Oh boy. Another story?! Well, to be perfectly clear, this story is finished! From end to end. So it's a matter of me posting it, which I plan on posting three chapters every day, until it's done.
This is a story that is a remake of my first fanfiction I ever wrote. HTTYD: The Second Night Fury. My first ever OC was created in that story, and I felt bad I never used him again. After re-reading his story, I kind of threw up in my mouth. It had a lot of plot holes, bad grammar, and ultimately; bad motives and reasoning's. But, it wasn't a bad story, because it was my first story I ever wrote. I learned so much from just writing it.
So, I did a remastered version of it. The original story was written almost immediately after I watched the first How to Train Your Dragon, back at the turn of the year 2012. So the events take place immediately after the first movie, and before the first season of the Dragon's show.
Though this is a technically a remaster, I did change quite a few things. If you want, you can read the two and compare them. Almost all the scenes are changed or modified, with the original intentions of the story remaining; just to flow better story wise. I have to say, I really like this one. It may actually be my favorite story I've ever written; including the Dragon Boarder series. It was a great way to see how much better I've become in regards to writing.
Thank you for your support, follows, favorites, reviews, pms, and whatever else you've done since I've started writing. I greatly appreciate it, and also look forward to it. So, without further ado, please enjoy!
P.S. Shout out to Anvil of Writing, for the feedback and thoughts on a few issues. Please support this writer, as he's been immense help to me in not only this story, but also my others.
Chapter One
CRACK! The thunder roared once again. The wind and the rain could barely be heard over the creaking and the straining of the ship, as it moved against the waves beating on all the sides. Hiccup was wondering why in the world he was on the ship. Sure it sounded fun as first, but after the first half day on the sea, he was already sea-sick and dreading the fact that he still had a few weeks left on the water.
BOOM! Another sound of thunder clapped, slightly startling him.
Sighing, he muttered to himself "At least we haven't drowned…mostly." Honestly the storm wasn't all that bad, it was more so just a threatening one that sounded worse than it really was. At least that's what his dad told him.
Looking over his hammock, Hiccup saw his dad, Stoick the Vast, sleeping in an oversized hammock that Hiccup was sure he would get lost in. The entire reason for them to even take this God's forsaken trip was to establish a trade route with another tribe. The village of Thariin, whose chief was named Strogg the Stone. Thariin was a very prosperous village; being on the shore of a mainland rather than an island. Its location soon made it a hub for all villages and traders from around the sea and beyond!
With peace between the dragons and the Vikings, Berk began to be very prosperous just by themselves with herds and crops. At that moment, Stoick decided that it was time to try and establish a trade route with the prominent village, hopefully leading to more trading with the other villages and islands.
And now, after three weeks of miserable sailing, Thariin was only a couple of days away. With a strong, constant breeze pushing the ship, it would probably be a little less than that. Unfortunately, the sudden storm slowed their progress, which would probably tack an extra day to the trip.
Trying to relax and force sleep to come, his mind then wandered into thoughts of home and his friends. This only made trying to sleep worse.
He started to think of Toothless, his dragon who he befriended, who was the cause for all the happiness that was in his life at that point. Without Toothless, he was nothing and had nothing. Just an apprentice blacksmith. However, both he and Toothless had become heroes for both of their worlds. Together they ended up defeating the Red Death Dragon, which almost killed both of them in the end. Hiccup and Toothless were known as heroes after that act, and would probably be recognized that for the rest of their lives.
Hiccup shook his head slightly, realizing that it was only a few months ago since that happened. It was incredible that since that time, he only learned to appreciate Toothless even more so. Oh how he loved Toothless; because he was the reason why he had a father accepted who he was, friends who would do anything for him, and a special person in his life who was always spending time with him, flying with him, and then spending more time with him. Astrid.
Wow! Just the thought of her swept him off his feet! Which was good that he already lying in a hammock. She was allowed to come on the trip with Hiccup and Stoick; well, more so forced everyone to let her come. She told her parents to let her go, because she was going no matter what they said. She explained that she wanted to see what life was like on other islands, and this was a perfect opportunity for her to do so.
