Five days was while since Ingrid and Valka went to find Hiccup and Toothless.

Bjorn didn't realised it would have taken them this long. Surely something must have happened to them.

Ever since his apprentice left, Bjorn had been minding the forge himself; repairing weapons and at times, solving customer disputes.

His days would drain on and on. He could use a spare pair of hands.

Fortunately, early this morning, while he was struggling to carry a handful of broken axe heads, Gunner offered a hand to help.

He had come back from a morning flight with Runa, who was supposed to attend his chief training.

Gunner never worked in the forge. But he volunteered to help Bjorn assist in mending weapons.

He was quite a natural, in Bjorn's eyes. He would make a great chief someday because he really did show his sympathy and hospitality towards people who were in need.

Bjorn still contemplated why his apprentice would leave. He knows the boy wanted to prove his people dragons weren't vicious, but intelligent and harmonious among humans.

Though, Bjorn grew weary thinking of the possibilities the boy's plan might backfire.

He has never ventured out of Edon, but he has heard many tales Viking tribes, who hunted dragons exists.

They were ruthless, arrogant and dangerous people, who knew nothing about change or different.

They were superstitious too, who refused to reason things.

Bjorn was glad Hiccup and Valka; the first Berkians to reside on Edon were not like the rest.

Though, them being on their old home made Bjorn fear what grief their people might cause them.

By noon, Gunner and Runa went up to the Mead Hall for lunch while Bjorn finished off the last few customers' orders.

"They have been gone for so long," Gunner said as he drank his mead, "Do you think something must have happened to them?"

The Mead Hall was swarmed by villagers chugging down mead and wolfing down meals.

It was difficult to find a table or speak over the hubbub. Luckily, Runa and Gunner managed to find one at the back.

The two friends were discussing about Hiccup and Ingrid's absence.

Five days without them left both Gunner and Runa to wonder if anything had happened.

Runa ripped a piece of bread, shrugging.

"I hope not. I mean, they have their dragons with them. And they are not afraid to use them against any attackers," she heaved a sigh, "I missed them, though. Our morning flights isn't the same without them,"

Gunner nodded in agreement, "Tell me about it. Anyway, you know, I saw Bjorn struggling at his store this morning,"

Runa raised a brow, "Struggling? How?"

"He felt too much pressure managing the store without Hiccup around," Gunner explained, ripping a chicken leg, "I feel bad for the guy. I was supposed to go to Dad's chief training, but I couldn't leave Bjorn all alone to deal with all those demanding customers and weapons to be fixed. So I rushed in to help. Bjorn's an old guy. He can't always do everything on his own,"

Runa playfully rolled eyes, "You're lucky he didn't hear that," she lightly punched his shoulder, "I can definitely see you as chief someday. Helping the village, preparing speeches, leading warriors into battle...That must be awesome,"

Gunner nodded, smiling.

"I'll make an awesome, chief," he sighed, "But that's in a few years' time. I still got my last few years of freedom,"

Runa rolled her eyes at Gunner's boastfulness. Sometimes Gunner's ego did irritate her, but she knows he means well.

"Well, in case you're wondering, archery went well," Runa declared, "I'm going to join the archers' league soon. I just need to show the master archer my skills, which I think has improved a lot,"

Gunner grinned widely, "That's great. Trust me, you'll make it. I have seen your archery skills. Remember the time when we fought off Horas and his men? You were incredible,"

Runa flushed deeply, "Stop it. You're just saying that,"

Silence hung over them for a moment as they ate.

Thoughts about their two friends kept racing through their minds. They were worried, fearing they may not return, if something horrible did happen.

They fear their companions and their dragons may be held captive or worse.

"Why would Hiccup think of coming back to Berk?" Runa pondered out loud, "If he was banished, why would he think they would give him another chance?"

Gunner chewed on his chicken, "He's crazy that's what. Sometimes I don't get what goes on in that brain of his,"

Runa scoffed, "Nobody knows. That kid loves getting himself into all kinds of trouble. And we always have to bail him out. Ugh, unbelievable,"

"Do you think they captured him and the others?" Gunner swallowed a nervous lump in his throat, "What if they did and...and..."

