Epilogue

"You can't keep me in here!" Jack yelled at his mother as the raging storm blew ice and the heavens sent hail crashing on earth. Naturae had to keep her son or else a lot of people will perish, as much as it pained her to see him in such distress she had to do this.

Naturae was from the dragon tribe of Ireland. She was one of the most powerful dragons in their specie but much to the dismay of her people, she wasn't blood thirsty and she sought out numerous ways in which they could live in harmony with the humans. During the great travel to the north, they were accompanied by different types of dragons and that was where she met Frigus. Frigus was the mighty leader of the Norwegian Glaciem tribe. The two flew alongside each other as the representatives of their people. Shortly after, they developed feeling for each other and decided to marry. This union bore a child whom they named Jacques or simply Jack. The three were a happy family and longed to live by each other's sides for as long as they can but since Frigus was a leader he couldn't stay with his wife and child so he bade them farewell, leaving Naturae with their only child.

She soon found out that the boy was the reincarnation of the Jötun giantess Skadi, the goddess of ice and snow, and the descendant of the great ruler of all dragon kind named Fortis Draconis, a dragon of many talents. A boy with having so much power is a danger to anyone even his own and especially humans. Dragons and humans haven't established a law and order about their territories and they are still in constant battle. Although some of the reptiles would be alright about Jack roaming free and unintentionally wreaking havoc amongst the mortals, Naturae didn't want that. She wanted the constant killing to end and to prevent a war but most importantly, she wanted to keep her son safe.

"Sweetie, this is for your own good" she said as she pushed her son towards the tower. Her wings being larger were stronger than Jack's who was only 13 years old at that time. The woman's heart broke as she saw the crystal tears that formed around her son's white dragon eyes. No one would ever mistake them for being related because of the distinct differences they had. Jack had white scales that looked blue when light reflected on them, icicle looking spikes protruded from his back and extended unto the top of his head, and he sported wings that were almost translucent in the sun. His mother, however, had green scales that helped her blend in forests, her spikes were a muddy color and traveled down her back, her wings had hook-like nails and she had yellow eyes.

"Mother please…"

"I'm sorry baby…"

Jack tried to fight his mother despite his size but she was just too strong for him. As his arms gave out, he let out a loud cry. He was defeated and was trapped inside that tower. The structure was reinforced by dragon repellant spells from the outside and a chain of iron wrapped around it. Naturae looked around and saw a surge of ice spreading all over the forest. Her son's outburst caused snow to cover the lands but she couldn't make him take it back. Jack was still unstable and he couldn't control his abilities, if he tried to fix it he may even do worse damage.

"Jack…please forgive me…"

The woman's eyes watered as she bid farewell to her only son. She was sure that the council would be looking for her and Jack, she was determined to keep her child's whereabouts unknown. The 13 year-old looked at window and saw his mother fly away from the tower. He tried to go after her but his dragon abilities were shut down by the structure and he was stuck in his human form. Jack looked very much extraordinary compared to humans since dragons were blessed with the faces of angels, he had hair that was so white it could blend in the snow, his eyes were as blue as the sky and his skin pale. The boy wrapped his arms around himself in an attempt to comfort his breaking heart.

His eyes roamed around the area and found how big it was. Its stony walls were covered in his mother's plants and flowers. He stood up when he found a bed situated at the far right of the room, the bed was blue and had white sheets on them just like the ones he had at home.

Home. Jack's lips trembled while he tried to contain his tears. He was so far away from his kind and from his mom. He didn't understand why she had to contain him in such a place. Different thoughts ran through his mind about it. He crawled up in the bed and went into a fetal position. He decided that maybe all of what was happening to him was just a dream and that he will wake up soon enough.

But sadly, it wasn't a dream.

Chapter 1: The Bounty

It has been 5 years since the land was covered in ice, 5 years since they saw a blast of light coming from the north, and in these 5 years no one in Berk has figured out what happened. All they knew was that it came from a blast of light.

Half a decade ago, the land was currently on its way to spring, everywhere you went was full of flowers and plants. It was a glorious time for the people. The men went on doing their everyday work, plowing the fields, fishing, mining and hunting for the betterment of their lives. Children were scattered everywhere, playing to their hearts content. Then the light came, all of the work ceased as they watched a snow creep up from the source and into Berk. It wasn't a pretty sight since all of the people's hard work were killed by the ice. The men and women were clueless as to how to live in the cold that was until they got used to it. Some of them learned to cope since they have been living in the condition for 5 years but some couldn't and were left to die.

