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Astrid awoke to the Twins getting yelled at by Heather. Fishlegs’s voice joined occasionally. She got up and started her morning routine. At the end of her routine, a knock sounds on her door.
“Who is it?” Astrid calls out, still hearing Heather and Fishlegs' argument with the Twins, though unable to decipher why.
“Your favorite deranged friend,” a falsely happy voice sounds from the other side.
“One moment, Dagur,” Astrid responds, annoyed. She checks everything is in place before heading to the door. Dagur anxiously awaits when it opens; the morning daylight floats in.
“What do you need?” she questions when she sees his state. His hair is all over the place, his shirt is falling off his left shoulder, and overall, it looks like he didn't try to get ready for today.
“Have you seen Hiccup?” Dagur's eyes are darting all over, and his worry is hardly hidden
“No, but he usually goes for a flight on Toothless in the mornings,” Astrid answers, growing more concerned at Dagur’s movement.
“No, Toothless woke me up. No one has seen him today. I was hoping you had,” he admitted, finally making eye contact with her.
“The Twins were on patrol last night. Is that why they are fighting?” Astrid says, looking in the direction of the still-audible fight
“Yeah, they weren't actually patrolling last night,” Dagur confirms
“So we have no idea where Hiccup is.” Astrid breaths understanding Dagur's panic
Dagur nods, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Heather suggested if you didn't know, we could track him with Stormfly.”
“Get ready. We leave in ten minutes.” Astrid commands, rushing to get ready to save her boyfriend from whatever trouble he’s found himself in
“I’ll tell everyone,” Dagur says, rushing to the clubhouse.
They had been flying over the sea for five hours when Stormfly landed on a sea stack, a medium-sized island visible in the distance. The others land behind her. Astrid hops off Toothless and walks to Stormfly’s side.
“What's wrong, girl?” she questions softly, petting the nadder side and getting a distressed coon in response.
“Astrid, that island has Hunter ships and flyers patrolling it,” Fishlegs observes, motioning to the island.
“Stormfly led us here. She likely stopped so we can come up with a plan.” Heather says Dagur nodded next to her.
“Okay, let's figure something out.” Astrid agreed, pulling some paper from Toothless’s saddle.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Hiccup awoke in darkness, a pain in his wrists and shoulders drawing him further into consciousness. His head pounded as if someone had struck him there. Footsteps sound suddenly getting quieter as if leaving. Shifting reveals that somehow he’s suspended in the air, the sound of chains and his upright position, cluing him that's he’s hanging from the ceiling.
The footsteps return, followed by two others. A hand brushed over his cheek and the cloth that's gagged him, another hand fiddling with the blindfold. After a few agonizing seconds of this, the blindfold is removed from his eyes. Glaring at them as his vision clears, Hiccup squirms a little, seeing Viggo inches from his face. Viggo laughs at him, patting his cheek before moving back, revealing Krogan and a guard behind him. He’s in a simple cell; nothing is with him. Eyeing the people in front of him, Hiccup silently asks what they want.
“I have no plans on telling you why you're here, but now that you’re awake, we can continue,” Krogan says, pulling a small vial from his pocket. “Don't cooperate, and I will torture your friends in front of you.”
Hiccup glares but doesn't fight as Krogan removes the gag and pours the vial into his mouth. It tastes horrible, and Hiccup must fight to avoid throwing it up.
“Sure, you don't want to tell me what that will do?” Hiccup questions, knowing he’s unlikely to get info
“You’ll find out soon,” Viggo responds, still eyeing Hiccup, lust flowing from his voice.
Krogan places the cloth back in his mouth before addressing the guard. “Unless we say so, no one enters this cell block.” the guard nods, following them to the door and closing it behind them.
Two minutes later, pain sparks in Hiccup’s back, spreading to the rest of his body. A groan slips into the gag as Hiccup arches, feeling as if his bones are shifting, a hot and cold bloom in his chest as he screams vaguely, noting the sound of fabric tearing.
The guard returned, likely to see why Hiccup was screaming. His eyes widen as he backs away and hurries to his post, a look of terror in his eyes as he leaves.
Hiccup passes out as the pain eps a few minutes later.
Hiccup awoke to water splashing over him, surprisingly not needing to cough the water out of his lungs. He glares at the guard holding the bucket, who flinches back, drops the bucket, and sprints for the door.
Noticing the weight on his back, Hiccup attempts to turn to see it but stops when he sees a black and white tail lying limply on the ground leading up to his tailbone. A pair of similarly colored wings hang from his back, starting at his shoulder blades and ending halfway down.
The tail looks similar to Toothless’s, but the fins are shaped differently, more like they would be used to swim. The wings share this trait, the top parts more closely matching Toothless’s wings before fading into whatever Dragon the white is coming from.
A small weight was on his head. Given the tail and wings, Hiccup figures it's likely something close to Toothless’s ear fins. A small amount of blood was on his body where the new limbs sprouted from him.
A quiet exposition sounds nearby, his hearing picking up shouting and roaring, An attack of some sort.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The plan was simple: the riders would distract the flyers, allowing Dagur and Heather to slip in, find Hiccup, and escape. Of course, if someone figured out what they were doing, it would get a lot harder. Astrid spots Krogan's singetail rising from the smoke Krogan looking thoroughly pissed. Toothless growls low, spotting Krogan, too. Surprisingly, Krogan doesn't focus on Toothless but instead attacks Snotlout and Hookfang. The Flyers are fighting hard, but Astrid hasn't seen the hunters attack yet.
Dagur carefully moves through the halls, Sleuther right behind him. Dagur comes to a corner, hearing a conversation out of sight
“I'm not going back in there. The blood was bad enough, but those things ug,” a voice says, scared
“Fine, I’ll do it,” a voice Dagur immediately identifies as Viggo sounds next.
A door opens and then closes. Dagur peeks around the corner, spotting a lone Hunter looking at the door beside him in fear. Dagur slips behind the guard, slamming the handle of his sword into his head.
Sleuther grumbles uncertainty next to him as he reaches for the handle, slowly opening it. A muffled whine reached Dagur’s ears first, followed by something unlocking and falling hard on the floor.
“As much as I want to keep you here, Krogan's made it clear he doesn't care what happens to you, and I prefer my playthings alive.” Viggo's voice floats through the room, his tone one Dagur’s only heard when Hiccup was nearby. “Though I must say I love this.” The last sentence sends shivers down Dagur’s spine.
Dagur creeps close, stopping in shock when he sees Hiccup. Toothless’s ear fins are coming out of his hair with a white sort of spike next to them. Scales dusted over his skin, mostly black with some white. Black claws on the end of fingers. Limp wings and tail behind him.
“Dagur, how lovely for you to join us,” Viggo says, snapping Dagur’s attention to him
“What did you do?” Dagur growls, the sound echoed by his dragon. He kneels next to Hiccup, removing the gag and placing a hand on his shoulder
“Nothing much he'll live with proper help,” Viggo answers, grinning only to have it wiped off his face by a well-placed kick from Hiccup’s metal leg.
“So what now?” Dagur questions
“I let you both leave. After all, I don't think Hiccup can escape himself.” Viggo responds, causing Dagur to look at him in shock and distrust
“I hate you.” Hiccup’s tied voice comes as he glares at Viggo. Viggo rolls his eyes before walking away, not saying anything else.
“Okay, that was strange.” Dagur breaths
“Yeah, can we please get out of here, though?” Hiccup says, grabbing Dagur's arm.
“Yeah, let’s go. Can you stand?”
“I don't know, maybe.” Hiccup glances at the wings, unsure, Dagur understanding he’s uncertain about the weight of the wings.
“Okay, hold on to me. I’ll keep you up. If it's too hard to stand, let me know.” Dagur supplies, lifting his arm a little, using his other one to help Hiccup stand. Hiccup’s legs shake a little as they walk to Sleuther, the dragon dipping down to allow easier access to his back. Dagur sets behind Hiccup, who looks upset.
“Brother, what's wrong?” He asks softly
“Just thinking.” Hiccup responds after a bit
“Whatever comes from this, I’ll help you, and I have a feeling the other riders will be the same,” Dagur reassures him
“Thanks, Dagur,” a small smile now on Hiccup’s face as Sleuther walks out of the prison.
Heather’s waiting outside when they make it. She has a look of anger when she sees Hiccup.
