Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

POV: Valka

     The village was in turmoil. Dragons descended from the skies and set the land in flames. Valka was distraught. She was the only viking willing to see eye to eye with the dragons. After all, only she could understand them. She had been able to since she was born. The air was full of terrorized screams, not only of vikings but of dragons too. 

    “Stop!” Valka shouted as one of the vikings raced for a monstrous nightmare who had landed roughly. She stopped his mighty swing which may have killed the poor creature.

    “You’ll only make it worse!” She pleaded as the dragon got up and flew off. The viking she was facing simply scoffed, snatched his arm from her grip, and ran off. The existence of a dragon-hearted was not one of peace. Especially not in a place like Berk.

    Valka was distracted from her sorrow when she caught sight of her home. It was in flames, and a dragon was breaking in through the roof.

    No.

    Her son, Hiccup, was in there. Her baby. She broke into a dead sprint, no longer caring about the screams that assaulted her ears. She made it just as the dragon landed, grabbing a sword and bracing it to strike.

[ Hatchling? ] The dragon cooed, a careful claw lifting to dangle over her child. Hiccup giggled, blabbing at the Stormcutter.

    Valka paused. How could she have been so dumb? Of course this dragon meant her child no harm. Dragons had their own moral codes. She lowered her sword, watching as the Stormcutter in front of her cooed and fawned over her son. Then, it saw her. It moved quickly, claw accidentally slicing Hiccup’s chin and leaving the babe crying. Valka lifted her sword once more.

    The Stormcutter did not move to attack, simply studied Valka and her every move.

    [ One of us? ] It finally spoke, moving ever so slightly closer. Valka stared in awe as the dragon moved closer to sniff her.

    Then an axe flew in between them and it all went to hel.

    [ DANGER! ] The dragon roared, turning to the threat. The threat just happened to be Stoick the Vast, Valka’s husband.

    “RUN!” Stoick shouted, running to get Hiccup despite Valka’s pleas for him to stop, to calm down. That was when Valka felt claws grab her shoulders, and the ground disappeared from beneath her. Before she could react, the Stormcutter had grabbed her and lifted her away.

    “STOICK!” She cried, reaching out for her beloved. It was too late. All Stoick could do was stand and watch as his wife was carried away.

    That was the last time she ever saw him.

Chapter Text

POV: Hiccup

   Hiccup was 14 and had never even raised a sword against a dragon. Which was, of course, very unusual for a viking his age on Berk. Dragons were their main enemy, raiding the village and stealing valuable resources. Hiccup, however, had always been drawn to the creatures. In the midst of screams and fire, whenever he would get too close to a dragon, they would pause. The dragon’s pupils would grow wide, and they coo at him before being chased off by an angry adult. Sometimes, Hiccup swore they said something he could understand. 

   Right now was one of those moments. He was standing, frozen in fear in front of a Deadly Nader. It was poised to strike, and Hiccup was prepared to become a human shish kebab. It never happened. When he opened his eyes again, the dragon was right in his face, eyes wide.

   [ Fledgling? ] There it was. The speaking. Hiccup nearly shrieked. It could talk ?! Hiccup just blinked at  the Nader.

   [ Go to Nest. No place for you here. ] The Nader huffed, as if chiding a misbehaving child. Hiccup was perplexed. This was the first time a dragon had enough time to actually speak to him. For him to understand.

   “What?” Was all he could choke out in his moment of confused terror.

   [ You speak their language. Why? ] The Nader tilted it head, it’s turn to be utterly confused. However, it didn’t get an answer before Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s father and idol viking, came rushing in to strike it. Luckily, the Nader was up and off before that could happen.

   “What are you doing out here?” Stoick barked, picking Hiccup up by the back of his vest. “What is he doing out here?” He asked passing vikings. “Get to the forge!” He set Hiccup down and roughly shoved him in the direction of the forge before running off once more.

   “Well, Great.” Hiccup muttered, turning and jogging through the chaos. Then the most horrifying noise split the night.

   “NIGHT FURY!” Someone shouted as one of the torches exploded in a mess of fire and splinters. Hiccup started going faster, trying to escape into the forge. Yes, he wanted to fight dragons. He wanted to kill one and prove he was a viking. However, a Night Fury? He wasn’t insane. 