"Killed their dragons?" Runa prompted. She gave a weary look, "Well, these Berkians are ruthless from what I heard. I mean. If that happened, well," she scrunched her face angrily, "I swear I will get my hands on those monsters. Nobody hurts dragons or our friends and gets away with it,"

Gunner banged his fists on the table.

"Yeah! Hiccup may be from Berk but he is no dragon killer. He deserves vengeance if they hurt him,"

Heads turned towards them, murmuring.

Gunner realised he had spoken too loudly because now the hall were fixed on him.

When Hiccup revealed his true identity to his friends, he wanted it to be kept a secret.

He didn't want it to be exposed in the open. His companions had kept that promise for some time.

But now, without any intentions to, his secret was out.

Realising her mistake, Gunner's eyes widened then he covered his mouth with his hand.

"Oh no," he groaned, banging his head on his table, "Runa, I may have said that too-''

"Is this true, your friend, Hiccup is...a Berkian? A dragon killer?"

Gunner shifted uncomfortably, realising that voice belonged to his father.

The Edonian chief, Arvin widened his green eyes in shock.

Although he allowed strangers on his island, he did not allow strangers from lands where dragons were slaughtered.

Restricting those people to his island was only for the best of his people.

Gunner swallowed a nervous lump.

"Dad...it's true," he stared furiously at his plate, "Hiccup is...a Berkian,"

The room were suddenly filled with gasps and murmurs.

Most of them had become acquainted with the young stranger over the years.

Yet, after discovering who he was, they grew suspicious.

The chief was left with mixed emotions. He had welcomed Hiccup and his dragon with open arms. He believed the boy was like one of his people, who lived harmoniously with dragons.

Never did he suspect Hiccup would be from a land of born-dragon killers.

Honestly, Arvin did not see the boy as a ruthless dragon hunter. He was far too kind hearted to be one.

"Gunner, how come you never told me before?" Arvin shook his head in disbelief, "So, he is not one of us? He is...a-''

"A traitor! I knew it!"

The hall fell silent as the owner of the voice, Megadon emerged through the doors.

A wicked smirk formed on his lips as he walked towards the chief.

"Told you the boy were not to be trusted, didn't I?" he glared at the crowd, "Yet, you were fooled by his kindness, his compassion, his innocence. You welcomed a stranger and his wretched Night Fury without actually knowing his origin,"

Megadon turned to Arvin with a shook of his head.

"Cousin, you should have heeded my warning about the boy; about how he rides on a beast cursed by the gods. He is not to be trusted, Arvin. Even I had my suspicions when he first arrived on Edon. And did you suspect him to be a traitor? No! You're a fool, and you know it,"

Arvin sighed, lowering his eyes.

Gunner shot Megadon a murderous glare. He felt his blood boiled for giving his friend a bad name.

He knew Hiccup for two years now, and his heart did not hunger for dragon's blood.

By now, Gunner thought his village have accepted Hiccup and Toothless living among them.

If they truly accept them, the villagers would not think Hiccup was something he wasn't.

"He is our friend, Megadon," Gunner declared, standing up, "Hiccup may be born in a place where his people hunted dragons. But that doesn't mean he would harm dragons. If he did, why would he ride a Night Fury? Why would he associate himself with us, a tribe where we live harmoniously with dragons?"

Bewildered looks exchanged on each face. Murmurs of confusion spread around the crowded hall.

Megadon grumbled something to himself. He turned to Arvin, hoping to find traces of resentment.

"Chief, you would not let a traitor in our midst, would you?" he shot Gunner a glare, "Even if your boy claimed the traitor is not a dragon killer. So, what will you do, Arvin? If you're a great chief, you would do what is best for his people; banish him. And his Night Fury,"

The crowd gasped then broke into shouts and clamour. Some protested against the proposition because they believe it was very unreasonable.

All eyes were fixed on the chief, eager to know his verdict.

Gunner wasn't going to let anything happen to his companion.

If his father banishes his companion, Gunner was going to banish himself too.

