Checkmate Chapter 2
Well I want to start this chapter by saying...
You're all amazing! I had lost my phone for and when I come back, BAM all these new favorites and follows! I was so excited that I had to write the second chapter immediatly!
This is a rare treat for you all but you've earned it! I've never had a story take off so fast!
On to reviews:
Asd: Gobber is a friend of the family but still a common man. But yes, he is Hiccup's personal trainer.
Raffs: Well thank you! I worked really hard on developing meshing attitudes while still retaining ther personalities. And I just saw the second movie! I had to throw her in there!
Jenskuchu: Well then, I will keep writing for you! I hope to see more reviews in the future!
Rjalfredo: Well, we can't have the prince flauting about eh? Glad you enjoyed it and love me for it!
EverLastingTime: Thank you! I give you an update!
Remember to review and follow. I'll answer all reviews here in my authors notes... and speaking of notes...
Disclaimer: Disney and Dreamworks own my fandoms. My fandoms own me. I own a Lawyer. She says Disney and Dreamworks don't care what I own as long as its not money.
Warning: This story will have M rated content. If you're squemish, I reccomend another story.
Note: when you see an Asterisk, aka *, that means there will be information at the end of the chapter that will clesr up any confusion.
On with the chapter.
Enjoy.
Rolling green hills, the trees were lush with fruits and vegetation. A small breeze only enhanced the smell of fresh air.
We had only just left the gates but I already felt incredible at the world around me... I allowed myself to take a deep breath.
In 20 years, I have never left the city gates for any reason excluding vacation to my cousins villa... in an armed caravan. Where no one could see me.
I've been watching these very plains from my room for years and yet seeing it up close makes my heart beat a little bit faster. It offers hope that someday soon I'll have more time to do this. As king, I will have so little time to do anything other than rule my country.
And I have accepted that fate... but this feels so much more like the life for me.
The plains of Berk. They were just as beautiful as I always thought they were... I knealt down to sniff the flowers on the ground. They smelled sweet and fresh... like my freedom.
It only makes me more excited when I think how this will be mine as well... a secret I desperstely wanted to keep from my new aquaintences.
It wasn't so much I was worried about how people would treat me when they found out about it. The monarchy was strong and her people were happy with life, or happy enough.
Even the poor are fed everyday. And there are several bunkhouses that reside in the city to make room for them.
It was simply how everyone treated me differently the moment they found out. Like I was this delicate piece of jewery that needed to be handled with great care. Like if they mess up I'll curse them and send guards upon their house.
My father would be ashamed of that and so would I. I wish people wouldn't believe those foolish rumors about nobels and royals.
"Another day in the plains... its a little after noon. If we move quickly we should be back just before the evening..." Jack said boredly from beside me, "Ready to move?" He asked me. Truth be told, I wanted to see everything. Yet I wanted to stay and take even all this in.
I knew how much trouble I would be in if my parents knew I was here... so I nodded at him and starred out for a moment longer to take it all in.
I was here. I was doing this.
Toothless quickly nudged my hand and I dusted myself off, standing up quickly. "Of course... those are just my Mothers favorite flowers." I said, raising my hand to scratch the back of my head, a silly habit I picked up when I was nervous.
"The Venom Tulip?" Merida asked with a bewildered look on her face. Damn, a small slip up... but I quickly managed an answer. "Yes... she is an Alchemist*. And she uses the Venom Tulip to brew her favorite poison." I said, recivering. And it worked, becauae Merida said, "I might have to stop by for some of that. Where is her shop?" And I quickly stumbled around for a lie... but it was uneeded.
Jack put a hand up. "Looks like we'll be busy today. Look out." He said as a monster appeared. That was fast. We had onpy traveled a few feet and yetbwe had already ran into one. It looked like a small tree spirit. It had green glowing eyes and appeared to frolick.
I was so fascinated. I knew it would attack if I approached it but... I wanted to see the wild monster up close. It was almost cute in appearence. Toothless groweled at it... sensing there was more to this monster than meets the eye.
