On Berk, the first annual hunt for the dragon's nest was underway. The warriors quickly started packing up the fleet. Gobber was delivering the weapons as Stoick ordered Bucket and Mulch to check the food stores. While making sure the boats were ship worthy, the warriors took turns saying their goodbyes and hopefully promising to come back alive. Valka and Hiccup stood in the back, waiting for the crowd to part so they could have a private goodbye.

"Mommy, look, look, what I did!" Hiccup insisted as he bounced up and down nearly tripping over his feet. Unlike most children, Hiccup's gangly form, didn't match his brain and speed, causing him to be a bit clumsy. Both parents agreed when he hit his first growth spurt, his body would catch up with him and he would be less clumsy.

"Settle down, now what did you do?" A piece of paper got shoved at her. Valka took the paper and blinked her eyes a few times. It was a picture of the family done in charcoal. The figures sketched on the paper looked more mature than a child drawing. What was really causing a stir was that Hiccup had written their names over each of them perfectly. He was only 2 years and 4 months old. She hadn't even started to teach him his runes yet!

Valka wanted to question him when Stoick came over and gave them a big hug. "I love you both so dearly. I'll do my best to come back safe and sound," he whispered to them. Seeing his son gasping for air, he let go. "Sorry about that lad. Don't worry you'll grow so big that soon you won't be needing hugs."

"Stoick, don't tell him that," Valka commented as she lightly slapped her husband on the chest. "Are you certain that this is the only way? All this killing has not solved the problem with raids. Maybe we should try something different."

"Valka, I understand that you are hesitant to kill and believe peace is possible. You're just dreaming my dear, those reptiles don't understand the meaning of peace. I'm going on this hunt to keep you and Hiccup safe. Understand?" Valka nodded as she leaned into his touch. It was a peaceful moment between the amorous couple.

Hiccup tugged at his father's large tunic. He had taken back his sketch and now was waving it around trying to get his attention. Stoick knelt down and took the sketch. "I made this, so you'll have a reminder to come home." Stoick smiled, taking the paper and rolling it up into his belt. He thanked his son and wife for the gift, only to be told Hiccup did all on his own, surprising the chief. Any questions would have to wait until later. It was time to go.

The little family waved goodbye until the small fleet couldn't be seen. Hiccup was very anxious, wondering if his father would come back. His mom assured him that nothing short of a collapsing mountain could kill his dad. They both went home, as Valka tried to tune out the cruel whispers, coming her way about her ideas and her son. Steeling herself, she ignored the cruel taunts when they were about her, but when it came to her son the look she gave others scared even the toughest man to turn and run.

When they made it back to the house, both Hiccup and Valka stood in shock. Gothi was waiting for them at the door! "Scary lady! She's not going to hurt me is she Mommy?" His mother scolded him about calling Gothi a scary lady. The old woman waved her hand indicating she didn't mind. The trio entered the scampered off looking for something leaving the women alone. "Would you like something to drink? I think we have some fresh yak milk." Gothi shook her head. Instead, she started to undo a pouch of sand and started to write in it.

I knew asking Gobber for translating lessons would come in handy. Gothi asked about Hiccup's Second Sight and what was the family doing to encourage his gift. "I'm not sure how to answer that. Stoick's made it clear he doesn't want to nurture this gift. He's trying to get rid of it. As for the Second Sight, Hiccup talks to his pretty girl a lot. I'm wondering though if he's seeing a second spirit."

Hiccup burst back in the room carrying a very heavy book that had been hidden in the back of the closet. He was teetering under the weight of the book. He ignored his mother and placed the book on old chair, before scrambling up on it. "I found the book. It was just where you said it be!" To Valka, there was no one in the chair, but Gothi saw the hazy outline of an old wrinkled man.

Hiccup flipped open the book to a certain page. He started to read out loud. "The dra dragon flew ahead of the…ship! The war warrors no? Oh war riors ! Got ready to shoot down the dragon only for it to dive into the oc oc ocean and swim away? Oh swam away!"

"Hiccup, who are you reading to? Is it the person who taught you to write?"

The boy nodded excitedly then bit his lip. "Sorry mommy, I shouldn't have said that. Not in front of Gotie," Gothi rolled her eyes at the mispronunciation of her name. She wrote something in the sand, that boy didn't understand. "Those aren't ru runes. Are pictures words too?"

