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Astrid hopped off of Stormfly and looked around at the familiar village and land- Berk. She kept one hand on the side of her dragon's head and took a deep breath before murmuring, "Welcome home, Stormfly."

Stormfly lightly growled some in a purring kind of way and moved towards the field where other dragons played.

Astrid began walking down the cobblestone pathway, placing her hands lightly over the handles of her swords buckled on her hips.

Five year old Astrid struggled to pick up the heavy load of supplies for her family's farm for this week, especially being sore from her training yesterday.

A one handed pirate with a hook noticed the blonde haired girl continue to attempt at picking up the heavy load onto her wagon from where he stood beside a booth; He moved over to her and helped put the load on the wagon, starting, "What's a kid like yourself doing out here alone?"

Astrid pointed out confidently, "I'm stronger than I bloody look." She rubbed her dislocated left shoulder with her right hand before letting out, "I'm just sore... and tired."

"Why? You're, what, maybe only five? You should be with your friends and just being a kid," The pirate pointed out in confusion.

Astrid sighed, "I have a mom to think about. My dad-- He-He's gone..."

Hook slowly nodded and let out, "I'm sorry, lass. I know the pain of losing your parent."

"Yeah, well, I have to go, Sir," Astrid commented while moving to sit on top of the wagon and taking the reins in her small hands. "Um, thanks for helping."

Hook sighed and was fixing to step away but stopped, looking back up at the child, saying, "Hey, Kid, if you need anything... you've got a friend in me now."

Astrid glanced down at him from her seat with raised eyebrows in slight confusion and asked, "Why? You don't even bloody know me, and I don't even know who you are."

"Captain Hook at your service," He answered with a light smile before adding, "And you just remind me of myself in a way but... better."

Astrid held out her small hand towards him and shook his hand, saying, "I'm Astrid Hofferson."

Hook nodded, "Nice to meet you, Astrid Hofferson. If you need anything, my ship is called the Jolly Roger. That's where I'll most likely be."

Astrid nodded and moved the reins forward and now rode down the cobblestone street back to her family's farm.

Astrid sat down on a stool at the bar of a tavern as a glass of whiskey was placed in front of her; She moved her hands around the cup and was fixing to take a sip until she heard a familiar female voice behind her, "Astrid? Is that really you?"

Astrid glanced behind her at the familiar brown haired, brown eyed teenage girl and smiled, saying, "Hey, Riles. Long time."

"Yeah," Riley replied and both of them hugged one another before she sat next to Astrid at the bar, "Where've you been?"

"I, um, I found my birth family and my true love..." Astrid started to explain while Riley watched her carefully, "But then I, uh, was cursed with the Curse of Darkness and I-I died... I was raised back to life and it was good for awhile because I was reunited with my family..."

"Why did you leave then?" Riley began to ask, "Or did they... Was they killed?"

"N-No, they're, um, good..." Astrid replied, "I just- I had to leave to protect them, to keep them safe."

Riley gave her a look and pointed out, "Astrid, do you remember when you came into my house, crying, when we were five?" Astrid furrowed her eyebrows while Riley continued, "You had said that you didn't know where your dad was, and was pretty devastated at the thought of him actually being gone in your life..."

Riley finished while placing a hand over her best friend's shoulder, "The Astrid that I've known my entire life would always stick up for her family, would never leave them no matter what... Yeah, you always protect the ones you love and care about, but you didn't- doesn't ever give up. Where's that Astrid at?"

Astrid glanced down at the shot of alcohol in front of her and sighed, "I don't know what you're talking about. I don't remember anything like that happening."

"Really? I do. Because that night all those years ago, it was the first time I witnessed my best friend fall apart," Riley admitted in sadness.

Astrid furrowed her eyebrows and looked at the brunette beside her and realized, "Come to think of it... I don't remember anything that happened when I was five to about ten years of age. Could someone have erased my memory?"

Riley shrugged and replied, "Anything is possible. We should go see the village's healer, Gothi. She should be able to help you retrieve your lost memories."

"And remember that part in my life? Remember the fearless Viking I was?" Astrid remarked, "No thanks. My family doesn't really approve of that lifestyle, so I'm good."

"But you're one of us, a Viking, a warrior," Riley started, "That's who you are, A. You need to remember your past. You have to."

Astrid downed her drink in one gulp before facing her friend and commented, "Alright. Let's go see Gothi." Riley grinned and pulled her off of her seat and dragged her out of the door by holding onto her wrist.

Astrid entered her best friend's home as Riley noticed the girl and both sat down on the couch; Astrid pulled her small legs up to her chest as she wrapped her arms around them tightly, rocking slightly back and forth.

Riley placed a comforting hand over Astrid's arm and watched her carefully, slowly asking, "What's the matter, Astrid?"

Astrid's blue eyes watered even more as she glanced over at the brunette and let out, "I don't know where my daddy is."

Riley wrapped an arm around her shoulders and held her in reassurance, assuring, "Don't worry. I'm still here, A. I got you."

Astrid sniffled somewhat and wiped her face with her hand and began, "I have to go. My mommy needs me." She stood up and left out of the door.