It was then I noticed that the others were looking at me expectantly. I raised my hand to the back of my head and scratched, "Is something the matter?" I asked, and Rapunzel spoke up, "Boggarts hate fire and direct strikes. This is all you. You have the best advantage with your sword.*" She said... and I was stunned into shocked silence. Wait... we were going to fight them? It wasn't harming us...
Yet. They are still wild monsters regardless... but I've never fought one. And going into battle against something I've never fought is nearly terrifying. But Toothless appeared eager enough to battle with me, snarling and snapping from his crouch,
I let out a sigh, knowing that my ruse would be up the moment I tried to fight it. I wasn't quite ready to give up all my secrets but this one needed to be said. "I'm sorry you guys... I'm not really an adventurer... this is the first time I've ever been outside the city." I said. I awaited and expected their scorn and ridicule.
And why shouldn't they? I lied to them about... well, everything. I still was. "I'm sorry..." I said, hanging my head low. But the scorn never came.
I felt a hand on my shoulder... and looked up to see Jack starring down at me with a smile... my heart beating a bit as I looked into his blue eyes... nervously expecting a shove.
I looked at his kind face as he let out a chuckle. "We're all beginners at some point. Its normal. Though you should have told us, we wouldn't hate you for it. We can show you the ropes, Hic." He said, putting an arm over my shoulder as I smiled at the nickname.
I should have known... they aren't like some nobels who ridicule you for everything.
"Okay, so now that you know its a boggart, lets explain what it does. Ladies." He said, motioning to Merida and Rapunzel. The red head stepped forward first. "Boggarts are initially a small sprit that inhabits the body of a young tree. When they're born they frolick and act cheery all the time." Then 'Punzie took over. "But over time they begin to embody the worst of nature. They carry disease, viscious claws, poisonous breath. They may not be tough to a fighter but they have claimed many lives of trade caravans through their attacks and whole villiages through their disease."
I let the history lesson sink in as I undid my sword hilt. "So its weak to fire and direct strikes?" I ask, waiting to spring it to life. Jack nodded at me, "Indeed. It should be easy for you with your sword skills." He said... sounding very confidant.
I nod and press the button on the side of my sword, watching it spring to life and encase itself in flame. I steadily approach the Boggart. It appears to be chasing some form of bug... whether in fun or food I don't know.
Suddenly it does a small twirl before noticing me. The bug is long forgotten, and it lowered its hands in... confusion?
The creature pauses to regard me for a moment... its eyes appearing innocent. I raise my sword slightly and the flame comes into view. The monsters eyes suddenly narrow and its claws suddenly appear. They're elongated and vicious.
There it was. An angry, feral monster. Its eyes lightened and glowed a bright yellow suddenly as it let out a ear busting shriek and lifted its claws and prepared a charge.
It looked vicious now. Its eyes were angry... its mouth in a continuous scowl . Its claws whipping wildly through the air as it began to run directly at me. I was a bit scarred... but not enough to not see its poor form. Its charge was as wild as the rest of it... untrained, sloppy.
I quickly side stepped and brought my sword down upon that monsters head. I watched it shriek once nore and suddenly watched it burst into a pile of bark and field grass.
The monster was no more. And I had vanquished it. It took a moment for it to sink in... I defeated a monster. Rapunzel let out a happy yell for me as the three approached.
Jack spoke first. "Great job, Hic! One hit!" He said, patting my shoulder. And I smiled for them... my cheeks flushed with a mixture of happiness and embaressment.
Merida spoke up this time, "Lets finish showing you the ropes and get those ingredients before Gobber busts our heads for being late." She said. I nodded and motioned for the trail.
It filled me with more excitement than I cared to admit... but I ciuldn't stop thinking about how this small journey of little consequence was going to change my life forever.
He was a natural with a sword. And a sight to see as he steadily became more comfortable with fighting monsters.
I had to admit... Hiccup caught on quickly to the fighting. Identifying which enemies would do best against his sword. His quick adaptation was helpful when we were surrounded by monsters.