"For Gothi they are. She asking you to describe the person you were talking to a few minutes ago." Hiccup got his art supplies and used some paint Gothi brought to show his mom and the old man he'd been talking about. It took a little bit of time. Finished, he pushed the picture across the table. He was so excited only to get upset when his mom started to tear up. "Did I do something bad? Mommy? Mommy!"

Valka wiped her tears away. It had been a few years since her father, Old Wrinkly, had passed. He died a few months prior to her son's birth. Her father had been a soothsayer with mixed results. Before he died, he predicted that her son would find the missing parts of his soul and become a symbol of hope. Maybe this is what he meant. "Is he the one who's been teaching you?"

"Yes, he stays for a few days, helping me learn. I like him, but he goes away for a long time. Not like Nisa no Nissa! She plays with me. Mommy, is it okay if she loves me too?" Valka told him of course it was okay if someone else loved him for the first time, not feeling as if the spirit was a threat. Gothi asked a few more questions about the spirit girl or had something new happened. Hiccup didn't give many answers, he said Nissa was his pretty and he didn't want to share her. All he would say about the girl was she liked showing him interesting places. He mentioned that he felt weird when he tried walking, it felt like at times he should have something else with him. "Can I go draw some more?"

"Of course Hiccup, the more you practice, the better you'll get with your talent." That went a bit over his head. Grabbing the art supplies, he ran back to his room to enjoy himself. His mother had a strange look on her face; it was a cross between happy and sad. "Please Gothi, be honest with me. What is my son's future?"

The old lady wrote that his destiny still alluded her. She would keep working to see it. As for now, the boy was only attracting nice spirits, who helped him. She thought that the "pretty girl" could be a protective spirit, sent by the Gods to watch over Hiccup. until he embraced his destiny. She gave a stern warning that the magic in the boy was getting stronger. If it wasn't used, being clumsy would be the least of his problems. Valka promised that she would nurture Hiccup's gift, even if it meant going behind Stoick's back. Gothi nodded in agreement, despite Stoick attempts, magic couldn't simply be erased. Hiccup would always have some magic in his body, no matter what the Chief did. Both women hoped that the heir of Berk, would be okay.


On Xanadu, the weather was perfect that day. The sun was shining bright as a few clouds lazy fluttered by. A wonderful cool breeze maneuvered throughout the island. It seemed even the animals had come out to play or just relax in the sun. It was days like these when the Royal Family declared a Family Fun Day. All work would be forgotten as the family took a personal day.

The family had decided to go to the hot springs to relax and have picnic afterwards. It would also be a chance for the family to share their latest achievements with each other. The hot springs were checked periodically to ensure that they wouldn't make the family sick. The Honor Guard stood by just out of sight, so the family could have a sense of privacy. The couples sat together in their springs, while Arkin and Nissa shared another. Each member of the family was wearing their bathing attire in order to prevent contamination of the spring. Rayna's had her hair piled up as she slid down a bit further into the spring. "This is paradise. Oh, I can feel all my stress, just melt away into the water."

Aksel started massaging his wife's shoulder's to help release some tension. Releasing a bit of fire into the water, the temperature heated up the pool to the perfect temperature. I must figure out how these hot springs work, it would be amazing if we could make our normal baths this relaxing.

"We need to take personal days a little more often. My inner dragon hasn't felt this happy in long time. Oh I could just fall asleep here," Ola mumbled as Ragner kept her above the surface. "Don't want you lovely face be marred my sky dancer," he stated reasonably.

In the nearby spring; Arkin wanted Nissa to join him in a splash fight, but she refused, stating that the water was too hot for something like that. Nissa climbed out of the hot spring before she got to wrinkly. "I don't know if you care about your handsome face, but I do about mine. I'm going to change now. I'll see you at the picnic spot soon." The princess headed into the forest, where the Honor Guard had set up a small screen for changing. Slipping out of her lavender two piece, she emerged wearing her red and gold light weight chiffon dress and basic leather sandals. Hastily, she pulled her hair up in a ponytail before heading to the picnic spot. Her family, still in their bathing wear, had started to serve lunch. "Smells delicious. Oh, did the kitchen make my favorite meze dishes?"

