"Faster, faster!" Hiccup urged his companion. The wind was cutting his face, tears streaming across his cheeks. He didn't care…he had to get to her, and quickly. Who knows what he's doing to her.

Toothless could sense Hiccup's fears, and pushed against the wind as fast as he could. He knew they were in for trouble, but he had grown fond of Merida as her relationship with Hiccup grew. If Hiccup was happy having her in his life, then he was too.

"Whoa Buddy," Hiccup jerked back, slowing Toothless down. "We're here."

There it was…that dark hole in the middle of the woods. Hiccup was surprised he still resided here, after all that has happened. He did not think the Boogeyman would dare cause trouble again. But when summer started cooling off much earlier than normal, Hiccup knew something was wrong. After all, it was his job as the Season of Autumn to relieve Merida of her Summer Season. That was his favorite time of the year, because it was spent with her. He cherished every moment they spent together…he loved her.

Hiccup knew Pitch had taken her to his lair, and he had to save her. He did not even bother asking Jack or Rapunzel for help. He did not want to jeopardize their safety either.

"Okay, Toothless, remember what I said? Stay here until I give the signal, and don't come in before, no matter what." Toothless whimpered, nodding his head in understanding. Hiccup gazed down into the black hole, took a deep breath, and using his friend the Wind, floated down into the heart of Pitch's Lair.

Hiccup could barely see his surroundings. He crept forward, careful not to make too much noise. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard a scream of terror.

"Merida," Hiccup gasped, picking up his pace towards her scream. His eyes were caught by a chandelier dimly lighting a bridge. He started to cross it, hoping to find Merida so he could get her out of this dark and terrifying place.

"Looking for something?"

Hiccup spun around, daggers pulled out of his belt, ready to strike. Pitch stood at the edge of the bridge, staring at the boy halfway across from him. He tilted his head, waiting for an answer.

Hiccup swallowed hard, gathering up all of his courage. "Where is she?"

Pitch just snickered. "Who? The fiery readhead? Why do you care about her? She doesn't care about you?"

"You're lying! Now let her go, Pitch!" Pitch could feel the fear building up inside of the scrawny boy. He took in the fear as his nostrils flared in a deep breath.

Pitch let out an exaggerated sigh. "What a delicious fear. So complex…so intriguing." A smirk formed on his dark, thin lips.

"Stop! Where is she?" Hiccup begged. He was getting scared, and Pitch was delighted. Time for some fun, he thought.

"Oh, alright, we'll have it your way," Pitch snapped his fingers as a cry echoed throughout the Lair. Hiccup's eyes searched all over, trying to pinpoint Merida's location.

Suddenly, he heard a low growl underneath the bridge. Hiccup peered over the edge. His eyes grew wide as he saw Merida, chained by her wrists to the floor. Circling her like the predator he was, was none other than Mordu. Wait, it can't be. Merida killed him years ago. This must be a nightmare Pitch manipulated into Merida's fear. Hiccup had tears forming in his eyes as he saw the cuts and bruises all over Merida's face and arms. Bloody claw marks were torn across her stomach. She looked so scared and in so much pain.

"Merida!" Hiccup leaned over, trying to think of how to get her out of there.

"Hiccup!" Merida stood, trying to free herself of the black sand. A small smile traced her expression, knowing that Hiccup had come to save her.

"Isn't this a horrifying sight?" Pitch asked, appearing right next to Merida, causing her to jump away from him a little. Pitch grabbed her arm and shooed Mordu away. The bear growled before disappearing into the shadows. The chains disappeared, and Merida struggled against the Nightmare King's death grip.

Hiccup flung himself over the side of the bridge, landing in a crouched position in front of Pitch and Merida.

"Too close," Pitch wagged his finger before hurling Hiccup back against the wall with black sand. Shaking it off, he stood back up, glaring at Pitch.

"Let..her…go!" Hiccup was mad now.

"What a temper we have, Hiccup. I'm stunned." Pitch laughed. "You don't want any more of my nightmares to have another go at her, do you?" Merida's eyes widened, remembering the horrid nightmares she had had since being here.

"Why are you doing this to her?!"

"My dear boy, I live for this! I want to see you suffer. You can't stand to lose the one thing that means the world to you, besides that stupid dragon of yours." Hiccup had temporarily forgotten about Toothless outside the lair, so he tried to calculate a good time to signal him down here.

"Then take me instead! Don't make her suffer." Hiccup pleaded. He tried to focus, bringing a handful of wind into his palm, ready to pull Merida towards him, away from Pitch.

"Hmm…interesting," Pitch thought, "you're willing to stay forever in my realm in her place." Pitch grabbed a fist-full of Merida's bright red hair, forcing her to wince.

"Don't hurt her, Pitch! I mean it!" Hiccup threw his arms out, and was about to send a powerful wind, when…

"I don't think so," Pitch threw another wave of black sand to Hiccup, pinning him to the floor. Hiccup craned his neck up to Pitch, who was towering over him, yellow eyes piercing through his hard gaze. He still had a hold of Merida by her hair. "Enough of these childish games, Hiccup! I'm willing to make a deal with you…"