“What did they do?” She questions, outraged. Hiccup hunches into himself, pressing against Dagur’s stomach
“Heather, we’ll get to that later. Right now, we need to get out of here,” Dagur harshly responds, primarily out of pain wings to the stomach hurt
“I’ll signal the others. Go and keep him safe.” Heather says calmly, gesturing in the direction of the Edge. Dagur nods, then urges Sleuther to fly. Windshear is taking off not long after.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The fight was going horribly. Krogan and the Flyer were beyond ruthless in their attack. The Riders' only saving grace was how fast Toothless recharged his shots.
“Astrid!” Fishlegs shouts, pointing behind her. Astrid spins fast, spotting Krogan heading straight towards her.
“Toothless dive!” Astrid yells. Obeying the command, he dives fast, Kragon’s Singetail barely missing them. A Razorwhip blast impacts its tail as it passes.
“Astrid, are you guys okay?” Heather questions, guiding Windsher close. Astrid holds back a sigh of relief. Heather used the question the riders designated to her or Dagur finding Hiccup.
“We’re getting our buts kicked, but what's new?” Astrid responds, concerned by the look in Heather’s eyes
“Astrid, you need more backup to take a flyer base. You can’t rescue Hiccup if you are caught, too.”
“You're right. Riders fall back!” Astrid yells. All the riders react quickly, directing their dragons to the Edge.
“Heather, is Hiccup okay?” Astrid questions after two hours of silence
“I don't know how to explain it. He was awake, but they did something to him. I think there was blood. It also looked like his clothes were ripped.” Heather explained, not making eye contact. “Sleuther was making it hard to see him.”
“So he’s mostly okay?” Fishlegs says
“Yeah, I think.”
To say everyone was tense when Dragon’s Edge came into view would be an understatement.
Toothless wasted no time speeding to the base once it was in sight. Astrid was confused when Dagur waved them down on one of the walkways connecting the clubhouse to Hiccup’s hut, Toothless land hard barely giving Astrid time to dismount before he ran to Dagur, whimpering and pawing at him.
“I know T he’s okay,” Dagur reassures him, running his hand over his head. “ judging by your looks, Heather didn't know how to tell you guys.”
“Yeah, so what happened?” Astrid questions, walking close and eyeing the small basket in Dagur’s arms
“It's easier to show you guys,” he responds and continues walking. The others exchange looks and then follow him
“Heather said she saw blood. Do I need to get my medical kit?” Fishlegs questions, his voice almost indecipherable by how fast he’s talking
“No, it wasn't enough to worry.” Dagur’s voice strangely lacked emotion. They reached the door, Dagur pausing before opening it. “Please try not to be loud.” He asks, then pushes the door open. A small fire lays in the hearth, dimly illuminating the main room, the loft mostly in darkness.
“Hiccup?” Astrid calls out
“Upstairs.” Hiccup calls back, sounding tired. A terror chirp coming after. “Sharpshot, stop doing that, please.”
Astrid reaches the loft first, just making out Hiccup, sitting on his bed, Sharpshot purring in his lap. She makes it halfway when she spots the tail and wings. Not commenting on them, she makes the rest of the way and sits beside him. Astrid can tell from the small, quiet gasps that the others have seen them.
“How are you doing?” Astrid asks, placing a hand on his thigh and feeling small bumps under his pants.
“Mostly tired and hungry.” Astrid notices his incisors are sharper than before.
“Are you in any pain?” Fishlegs questions, pulling a chair in front of Hiccup, the others making a half-circle behind Fishlegs. Dagur pulled a piece of bread from the basket, hanging it to Hiccup, revealing his claws to the group.
“Only if something touches them.” Hiccup answers, tearing a small piece off and then slowly eating it.
“What happened?” Snotlout asked, worried and scared, gesturing to Hiccup
“Krogan forced me to drink something. It got painful a few minutes later. I'm not sure how long before I passed out, but when I woke up, I was like this.” Hiccup answered sorrowfully.
“Whatever happens now, we’re here for you, all of us.” Astrid comforts, slowly rubbing his leg.
“Thanks, guys, it means a lot.”
“Get some sleep. We’ll handle the base.” Astrid says, getting up. “If anything happens, send Toothless or Sharpshot to get us.”
Hiccup nods, lying down, his tail wrapping around Sharpshot by his chest. Toothless hops onto the bed, letting Hiccup lay his head on his paw, his tail wrapping around them.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The clubhouse was a hurricane of movement. Fishlegs sat at the table, writing a list of things to be careful with from now on. Astrid, Heather, and Dagur were organizing their food storage. Snotlout and the Twins were trying to keep the dragons calm. They had been restless since Dagur brought Hiccup back.
“Astrid!” Fishlegs called out
“What Fish?!” Astrid called back from the kitchen
“Should we send a terror to Stoick or wait a little?”
“Wait until Hiccup wakes up to see what happens. If we need Gothi, then yes. If not, he’ll be here in four days to check on us.” Astrid answers, walking into the main room
“Don't worry about my dad. I already sent Sneaky out with a letter.” Hiccup says, walking in, swaying slightly
“Hiccup! You're awake?” Fishlegs questions. He and Astrid turn to face him
“Couldn’t sleep longer. What are you guys doing?” Hiccup asks, sitting next to Fishlegs. Astrid’s standing on his right, a hand on his shoulder, Toothless curling up behind Hiccup.
“Writing down stuff we might need to worry about.” Astrid answers. Fishlegs slides the paper over for him.
“Eels are something I wanted to check. Blue oleander is more complex to check right now. Dragon root, we need to check. The Twins have some nip we can use to see if it affects me.” Hiccup talks as he goes down the list. Toothless rumbles, lifting his front paw in the air. “Oh, that too, thanks Toothless. When I woke up, there was frost on Toothless's paw. He thought it came from me.”
“Hum, interesting,” Fishlegs muses, placing a hand in front of Hiccup’s mouth. “Your breath is colder, but it's not frosting my hand.”
“But Hiccup was sleeping on Toothless for several hours.” Astrid points out
“True,” Fishlegs says, thinking
“You guys have fun. I'm stealing Hiccup for a bit.” Astrid says, gently pulling Hiccup out of the clubhouse
Astrid led them to a valley near the river, far enough away that they won't be bothered
“Thanks for that, Astrid.” Hiccup says, sitting by the bank
“No problem. Are you okay? This Is a lot to take in.” Astrid questions softly, sitting next to him. The dragons were playing behind them.
“No, I just don't know what to do. Under different circumstances, I would love this, but Krogan forced this on me, and we don't know why. Though Viggo made it sound like something unexpected happened.” Hiccup rambled, his hands moving with no real purpose. Astrid said nothing as he talked, merely holding him close. “And what are the white scales coming from? We don’t know the breed, so we don’t know anything about it.”
“We’ll figure it out. No matter what happens, we are with you.” Astrid comforts him, rubbing the scales under his eyes.
“Thanks, Astrid, but you'll put me to sleep if you keep rubbing those scales.”
“Might not be a bad thing.”
“Maybe, but we should head back-” Hiccup snaps to the right, staring into the trees.
“Hiccup?” Astrid questions quietly
“Singetails.” He answers in a whisper
“Why here?”
Hiccup’s ear fins raise a little before he growls low. “Krogan,” he hisses, grabbing Astrid's hand. Astrid looks around, spotting a hunter too late. An arrow releases, embedding into Hiccup’s right leg. A screech fills the air as he collapses, dragging Astrid down. The hunters and flyers were on them before Astrid could recover. They haul her away from Hiccup, trashing, screaming, and punching. Toothless and Stormfly are trashing under two singetails.
“Ugh ow,” Hiccup says shakily, sitting up, swaying constantly.
“Hum, this was unexpected.” Krogan comments, strolling around Hiccup. Hiccup glares at him. The white spikes by his ears start vibrating slowly.
Krogan noticed, smacking him for it. “don't do that.” he reprimanded harshly
“Don't know what you’re talking about.” Hiccup’s voice slurs as the dragon root affects him.
Krogan looks to Astrid, still trashing in the hunter's arms. “You don't know where it’s coming from,” Krogan smirks. “ You two take him to the ship. We’ll join you soon and take care of that arrow wound.” Two flyers nod. One picks Hiccup up. Astrid’s concerned when Hiccup doesn't fight back, simply groaning as they lift him.
