Checkmate.

So, another day, another project. I've had this idea in my head for quite some time. Its a little different from my other Big Four Story.

But so we're clear, I have NOT put Dragon Breath on Hiatus. It will be updated in a few days. So if you came here wondering if that was the case, you should know that I am also working on Chapter 11 at this time so watch out for it.

So, lets do some of that fun legal and technical stuff.

Disclaimer: Dreanworks and Disney own my Fandoms. My Fandoms own me. I own a lawyer and she says Dreamworks and Disney don't care what I own as long as it isn't money.

Warning: There will be some M Rated scenes in this story. For various reasons. If you feel squemish, this may not be the story for you (though I wish it were).

Note: if you see an asterisk, aka * in the story, please refer to the bottom for authors notes that may clear up confusion in the story.

And remember to review and follow! It motovates me to give you more!

Here is Chapter 1 of Checkmate.

The sky was clear, the ocean was calm and the people were bustling in the streets. It could only mean one thing.

High noon. The large clock in the square had just struck that time and for a moment everything came to a standstill... no real noise aside from the bells ringing from the tower. This was how it always was... the hands seemed to literally pause life... if offered everyone a chance to stake their surroundings... and enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation.

It was the one time of day you could truly find peace. And you could take in the fantastic sights Berk had to offer. From her bustling markets, her busy farms, the lush dense forests, the crystal blue oceans.

It was a perfect city on the edge of the country. Its waters are vast, its culture is strong and its people are proud. And why shouldn't they be? Under my father's leadership the city has thrived better than it has in years

And its all mine. Well, it will be, if my father has anything to say about it... he's been pushing for my coronation and his retirement.

Yet i remain far from the real throne, I'm currently sitting upon my own personal chair overlooking the vast vista of my city... watching the people below as they settle back into their regular routine as the bells finish for the day.

It was always a fantastic sight to take in and it was something I took time to do every day.

Us Haddocks have always held our people's interest with a keen eye and a strong heart. You could say I take that even further. Everyday I take in the lives of my people... their names and lives unknown to me... but this is my way of saying I know a little bit

A small grumble beside me roused me from my starring. A momentary distraction as I pet my faithful friend Toothless. And the family pet, of sorts. He was truly one-of-a-kind.

Initially he was half lizard and half canine. The size and attitude of a sweet mutt but the appearence and dry smooth skin of a common Salamander*. There was no name for his species yet as he was recently discovered... and no scientific breakthroughs were to be made on my pet.

"Another beautiful day, eh Toothless?" I said, scratching his ear and watching his back paw kick. He made a soft pleasured sound in return. "I know, soon you'll have your own mansion if I have anything to say about it!" I said with a laugh as his tongue lolled out of his mouth and he rolled onto his back.

Yes, this was going to be my city. As of tonight, as it was. You see, today is my...

"There's my birthday boy, all grown up!" My mother said as she entered my room without knocking... a problem that lead to more than a few uncomfortable exchanges with the woman. She tried to respect my privacy but what can you do?

I stood as she wrapped her arms around me and gave my cheek a small kiss. "You look so handsome, Hiccup. The spitting image of your father" She said, patting the spot she kissed, to which I smiled, noting how I looked much more like her. "I look exactly the same as I did yesterday Mother."

But she had to humor the idea that I was still her little boy, as that was what a mother did, no? "Don't remind me... watching my little boy grow into such a fine leader is hard enough on my old heart. But I'm sure such a popular young man will take good care of them."

Toothless suddenly gave a yip behind me and Mom gave him a pet, "You too, Toothless." She said as he nuzzled her hand.

I looked up at her and motioned back toward the window, "So, what brings you to my quarters Mother? I wasn't expecting you until the party this evening." I said, leaning on the railing instead of taking my place back on my seat.

"A Mother always knows when her child is distraught... and considering the rather heated discussion you and your father had recently, your mother is here to set you at ease about it." She said as she crossed her arms and took her place beside me.

And oh, how I sought to be set at ease about it. It was a particularly uncomfortable situation and a very touchy subject with my father and I. He and I got along about most things... but this was very different for me.

"Son, it is your duty to the throne. All Kings and Queens need an heir to continue the blood line. Its simply how it must be. You know what I always told you about your father and I."

I quickly cleared my throat and took on a mocking tone of my Mother after hearing this story a few dozen times, "'Hiccup, when I met your father, I felt the same way you did. Trapped, pushed into something I didn't want! But after I got to know your father it was easy to fall in love with him-'" my mother finally stopped me with a laugh and a small shove.

