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Chapter Text

When the Skrill had caused that electrically charged explosion and Viggo had been met with a numbing darkness shortly afterwards, he was sure that was where the game would end for him. Apparently not.

As he started to stir, the fog surrounding his mind started to lift and slowly the events that had lead to the Skrill's explosion came back to him. As did the agonizing pain radiating across his back from where the arrows had been. By all rights he should be dead right now. So why wasn't he? Had Hiccup ignored him and come back for him? To give him a second chance he most certainly did not deserve?

While he tried to make sense of why he had been saved again, he heard something, like someone dragging something across a wooden floor. The noise prompted him to finally open his eyes and take in his surroundings.

Viggo found himself in a hut which, he was guessing, was on Dragon's Edge. He figured that if he was on Berk, or any of the other Dragon Rider's allies' islands, he never would have woken up in the first place. Trying not to move too much, and cause himself any further pain, he did his best to look around the hut and find the source of the noise he'd heard.

The bed he was laying in was set off to one side, there was a small stone hearth in the center and on the other side there was a table and several chairs. Near that table there was several shelves holding jars that looked like herbs and other plants, though he couldn't be sure from where he was. And there was a staircase that he could only assume led to the owner of this hut's bedroom.

From the jars of plants and the sparse furniture he concluded that he was in a healer's hut. Which made sense considering the injuries he had sustained in Krogan and Johann's base. So far though Viggo hadn't seen anything that might have made the noise he heard. That was when some movement caught his eye.

Curled up by the entrance to the hut was a mass of pale pink scales with black stripes. He recognised the dragon, of course. A Desert Wraith. He had seen it a few times when he and the Rider's had come to blows, but only ever from a distance or a quick glancing pass right before it destroyed one of his ships. Other than that, Viggo had never had the pleasure of meeting either the dragon or its rider. Until now.

Of course his first meeting with the Wraith was, not only while he was alone, but also while he was in a position where he couldn't defend himself should it decide to attack. Hopefully his luck would hold out and the dragon would stay asleep until its rider appeared.

As if the Desert Wraith had heard his thoughts, one of its eyes opened, revealing a bright yellow iris. It watched him for a moment before opening its other eye. The dragon then uncurled itself and stretched in a manner similar to a cat before sitting down. It continued to watch him with two big curious eyes.

The pair watched each other for what felt like an eternity when the Wraith got up and began to approach him.

"Now, dragon..." Viggo begun as he raised a hand in defence toward the Wraith., but it continued its approach. Briefly forgetting his pain, he went to sit up in hopes that would stop the dragon, but the sudden movement caused his pain to increase tenfold. With large black spots covering his vision, he collapsed back onto the bed, letting out a pained cry.

As he focused on taking slow deep breaths, the intense pain began to subside and his vision came back. That was when he felt the side of his bed dip. The Desert Wraith, now with its front paws on his bed, towered over him. It leant down and began to sniff him. Before he had a chance to find out what the dragon wanted with him, a woman's voice filled the hut.

"Now, Dusty, that's not how we treat our guests. Especially those still healing from near fatal injuries."

The Desert Wraith - Dusty, as he now knew - looked back toward the hut's entrance and grumbled before pushing away from Viggo's bed and landing back on the floor with a light thump. Dusty then walked across to the other side of the hut and laid down by the table. It was in that moment that Viggo learnt that dragons could indeed look very apologetic.

<<<<>>>>

When you had made the decision to leave Dusty behind in your hut, you probably should have predicted that, once he was awake, the curious dragon would try to make friends with Viggo. Then again, between his injuries and the amount of blood he'd lost, you hadn't expected the former hunter to be awake so soon.

As Dusty crossed the room and settled down, you shut the door behind you and walked over to the bed. You hoped that she hadn't managed to accidentally injure him further or caused him to pull his stitches. You never thought that there would ever be a day where you would be concerned about the well-being of Viggo Grimborn, but here you were. You supposed life was funny like that.

"I'm sorry about her," you started as you helped him sit up so you could check him over, "she likes making friends with just about everyone," you explained. You were happy to find that he had sustained no further injury and his stitches were still intact.  

"In that case, I'll try to not hold it against her," Viggo gave you a small smile, but you could hear the pain in his voice, as well as see it written in his eyes and face.

"Hold on, I should have something around here to help with the pain," you said as you left his side and went over to your shelves of herbs. You gestured to the hearth for Dusty to light it as you grabbed a jar and set it on the table. As you went about making him the herbal tea to help him, Viggo spoke.

"Am I correct to assume that you're the one who saved my life?"

"Well, me and Fishlegs did. But ultimately it never would have happened had the Skrill not brought you to us," You replied as you started to heat the tea up over the now lit hearth.

You recalled the night clearly. Hiccup had just finished telling all of you where he had really been and what had happened, when you all heard a flap of wings and a familiar roar. You'd all rushed out of the clubhouse to find the Skrill circling high above the Edge. None of you could figure out why until it had started its descent and you had spotted Viggo hanging in its claws.

"The Skrill? Truly?" The disbelief was more than evident in his voice. It seemed he hadn't been expecting anyone to save him, let alone the dragon he had asked Hiccup to help him get.

You nodded. "Yep. You must've made quite the bond with him for him to save you." It was the only thing that made any sense. Why else would the Skrill have flown so far and for so long, especially after such an exhausting use of his powers, if Viggo hadn't managed to establish a strong bond with him?

"Hmm, indeed. You don't happen to know where he is now, do you?"

"Last I saw he was playing in the storm clouds that are rolling in." Viggo simply nodded and appeared to relax a little at hearing the Skrill was hanging around.

Once the tea was done, you poured it into a cup and gave it to him. "Thank you, my dear...?" he trailed off and looked at you, waiting for you to tell him your name. It was then that you remembered that, despite helping the other riders in the war against him, the two of you had never actually met until now.

"Y/N," you replied with a small smile.

"Y/N," he repeated before taking a sip of his tea. "It's a beautiful name."

The second those words left his mouth you could feel your cheeks beginning to turn red. A compliment from Viggo? That was certainly not what you had been expecting. "I, uh, thank you... Viggo." you managed to say after a small silence, all the while hoping he hadn't noticed you blush.

As he finished his drink, the two of you continued to speak. The majority of the conversation was focused on Viggo and the severity of his injuries. It wasn't long before you noticed how tired he was and were reminded that he needed his rest. You took the now empty cup and set it down so you could help him lay back down. You then gestured to the door at Dusty, a signal it was time to go, before making your own way over to it. You were about to leave when Viggo called after you. You stopped and turned to face him.

"Yes?"

"After everything I've done to you and your friends, why help me?" he asked.

"Because I, and a couple of the others, believe that if someone has truly made an effort to change then they deserve a second chance," you said, giving him a kind smile. Viggo nodded and as his eyes shut as sleep took him over, you left and quietly shut the door behind you.

Chapter Text

The war against Krogan and Johann was finally over and the King of Dragons' egg was safe. Which meant that the adventure was over and it was time for you and the other riders to pack up and go home to Berk.

In the week following your return to Dragon's Edge, after the final battle at Berserker Island, that's what yours and the other riders' days and nights consisted of. Non stop packing. Making sure that absolutely nothing of value was left behind when you returned home. But tonight, since you were all nearly done and the ships Hiccup had requested were still a couple of days out, you and the gang were having a small Maces and Talons tournament in the clubhouse.

Currently sat at the game board was Fishlegs and Hiccup, whom were in the middle of one of the most intense games of the night. Despite the intensity of the game, you found yourself unable to focus on it and you knew exactly why. You hadn't seen Viggo for the entire night. You thought he would've shown up well before the first game had even started. After all the man was obsessed with this game, wasn't he? But there was no sign of him.

"What's wrong?" you heard Astrid ask you in a hushed whisper as you looked around the clubhouse again.

"I haven't seen Viggo all night," you replied. Astrid frowned and her brow furrowed as she thought for a moment.

"I think he mentioned going for a walk, but that was hours ago," she eventually said. That caused you to frown and worry a little about where he was.

"I think I'm going to go look for him." Astrid nodded and gave you a small smile before you left the clubhouse and began your search for the former hunter.

As your longest and closest friend, Astrid was the only one in your group that was aware of your growing feelings toward the man. When you had first met Viggo you had found it impossible to deny how attractive he was. At the time though you had made sure to shove all of those thoughts aside because you were enemies. But after he had come to see dragons as equals and joined you and the riders, all of those thoughts had come back and steadily started to turn into more. Whenever or not he felt the same way, you didn't know. And if he had up and left, like you were worrying he had, then you wouldn't ever find out. And somehow that thought seemed worse than finding out he didn't feel anything.

You started your search at the stables, where you found Viggo's Skrill, Dreadclaw, still curled up and fast asleep in his stall. That was a good sign, right? Surely he wouldn't leave without his dragon? Hiccup's words, from the feast that had taken place after the final battle, played through your head. He had revealed to you and the gang that Viggo had promised him that after Krogan and Johann's defeat, he would disappear from the Archipelago for good.

During the few short months Viggo had worked alongside you, you all had gotten used to his presence around the place. Some of you had even become friends with him and just letting him disappear to Odin knows where didn't sit right with any of you. So, alongside your packing, you and the others had been working hard to convince Stoick to let him come back to Berk with you. And earlier that morning you had finally gotten a response from the Chief saying that he could stay on Berk. Something you all had hoped to reveal to him during tonight's tournament.

You left the stables behind and continued your search across the island. You eventually found him sitting on a cliff, looking out over the sea. Since he hadn't acknowledge your presence, after all you had made no effort to be stealthy, you guessed he was deep in thought and hadn't heard you approach.

"You know, a Maces and Talons tournament just doesn't feel the same when you're not around beating us at every turn," you said with a warm smile on your face as you stepped out of the treeline. Viggo jumped at the sound of your voice, clearly not expecting someone to come looking for him, and turned around to face you.

"Is that so, my dear Y/N?" from the humourless chuckle, the incredibly forced smile and the distant look in his brown eye, you could immediately tell something was bothering him. Upon seeing your smile turn into a frown and the look of concern that washed over your features, Viggo realised he hadn't gotten away with it and dropped his act. With a heavy sigh, he turned his attention away from you and back toward the sea.

"What's wrong?" you asked as you carefully walked closer to him. Though you were pretty sure within the few short minutes of your arrival, you had already figured out what was wrong.

"I'd rather not talk about it," came his monotone reply. You continued your approach and when you reached the edge of the cliff, you sat down a little ways away from him and let your legs dangle over the edge. He looked over at you and raised his eyebrow, the distant look now replaced by curiosity. You gave him a small smile.

"That's alright, you don't have to, but know I'm here to listen, should you want me to," you replied. Viggo held your gaze for a moment before turning away again. You had never seen him like this before. He was slouched over and that usual unwavering air of confidence and pride he had was gone. Despite the recent victory, he looked absolutely defeated. Of course, it was no wonder why. This whole war had cost the man everything he had known (as well as half his sight), and, as far as he currently knew, had left his entire future completely uncertain.

Not wanting to make him feel uncomfortable, you turned away yourself. A silence fell as you watched the way the moonlight made the sea glisten and you listened to how the waves splashed against the rocks below and the way the light breeze made the trees rustle behind you. This part of the island was rather tranquil; no wonder Viggo had chosen this spot to think.

"I truly am sorry. It can't be easy," you finally said after a long debate with yourself on whenever or not you should break the silence, stretching out between you two. You didn't need to elaborate on your words as Viggo nodded, indicating he understood.

"And I know it's hard, but think about everything you've gained," you continued, knowing full well that this could backfire on you massively, "you have Dreadclaw, you have a friend in me, Hiccup and the others and, should you want to, you can come back to Berk with us." The others were going to kill you for ruining the surprise, but you felt that Viggo needed to hear it now. Especially after a week of watching the rest of you pack and excitedly talk about returning home, whilst he'd had no idea where he was headed next.