Krogan blocks her view, still smirking. “You all have no idea how much you have benefited us. Don't worry, I’ll keep him alive.” He says, lifting her chin and forcing her to make eye contact.
“You’re delusional if you think we’ll let you take Hiccup after what you did to him.” Dagur’s voice comes from behind him, Sleuther’s tail clicking, sounding after.
Krogan turns, growling and revealing Dagur, Heather, Fishlegs, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut with their dragons surrounding them. Toothless and Stormfly freed and ready to fight. Snotlout and Hookfang are nowhere in sight.
Astrid slams the dazed hunters away from her. Battle cries fill the valley as the riders attack, the dragons focused on the singetails, forcing them back. An explosion stops the fighting. Ice sticks out around the mountains.
“Holy Crap!” Snotlout’s voice reaches them, his surprise unhidden.
Krogan used the destruction to escape a few flyers following.
“What was that?” the Twins say in awe.
“I don't know.” Astrid answers confused
“Do not give Hiccup dragon nip,” Snotlout says, coming out of the trees, Hiccup and Hookfang following behind them. A small chunk of ice on Hookfang’s wing
“How was I supposed to know sneezing would cause that?” Hiccup argues, gesturing at the ice spikes.
“Wait, that was you?” Heather exclaims
“Yep,” Snotlout answers, walking past.
“What happened?” Fishlegs questions
“Plasma and cold don't mix well, apparently.” Hiccup answers, standing by Dagur.
“Cold?” Dagur repeats
“So the frost was from you.” Astrid remarks
“Yep, it was-” A sneeze interrupts him, a frozen plasma blast hitting a tree nearby, ice erupting from the impact.
“Wow”
“Um, that might be problematic,” Astrid muses. “How did you guys know we were in trouble?” Astrid asks, turning to Dagur
“Sleuther wouldn’t stop trying to leave, and Tuff heard that screech,” he responded, looking concerningly at Hiccup’s bandaged leg
“Sleuther came because of me. The flyers were gloating before Snotlout showed up.” Hiccup speaks, walking to Sleuther, “ The spikes by my ears release signals only dragons can hear. The meaning varies depending on certain factors."He pets Sleuther as he continues, “ Krogan recognized the dragon. That’s why he didn't want me shaking them even if I didn't know what it did.”
“Did they say what it was called?” Fishlegs asks
“The species is known as a Bewilderbeast, but it's more commonly referred to as the King of Dragons.” Hiccup answers, turning to them.
“The very Dragon they are looking for,” Dagur voiced angry
“What do we do? Krogan’s going to be back.” Heather asks concerned
“I was going to go back with Dad. Right now, Berk is safer, and we’ll need to deal with the political problems from this.” Hiccup answers, looking at the ground.
“Okay, we’ll get what we need from here, then join you at Berk,” Astrid says, placing a hand on his shoulder
“If you don't mind, we might want to stop at Berserk on the way. This ice is the same as the ice under the island.” Dagur says, inspecting the ice.
Hiccup nods his ears, lifting to a dissent roar. “Speaking of Dad, he’s here.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Saying Stoick was furious would be an understatement. He was a volcano seconds from erupting. The only reason he hadn't was Hiccup being relatively okay and the target for his anger being untold miles away.“So Krogan made you drink something that turned you into this,” Stoick says after Hiccup explains what happened. Gothi was checking for any problems with Hiccup’s new limbs. “Yeah, that's the short, simple version.” Hiccup responds, wincing at Gothi’s touch.“What was the plan?” Stoick inquires, watching Gothi inspect the wings“Head back to Berk, figure things out there, then see where we’re at.” Hiccup responds, melancholy leasing his voice “Okay, are the others coming too?” Stoick questions. Gothi wavering him over to see something “They’re going to collect our stuff, then head back.” Hiccup answers, trying not to move too much under Gothi’s hand. “Is something wrong?”Stoick doesn't respond immediately, shocked by Gothi’s findings. Blood is trickling out by the middle of where his wings connect to his back. Gothi presses lightly, not getting a reaction at all“Hiccup?”“What?” “Gothi just pressed on a wound, and you didn't react.”“I didn't feel it,” Hiccup clarifies, tilting his head in confusion. “But I can feel your hand on top of the wing.”Gothi pokes around the injury, noting when Hiccup does and doesn't react. She hums once done writing her findings and hands Stoick her book
The area where the two dragons mix is completely numb. It looks like it will heal but should be checked often to make sure that feeling does return. If it doesn't, we have a much bigger problem on our hands
Stoick’s eyes dart between the elder and his son. Gothi’s eyes show how serious this is, and Hiccup looks indifferent as if he expected something like this.“Great, just what we need,” Hiccup sasses with the usual style“Alright, Dagur said you guys need to stop a Berserk soon. Why was that?”“He thinks something on the island might be connected to the king.”“We should head out soon then so we can deal with Berk's reaction before the Chief’s gathering.”“I forgot that was happening on Berk this time.”“I, it will be interesting.” The flight to Berserk was quiet. It was sunset when they arrived, gently landing the dragons at the stables before following Dagur and Heather to the tunnels.“Never knew there were tunnels under this island,” Stoick said, eyes exploring the complicated tunnel systems.“Yeah, Heather was the one that said we could use them,” Dagur responded. “We’re here,” he announced, walking into a massive cavern, ice covering the walls. “It does look similar,” Hiccup observed, running a hand along the walls. “Hard to know for sure.”“We’ve tried checking further, but the ice blocks the caves, and the dragons won't fly in here,” Heather explains, watching Hiccup investigate “It wouldn’t hurt to be more careful just in case, but for now, you should be okay here.” Hiccup answers, walking back to the group “It's late. We should get some sleep. We can figure this out more in the morning,” Dagur responded, walking out. The moonlight was a comforting presence as Hiccup sat on the edge of the cliff, unable to sleep. Toothless joined him a few minutes ago, curling around him as his mind raced with all sorts of potential problems that could occur. Unfamiliar wings followed by soft footsteps snapped Hiccup from his thoughts, Toothless rising beside him, his posture a cautious curiosity. Hiccup stood slowly and turned around to see an owl-like dragon peering out from behind the stables, an armored person under its head.The armored person crawled forward like a dragon walking. Toothless rumbled a warning, causing them to stop. They seemed merely curious about them. “Who are you?” Hiccup questioned softly, not wanting to scare them off“A friend to dragons,” a female voice responds. The dragon Hiccup now notices is a Stormcutter rumbles in agreement. “You have Dragon parts,” she says in awe and surprise “Yeah,” Hiccup confirmed, a little at ease thanks to the Stormcutter.She walks closer, Toothless not protesting this time. She gently investigates Hiccup, careful not to touch him while doing so.“How did you get these? I’ve never seen a human-dragon before.”“I’m honestly not sure how it happened. I was forced to drink something that made them come,” Hiccup had no idea why he was being so open. Just something told him he could trust her.She paused at his face, her hand reaching out to touch him. She gasped and recoiled, surprising and scaring the dragons. Hiccup was confused, not remembering anything on his face that could cause such a reaction.“Hiccup?” she said, hope with a bit of anger in her voice. She removed her mask, revealing hair similar to his and blue eyes.“How? Should I know you?” Now Hiccup was freaked out, his tail swishing slowly. She looked hurt but resigned at the question, eyes going to the ground. “No, you were only a babe,” she explained, starting to look up at him, “but a mother never forgets.”Hiccup doesn’t know how to react, somehow knowing she’s telling the truth. “you’re alive?” It slips before he can stop it. Valka nods, unsure what to do, having resigned to the fact she’ll never see her son again, and now he’s here but was forced to become this half-dragon in front of her.“How did you survive? Everyone said you were dead?”“Cloudjumper never meant to harm me; he thought I belonged with dragons,” Valka explained, waving Cloudjumper to her side. “He’s so big.” Hiccup walks to the Stormcutter, gently running a hand down his side“I suppose so.” Valka muses, absent-mindedly petting Toothless’s head. “Why are you here?” she asks“Dagur needed help looking into something. Dad’s here too, and Gothi,” Hiccup responded, still looking Cloudjumper over “Does your father know of your dragon friend?” “Yeah, he’s known for a few years. He wasn't happy at first, then Toothless saved me, and he mellowed out about it. He has his own Dragon partner through Skullcrushers properly asleep right now.”A crazy yell altered Valka to an incoming human. She was ready to attack when Hiccup jumped in front of her“No, Dagur, it's okay!” Hiccup yelled over the crazy yelling, blocking the Viking from getting to her.The Viking visibly relaxed once he spotted Hiccup, swiftly trapping her son in a tight hug.“Sorry, still on edge,” Dagur apologized before letting go and turning to Valka. “You two look really similar.” “Dagur, meet my mother.” Hiccup says so casually as if this wasn't him introducing someone to his assumed dead mother.“What?” Dagur’s response and reaction were much more fitting to the situation.“This was not how I expected this night to go.” Stoick’s voice comes from one of the pathways.Everyone turns to his voice. He’s frozen in place, staring at Valka. Gothi walks forward, grabs Hiccup, and drags him away, smacking Dagur with her staff to get him to follow. Toothless grumbles in confusion as he follows. Leave Stoick, Valka, and Cloudjumper alone.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Valka had no clue what to say. How do you tell the man you love that you willingly stayed away from him and your kid?