"Dad, don't! I know Hiccup. He isn't a killer! Hasn't he done such good in this village?"

Megadon scoffed, "The boy has done nothing. He is worthless! I say banish him. Edon is not safe with him around!"

Arvin stroked his beard, considering his decision.

"Dad, no," Gunner pleaded, "This is insane. Hiccup doesn't deserve to be banished. He has done nothing-''

"Where is the boy?" Arvin interjected his voice firm.

Gunner lowered his eyes, pursing his lips.

He wasn't sure whether it was the right thing to reveal where he was.

After all, Hiccup did mention his travel to Berk was to be kept as a low profile. He did not want the whole village to know.

"He's out flying with Toothless," Gunner lied, "He will be back soon. But please, Dad, listen to me. Hiccup is not harmful to us,"

Arvin gave him a look of disbelief, "I cannot trust him now that I know he comes from a land of killers. I must do what is best for my people,"

Gunner groaned, "Why are you so blind not to see the good in him? He would never hurt dragons,"

"When he returns, he will not associate with this village," Arvin declared with a sigh, "At least temporarily until I make my final decision,"

Gunner glanced at Runa, who looked just as shocked as he was.

He felt a knife had ripped through his heart now knowing Hiccup's fate.

"But, Dad-''

"That's final, Gunner," Arvin declared with disappointed eyes, "You are never to speak to him again. Do you hear me?"

Gunner sighed then nodded.

"Yes, Dad. Crystal clear,"

~

Horas paced back and forth, fuming about the one legged boy and his Night Fury. It had been weeks since he tried to shoot them down.

Unfortunately, the young man and his associates managed to escape so cunningly, leaving Horas with no dragons to claim his prize.

Ever since his eyes laid on the Night Fury, Horas hungered to claim it his. If he could get his cold hands on that beast, he knew he would be unstoppable.

Horas and his hunters hit in a secluded island where wild dragons roamed. Though, these creatures were held captive to form his unstoppable army.

The only thing he needed is that Night Fury.

As for the boy, Horas could use him help him train. Perhaps use him as a slave.

Just thinking about it gave Horas an adrenaline rush.

During these last weeks, Horas had sent out Megadon to spy on the young Viking and his dragon.

Megadon hadn't returned, but Horas anticipated he would with something important to say.

"Horas, I have something important to tell you!"

Horas looked up, grinning widely as Megadon entered his lair drenched in sea water.

The hunters' island was far from any civilization, but they liked to keep it that way for privacy.

Their mode of transport was by ship or even swimming, if you could even hold your lungs for so long.

Horas suspected the Edonian had swum his way here. Though, it was rather impressive.

"You did, did you?" Horas questioned, interested.

Megadon slip off his boots and squeezed all excess sea water.

"You will be surprised, Horas. Even I am," he paused, and then whispered, "The boy and his dragon are not from Edon. They are from the isle of Berk, a place where dragons are killed. They have fooled my people, but they do not suspect a thing,"

Horas cocked his head, confused.

"What do you suppose we do with this information?"

Megadon tilts his head, trying to get rid of water from his ears.

"Well, knowing the chief, he does not approve of outsiders," Megadon began, "He is suspicious of new comers, especially ones from a place where they are born-dragon killers. If he knew, the boy and his dragon will be banished for good. He would lose trust in them,"

Horas still gave Megadon a confused stare. He was clueless how the boy being from a land full of dragon killers would help with their scheme.

"Megadon," Horas pinched his tensed temples, "how would this help-''

"That means we have a greater chance of capturing them," Megadon declared, "They will roam around the wilderness, and when the opportunity comes, we will take both of them down. Nobody would help them then,"

Horas stroke his beard, thinking about Megadon's proposition. He grinned widely, on board with this plan.

"That could work," he slapped Megadon on the back, chuckling, "You've done well, Megadon! Now, how will the chief know of the boy's...true identity?"