He looked back over at you, shock evident on his face. "Really? What about..."

"We've spent the last week convincing Stoick. We finally received a response from him, earlier this morning, saying you can come back with us. We were going to tell you at the end of the night, after the tournament," you explained. You watched as the shock turned to disbelief as he looked toward the ground and began to process your words. When he finally looked back up, happiness visibly shone in his good eye as he smiled at you.

"And just when I thought nothing else could possibly surprise me... Thank you, my dear."

"No need to thank me. You ready to head back?" Viggo nodded and you both got up. Just before you reached the treeline, he stopped and spoke.

"Before we go back, there is something I wished to speak to you about." You stopped and looked at him. What could he possible want to speak to you about? Unless... No, you didn't dare hope. "Though, I suppose, actions do speak louder than words could ever hope to."

Before you were able to properly process what he was saying, Viggo closed the gap between the two of you. One hand came to rest on your waist whilst the other gently lifted your chin so you were face to face. Then he caught your lips with his own in a passionate kiss. You kissed him back, doing your best to express everything you'd been feeling for him over the past few months.

When you finally broke apart, you were both completely breathless. As you gazed into each other eyes his hand, that was still resting under your chin, came up and cupped your cheek. You closed your eyes and leant into his touch as he softly ran his thumb over your cheek.

As always, Viggo had been right; actions most certainly did speak louder than words. As a result, neither of you found the need to speak as it was more than clear that you felt the same way for each other.

After sharing a couple more kisses, with your arms linked, you and Viggo made your way back to the Edge. Both of you excited for what the future held.

Chapter Text

As you stormed out of the clubhouse, you ignored the yells of the other riders, asking you to come back, and headed toward the stables to get your dragon. An emerald Monstrous Nightmare by the name of Envy.

"Come on, Envy, let's go somewhere, where we'll actually be appreciated." you said as you lead her out of the stables and mounted her. As she leapt up into the air and began to fly away from Dragon's Edge, you could hear the other riders still trying to convince you to come back. You scoffed; didn't they get it? You were done. After years of being treated as second best and feeling completely inadequate, you were finally done.

Done with them, done with their cause and done with all the self righteousness that came along with it.

You flew for hours. Not particularly caring where you were going, just as long as it was as far away from Dragon's Edge as possible. You soon noticed how tired Envy was getting and directed her down toward a small island.

After landing, you quickly checked the island over for any threats. Once you were satisfied you were alone, you set up camp before spending the next couple of hours throwing and burying your axe into the trees that surrounded the clearing you were in. You had hoped that a session of axe throwing would help get rid of your anger, but somehow you found yourself angrier than ever before.

With one more swing, you buried your axe deep within another tree before slumping down on a log by the fire. You looked over at Envy, who was curled up and fast asleep by the fire. It was more clear than ever to you now. She was the only one to truly care about you. Your one true friend. Oh, what you would give to see the other riders torn down from their high and mighty dragons for once. But how exactly could you go about making that happen?

As you thought, there was a sudden rustling that came from the bushes on the other side of the clearing. At first you thought it might be one of the other riders, but when Envy awoke from her light sleep and immediately began to growl, you quickly pushed that thought aside. Following your dragon's lead, you got up and pulled out the throwing knives you always carried in your belt.

"Show yourself," you growled. The bushes rustled a little more before finally the person who was apparently stupid enough to try and sneak up on a Monstrous Nightmare and their rider stepped out into the clearing. It was none other than... Viggo Grimborn!? Well, to say this wasn't good was a complete understatement.

Upon seeing him, Envy's signature green flame erupted across her scales and her growls intensified. Despite her threatening display, Viggo payed her no mind and kept his eyes fixated on you. You suspected that the reason for that was because his hunters were currently surrounding the two of you. Their crossbows trained on the clearing, ready to take you and Envy out should you try to harm or kill their leader.

As you stared each other down, his eyes briefly flickered downwards and upon seeing the knives gripped in your hands, he chuckled a little.

"I assure you, my dear. There's no need for those. I'm not here to bring harm to you or your dragon." he plainly stated. Well that didn't make any sense. He was a Dragon Hunter, harming dragons was all he did. You narrowed your eyes at him and tightened your grip on your knives. What sort of game was he playing?

"Then why are you here?"

"I believe we could be of great help to each other. After all, we've both suffered greatly at the hands of the Dragon Riders." What? How could he possibly know what you've been through? "Let's just say, during our last few encounters, the tension between you and the other riders has been more than obvious." he continued, clearly seeing your moment of confusion.

Okay, yeah, you could see how the ever growing tension could be extremely obvious, especially to someone as perceptive as Viggo, but what you didn't get was how he knew where to find you. After all, when you left Dragon's Edge behind, not even you had known where you were going. Your only goal being to get as far away from the other riders as possible

"How did you know to find me on this island?"

"I didn't. I just happened to be in the area when I saw you land." Well, it sounded plausible. Not to mention, you did recall seeing a ship close by when you had landed.

You looked at Viggo long and hard as you thought about what you should do next, in this situation. So far he appeared to be speaking the truth. No harm had come to either you or Envy and you had concluded awhile ago that you were completely alone with him. After all, not only had you not heard the usually heavy footsteps of his Hunters (they weren't the quietest people in the world), or the sounds of crossbows being loaded, but Envy had kept all of her attention trained on Viggo. Which she most certainly wouldn't be doing if there were other people around.

It was quite the risky move he was taking, approaching you alone like this. If you wanted to, you could easily give Envy the order and she'd turn him into a pile of ash, ending this war against the Hunters for good. And as much as you liked the sound of that, you found you couldn't give that order. Not yet at least. You were curious about what he had said. 'I believe we could be of great help to each other.'

Working with Viggo Grimborn? Not only did it sound absolutely insane, but you could easily picture all the ways this could end horribly for you and your dragon. At the same time though, you wanted nothing more than to see the other riders get knocked down from their pedestal for once. But if you were going to be working with him (and Hel, you couldn't believe you were actually considering this), you had to make sure of one thing first.

"Say I did agree to work with you, could you promise that no harm would come to the other riders and their dragons?" As much as you wanted to get back at the other riders, you didn't want to see them injured or worse, killed.

"No harm will come to the Dragon Riders or their dragons, you have my word." The assurance in his voice didn't anything, but assure you. This all seemed a little too easy. At the same time though, with all you knew about the man in front of you, you seriously doubted that he gave his word very often. Let alone to one of his adversaries. So that had to count for something right?

You sheathed your knives and rose a hand to your dragon, signalling to her to settle down. Envy gave you a questioning look, but listened as she stopped growling and the flames dancing across her scales died down. You were probably going to regret this.

"What did you have in mind?"

Chapter Text

The sun was setting over Dragon's Edge, painting the sky a gorgeous shade of orange. You were sat on a cliff over looking the cove. Dusty was somewhere below you. Diving in and out of the waves and burying herself in the sand. This was one of your favourite spots on Dragon's Edge. Not only for the view, but because it was a great place to escape to so that you could process all that had happened recently.

It had been a couple of weeks since Viggo and the Skrill had arrived on the Edge. By now he had recovered from his injuries well enough that, as long as he didn't strain himself, you had deemed it okay for him to help around the Edge. To say not everyone had been receptive to the idea of him sticking around was an understatement. But after a long discussion you and the other riders had decided that you would stand a better chance at beating Krogan and Johann to the King of Dragons with his help. After all, no one else possessed a knowledge of the Dragon Eye quite like he did. And Viggo was more than happy to help defeat the men that had tried to kill him.

Shortly after you all had come to that agreement, Astrid had made sure he knew that if he even thought about betraying you guys, he'd be rotting in a cell on Outcast Island faster than a Deadly Nadder eating chicken. Viggo had assured her that he understood completely.

A part of you was happy that he was sticking around. During his recovery, once he had been able to stay awake longer than a few minutes, you and Viggo had, had many conversations. Not about anything in particular, just whatever came to mind. And you found yourself pleasantly surprised with just how easy those conversations flowed. It was like you'd known each other for years rather than having just met a couple weeks ago.

It was a strange feeling, enjoying Viggo's company. Especially since he had spent the past year trying to kill you and your friends, but it was like you had told him. If he had made an effort to change, and from what you had seen so far he had, then he deserved a second chance. After all, if you and the other riders could do that for Alvin and Dagur, then why not Viggo?

As if he knew you were thinking about him, you heard movement behind you and turned around to see Viggo exiting the treeline. Following close behind him was his Skrill.

"Viggo!" you greeted him with a warm smile. A smile that he returned.

"I'm not disturbing you, am I, my dear?"

You shook your head. "Of course not." you tapped the ground next to you, "Plenty of room if you two want to join me." Viggo accepted your offer and uttered a simple "thank you" as he joined you.

As he sat down next to you, you raised a hand up toward the Skrill. The dragon sniffed your hand before lowering his head so you could pet him. "So, you finally figure out a name for this guy?" you asked as you scratched his chin, eliciting a growl of approval from the Skrill.

"Dreadclaw," he answered. At the sound of his name, Dreadclaw turned his attention back to his rider and nuzzled the hand Viggo had stretched out to him. All the while making a noise that sounded like a purr. You never thought you'd ever hear a Skrill purr, but then again, in recent months, a lot of things had happened that you never thought would.

"Dreadclaw," you repeated. "It suits him."

"My thoughts exactly. You know, I've been here for several minutes and have yet to be jumped by your dragon." he said as he looked around, like he expected Dusty to suddenly jump out at him now that he had mentioned her. Unlike the other dragons on the island, your Desert Wraith had taken quite the liking to Viggo.

You chuckled and gestured toward the cove below the two of you. "She's out there somewhere, playing in the waves before our evening flight around the island."

"An evening flight?"

"Yep. When my responsibilities and the weather permits, me and Dusty go for a lap around the island. Sometimes two, if there's time. Maybe once you and Dreadclaw finally get in the air, you can join us."

Viggo smiled at you. "I'll be sure to keep that offer in mind."

A silence fell between you two as you watched the rest of the sunset together. As you sat there a cold breeze came out of nowhere and made you shiver a little. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Viggo instinctively move closer to you.

"I'm okay!" you quickly said as you chuckled nervously and gave him an equally nervous smile. Viggo raised an eyebrow at you and, though he didn't say anything, you were sure he could see the light blush covering your cheeks. You turned your attention away from him and back to where the sun was nearly gone "The view is rather beautiful here, huh?"

"It truly is." Viggo replied, but his gaze never once left you. You looked back at him. If you weren't red before, you most certainly were now as what he had said slowly sunk in. But before anything else could happen, you both were suddenly covered in water as Dusty burst up in front of the two of you.

The sudden spray of water caused Dreadclaw to roar in surprise and jump backwards away from the water covered Wraith. Viggo was up on his feet immediately and made his way over to his dragon to calm him down. Meanwhile you got up onto your feet and, once she had landed, you scolded her. Over the years you had told her time and time again not to splash you like that and she hadn't done it for a while now. So of course she just had to go back to doing it when you had been joined by, not only Viggo, but his dragon. Whom, like all Skrills, had a hatred of water since it took away his electrical abilities.

Once you were done scolding her, you turned back to Viggo, where he was still soothing his dragon. "Is he alright?" you asked. He looked over at you and Dreadclaw eyed Dusty carefully, who was peering over at the Skrill from behind you. "Dusty knows she shouldn't do that."

He gave you a reassuring smile as he clasped his hands behind his back. "He'll be just fine."

You returned his smile, but before you could reply, Dusty had grabbed hold of your tunic and tugged it. You looked down at her and she let go and grumbled at you before flapping her wings a couple of times. You laughed and shook your head.

"Okay, okay. Calm down." you told your excitable dragon. You looked back at Viggo. "Well, we better get going."

"Why, of course, my dear Y/N. I'll see you later." he said as you climbed up onto Dusty's back.

"See you later, Viggo." As Dusty leapt up into the air and sped off, you didn't see the fond look in his eyes as he watched you leave.