   Hiccup was almost there, a few feet away, before a chorus of shouts and screams started up. He turned to the source, curiosity getting the best of him. What he saw made him freeze up in terror like never before. In the middle of the village, spitting and roaring and rushing towards him, was a Night Fury.

   [ Fledgling! ] It roared, shooting into the air. Hiccup thought he was going to die right then and there. But once again, he didn’t. He felt his feet lift from the ground, and a familiar pressure around the front of his neck. For a moment, he thought his father had grabbed him. Then he opened his eyes and saw the ground many feet below him, and the shouts of his village people screaming in horror as Berk’s heir was carried away by the offspring of lightning and death itself.

   Dadada, I’m dead. Was all he could think as he watched his village grow smaller as he was carried farther away. He should’ve expected this. He was the runt, was he not? It was only a matter of time before a dragon snatched him away.

   How ironic, for him to die just like his mother

   Stoick knew that he would one day die fighting dragons. It was a fact, it was a way of life. What he did not expect was to watch someone he loved once again carried away in the claws of a dragon amidst a raid. 

   “HICCUP!” He bellowed, gripping his axe harder as he raced forward to try and save his son. It was too late. The Night Fury was quick, quicker than any viking. Just like that, his son, his only son, was gone. Stoick watched the shape of Hiccup and the dragon grow smaller and smaller. He stared into that same spot for a long while, even after the raid soon died down. Even as his people walked by to give him their apologies.

   “What happened?! Where’s Hiccup?” Snotlout was the first of the teenagers to run up to Stoick. He was a knucklehead and a jerk, especially to his cousin, but he loved the scrawny kid nonetheless.

   “Gone.” Stoick growled, finally coming to. “The damned dragon took him!” He raised his voice as reality settled in, hurtling his axe at the ground. Grief was quickly overshadowed by anger. Pure, raw, red anger.

   “What?” Snotlout whispered, looking pale. “No- I just saw him right before the raid ended!” The young viking exclaimed, desperate.

   “It’s true.” A voice Stoick didn’t expect to hear chimed in. It was Astrid, one of the most promising teenagers the village had. She was strong and quick witted, and most importantly mature.

   Now she looked like nothing more than a scared child.

   “I watched it take him.” She quickly shook her head, hardening her expression. “He didn’t even struggle. Just… sat there as it picked him up and took him away.” She looked away, fists clenched so tight they trembled. She looked angry.

   Stoick nodded, expression grave. His son was gone. Probably already dead. He knew what this meant. He needed a new heir. He needed to choose from the teens already available. 

   Stoick looked between Astrid and Snotlout. As much as he would love to choose Astrid, Snotlout was his blood. It was most customary for a Chief to choose an heir out of relatives if their child and spouse were to both die.

   “Snotlout.” He sighed, placing a large, rough hand on the beefy teen’s shoulder. “I believe you know what this means.”

   Snotlout absently nodded, looking torn between anger and grief. That was when the worst possible person to approach came up. 

   “What ‘appened over ‘ere?” Spitelout questioned in his usual gruff tone. “Looks like we lost someone. Who?”

   “Hiccup.” Stoick’s voice was neutral, because if it wasn’t he would start screaming and bellowing his rage to the skies and gods themselves.

   “Aye, good riddance. That runt shouldn’t ‘ave survived that long anyways.” Spitelout grunted bluntly. Stoick almost took his head off right then and there.

   “Spitelout, go arrange the repairs team.” Stoick commanded, sending a steely glance towards his brother. Spitelout took the hint and was immediately off. Stoick looked back towards Snotlout.

   “We will announce your new role as heir in the morning. For now, rest.” Stoick’s tone had fallen back into his usual angry neutrality, and he turned and lumbered back to his hut. It was untouched, somehow, save for a few burns here and there. He would repair it later. He moved a chair to rest in front of the fireplace and sat down, staring into the flames.

   Oh, how cruel the gods were. To take both his son and his wife in the same horrid way. He would find and kill that damned Night Fury if it was the last thing he did.

Chapter Text

POV: Snotlout

     Snotlout slowly stumbled back towards his hut, which was placed down the hill from the Chief’s hut. He used to boast this fact, how he was clearly important because of his relation to the Chief. Now looking at it made him sick. He regretted so many things. His sour attitude towards Hiccup was what he regretted most. Hiccup was meant to be destined for greatness, the next chief of Berk. Snotlout was never going to be anything. The most he was meant to achieve was to sit at Hiccup’s side, directing their people during raids and battles, maybe acting as chief when he was away. So, naturally, Snotlout had been jealous. He would always be sat under his scrawny, weak cousin. He would never have a father as grand yet clearly caring as Stoick the Vast.

