there still the chance.

He would only go there for a short visit. Probably a few days. Maybe a week.

So he could see his father once more. So he could help these Berkians change their perceptions about dragons.

With the whole house to himself, Hiccup could breathe easier.

His mother must have gone to the sanctuary or was going for a flight with Cloudjumper. There was no certainty when she will be back.

Hiccup hoped he wouldn't bump into any of his friends.

The last thing he wanted was for people question about his whereabouts.

Grabbing his basket from beneath his bed, Hiccup stuffed it with spare clothes, his dagger, journal and other essentials.

Ambling downstairs, Hiccup went to the kitchen to stock his basket with salmon for Toothless.

Hiccup cringed when he heard a loud crash. He whirled around to find Toothless had knocked some furniture as he squeezed inside.

The Night Fury moved towards his rider, sniffing at his basket.

His mouth formed to a smile.

"We can eat later," Hiccup ushered his dragon outside, "Right now we gotta leave. Before anyone notice,"

Toothless groaned in confusion. He was happy in Edon with all his dragon friends and gallons of fish he could eat every day.

So why were they leaving all of a sudden?"

"And we're not permanently leaving," Hiccup said, as if he read the Night Fury's mind, "We're just going for a visit. To Berk,"

When his rider mentioned Berk, Toothless' eyes turned to slits. He let out an agitated roar.

"Whoa, easy there," Hiccup steadied his dragon, "I know they tried to kill you. I know I was banished and disowned. I know you hate that place and those Vikings. But Berk is my home. I need to see Dad, the villagers, everyone,"

Sighing, Hiccup cupped his hands on either side of Toothless' face.

He fixed his green gaze at Toothless with compassion.

"Bud, I want to show them you're not what they think you are. You're not a monster. You would never hurt anyone. You're my best friend. You mean so much to me,"

Hiccup leaned forward, pressing his head against Toothless' snout.

"I can prove those Berkians they were wrong about you. I have to try,"

Hiccup stared at the ground anxiously. He had to admit the thought of coming home to see his father was nerve-wracking.

Anything could happen. His father could yell, scream and possibly throw him in jail for coming back.

But Hiccup won't let his father or anybody hurt Toothless a second time.

"Well," Hiccup propped himself onto Toothless' back, "here goes nothing. It's going to be a long trip. So maybe we'll-''

"And where are you off to?" Hiccup turned around to find Ingrid dismounting Arrow.

She walked over to the basket, staring at the basket.

"What have we got here?"

Hiccup gave a nervous chuckle, "Oh, that. Supplies. We're going for a flight around-''

"You're going to visit Berk, aren't you?" Ingrid asked with a raised brow. She nodded, "Ah that makes sense. Because I saw you left my Dad's shop in a hurry,"

She pulled out a fresh salmon, feeding it to Toothless.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

Hiccup nodded, "Yes. I need to go back. At least for a short visit. It's been two years. I need to see my village," he drew a breath, "I'll come back. I promise. Edon is my home now anyway,"

The brunet lowered his eyes dejectedly.

"Mom doesn't want to come. So I am going back alone with Toothless," he looked up, meeting Ingrid's gaze, "Can you tell her if you see her? That I am going to Berk?"

Ingrid nodded, "I will. Just...stay safe. Take care of yourself," she glanced over at Toothless worriedly, "Both of you. I know Berk isn't really a safe place for the both of you with your people killing dragons and all. Oh, you are an outcast. So..."

"Yeah," Hiccup rolled his eyes, "Thank you for summing that up,"

Ingrid chuckled softly, "We're going to miss you while you're gone," she then interlocked her fingers with Hiccup's, "I will miss you the most. I don't want you getting hurt. If something happens to you and Toothless, I'll-''

"Ingrid, relax," Hiccup smiled, "I'll be fine. I just hope everything will go well. I haven't seen my dad for two years. I don't know how he will react, to be frank,"

Ingrid nodded, knowing how much this troubled the teen.

"You know, you don't have to go," Ingrid fixed her gaze to Hiccup, "If you think going back to your village is a bad idea...then it is best if you just stay in Edon. Are you willing to risk yours and Toothless' life?"

Hiccup lowered his eyes, mulling this over. He gave Ingrid an affirmed nod.

"Yes," he replied with determination, "I have to do this, Ingrid. I need to. Please understand this. It's been so long. Every day, I stop to think about the life I had. I wonder if I will get to see it again,"

Standing on her tippy toes, Ingrid leaned forward, planting a kiss on Hiccup's cheek.

"Just stay safe, okay? I hope everything will go well with you and your father,"

Hiccup's gaze fell on Ingrid's lips, tempted to kiss them. But he shook the feeling aside.

Maybe now wasn't the right time.

"Thanks, Ingrid. I'll miss you and everyone," Hiccup managed a smile, "I will be back before you know it. I promise,"

Ingrid watched Toothless launched into the sky. She muttered a silent prayer to the gods, hoping Hiccup and Toothless would have a safe trip.

~

When Hiccup reached Berk the next day, he knew he couldn't let Toothless be seen.

So they decide to land near the cove, the place where he first met Toothless; the place where their friendship took off.

As he hopped off Toothless, Hiccup took into his surroundings.

Memories of his time spent here came rushing back. He remembered all those times being here where it was just him and Toothless hanging around.

He would often come here to sketch or just have a bit of solitude from everything around him.

Being here reminded Hiccup of his life.