Chapter 5 New Dawn
It was settled into the far end of the cave curled into a great ball. Its cave was situated high in the mountains face. Echoes of the storm's fury continued to fade by the hour. But it couldn't be bothered by the noises outside. It never could be. Why should it? Every day of its life so far just felt utterly empty. No matter where it went. No matter what it encountered, be it others of its kind or humans or even animals. It just could never fill the void that ever gnawed at his core. That all consuming feeling that cannot be denied yet never can be satisfied. The need to be made whole. For a long time now it had searched but never found what it was looking for. And so it lamented its loneliness.
But in the darkness of its den it suddenly felt something new and different. Something sparked to life in its heart that it feared would never come. It stirred slowly flexing its great muscular frame beneath black sleek scales. It rose to its four strong legs with its powerful tale ended with a club waving around gracefully. A long thick neck extended to lift its gem encrusted white horned head. It sniffed the air and stuck out its pink tongue to taste for any scents. Fiery red eyes with slit pupils opened to behold the world around. It stretched and arched its back like a cat and gave a big yawn. It made its way to the cave opening and outstretched its enormous black wings. It was still dark and cloudy out which made it easy for the glow of its chest gem scale to radiate crimson looking like its own eyes.
Something had changed and it could feel it. It didn't know what, how, where or why. But it was clear that it just started recently. Now things were going to be different. Now its searching wouldn't be in vain. Now it will find its prize. It WILL have its missing piece. It will be made whole.
Hiccup's eyes snapped open as he found himself breathing quickly and covered in sweat. His stump was aching something fierce and it now had his full attention for what must the millionth time. These Thor blasted phantom pains always flared up during nasty storms as what have been moving over Berk for near two weeks. But overall it was the norm for the place that the Vikings for three hundred years and three nests worth of dragons now called home. And painfully to Hiccup's recollection it has been nine months time since he had become chief. Immediately this mantle had been thrust upon him through events that he can't help but feel was his fault. But as he tried to steady himself he wondered. Was it either of these two things that had woken him in the middle of the night this time?
He moved his left hand to his side and found the callused yet gentle fingers of one of the most precious people in his life. Astrid Hofferson now Astrid Haddock lay peacefully next to him still asleep. He heard a soft shifting and then a croon. Hiccup looked from their bed to the rock slab nearby that his very best friend had just descended from and softly padded over to him. Toothless the great and feared Night Fury and Alpha of the dragons looked over Hiccup with his soft glowing green eyes that asked in concern if he was alright. Seeing that two of the crucial parts of his life were still with him Hiccup smiled and placed a gentle hand on Toothless's soft scaled head to reassure him.
What did wake him? Sure the storm had reached another peak tonight but that couldn't have been all that was bothering him. He admitted to himself that he was not looking forward to what he would find after the storm passes. That was always a Red Death's worth of cleanup and troubles to sort out. But that couldn't be it either. He thought hard rummaging through the last twenty four hours of memories to find what was eating at him. It couldn't have been anything to do with the dragons they had all stayed grounded and huddled up in their dens and people's houses. Plans were in the works to build up Berk literally to accommodate the increased amount of dragon riding villagers. But that was all put on the coals till the weather cleared. That still didn't seem like it was the problem.
Could it perhaps be that he was having another bout of panic from realizing that things weren't ever going to go back to the way things were again? It had been very difficult with the transition from being the free inventor, map drawer, dragon trainer, and fiancé to being the chief and husband. But it was most difficult coping with the fact that his whole family was finally together again only to lose his other parent afterwards. Hiccup closed his eyes from the agony of that moment. The moment his world finally made right was torn asunder by the madman Drago and his bewilderbeast. Drago had turned Toothless against him and would have had him killed if it weren't for his father's sacrifice. He could still clearly see the lifeless form of his father buried in ice and his mother mourning her husband. And then the silhouette of Bludvist turning his back to leave them.