Megadon grinned darkly, "Leave it to me, sir. Once the chief knows the truth, then the boy and his dragon are gone. The boy and his dragon have not returned from Berk, but when they do, we will put our plan into action,"

"Excellent," Horas inhaled deeply, "I could taste it. Sweet, sweet victory. When I have that dragon in my hands, I will be known as...Horas the Ruthless. Nothing could get in my way. You, Megadon, will have your wish, to be chief of your people. That is, if you promise to rule beside me,"

Megadon sighed at the thought of ruling over people. He would finally get vengeance on everyone who wronged him, especially his cousin.

"Of course, sir. We would make the most formidable team,"

Yet, something had troubled him for some time.

"What will you do once the archipelago is at your command? What will happen to the Night Fury and the other dragons?"

Horas sneered at the cages full of dragons.

"They will be of no use to me. They will die in vain," he declared, "Every one of them,"

~

After helping his father and everyone else learn the truth about dragons, Hiccup was rather pleased with himself.

Though, it surprised him these Berkians have tried to give dragons a chance after three hundred years of hatred.

He knew it wouldn't be easy for the Berkians to get used to dragons, but with time, they will eventually grow accustom to dragons.

After spending a week in Berk, Hiccup knew it was time to return to Edon.

When he returns, Hiccup knew he would have blunt axes and swords to mend. Oh, and a worried, but annoyed looking Bjorn waiting for him.

But he was looking forward to seeing Runa and Gunner and all the friendly villagers.

"I got to admit, for a tribe of dragon hunters, they are not so bad," Ingrid shouted over the wind.

Hiccup, Ingrid and Valka had been flying for the last few hours.

They would often stop by to rest but would keep going when they were fit to travel.

"Can you believe it? Berk lives among dragons now," Hiccup declared happily, "And it didn't take too long. Who knew a place where you're killed or be killed can change instantly,"

Valka chuckled, "All it took was persistent. Of course, showing them the good side to dragons have helped Berk so much. I hope they will be alright. Berkians are not used to living with dragons like our friends in Edon,"

Hiccup shrugged, "Even if there is trouble, I'm sure Dad and the other teens can deal with it. Besides, we can always come back there anytime now that it's safe to take our dragons with us,"

Toothless garbled happily in response.

Valka heaved a sad sigh. She had fought back tears when she said goodbye to her beloved, Stoick.

She promised herself to not breakdown in front of him.

But it wasn't tears of sadness. Rather, they were tears of joy that finally after seventeen years, Valka reunited with her husband.

If only it lasted longer. But she knew the sanctuary and Edon needs her.

"Mom, are you okay?" Hiccup asked, concerned.

Valka wiped a tear from her eyes. She gave a small chuckle.

"It was hard to say goodbye to your father," she sighed, "I do hope he will be alright. I've abandoned him once, and I-''

"Mom, it wasn't your fault," Hiccup interjected, letting out a sigh, "You had to do what was right for you. I'm sure he understands why you- I mean, we couldn't stay on Berk. But I will miss him, though. I will miss everyone,"

Ingrid smiled sadly. She sympathised Hiccup and Valka for being away from their own people.

Although they could visit them now, it wasn't the same as being around them every day.

Ingrid had to admit, those Berkians did made her feel welcome, especially that Astrid girl.

Perhaps one day she might visit them again.

"You know what would be great?" Hiccup said, grinning widely, "Berk could become allies with Edon. Think about it. If Edon gets attack by hunters, Berk could send off dragon riders to defend Edon. Also they could trade. This would be amazing,"

Valka laughed, amused by her son's ambitions.

"Whoa, slow down, son. Berk is still getting used to having dragons around. There will be time to call for an alliance later. Besides, I'm not sure if the people of Edon would be willing. After all, Berk has been a land full of dragon hunters,"

Hiccup nodded gravely, "I know, but an alliance could be possible,"

The three dragon riders continued on their journey, enjoying the flight home.

By the time they reached Edon, the sun was already beginning to set.

In the distance, Hiccup could see the outline of the Edonian village and the foggy clifftops perched high above the island.

"We're here," Ingrid sighed happily, "We probably need to do a lot of explaining to do. I do hope my father won't be so hard on you. You did leave without a simple explanation,"