“Val? Is it really you?” Stoick’s question paused Valka's thoughts. She forced herself to look at him.
“Yes, it's me, Stoick,” Valka confirmed. Stoick walked closer, placing a hand on her face
“You're as beautiful as the day I lost you,” he whispered, softly pulling her into a kiss.
Valka was surprised. She thought he’d be mad at her, not this.
“Stoick, I-” Valka starts trying to explain, only to be quieted by Stoick placing his finger on her lips
“It's okay, Val. It doesn't matter. What does is that you’re alive.” Stoick pulls Valka into a tight hug.
Gothi leads Hiccup to sit on one of the beds in the guest house.
“What's going on?” Dagur questions, sitting across from Hiccup.
“She’s checking my wings and giving Dad time alone with Mom…. It feels weird to say that.” Hiccup pets Toothless as he talks, flinching occasionally under Gothi’s hands
“What's wrong with your wings?” Dagur asks, leaning forward
“Some parts of them are numb.” Hiccup explains. He suddenly jerks forward, and a small scream escapes him. Hiccup pants as Dagur stares at Gothi, who’s staring at Hiccup, Toothless rumbling into Hiccup’s chest.
“What was that!?” Dagur screams, rushing forward to them and crashing down in front of Hiccup. “Hey, you okay?” Dagur tries to comfort him gently, placing a hand on his leg.
Stoick throws the door open. His expression is concern mixed with Fatherly protection. Valka stands behind him with a similar look.
“What happened?” Stoick questions, crossing the room.
“Not sure no one was touching him. He just screamed and doubled over.” Dagur eyes meet Stoick’s, Dagur’s fright showing strong in his eyes.
“Is there any way he couldn't feel an injury before?” Valka asks, now standing next to Gothi.
“His wings. There was blood where they connected to his back.” Stoick realizes, and he gently places a hand on Hiccup’s shoulder. “Hiccup, can we check your wings?”
Hiccup whines, shaking his head no, “Brother, please, we want to ensure you’re okay.” Hiccup shakes his head again, pushing Dagur away.
“Dagur, please leave,” Stoick asks as firmly as he can
“What! Why?” Dagur relents once Hiccup whines again, “Fine, I’ll be outside.”
“Should I leave too?” Valka inquires, watching Dagur leave
“I don't know. I only asked him to leave because he would question Hiccup about some scars he doesn't like talking about.”
“I’ll head out then. I don't want to push boundaries,” Valka tries to leave, only for Toothless to jump in front of her, pushing her onto the bed next to Hiccup. Hiccup’s hand grabs hers, his tail wrapping around her waist.
“It seems he disagrees with you,” Stoick says, standing and slowly pulling Hiccup's shirt off, Gothi assisting to get his wings through the slits. Valka stays still next to Hiccup, letting him hold her.
Valka inhales sharply, seeing the many old scars on his arms. She looks at Stoick. The guilt in his eyes tells her everything. Hiccup did it to himself. Valka wants to ask why but saves it, knowing now is not the time.
Stoick’s eyes widened as he sharply inhaled. “It's worse than yesterday,”
“How much worse?” Valka asks, moving her other hand to rub over the scales on Hiccup’s face
“A lot. He couldn't feel it before, so we didn't know how bad it was.”
Gothi pulls some herbs out of her bag, handing them to Stoick with instructions. She moves the door, opening it to tell Dagur something. He runs off quickly to get what Gothi requested.
Valka watches them move around, unsure of what to do.
“Mom?” Hiccup’s whisper pulled her back. She didn't realize she stopped touching him.
“I'm here. It's okay. You’re going to be okay.” Valka reassures quickly, moving her hand back to his face
“It hurts,” Valka’s heart breaks, hearing him admit to being in pain. She notices Stoick flinch in the corner of her vision.
“I know it does. Your father’s making something to help you. You need to hold on, please, Hiccup, please hold on a little more,” Valka’s close to crying at how much it mentally hurts to know she can’t help her kid's pain; the only thing she can do is hold him and pray.
“Done,” Stoick announces, walking over. He places the bowl in Hiccup’s mouth, letting him taste it before persuading him to drink all of it.
“Taste bad,” Hiccup whispers once done drinking.
Dagur knocks on the door. Gothi opens it, taking the water bucket from him, nodding, then closing the door.
“Okay, we’re going to clean up the blood, then wrap as best we can,” Stoick tells Valka, moving around Hiccup. “It's probably going to hurt.”
“Toothless, can you keep his legs still?” Valka asks, moving to hold his wrist and tail. Toothless nods, placing his head on Hiccup’s lap, his paw wrapping around his legs.
Hiccup struggles as soon as Gothi starts, crying out the whole time.
It took longer than any of them wanted to finish. The wings weren't in their sockets, so they pressed painfully against the rest of his back, forcing them to pop them back in place.
Hiccup fainted as Stoick popped his right wing into place, leaving him dead weight for the left wing. It was easier to wrap the wound with him unconscious, but the emotions in the air didn't change.
Hiccup lay on the bed, Valka sitting next to him. Stoick and Gothi were outside. The sunlight coming through the windows blocked as a concerned rumble sounded from the window.
“It's okay, Cloudjumper,” Valka answers her Dragon, not looking away from her son.
“Raw?”
“I want to go back with them. He needs me,” Valka explains, placing a hand on Hiccup’s hair. She looks at Cloudjumper when he doesn't respond to her. He nods, agreeing with her.
The door opens. Stoick walks in, his eye downcast. “We’re going to get going soon. Gothi wants to get to Berk as quickly as possible,” he explains, picking up a few bags on the tables. “Are you coming with us?”
“Yes. I am.” Valka confirms, helping Stoick get the bags.
“Can you and Cloud take Hiccup? I don't think he's waking any time soon.”
“Yeah, will Toothless be okay?” She questions as Stoick attaches a few bags to his saddle.
“He has his auto tail right now. He’ll probably stay close to you.” Stoick explains, gesturing to the plain leather prosthetic tailfin not connected to his saddle, a redfin rolled up on the saddle.
“Alright, let's get going then.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The increasing shouting and running outside the forge made it incredibly difficult for Gobber to finish any work. From what he gathered, a Stormcutter was with the chief in the air.
“Why isn't Hiccup on Toothless?” one of the crowding Vikings asked, pointing to Toothless staying close to the Stormcutter.
Gobber limped out, eyeing the dragons. He spots a human on the Stormcutter holding something wrapped in a blanket. Judging by how Toothless is watching that blanket, it's Hiccup underneath.
Gobber pushes through the crowd, reaching the front when the dragons land. Spitelout stands beside him, his eyes wide, staring at the Stormcutter. Ingrid shakily walks forward, ignoring the gasps and questions coming from the village.
Stoick watches Valka and Ingrid before addressing the crowd. “I understand you're all confused about what's going on. For now, please hold your questions. I’ll answer them at dinner.”
Several people are unhappy with this answer but disperse nonetheless.
Gobber walked up to Stoick, watching the two women interact with each other, noting Valka’s grip tightening on the bundle in her arms.
“So?” Gobber whispers. “Is he okay?”
“Hun, oh no.” Stoick’s voice is flat and cold. Gobber looks at him, realizing Stoick won’t say more, and follows the woman to the house.