Hiccup suddenly felt a dull ache build behind his eyes and a chill run up his spine. The image of Drago's back turned to him oddly held in his mind. Then something strange started playing on the picture. It became distorted like the surface of a watery reflection. When it settled in place again Drago was replaced with a slimmer and shorter individual. This person also had their back turned to him. What he could see they wore a black leather hooded cloak that had arm sleeves. They had boots and gloves that were also the same color. The person stood still with hooded head hanging low and shoulders slumped. He snapped his eyes open and sat straight up eliciting an asking warble from Toothless.
"I'm alright bud I'm just remembering something." He stroked the dragon's scales in soothing circles. Toothless closed his eyes purring. He knew when something was bothering his human. But he knew not to press Hiccup for answers at this moment. Especially with Astrid not being the nicest Viking if you woke her with no serious need. But he felt he had an idea. For it wasn't just Hiccup's stirrings that woke him either. He had the image of a species of his kin that he had never seen before flash in his dreams. It was weird; it somehow reminded him of him. But he couldn't make sense as to how or why for the moment so he filed it away.
For now it was still the middle of the night. It was storming out so they couldn't go for a night flight to his disappointment. So the only thing to do was to get them both back to bed. It was pretty easy to figure out the sleeping arrangements after Hiccup got married to Astrid. They share a bed and he still sleeps near them both, it was just common sense. With his thoughts concluded he opened his eyes to see Hiccup still lost in his own musings. Why he was so worked up the dragon exactly know but whatever it was they would work through it together like always.
Without Hiccup noticing the night fury raised his head to eye level and planted a slimy tongue on the side of his face. Hiccup almost yelped in surprise from the sudden motion but he quickly regained his senses. He silently glared at the big puppy eyed reptile next to him but he couldn't keep himself from smiling. "Alright mister bossy. You're right, this can wait till morning."
With a satisfied snort he nuzzled his human and then circled around before settling himself protectively next to the bed easily in Hiccup's reach. Hiccup settled back down into his pillow and concentrated on not concentrating. Eventually his thoughts shifted on their own and he drifted off to sleep again.
By morning the residents of Berk were greeted with cool air, calm seas and partly cloudy skies with the sun's rays peaking through the gaps. Though the scene was picturesque from the view of any incoming vessel to make port it wasn't quite so when you draw closer. The whole island was teaming with dragons of all shapes and sizes and colors. And every single one of them that can was all soaring through the air in jubilee. It was for two weeks that the storm raged and it had kept all land bound not being able to get much done. And on the ground all the village was alive celebrating their freedom from indoors.
Though it looked chaotic there was order to the madness. Dragons and their riders were all working to get things cleaned up. Older Vikings still earth bound went about clearing the streets and grounds around buildings of debris that had collected over the course of days. Roofs were being patched up here and there. Boats were going out to catch a fresh load of fish to restock the stores. Fallen trees were being pulled in from the forest to be used for new building materials. Dragons and Vikings worked together without much friction to get things back on track. And the ones who were orchestrating all of this from above was none other than the chief and alpha pair Hiccup and Toothless.
From the time they had woken up before sunrise to now they have been busy nonstop. Atop the night fury they have been zooming this and that way to keep track and to give directions to Vikings and dragons respectively. Though it has been rough the past nine months since becoming the chief and alpha of Berk they have grown into their stations quite well so far. They weren't perfect and that was to be expected. But overall they are becoming the leaders that everyone looks up to and couldn't be more proud of. Hiccup smiled sadly to himself as he remembered the conversation he and Stoik had the morning everything changed.
When all the new assignments were made and no new problems had come up they finally landed before the doors of the great hall. Hiccup dismounted from Toothless and gave a heavy sigh while wiping a furrowed brow before walking in. It was empty since everyone was free to get out under the sun for the first time in what seemed forever. This was one of the few times that they could have a moment of privacy and just sit for a while. Hiccup strode up to one of the wooden tables and sat with a light thump. Even taking up the mantel of chief wasn't doing anything to bulk him up. If anything he thought that he might be losing weight instead; what with all the running and walking around they had to do and seemingly no time to eat.