Take now, for instance. We had shown Hiccup how we handle other monsters. Like Merida handled Vespids* and other fast moving creatures... as they never saw her arrows coming.
Or how 'Punzie was on monsters like Gekus* or any monster that had a debilitating effect. She could heal anything with her magic. And she was quick with a blade.
Speaking of magic... "Brontide!"* I cried out as a bolt of ice magic suddenly erupted from my staff and caught a Brownie* in its chest, instantly killing it.
I used the offensive magics when I was in a group. Magic was a difficult but worthwhile lesson to learn. That was a lesson Hiccup learned fast. Not all monsters are harmed by normal attacks.
Rapunzel sheathed her dagger, "We're making good time. The farm should be over that hill." She said as Merida spoke up, "In no small thanks tovyou Hiccup." She said with a satisfied tone.
The beautiful brunette scratched his head again as he 'sheathed' his sword. "Its nothing."He said, trying to be humble. It was almost cute of him to try. He was a fine swordsman for someone who had never actually used it outside of training.
I motioned for everyone to head up the hill to get the supplies. There it was. The farm was bustling. Vineyards full of grapes and strawberries among other plants. It was a small farm of little notice out here... but they made their fortune by selling wine materials.
I could smell it from here. There was always a lingering sweet scent in the air... it made me want to get drunk on wine. It seems silly, I know... but it was as intoxicating as the wine itself.
Merida took the order sheet and said, "'Punzie and I will go grab the stuff. You two stay and keep watch for any monsters." She holstered he bow a bit more and the two walked to the farm and were greeted by a farm hand.
I was alone with this beautiful man... but I had no idea his opinion on same sex relstionships.
I was a man who couldn't let gender decide my love or attraction for someone... I found their personalities much more enjoyable. And Hiccup was certainly interesting.
The boy smiled, his eyes filled with wonder. "Is it everything you wanted and more?" I asked jokingly... but he didn't. "Yes... its magnififent. The world is so vast and this is just the tip of the iceburg. How much more is out there I wonder? Have you ever thought about that? You're obviously skilled."
I smiled at his almost childlike fascination with adventuring. It was endearing of him. I chuckled and spoke up, "I've considered it... but for now I only want to do this. I'm still young. I can adventure in a year or more... but it sounds like fun. I have to admit."
"Exploring vast caves and lands for treasures and history. Can you imagine anything more exciting?" He asked, looking at me. I had to admit... the prospect of traveling on the road sounded... agreeable. And certainly exciting enough.
I smiled at the Brunette. "I think I would find that very exciting." I said as I watched Merida and Rapunzel leave the winery with a few knapsacks full of supplies.
They tossed one at each if us and we shouldered the packs. "Lets move. We need to get back."
But we froze before we took two steps. For at the bottom if the hill lied something no one coukd expect.
A terrifying creature... a Manticore.* Its eyes were souless black and it starred at us with a predatory gleam in its eye.
Why was it here? Manticores were primarily dessert dwellers. Not that I wanted to ask it to go back home... I quickly unholstered my staff and took aim... but was thrown off by the monsters mighty roar. It flung its tail and fired a series of spikes in our direction.
"Move!" I cried as we dove and dodged the spikes... we recovered and set about fighting this monster.
Merida fired two arrows in quick succession, catching the monster in its shoulder. It certainly hurt the monster but did nothing more than anger it. It took a leap at her but she rolled and ran, notching another arrow and shooting its side.
It roared in pain and anger as I quickly shouted out, "Frigile!" And blasted an ice spike into its maw. "Shut up!" I called at the monster as it turned to me in absolute fury... a bit if blood dripping from his maw. It growled at me and flung some more spikes. I rolled as one caught the side of my leg and grazed it... pain expliding in my leg as Hiccup engaged it, making it flee at the sight if his fiery sword.