Ingrid talks calmly with Valka, smartly not asking where she’s been. Gothi guides them to the Haddock home, opening the door. A groan comes from Valka’s direction, movement coming from underneath the blanket.
“Val?” Ingrid questions as she lays the bundle on the ground. Almost immediately, Hiccup jumps up the blanket, catching on his wings.
A tense silence filled the room. Gobber and Ingrid exchanged confused glances as Gothi took the blanket, tossing it onto the table behind them.
If she weren't so confused, Ingrid would have found the sounds her future son-in-law was making adorable.
“Um, what happened?” Gobber almost demanded, speaking for both of their thoughts.
Stoick, Valka, and Gothi exchange glances, seemingly trying to figure out what to say. Hiccups behind them, looking annoyed. He yips, disappointed, smacking Stoick with his tail.
“Ow! Unnecessary,” Stoick yells, only to concede to Hiccup’s disappointed glare. “Krogan has a potion that turns people into dragon hybrids.”
“That's bad.” Ingrid breathed. “Why did he use it on Hiccup?”
Hiccup hissed angrily in response and freezes, blinking slowly.
“That would be a vocal cord issue now,” Valka says solemnly
“T-hiss-ing It-purr,” Hiccup tries to say
“Testing it?” Valka questions and Hiccup confirms, causing everyone to get angry. “So he used it on you because he didn't care if you lived.”
“Yes, Krogan didn't care if it killed me. It would give him what he needed.” the hissing and purring remained in Hiccup’s voice.
“He is so dead the next time I see him,” Stoick declares, determined and angry.
“So, how are we telling the village about this?” Gobber questions
“Tell them the truth. It's going to get out eventually,” Hiccup states, causing Stoick and Valka to groan in dismay, Gothi, Ingrid, and Gobber agreeing with him.
“Fine.”
The meeting wasn’t anywhere near as bad as Stoick expected. The village was mad at Krogan's actions but welcomed the outcome, agreeing to help Hiccup however he needed.
“Now, how to tell the other tribes,” Hiccup pointed out after dinner.
Stoick huffs, unsure. “We have a week to figure it out.”
“No hiding the dragons this time. I don't need to remind you how bad that went.”
“What happened?” Valka questions genuine curiosity at this incident
“Dagur started a war.” Hiccup answered
“The same Dagur?”
“The same one.” Stoick confirmed “Our son has a knack for befriending enemies.”
Valka nods, glancing at Toothless curdled around Hiccup. The latter having fallen asleep on the former.
“That he does.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Hiccup opened his eyes, whimpering at the sight of green-tinted bars before him. Krogan stared pleased at him.
“Don't you worry. I’ll let you see Berk one more time before we leave,” he spoke calmly. Hiccup whimpered again around the gag lodged tight in his mouth. Hiccup tried struggling as Krogan reached into the cage, but the leather and metal straps refused to let him move to escape Krogan's grasp. Krogan gripped the collar around Hiccup’s neck, pulling slightly; a broken growl pulled from his throat.
“You belong to us now.”
Astrid lay curled up against Hiccup, listening to him breathe in his sleep. She thought about the past few days, Hiccup being forced into a half-dragon hybrid, finding his long-lost mother, and how others will now react to him. Astrid did her best to ease his worries, but it had minimal effects.
Hiccup had admitted to Astrid when she'd come into the forge that afternoon that he’d been having horrific nightmares when he tried to sleep. Leading to their current situation, Valka was hesitant to let Astrid stay, but Stoick and Ingrid agreed it would likely help Hiccup.
Astrid pried a little info about the nightmares before he fell asleep. Most were him trapped in a cage, the events occurring outside the cage varying. Sometimes, the other riders were outside being brutally injured while he desperately tried to escape to save them. One of them he was restrained in the cage, Viggo staking around him, loudly speaking about everything he would do to him. Sometimes, it would be violent reactions to his new body, villages trying to kill him because of it, and people he considered friends betraying him, though he said the most common person to appear was oddly Johann.
Hiccup’s breathing speeds up suddenly. Astrid twisted around, shaking him gently, trying to wake him. Toothless, sensing something was wrong, padded over, assisting Astrid to wake Hiccup.
Hiccup’s eyes shot open. He rolled slightly, almost falling off the bed. Astrid pulls him into a hug, whispering reassurances to him.
“You want to talk about it?” Astrid questions once Hiccup’s calmed down
“Cage, Krogan.”
Astrid sighs softly, pulling him tighter into the hug, Toothless wrapping around them. She doesn't need details. Those two words tell her enough about the nightmare.
“He’s not here now. I promise I will do everything I can to make sure those dreams don't come true,” Astrid vows, feeling Hiccup start to purr against her. His new Dragon side tended to take charge when they interacted intimately.
He fell back asleep in her arms, Astrid lightly rubbing up and down his arms. Tomorrow, they have to deal with the chief's meeting, but tonight, Astrid was content helping her betrothed get some proper sleep.
Valka sat on the grass, Cloudjumper resting behind her. Valka wasn't sure how to react to what she'd learned that morning. The painful emotional past that appeared to convince her beautiful boy that one wrong move and everyone would abandon him. The past that made him hurt himself.
“I don't know what to do, Cloudjumper. How can I make up for not being here?”
“Raw?”
“He has no reason to forgive me. I left him for nineteen years.”
“Knowing him, he's already forgiven you.” a female voice sounds from behind her. Valka looks up to see Ingrid sitting beside her. “I'll admit I don't know him as well as Astrid does, but I know him better than most of the village.”
“You're sure he has?”
“He forgave us after the Red Death, so I find it hard to believe he hasn't forgiven you.”
“Raw!”
“I think your friend was trying to tell you that too.”
“I don't know”
“Val, you said when Gothi was caring for his injuries, he latched onto you, right?”
“Yeah, I don't see why that's important.”
“It's important because it means he already forgave you. Did he tell you what he was going to do before we found out about Toothless?”
“No, he didn't.”
“He almost ran away to save that dragon. He only stayed because Astrid caught him before he left. He was willing to do the same thing you did. He might be a little upset that you didn't come back to check how things were, but he did forgive you.”
“Thank you for tonight, Ingrid. I needed this talk.”
“Of course, if you ever need to talk again, I'm available.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Camicazi watches the ship slowly move through the water. The Isle of Berk is not getting closer fast enough for her. She desperately wanted to reach Berk to check on her favorite skinny little Viking. It had been five years since Hiccup came to the chief’s gatherings with his father. Stoick deflected any questions regarding his son during the meetings, increasing others' worry about the small kid.“I haven't seen you this impatient in years,” Her mother, Chieftess Bertha, pointed out, coming to stand by her.“I’m worried about Hiccup. I know Alvin said he was okay, but I don't trust him.” Camicazi stated. Bertha nodded in agreement before narrowing her eyes at something on the docks.“Cami, is that a dragon on the docks?” She questions curiously Camicazi turned her gaze to the docks, seeing a medium-sized black dragon beside Stoick, shoving its snout into something behind him.“Yep, it is,” she confirms, confused.“Chieftess, we're almost there. What do we do?” one of the crew members asks.“Do as usual. Stoick won't let any harm come to us.”“Yes, mam.” Stoick was tense as the Bog Burglar’s ship docked. Initially, Toothless wouldn't be here, but they couldn't get Hiccup out of the house without him. Speaking of Hiccup, he was hidden behind Stoick until he could explain what happened to him.Bertha carefully walked to Stoick, extending a hand once close.“Stoick, it's been a little bit. How are things going?” she questions, eyeing Toothless, who’s too distracted making sure Hiccup stays to notice.“Things have been going good. I apologize for Toothless. He’s here as assistance,” Stoick explains, placing a hand on Toothless’s head.“Assistance for what?” Camicazi questions, walking closer to Toothless, barely catching sight of Hiccup behind Stoick before Toothless blocks her view. “And who’s behind you?”“We had an incident last week,” Stoick says, stepping sideways, revealing Hiccup to them.Bertha blinks slowly, taking his appearance in. Cami watches, stunned, as Hiccup batts Toothless’s head away, not noticing he’s visible to them.“Hiccup?” She questions barely above a whisper. His body tenses as he turns his head to them, recoiling a bit.“Um, Hey, Cami.” Hiccup responds, nervously placing a hand on the back of his neck. Camicazi didn't care that he was a half-dragon hybrid. She was ecstatic that he was alive. Cami rushed forward, trapping Hiccup in a tight, unconventional hug. Bertha laughs a little at Hiccup's bewildered expression.“I was so worried about you,” Cami softly says, feeling a long-finned tail wrap around her body. Two smooth, soft wings pull her closer, a quiet purr coming from Hiccup.“And here I thought Berk couldn't get stranger!” a loud male voice calls from one of the incoming ships. A third bulkier person tackles into them, Hiccup’s tail snapping out to balance them. Tregory’s head pokes over Hiccup’s wings; one slides away to wrap around him.“My dad’s probably furious right now,” Tregory comments. “Do you care?” Cami questions mockingly“Nope!” Tregory shouts. Stoick, Bertha, and Megalodon loudly fight behind them.“Not in my ears,” Hiccup winces, pulling back.“Sorry.”“So how did-” “BROTHER!” Dagur interrupts Camiaczi, tackling Hiccup to the ground “Ow, Hi Dagur.”“Brother?” Cami and Tregory questions confused “Yeah, why?” Dagur questions back, lifting Hiccup off the ground “I don't think you explained why you started calling me that.” Hiccup points out. Dagur places a hand on his chin, thinking hard. “I don't remember,” he states as his hand falls.“Of course you don't.”“Back to the question, how did you get them dragon bits?” Tregory gestures to Hiccup’s wings“A potion of some sort.”Hiccup answers“IT’S NOT OKAY! YOUR HEIR CAN'T BE HALF DRAGON!” Merg of the hysterics shouts as loud as his voice can go. Several people cover their ears as he rants. Hiccup presses the ear fins tight in his head, blocking as much noise as possible. Two hands covered his ears, completely blocking sound, and Astrid blocked his view of the dock, axe ready should she need it. Hiccup’s eyes slip close, the world fading into darkness. Hiccup awakens in his bed. The blankets pulled over him. The house is quiet, only a terror snoring from above him. Hiccup sat up, noticing a small note on his nightstand.