He found a mug close to him, finding it still had some liquid. He took a whiff to be sure that it wasn't filled with anything else other than what he hoped it to be. Vikings cooped up for a long time get to do some rather strange things to pass the time. And much of the stunts they do involve some form of competition and drinking. He shivered thinking further of how some of those games had the misfortune of being joined by the Thorston twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut. With his inspection concluding that it was in fact straight mead he tipped up the mug and gulped down the contents feeling the warmth working down his dry throat to his belly.
With drink done he gave a grunt and let his head fall to the table to just sit there. Toothless gave an understanding croon as he lay next to his rider nuzzling his side. Hiccup chuckled and moved an arm over to scratch at the dragon's scales getting a purr in return.
It was only a few minutes before they were disturbed by the sound of someone else and their dragon dropped into the great hall. By the sound of dainty claws clacking against the stone floor matched with strong and graceful footsteps Hiccup was relieved to recognize that it was his beloved wife Astrid. The chief raised hid head to give a greeting but was pleasantly surprised to receive a gentle kiss instead of any words for a moment or two. Toothless eyes were big with amusement at his human's silence; he then got up to go over and greet the Nadder.
Finally letting go of the kiss, Astrid settled into a seat next to her husband giving her own sigh. "Oh Thor it has been insane so far today. I swear if we didn't already have the twins busy helping to clear out downed trees we wouldn't be making any progress with getting the island back in shape."
Hiccup having come back to reality set to getting his thoughts in order. "Well I'm glad that they have something to blow to pieces. They deserve a break after being kept indoors with nothing to do all that time. How are Fishlegs and Snotlout doing with clearing the cave ins?" Astrid had rolled her eyes with the mention of the twins but then went straight to report progress. "They and their team of Gronkles are making quick work of the boulders. I just hope that they don't get upset and puke up a magma flow again."
Hiccup nodded and closed his eyes in thought. The caves are a crucial shelter for all the dragons. They couldn't risk making many new ones for fear of causing parts of or the entire island to sink into the sea. It was a delicate problem that needed constant care and finesse. But he was relieved to hear that there wouldn't need to do any excavating of new tunnels.
He was taken from his thoughts when they all heard one more dragon landed outside and their human lithely dismounting to the ground and walked in. "Mom hey! How are the new dragons doing?"
"Oh they are doing fine. You don't think dragons would be scared off by a little storm do you?" Toothless puffed out his chest by Hiccup at this and got a surprise scratch under his chin in that certain sweet spot. Blast his weakness! Toothless's eyes popped open for a moment only to close again as he slumped to the ground in purring bliss.
The perpetrator Hiccup laughed as he saw his best friend in a mess on the ground. But this was short lived as a black tail comes around behind him and yanks him from his seat. Hiccup falls with a yelp back against the dragon's flanks and gets wrapped up in fore and hind legs. Astrid and Valka giggled seeing the pair's antics. The diminutive chief played and wrestled with the dragon without really doing anything to gain any advantage. The night fury just hugged his human and nuzzled all over in vengeance. Then with a draconic smile he decided to finish things with a good coating of saliva all over Hiccup's face. "Oh seriously?! Come on!"
Finally released from the dragon hug he commenced to wipe his face against Tothless's scales to get the slimy spit off. Neither wife nor mother could get the smile off their faces. "OK you two I think break time is over." Astrid helped up her dork of a husband as Valka helped the dragon alpha back to his senses. "Thank you milady. Alright has anyone gone to check for any boats that could have run aground yet?" The female warrior appeared thoughtful for a moment. "I don't think anyone has officially done it yet. We've been so busy to get the village cleaned up." She seemed to berate herself for not having it done sooner.
"Ehh that's alright, Toothless and I will do it. Besides we're as eager as any to get out getting some fresh air." None could argue this point. It was miserable to be out during the storm and it was any more cheery indoors with everyone huddle together and stepping on each other's feet and tails. But both women still looked at him with concern and skepticism. Everyone knew that Hiccup has been working nonstop to be sure that things on Berk ran smoothly. He had been taking it in strides but it was still difficult for him to do it all. His mother, his wife and his old mentor Gobber all saw that he was working himself ragged and not giving himself the rest needed. But if there was one thing that he had inherited from his father is stubbornness.