Chapter Text

You had been a part of the Dragon Hunters for years now and you had been by Viggo’s side for even longer. The two of you had been friends ever since childhood and, recently, you had become so much more. As a result you were privileged to know him in a way no one else did. The Archipelago knew him as a ruthless and calculated man. A man who didn’t take “no” for an answer and not even the Gods were capable of saving those who got on his bad side. Not to mention he was already on track to being the most prolific dealer of dragons. Both living and not. 

You, on the other hand, knew him for who he truly was. Despite his reputation and the trade he was in, Viggo was a rather sensitive person. Unlike most Vikings, he didn’t care to fight and much preferred to talk things out instead. Something that he had tried to do shortly after those Berkian Dragon Riders had shown up and had started wreaking havoc on the business, but to no avail. As a result he was now focusing all of his energy in winning this war with well thought out tactics and brute strength. 

With each loss, each hit to the bottom line, Viggo became more and more stressed. He was no longer eating properly, sleep was a thing of the past and he was more irritable than ever before. You hated seeing him like this. You hated the riders responsible, but, with what you were working on, they would be a thing of the past soon enough. 

Right now though, as you made your way through the base and toward Viggo’s tent, you were on a different mission. Earlier that day you had managed to coax him away from his maps and get him to eat. Now that the sun had set, you were hoping that you could once again coax him away and get him to sleep. Something that you felt was going to be far easier said than done. 

“Viggo,” you called out as you entered his tent. He was at the back of his tent, leaning over his maps and charts. His brow was furrowed and the dark circles under his eyes looked worse than they had done earlier. At the sound of your voice, he looked up and frowned. 

“Y/N? It’s rather late, I thought you would’ve been asleep by now, my dear.” As he spoke you could hear the exhaustion that lingered in his voice. 

“I couldn’t sleep,” you replied as you approached him. You walked around the desk and, once you were close enough, you wrapped your arms around him and pressed a couple of kisses to his jaw. “It would seem there’s a chill in my tent tonight.”

Viggo chuckled and smiled. “Is that so?” 

“It is,” you said as you peppered more kisses along his skin. “And I was thinking that maybe you could help me out?” 

He sighed. “I’d love to, but…” 

“And I’m not taking “no” for an answer,” you interrupted him before he could voice his excuses. After you pulled away you took his hands in yours. Much to your surprise, Viggo let you lead him away from his desk and over to his bed.

Once you reached the bed, you let go of him and sat down on the edge of the bed so you could remove your boots. Viggo followed suit and removed his boots, which were shortly followed by his bulky shoulder pads and sword. He laid down first and you were quick to follow. As you settled down next to him, resting our head on his chest and wrapping on of your arms around his torso, Viggo pulled the warm furs that covered his bed over the two of you. He then wrapped his arms around you and pressed a soft kiss to the top of your head. 

“What would I do without you?” he asked, his voice a tender whisper. 

“You’d probably collapse from exhaustion,” you playfully replied, which earned a tired chuckle from Viggo. 

“Indeed. I probably would.” 

A few minutes later his breathing deepened and evened out. Signalling that, after days of no rest, Viggo was finally fast asleep. Satisfied that your mission was a success, you closed your eyes and fell asleep yourself.  

Chapter Text

Over the past couple of weeks Viggo found himself rather frustrated and it wasn’t due to the Dragon Riders disrupting his operation. No, instead his frustration was directed toward his right hand and significant other, Y/N. Recently, every time he wished to discuss something with her, she was nowhere to be found. When she wasn’t in her tent or admiring the rarer dragons Ryker and his crew had brought back, the list of places she could be was almost endless. It was times like this that a small part of him disliked just how big the island he’d built his base on was. It had briefly occurred to him that she could have left the island, but he was quick to dismiss the thought. Not only was there no reason for her to leave the island right now, but if she was to leave, she would have informed him beforehand. No, she had to be around here somewhere.  

Viggo was about to go back and check her tent again, when something caught his eye. Up on one of the hills that overlooked the base he could see a figure. He let out a breath he hadn’t been aware he was holding as he recognised Y/N’s silhouette. Finally . Now that he knew where she’d disappeared off to, and before she had the chance to vanish again, he quickly made his way up to where she was.

He had known Y/N for as long as he could remember. The two of them had always had each other’s backs and they always will. Nothing the world could throw at them would ever change that. Over the years his feelings for her had grown and several months ago he had learnt that she felt the same, causing their friendship to flourish into so much more. The memory of that moment brought a smile to his face. 

It didn’t take him long to reach her. Y/N was laying down on the short grass, hands tucked behind her head and she was gazing up at the starry sky. Clearly hearing him approach, she turned her gaze away from the sky and toward him. A welcoming smile made its way onto her face. “Hey,” she greeted him as she patted the ground next to her; an invitation for him to join her.

“I was wondering where you’d disappeared off to, my dear,” he said as he settled down next to her. Her smile turned into a frown. 

“I didn’t mean to worry you. I just thought I’d take advantage of the temporary peace,” she explained. Viggo took her hand in his and gave it a reassuring squeeze. 

“No harm done,” he assured her, giving her a soft smile. She returned his smile before returning her attention to the sky. 

He studied the way the moonlight made her e/c eyes sparkle for a moment before turning his own attention to the sky. The two of them laid there for a long stretch of time, Viggo finding solace in both the silence and the presence of the woman he loved. He couldn’t remember the last time he had simply stopped and taken in the beauty of the world around him… Perhaps shortly before he had become Chief? Which had been a few years ago now. In fact, now that he thought of it, during the years since becoming Chief, peaceful moments like the one he currently found himself in had become a rarity. And with the potential threat of war those Dragon Riders were bringing with them, these moments were probably going to become nonexistent for a time. That thought brought him back to the reason he had been looking for Y/N to begin with. They really needed to discuss their plans for dealing with these riders further.

“Were you coming to get me for something?” Y/N asked, her voice breaking the long silence that had fallen over them. Viggo was about to voice his thoughts when he looked back over at her. Indeed, it was going to be awhile before they found another moment like this, perhaps it was best to just enjoy it whilst they were able to. 

“It can wait,” he replied. Y/N looked over at him and raised an eyebrow. 

“Are you sure?” 

Viggo nodded. “Positive, my dear.” 

Y/N studied him for a moment before nodding herself. She then freed her hand from his and moved in closer to him, resting her head just below his spiky shoulder pad. Instinctively he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, tucking her closer to him. Yes, business could wait for now.  

Chapter Text

It had been six months since Krogan and Johann’s defeat. Which meant it had been six months since you had made the decision to leave the Barbaric Archipelago behind and explore the world beyond it, rather than joining the other Riders as they left to go back home to Berk. A decision that you were currently regretting. You couldn’t hear yourself think over the roar of the wind and the torrential downpour had completely soaked you to the bone. You could feel your dragon, D/n, shaking beneath you, from both the storm and the cold. Shortly after flying into the storm, you had tried to get above the worst of it, but after a close call with a bolt of lightning, you’d decided it was too dangerous. So the two of you were stuck between the almost pitch black clouds and the choppy sea.

“Steady,” you yelled over the wind, doing your best to make sure your dragon could hear you. You don’t hear it, but you feel the rumble of their growl in response. All of a sudden, your dragon dropped a couple of feet as the wind changed direction. The two of you were then picked up by another gust and roughly thrown to the side, which almost knocked you right out of your saddle. 

The two of you needed to land. Now. Whilst shelter would certainly be preferred right now, given the rain and all, you would be more than happy to just feel solid ground beneath your feet again. Too bad the two of you were lost above the middle of the Gods forsaken ocean!

You were scanning the ocean below, praying to the Gods that you would finally find a place to land, when there was a bright flash of light, directly in front of you. Letting out a terrified roar, D/n suddenly jerked to the side and, before you could properly register what had happened, you found yourself falling. You screamed for your dragon, but those screams were quickly cut off when you hit the water. The freezing water began to zap your remaining energy as you fought against the violent waves. You managed to surface just long enough to take down a gulp of air before the waves threw you back under. 

As futile as you knew it was, you did your best to stay above the surface of the water. You couldn’t see your dragon anywhere and even if you could, you couldn’t exactly call out to them because every time you opened your mouth it was filled with sea water. 

Another wave hit you and you were back underneath the water, but this time you didn’t have the energy to try and resurface. Not to mention your body was now refusing to cooperate with you any further. This was it. This was how you were going to die. If you weren’t so tired, you would probably curse the Gods. Just as you accepted your fate, you felt something grab ahold of your shoulders and yank you out of the waves. You gasped, coughing up sea water and doing your best to take deep breaths of air. Now that you were no longer fighting the ocean below you, you were aware of just how cold you were. A violent shiver ran through you. Wait… below you? 

Looking above you, you expected to see the underbelly of your d/s, but you were met with a completely different dragon. It looked familiar, but you were so cold you couldn’t think as to why. Whatever the dragon was, it moved quickly through the storm. Almost as if it was accustomed to flying through them. 

Before you knew it, the dragon was setting you down on something soft. Sand, maybe? It felt like it could be sand, but, if you were being honest, you didn’t really care. You were so tired; you just wanted to sleep. Maybe that would put a stop to the horrible cold that had settled into your bones. Your eyes then began to slowly close. 

As you started to lose consciousness, you became briefly aware of something next to you. Then something warm pressed against your neck and a familiar… voice? called out. Whatever it was, it was quickly drowned out by a louder, and also familiar, sound. You really couldn’t place why either sound familiar. You heard the first sound again as the warmth against your neck disappeared. You couldn’t make out what it was saying before you were fully engulfed by darkness. 

<<<>>>

As you slowly came to, you could hear the crackling sound of a fire. You could feel the warmth radiating from it, as well as feel something soft draped over you. Your head was resting against something soft also. Whilst it was certainly a welcome change from the freezing ocean and the cold that had settled into you, you were completely confused. You remembered the storm, everything that had led to you falling into the ocean and your exhausted body finally slipping underneath the waves. Then something pulled you and the last thing you could remember was that… beach? Was that where you had been before you had lost consciousness? 

If you were being honest, you hadn’t expected to wake up after that, yet here you were. Alive and warm. Which could only mean that someone had saved you, but who? It couldn’t have been one of the Dragon Riders, you were literally miles away from the Barbaric Archipelago. And, other than yourself, no person would be insane enough to be out on the ocean, in the middle of a storm that bad.

Well, the best way to solve this mystery would be to open your eyes, so that’s what you did. The light from the fire was low, but still bright enough for you to see that you were in a cave. Your head was resting on a pillow and the soft thing draped over you was a rather luxurious looking fur blanket. Whoever had saved you clearly had a taste for the finer things in life, not to mention the gold to afford it. On the other side of the fire, curled up and fast asleep, was your dragon. Their saddle had been removed and was propped up against the wall. As were the bags you’d had attached to the saddle. And there, folded up neatly next you was… your armour and clothing, which could only mean… You looked under your blanket. 

Yep, you were only in your underwear. Whilst you were well aware of the fact that it was necessary in order to keep you alive, it didn’t stop the feeling of humiliation that was now spreading through you. 

Since your mysterious saviour was nowhere to be seen, you decided to take advantage of the current privacy and quickly got dressed. Once you were dressed, you made your way over to your dragon, crouched down next to them and checked them over. D/n opened their eyes when they heard you approach and immediately greeted you with a purr and nuzzled your hand. They seemed relatively unharmed considering your harrowing experience. 

“Hey, how you doing?” you asked them as you gave them a scratch in their favourite spot. As you stroked your dragon, you looked toward the entrance of the cave. It was still dark out, but it was no longer storming. Which begged the question, how long had you been out for? Since your clothes had been dried and neatly folded (and they had been absolutely soaked), you figured you must have been out for a while.

Before your thoughts could go any further, you heard the sound of wings flapping just outside the cave. Turning your attention away from D/n and standing up, you got ready to meet the person who had saved you. 