"More like she wanted to be with me!" Hiccup thought a little smugly. He crossed his legs and put his hands behind his head, relishing in this truth; which ended up throwing him off balance and tossing him off of his hammock and onto the wet floor of the ship.
"Great…" He thought as he scrambled up to get off the soaking wood. He looked around and was relieved that no one woke up when he fell. "Sitting here isn't really helping me fall asleep, maybe a quick walk up on deck will help." He muttered gloomily to himself.
Stepping outside of the cabin of the ship, he began to walk around the deck; or stagger around the deck, as the waves pounded on the ship relentlessly. The actual walking on the deck surprised him because it was a lot harder than he had predicted. He was still getting used to his new leg; the war wound he inherited after the Battle of the Red Death.
Looking around, it didn't take him long to know he was alone with the deck to himself. Unfortunately, Astrid was asleep and Toothless couldn't come. Stoick didn't want Toothless scaring the other tribe, as this agreement needed to go as smoothly as possible. Plus, other Viking tribes weren't so ready to accept the dragons as pets and might take lethal action towards Toothless.
So Hiccup had no choice but to leave his friend, which almost broke his heart seeing Toothless devastated when he learned that he couldn't come. Hiccup hated that he disappointed Toothless, and he also hated that he couldn't fly to get off the ship that seemed to be shrinking in size every passing day. In fact, he hated that he couldn't fly at all! He was worried that he would be rusty when he got back. It was a gift that he still truly cherished; being able to fly with a dragon. Something that was only dreamed about, it was now a way of life; and he was the one that bridged that gap. Well, he and Toothless bridged it together.
Splash! A wave raised over the side of the ship and nailed him. Coughing, Hiccup stumbled and then fell flat on his back. "Ugh! This leg is still something else to get used to…" He groaned, sitting up and inspecting the metal hook for a leg. Grunting, he then forced himself up and took a few more deep breaths of the salty air. Getting his fill of fresh air, he then decided to go back and continue to try to get some sleep, even though his thoughts were still heavily on Toothless and flying.
Realizing thinking about Toothless wasn't helping him relax, he began to think about the destination ahead, Thariin. He didn't know much about it, other than what his dad told him. It was big, with lots of people there. Stoick told him that it was as if ten Berks were together. He couldn't even fathom the thought of that many people living together.
Suddenly, a splash sounded off to his right. Whipping around to face the direction, he briskly walked to the side of the ship. Looking into the black ocean, he peered to see anything out of the ordinary. Then, just as he was about to head back inside, a dragon leapt out of the black void right at him!
"Waagghh!" He shouted, falling on his back.
The dragon landed on the railing, balancing itself on it. Its green eyes stared into Hiccups, as it growled angrily at him.
Hiccup scooted back, putting a little distance between him and the new dragon. It was unlike any he's seen before! It had razor sharp looking teeth, and was about the same size as Toothless; shoot, if it wasn't for the spikes along the wings and down it's body, he would have guessed it to be Toothless! On four legs like his friend, he also had a similar looking tail; except for the end of it, which hardly had any fins at all. What fins were there, looked like an arrowhead. He couldn't tell what color it was, as it was dark; but he had to guess that it was a dark color, maybe even black! The dragon snorted, eyeing Hiccup dangerously.
"He-hey boy!" Hiccup stammered, extending his hand out "Easy there…I'm not going to hurt you…"
Suddenly a rogue wave smashed into the boat, causing it shift violently to the side. The dragon lost its balance on the rail, falling forward onto the deck. Hiccup was startled as it roared loudly, as if in pain. He watched it hobble onto its feet, doing so very carefully and tenderly. Breathing out a huff of anger and pain, the dragon spread its wings and gently flew into the air.