"The point is dear, this is a part of who you are. So you can continue on the proud Haddock name. Plus... I hear your bethrothed is a real beauty... her name is Astrid Marie Antwonette*."

I sigh and look out at the city that would be mine, "You know a name means nothing. But I understand Mother... but you have to understand where I come from. I want to seek my love. I want them to love me for who I am... not my birthright..."

But my mother smiled and pat my shoulder, "And that is because you're a twenty year old boy. Many your age crave the same thing. But my dear, that will be the point. The Antwonettes are wealthy! She can't love you based solely on fortune because she has her own!"

Well, that certainly set me at ease... she sighed and put a hand on my shoulder, "Hiccup, I promise that if you give her a chance you'll like her. And if not... we can discuss it later. But this is how it is. The dowry is paid and you are to be the King of Berk. Please stop argueing it... for me."

I want to argue it further but I know my family... my heritage. It calls for tradition. Especially among the young affianced royals. I don't have to like it... but kaybe my mother will be right? This princess Astrid may be the most striking and poised woman I have ever laid eyes upon?

She suddenly produced my signiture blade from her knapsack. "Now, I was able to convince your father to-"

I suddenly grabbed the blade and sprung it to life! Fire encasing the entirety of the blade, and I gave it a few test swings, until my mother grabbed my hand once again, "allow you to continue your weapon training as long as you remain responsible with it. We don't need a repeat of last time, do we?"

Ah, dear Mother, always one to bring up the sore subjects of my past... the deed that had invoked removal of my trusty sword. I was merely helping light the lamps... its not my fault the paper was so flammable.

I know why he gave it back... he wanted to set me at ease about my arragement. It would have been clever if I were dumb enough to not see it.

That doesn't mean I'm stupid enough to not take it back. I certainly wanted my weapon.

"Thank you, Mother, I shall go to Goober at once! Maybe we'll finally get to do some proper sparring today!" I said as she stopped me from sprinting off, "Just remember to be back at Sundown... you need to be here for your Coronation. And to greet the future Queen." She said with a serious tone to her voice...

I smile and nodded, "Yes Mother. I'll he back tonight, I promise." I said as Toothless let out a small whine.

"And take Toothless with ya, you know how antsy he gets when you're gone." She said as I clicked my teeth for the Lizard Dog to follow me and gave him a pet before I holstered my sword to my side.

"Of course Mother... I look forward to tonight." I said as I then launched down the steps... leaving my shimmering home to the streets of my kingdom.

Gobbers winery and smithy. It may not look like much but we damn well sold half the cities wine and weapons to them. And it was also the place I made my money.

I lowered my cloak and took off my staff before opening the door.

"Gobber! I'm here!" I said as I set my cloak and staff down on the ground. I look around the winery as my compatriots give me the eye. My Ginger friend turned to me as she helped 'Punzie lift a wine Barrel.

"Yeah, and he's late yet again." She said before dusting her tunic before giving me her amused smile as our burly boss stumbles into the room. "Jack, I told ya before, ya gotta be here on time if ya want to keep a job!"

I smiled and began lifting the supplies of grape and strawberry preserves*, "Ah Gobber if you wanted to fire me, you would have done it by now." Which was mostly true. He doesn't want to fire me... but he wishes I would work a bit harder like my female counterparts.

But Gobber was a good natured guy who took a chance on a poor slob like me. I have immense respect for him... and the guy knows his way around a winery as much as he does a forge.

"Well get those preserves into the mixer! We have important clients comin in today and I need you all to pick up the pace! We're providing the wine for the Coronation tonight!" He said, which certainly piqued all our interests...

"You mean... we're catering to the biggest ball since... ever?" Rapunzel said, her hands to her lips to prevent squeeling in excitement.

Gobber smiled, "Yes indeed, Punzie. And that means we need to run to the brew farms to pick up fresh supplies. Can't make a proper batch without those ingredients!" He said with a snaggletooth grin. "So get off your lazy arses and get to unloading! You have a long journey!"

I was just about to add a witty quip until the front door bell rang... signaling the attention of everyone else.

And thank goodness it did. Because the boy who walked in was a sight to behold.

He was slightly shorter than I was. But only by maybe an inch or two. His hair was long... flowing brown. His eyes were the most striking about him. The color of Jade... a beautiful green that matched his fair skin adorned with freckles perfectly.

Gobber gave him a pat on the shoulder, "Ah, Hiccup! Its good to see ya again! I'm guessin' your father finally decided to let ya come back?"

Hiccup... what an odd little name for such an interesting boy... and then I noticed the creature beside him.