You watched in awe as a Skrill entered the cave and right next to it was… Viggo Grimborn!? A gasp left you as your eyes widened and one of your hands came up to cover your mouth. Surely this was impossible. Hiccup had said and yet, here he was. Standing before you; alive. Unless, of course, you were dead and for some inexplicable reason that Gods had decided that Viggo was going to help you come to terms with it and guide you to the other side. Although, that being said, that didn’t explain why your dragon or the Skrill were here. Could dragons even go to Valhalla? 

“...my dear?” Viggo’s voice finally penetrated through your shock. It didn’t take you long to realise that he had asked you something that you had completely missed while trying to figure out whenever or not dragons went to Valhalla. 

“I’m sorry, what?” you asked. Viggo chuckled. 

“I asked how you were feeling, my dear. You were unconscious for quite a while,” he informed you as he stepped further into the cave and walked toward the fire. 

“I’m feeling a lot better than I was,” you replied as the horrible memory of just how cold you had been came back. “How long was I out for?” you asked as you joined him by the fire. You had been hesitant at first, after all he had put you and the other riders through a lot, but Hiccup’s words had played through your mind. 

“Viggo sacrificed himself to save me. He could have easily left me and Toothless, but he didn’t. He changed.” 

Besides if he had wished you harm, you seriously doubted he would have pulled you out of the ocean.

“A couple of days,” he answered as he set about cooking some fish. “I was starting to think you might not wake up.” Was that concern you could hear in his voice? 

“Well, thank you for saving me.” 

“Of course. You’re very lucky I was in the area,” he said. You nodded. Indeed you were.You were all too aware of what your fate would have been had he not been. 

A small silence then fell between you as he continued to cook. Once the fish was done cooking, he served you first, before chucking some over to the dragons. His Skrill, quickly and greedily, ate his while your d/s cautiously sniffed it, keeping eye contact with the ex dragon hunter the entire time. D/n soon decided it was safe and ate it before the Skrill, who had been eyeing the fish, could make a move and steal it. 

You and Viggo ate in silence. Now that you were getting over your shock at the revelation that he was alive, you found yourself extremely glad at that fact. Despite everything that had happened during the war against him, you had always found yourself strangely drawn to Viggo ever since you had first met him. Over time you had figured out what had drawn you to him. It was his suave and collected personality, how he was so unlike any other Viking you had met and, not to mention, how undeniably good looking he was. Of course, back then, no matter what your heart had decided, you knew that there was no way you had a chance with him. Viggo was, after all, your enemy. He had been far more likely to kill you and D/n, then anything else. Then Hiccup had come back with news of not only Viggo’s change in allegiance, but his demise. News that had caused you to not only grieve his loss, but also the fact that, had he lived, you might have actually stood a chance. And, you supposed as you looked across the fire at him, you potentially still had a chance. Honestly, it was like a gift from Freyja herself. 

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Viggo began as his voice brought you out of your thoughts, “what exactly are you doing so far from the Archipelago?” 

“Honestly? Berk is so incredibly dull.” Your response caused Viggo to chuckle. “What? I’m being serious! After going out into the “Great Beyond” and knowing that there’s just so much more to explore? I just…” you trailed off and shook your head a little. “I couldn’t see myself staying there any longer.” Viggo raised his eyebrow at that. 

“What about your family?” he asked. 

“I, uh, don’t have a family. It’s been just me and D/n for, uh, quite a while now.” you replied, looking away from Viggo and into the fire instead. Sensing the sudden shift in your mood, you heard your dragon stand and then felt them curl behind you and rested their head on your lap. You rested your hand on their muzzle and lightly stroked them with your thumb. 

“My condolences,” he simply replied. Viggo sounded rather apologetic, clearly aware that he had accidentally brought up a painful subject for you. 

“Uh, thanks,” you said as you finally returned your gaze to Viggo. “So what brings you all the way out here?” 

“Simply keeping my promise to Hiccup. Besides, I no longer have a home to return to.” He didn't sound all that upset about it. Which meant that Viggo had probably already come to terms with it. You couldn't help, but feel a little sad for him. Though you had left, you knew, should you want to, you could always return to Berk. No matter what, it would always be your home. Viggo didn't have that sort of security anymore.  

“And, if you don’t mind me asking, how did you survive Johann’s base?” 

“Dreadclaw saved me.” He gestured toward the Skrill, which lay close to his rider now, curled up and was slowly falling asleep. At the sound of his name, he briefly opened one of his amber eyes slightly before closing it again. 

“I’m glad,” you responded with a small smile. Another small silence fell. One that gave you time to come up with an idea. “Say, you don’t happen to be looking for a partner to adventure with, are you?” 

“You wish to join me?” Viggo asked, the shock evident in both his voice and on his face. It would seem that he had been expecting this to be a brief encounter before you two inevitably went your separate ways.

“Perhaps. I mean we are two dragon riding drifters aimlessly exploring a world filled with numerous dangers. It would make sense to team up. Not to mention it would be safer; for both us and our dragons.” 

“You have a good point, my dear.” He thought for a moment before his face relaxed into his signature smile. “I would be honoured if you were to join me.” 

You returned his smile. You couldn’t wait to see where this new adventure was going to take you.   

Chapter Text

Viggo awoke with the left side of his neck throbbing. His hand came up and lightly passed over the bandages around his neck. The memory of the Monstrous Nightmare that had tried to tear him apart (and would have succeeded if not for Ryker), came flashing back to him vividly. 

Anger, directed at himself, washed over him. It had only happened due to a pathetic miscalculation on his part. A miscalculation that would certainly make his grandfather turn in his grave. Of course, if Ryker had made sure the beast had been secured in that cage in the first place… He huffed and pushed the thought, and anger, away, grimacing as the action caused him pain. There was no point on dwelling on it. It was done and he was still here. Still alive. 

He pushed himself up into a sitting position and rested against the headboard of his bed. His movements were rather sluggish, probably due to whatever he had been given for the pain… The pain. 

His hand came back up and ghosted over his neck once more. The gears in his mind quickly turned as he thought. Had his soulmate felt it? Could they still feel it? 

A memory from his childhood flashed through his mind. He had been six and Ryker had been leading him in his very first tracking lesson. They were on the trail of a Nadder, if he remembered correctly, when his older brother had inhaled sharply and clutched at his ribs. He had of course immediately asked what was wrong and Ryker had explained that he could feel his soulmate’s pain. Something that everyone felt at some point in their lives. 

How traumatic had that been for his soulmate? To suddenly have an agonising pain shoot through their neck and not know what had caused it, or if their soulmate would live or die. And all because he had made a mistake. Anger flashed through him again and he clenched his fist. Well, it certainly wasn’t going to happen again. Viggo would make sure of it. 

Unfortunately, his soulmate had made no such promise.

Through the years that followed, and with some of the worst timing in the world, Viggo found himself in a fair bit of pain. The first time it happened, he was in the middle of a meeting with his council. 

Once a month, without fail, they called upon him to try and convince him to direct his focus away from the dragon hunting business and focus on finding his soulmate. And after his encounter with that Nightmare they had certainly ramped up their attempts. Clearly afraid he might die before he had an heir. So there he sat, at the head of the table, as they went through all the reasons Viggo had already heard a hundred times before. He fought the urge to roll his eyes. 

As interested as he was to know who his soulmate was, Viggo had never seen a good enough reason to abandoned the business (in the hands of his brother no less), and go on a highly futile search. A highly futile search that had no starting point. Besides, they were soulmates. By the definition they were destined to cross paths eventually. Until they did, he was more than content in building up his empire and solidifying his reputation. 

“The business is doing well, Viggo,” Ivar, a short stout man who had been on his father’s council prior to his, began, “Now is the perfect time for you to go and find her.” 

“And where exactly would you suggest I start looking?” While not quite there yet, he was close to being on the verge of snapping. Something that was made clear to his council by the tone of his voice and the glare he was giving them.

“Anyone?” None of them dared to respond. Not that he had been expecting them to. If the master strategist had no idea where to start, then how could they? “That’s what I thought. You’re dismissed.” Viggo said as he decided the meeting was over. 

It was as he got up from his seat and got ready to leave, when pain suddenly exploded across the right side of his ribcage. He gasped, one hand steadied himself against the table while the other one shot up to where the pain was beginning to radiate across his ribs. A couple members of his council asked him if he was okay, but he dismissed them with a wave as he breathed through the pain. He had felt their pain before this, but it had never been this bad. 

Viggo knew exactly what broken ribs felt like and felt sympathy for his soulmate. While the pain would eventually fade into a dull ache for him before disappearing completely, they’d be dealing with the inconveniences that came with it until they healed. Later that night he found himself wondering what exactly they had done, what situation his soulmate had found themselves in, in order to break them in the first place. 

A few months past before he felt the usual pains, that he had come to the conclusion were from sparring, returned. It was at that moment he realised he had actually missed the absence. That was, until he was in the middle of a game of Maces and Talons and was about to make a move when he suddenly felt like he’d been punched in the gut and doubled over in pain. He started to think that maybe he should start looking for them. 

It was three years later when Viggo finally laid his eyes on his soulmate. 

He had been moving between bases when his ship had come across a lone Dragon Rider on either a relaxing flight or patrol. Honestly it didn’t matter to him as he took advantage of them not noticing him straight away and ordered their immediate capture.

As the first arrows had left their launchers, the dragon, a d/s, heard them and expertly dodged them. With the rider now alerted and without back up, Viggo had expected her to retreat. Instead she directed her dragon to attack him and his ship. ‘ The typical Viking response ,’ he thought.

Viggo observed how well the rider and her dragon worked together with an acute interest he couldn’t quite explain. It was like he was being pulled toward the rider by a force beyond his control. They moved quickly as they dove, torched his ship and quickly gained altitude again. Unfortunately for them, they weren’t fast enough and an arrow quickly flew toward them as they passed the ship again.

He expected it to hit the d/s and for rider and mount to go crashing into the water before his men pulled them aboard. However that isn’t what happened at all. Seeing the arrow, the Dragon Rider suddenly changed the direction the dragon was going in with a yank of the saddle. It let out a surprised roar at its riders actions and the sudden change of position. That was when the arrow hit her instead.

Time slowed down for Viggo as pain flared through his shoulder. His hand came up to grasp his shoulder at the same moment their eyes met and realisation hit them both like a charging Rumblehorn. He felt his mouth drop open slightly.  

After what felt like an eternity, he tore his eyes away from her and toward his men who were still taking aim. He rushed forward. 

“No! Stop!” he shouted at them. With what he now knew, he couldn’t have them shot out of the sky. His hunters gave him a strange look at the sudden change of orders, but they swiftly obeyed their leader and lowered their weapons. Which gave his soulmate and her dragon the perfect opportunity to flee. 

Viggo watched as they fled back toward the Riders’ Outpost. Out of all the scenarios he had pictured finally meeting her, he certainly hadn’t pictured it like this.

<<<>>>

As Fishlegs pulled the arrow out, cleaned the wound and stitched it together, you found yourself hoping Viggo felt it all. It was the least he deserved. After all it was his orders that had caused it to become embedded into you, in the first place. You still couldn’t believe that he was your soulmate. 

While you had told the other Riders about the Dragon Hunter ship you ran into, you hadn’t divulged that Viggo had been aboard or that he was your soulmate. You needed time to fully digest it and figure out what you should do about it. 

Once you were patched up, and under Fishlegs’ orders, you returned to your hut. You sat down on your bed and your fingers came up to the left side of your neck. You remembered vividly the agonising pain that had torn you from your sleep as you screamed out. How you had clutched at a wound that wasn’t there and had worried about your soulmate until the pain had disappeared. You also remembered how during your sparring sessions or when you got injured in battle, you wondered how they had reacted to the pain. As well as felt a little sorry about causing them pain as, after that one traumatic experience, you had barely felt any more pain. Like they’d been purposely trying to avoid it so they didn’t cause you any further pain… Maybe Viggo had been doing exactly that?