***

Five year old Astrid ducked from the incoming punch and swung her leg out and kicked Gunther's legs out from under him, making him fall to the floor.

"You're getting better, Astrid," He remarked. Gunther was her trainer that her mother hired to help Astrid learn how to fight.

"Thanks," Astrid breathlessly let out, "But not even close to being good enough. I have to be better in this for not myself but my family and friends."

"Well, you really need to rest that dislocated shoulder and twisted ankle," Gunther stated, "With that said, go home and ice those injuries-- or at least visit Gothi."

Astrid tried to hide her limp and convincingly said, "I'm fine. Let's go on."

"No," Gunther replied, "Kid, you're one of my most hardworking, stubborn, strongest students learning to be warriors. deserve a little break from training right now. Go home."

"Yes, Sir," Astrid sighed and walked out of the room, still limping some. She stepped out into the street but didn't get far when eight people surrounded her.

"Come on, guys," Astrid started, "It's an uneven match. You don't stand a chance."

All at once the eight young Vikings attacked the girl who deflected most of their punches and kicks but was easily overpowered.

Four of them held Astrid's arms and legs down while the leader of the group, Timothy, withdrew a knife and now held it at her throat. "Let me go!"

"What are you trying to do? Prove that you're better than us? Well, you're not," Timothy began, cutting her a bit which made her skin bleed some, "You're just a who won't mount to anything. You're disposable, Hofferson. What're you gonna do about it?"

"Hey! Let the kid go!" A male voice behind them exclaimed and yanked them off of Astrid. He quickly overpowered them and easily defeated them, making the eight people quickly flee from the two.

Astrid groaned and sat up, an arm wrapped around her ribs loosely. Hook helped her to her feet and asked in concern, "You alright, lass?"

Astrid nodded and answered, "Yeah. I will be. Teach me how to fight like you."

Hook reluctantly nodded and replied, "Okay. But you have to listen to what I try to teach you, deal?"

"Deal," Astrid commented, "I'll do whatever it takes to be a better fighter, a better warrior."

"Well, follow me, Kiddo," Hook said while turning around and began to head towards his ship.

Astrid narrowed her eyes, saying, "Why should I trust you?"

"Guess you just have to trust yourself enough to trust me, right?" Hook shrugged with an amused smile, "Now, you coming or what?"

Astrid quickly followed after the one-handed pirate and stepped by his side, heading towards the Jolly Roger.

Astrid and Riley entered inside of Gothi's hut and looked around at the different vials of potions and scrolls and books and such; They noticed a short, elderly woman with a long, wooden staff in her left hand.

"Gothi? I don't know if you remember me, but I'm Astrid, and I believe I lost some bloody memories." Astrid spoke up while sharing a glance with Riley, "Can you help me by restoring my memories?"

Gothi turned and looked at her and smiled, "I remember you, Child. You used to come in here and I'd heal you of your injuries from training. You were very persistent in your fighting."

Astrid tried to remember that but frowned and admitted, "I'm sorry. I don't remember that either. The fighting part, I do."

Gothi quickly gathered the ingredients for the memory potion and then swiftly brewed the potion with ease. "Here. Take this."

Astrid cupped the vial in her hand gently and looked down at the clear, sparkling liquid inside it, and murmured, "Bottom's up." She downed the potion in two swallows and cringed some at the bitter taste of it.

"Well?" Riley started.

"I don't-" Astrid began but let out a gasp as images and feelings overwhelmed her while she remembered her past.

Astrid fell on her butt on the floor of the ship again as Hook helped her back up and told her, "You have to keep your emotions in check. Emotions cloud your judgment. Trust your gut. You're a born fighter."

"Not good enough. I-I need to be better," Astrid started in slight desperation.

"Why?" Hook questioned the girl in front of him, "Why do you need to be better? Why do you think your fighting's not good enough?"

Astrid sighed and quietly admitted, "My mother is the only family that I have left- other than my friends. I-I need to be strong enough to defend them, to- to protect them. I have to be the perfect soldier for them. If I don't, I'll lose them..."

"What makes you think that?" Hook inquired, folding his arms across his chest lightly.

"My father. He-- He's gone," Astrid admitted sadly, "And I couldn't save him. I enough to save him."

Hook knelt in front of the small girl to be leveled with her and looked in her eyes, saying, "I'm sure he's bloody proud of you. If you were daughter, I I'd be proud of you-- just for trying, not giving up, and for just fighting."

"I- I didn't even say goodbye... The last thing he said was he was coming back, but he didn't," Astrid softly murmured and hugged the pirate, sobbing into his chest now.

Hook slowly wrapped his arms around the little kid, moving his one hand on the back of her head in reassurance as he muttered, "It's gonna be okay, Kid. You'll be okay."

Astrid pulled back from the hug and picked up her sword off of the ground, twirling it once in her hand. "Ready?"

Hook chuckled and twirled his sword in his hand also, both crashing their swords against one another's which formed an 'X'.