"They made everyone's favorite dishes. Here you go my precious. The salad is made from the freshest greens." Eagerly, Nissa started eating her salad while dipping a few pieces to bring out the flavor. Her parents had started with the grilled fish, as the King and Queen enjoyed their yahni. Arkin was slurping his yogurt, getting a few drops on his face. Laughter and cheer could be heard.

During the hour and half long lunch, the family started to share their latest projects with one another. "I'm proud to announce I finished learning another dialect from our friends along the African Coast. It's amazing how one region could have such diverse dialects," Rayna stated first in the new dialect and then again in their native tongue. Her accent needed a little work, along with her pronunciation. They all congratulated her on adding another language to her polylingual collection.

The men started babbling about the complete observatory. Ragner had crafted multiple telescopes that could mounted together. He went on about the craftsmanship and time it took to make the different lenses. Aksel had already started his work on seeing if the position of stars could be used to help operate the Gateways at night. He bounced a couple theories off the teens, who responded with their own ideas, such as, could the movement of the stars actually affect people, or what were stars in the first place?

Ola demonstrated the first part of a new choreography routine that she had made. She and her students would be putting on a grand show in two months during the Festival of Rebirth. It was a thrill to watch as the sky dancer twisted and twirled, going through rings of fire, slowly demanifesting her left side, until she was gliding with only one wing and a part of a tail. Only an extremely talent sky dancer master could pull that off. The compliments she received were extremely high.

Then it was Arkin's turn. He reached into his bag and pulled out a small, messily painted, box. "It's a gift for you Nissa, I know how much you enjoy to sing and you don't always have music to sing with, so I made you something." Nissa took the gift, puzzled by what it could be. There was a small gold crank one side of the box. Winding it up, she was disappointed when she didn't hear anything.

"You have to open the box. The hinges are connected to the gears, which rotated the music rod that can be played by the little bars wound up from the crank," Arkin explained. Still puzzled, she did as he asked opening the lid. Inside the box was a tiny figurine of a dragon twisting about. Her face was reflected in a little mirror. Soon she heard the notes to a familiar tune. It was a tune she'd been humming for a few months now.

"Thank you for the music box, (yes that's what I'm naming it), it's wonderful."

"Um, I was kinda hoping, you would sing with it? I've heard you practicing a song on your balcony each morning." Nissa appeared mortified and blushing furiously. Her mother had taught her to sing when she was a little girl. She loved singing, but only did it, when she knew she was alone. Mom loves it when I sing, but he must think I'm horrible at it. Why else would he want to make a spectacle of myself? I'm just not good enough to perform!

Nissa stuttered as she tried to explain why she didn't want to sing. The rest of her family insisted, even her dad wanted to hear her first original song. Having no choice, she wound up the music box and cleared her throat. She hoped they weren't too disappointed by her poor performance. Her song was called, "I'll be there for you" (by Aiza Seguerra). The music started to play as she opened her mouth and sang the first word.

"When you wake up each morning and you feel like calling, I'll be there for you. When the road seems uncertain and you can't stop the hurtin', I'll be there for you.

When there's no one beside you, I'll be there to guide you. Catch you each time you fall. When the stars won't shine anymore I'll be there... When the world's unkind and your dreams, they need more time, I'll be there for you.

If the rules they keep breaking and the future is fading I'll be there... For you. The rainbow will end in the palm of your hand. Don't ever let it go.
When the stars won't shine anymore, I'll be there...

Who knows where we'll go. What will tomorrow bring, but we have each other, just hold on tight. We can take to the skies and fly... I'll be there for you...
I'll be there for you...

The rainbow will end in the palm of your hand. Don't ever let it go.
When the stars won't shine anymore, I'll be there...I'll be there."

Nissa couldn't believe that her family gave her a standing ovation. The praise was welcomed as her cousin and uncle insisted, she be take part in the Festival of Rebirth. Rayna's only critique was that Nissa needed to work on singing in different keys. Once again it was nice to have her aunt acknowledge her, even if she was kind of rude when she gave her critique.


Two months passed rather quickly for both Hiccup and Nissa. The Heir to Berk enjoyed spending time with his mother. She let him play with "his pretty" and was encouraging him to try new things. His walking had improved a lot when he was allowed to use the magic within his body. He was moving with grace and ease as felt rather than grow different body parts. When his mother asked what he pictured himself as, he replied he was a nice dragon, making his mom smile happily.