No! You quickly shook the thought away. A cold calculated man like Viggo Grimborn didn’t do anything for anyone, unless he somehow benefited from it. Kindness wasn’t an emotion he was capable of. You had learnt that much on Buffalord Island. 

Honestly, what had the Gods been thinking? Had Loki been the one in charge of assigning your soulmate? It certainly felt like he had been. Just one cruel joke for him to laugh at. You buried your head into your hands. You really hated your life at times.

Months passed before you saw Viggo again. It was long after the Shellfire and the man had been presumed dead, after falling into the Edge’s volcano. You had known better though. Your bond had remained intact and, moments after his supposed demise, you had felt the absolutely worst pain in your life across the left side of your face. Not to mention it had taken a week before you were able to see clearly out of that eye again. 

Honestly, what sort of madman tries to save some stupid relic from bubbling magma before himself? Oh wait, the madman that was sitting across from you, on the other side of the campfire. 

You had managed to intercept the false Terror mail he had intended for Hiccup, long before the small dragon could even reach Dragon’s Edge. After Astrid had revealed to you and the others she’d seen him, you had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to try and talk to him. The Terror mail had been that perfect opportunity. To say that Viggo had looked shocked at your arrival was an understatement. 

You had spoken a little since your arrival. Viggo had told you about Johann and Krogan’s betrayal while you had informed him of how you came to be there instead of Hiccup. Other than that you had sat in silence as you both thought. It seemed all you did recently was think. 

Over the months as you had done your best to sort through your thoughts and feelings, you had desperately tried to figure out how this was going to work. As soulmates you were destined for each other, but at the same time you were both on opposites sides of a war that currently showed no signs of ending. Though, with this current situation, it appeared that fate had conspired once again and maybe, just maybe, it actually would work out.

“Why don’t you throw your lot in with us?” you asked, finally breaking the silence. Viggo quirked an eyebrow at you, so you continued. “Krogan and Johann want you dead. They also want the rest of us dead. It makes perfect sense that you join us. The enemy of my enemy is my friend and all that.” 

“A dragon hunter amongst dragon lovers? I doubt your friends and allies would like that idea,” Viggo replied.

“None of us liked the idea of Dagur joining the team, but he proved he changed.” 

“Excuse me?” 

“I’ve seen the way you’ve been looking at D/n,” you gestured behind you to your dragon who was curled up and keeping watch, “It’s the same look we all had when our views started to change. Something else happened in that mountain, didn’t it?” 

“You’re far more perceptive than I originally thought. Yes, something else happened. When Krogan and Johann left me for dead, a Monstrous Nightmare saved me. I’ve spent my whole life hunting dragons, killing them, and I’ve come to respect them as equals,” Viggo told you.

You were silent for a moment as you let Viggo’s words sink in. First Stoick and the people of Berk had changed. Then Alvin the Treacherous had changed. Then Dagur and now Viggo. 

“All the more reason to join us,” you finally replied. “Not to mention, we could start over.” While your feelings toward him were still a confusing mess (and you had a feeling his must be the same), you wanted to get to know your soulmate.

“I would certainly like that, my dear, but what about your friends? I’m guessing they don’t know we’re soulmates? Or that they do and that’s why you had to intercept my letter to begin with.” 

“The others don’t know, but it’ll be fine. They’ll understand.” They were your friends. You had all known each other for practically your whole lives. They were sure to understand. At least, you hoped they would. “But let’s not worry about them right now. Instead, why don’t we finally start to ge to know each other properly?”  

Chapter Text

A thick fog surrounded the Dragon Hunter ships. Viggo and Ryker were barely able to make out the shapes of the other ships, that surrounded their lead ship. The fog irritated Viggo greatly. It meant that travel would have to be slow, unless he wanted to lose some ships against unseen rocks. And right now loosing numbers was not his goal.

As the Dragon Hunter Chief surveyed his ship, he noticed the men to be nervous. Of course, they were always nervous within his presence, but this... It was different. Like they were aware of something within the fog that he was not. Superstition, he imagined. There was no dragon alive that could navigate fog this thick. They could barely navigate it.

Then he started to hear it for himself. A shrieking sound, echoing all around them. He thought about all of the dragons he knew of, the ones that aren't yet extinct at least. He didn't know any of them capable of making such a noise. A trick of the wind, perhaps?

The men on the ship started muttering to each other. Asking the closet person to them if they saw the same shadow out there in the fog. Viggo looked himself, but all he could see were the shadows casted by his own ships. What was out there?

His question was soon answered by a loud screech. The screech was familiar to Viggo. It had been years since he had last heard it, but that wasn't possible. He had been told the dragon was hunted to extinction...

His thoughts were interrupted as one of his ships was blasted to splinters and a large black shape raced above them and disappeared back into the fog. 

"Viggo! Is that a...?" Ryker's eyes were wide with disbelief as he looked in the direction the dragon had gone.

"A Night Fury?" Viggo interrupted. "Yes, dear brother, I believe it is. Meaning that Grimmel was sorely mistaken when he boasted his victory." Not that it came as a shock to Viggo. Before the man's claims, the Night Fury was already an elusive dragon and while none had been seen since his claim, it was easy to surmise that he had driven them into hiding. Well, all except this one.

As another ship was blasted into pieces and lit up the fog, Ryker began to yell orders, though Viggo doubted it would do much good. This Night Fury was well within its element right now. They were sitting ducks, completely defenceless, and Viggo hated it.

Several more ships were destroyed and Viggo drew his sword. By his count there were only two more ships, not including his own, left. The dragon's attacks were calculated, seemingly saving them for last. He had heard of the intelligence that Night Furies were said to have, but this. It felt like a lot more than just a dragon attacking them.

The last two ships were destroyed in quick succession of each other and everything went silent. No more shrieking or black shapes speeding past. There was nothing. As if the attack had never started to begin with. His men gripped their weapons as they looked around nervously, some of them jumping at the sounds of their own footsteps.

"Is it over?" one of his hunters asked.

"No, far from it. Get ready!" Viggo ordered them. He seriously doubted it would destroy his fleet and then just leave. No, it was toying with them. It had to be.

Time seemed to stand still and the tension that now hung in the air was thicker than the fog that surrounded them. Viggo gripped his sword tightly. 'Come on, where are you?' he thought.

Something slammed into the side of the ship, rocking it aggressively. Some of the hunters, including Viggo and his brother, stumbled, whilst others fell overboard, their weapons clattering on the wooden deck.

Before they had a chance to recover, the dragon, a mass of black scales and amber eyes, climbed over the side and onto the deck. A hunter aimed his crossbow, but the Night Fury grabbed him with its mouth, shook him violently from side to side and tossed him overboard. His screams were cut off when he hit the water with a splash.

The Night Fury was as fast on the ground as it was in the air. Its tail sent two of his men flying overboard and a plasma blast sent the centre mast falling, destroying some catapults and sending more of his men overboard as they jumped out of the way.

Ryker charged forward, unleashing a battle cry. The Night Fury met him with a roar that vibrated their very bones. Viggo was about to charge forward himself, in hopes that together he and Ryker could bring this dragon down, when he felt something sharp and cold against the back of his neck.

"Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you," you said. Your tone was cold and emotionless.

Viggo stopped in his tracks. Very much aware of how easy his life could be taken right now. He watched as the dragon knocked his brother down and proceed to pin him to the deck. The Night Fury looked at him, intelligence burning brightly in its eyes as it looked to the symbol on his belt and then into his own eyes, baring its teeth.

"Drop the sword and kick it away," you commanded. Knowing that he didn't have much choice in this, if he wanted to get out alive, he did as you ordered. Gods above he hated it when people gave him orders.

"Who are you?" he asked. It was the next logical step to take in this situation. At least until he could figure out how to take the upper hand once more, if that was indeed a possibility to begin with.

"Someone who has more than enough reason to put an end to someone like you," you replied.

"But?"

"Unlike you, I believe in second chances."

"Which means you have a proposition for me." It's not what he was expecting, but he would play along with you for the time being if it meant he would get away with his life.

"Exactly. Give up the dragon hunting, dismantle your empire and go home or me and my friend here will make sure you live to regret it."

"You do understand that won't be possible, yes?" It had taken several generations for the family business to get to this point and no sane person would just give it up because some dragon lover decided to destroy their fleet and threaten him.

"Then, should you choose to continue down this path, you will suffer the consequences."

Before he could reply, he was knocked down onto the deck. As he recovered, he watched as you leapt onto the back of your Night Fury and it leapt up into the air and disappeared into the fog.

"You think she'll stay true to her threat?" Ryker asked him later, once they had recovered from the attack, men had been pulled from the water, and they were back on course for the island. Albeit it would be at a much slower pace considering that they had lost their main sail. Which put them significantly behind schedule.

"Yes, I expect she will and we'll be ready for her and that Night Fury of hers," he replied. 

If you wanted to start a war with Viggo, then you better believe he was going to give you one.

Chapter Text

You and your dragon, a pink Deadly Nadder named Camellia, shot through the air like a bolt fired from a crossbow as the horn, that signalled the release of the black sheep, sounded. You lowered yourself as much as possible against her back to make the two of you more streamlined. She let out a determined squawk as you shot past the other riders.

As the black sheep was launched into the air, you pulled back on the saddle, Camellia stretched out her legs and her talons curled around the sheep. She then took a very sharp left turn, sailed over the top of the riders that had been behind you and began to speed toward the arena. As you raced across the village, out of the corner of your eye, you saw a flash of blue and gold. Looking behind, you saw Stormfly and Astrid.

'Oh no, not today Astrid!' you thought. During some of the smaller races that had taken place a few days before today's big one, you had managed to get a hold of the black sheep only for her and her Nadder to swoop in out of nowhere, steal it and win the race. Well you certainly weren't going to let that happen this time. No, you were going to win this race and there was nothing Astrid Hofferson was going to be able to do to stop you.

Normally you wouldn't care about winning. Ever since you and the other riders had invented the sport of dragon racing, it had only ever been about the fun of it for you. So what exactly had changed that for you? Well, there was someone in the crowd today that you were hoping to impress and the only way you could do that was by winning. After all, when Hiccup and Toothless weren't around, Astrid was the current reigning champion of dragon racing. Taking that title was certain to impress him. Not to mention it would finally get him to notice that you were alive.

Camellia weaved in and out of the closely packed buildings that made up Berk as fast as possible, but Stormfly was quickly gaining on you two. Your hope of wining this race and finally impressing him was quickly disappearing. It was going to take a miracle from the Gods themselves to get them off of your tail.

Then, as if the God Loki himself had heard your prayer, there was the loud sound of a Zippleback explosion followed by someone yelling "fire!" You watched gleefully as Stormfly and Astrid veered off to go and activate the top of the line fire prevention system.

'Thank you Ruff and Tuff,' you thought as the arena finally came into sight. It was times like this you were grateful for the twins and their chaotic nature. Intentional or not, you would have to find a way to thank them for their help in today's victory.

The packed stands surrounding the arena erupted into cheers as Camellia twirled through the air and dropped the black sheep straight into your basket. Seconds later Stoick's hearty voice ran out over the crowd, and announced you as this month's Dragon Racing Champion! You couldn't believe it! You had actually done it! You made a lap around the arena, pumping your fist into the air and enjoyed the sounds of the crowd.

As you made your lap around the arena, your eyes met with the eyes of the man you had been hoping to impress. One brown, the other cloudy blue with blindness. Viggo Grimborn.

The now ex Dragon Hunting Chief had once been one of Berk's most fearsome and deadliest enemies, but since Hiccup had managed to change his mind, and then later saved the man's life, he now lived on Berk and served as an advisor to the future chief. A lot of people hadn't been happy about that and for good reason, but much like Hiccup did, you believed in second chances. After all both Alvin and Dagur had received them, so why not Viggo? Of course, after he had helped you and the other riders finally put a stop to Krogan and Johann's schemes a lot more people had been more accepting of him. Even Stoick no longer looked like he might choke him over all he had done.