     Now Hiccup is gone, and everything has changed. Snotlout was meant to be the next chief. Snotlout was the one who would be running the village when Stoick died. The thought used to intrigue him, draw him in. Now it made him feel like hurling up the contents of his stomach. He thought back to all the horrible things he said to Hiccup. All the snide remarks and rude quips. The straight up insults. He had been so… mean to Hiccup.

     Now Hiccup is dead. Snotlout didn’t want to accept it, wanted so badly to turn around and see Hiccup running through the mess of a village and causing more chaos. He knew it wouldn’t happen.   

     “Aye, boyo.” The grating voice of his father split the suddenly too hot air. “I expect ya to be ready for tamarrow. It’s a big day for us.” Spitelout clicked his tongue, clapping Snotlout on the back. “Next Chief of Berk. Good thing it’s you instead a that useless runt.” The large man chuckled darkly. Snotlout just nodded, knowing that disagreeing would bring him only hurt and sorrow. 

     “Give ‘im a break Spitelout! His cousin just died for Odin’s sake!” Snotlout stood a bit straighter as the sound of his mother, Yrsa, graced his ears. He was saved. 

     “Aye, but the boy needs to get his yaks in a row! He’s gonna be the next chief!” Spitelout bellowed, coming face to face with the large yet strong woman that was his wife.

     “Well, I don’t give a yak’s ass! Leave ‘im alone, Spitelout.” Yrsa grabbed Spitelout’s arm and dragged him away, shooting her son an apologetic glance. Snotlout turned away from his hut, deciding that wasn’t the best place to go. Naturally, he found his feet carrying him towards the arena. He would dedicate his whole damn life to killing those beasts. It wasn’t long before he was standing in the middle of the bloodied area, looking around at the heavily fortified doors that kept the dragons at bay.

     “Though I’d find ya here.” Snotlout whipped around, ready to argue. The words died in his throat when he saw it was Gobber. The man had always been kind.

     “Tell ya what. Let me grab the others and we’ll have a training session.” The large man clicked his tongue before leaving, leaving Snotlout alone once again. 

     “Well.” Snotlout sighed, turning back towards the cages. “Let’s see what we’re up against. You guys are a new batch.” He shook his head to chase away his nerves and started to walk by each cage. All he heard were snarls and roars. That was until he reached the Monstrous Nightmare’s cage.

     [ Damn Vikings. Dangerous. Need kill. Hope fledgling safe. ] Snotlout stared at the cage in pure confusion. Was someone in there? 

     “Hello?” He called.

     [ Wass that? Another hatchling? It speaks their language too. ] Snotlout was suddenly aware of the hot air blowing from the holes in the door.

     “Who’s in there?” Snotlout question. Who in their right mind would be in a cage with a dragon this dangerous?

     [ “Name’s Hookfang. Who are you?” ] The voice replied.

     “Uh, Snotlout? Where are you from? Because you CAN’T be from Berk.” Snotlout asked, suddenly curious.

     [ “The Nest of The Pointed Stones. I’m the only Monstrous Nightmare from there, how could you not tell?” ] Snotlout’s jaw dropped. Was he talking to the DRAGON?!

     “Woah, woah, woah. You gotta be messin with me here. You can’t be a dragon.” Snotlout waved his arms in an x, not even close to believing this fib.

     [ Whaddya mean? Yer a dragon too, aren’t ya? I can sense it. ] The.. dragon responded, and Snotlout heard the sound of a talon clinking against metal.

     “Pretty sure I’m a viking.” Snotlout didn’t know why he was humoring this voice.

     [ “Oh, yer one of them. Don’t ya worry, dragonet. We’ll find you a way outta this wretched place.” ] The dragon audibly sighed, and Snotlout heard talons clicking on stone.

     “Um, sorry to inform you but I have zero clue what you’re talking about.. Hookfang.” Snotlout crossed his arms, staring daggers at the closed door.

     [ “Course ya don’t. You Dragon Hearteds never do.” ] The Monstrous Nightmare rumbled.