Rapunzel tapped my shoulder, "Better put your eyes back in your head before Gobber chops it off." She said as I suddenly picked up four boxes of supplies.

"Well, he wants me to be okay with the change so I assume he allowed this to set me at ease." He said... and I noted his voice didn't sound like I expected it to. It sounded rather medium pitched and a little nasally but otherwise charming.

Gobber nodded, "He has your best interests at heart, Hiccup. Don't think it's nothing he had to do at your age..." he said before elbowing Hiccup's side, "Still, he wasn't as much of a stick in the mud back then." He joked, eliciting a laugh from the smaller man.

I stacked up the supplies while I watched the exchange. "Well, I didn't come here to dally around. Shall we?" He said, holding up an odd shaped sword hilt. His pet barked beside him as my boss nodded, "Aye, we shall! Merida, 'Punzie, Jack, I expect that work done. When ya finish, come find me so i can give you the paperwork for the ingredients, ya hear me?" He yelled at us before walking away with the Brunette.

I quickly began stacking up boxes... I wasn't putting them up with any sort of organization before Merida stopped me. "Jack, you're gonna piss him off..." she said from her post.

"Oh come now, neither of you are interested in seeing ol' Gobber throw down?" I asked, eying the two.

"I'm more interested in keeping my job so I can keep my house, you know?" Rapunzel said, and I shrugged, "So we throw this up quickly, watch Gobber and that guy spar for a second, doible back for the supplies, work a little later to organize it tonight, and then take a couple days off so he can count the fortune he's gonna make from all our hard work." I said... yet another one of my brilliant schemes to get my way. I was actually quite good at them.

Merida quickly grabbed her bow and arrows and let out a sigh, "The things you draw me into, Frost..." she said as she handed Rapunzel her dagger. But the blonde was still a bit reluctant, "Guys, we're gonna get fired..." she tried as Merida and I walked toward Gobbers sparring area... and Merida counted back from three... two... one... "Wait for me!"

I stood across from the poorly groomed blonde man... I had changed my stance to a left handed one... one of my unique talents was the ability to use both of my hands in combat.*

"Come on old man, scarred of a little boy?" I goaded as he tightened his sword attachment to his missing hand. He chuckled, "Coming from the peg leg who hadn't even drawn his weapon?" He said as my sword sprung to life... letting my relaxing pet let out a small curious sound.

It sprung to life, coated in flame and i gave it a twirl, "Sorry, I just didn't want to scare you into surrender so fast."

Gobber smiled, "Talk is cheap! Lets see what ya got!" He said, lunging forward. I quickly sidestepped and parried his blade away from him before resuming my stance and spinning my sword.

Gobber smiled, "Just as sharp as your father was at your age." He said as the engaged us in a quick succession of strikes. I ducked under his stab and delivered a swift kick to his own peg leg and sent the man tumbling to the dirt... and with a quick flip and tuck I was pointing my blade at the older man.

We starred off for a moment... my eyes regarding his own as we starred off... and suddenly I returned the balde to its sheath and we both sharred a jolly laugh as I helped the man stand up and pat his back.

"Your father wouldn't be prouder of you. Just as sharp as him and a quick tongue like your mum." He said as he reattached his 'hand' to his stub. I was about to use my silver tongue to make him laugh a bit more but he quickly turned a hardened glare to where I wasn't looking.

"Ah ya layabouts! I told ya to get a move on when stock was finished! Not spy in on my personal lessons!" He said as the other three workers appeared. The three were roughly my age. And all armed.

The first girl was blonde. She was dressed lightly in a purple tunic and light leather breast plate, a single dagger strapped to her side. What was most notable about her was her hair. It was nearly shimmering blonde and tied up in several bows and ribbons in a way that not only looked like it took an extensive amount of time but it also appeared that it only would work on her.

The next was another young lady. She was dressed much more simply. A green tunic that was scandelously short... just above her ankles* and a brown hooded cloak... though I was unsure if it would house all of her hair... which was a bright curly red. It was quite messy and yet it suited her in a contrast to her sharp features... including her eyes that mimicked that of the sea. On her shoulder rested a composite bow and a whole quiver of arrows.

The last was a man possibly a bit older than myself.* Like the others, his hair was his most notable feature. It was white as snow itself. His eyes were icey blue and bright. He wore tights that certainly didn't fit him well. They also appeared torn. He also wore a blue cloak with a white doublet underneath. He carried a staff of wood... and that was all.

