Chapter 1:

Gods, Hiccup thought as he glanced out the window for the fifth time that night. Where was he? He was supposed to be back by now... Hiccup was getting worried.

Stoick the Vast, O Hear His Name and Tremble, Ugh, Ugh had departed to Outcast Island three days ago on chief business. Hiccup had been disappointed at his father's sudden departure - he and the other dragon riders had come back to Berk for Snoggletog, which was a mere two weeks away.

Hiccup was looking forward to spending a little bonding time with Stoick since he was always busy away on Dragon's Edge battling Dragon Hunters or discovering a new species of dragon. However, he needed a break, and was eagerly anticipating a quiet holiday at Berk. Well, as quiet as you could get on a island with the biggest tamed dragon colony.

But Hiccup was anything but relaxed now. His father should've already arrived. After all, he was due back to Berk earlier today. And Stoick's timing had always been impeccable - he was never late for anything. His tardiness unnerved his son.

The sky rumbled, and Hiccup was surprised that it hadn't started to rain yet. Just from looking at the dark clouds advancing on Berk, he knew this would be a lot bigger than most storms Berk suffered from. Something everybody liked to call...

...A hurricane.

Berk was quite used to bad weather. It rained. It snowed. It stormed. The island had nearly been destroyed multiple times from all of it, and the hurricane wouldn't have been a huge deal… and it wasn't, at least to the common Viking... But to Hiccup... well, the fact that Stoick would most likely be attempting to fly in it made his stomach churn with anxiety.

Hiccup sighed and started to pace the beaten down floor of his house. His Night Fury, Toothless, lay on the floor and watched his friend with wide green eyes.

"I… oh, I'm sorry, bud," said Hiccup, noticing Toothless's look. "I'm just worried about Dad. That's a big storm out there. It could kill a Viking if he flew deep enough into it."

Toothless crooned in an attempt at comfort. Hiccup smiled at the gesture, though his fears were not pacified. "Thanks. It's just, I - I'm sure he'll be alright, but isn't it a son's job to worry for his father?"

The dragon didn't have time to answer, for a hurried knock at the door interrupted their exchange. Hiccup walked over to see who had come calling at this time.

Eighteen year-old Astrid Hofferson stood in his doorway. "Hi, Hiccup," she greeted, smiling a little.

Hiccup tried to smile back, but he was too nervous to put much heart into the attempt. Astrid seemed to notice this, but she obviously had something she needed to tell him before she questioned what was going on with him.

"So, the Riders and I have put most of our dragons in the training academy to wait out the storm," said Astrid. "We don't need to worry about the others - the wild dragons here know how to survive bad weather already; and, plus, we don't have time to contain all of them before the hurricane hits. Everyone's heading to the Great Hall now till nightfall."

Hiccup nodded in relief at her report. Though he was acting chief at the moment, along with Gobber as a mentor, Astrid had fallen into place as his head organizer and confidant. Just like back at the Edge, she helped him with making decisions and actions when he needed her to. "That's good - thanks, Astrid. Sorry that I wasn't there to help. I just have… some other things on my mind at the moment. My dad... he was supposed to be back earlier, and he's never late, not even in bad weather. So I'm just... well..."

"Worried."

"I am."

"You're probably scared, too."

"A little," he said. When she tilted her head at him, he admitted, "Okay, I'm sort of freaking out." He'd only really had a father for three years - he couldn't bear it if he'd lose Stoick again.

"Don't be."

She leaned forward and gave him a long hug, surprising Hiccup. Sure, she had kissed him a couple of times - punched him ten times as many, at that- but other than those incidences, Astrid didn't give out too much open affection... even to her sort-of boyfriend.

"I - I - thanks, Astrid," he managed once she pulled away.

Astrid's eyes were fierce as she stared at him. "Stoick is one of the toughest people I know," she said, crossing her arms. "You think some storm is going to take him down?"

Hiccup straightened, meeting her gaze. "I guess not."

"Your father," Astrid continued, "has survived dragon raids, awful weather, being the chief of Berk - and a father - and became a stronger person after it all. He's going to arrive here soon, unharmed, and you'll have been worrying for nothing. Got that?"

He nodded. "I think so."

"Good."

Astrid turned to leave the house, but Hiccup grabbed her arm to tell her something before she left. "Hey, Astrid… thanks."

"Sure," she said. "Meet me in the Great Hall in a little while. And I mean a little while. No sitting around her, worrying about the chief. I suppose Toothless will be coming with you?" The other Riders had put their dragons in the Academy, but, as always, the proud black Night Fury was an exception.

Toothless snorted and climbed to his feet, his haughty expression clearly saying, Of course I will. Astrid and Hiccup laughed.

"He's stuck with me, I'm afraid," Hiccup chuckled. "See you later."

Astrid left after a moment, and Hiccup turned back to Toothless. Astrid had kept his concerns at bay for a few minutes, but they were slowly crawling back.

"What do you think, bud?" he asked the Night Fury. "Do you really think Dad'll be alright?"