     “Uh, Snot, who are you talking to?” Snotlout nearly jumped ten feet in the air at the sound of the voice. He turned around and saw the Twins, Fishlegs, and Astrid all standing there. Gobber was looking at Snotlout with a curious expression.

     “...No one.” Snotlout said slowly, backing away from Hookfang’s cage slowly.

     “Alright, if yer done talkin to yerself, we’re gonna start training.” Gobber’s voice boomed through the arena as he strode forward and stood in front of the teens. “Today’s lesson, Gronckle.” Gobber walked over to one of the cages, hand reaching for the lever to release the dragon.

     “Uh, aren’t you gonna teach us anything first?” Fishlegs asked in his typical timid manner.

     “I believe in learnin on the job.” Gobber smiled before pulling the lever. Immediately, an angry gronckle exploded from behind the door.

     [ “Danger. Angry.  Attack.” ] The words were loud and furious. Snotlout nearly stumbled over. Why was this happening to him NOW? He had never been able to understand the beasts before. Why did he suddenly know what they were saying?

     The gronckle locked eyes with him, and Snotlout leapt for the nearest shield. He braced for the impact of a shot that never came.

     [ “Dragonet. Protect.” ] The grockle growled, and suddenly it was circling Snotlout, snarling and spitting at the other teens and leaving him alone. Snotlout looked up at the beast in awe, shocked and confused.

     “What’s it doing!?” Astrid shouted as she dodged a blast, which hit the Twins.

     “Ruff, Tuff, Out!” Gobber called, and the Twins retreated to the safety of the space behind the weapons wall.

     “I don’t know!” Snotlout shouted back, eyes locked onto the dragon who was… protecting him? 

     [ “Stand back. Stay there. Beware.” ] The dragon turned towards Snotlout, flying up to him. Snotlout let out an embarrassing scream and shuffled back. Before the gronckle could do anything, Gobber hooked it in the mouth and dragged it away.

“Alright, off to bed ya overgrown lizard!” He shouted, tossing the dragon into its enclosure. Snotlout stared after it, dazed.

     “Well, that was interesting.” Tuffnut shrugged. “I concur, my dearest brother.” Ruffnut said right after, looking at Snotlout with an almost suspicious expression.

     “Um, I’m gonna go and… throw some axes. Yeah. Okay, bye.” Snotlout spewed out the first excuse he could, and raced out of the arena.

     What just happened? His whole life, he thought dragons were angry, vicious beasts. What was he supposed to do now that he knew they weren’t?

Chapter Text

POV: Hiccup

    Hiccup had already accepted he was good as dead. Who would survive being picked up and carried away by a Night Fury? He sure as hel wouldn’t. He kept his eyes closed and his mind racing, trying to brace himself for the first ripping bite, for death to pull him into its cold embrace.

    That never happened. One moment the wind was whipping against his face, and the next he was dropped on the hard floor, winded.

    [ “What were you doing there fledgling?!” ] A voice snarled at him, sounding rather irritated. 

    [ “The Queen doesn’t control you, and you know young ones are under a strict no raid rule! That was incredibly stupid! You don’t even have your wings, how did you get here?!” ] The voice continued to scold, and Hiccup finally opened his eyes.

    He shrieked. He couldn’t help it, really. Anyone would scream if they were standing face to face with a NIGHT FURY.

    [ “Be quiet! You young ones are so annoying! I’m so glad to finally be a dragonet. No more dealing with all the squealing, shrieking babies.” ] The Night Fury grumbled, sitting down and stared daggers at Hiccup.

    “So… You’re NOT gonna eat me?” Was all Hiccup could get out in his terror and confusion.

    [ “What!? No! I am not like The Queen. She is the only dragon within hundreds of miles of here that would eat another dragon.” ] The Night Fury huffed, rolling his eyes.

    “Uh… I’m not a dragon.” Hiccup blurted, confused on why so many dragons thought he was one of them.

    [ “Yes you are, silly! I can sense it. You hatched at The Nest, correct?” ] The Night Fury tilted his head and narrowed his eyes.

    “Um, no? I was born here. On Berk.” Hiccup answered, looking around nervously.

    [ “Oh, you must be one of them. A Dragon Heart I think? They’re dragons who were kidnapped by vikings and raised in their villages. They look weird because of that.” ] The dragon warbled, getting up and walking closer to Hiccup.