Gothi said you passed out from sensory overload. For now, she wants you to stay inside, away from massive groups. We’re at the Hall trying to calm people down. If it's an emergency, please rest.
Don’t try anything. Sharpshot will get us if you leave.
Love you, Astrid.
“Fine, you win only because I have a headache,” Hiccup says softly, grabbing his sketchbook and pencil from the desk. Astrid returned two hours later; opening the door, she noticed the shelves with books before were empty. She hurried up the stairs, finding Hiccup and Sharpshot surrounded by books and pieces of paper rolled into balls. Hiccup’s peacefully sleeping in the center of the room, Sharpshot sitting triumphantly on his chest, chirping happily when he spots Astrid.“Did he try to leave?” Astrid questions, looking at the mess. Sharpshot shakes his head no, confusing Astrid more. “Then what happened?”Sharpshot starts dramatically pacing around the room, yipping randomly. It takes Astrid a minute to figure out that Hiccup was bored, so pacing, and Sharpshot was tired of him doing so.“This is one way to entertain him, I guess,” Astrid says, walking over to Hiccup, picking him up, and laying him back on the bed. “Oh, don't think you’re getting out of helping clean this.” Astrid points to Sharpshot, who dramatically huffs before starting to clean up.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Stoick almost punched Merg when Hiccup passed out. Fortunately and unfortunately, Bertha got to him first, striking him so hard he went halfway across the docks.
“You don't comment on it until you know the whole story. Am I Clear,” Bertha said in a dangerously calm tone.
“Y-es ma-m,” Merg stuttered out.
Dagur, the Riders, Camicazi, Tregory, and Gothi were all crowded around Hiccup. Stoick and Gobber walked over, hearing Fishlegs explain what Gothi found.
“He passed out from sensory overload. She wants him to stay in his house until people can behave.”
Stoick sighs softly. “Astrid, you and Dagur take him to the house, then meet us at the Hall and try to ensure he stays there.”
“Yes sir,” Astrid responds, kneeling to slide her arms under Hiccup, gently lifting him, Dagur following closely behind. Stoick watches them leave before turning a harsh glare at the arguing Chiefs.
“Everyone to the Hall, any objections deal with Toothless, and he’s not one you want to piss off,” Stoick demanded calmly, Toothless hissing aggressively at his name, teeth bared.
After two hours of no progress, Stoick sent Astrid to check on Hiccup. He hasn't been able to get far into what happened because at least one member from four of the present tribes interrupts him. It's gotten so bad Dagur left, saying he’s getting help. Stoick wasn't sure what he meant until he returned with Stormfly, Astrid, Sleuther, Windshear, Hookfang, Heather, and, surprisingly, Snotlout, all of them with dangerously calm expressions.
“Anyone that interrupts from now on must deal with one of us, and you don't want that,” Dagur announced, his voice dipping low at the end.
“Stoick, if you would please explain what happened,” Hyica of the Volcans (named for the volcano on their island) requested softly, glaring at the offending tribes.
“It would be better for the riders to explain. Astrid, you have the floor,” Stoick steps to the side, and Astrid walks to the front of the hall.
“We’re not sure how it occurred, but when we woke in the morning, Hiccup was missing. After an investigation around our base led by Dagur, we concluded someone had taken Hiccup during the night.”
“How did you know someone had taken him, and he didn’t just leave?” A member of the Bogs questioned
“Simple Hiccup has an organized system to his hut. When we entered to investigate, several things were on the floor, and Toothless was still with us. Hiccup doesn't go far without him,” Dagur explained
“After Dagur made me aware of the situation, we used my Deadly Nadder Stormfly to track Hiccup’s scent trail. She led us to an island five hours by Dragon from our base. Dragon Hunters and Flyers heavily guarded the island. We devised a plan to distract the guards and investigate the island. Myself and the other riders distracted the guard while Dagur and Heather searched for Hiccup.”
“In my search, I discovered Hiccup in a cell, mostly limp from pain caused by his body changing. He told me on the way back to Dragons Edge that they had forced him to drink some sort of potion.”
“We’re currently unsure of what all it did to him,” Astrid finishes, watching people's reactions. Most were sympathetic, understanding that it wasn't intentional and excruciatingly painful. A few were stubborn and not changing their views.
“I don't see anything wrong with Hiccup remaining Berk’s heir, as this was an act against Berk and not an attempt at power,” Bertha says calmly. “Those that agree, please raise your hands.” ninety percent raised their hands; the only ones not are the Hysterics.
“I will not align my tribe with one that has a half-dragon as its heir,” Merg growls, folding his arms over his chest.
“Then you will not have the Bog’s support.”
“Same with the the Volcans”
“Meatheads as well.”
“That's ridiculous over a freak of nature!”
“Yes, Hiccup is an amazing person and will be a fantastic chief no matter what he looks like,” Hyica explained. “When you all saw a tiny runt, I saw an intelligent, devoted, compassionate boy who could handle any challenge thrown his way. When he lacked strength, he used his intelligence and creativity to compensate. That same skill set makes it much harder to anticipate his plans. If Hiccup wanted to, he could take control of the archipelago, and we’d be unable to stop him.”
Stoick eyes widened in surprise at Hyica’s words, not knowing she respected his son this much.
“No one has ever said that before.” Hiccup responded from the door, three dragons standing guard behind him.
“Well, it’s true. If Stoick continued not to see your potential, I was going to convince him to let me take you.”
“You were going to do what?” Stoick questioned, shocked and angry
“Only if things remained how they were.” She clarified calmly
A dragon’s roar stopped any further discussion. Hiccup turned, looking out, his face morphing in confusion. “Is Johann supposed to be early?”
“Not that I know of,” Stoick answered, also confused.
“That's his ship coming in.” Hiccup clarifies, Stoick and Astrid walking up beside him
“Strange,” Astrid breathed, watching Johann dock
“Maybe something happened, and he needed to dock somewhere, and Berk was closest,” Camicazi says.
“Maybe.”
Valka watched Johann’s ship dock from the shadows. She had just returned from a scouting mission when she spotted him. A few minutes after he secured his ship, Stoick, Astrid, and Hiccup were down there with him.
Valka wasn’t close enough to hear their conversation but did notice Johann’s fake surprise seeing Hiccup as if he already knew what had happened. Hiccup’s ears twitched while Johann talked as if picking up something Astrid and Stoick weren't.