Hiccup scrambled to his feet, running to the rail to watch the mystery dragon disappear into the night. Wondering what in the God's name happened, he turned and sprinted to the cabin. For all he knew, he may have seen a new kind of dragon! Bolting inside, he ran to get his dad to tell him what just happened.
A small journey away, in the land of Thariin, specifically a place called Fallis Woods; the thunder also rolled in the black sky, and over the dark, infinite waves of the sea. Only from the lightning could one tell that you were in a cave looking out of a cliff. In the cave was lone person, staring out at awe inspiring event. Ukiah was all but tired, with the amazingly powerful storm just outside his humble cave.
Ukiah was 17 years old with midnight black hair, long enough for him to have it in a very small pony tail with a small braid in it. His slender build was enough to show that he was strong, just not big. His body was worn with exposure to all the seasons' elements; both summer and winter months. His hazel eyes seemed to capture even the smallest hint of light, giving him a youthful expression.
CRACK! Another earth shattering thunder clap sounded outside of the cave. Ukiah always loved storms, especially at night. For two reasons though, he loved the sight of the unlimited power from the sky attacking the unconquerable sea; and secondly, a storm usually meant a good hunt the following day.
The thought of a hunt tomorrow made him laugh inside. He had meant to take it easy tomorrow, maybe even sleep in. With food stocked up to last him a good week of feasting; and a load of pelts, furs, leather, even some jerky ready to be traded; he had planned on taking a "vacation" from hunting and fishing, in order to prepare for the trip to the village of Thariin, twenty miles south.
However, this storm would give him a chance to potentially get some more pelts to sell for money, rather than trading for tools and other needed equipment to live alone in the forest. He could potentially get a new quiver for his arrows as he looked over at his torn, almost destroyed with use, homemade quiver. Maybe even a new spearhead! Or, God's permit, an actual pillow for his head.
Staring out of the cave, he guessed that he still had 4 hours before he would set out for the trek.
BOOM! Another flash of lightning went off, almost immediately followed by the drum-like thunder. Ukiah rolled over from where he was laying and lit a small candle to his side. As the candle took flame, his collections of weapons appeared almost magically from the darkness; a steel dagger, his hunting spear, and crossbow.
He unsheathed the dagger and looked at it through the candle light. The flame of the candle of seemed to dance on the dagger's sharpened, polished blade. Smiling, he sheathed the dagger and picked up his hunting spear. Moving his hand up and down the handle, the smoothness of the wood caused his hand almost glide over it; until he rubbed the tightly bound leather around the middle. The metal tip at the end was so perfectly crafted, he could balance the entire thing with his pinky. He set the spear down and picked up his most prized weapon and possession; his crossbow. Already loaded and ready to take the life of the next prey, or predator; it was a weapon that could always be depended on.
"Sleep well…" He whispered "We're going to be busy tomorrow." As he finished saying those words, he realized that he was the one that was going to need the sleep more than the crossbow. Carefully placing the crossbow back to its resting spot and blowing out the small candle he had lit, he leaned against the cave wall he was resting against.
Staring out into the vast darkness, broken up by the lightning spontaneously striking at the water, he studied the rock pinnacles that stood out of the water in open defiance against the merciless waves and torrential storm. He stared off at them until sleep started to overcome him. Forced trained, he kept one eye open, almost lifelessly scanning the opening of the cave. Had he not done this, he would have missed an object that slowly and silently landed on one of the pinnacles facing the mouth of his cave. Surprised by the unexpected visitor, he silently sat up and squinted at the peak of the rock.
Whatever it was that landed there, it almost turned invisible! It blended so well with the background and actual rock, that Ukiah was struggling to make anything out at all, even with his hunter trained eye!
He knew just by the size of what he did see, that it was a dragon. Dragons weren't really uncommon for Ukiah, though he usually steered clear from them whenever he did find one. However, this one was different. He couldn't tell what kind it was. It definitely wasn't a Hideous Zippleback, as he didn't see two heads. Couldn't have been a Monstrous Nightmare, they hate rain due to the fact that they can't light themselves on fire; besides that, it wasn't that big. It was most definitely not a Gronckle, wasn't round enough and he actually saw the wings.