    “Um, uh, okay.” Hiccup just agreed, because he was NOT interested in becoming this dragon’s dinner.

    [ “Well, that doesn’t matter. Fledglings like you shouldn’t be here. Let’s get you to a nest. Preferably not The Nest. We can go back to where I’m originally from, The Nest of The Pointed Stones. Ma’ will surely be proud of me for rescuing you! How old are you anyways, 8? 9?” ] The dragon rambled, circling Hiccup now.

    “14.” Hiccup corrected.

    [ “What?” ] The Night Fury paused.

    “I’m 14.” Hiccup elaborated.

    [ “Impossible. You’re so tiny! You can’t be the same age as me.” ] The Night Fury rumbled, staring at Hiccup with suspicion.

    “Uh, yeah. I’m named Hiccup for a reason.” Hiccup waved his hands in the air in a sort of jazz hands motion, expression rested into a slightly exasperated one. This fact seemed to surprise the Night Fury.

    [ “That’s horrible! You’re named after being the runt? No wonder dragons hate vikings.” ] He angrily warbled.

    “Oh, yeah. Fair. Anyways, what’s your name? Can’t be much better. Bonecrusher? Dark… hunter? I don’t know.” Hiccup threw his hands up in the air for a moment with a sigh. 

    [ “Toothless. I’m named that because of my species’ cool trick!” ] The Night Fury answered, baring his teeth, or lack thereof.

    “Toothless? How do you eat th-” Hiccup moved closer, but was quickly startled into jumping back as Toothless’s teeth sprung from his gums.

    “Woah! Retractable teeth! Alright!” Hiccup spoke quickly, a bit panicked. Toothless chuckled, laugh deep and rumbly.

    [ “Always fun to show that trick! Very funny. ] Toothless smiled, then started to hop around. [ “Alright, now, we need to save the others. Hookfang, Stormfly, Meatlug, Sneaky, and The Twins are all stuck in that weird den at The Hunter village. We need to break them out!” ] 

    “You can break them out, but I really need to get back home.” Hiccup slowly backed up. Maybe this dragon would be merciful enough to let him go home?

    [ “Not a chance, Hiccup! You have to come back to my nest with me! I can’t leave you here!” ] Toothless exclaimed, leaping to stand behind Hiccup and stop him from leaving.

    “Okay. If I help you release your friends, can I at least tell my dad about what’s happening?” Hiccup sighed.

    [ “... Fine. But if they attack, we’re leaving immediately!” ] Toothless agreed with a grumble. [ “Now let’s go!” ] He grinned and threw Hiccup onto his back. Hiccup nearly hurled as they shot up into the air, and he wrapped his arms around Toothless’s neck.

    “WWWWOAH!!” Hiccup yelled, squeezing his eyes shut as the wind whipped past him.

    [ “Fun, right?!” ] Toothless shouted back, his voice barely audible over the wind. Hiccup didn’t dignify that with a response. Thankfully, it was soon over. They landed on one of the beaches no one ever went to, and Hiccup was freed.

    [ “Alright. Walk in there, release my friends, tell your dad, and let’s go!” ] Toothless commanded, hopping around excitedly.

    “Um. I- yaknow what. Okay.” Hiccup sighed, and started jogging to the arena. He made sure to not be seen, didn’t need anyone alerting the whole village before he could even step foot in the arena. Finally, after what felt like forever sneaking around, he was standing in front of the dreaded concrete deathtrap. He took a deep breath and walked down, opening the door (and struggling to do so). Immediately, he was hit by a bunch of angry voices.

    [ “Anger.” ]

    [ “Danger.” ]

    [ “Help!” ]

    It was honestly overwhelming for Hiccup, so he decided to get this done as soon as he could.

    “Hey!” He shouted, and that caused the voices to go silent. “Uh, I’m here to help! Just, don’t eat me. I’m going to free you.” He stuttered, taking a deep breath and going up to the first cage. The Deadly Nadder. He pulled the lever and jumped back.

    [ “Friend?’ ] The Nadder cooed as she stepped out, tilting her head.

    “Uh.. yes.” Hiccup responded hesitantly. The Nadder thought this was good enough, and settled back on her haunches. Hiccup shrugged and went to the next cage. Terrible Terror. He quickly pulled that lever, and a small dragon squeezed from a small door.