Hiccup gave a look that left no room for protest so the women reluctantly conceded. But then thankfully Valka spoke up before anyone made to leave. " Fine but I'll be going with you so you are not alone." She gained a look of gratitude from her daughter in law and a look of betrayal from her son. But this quickly morphed into smile of defeat. "Alright mom let's get this done so we can get it out of the way. Astrid could you go and check in on the others and see when they would be done?"
"Sure thing babe. And Hiccup?" She held his face in her hands as she gave him one more kiss. "Please be safe" Hiccup hugged her close looking into her eyes. "I will I promise." With one last kiss they all left the great hall stepping back into the morning light. Valka couldn't hide her smile for her son's happiness. She closed her eyes for a second wishing she could have hers again. But seeing the bright day helped her to banish her sorrow for the moment so she can be there for her son. That is after all why she stated she would accompany him.
Astrid blew one last kiss towards her husband as she hopped up onto Stormfly and they took off up towards the caves and forests. Seeing her off the two remaining Haddocks climbed on their dragons and flew out to sea to check the surrounding waters.
Their flight was calm and quiet for a while until Valka saw the infamous pair do some spins and barrel rolls and loop-de-loops. Seeing them fly, free from all their responsibilities for but a moment brought another smile to her face. Oh if only they could have had this happen sooner in her generation, how much would have been different. What a completely different life her son could've had. She knew she was forgiven for being gone so long but it still ever weighed in her heart. Could she have made the difference if the opportunity was given to her? She would never know. All she could do now was do her best and enjoy what she has now.
Cloudjumper looked up at her with a look that she only knew too well. Suddenly in the sky there were two sets of daring humans and dragons doing stunts of varying difficulty and creativity. This went on as they circled up the eastern and northern sides of the island. This was one of the few times that the chief and veteran dragon were able to feel free as the dragons in flight that carried them together. Duties often kept them two from seeing each other save when they were on the ground or when either one was flying overhead. Of all the things that made mother and son distant this was one thing that they shared on deep level.
They settled into an easy flight along the western stretch of the island. They fell into an easy silence as they relaxed in the gentle glide. They had kept a fair eye out for the first three parts of their round. But now that they had as much fun as they can allow themselves to they kept kept a sharper eye on the waters and rocky beaches below them. No sooner had they made their last turn towards Raven's Point and come in view of the village Hiccup called out to his mother. "Look there's something down there!" He pointed down towards a tiny dark boat that had been washed up against the rough shore.
Toothless followed where his human indicated and descended with easy to the spot. When they had touched down Hiccup and Valka jumped down from their dragon partners to get a closer look. Cloudjumper turned his head from side to side as he saw the smaller dragon and two humans approach the boat. The night fury couldn't smell anything to say there was any immediate danger but he still kept his guard up for his best friend's sake. Hiccup gestured for his mom to stay back for a moment as he looked into the small vessel.
Hiccup found no one in the boat but he noticed that there were dark smudges in the wood. He rubbed a couple fingers on a spot and brought them up into the sun for a closer inspection. A scowl appeared on his face as he saw the red color more clearly. His attention turned to the pebble beach around them. Tracks could be faintly seen leading up the hill into the trees. Judging from where they were and where the tracks were heading, Hiccup had a thought of where they could lead to. Toothless sniffed at the hand and then inside the boat. His listening spines perked up in curiosity at what he smelled. Shouldn't blood smell more like blood? Yes he smelt the blood but it smelled off, but it seemed weak. His eyes dilated big in confusion and he couldn't help feeling a bit of concern for whoever left the trail.
"Mom come here and take a look at this!" He showed his finds to the older Haddock and waited as she worked the pieces together in her mind. "Mom can I have you go back to the village and find Fishlegs and Gothi? Whoever was in this boat couldn't have gone too far. They may need some immediate help once we find them. Toothless will shoot up a shot to signal when we find someone."