Viggo had his arms clasped behind his back, hidden by his black fur cloak, and he appeared to be quite pleased about your win. He wasn't alone in that. You had never heard the crowd so loud before.

You held the man's gaze for far longer than you likely should have, but you couldn't help it. He was finally paying attention to you! And along with the adrenaline that was pumping through you, any embarrassment you might have felt had disappeared into the ether.

Finally your gaze was torn away from him as Stoick announced the feast that would take place after nightfall and for now all should enjoy the other festivities that were happening around the village. There was nothing more than Berkians enjoyed than a good feast.

With a squawk, Camellia flew around the arena once last time and the two of you headed for the stables. She needed some water and some rest after all of her hard work and you needed a moment to figure out what to say to Viggo, should he approach you in the Great Hall.

"You did so well today!" you praised Camellia as you brought her victory meal to her. She squawked happily, immediately chowing down on the chicken after you had set the bucket down.

"Nice flying!" Astrid said as she approached you, Stormfly following behind her.

"Not so bad yourself," you replied. "Though I never would have won if not for the twins antics."

Astrid nodded thoughtfully. "Yeaah, they were a big help. Otherwise me and Stormfly would have totally had that in the bag." She reached up to pet Camellia, while Stormfly came over to you to see if you had any chicken for her. Which you did.

You both looked at each other for a moment before bursting out laughing. As competitive as you both were, you and Astrid were best friends. You had been ever since you both were little and during things, like the war against the Dragon Hunters, your bond had only grown stronger.

"I saw Viggo looking at you! You must be excited about that. You've been trying to get his attention ever since the war ended."

As your best friend, Astrid was, of course, privileged to information that no one else was. Well, other than Camellia. She had known about your crush on the man for a while now and, despite her own reservations about him, she was genuinely happy for you. You laughed nervously.

"Excited. Petrified. I think they're pretty much the same thing, honestly."

She laughed softly. "You're scared of Viggo?"

"Not scared of him. More like, I have no idea what I would even say to him and I'm scared I'll make a completely fool of myself and he won't ever talk to me again," you said, making gestures of your arms as you spoke.

Astrid took hold of your arms to stop them from moving and to get you to look at her.

"You'll be fine. You won't make a fool of yourself. It's only Viggo, which does feel really weird to say considering all that he put us through, but he is a changed man. I can't deny that. And if he can't see how amazing you are, then he wasn't worth it to begin with, Y/N."

"Easy for you to say, you're betrothed to Hiccup. Outside of Viggo, my only other options are Snotlout, Fishlegs and Tuffnut."

"Then you had better not screw it up!"

"Thank you, that's very helpful."

You both laughed again. She was right. He was no longer scary Dragon Hunting Chief Viggo Grimborn. He really was just Viggo. But that didn't stop your heart from racing and your palms turning sweaty every time you thought about the potential conversation you were sure you were going to have.

You and Astrid exited the stables to a village filled with people. They weren't all Berkians. There were Outcasts, Berserkers and even some Defenders of the Wing walking around and seeing what different stalls had to offer.

It wasn't every month, after a race, that Berk was filled with people like this. No, this month was very special. It had been a year since Krogan and Johann's defeat and peace had once again been brought to the Barbaric Archipelago. It was a great sight to see everyone brought together for a celebration instead of preparing for another fight.

You walked through the crowd, checking out the various stalls. They were filled with all sorts of different treats, weapons and other such things. While other stalls were holding different competitions. Axe fighting display, hammer throwing contest, how many gulls eggs can you eat in one minute. The list went on and on and on. Many people approached you to congratulate you on your win, which felt really good and had you smiling big.

At one point you lost sight of Astrid. As you looked for her, you stopped in your tracks as your eyes fell on someone else. Standing in the shade, leaning against the wall of Gobber's shop was Viggo. He was watching you. You gave him a smile and raised your hand in greeting, which he returned.

Currently feeling none of the insecurities you had felt earlier, you went to walk over to him to talk to him. In that same moment, a hand closed around your bicep, forcing you to turn away. It was Hiccup.

"There she is! The woman of the day!" he said as he pulled you into a hug, which you returned. "Congratulations on your big win!" he continued once you had ended the hug. "I honestly didn't think that anyone was ever going to end Astrid's big streak," he laughed.

"I got lucky," you told him with a shrug.

"Yeah, something about the twins blowing something up? But, still, a win's a win! Especially on today of all days! Everyone across the Archipelago is going to be talking about it!"

That was true. You had been so caught up in getting Viggo to notice you that you hadn't thought of about that. Well, it was too late now. You were just going to have to embrace what ever came with it. If anything came of it. Hiccup was still talking, something about celebrating with the other riders, when you looked back over your shoulder. You frowned. Viggo was now gone. You hoped that you would cross paths in the Great Hall later, as you followed Hiccup to meet up with the others.

By nightfall the Great Hall was filled with more Vikings than you ever could possibly fit. It was loud and the atmosphere cheerful. You were sat with the other riders, at the usual table, and you swore most of the noise was coming from Snotlout and the twins. Plenty of people were still coming up to you to congratulate you on your win and, honestly, all of the attention was starting to overwhelm you.

As the conversation shifted and focused on Snotlout and Fishlegs' competition to capture Ruffnut's affections, you looked around the hall, hoping to spot the man you were desperate to talk to. It didn't take you long to spot him. He was sitting further back in the hall, at the end of table tucked away in a darker corner. You tapped Astrid on the shoulder, to get her attention, and leaned in to whisper in her ear.

"I'm going to go talk to Viggo," you told her.

"Good luck!" she replied.

You got up from the table, grabbing your tankard of ale, and began to make your way through the crowded hall. You didn't really like the taste of the drink, but as of right now you decided you needed some extra courage.

Viggo raised an eyebrow as you took a seat at his table, on the opposite side of him.

"I hope you don't mind?" you said, suddenly feeling like maybe you should have asked first.

"Of course not, my dear. I'm just... surprised. I thought you would celebrating your win with your friends," he replied, his brow furrowed.

"We've been doing so all day and, honestly, I need a break from everyone and their mothers coming up to congratulate me."

Your comment had Viggo chuckling. In that moment you learned you loved that sound and you would like to hear way more often.

"You can't blame them, your win was quite impressive. A lot of people thought that Astrid would take the win once again, but you proved them all wrong."

The way he spoke had you raising an eyebrow at him. Like he wasn't including himself with them.

"You knew I would win?" you asked.

"I expected it would happen soon. You and your dragon have been training tirelessly these last few months. Your hard work was bound to pay off eventually."

"You saw us training?"

"Indeed I did."

It certainly came as a shock to you. The only time that you and Cameilla had trained was during the "blue hour". Right before the sun even peaked over the horizon, bringing forth the day. It was the only time the village was basically empty and you could clearly see where you were going, as nighttime would have been too dark. Other than Gobber, on occasion, you had never seen anyone else. Especially not Viggo... But if he was aware of your training that meant that he had been paying attention to you. Only you had no idea. It was also why he had looked so pleased by your win. This whole week he had been waiting for it.

Odin's beard, you needed a drink. Which you instantly regretted as soon as the ale entered your mouth. Your dislike of the drink amused him as he chuckled again.

"Not a fan, I take it?"

You shook your head. "I keep thinking that maybe with time it'll grow on me and I'll like it eventually, but no luck so far."

He hummed and pushed his goblet across the table toward you. "Try this. Perhaps it'll be more to your liking?"

Setting the tankard aside, you cautiously picked up the goblet and eyed the red liquid. Wine.

"I assure you, it's not poisoned."

You raised an eyebrow at him, a smile playing on your lips. "Sounds exactly like what someone who's poisoned it would say."

He sighed. "If you're not going to try it, I would like to have it back."

"No! No, I'll give it a go."

You raised the goblet to your lips and took a sip. It was tart, but still leagues better than the ale. Suddenly you were a little mad that Berk rarely, if ever, stocked any wine. Though, with Viggo around, that was clearly changing.

"And?"

"Way better than the ale." As you pushed the goblet back over to him, he grabbed the jug that was sat on the table, along with one of the spare tankards, and poured you some. "Thank you."

From there the conversation between you and Viggo flowed freely. A multitude of topics came up. You even managed to get him to laugh at a couple of rather bad Maces and Talons jokes you had stolen from the twins. You quickly lost track of time, not even noticing as the Great Hall grew quieter as more people started to leave to turn in for the night or continue celebrations elsewhere. At one point you caught sight of Astrid and the others, as they were leaving the hall, with a big smile she was giving you a thumbs up.

Viggo looked over his shoulder and saw her. "Apologies, I seem to have kept you from the other riders," he said, turning back to you.

"You didn't keep me from them. I wanted to talk to you," you replied with a soft smile.

He was silent for a moment, looking at you in a way that had butterflies fluttering inside of your stomach.

"Still, it is getting quite late. Perhaps I could walk you back home?" he offered.

"Yeah, I'd like that."

As you got up from your seats, Viggo offered you his arm. You hesitated, but only for a moment, before accepting and linking your arm with his. When you stepped out of the Great Hall, and into the night, you were suddenly grateful for the close proximity you were sharing with Viggo. It was commonplace that, no matter the weather or season, Berk's nights were always cold. And tonight was one of the colder ones. But heat radiated off of Viggo, keeping you much warmer than you would have been had you not been so close to each other.

As you walked through the village, there were still a few people milling about that looked like they wished to approach you. Likely to congratulate you on your win, but when they saw Viggo by your side, they decided not to. Apparently, to some, he was still rather scary. Which probably pleased him a lot.

It didn't take long to reach your home. Camellia was already there and ready to greet you both. She pressed her head into your hands, after you had released yourself from Viggo's grip. When she was done saying hello to you, she stepped toward him, nostrils flaring as she began to sniff him. He chuckled as he raised a hand to stroke her.

"Hello," he said, a small smile on his face. She pressed her snout more firmly into his hand, nostrils still flaring, as she eyed him with her bright yellow eyes. She liked him. That much was clear to you.

When she was done, she moved away and back toward the stall your parents had had built next to the house.

"Thank you for walking me home."

"The pleasure was mine." He took a step closer to you and took your hand into his. You felt your heart hammering against your ribcage, threatening to burst out of it. He brought your hand up to his lips and pressed a kiss to the back of it. "Goodnight, my dear."

"Good– goodnight... Viggo."

You watched as he sauntered off. Your brain felt much like a Skrill had struck with lightning and fried it. Not only could you not believe that had just happened, but you found yourself hoping that, maybe just maybe, that kiss could be the start of something.

Chapter Text

Anger flared through you as you paced the length of the great hall. Nimbus, your Night Fury, was sitting on the sidelines. His big blue eyes watching your every move as his tail moved side to side, like an annoyed cat. It wasn’t directed at you though, he was simply reacting to your current mood.

It wasn’t enough that Viggo Grimborn had put a bounty on your twin brother’s head. Oh no! The man had to go on step further by starving Berk with a Tidal class dragon and then try and drown Hiccup, while he tried to save it!

Since being brought back from the Straits of Baldur, he was in Gothi’s hut. He was under strict watch for any of the dreaded after effects that came with nearly drowning. It was a waiting game and he wouldn’t be able to leave until she gave the all clear. While the other riders were busying themselves with helping your father around Berk, you were here, scheming.

You had never known your mother and your father rarely spoke of her. All that you knew came from the other Berkians or Gobber. But your father? Stoick? You knew his past. You knew how he had almost been titled Stoick the Vindictive for the fire he carried in her veins. The very same fire that flowed through your own and, right now, it felt uncontrollable. Not even Hiccup, forever the voice of reason, would be enough to reach and stop you now.

So far, at Hiccup’s request, you had stayed out of the war with the Dragon Hunters. Your focus was on Berk and the training you would need if you took over the role of Chief. Your twin was clever. If anyone could beat Viggo at his own game, it was him. Now though? Now you would get involved, like you should have at the start. As a child you had excelled at Maces and Talons. You enjoyed strategy immensely, even more than you enjoyed sword fighting and dragon riding.