    [ “Food? Friend? Free?” ] It chirped, looking up at Hiccup. Hiccup nodded and was startled by the feeling of the small dragon scurrying up his leg and curling around his neck. Hiccup shook his head to stave off his nerves before moving to the gronckle cage. He opened the cage quickly, his arms already getting tired.

    [ “Dragonet. Protect. ”] The gronckle rumbled, eyeing Hiccup before moving over to The Nadder and sitting by her. Hiccup sighed in relief. Now, for the two most dangerous dragons. The Monstrous Nightmare and The Hideous Zippleback. He took a deep breath as he pulled the lever for the Zippleback’s cage. The dragon (or was it dragons?) stepped out of the cage, the heads twisting around each other.

    [ “Friend? Yes Brother. Friend.” ] The dragons hissed, looking at Hiccup through narrowed eyes. They looked at eachother, one head sparking, before slithering over to the others. Now, one last dragon. Hiccup stared at the Monstrous Nightmare cage, slightly shaking.

    [ “Don’t be scared, young one.” ] The dragon’s voice rumbled from the other side of the door.

    [ “I won’t attack ya. Yer one of us.” ] Hiccup stared at the door for a few moments before yanking the lever, which was heavier than the others. The door creaked open, and the dragon stepped out slowly. He was big. The nightmare was covered in scars, and blazing red-orange. His scales were decorated with black, and his eyes were a striking yellow.

    [ “Feels nice to see the sky again. Thank ya, youngster.” ] The Nightmare paused, leaning down to sniff Hiccup.

    [ “You smell of Toothless. He must have found you. Knowing him, he sent you here. Let’s go before the vikings get here.” ] The Nightmare looked up and started towards the arena door. The others followed him, and Hiccup found himself trailing behind the older dragon as well.

    [ “We’ll find Toothless and then be on our way. I also must introduce ourselves. I’m Hookfang, the nadder is Stormfly, the gronckle is Meatlug, the zippleback are Barf N’ Belch, or The Twins, and that terror round yer neck is Sneaky.” ] The Nightmare, Hookfang, broke the silence. He paused before looking over his shoulder at Hiccup.

    [ “You can never return here, dragonet. It is dangerous. Vikings change like Foreverwings move. They usually don’t. And it’s very rare that they do.” ] Hookfang sighed as they walked, and Hiccup froze. Could he really leave Berk behind? His family? Gobber? Yeah, he was seen as useless. A runt. But could he really leave them all behind?

    His thoughts were quickly interrupted, however, by a shout.

    “Hiccup?!” He whipped around to see the group of teens his age staring at him with wide eyes. Snotlout seemed the most surprised yet relieved.

    “Uh oh.” Hiccup muttered. Instantly, the dragons were creating a defensive circle around him, growling.

    “Um, hold on guys! They aren’t dangerous!” He called, talking to the dragons and the teens.

    “What do you mean?! We watched the Night Fury CARRY YOU AWAY!” Astrid barked, voice full of seething rage. Hiccup sighed. This wouldn’t be easy.

    [ “They have weapons. We must be careful.” ] Hookfang snarled. Then his expression softened as his eyes landed on Snotlout. Snotlout was pale-faced and gripping his axe with a force that could probably crush a coconut.

    [ “Dragonet. The other one. You must come too.” ] Hookfang cooed, taking a step towards Hiccup’s terrified cousin.

    “Back up! I-I can’t come with you!” Snotlout shouted, scurrying backwards. The other teens looked confused.

    [ “The blonde girl with the axe. I sense something within her.” ] Stormfly cooed as she suddenly stepped forward, pupils so wide her eyes nearly looked black.

    “What is it doing?! HICCUP WHAT IS IT DOING?!” Astrid screamed as Stormfly slowly approached her.

    [ “Beware, little one. She is scared. Scared vikings are deadly vikings.” ] Meatlug called, which made Stormfly stop in her tracks.

“I think she likes you?” Hiccup guessed with a shrug.

    [ “It’s a bond. Very easy for dragons to form with souls like their own. Stormfly has bonded with this viking.” ] Hookfang rumbled.

    “Uh, but vikings and dragons have been fighting for centuries.” Hiccup looked over at Hookfang with a raised eyebrow and ignored the quizzical looks from all but Snotlout.