I looked at them and back to my father's friend, "Do I need to inform Father that you abuse your employers?" I said with an amused smile... and the blond chuckled, "If I'm so abusive, they wouldn't be here and I would be out of business. Sometimes I forget you aren't as formal as your old dad. Hiccup, this is Jack, Rapunzel and Merida. My best workers... and my only workers. You three this is Hiccup, he's-"

I put my arm into his gut... and he gave me a confused stare... I couldn't blame him. He was probably under that old stereotype that all royals liked making their titles known. But I was not like those royals.

Everyone began treating me differently the minute they found out I was the prince... and the opportunity to know three people my age as... a normal person... well, it was a very tempting idea.

"I'm no one important Gobber. Right? I'm just... an commoner." I said, "Stopping in to see an old friend... you really shouldn't talk me up so often." I shot him a look that said more than enough of a hint... let me have this chance.

The blonde scratched his head, "Well, you're family is always noble in my eyes, Hiccup..." he lied... giving me a skeptical look. He knew how I felt... a confession that came with months of sparring.

Jack nodded, "Hmm... you have some impressive fighting skills. Where does one procure a sword like that?" He asked, examining the hilt with curiousity. And i felt a bit odd... having the man examine it so closely

Rapunzel belted his shoulder, "Jack... don't be rude. Its his sword." She said, smiling at me, "Don't mind him. Hes a real scullion sometimes."

He looked back at her, "Really 'Punzie? A scullion? You called me a scullion? What the hell is a scullion?"

I stepped in before the argument ensued if there was one to be had and sprung my sword to life, watching the flames ignite.

"It's bathed in a Dragon spit. Its an alchemical compund that springs it to flame one it touches open air. It's a handy sword." I said, Toothless letting out a happy sound beside me.

The Blonde woman named Rapunzel took to Toothless immediatly, scratching his ears and throwing caution to the wind.

The red head named Merida spoke now, "Remember that speech about being rude, 'Punzie?" She asked as Rapunzel sighed and crossed her arms, "Shut up."

Gobber spoke up this time, "Alright ya three lolligaggers! Get to movin along! You have to pick up the supplies." He said, walking back to his forge and hammering a piece of metal.

My curiousity got the better of me as i fell in line with the trio, "Whats the big occasion?" I asked. Jack laughed, "We're serving wine to the new king tonight." He said as I paused in my speech.

"Ya okay?" Merida asked, snapping her fingers at me a bit... causing the others to laugh as I jumped slightly. "Yeah I'm fine... so you guys have to, what, leave the city?" I asked, hopeful.

I know it seemed foolish to do this on my coronation but... it sounded so adventurous! So fun! And with fighters my own age! Even if I got caught my father may finally understand that I'm independent! And worthy of making my own decisions in the world... like who to marry.

These three have that freedom. The freedom I crave so much.

No great leader ever got anywhere without trying.

"Unfortunatly... its a short walk but theres no shortage of monsters lining the path. Nothing big... a few Gekus and Vespids* but nothing we can't handle."

I smiled at them, "Are you sure? You might need an extra hand out there..." I said. And the three smiled at me. I felt warm inside at their acceptance.

Jack gave me a wink and a toothy grin, "Well then, I'm sure we can show you the ropes. Lets hurry. If we're two seconds late, we'll be the main course at the King's dinner."

And so there it is! My newest venture into the big four!

As you can see its very different from Dragons Breath. Its also more oriented toward the second movie! Which I recently saw... did anyone else think it was awesone too?

Anyway, if you're here wondering what the * were for, I will explain them now.

* 1 - as to what Toothless is in this story, I didn't want to make him a Dragon... but I also didn't want to make him generic like a dog. This is a fantasy world: which means anything I can conjure. Just imagine Toothless as he is, minus the wings and being the size of an actual dog.

* 2 - No. That is NOT Astrids last or middle name. But Princess Antwoniette was the name of a beautiful princess... and while she and Hiccup might not have a relationship, I want her percieved as such.

* 3 - The preserves are merely fermented grapes and strawberries that are made into wine.

* 4 - Okay. If you watch the movie, at the very beginning, you will notice that Hiccup updates the map with his left hand. But Hiccup uses his sword like a righty. And he shoots a bow like a lefty. So I purposely made Hiccup ambidextrous for this story (plus I'm left handed myself.)

* 5 - That was considered very short for a young lady in those days.

* 6 - in this story, Jack is obviously not an immortal 17 year old ghost. If HTTYD2 is five years in the future, that sets Rapunzel and Merida at 23, Jack at 22, and Hiccup at 20.

Remember to Review and follow! I need those to motivate me!

Until next time.