Toothless nudged Hiccup's hand in answer, then started to lick it enthusiastically. Hiccup pulled away, groaning, "Toothless!" The dragon grinned gummily and slobbered on his friend even more, knowing how frustrated it made him. But frustration often turned to laughter with those two, which Hiccup needed right now. And Toothless was right - soon, Hiccup was grinning as he tried to fend off Toothless.

"Okay - okay, bud - TOOTHLESS! You can stop now, bud, I'm better! I promise!"

Satisfied, Toothless clambered over to the door. He looked outside at the storm, then back at Hiccup, shifting his wings hopefully.

Hiccup frowned and rubbed his dragon's head. "Sorry, bud, we can't do our flight today. We have to get to the Great Hall. With Dad gone, I'm sort of in charge. This'll be good practice for when I become chief." His mind wandered to that thought. For some reason, he hadn't been able to get it out of his mind lately. The prospect of becoming chief had always been far off into the future - far enough that he hadn't really considered it realistically. However, of late, the idea was becoming all too real for him. Something that he had been told to so many times it'd lost its meaning was returning with a dreary vengeance.

He sighed. "Well, Toothless, let's go."

But before they could leave, they were interrupted by a small Terror who tumbled through an open window. Hiccup caught it before the dragon could harm itself and was concerned to feel it shaking from the rain it was drenched in. It was clearly terrified.

"Woah! Hey - hey, it's okay, little guy, it's okay… you're safe now…" Hiccup brought it over to the fire, which was almost out by now. He threw a couple of logs in and sat by it with the Terror in his hands. Its shivering gradually stopped, and it looked up, its dilated eyes meek.

It was then that Hiccup saw a note was attached to the dragon's tiny foot. This dragon had been sent to give a message. To me? Hiccup wondered. Why in Odin's name is someone T-mailing me in this weather? And making this Terror go through that storm is just cruel. He untied the soggy paper from the dragon and unraveled it.

The words were a little blurred from the rain, but the Terror had done a nice job of protecting it, and Hiccup could make most of the letter out.

It read,

Dear Hiccup,

This will be short.

I hope this Terror finds you before the storm hits Berk. I hear it's growing across the Archipelago, and hope that this does not turn into something more dangerous than what it is now.

I am doing well on Outcast Island. Alvin is a great deal more hospitable, and we are getting along alright. How are you, son? I hope you and your friends are having a nice break.

I wanted to let you know that I'm going to fly back tonight, no matter the weather, with Skullcrusher. It's only a few hours of a flight, and though the storm with lengthen that distance, I know I will come back safely. Now, I know you, son - don't worry about me, Hiccup. I'll make it past. I sent this so you wouldn't be worried about my late arrival.

See you soon.

Regards,

Stoick the Vast

Hiccup swallowed once he finished reading, and set the note on the couch, trying to sort out his conflicting emotions. What could he be sure of...?

Well, his father was safe. For now. Hiccup prayed to the gods that he wouldn't try to fly through this weather at any time. It was late afternoon, and Stoick said he would be flying back tonight. The hurricane didn't look like it'd clear up anytime soon, and Hiccup knew that even the chief of Berk wouldn't survive an attempt to ride it out.

But, alas, Hiccup couldn't do anything about it.

Sighing, he stroked the Terrible Terror in his hands. He could do one thing, though; Berk needed guidance and support to get through the hurricane both morally and physically, and Hiccup could at least give them that. He was the Chief's son, and was expected to help his people. He wanted to help them.

The Terror peeked its eyes opened and growled, but in a friendly way. It was saying thanks.

"No problem, little guy. You okay now?" said Hiccup. The dragon gave a small nod. Hiccup, thinking, realized that he had never seen this Terrible Terror before.

"What's your name, buddy?" he asked it. "You got one?"

He felt stupid after asking; it was obvious it didn't - and even if it had one, how could it tell?

"Hmm…" Hiccup thought. "I wish I could name you Stormfly, since you flew through the storm, but that's Astrid's Nadder's name. How about… Comet? You had to be pretty fast to fly through this hurricane without getting hurt."

Comet rumbled in agreement. Hiccup smiled.

"I bet Astrid will like you," he chuckled. "Astrid and Comet… heheh." Hiccup stood and let the Terror nestle in his arms. "Well, Toothless, speaking of, we don't want Astrid getting mad that we're as late as my Dad. We'd better get going to the Great Hall. We can drop Comet off at the Academy on the way there."

Toothless grunted as they walked outside. Still carrying Comet in his arms, Hiccup boarded his Night Fury and they started to fly towards the Dragon Academy. It had been some time since Hiccup had visited there, because he was always at the Edge with his friends, and it was comforting to see that not a lot had changed in his absence.

"Here you go, little guy," said Hiccup as he opened up a pen for the little Terror to scamper into. With a grateful look, Comet leapt from his lap and into his new home. "Good luck getting through the storm, guys." He made sure to check on the other dragons before leaving, comforting the anxious ones and scratching nearly every beast's head in support. They were placated by the time Hiccup finished his rounds.

Hiccup walked over to mount Toothless, but was startled when a raindrop splashed on his nose. He wiped it away. He had to get to the Great Hall before the hurricane came through and he was stuck outside in the cloudburst.