    [ “It doesn’t matter. These young ones, much like you, have yet to kill a dragon. They are not yet marred by the stench of death.” ] Hookfang explained, his eyes locked onto Snotlout.

    “What is happening?” Astrid asked again, this time firmer. “Why did you let all the dragons out? By Odin, I need to tell the chief right now.” She exclaimed and turned away.

    [ “Stormfly, fetch.” ] Hookfang looked over at the Nadder, who chirped excitedly and flew up, grabbing Astrid in her talons and settling on top of her.

    “GET OFF OF ME!” The young warrior shrieked, thrashing around under the nadder’s talons.

    [ “Tell her she mustn't get your chief. It will spell death for all of us.” ] Hookfang looked expectantly down at Hiccup.

    “Um, Hookfang says you can’t get my dad. He’ll kill us. Or, well, the dragons. And probably me too.” Hiccup mentally facepalmed as he stumbled over his words.

    “Who’s Hookfang?” Tuffnut suddenly chimed in, looking around. Hiccup just gestured to the Monstrous Nightmare. This launched everyone into chaos.

    “No way, you can talk to DRAGONS?!”

    “Impossible!”

    “Why didn’t you tell us?! You could’ve stopped the raids!”

    [ “SILENCE!” ] Hookfang roared, agitated. Everyone stopped squabbling. [ “We mustn’t fight. Stormfly, bring the one you’ve bonded with. Barf N’ Belch, fetch those twins. Meatlug, get the big one. Toothless will take Hiccup, and I will take the last one.” ] Hookfang commanded, and suddenly everyone was being carried away in the talons of a dragon. Shrieks pierced the air, and Hiccup felt bad as he climbed onto Toothless’s back. Within moments, they were flying away from Berk.

    “WE’RE GONNA DIE!” Astrid shrieked.

    “THIS IS SO COOL!” The twins yelled in unison.

    Fishlegs was just screaming incoherent gibberish, while both Snotlout and Hiccup were silent. Fear overtook all of their senses. Would this be the last time they saw the light of day?

    It might be, because they were all being taken to The Nest of Pointed Stones.

Chapter Text

POV: Hiccup

They had been flying for a while, and the screams had subsided. At this point, everyone had accepted their fate and were reduced to silent sorrow. Hiccup wanted to tell them everything, but feared backlash. So he sat on Toothless’s back in silence. Finally, as the moon began to rise, a jagged landmass came into view. All the dragons got visibly excited.

[ “Home!” ] Toothless cooed, doing a flip in the air that almost made Hiccup fall off.

“Careful!” Hiccup yelped, which led to an apologetic warble from Toothless.

[ “I’m sure your ma’ and da’ will be happy to see you, Toothless. You too Stormfly. Barf N’ Belch, make sure not to give your parents a heart attack. Sneaky, remember to make yourself known.” ] Hookfang’s voice cut through the air, and all the dragons nodded along. It wasn’t much longer before they were all descending onto the island. Dragons of all kinds lounged around, and the island was lush and full of greenery. The way it was structured was it had mountains surrounding it, with a lush forest and a large lake in the middle. Suddenly, loud and happy chirps exploded in the night.

[ “Hookfang!” ]

[ “Dad!” ]

Hiccup looked around to see a flock of Nightmares rushing over to greet the group that had just landed. It didn’t take long for other species to come marching over: gronkles, nadders, zipplebacks, and terrors. Hiccup watched in awe as the reunions happened. Then a loud roar split the night, and Hiccup found himself looking at the source. His jaw fell to the floor when he caught sight of the dragon.

It was a large, ancient-looking Night Fury. He was covered in scars from nose to tail tip, and his eyes held seemingly infinite wisdom.

[ “What is the meaning of this, Hookfang? Why have you brought the dragonets of our enemies onto our island? Into our nest?” ] The Night Fury demanded, eyes blazing. Hookfang dipped into a bow.

[ “I apologize, Alpha. However you must know I found two Dragon Hearteds, and have brought them back to their rightful home. The others simply couldn’t stay out of fear they would inform their people. Think of it as the vikings paying retribution for the pain they have caused us. Stormfly has also bonded with one of them.” ] Hookfang explained carefully. The Alpha listened intently.

[ “You are sure that no vikings followed-” ] The Alpha began, staring down Hookfang. Then he was cut off by an excited Stormfly.