After a month hunting for the nest, the fleet had come back in broken ships and injuries. Stoick had returned with burn marks on his clothing and had a nasty cut on his arms. Between his recovery, chiefing duties, and limited time with his family, he never noticed his son's peculiar behaviors. Secretly, Valka prayed to the Gods that he never learned, she had gone behind his back, in order to help her son with his gift.

Today was Thor Thursday, a festival when most of the tribes came together to challenge each other in contests between drinking themselves in a stupor. The heirs and other children used the time to make friends with other kids and demonstrate the superiority of the tribe. Stoick thought today was the right time to let Hiccup participate in some of the games exclusive to the heirs of their tribes.

"I don't wanna play with them! They look like meenies!" Hiccup said, accusingly, pointing to the other heirs. They were much older or bigger than him. There was a girl with crazy hair that kept stealing from anyone who's passed by grinning madly. A meaty looking boy showed off his strength by picking up things twice his size with ease. The last one seemed a bit on the crazy side, he kept laughing while trying to wrestle a chicken before plucking it of its feathers.

"Ah, they're just a bit out of control today. Trust me son, you'll like them once you get to know them. They'll be your best friends and allies in the future," Stoick assured him as he slowly dragged his son closer. He refused to be persuaded by Hiccup's puppy dog eyes. The boy was frantic to get away; uselessly struggling to get out of his father's grip.

Stoick came to an abrupt stop when his wife got in front of him. Her stance and look told him she was ready to stand her ground against him. Stoick's eyes narrowed as they silently argued. She was against having a two and half year old thrust into games he was obviously not ready for. Nor did she like the idea of her son being put with a group of heirs who might hurt him. Stoick's took several steps closer to her. He wouldn't be talked out of this. He was Chief of Berk, it was time his Heir started learning his responsibilities towards the tribe. Also, he wouldn't let his nephew get the better of his son by winning all the contests today. Hiccup would be getting involved whether he liked it or not.

"Gods please protect me today! I would like to make it to my third birthday!" Hiccup prayed hard as his dad bypassed his mom, as they continued to walk to the other heirs. As he was being introduced to the other heirs, Hiccup silently called out to Nissa, asking her to come to help him when he needed it the most.


Coincidentally, this year's Festival of Rebirth, was happening on the exact same day as Thor Thursday. Banners had been hung, greenery placed strategically around the area. Dotting the plaza, you could see several statues in a variety of shapes, honoring the forefather and foremother of the Draconia Daypeaces. A giant mural was painted just above an altar, where families left their offerings. The Festival was in full swing with music, food, and games.

Nissa couldn't be happier as she played her favorite game; discus catch. Children who hadn't reached the age of unlocking their inner dragon, would throw five discus is a variety directions, to a dragon to catch as many as they could. Once caught, they flew over to pick up their partner, who protected or stole discus from other players, before dropping them into containers. The team with the most discus won.

"I win again! I love this game. Thanks for being my partner," Nissa spoke to the girl riding on her back. "No problem Princess. I loved being your partner. Can we do it again?"

Before Nissa could say yes, she felt Mentor Livis calling for her. Sadly, she returned the girl to the ground before flying to meet her mentor. He was waiting for her near the Recruitment Building. Seeing him waiting for her by the entrance she landed and rapidly returned to human form. The Captain studied his pupil. She was wearing a sky blue tunic dress trimmed with black lace, with a short purple outer skirt. This was also the first time he had seen his student wearing so much gold. "Came straight from the Festival?"

"Your summons felt important, I decided my attire wasn't as important as getting here fast. Did I make a mistake?" The princess once again started playing with her clothes, showing her nerves slightly. The captain shook his head, assuring her that her attire was appropriate. It turned out all the Recruiters had made it to this year's Festival, and Livis thought, it would be a good opportunity to meet them and gain more experience. This made Nissa smile brightly. "I'm ready for this! Captain Livis, would you be so kind to escort me inside?"

"It would be my honor Princess Nissa."

In one of the bigger classrooms the rest of the Recruiters had gathered, having a little party for themselves. In total, there were ten Recruiters of different ages, level of experience, and places they traveled. There was an equal ratio of gender of Recruiters. Everybody stopped talking when Captain Livis and Nissa entered. They all had warm smiles for their leader, but a few looked puzzled at the princess presence.