Hiccup seemed to get more uneasy as the conversation went on. He excused himself after a bit. Valka immediately went to his side; he slowed when she came but didn’t stop walking.
“Hiccup, what's wrong?” Valka questions softly, desperately trying to keep up with him.
“Johann said he was alone, but I heard movement from his ship. It was soft but there.” Hiccup answered, his voice wavering slightly
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I heard a voice.” He admitted tears welling up in his eyes.
“Who was it?”
“Viggo,” she almost didn’t catch what he said at how quiet he was. She was shocked and angry, having been told by Astrid what Viggo wanted from her son.
“I won’t let that man anywhere near you, I promise.”
“I don't understand. Johann knows we’re at war with him. Why did he bring him here?”
“I don't know. What do you want to do?”
“I was going to grab Toothless and Sharpshot and spend the night in the forest, maybe have the other rides join too.”
“Okay, be careful. Do you want me to tell your father?”
“He’ll go into a rage and do something drastically until we know more. No, he shouldn't know.”
“I love you, be careful.”
“Thanks, mom.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Hiccup laid against Toothless’s chest, Sharpshot draped across Toothless’s neck. Astrid and Stormfly are a few feet away from him. Hiccup didn't tell Astrid about Viggo, simply saying he wanted to sleep in the forest tonight.He hadn't been able to fall asleep, something in his subconscious keeping him awake. He barely registered the rustling close by, thinking it to be an animal. It wasn't until a whistling and a sharp pain in his neck that he realized it was a person. Several groans of pain indicated the others were hit as well.Hiccup rolls in Toothless’s paws, confused, as Johann stocks towards him, Viggo behind him, tying Astrid and Stormfly up. Johann shoves Toothless’s paw off Hiccup, gripping his torso and dragging him away from his dragon. Hiccup struggles weakly, trying desperately to escape Johann’s grasp. Viggo walks past them and precedes to tie up Toothless and Sharpshot.“Interesting, he’s still awake,” Viggo comments, finishing tying the others up.“Yes, at least he’s still weakened by it,” Johann responds, lying Hiccup on the ground, grabbing a satchel off his shoulder.Hiccup’s eyes dart between Johann, the bag, and Viggo, slowly putting things together. Hiccup can’t suppress the whimper at the sight of leather and mental cuffs in the satchel. The drug from the dart finally pulled Hiccup into unconsciousness. Astrid awoke to Stormfly thrashing wildly behind her. She tried to get up only to realize she was heavily bound from head to toe, the dragons in similar situations. A gag was wedged tightly in her mouth, preventing her from calling for help. The dragons muzzled as well. She looked around wildly, not seeing Hiccup anywhere. Astrid hated waiting, but she couldn't do anything else in her current predicament. She and the dragons tried to escape for several hours, but the ropes were too strong and intricate. It was about nine am when Astrid heard dragons flying nearby people calling for her and Hiccup, Valka’s voice being the closest. It took a few minutes for her to find them, and when she did, she looked ready to kill. Valka rambled angrily while carefully cutting Astrid free and moving to Toothless while Astrid freed Stormfly.“What happened?” Valka questioned harshly. Astrid flinched despite knowing she wasn’t mad at her.“I don't know. I woke up to Stormfly trying to break the ropes. Hiccup was already gone.”“I knew he should have told someone.”“Told someone what?” Astrid asked concerned“Viggo was on Johann’s ship. He didn't want to cause a fight, so he said nothing.” Valka explains. Astrid’s eyes widened in anger and betrayal. Hiccup awoke to pain in his whole body, tight pressure wrapping around his limbs, the familiar weight of his prosthetic missing. Hiccup peels his eyes open, seeing wooden planks. He’s up against something. No, he’s lying on something, his wings and tail in holes on the table he’s strapped to. His whole body’s restrained. A leather collar was holding his neck close to the table, a maybe two-inch chain connecting the two, and a heavy weight was on his legs, preventing him from moving them. He could see the metal cuffs attached to his wrists, small chains connecting them to the table. His tail was strapped to the underside of the table, his wing tips pulled to the edge of the table, secured in place by more straps. As if to finish this horrific experience, a metal muzzle was securely strapped onto his face.Hiccup’s eyes darted around, stopping on a table against the wall. Knives and whips lay on its surface, and a few other items Hiccup couldn't see well enough to identify.A door opened behind him, and the person who entered paused when they realized he was awake. They softly close the door before walking to Hiccup. Viggo leans over Hiccup’s head, his hands start running over his chest, and Hiccup thanks the gods he still has his clothes on.“You truly are beautiful, my dear,” Viggo purrs, moving one hand to Hiccup’s face. “I might just take you so I can have my way, but for now…” Viggo trails off, removing his hands and walking over to the torture table.“Mmmph.” Hiccup tries to talk, to tell Viggo to leave him alone, but the muzzle prevents his mouth from moving to form the words.“Yes, dear?” Viggo questions, turning back to him with an amused smirk.“Mph!” Hiccup screams, thrashing as best he can. It's not much.“Don't be that way, darling,” Viggo says, patting Hiccup’s cheek. An angry glare is his only response.“Please say you're not going to try to have sex with him right now,” Krogan’s voice comes from the door.“No, I know how to control myself, Krogan,” Viggo responds as Krogan walks into Hiccup’s line of sight.“Good because we still need him to lead us to the king,” Johann joins the conversation.“And how is he going to do that?” Viggo questions“He can now detect other alphas, and with what we already know, it won't take long to find it,” Johann explains, pulling a map out and placing it on an empty table.Hiccup shudders a little; he already knows where it is, at least right now. Berserker Island. He can’t put Dagur in danger by giving that away.“We’re not far from the first island. We need to check.”“What about Berk?” Krogan questions“We’ll be fine. Our dear friend didn't tell anyone Viggo was with me.” Hiccup glares, hiding his surprise. They didn’t know his mom knew, and he was going to keep it that way. Toothless landed hard in front of Stoick, Astrid hopping off his back.“Chief, is Johann still here?” She questions, anger slipping into her voice. Toothless doesn’t completely understand what happened, only understanding the strange trader has something to do with his rider's disappearance.“No, why and where’s Hiccup?” Stoick asks, looking confused at Toothless before focusing on Astrid. Valka walks up behind Astrid, pulling her into a hug, Astrid quietly crying against her chest.“Hiccup’s missing. Johann has something to do with it.” Valka explains, holding Astrid close.Toothless rumbles softly, turning his gaze to the sea, feeling something tugging on his mind to go that way.
“Storm, do you feel that?” Toothless asks, not able to look at her
“No, what are you talking about?” She walks to his side
“Something is pulling on me to go that direction.” He explains walking forward
“Not something, someone.” Stormfly states cause Toothless to stop
“What?” He asks bewildered
“Hiccup has the bewilderbeast's mind control ability. You’ve spent the most time near him-“
“Making it so he can call me from farther.” Toothless finishes for her, “How do we let them know?”
“I think his dam already knows.”
“Toothless?” Astrid asks, placing a hand on his head. “Are you trying to go somewhere?”
“Yes!” He nods his head, pointing out with his tail.
“He’s being called,” Valka says softly. The others look at her, confused. “It’s an alpha ability. They can summon specific dragons to them if needed.”“And Hiccup has that ability,” Dagur puts it together.“I won't make any of you help,” Stoick says to the gathered Chiefs “Don't bother Stoick. If it were Camicazi, you would be right next to me getting her back,” Bertha reassures him, several others nodding in agreement. “Those people are going to regret taking him.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Two long hours, nothing happened. Hiccup simply lay on the stupid table, listening to people walk around on the deck. Sometimes, an eligible word would come through.
Footsteps were outside the door, and two flyers walked in. One held a satchel at his side. Two had nothing unusual on him.
Two held his hand in One’s direction. One placed a long chain in his hand. Hiccup glared at Two as he attached the chain to his collar. One places the satchel close to Hiccup’s shoulder, metal hitting metal sounding from the bag.
They work meticulously, removing the various restraints in a way Hiccup couldn't effectively fight against. The second his wrist was free, a metal cuff with a small chain linking it to the other was around him. They swapped who held him down and who bound him up. They removed the straps holding his wings and forced him into a sitting position, trapping his wings down with a thick leather strap much too tight around his chest and pinning his arms more. His tail was next, roughly pulled from underneath the table. They pressed his tail against his right leg, securing it with two more straps. The weights holding his legs down were removed by One as Two handed him his prosthetic. Hiccup carefully attached it to his stump, not needing difficulty there as well.