Two could easily play at this game and you were eager to give Viggo a taste of his own medicine.

You smiled as a plan formulated in your mind, envisioning the game board and where you needed to move your pieces, so to speak. You would need help to pull it off. Not from the Dragon Riders or even your own father. You doubted that they would go for anyway and, even if they did, you got the feeling that there was a high possibility of failure if they were involved. No, the less people who knew the better. And you knew the perfect two Vikings to help you out.

“Nimbus, come on,” you called to your dragon as you left the great hall. Just as you mounted him, Gobber came up the stairs.

“And where are you off to?” he asked.

“To get some help,” you replied. Before Gobber could ask what you meant, Nimbus leapt up into the air and sped away, leaving Berk behind.

The flight towards Berserker Island was already a short one, but it was made even shorter thanks to Night Fury speed. Not long after the island came into view, you could see two dragons coming up to meet you.

“Sister!” Dagur greeted you with a big smile. “What brings you out here?”

“Viggo almost killed Hiccup,” you told them.

Anger etched on their faces at the news. Heather’s grip grew tighter on the handles of Windshear’s saddle, making her knuckles turn white, while Dagur looked like he was going to go flying straight to Dragon Hunter Island right now and kill the man with his bare hands. An idea you weren’t entirely against. “I have a plan to put a stop to him and his operation, once and for all, but I need help.”

“Count us in!” Heather replied.

Once your dragons were at home in the stables, they walked you to their great hall to discuss your plan. In truth, it was hilariously simple, but it was for that reason you believed that it would work in luring the Dragon Hunter Chief out of hiding. Similar to what he had done, you were going to place a bounty on Viggo’s head. Granted, this would be a move he might expect, but the price you wanted to set would be so low and insulting that you were hoping it would rile him. After all, he had almost killed one of the heirs of Berk. He should be worth way more, but you weren’t about to give him such an ego boost. You wanted to shatter it instead.

Both Berserkers loved the idea and all three of you immediately got started on drawing the posters up. There didn’t need to be very many, you just had to make sure they ended up in the hands on the hunters and made their way to Viggo.

Since Berserker Island would be too obvious, you had chosen an island settled between Dragon Hunter Island and the Edge. It was remote and out of the way and big enough that, after travelling in land, they would struggle to get back to their ships.

You lied in wait with Nimbus, Dagur, Heather and their dragons. All of you were high up on a ledge of the mountain that sat in the centre of the island. Below was a vast clearing, not a tree or shrub in sight. It would be impossible for Viggo to set up any trap of his own without you seeing it. And while you didn’t mind the waiting game, Dagur was starting to become restless, which was rubbing off on Shattermaster.

“Could you sit still?” you hissed. “Or do you want to alert Viggo about the ambush that’s waiting for him?”

“Sorry!” he replied. “I’m just so excited! After month we’re finally going to crush him!”

You rolled your eyes. “Not crush. At least not to the point of killing him. He still needs to answer for his crimes and, besides, my father will probably kill you if you kill Viggo before he gets the chance to.”

“True, true. We don’t want to cross Stoick. Oh no we don’t!” By now, Dagur had turned his attention to Shattermaster, grumbled in agreement.

“Shhh!” Heather hissed and pointed towards the clearing.

It was Vigo! He was accompanied by his brother, Ryker, but you had been expecting that the two would show up together. There were no other hunters with them, however. Once they were far enough away from the treeline, so they couldn’t run for cover, you turned to your accomplices.

“You guys remember your roles?” you asked.

Both of them nodded and the three of you jumped into action. Nimbus leapt into the air and quickly gained height before levelling out high above the island. The night sky hiding the two of you from being spotted as he glided. From up there, you watched as Dagur and Heather rushed the brothers, the Berserker battle cry loud and terrifying. Even from the height, you could hear the rise in panic in both men’s voices. As discussed, they separated the two brothers from each other. Dagur taking on Ryker while Heather faced off against Viggo. You patted Nimbus’ side.

“Let’s finish this, shall we?”

Nimbus purred at the suggestion before entering a steep dive, dropping like a stone. The air rushed past you, the wind roaring in your ears. Viggo didn’t see you until the last moment, where it was far too late for him to do anything and he was grabbed by Nimbus. He called for Ryker’s help, as his own sword fell to the ground,  but it was too late as you were already climbing high into the sky again and leaving the island behind.

“Unhand me, rider!” he ordered.

Nimbus glanced back at you, mischief in his eyes. You shrugged. “I mean, if he really wants us to.” Without hesitation, he released his grip on Viggo and sent the man plummeting with a yell.

You waited for a moment, letting him feel the full force of terror of falling through the sky, right toward his death, before you directed Nimbus back into a dive. Nimbus caught him long before he would actually hit the ocean and gained altitude once more. Viggo was panting hard and, when you peered over the side of your dragon, he sneered at you. He was far from pleased and you were enjoying this far more than you probably should’ve been.

“You did ask for us to unhand you,” you replied.

“Don’t play stupid! You know exactly what I meant!”

You looked around until your eyes fell on two sea stacks jutting out of the ocean. It was the only ground for miles and you did need to wait for Dagur and Heather to catch up. None of this would have worked out had it not been for them. You dropped Viggo onto one and landed on the other, dismounting Nimbus and walking over to face the would be murderer of your twin. He had regained his composure faster than you would’ve liked, his arms neatly folded behind his back; a desperate attempt to try and take back control over the situation, despite the fact that you could easily order Nimbus to blast him apart.

Now that he was standing before you, you could see just how attractive he really was. That thought made you feel sick. You shouldn’t be finding this would be killer attractive.

“I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure,” he said. A fire danced inside of his eyes, but amongst the flames was something else. An emotion you weren’t able to name as it disappeared almost as quickly as it had appeared.

“Oh, I assure you, this is no pleasure. We’re only staying here till my allies catch up.”

He hummed and nodded. “The Berserkers. I do wonder what Hiccup will think about one of his Dragon Riders going rouge. Especially one that rides what is clearly the only other Night Fury in existence.”

“I’m not one of his riders. I do as I please and it will please me greatly to see you rot in Berserker prison.” Upon seeing two silhouettes in the sky approaching the sea stacks, you turned your back to him and walked back over to your dragon. His eyes were trained on Viggo, muscles taut and he was crouched, looking like he was ready to pounce the man and tear him apart. It wasn’t an idea you were against, but Hiccup wouldn’t be happy. Hel, he wasn’t going to be happy about any of this, but you could quell some of the coming storm by keeping the man alive. Unless, of course, he gave you a very good reason not to keep him alive. A part of you was hoping he would give you that reason.

“Ah, of course. You must be the twin. Does Hiccup not trust you enough to join his fight that you must go behind his back? I can’t empathise with your situation, so I can only try to imagine how painful it must be for you. To spend your life joined at the hip with your twin only for him to drop you as soon as he finds something better.”

He was trying to get under your skin. It wasn’t a smart move, considering Nimbus was here beside you, but this was Viggo. He was already scheming his way out of this situation or, at the very least, trying to. You mounted Nimbus again and shrugged for the second time.

“I left Berk first.”

You didn’t give him a chance to reply as Nimbus leapt into the air and grabbed him again. It didn’t take long for Dagur and Heather to catch up and tell you how Ryker had turned tail and ran after you had grabbed his brother. Dagur cackled toward the end of story, directing Shattermaster downwards to fly in level with where Viggo was hanging.

“Oh, how I’ve waited for this day! I can’t wait to watch you rot in Berserker prison!” He laughed uncontrollably. “The very thought makes me tingle!”

The flight back towards Berserker Island was a long one. One made even longer by Viggo. If his new plan was to talk all three of you to death it was starting to work. Slowly, but surely the temptation to drop him and not catch him was working its way through you. You closed your eyes and took a deep breath and told yourself that the only way you were dropping him if it was directly into an active volcano.

Your dragons broke through the thick fog bank and the Barbaric Archipelago filled your view. Night had long since faded, giving way to light pink skies and clouds. Ahead you saw a large dragon headed straight for you. You recognised the dragon, and therefore his rider, immediately. It was your father and Skullcrusher. For this plan to work, you had been gone for Berk for a while now and no doubt people were starting to grow concerned about your absence.

“Your dragon seems to have Viggo Grimborn stuck to his claws,” he said as soon as they drew close enough. You looked at him in fake surprise before looking over the side of your dragon, pretending to confirm what he had just told you.

“Apparently so,” you replied, looking back up at your father.

“What was your plan now that you have him?”

“Throw him behind bars on Berserker Island and forget he ever existed.”

Your father nodded. “A sound plan, but first he will face trial and answer for what he has done on Berk.”

“Of course.” You knew there was no arguing with your father on this matter. As did Dagur as he stayed uncharacteristically quiet. The exhaustion that the three of you and your dragons were facing likely played into that as well. Nimbus’ head was drooping and his wing beats were slowing. Shattermaster and Windshear weren’t faring much better. Despite their tiredness though, none of the dragons had yet complained or insisted on landing. Like the rest of you, they knew how important this mission was.

For the health of your dragons, you decided to split with them there, assuring you would send a terror mail a couple of days ahead of whenever Stoick decided the trial should take place. After that you followed your father back to Berk.

The sight of Berk was extremely welcomed. As you descend, Nimbus dropped Viggo before Gobber and Spitelout, who eagerly grabbed the man and started to drag him toward Berk’s cells, before landing. As they did, he glanced back you, his eyes meeting your own for a brief moment. That emotion you had seen earlier was back, but, once again, before you could decipher it Spitelout knocked his head and forced him to look away.

Shaking your head, you dismounted Nimbus and pet his head.

“I’m sorry,” you murmured. “That took way longer than I thought it would, but for everything you’ve done I’m going to make sure you get all the extra fish you want, yeah?”

Nimbus purred and bumped your chest with his head, letting you know all was forgiven, before walking over to the water trough that one of the other Berkians had just finished filling. It was a good reminder that you need a drink yourself. As well as a good meal.

Hiccup still wasn’t up and about, but that was to be expected considering what he had gone through. Once you had eaten, you would take the long walk up to Gothi’s hut to check on him and, hopefully, inform in of your capture of Viggo Grimborn.

Not long after stepping inside of your home, your father brought you some of last night’s leftovers that had been kept warm on the hearth and demanded to know exactly how you had managed to grab Viggo. He hung onto every word you said, nodding and occasionally humming to what you told him. When you were done speaking, outside of cutlery and your eating, a silence fell over the house.

“You did well. I’m proud of you, but next time you have a plan to go after a mad man like that, tell me. Anything could have gone wrong and you had no back up! I almost lost your brother less than two weeks ago. Odin knows what I would do if I would have lost you.”

The worry you had caused your father made you feel guilty, but at the same time you didn’t regret your actions. If you had to, you knew that you would do it all over again.

“I understand and I’m sorry I didn’t say anything, but I’m almost positive that the success I had was because only myself, Dagur and Heather knew. Viggo likely only showed up because he expected a small crew, instead of three vikings with another Night Fury.”

Stoick nodded again. “Perhaps, but having Nimbus doesn’t make you unkillable.”

“I know he doesn’t. I never said he did and I know we got lucky, but we’re at war and you know as well as anyone that risks have to be taken. I made a calculated decision and it got us Viggo. I’m not sorry about that.”

He sighed. “Alright. I should go help the others get the defences set up. No doubt his brother will retaliate.”

“And I’m going to go check on Hiccup.”

He told you to take Skullcrusher and leave Nimbus to sleep, which you agreed with. Your dragon had done a lot in the last few hours and he deserved to rest. You also doubted that you could even rouse the slumbering Night Fury from where he was curled in front of the hearth. You needed rest as well, but not before you checked on your twin.

Hiccup was awake when you reached Gothi’s hut, sitting up in bed and looking rather disgruntled. News travelled fast on Berk. Even all the way up here.