Stoick the Vast, the chief, didn't know what to do with the unending snow. His people couldn't grow vegetation and they have had so much difficulty in getting food. It was getting out of hand. There were people dying of the cold and there were others who have gotten sickly. Every day they had to shovel through piles of snow that increased during the night in order to get by. The people were getting tired and he had to end this or otherwise, his son will be left with nothing.

One weekday morning, he formulated a plan. That particular day of the week, the chief had a duty to announce any upcoming events, some statistics, people to be mentioned and declarations. As he stood in front of the podium with his son named Hiccup by his side, he opened his mouth and shouted for everyone to listen.

"People of Berk! We have been plagued by this snow for half a decade now and it has taken its toll on our land and on us. Living has become a task, it has become a great difficulty. I do not want this to happen to us especially to the future generations. All of us can recall the light that came from that direction" he pointed "the north. We have to end this misery that is bathed in ice. We have to find whatever caused this and put an end to it. NOW!"

Hiccup glanced at his father and then to the people who were cheering. He knew how unpredictable and dangerous his father's ideas can be, and he was worried that it might bring harm to some unfortunate others. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III was the only son of Stoick and the late Valka. At 20 years old, he stands at six feet and an inch tall, his features very similar to his mother but his spirit was of his father's.

"I need volunteers who are willing to fight for Berk. I need volunteers who are willing to go up the north and find out what made this wretched curse, and finally put an end to this. The champion shall receive the second highest position of chieftain and a life of luxury. Please step up if you have what it takes."

The heir's eyes widened at his father's final sentence. He's always wanted to know what lay beyond the place and explore the hidden gems in the world. Hiccup longed for freedom and adventure, it was something that his father never let him do because of fear that he might not survive. This was his chance and although he knew Stoick wouldn't allow him, he had just the excuse.

Dozens of men stepped forward, they were all young men who looked a little older than Hiccup and it was apparent that all of them were seeking glory from this quest. Vikings were prideful men and these missions made them even god-like in status when they come home. Hiccup saw some of his friends in the line-up, raising his brow when he saw a particular friend amongst them. Unlike the other women who wanted nothing more than the peace of their homes, Astrid was a fighter. Yes, there was a girl in the mix. The years of training that she did showed on her, her blonde hair in a braid and her favorite weapon, an ax, in her hand. She and Hiccup knew each other since they were still toddlers and often times, the blonde would prove to the brunette that she was better than him. Up to this day, Hiccup still cannot beat her at anything. She wanted to prove that she was stronger than the rest and she sought fame and glory much more than all of the men combined, that was something that he will never understand about her.

"I am grateful for these young folks who have volunteered themselves for the greater good of our lands. Odin will be pleased because of the bravery that you have put out, and we shall all call upon the mighty gods for your safety. Bring what you must in this journey and remember these two simple words that kept our ancestors alive during their time. No mercy!"

The volunteers cheered as they raised their fists in the air. People raised their hands as well and clapped for the brave men and woman. The chief went back inside his home, where his office was situated, with Hiccup trailing behind him. The building was the biggest in all of Berk and it was at the center, it has housed generations of chiefs both great and weak. Stoick smiled at the thought of ending this winter, surely there has to be someone from those group of people who can defeat whatever made this. He was so deep in thought that he didn't notice his son calling out to him until he snapped his fingers in front of his eyes.

"Dad! DAD!"

"I'm sorry boy, I'm just thinking about all of this. What is it?"

"Uhm…I know that you probably won't like what I'm going to say but please accept it."

Hiccup felt nervous. Although this was the 12th time that he will ask his father about going out of Berk, he couldn't help but wonder whether he was going to give him the same answer once more or will he change his mind. After all, Hiccup was already an adult and he has to experience things that a chief may eventually encounter in his lifetime.

"Go on."

"I want to join the hunt."

Stoick looked at his son as if he'd seen a ghost, any motion of his went still for a good 30 seconds. He knew that Hiccup was of age and that he could very well take care of himself, he was his son after all. Every time that he asked, he always said no and the chief believed that he was protecting him and the future of Berk. Stoick sighed while he stared at his son and how the years of training made him look. Perhaps he only said no not because of fear that there would no longer be a chief to replace him but maybe because of the fear of losing his only son and the only part of his wife that remained with him. He closed his eyes and made a decision.

"Fine."

That single word made Hiccup's eyes grow wide and he couldn't believe it. He was allowed to go out of the land and finally do something he thought was worthwhile. He's the son of Stoick the Vast after all.