"Greetings everyone. I'm so pleased to see you all." The others replied with similar greetings. A few of them asked where the other mentors were. Captain Livis explained they were at the festival entertaining the young children and would come later. The Recruiters faces dropped unhappily. Hopefully they could meet up with their mentors at the Festival later.

Speaking about mentors, "Captain Livis, when are you going to introduce us to your new apprentice? Is she coming after the Princess finishes getting her report for the Queen?" asked a middle aged female, she was looking past Captain Livis, expecting someone else to show up.

"Chryssa, don't joke about such things. Everyone, I would like you to meet my apprentice Princess Nissa. Nissa, I would like to introduce you to everyone." Captain Livis pointed at each Recruiter giving their name and some information. There was: Chryssa, Elene, Io, Melissa, and Xenia were the females. The males were: Angelos, Leonidas, Jason, Perseus, and Markos. "Greeting fellow Recruiters. It's a great honor to meet you all. I hope to learn from your experiences. I'm sure we'll become good friends." With the greetings over everyone started to mingle again. Looking around, Nissa decided to approach the closest in age with her. Keeping a smile on her face she approached Markos, who was 129.

He gave Nissa a curt nod. "Greetings Princess. It's an honor to meet a member of the Royal Family." Nissa informed him that he didn't need to be so formal. They were all equals here. A heaviness filled her Dragon Heart causing her nearly to fall with its weight. Ignoring it, the young lady tried asking questions about his recruit and what kind of regiment he did.

"My recruits name is Jaime, he lives on the mainland of Europe in the land of the Spaniards. I've been living in his house for years posing as a trusted guard. He will be sixteen in a few months, I'm certain he'll come here to be reborn." His voice was tight with a hint of anger. Again, his emotions invaded her Dragon Heart nearly crushing her. What had she done to anger this man?

All of sudden; her mind was bombarded by several Dragon Heart voices at once. She dropped her drink and clutched her head in pain. Her mindscape was being torn apart. All around her, the beautiful image of the wilds in the Northern Lands, got slashed or lost their color. They were all laughing at her as they erased parts of her mindscape. She had never felt malice and violence at this level before. Nissa felt terrified and shocked by the Recruiters actions towards her.

"Stop this, what you're doing is cruel and illegal! Get out of my mind!" Nissa shrieked. She tried to force out Jason and Perseus, as they used their emotions to taint the cove. They pushed her back with their own minds. "You're adults and fellow Recruiters. You know what your punishment for this is! Why are you doing this to me?"

She let out a scream as her back was slashed and bite marks appeared on her arms. Io and Melissa attacked her without provocation. "We worked and earned our apprenticeship princess," Io snarled.

"How dare you use your position to tarnish what the Recruiters stand for? How could you ruin Captain Livis good name, by spouting lies about a child born with a dragon soul? Melissa challenged her. The others added their own protests, these adults didn't want a spoiled child in their ranks.

Nissa was about to go under when someone pushed everyone out of her mindscape. Nissa couldn't open her eyes or move. Captain Livis bellowing and threating voice sounded muffled to her. With sheer grit, she crawled out of the room; before pushing herself up against the wall and limped out of the building. She never felt as worthless as she did now.


Thousands of miles away, Hiccup was trying to escape from the other heirs. He ducked as Dagur threw an axe at him. "I'm no target!" he yelled, diving behind the true target. The heirs had been competing against each other in different games, all which usually had Hiccup being the target.

Camcazi had stolen his charcoal sticks and refused to give them back. "Once a Bog Burglar takes something, it's ours by right of finders' keepers!" The little girl had squealed right before taking his right boot. No one would help him get his stuff back.

Thuggery, had challenged the toddler to a spar. He was only about year and half older, he could hold a real kid's sword, where Hiccup could barely lift his toy wooden one. It had been no contest and the older boy, called him names. "What kind of heir is too weak to hold a sword? You're nearly three, this should be easy!"

That had led to of course, the axe throwing competition. Being the oldest of the heirs, Dagur easily hit all the targets winning the game. When he grew bored with that, he started a new game, maim the heir. That's why currently Hiccup was running away.