"As you say chief." Valka said this with a small smile before turning more serious. " I know that it looks like the person who was in the boat is hurt. But remember to keep your wits about you and please be careful." As if Hiccup didn't know this already especially with all that they dealt with in just the past year. But he didn't say anything cause he knew she was only looking out for him. "I promise to be careful mom, besides Toothless will be with me." His mother gave a nod and was helped onto Cloudjumper's back by one of his four great wings. She gave her son one more look of love and concern before taking off back towards Berk.
After watching them leave the remaining pair turned to face the trees. " Alright now it's just us finally." Toothless gave him a deadpan expression. "Come on bud! You know it's been a long time since last we had time to ourselves. I know you've missed it as much as I have." The night fury couldn't help but agree as he nuzzled his rider's side. "And besides, whoever is out there will likely freak if there's a large group after them." The dragon considered this for a moment and nodded in agreement. Yes hunting requires stealth and that is better achieved with fewer hunters. With this decided Hiccup hopped back onto Toothless's saddle and they entered the forest on foot.
The trail kept leading up the slope winding passed trees and through shrubs. The first half of the trail was slight and had to be sniffed out in places. By the second half it was becoming heavy as if the maker was dragging themselves at this point. It came as little surprise when the borders of the cove came into view. But it still puzzled him as to why someone would come this way of all places. When they had finally reached the edge they looked around below them and couldn't see anything immediately.
Toothless smelled the air and could tell that it was coming from below them. He crooned to his human and gestured downward. "Yeah I think they went down their too bud." With a small jump the night fury glided down to an easy landing by the lake. Hiccup unlatched the support lines that connected him to the saddle and dismounted. They both looked around them warily trying not to think all the good and bad memories they shared together in this sacred place. The ear spines on the ebony dragon perked up when he caught the scent again. The young Viking also tensed when he heard some shuffling on the other side of the cove behind a pile of boulders.
Toothless went into a slight crouch ready to spring to action in a heartbeat. His eyes were still rounded but his expression was one of wariness. Hiccup kept a hand to his custom sword, ready if he has to calm a wild dragon. His heart was racing as he worked to steady his breathing. Was this his nerves acting up? He didn't know and he just chalked it up to being overly cautious. They carefully made their way around the edge of the water keeping their eyes out for any possible threats. "Hello! Is anyone over there?! It's alright we're here to help!"
No answer came for a long moment as they waited for anything to happen. Hiccup made to step forward when they were both startled by a sudden burst of motion. A trio of terrors shot out from behind the rock formation and flew off into the trees. The Viking chief held tense for a moment longer before finally taking a deep breath. Toothless narrowed his eyes and snorted in annoyance, he really disliked those scale nippers. The night fury almost let down his guard when he caught that scent of weak blood again. This time however it was accompanied by the slight sound of breathing that didn't belong to him or his human. He smelt the air trying to determine further who and what it may be. But oddly the scent was neutral and dull, it reminded him of loneliness. He nudged Hiccup's arm to get him to keep on guard.
Hiccup nodded to his best friend and took deliberate steps around the rock. He made sure that his movements could be heard so he wouldn't startle whoever it was that was hiding. Why were they hiding? He signaled to the dragon to silently move around the other side. For reasons he couldn't understand he was becoming restless like he was afraid of what he would find. Toothless kept more distant as he came around his side. He kept a special eye on his precious human in case anything happened. What they both found was unexpected to say the least.
Leaning heavily against the rock face holding a rusted and curiously shaped sword in one hand stood a person that wore black cloth from head to toe and a leather coat over that. They looked about as tall as Hiccup, but had a slightly wider frame. The stranger's head faced towards the ground as if to avoid eye contact, even though their face was completely covered and hooded over. Their breathing was labored and raspy. And upon closer inspection they looked like they favored putting weight on their right leg.
Hiccup took slow steps to stand in front of this person making sure not make any sudden moves. "Hello. Sir?" Was it a sir? "Hey are you alright? We're here to help." Toothless gave a warble in affirmation looked curiously between the two waiting to see what will happen.