"What was that?" he whispered to himself, knowing that no one was around to answer. "I guess it could have been a Deadly Nadder, the size was about right. Also the wing span looked like it as well." However, one thing bugged him. He didn't see the two massive legs stick out. It almost looked like a sleek…arrow. "I wonder what it is." He whispered, knowing something was there. All thoughts of hunting and sleeping were gone now. "Whatever landed on that pinnacle, its' gotta still be there. I didn't see it leave at least…" He thought. Slowly drawing his crossbow to him, he brandished his weapon to be ready for anything that might come in.
Suddenly lightning flashed and what Ukiah saw, shocked his core. It was a dragon unlike any he had seen before! It was sleek, on four legs, and wasn't that big to begin with. Though he couldn't see color due to the darkness, he could see the wings had spikes on them. It looked like…death.
Ukiah's blood froze inside of him at the thought. Was…was this a Night Fury? A terror and a supposed representative of death itself? He had heard of a massive dragon, rumored to be called the Red Death, was defeated by a Night Fury and a great Viking warrior named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III. The rumors he heard was that Hiccup rode on the back of it, after beating it into submission. After destroying the Dragon Queen, the tale said that Hiccup then destroyed the dragon nest, killing all the dragons that didn't escape; including the Night Fury he used. But this, this creature outside of his cave, was no tale like Hiccup's. There was a Night Fury in the flesh, and it was outside of his cave! It was sleek, almost stealthy like, which Ukiah understood to be the key to any successful hunt; or kill.
Then he saw the silhouette of the dragon spread its wings to take off, which it flew over his cave slowly, as if not in a hurry at all. Quietly, but as quickly as was possible, he ran to the entrance of the cave and looked to where it could have gone. He judged that it flew right into the woods behind his cave. In all of his hunts, he never set out for a dragon. "Let the dragon slayers do that." He always told himself whenever he saw a dragon in his woods. But none were a rare Night Fury; and if it was a Night Fury, it flew into the very woods that Ukiah knew better than most animals that lived in it. "If I can take it down, I could be a hero just like Hiccup…" He thought excitedly "Maybe I can get a reward for killing it! Heh, what am I doing here? I've got to get moving!"
Ukiah didn't really go on night hunts very often; but there were a few exceptions, such as this. Walking back into the cave, he re-lit his small candle.
Grabbing his gear he had all situated, he started to strap on his leather hunting vest which had definitely seen better days. The leather was cracking after years of use, and a few straps were snapped off. He started wrapping his forearms with long leather strips; weaving them over and under his hand and up his forearm. These were his makeshift gauntlets he crafted for himself. Though shrewdly made, they were as durable as any others; and they were simpler to replace if lost or damaged. Both of them were coated in dry blood from all the animals he skinned and cleaned, keeping them in better shape than his vest.
After securing the gauntlet like leather strips, he attached his dagger on a small strap over his heart. Making sure that the dagger itself was secure and wouldn't fall out, he moved onto the spear. His vest had a special strap attached to the back, which his spear slid smoothly inside. Letting it rest on his back, he then reached for his raggedy quiver of bolts, which he strapped to his belt and let it hang on his hip tightly.
Before grabbing his crossbow, he stuck his hand in a bucket of water and then into the ash filled fire pit. Rubbing the watery paste on his fingers, he then ran it down his face at a diagonal from high left to low right. It was a traditional war paint style that his guardian had taught him before he went out to hunt. He had always done this regardless of what he was hunting, though he didn't really know the importance of it. All he knew about it, was that it was essentially his history. Even that, however, he didn't know very well.
Grabbing and not needing to check his crossbow, he blew out what was left of the candle and made his way through the dark forest, in the middle of a storm. "No longer will I be known as a hunter or loner." He thought to himself, ignoring the rain that pelted him "I'll be known as the only person in Thariin to best a Night Fury!"