"Wait…seriously?"

"Just be back my son. Do not fail me" the chief said with a defeated tone. He couldn't keep his son within his grasp forever so he let him go. Hiccup ran for his room in order to prepare, he and the others were going to leave at noon so he had to move fast. Weapons, that was the first thing he grabbed while packing, such as a few throwing knives that were strapped in a belt, a curved sword, and a few spare blades hidden in his clothes. He took few some of the basic necessities such as a flint and steel, a thick rope and a small stone bowl, and threw everything inside his bag. Hiccup didn't want to bring too much items since it will only slow him down so when he finished, he wrapped his coat around himself and went back to his father in order to say his goodbyes.

He saw him sitting across the room, a drink in his hand and looking very weary. The boy knew very well that he was the cause of his troubles and so he sat down beside him. They sat there in silence until Stoick opened his mouth.

"My boy, why do you seek to go out of Berk?"

Hiccup was slightly startled at his father's question and it made him think. He already knew that he wanted to go out and discover things in the world, he wanted to see how far the world goes but why couldn't he answer that? His mind rambled for some sort of hidden truth behind his desire for adventure. At a very young age, his mother used to show him sketches and books about different lands. She showed him pictures of places where there were mountains that exploded, water that fell from tall rock structures and his favorite, the creatures that thrived in various parts of the earth. As Hiccup went through his memories, something became apparent.

"Because of mom. I want to be able to see the things that she showed me when she was still here. Mom wanted to see these things too but she didn't get the chance. She is the deep reason as to why I'm always asking to be able to go out of Berk, to fulfill what she didn't."

The brunette's voice was firm even through his slightly nasaly tone. He was prepared for his father to make an outburst and not allow him to go on the quest. He closed his eyes in order to prepare himself but he didn't expect a pair huge warm arms surrounding him. Stoick didn't usually showed that much affection and Hiccup could count with his fingers as to how many hugs he has received from him while growing up and they were usually quick ones. This is the first time that he embraced him for so long that he felt slightly uncomfortable but he was okay with it. He returned the hug and rested his head on his father's shoulders.

"Oh Hiccup…I wish your mother could've seen how much you've grown to be like her."

"No dad. I do have her will but I have your spirit. I want to make you proud dad."

The chief held his son at arm's length with tears building up in his eyes. He refused to cry especially in front of Hiccup. Sighing, he patted his son at the back and escorted him outside to join the others. The young people were waiting outside and were shocked to see the heir joining them. Hiccup felt uncomfortable with the many eyes that seemed to be burning into his soul. He knew that there would be people who would get angry with him going on with them because it wasn't fair if he did manage to complete it.

"Before I let you all go on to your quest, I would like you all to acknowledge my son's request to join. He shall not be rewarded if he does come home as the champion, it will only prove that he is a worthy successor and a mighty chief.

It has been a miserable 5 years in this snow. We have been suffering from it long enough and I am grateful for each and every one of you who are standing in front of me today. I wish a safe trip for all of you and may the gods guide you. Your efforts shall not be for nothing because this is for the future of Berk. You may go."

Stoick waved them off and looked at his son who waved back. He surely was going to miss Hiccup but he had to find himself.

The sun was up high that it illuminated the frozen sea when Hiccup and the others went north. Due to the buildup of ice and snow, no one was really scared of walking across the waters. It was still dangerous of course and a few have perished while crossing it but that was only a handful. The brunette looked around to see who else was in the competition though he could only name a few. Astrid was one of them of course. A chubby blonde in a furry brown coat named Fishlegs was over at his left and a confident looking brunette named Snotlout was at his right. Hiccup met Fishlegs when they were 8 years old, both of them were the only ones in their earlier training to be very immersed in books rather than in combat. They both shared a passion for animals and they both wanted to see them in person. Snotlout, however, was the heir's cousin. He was one of the few relatives who thought that Hiccup was not worthy of being chief and that they, themselves, should be hailed as one. So then he trained in order to prove that point but so far it hasn't worked out the way he planned.

"Shut it."

"You ain't the boss of me!"

Two voices with the same ragged tone came from behind Hiccup. He immediately noticed four braided blonde hair and two pairs of similar limbs, and knew exactly who they were since just like Fishlegs and Snotlout, he knew them since they were children. Fraternal twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut have always been at their necks since the moment they were born. They were constantly bickering about nonsense to the point that sometimes Hiccup thinks that they might kill each other but their bond is one of the most unbreakable things ever.