"C'mon, bud," he murmured, squinting. "Let's get going."

They flew off just as it started to pour.

Hiccup and Toothless arrived at the Great Hall a couple of minutes later, sopping wet. Good-hearted Bucket was waiting near the door and offered him a blanket to dry himself off with. Hiccup gratefully accepted and started to squeeze water from his clothes and hair. Toothless merely shook the rain from his skin, making Hiccup even wetter than he was before.

By the time he was done scrubbing himself, Hiccup's hair was sticking up in all sorts of directions. Astrid laughed right to his face when she first saw him.

"What are you up to now, Hiccup, trying a new style?" she giggled.

Hiccup glared playfully. "Ha-ha. My style happens to be the latest trend of Berk." He sobered. "Is everyone here?"

Astrid nodded. "Yes. Everyone's safe, Hiccup. Relax for once."

They could hear the pounding rain even from inside. Hiccup was a little worried. The storm was supposed to get worse as the night went on. He wondered if the Vikings' houses would survive the winds predicted to sweep through and if he could make it back home for the night. After the Berkians collected some supplies from the Hall and talked with friends, they would too return to their houses just before nightfall.

His concerns soon relented once the Riders started to chat and crack jokes. Toothless eventually fell asleep by his rider's feet, his tongue lolling out in a way that made him look so silly that everyone, including Hiccup, laughed. He began forgetting his troubles.

Berk would be alright. He would be alright. Stoick would come out of the storm just fine. He didn't need to fret.

And Hiccup wouldn't've fretted… if not for the desperate knock at the Great Hall's door.

Most of the conversation died as Bucket got up from a packed table to see who it was. Hiccup gasped when made out a familiar shivering figure hunching over on the doorstep.

"Johann!" cried Hiccup, and hurried over.

"Oh, thank the gods… Master Hiccup…" The trader coughed several times as he was helped in. Friendly Vikings gave him their blankets as he passed and sat him near the fire.

Hiccup watched Johann with anxiousness, sitting down next to him. He started to speak when the other man had stopped quaking. "Johann, what happened? Are you alright?"

Trader Johann wrung out his beard, dribbling all over the place. "I'll be fine, Master Hiccup. Just fine. But what has happened is just… well... inconceivable!"

Snotlout snorted from Hiccup's table. "Of course it is…" His response was several shoves and glowers from his friends.

"What? What's inconceivable?" Hiccup said, ignoring his cousin.

"Well…" Johann took in a deep breath, like he was preparing to share a long story. "I was sailing North to a little island who simply loves my inventory - they're quite nice, you know, spending the time to talk a little instead of just buying and leaving. I actually-"

"Johann," interrupted Hiccup, squeezing his eyes shut momentarily. Johann was a nice man, but he talked to no end, and often derived from the subject of the matter he was speaking of. "Please. Just tell us what you saw. You were heading North, and…?"

"Oh." He blinked. "Yes. Well, yes, I was heading North, when I hit the most horrible weather- worse than here, mind you. My ship nearly capsized, and without my quick-thinking, I'd be at the bottom of the ocean! So I turned around and began to sail to Outcast Island, one of my favorite places to trade with, you know, besides your lovely island of Berk. And what I saw…" He shuddered in fear.

Hiccup's blood ran cold. His father was on Outcast Island. "Johann? What did you see?"

"The eye!" the trader gasped, suddenly terrified. "The eye of the storm! It was right over Outcast Island! If anyone even went to the edge of their land…" Johann shivered again. "Odin help those poor people. I hate to say, it, Master Hiccup, and I truly do, but I have to wonder… will they survive the storm?"

Hiccup stood suddenly. Everyone could see his alarmed expression.

Johann looked up, confused. "Thor, what have I said? Oh, and where's the chief, Master Hiccup? I would think he would be the one to greet me after my long, exhausting adventure. Not that it wasn't an honor to be met by you, a charming and charismatic lad, you are…"

The young man blocked out Johann's chatter. He had to. Stoick was in danger. Serious danger. He might lose his father because of this cursed storm. Stoick could be killed, and Hiccup would become parentless… this seemingly harmless hurricane had turned into something bigger than Hiccup could've ever imagined.

This is my first How to Train Your Dragon fanfiction! Whoo! I hope it's good.

Upcoming: the focus of this story is shone on many different subjects, including father/son bonding (well, sort of, but Stoick's trapped on Outcast Island, so more of just angst XD), Hiccup!whump (I LOVE that stuff), Hiccstrid (YAY), and a bunch of Hicctooth (no slash, just brotherly fluff!) But the first chapter needed to be stressing on how worried Hiccup was about his father and all - I promise the plot will get more interesting with the next few chapters. So just hang tight, okey-dokey?

Please review, favorite, or follow if you like this and want me to continue! If you're a fanfic author like me, you can understand how important it is to get feedback, even a hundred years after this is finished! This is going to be around 15 chapters. I'm planning out the last few chapters now, but I know where I want this to go.

Also... can anyone guess the other joke behind Comet's name? (Hint: Snoggletog.)

Thanks for viewing!