The two began to move their wooden swords fluidly towards each other, both deflecting the other's moves, until Hook moved his sword against her neck while Astrid also held a wooden knife at his stomach. "Better?" She remarked.

"Aye," Hook replied, "See? I told you you're a natural, lass."

Astrid grinned and pointed out with a slight smirk, "You're not so bad yourself, Sir." They then lowered their weapons and now just talked.

Hook was starting to see the girl as a daughter to him, and really does care about the kid; Astrid to see him like a dad but just couldn't let Orvar go just yet, though she cares about the pirate- trusts him even.

Astrid gasped some and now panted as Riley moved over to her and held her shoulder in her hand in concern, asking, "What'd you remember?"

Astrid let out, still breathless, "Everything-" She was then sucked into another memory.

Hook watched from behind some trees as he saw Cora leave the cottage in front of them; He noticed that she had been doing this for a while now and decided to follow her and find out why.

He made sure no one else was around before he snuck inside of the cottage and then noticed a newborn inside of a crib who was wrapped in a white knit blanket with the name 'Astrid' embroidered in red letters.

The pirate moved over to the baby girl in curiosity and slight shock, peering over her crib to look at her better. "Hey, there, beautiful. Where's your family?" He softly spoke as the baby smiled up at him innocently.

Hook carefully picked up the newborn as she moved her small hand and wrapped it around his finger while he moved his hand on the back of her head and sat down in the wooden chair beside the crib, slowly rocking the girl and still watching her.

Hook murmured, "You know, Astrid, I don't know what Cora was doing here with you and I don't know where your family's at, but I won't let bad happen to you. I promise."

The baby licked her lips some and then smiled as if knowing that the pirate holding her truly meant his promise.

And as time went on and the baby continued to grow, Hook chose to stay and remained by her side, having let go of his vengeance of Rumplestiltskin; Because his love for his foster daughter is way stronger than his revenge, and the two of them was definitely enough.

Hook sat down in a rocking chair and held Astrid in front of him, her tiny feet on his lap. He grinned and remarked, "You're getting so big, AJ."

He began to hum a familiar tune to her and moved her arms in a circular motion, making the six month old dance some which made Astrid smile big and laugh somewhat.

Freya entered the cottage and quickly moved over to the two as the baby kept her grin but looked over at the woman, letting out, "Mama."

Hook allowed her to take Astrid and watched Freya now hold her daughter as she replied, "Thanks for your services, Captain, but you may leave now. I'm not working at the moment."

Hook nodded and stood up, noticing Freya place the baby in a playpen full of blankets and pillows with two stuffed animals; Astrid now held the stuffed animals in her small arms and continued to watch the two adults.

"Where your husband, anyway? He's never around. Did he leave?" Hook began, not liking the thought of this man who abandons his kid.

"He'll be home," Freya assured but doubted what she said yet hoped for her daughter.

"Papa," Astrid spoke up lightly.

Freya picked up her daughter again and quietly told the six month old, "He'll be here later, baby."

But Astrid looked over at Hook and reached her small arms out towards him, repeating, "Papa." The said pirate hid a smile by glancing down at the floor; It was the first time she had said that, and it warmed his heart.

Freya shook her head and simply replied to her daughter, "He's not your dad, A. Papa's gone for work right now."

Baby Astrid continued to reach for the pirate who took her into his arms and smiled some while Freya stepped into the kitchen; He looked the girl in her innocent blue eyes and softly murmured in assurance, "I will do right by you, AJ."

Astrid breathed out and took a few steps backwards, but before she could get in a word, she was sucked into yet another memory.

Riley watched her best friend in concern and looked over at the elderly woman beside them, speaking up, "How much memory did someone take from her?"

Gothi sighed sadly and admitted, "A lot. Her mother, Freya, continuously brought her to me and made me erase her memory-- along with Captain Hook's."

"But why?" Riley questioned in confusion.

"Because of Astrid and that pirate-- Together, they are stronger. And it was dangerous in a way," Gothi slightly explained.

"Wh-What do you mean?" Riley inquired while moving her hands over her hips and glancing from a semi-conscious Astrid to Gothi.

"They'd do anything for each other, and their love was true. He was like a father to her like she was a daughter to him," Gothi continued, leaning on her staff somewhat, "He basically helped raise her since she was a baby... Astrid's also has this very strong light magic and forms these powerful connections with the people she meets— That kind of love strengthens her power."

"Love isn't weakness. It's strength," Riley pointed out to the woman.

"It can be. But in order for Astrid to fulfill her fate, she had to forget that love," Gothi finished, "But that didn't happen. Hook and Astrid kept crossing into each other's paths and continued to remain close, despite me wiping their memories."

"How long did you wipe their memories, anyway?" Riley inquired.

"Ten years," Gothi admitted with a guilty sigh and a shake of her head, "Freya insisted that I do this. She said it was to protect her."

Three years had passed, and Hook was still constantly in Astrid's life and the two were inseparable; Freya had discovered that her three year old daughter's love for the man triggers her magic and wanted to stop it.

So now, Freya waited for Gothi to finish erasing Astrid's memory of the pirate, and she was going to erase his memory of Astrid also.