They all trudged along the fragile path and into the mountains, Hiccup needs to reach the mountains before sun down or else they'll be sleeping under a layer of ice. There has to be something in his bag that could make him go faster. He stopped for a moment and went through his belongings while the others passed by him. Smirks playing on their faces as they saw the son of the chief rummaging around his stuff.

Hiccup breathed in relief when he saw his spare blades which were flat and the piece of rope. He tied both ends of the blade in order for the piece to form into a loop and attached it to his boots. There were two blades for each pair of footwear so that he could balance. The brunette has done this before so he wasn't as afraid as he was the first time. He stood up and tied his bag across his shoulder while trying to maintain the strength in his legs. He moved around a bit to test whether or not it was durable and when he found that it was he immediately went forward.

His legs moved right, left, right and left. Hiccup coordinated every muscle in his body to move as fast as he can because he already saw the last bit of light from the sun was fading away. He could call it the most exhilarating moment of his 20 years of existence. The wind blew past his face, a painful yet wonderful sensation that Hiccup loved. A few people heard the zooming sound of Hiccup's skates and were surprised to see how swift he was. Some cheered while others cursed for they clearly have underestimated him. In a matter of two minutes, he already had passed them and was almost near the foot of the mountain.

As he stopped in front of the tall mass of land, he removed the blades and shoved them in his bag. His fellow competitors were nowhere in sight so he thanked Skadi for keeping him above the waters while he glided across it. It was the first time that he saw a mountain up close and a magnificent one at that. He climbed up ahead quickly since the moon was beginning to ascend and he needed to seek shelter.

With his feet being engulfed by heaps of white powder, he slowly but surely went further into the woods around and looked for a cave of some sorts. As the sun slowly went down, he smiled for it was the most wonderful day he had. He let his eyes wander for a bit, letting it intake all of the beauty that it could but it was cut short when he heard grumbling. He was hungry.

'Birds. I need to find a bird' he thought to himself as he searched the sky for the winged creature and prepared a blade that was tied to a rope, praying that his knife throwing skills were good enough. Hiccup extended his arm behind his back with the weapon firmly in his grasp and the bird just a few feet away. He took a deep breath and pressed his arm forward, the knife flying towards the bird and stabbing its wing. Thanks to the rope, the brunette didn't have to look for the fallen animal. He pulled it all the way until he can see his kill and it was a bloody murdered mess.

He removed the blade and started pulling its feathers. Once done, he took out the flint and steel that he packed and made a little fire over some dry branches that he pulled out from the nearby trees. He left a long piece of branch to stick out of the ground and used it to pierce the bird in the middle in order to roast it near the fire.

While waiting for his meal to cook, he took out his leather wrapped notebook and wrote a few notes along with some illustrations about the start of his journey. Hiccup made a habit of documenting things that happened to him especially extraordinary ones. He drew the skates that he made and wrote a few notes on how to better it. There were also some writings about how the mountains and the trees looked like. He didn't dwell on it that much because he was very famished. Seeing as the bird was already cooked due to the slightly blackened skin, he closed the notebook and reached for the stick. Just as he was about to bite into the flesh, he heard distinct voices coming from behind him.

The voices were coming closer and closer so he had to find somewhere to go for he knew that they would want to have his head for going past them in the ice. The height of the trees was something that he hasn't seen before and so he decided to climb one, thinking that maybe this could serve as his hide out during the night. It lessened his need to be on guard for predators and he could sleep well during the dark. Hiccup perched himself up on the middle branch and tied his legs on it, making sure that he doesn't fall to his death while in slumber. The cooked bird wrapped gently in a piece of cloth inside his bag and the fire extinguished and covered in snow. He waited for the people to pass him since it was the knowledge of everyone that Vikings had a keen sense of hearing. A single noise could alert them so he didn't want to make that mistake.

'I guess I'll eat this tomorrow then' Hiccup sighed in defeat. He was really looking forward to eating after that day and since his stomach wasn't filled, his body replied with a huge dose of Melatonin causing his eyes to droop. He didn't remember much of the babbling below him as he was engulfed in deep sleep.

AUTHOR'S NOTES

I want to thank my sister for this awesome idea. I hope you guys enjoy it and please do review, I really appreciate it when you do and it help sme think about the possible outcomes. Also, do read my ongoing fic Do Me Right and my one-shot That Day, both of them are Hijack.

Thanks guys! See you in the next chapter!