“Who told you?” you asked. You closed the door to the hut behind you and settled at the foot of the bed.

“Astrid. She saw you and dad flying in with Viggo dangling from Nimbus’ claws. How’d you do it?”

Like with your father, you walked him through the plan you had come up with to capture Viggo. The ease of the Dragon Hunter’s capture surprised him a lot.

“That’s all it took? A low bounty? Well we could have done that!” he exclaimed.

You laughed. “I’ll be honest, I don’t think it would have worked if he was thinking clearly, but it seems that your war with him has left him blinded by his own rage.”

“Where is he now?”

“In Berk’s cells waiting for dad to set a date for the trial that will ultimately land him in Berserker prison. They’re currently setting up defences on the chance that Ryker decides to attack.”

“We’ll be ready for him. Especially with your out of the box strategies,” Hiccup smiled.

You moved forward and gave him a hug. “I’m glad that you’re okay.”

“Right back at you. Just no more scheming without me? You’re my only sister and I’d hate for something to happen because me and Toothless weren’t there to back you up.”

“No promises, but I’ll try.”

You yawned and he chuckled. “You should go get some sleep.”

“I will,” you replied as you stood up from the bed and made your way toward the door to the hut.

Despite how exhausted you were, by the time you reached your bed, you found that you couldn’t sleep. Your mind kept drifting back to the short conversation you’d had with Viggo before the long flight back to Berk. Your brain couldn’t stop analysing the conversation you had shared. Looking over every last detail you could remember.

For a man that had been grabbed by a Night Fury and briefly dropped toward what would have been his death, he had remained remarkably calm over the whole ordeal. Only yelling once. Amongst the calm had been a fire in his eyes, reminding you of the calm that happened right before a bad storm. And within that fire had been something else. Something that made your stomach twist in a way that you weren’t used to. It left you feeling… odd. You didn’t like it one bit. It could be apart of his own plan to try and claw his way beneath your skin. Try and manipulate you by giving rise to feelings you didn’t recognise and unsettle you that way.

You had really upset him. You must have for a man as unfeeling as him to attempt something like that. That realisation had you feeling rather proud of yourself. Without even trying to you had got beneath his skin instead.

That realisation did nothing to improve your chances of actually getting to sleep. You couldn’t stop thinking about that look in his eyes. And it certainly didn’t help matters that you were finding him rather attractive. A thought that still made you feel sick to your stomach.

You sat up and ran a hand through your hair. You should not be finding Viggo Grimborn attractive!

Since you couldn’t sleep and he was plaguing your thoughts, you redid your hair up into a braid and grabbed your cloak. You had decided that you would face the man who wasn’t allowing you to sleep and force some answers from him.

You kept your steps light as you slipped out of the house and made your way through Berk and toward where the cells were.

Standing outside of the cells was Spitelout. There was no avoiding him if you wanted inside, so you approached the cells, head held high. He raised an eyebrow at you, but ultimately didn’t stand in your way as he stepped aside, allowing you inside.

“If you’re going to kill him, girlie, don’t make too much of a mess. We both know Stoick will have me cleaning it up since I’m the one on watch,” he called after you.

Viggo was being kept in the cell at the very end. He was sat on a stool, hands resting on his knees and that fire continued to dance in his warm brown eyes as he looked up at you. He raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t been expecting you, of all people, to show up.

“I was expecting Stoick or perhaps Hiccup. I certainly never expected to see you again, my dear. Come to gloat your victory perhaps? Though I suspect that’s not your style, is it? No, you’re here because you have questions that only I can answer,” he said. “Please, ask away. It’s not as if I have anything better to do whilst I wait for my brother.”

You scoffed. “And what makes you so sure that he’s coming? With you out the way he can easily take over your hunters and run things the way he wants to. After all, I can’t imagine how painful it must be to have his birthright stolen from him by his younger brother of all people.”

Anger flashed briefly on his face, scowling at you as he gritted his teeth. Like always, he quickly reclaimed his composure.

“As simple minded as my brother is even he knows that would be a disastrous move. He doesn’t have what it takes to run the business. Even without you dragon riders, he’d be out of business within the month without me. But, you didn’t come here to discuss my brother. There’s something else on your mind; I can tell.”

His voice dropped a couple of octaves, sending goosebumps across your body. You wanted to take a step back from his cell and put some distance between the two of you, but you stopped yourself. Doing so would reveal to him that he was finally succeeding in bothering you and you weren’t about to give him that satisfaction so you stayed rooted to your spot.

“Why stay? I’m sure there’s plenty of dragons to the north.”

“And have you riders follow me? I think not. Wiping the lot of you out would work better in the long run.”

“You’re not doing a very good job at that though, are you?”

You loved how easy it was to wind him up. You were sure if it wasn’t for the metal bars between you, he would likely attempt to strangle you for it.

Before anything else could be said, a rhythmic knocking caught your attention, shortly followed by muffled voices. It had to be Spitelout, alerting you that someone was coming to the cells. Which was more than likely to be your father.

You didn’t spare Viggo another look before turning on your heels and walking away. That didn’t stop him for calling after you.

“I’ve no doubt of your intellect nor your combat prowess, my dear. After all it’s not just anyone who could capture me, but I assure you you are going to come to regret it greatly!”

As you returned to your family's home, you replayed Viggo's words in your head over and over again, wondering and scared that your fiendishly clever plan might had just put everyone you know and love in extreme danger.

Chapter Text

"Viggo!"

The distress in your voice was almost enough to get the former Dragon Hunter Chief to turn back. Almost.

"Viggo! Viggo, please!"

He wanted to turn back. By Odin, did he want to turn back and pull you into his embrace to comfort you, but if he did that all of you would surely die.

"You don't have to do this!"

Oh, but he did. He was already bound for Valhalla. The agony that flared from his back with each step he took, where four arrows had made their mark, told him he wasn't long for this world, even if he did escape with you and Hiccup.

As soon as the arrows had hit him, he had come to a realisation. He was always supposed to die.

He wasn't the chief of the Marauders or even the honourable Viking Chief, like he had once believed himself to be. He hadn't been ever since he fell into that volcano and lost half his sight trying to save the very thing that had started all of this. No.

Viggo Grimborn was the accomplice. The imposter. The traitor. The piece that had to be sacrificed so that the game could be won, and by the siblings that he had considered his arch nemeses for the longest of times. The irony of the situation wasn't lost on him.

Though, he hadn't considered you as such for a while now. That night he had shared with you on Dragon's Edge often coming to the forefront of his mind in recent weeks. There was so much to say with so little time to say it to you, so he had settled for kissing you, hoping that you could feel and understand everything that he wasn't able to tell you. He felt every ounce of love you did your best to convey to him through that one kiss so he hoped it was the same for you.

It cleaved his heart in two to watch as you realised what was about to happen as he ordered Hiccup to get you out of there; you never would have left his side willingly. It was his last act of cruelty, he supposed. At least you would be alive. He only hoped that you didn't grow to hate Hiccup. It was imperative the two of you stood together to stop Krogan and Johann.

"You too, dragon. Get out of here!" he barked at the Skrill.

The Skrill locked eyes with him and bared it's teeth, electricity dancing across its scales. It refused to leave his side. He had never expected to earn a dragon's loyalty in his final moments, but here they were. It was a day filled with firsts, it seemed... And lasts.

"Suit yourself," he said with a shrug, before he turned around and walked out into the hallway, ready to face the men he had once led.

Perhaps, if the Gods were kind and long after you had lived a good life, he would see you again in the halls of Valhalla.

With a smile on his lips, Viggo charged at the hunters with a battle cry. Behind him, he heard the Skrill roar and electricity crackled, making his hairs stand on end. The last thing he felt as he lost his vision to complete darkness was the searing burn of the dragon's lightning.

<<<<<>>>>>

You stayed silent the entire flight back to Dragon's Edge. Tears continuously streamed down your face as you kept thinking back to what Viggo had told you right before he kissed you then ordered Hiccup to get both of you out of there.

"So much to tell you, but no time to say it. My dear, you are the best thing to have ever happened to me."

You hadn't been able to say anything back before his lips crashed against your own. You did your best to convey your own feelings in that kiss, hoping to the Gods that Viggo knew how you felt. You had certainly felt the love he had for you in that one kiss. And in the way that he ordered Hiccup to make sure you got out of there alive. He wouldn't escape so he had to make sure that you would.

Nimbus felt your grief. He flew slowly, trailing behind the others, glancing back at you every once in a while and cooed softly. The Night Fury had never liked the dragon hunter, but he hated to see you so upset even more. If he could have changed the outcomes of things, he would have. If only to make sure that you were still smiling and laughing. You ran your fingers over the rough scales on his head. An attempt to keep yourself grounded.

Hiccup glanced back at you throughout the flight. Likely making sure you hadn't attempted to go back for Viggo. You didn't hate him for what had transpired. After all, he wasn't the person who had decided to sacrifice themselves for your escape. Hel, you didn't even hate Viggo for it. The only people you truly hated was, of course, Krogan and Johann. It was their fault and their fault alone as to why Viggo was gone.

The sadness that had been washing through you was slowly turning into a bitter anger. The fire that you had inherited from your father had been sparked and was now growing the more you thought about everything that you had gone through within the last day. Events that had left your heart feeling very heavy in your chest.

When it came down to the final battle, you would have you revenge. There was no doubt about it. It might not work for Hiccup, but for you it was going to go down a treat.

It didn't take long for Dragon's Edge to finally come into view. Deciding that you didn't want to deal with the other riders right now, you urged Nimbus onwards, further into the island. He listened, shooting past Hiccup and the twins and flying towards one of the more heavily forested parts of the island. There was only one place that you wanted to be right now.

He skimmed above the tops of the trees before you finally came to the clearing you had been looking for. The clearing was just outside of one of the many caves that dotted Dragon's Edge, but this one was special to you. Even more so now.

It was months ago now. Back when the Shellfire was headed straight for the Edge to wipe out you and the other riders. Viggo had also been on the island during that. He had arrived, Dragon Eye in hand, offering his assistance in putting a stop to his brother. Despite everything he had done, Hiccup had decided to believe him and, as a result, Viggo had had full run of the island. Of course, with so many dragons around it wasn't like he could really get up to anything.

That night, like everyone else, you had been unable to sleep. So you had gone for a walk around the island while you got your mind ready for the battle ahead of you. Viggo had followed you that night. He had wished to speak with you. Back then you hadn't truly believed a word of his confession of his attraction toward you. At that time he was still your enemy and you had been sure it was another manipulation tactic on his part. There was no way he could have reciprocated your feelings. But the thought of being killed the following morning had you playing along and confessing your own attraction toward him. If only to live out the fantasy that had been plaguing you.

All of that had happened here, within this cave. You touched the wall and closed your eyes, playing the scene out in your minds eye. You had found yourselves wrapped up in each other's embrace, kissing and sharing sweet nothings until well into the night. It was a night that you had thought of often afterwards. Typically when you couldn't sleep and you wanted to imagine a world where Viggo wasn't a ruthless dragon hunter.

It seemed that the Gods had certainly had a laugh at your expense with that fantasy. Dangling it in front of you like a carrot on a stick only to snatch it away at the very last second. It was evil.

Your back came in contact with the wall and you sunk down, your legs coming up as you wrapped your arms around them and buried your head against them. More sobs wracked your body as that fantasy that had just slipped between your fingers from being your new reality played one more time in your head. All of those wonderful years that you could have shared with each other, gone in the blink of an eye.

Beside you, you felt something hot come and rest by you and a large scaly head pressed against you, a rumble coming from deep within his throat. It was Nimbus, reminding you that you weren't as alone as you felt right now. You lifted your head up and wrapped your arms around your dragon.

"'Least I still have you, right?" you whispered, voice hoarse from all of the crying.

Viggo was gone. Forever the loss of your life as no one could ever replace him, but you would keep going on. It's what he would want you to do. And who knew, maybe when you finally graced the halls of Valhalla, you would meet him again.