Rapunzel quickly came to my aid and placed her hand on my leg... allowing her healing magic to shut the wound... it still stung but I was able to walk. I stood and nodded at her as Hiccup swung at the burly beast as it cowered from his fire... roaring at him to get back... but he finally lunged forward and caught the monster where it hurts... his eye... the monster reeled and tried to claw at the burning wound but to no avail... slowly the monster fell... and died there.
We all starred at each other for a moment while Hiccup reclaimed his sword.
And then he asked the question that was on all of our minds.
"What the hell was that thing doing here?"
We offered plausible theories almost the entire way home, only occasionally stopping to battle another monster.
Even I knew that Manticores were Dessert monsters. There was no way it was here naturally... and that being the case... who brought it here?
"Maybe it was a traveling circus? I've heard they domesticate monsters like that." Jack proposed... but Merida shook her head, "Jack, just because you came from a circus doesn't mean it would have." It was a bit of comic relief as Rapunzel and I let out a laugh... and Jack looked mocked offended, "Hey I resent that. My mother was the prettiest bearded lady I've ever seen."
And for once... I felt at ease. This was more my element than being a king... the adventuring... the treasure... the excitement. And then there were these three. I've never had more fun in all my life... and it was with people who thought I was just another no body.
But my life was as a King... as much as I hated it. We were back. And my life had to continue. With Coronation...
Oh no... it was past six! My Party had started! I quickly began to panic and handed Merida my bag, "I'm sorry you guys... I'm late! My mom is gonna give me the switch!" I said, making an excuse to get away. I didn't wait for them to stop me... I ran to the castle with Toothless on my tail. "Come on buddy! We gotta move!" I said as the castle came into view.
Oh she was going to kill me. She was going to tell Dad and he would kill me. I ran through the castle as fast as my legs would carry me.
But Fate had its plan for me as I approached the door... "Hiccup Horrendus Haddock the Third! Where have you been!" My mother said as she nearly ran up to me. "I understand being the birthday boy but you were gone for six hours! You're lucky your father was able to stall them all!"
I quickly stammered out an apology and said. "I'm sorry Mother... but I met some people... my age. They work for Gobber... I guess we just got caught up and didn't notice the time... I'm sorry Mother." I said as her expression softened and she patted my cheek, "Well... its hardly my place to tell a king how to enjoy himself, yes? Come. There are many people you have to meet. Slip your coat on and I'll take you to them." She said as I began undoing my armor and donning my regular clothes. "Who do I have to meet?"
My mother smiled, "Well aside from your beautiful bride..." she said as I let out a soft groan, "You also have to meet our neighboring Lord. Hes a strong warrior with hardy soldiers... and he may make a good ally for you."
"Who is he?" I asked, curious.
"His name is Lord Drago Bludfist."
And with a cliffhanger I leave you with the second chapter!
Thank you to all my favorites and follows! You all make me so happy to write on!
On with the asterisk notes.
* 1- Alchemy is an ancient technique combining certain plants, also known as reagents, to create potions and poisons
* 2- Boggarts are a creature made on bark from dead trees. They are pacifists if left alone. But enraged they can be a vicious monster. The bark is possessed by a spirit that has died and not moved on to the afterlife. Being made if wood puts them at a disadvantage against Fire and blunt attacks.
* 3- Vespid is basically a flying wasp the size of a small child. They're quick and relentless if they get their stingers on you. But they are easy targets for long range fighters.
* 4- Geku is a plant tyoe monster that can spit venom across great distances. But they're useless against close range attacks.
* 5- Brontide is a move I adapted from the game Dragons Dogma. It creates this awesome ice attack I love.
* 6- Brownie is not a sweet little treat you may be thinking of. They have the appearence of a demented knome mixed with Dobby from Harry Potter. They have vicious claws and sharp fangs... but lacking armor, they offer little resistance to magic.
* 7- Manticores are a vicious half Lion half Scorpion monster adapted from Greek Mythology. They dwell in deserts where they, much like a normal lion, reign supreme. They have a thick hide, sharp teeth and a tail that shoots large spikes.
Anyway, I hope to see this story climb higher as I post more! Be sure to Review and Follow!
Until next time!