Ashen's breathing halted right then. Who was there? And what was with them? His body screamed agony at him from every inch. He hasn't been able to cast out his field of mental vision to any more than just a couple of feet around him. He had hoped that staying still and out of view would keep him from being found. Why was the person even out here? Wherever out here is. But now vision impaired as he made himself he still could tell that this man was talking AT him. Looking at him even. What does the man want? His own heart was racing with increased rhythm. Why does this person's voice sound familiar? Where was he?
The Young Haddock could tell that the person before him was gearing up to either fight, run or faint. "Hey whoa it's ok no one is going to hurt you." Oddly enough he was holding his hands out similar to when he dealt with testy dragons. Toothless gave a small growl in warning. At this sound the head of the person in black snapped up along with their sword held out between them. "Hey Toothless calm down bud! We need to show that we can be trusted." The night fury stopped his growling and lowered his eyes in guilt. Hiccup turned back to the person in front of him only to find none there. He looked side to side and then down and found the person had fallen to their knees and had dropped the sword to the side. Whether it was on purpose or not he didn't know at this point. The Viking knelt down to their level to get a better look while placing a hand on the dragon's nose as Toothless drew closer. Dragon and Viking bother were caught by surprise again when they heard a different sound from the dark one in from of them. Their breathing had turned more sporadic like as if they were, crying? They had no way to tell otherwise but that's what it sounded like and Hiccup and Toothless both were confused as to why?
Ashen fell to his knees for two reasons. One he was utterly spent and in so much pain he couldn't keep standing even when putting his weight up against the rock. And the second and more important reason was that name the man called out struck a chord in him. "Toothless!" That was the name of the dragon that had bonded to a young boy in the memories that flooded his mind before. "I've found them!" By that point he was overcome with new emotions and exhaustion. He cried from relief that he finally reached his goal that he fought so long to get to. And he cried because he was hurting inside and out. How did he know if he could trust anyone anymore? He was so confused as to what to do now. He flinched more from just surprise when he felt a hand lay gently on his shoulder. The light that he felt from it was something that he never quite felt from another person before. It had a warmth and vitality to it that was similar to fire. But regardless of what he sensed he fell the rest of the way and rolled to his left absorb the impact and to try to get away from the alien touch.
Hiccup was surprised once again by what he felt through his hand and the sudden actions this stranger made who now gave a cry as if in pain when (his) shoulder made contact with the ground. The Viking could only tell that the person in black was indeed a he because of the sound of their voice, as haggard as it was. What he felt through his extended hand was not only dampness and cold but for some strange reason he could feel such a sense of loneliness and confusion. He though that he was losing his mind for a second but his own faculties was still about him. So then what did he feel, how did he feel it and why? Looking down at this poor man he couldn't help but feel sympathy for them.
Toothless watched the whole scene intently the whole time. His Hiccup displayed the same patience and trust as when he first tried to make contact with the night fury. His hand extended slowly to rest on the dark man's shoulder to show that he didn't mean any harm. It was the only thing that could be done. This man didn't show any sign that they understood his Human and on top of that the man was effectively blind with those weird coverings on his face. It had occurred to Toothless just a minute ago that this person was male now that he could get a good whiff through the stench of blood. But now that he did, his center began to ache a little remembering when he first met Hiccup, the scent of loneliness and being afraid. It still disturbed the ebony dragon that though he was only a couple dragon steps away the scent was still in itself weak and frail. A surprised croon escaped him when he saw the man fall away from the Viking's touch. He knew that move was intentional just like what any injured wild dragon would do.
That motion did it. Ashen's entire body shrieked again in complete agony. So much so that he couldn't extend his vision anymore even if he wanted to. But this wasn't before that he perceived the blinding light of that dragon Toothless. He just couldn't handle such a dazzling presence. It was getting increasingly difficult to breath since his little stunt to try to get away. His sides burned most intensely. All was dark for him but he could still hear, though he didn't know for how long. The man next to the dragon was calling out to him asking if he was ok and hang in there. He didn't really care to listen after a minute. He was so cold, he hurt, and he was tired. Not for the first time today he wanted blackness to come. Now however he was going to finally get his wish. As he was drifting off he heard several sets of wing beats along with different voices all calling out. He thought that he heard a couple of them call out the name… "Hiccup!"