[ “Can we keep them? Oh, please Ragnheidr! You must let us keep them!” ] Stormfly pleaded, and was quickly met with a sharp nip from her mother. Ragnheidr simply chuckled, shaking his head slightly.

[ “If you are sure no vikings will come searching for them, they are allowed to stay. We must put the safety of our Nest before the wants of individuals. Even if they do not wish to stay, they must.” ] Ragnheidr announced before turning away. That seemed to be it, as dragons went on about their business.

[ “That’s my grandpa! He’s so cool!” ] Toothless exclaimed, jumping up in excitement. Hiccup fell off his back and onto the ground, which was surprisingly soft.

“Where are your parents?” Hiccup asked, getting up with a slight grunt. 

[ “Oh! Yes!” ] Toothless gasped, then let out a loud roar. Soon enough, two night furies descended from the sky, looking overjoyed.

[ “Son!” ] The bigger one exclaimed, rushing up to Toothless and rubbing against him. 

[ “We were so worried you had been hunted! What happened?!” ] The smaller one asked, seeming concerned.

[ “I’m so sorry, Ma’! I was going hunting when this mean, mean alpha dragged me into her nest! She forced me to hunt for her. I only escaped because the hunt went out of her reach!” ] Toothless explained as his mother checked him over.

[ “That’s awful! Oh, wait, who do you have here? A new friend?” ] Toothless’s mother cooed, looking over at Hiccup with wide eyes.

[ “Yeah! He’s a Dragon Hearted I think. That’s why he looks weird.” ] Toothless warbled, looking over at Hiccup as well.

[ “Oh, that’s just horrible! It’s good that he’s where he belongs now, thank the stars!” ] Toothless’s mother exclaimed, walking up to Hiccup and licking his face.

[ “We have to get him smelling like us so that others know which nest he belongs to.” ] Toothless’s mom chuckled. [ “I’m Braveheart, but you can just call me mom or ma’. My mate right there is Ferocious.” ] The dragon grinned, nudging Hiccup over to her mate.

[ “Hey there, dragonet. It’ll be nice to have ya as a part of the flock.” ] Ferocious rumbled, his piercing green eyes nothing but friendly.

“Oh, uh, yes. It’ll be nice.” Hiccup responded quickly, still very nervous about all of this. “Um, give me a moment. I have to talk to the others.” Hiccup nodded to the night furies before scampering off to the other teens.

“What is it doing? Hey! Hey! Stop that!” Astrid yelped as Stormfly trapped her under her talons and blew smoke in her face.

“She’s marking you as a part of the nest.” Hiccup responded as he made his way over.

“What?! No, no no! I’m not a part of the nest or whatever! I’m going HOME!” Astrid yelled, trying to push Stormfly off to no avail.

“Their alpha said we can’t leave.” Hiccup sighed. 

“We’re okay with that!” The twins yelled, speeding by on Barf N’ Belch. “Wooo!”

“Of course they’re fine with it.” Astrid muttered before going back to trying to push Stormfly away.

“Hiccup, we can’t stay here!” Fishlegs’ voice caught his attention. “We have to go home! Right, Snotlout?” The larger teen turned desperately to Snotlout, who was staring into the sky.

“We have to. We can’t leave them without any heirs.” Snotlout muttered half-heartedly.

“You all have siblings. Astrid’s sister is only a few years younger than her, and your brother is only two years younger than you. They have options.” Hiccup shrugged. He wasn’t really interested in going back now that he was away.

“Really, Hiccup? You’re just gonna.. Gonna give up? Leave behind our home, our families?” Fishlegs ranted. 

“Yes. I wasn’t needed there. No one liked me. You guys HATED me. Why would I go back?” Hiccup argued, turning away.

“You’re the heir! You have to go back.” Fishlegs pleaded.

“No. I’m never going back.” Hiccup decided, then paused.

“This is my home now.”

Those words pulled all the teens into a shocked silence. Hiccup could even see terror on some of their faces.

“Please, Hiccup.” Snotlout was, surprisingly, the first to speak up. “I-I can’t become chief. I can’t. My father.. I just… please.” The usually boastful, cocky teen pleaded with tears in his eyes.

“...We have to stay. All of us. We can’t go back.” Hiccup’s tone left no room for argument, sending the others into a deeper pit of despair. Then he turned and walked off, leaving them to process their new predicament.