Two pulled the chain to get Hiccup to follow him, One trailing a little behind.
Krogan was waiting on deck. He smirked, seeing Hiccup dragged to him. Two hands Krogan the chain, briefly looking at Hiccup before walking away.
“Now for the search,” Johann says, strolling over. “It will be most interesting.” He adds, getting in Hiccup’s face, a muffled growl responding to his words. Krogan laughs before dragging Hiccup away with a group of ten following.
The table was gone when he returned to the room; the hunter escorting him attached his chain to the floor and left. Hiccup lay on the floor, his body hurting from hours of walking around and standing.
The smell of food grabbed his attention. Viggo enters with a bowl and cup in his hands. He growls, seeing Hiccup on the floor.
“I told him he was out too long,” he grumbled, kneeling behind Hiccup and pulling him against his chest. Hiccup made a weak, muffled sound of protest. “Calm down, dear. I'm trying to help you.”
A piece of the muzzle falls, revealing his mouth. The piece against his chin loosens enough to slip something in. Viggo says nothing as he forces a spoon of soup into his mouth. It tastes okay. The same happens with the water.
Viggo wraps his arms around Hiccup’s chest after securing the muzzle.
“Mmmph?” Hiccup squirms in his hold
“Calm dear, you need care after what you’ve been through.” Viggo chastises, rubbing his numb legs.
“Mph.”
“I’m the only one here who cares that you’re in extreme pain,” Hiccup huffs in response. Viggo moved to his stump, laying his upper body gently onto the floor.
Stoick watches from Skullcrusher's back. Toothless is upfront with Astrid on his back, the riders, himself, the Berserker siblings, and Valka in the air behind him, and twenty ships following in the water.
They had passed an inhabited island near Berserk a few minutes ago; a quick look revealed recent activity.
“Chief!” Snotlout called out, pointing forward. Stoick followed his gaze, a medium fleet of hunters ahead.
“He’s close,” Astrid breathes out, Toothless rumbling in agreement.
“Astrid, you and Toothless focus on Hiccup; get him out and to our ships. Everyone else take them down. This won't stand any longer.”
Skullcrusher’s the first to fire, engulfing one ship in fire. Hookfang and Stormfly hit the ship's sails, burning them to nothing. Their ships ram the ones close, and Vikings charge into battle.
Dust fell from the ceiling, and a faint boom came from outside. Viggo curses, rushing out. Hiccup’s thrown to the right, the chain preventing him from hitting the wall.
“Hiccup!” Astrid’s voice calls out.
Hiccup struggles, trying to breathe the collars choking him.
“Hiccup!” Astrid screeches, crashing at his side and pulling his body closer to the ring.
“Mmph”
“Happy to see you two, love,” Astrid responds, investigating the chain. Hiccup doesn’t notice the blood on her. She growls, grabbing her axe (also covered in blood) to snap the chain with. Toothless rumbles from the door. “Almost got it, Hayia Got It!”
Astrid picks Hiccup up, concerned when he doesn’t protest. Toothless sped them off that ship. Roars and war cries filled the air outside. The smell of blood is strong.
Four healers wait for them on the farther ship, cutting off what they can with small knives. They try asking Hiccup questions, but he doesn’t acknowledge hearing them.
“Hiccup?” Astrid shakes his shoulder. Green eyes meet her blue. “What’s wrong?” Hiccup’s gaze strays to an island in the distance. Berserker Island.
His eyes meet hers again. “Mm”
“What is it?” She asks. His tail moves to her lap, and he points at the end. “The king?” He nods, his gaze returning to Berserk.
Barch lands behind them, Tuffnut and Ruffnut rushing to them.
“Is he okay?” Tuff questions
“Yeah, can you two get the rest of that off him? I need to tell Stoick something.” Astrid tells them
“We got it, Hoff.” Astrid nods, whistling for Stormfly.
Stormfly weaves through the battlefield, coming to Skullcrusher’s side and signaling to come up.
“What's going on Astrid?” Stoick questions worried.
“The king is on Berserk Island. We have to protect it.” Astrid explains
“Got it. Tell Dagur he can better get them ready. Does Krogan know?”
“Not sure Hiccup was out of it when he told me.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Hiccup watches Krogan's singetail fly around. His attacks are coronated, but desperate. Ruff watches him as Tuff picks the lock on the muzzle.
“There, got it,” Tuff announced, removing it. Hiccup didn't react to Tuffnut’s actions.
“Hiccup?” Ruff asks, tapping his shoulder.
“Krogan’s singetail isn't doing what he wants her to.” He answered, pointing at Krogan.
“Wow, she isn’t. How have we not noticed before?” Ruff turns back to Hiccup.
“I have an idea. Are you two okay with helping?”
The hissing of Zippleback gas distracted Krogan from his disobedient dragon. It was hard to tell where the gas was coming from, but his dragon was attracted to the cloud for some reason. She lands, rumbling for something.
“Beast, get back in the air!” Krogan demands, pulling her reins. She grunts but doesn't move. Krogan's about to try again when something heavy slams into him, knocking him off and far away from his dragon.
Krogan scrambles up, ceasing his approach, seeing an angry Night Fury between him and his dragon.
Krogan reaches for his halberd, his hands hitting the air. He spins, growling. Hiccup stands behind him, looking terrifying, his wings spread wide, eyes hard and cold, ten dragons pacing in a wide circle around them.
“I should have guessed you had something to do with this,” Krogan growls, starting to circle him.
“This is your fault, Krogan. You did this to yourself, remember?”
“You weren't supposed to live! Everyone else died before it even finished working!” Krogan screamed
Hiccup shrugged. The dragons closed in on Krogan. A Nightmare leaped, pinning him to the deck. Krogan screeched and thrashed as Hiccup walked past him to his singetail.
“Hey girl, how are you doing?” Hiccup spoke, and a warm, soft feeling filled her as she walked closer.
“Okay, now, little alpha.” She answered, lowering her head
“Do you have a name?” Hiccup gently lifts her head.
“Not one I wish to keep.” She shakes her head, looking apprehensively at Krogan
“Can I give you one?” Hiccup asks, causing her to turn to him in surprise
“What did you have in mind?” She asks excitedly
“What do you think of Scarlet?”
“I love it. From now on, I will be Scarlet.” The newly named Scarlet answers, holding herself proudly.
The gas faded away. Astrid and Stormfly landed behind him.
“Was wondering where he went,” Astrid commented, eyeing Krogan. “ You make a friend?” She asks, walking over
“Astrid, Scarlet, Scarlet, Astrid “
“Hi, Scarlet,” Astrid says, gently rubbing her hand on Scarlet’s scales
“Did we get everyone?” Hiccup questions, looking at the other ships
“Viggo gave himself up, and your dad found Johann. He killed him in the fight that followed.” Astrid answered, taking his hand in hers.
“Okay, the king, what happened to him?” Hiccup looks towards Berserker Island.
“Your mom went to check on him, she said he returned to his nest before we arrived.” She explained, gently pulling her betrothed into a hug
“Let’s head home.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The sunset on the island of Berk to other tribes sailing back home. Hiccup stood on the cliff looking out at the sea, his nest gathered behind him. Astrid walked to his side, intertwining their hands, her eyes holding so much love and support. After a long discussion, Stoick allowed Hiccup to explore the world, Astrid demanding to come with him. Most dragons would stay behind at Berk to protect them. A few would be joining them in their adventure.
“So you ready to go?” Astrid asked
“Yeah, let's see what the world has to offer.” Hiccup answered. Astrid nodded and pulled Hiccup in a deep kiss. The dragons roared happily behind them. Toothless and Stormfly walked up to them.
Astrid pulled away, quickly mounting Stormfly. Hiccup smiles and mounts Toothless.
“Alright, bud, let’s go.” Toothless rumbles then roars and takes off. Stormfly and the few others kept close as they disappeared into the sunset, ready for the next adventure.
In a dimly lit cell sat a man, his mind focused on an individual he lusted after. A clang sounds at the door. A key lies on the ground. He cautiously moves to the door, looking around for any guards. He grabs the key, unlocks his door, and bolts out. He quickly finds a ship to take. He looks back at the prison before looking at the sea.
“I will have my king.”