"Get back here and fight me! What are you afraid of? I'm only going to give you a headcut. Ha ha ha! Get it? Head cut? Oh, I love my jokes!"

Hiccup tripped and fell to the ground. He inched backwards, pleading with Dagur. "Why…why…can't we be… friends? We…could stop… playing these games… do something else. What about exploring?"

Dagur grunted and rolled his eyes. Exploring? Why would anyone want to do that, when there was blood to spill? Throwing his axe, he was caught off guard, when Hiccup, at the last second, managed to get out of the way. Without another word the little baby was running off, probably to cry to his mom. What a wimp.

Stoick was surprised when he saw his son, running with all his might, towards him. The child kept trying to weave through the throngs of people, only to end up getting stepped on or kicked. The chief went to his son's aid and got him out of the crowd. The other chiefs went quiet, wanting to see how the chief dealt with his runt of an heir.

"Hiccup, why are you running around like a chicken without a head?" Stoick demanded loudly. He pointed his finger back to the area designated for the heirs. He could see the others already starting a game of bashy ball. By the looks of it, Thuggery had the advantage. "You should be with the other heirs. You can't make friends if you run away."

"They're not friends, their meenies! Cazi took my things then Thug beat me up and I just escaped having my head cut off by Dag!" Upon hearing the boys rant all the other chiefs laughed. The parents of said heirs spouted praise about their kids, before speaking cruelly to the child. Wimp, useless, coward.

Stoick couldn't stand losing face. "Enough! Hiccup I'm very disappointed in you. You're the Heir to Berk. How does it look if my son can't handle a couple of minor injuries? You should be ashamed of yourself, letting the other heirs beat you. Why can't you be more like them instead of acting like a meek baby?"

Each word cut the boy's heart into smaller pieces. Why was his daddy being so mean to him? Didn't his daddy love him at all? His thoughts were interrupted when his daddy slapped him across the face to get his attention. "Can't you pay attention to anything son?! Now, you're going back there and apologize, for ruining the day for the other heirs understand?"

What happened next would leave all the tribes confused for years to come. The scrawny boy didn't reply with words. Instead, by some miracle, managed to shove his father so hard, Stoick fell backwards creating a domino effect as all the other chiefs fell down. Hiccup's eyes lit up for a second. "Just leave me alone! I hate you Daddy!" Then he turned and ran back to his house, entered his room and locked the door, so he could cry in peace.


On Xanadu, Nissa was on her bed crying as Valma checked her over. Her torn dress hung over her screen completely ruined. The girl had chosen to wear her Viking attire for its protection. Needless to say, she refused to return to the Festival to be part of the entertainment show tonight. Nissa flinched as Valma touched her head.

"Princess Nissa, I understand what you experienced was the most horrible traumatic experience for a Draconia Daypeace. I'm glad that Captain Livis stopped them before they completely destroyed your mindscape and resulted in brain damage." Valma once again tried to touch the teen, but the teen let out another cry of terror, scooting away. "I can't help you unless you let me. Please, trust me."

Nissa glared at the nurse with barely contained anger. How could she trust anyone after the assault she'd undergone? What had been done to her was the highest crime, short of taking a life, in Xanadu!9 Her fellow Recruiters had broken her spirit and nearly tore her soul in half! She was supposed to forgive them? Never!

The nurse appeared very frustrated, and was about to resort to extreme measures, when there was a knock on the door. Nissa ducked under her covers as Valma opened the door. Healer Skerry and Captain Livis asked permission to enter. When none was given by the occupant of the room, Valma let them in. Both came in, but made no attempt to get closer to the bed or connect with the teen.

"Princess Nissa, I know you're hurting badly. I can't even begin to understand what you've been through," Healer Skerry whispered gently. "We haven't told your parents yet about what happened. That choice is entirely up to you. At this moment, everything is your choice. Will you allow me to take a look at you and your Dragon Heart?"

Very slowly, Nissa pulled back her curtains as she sat up. Healer Skerry took a few slow steps towards her. When she didn't flinch, he crept closer until she allowed him to touch her. Using slow, careful, movements the elder checked her over. At this time, Captain Livis slowly approached the girl, letting her get comfortable to his presence. "Princess Nissa Draki, I humbly ask you to accept my greatest apologies for what happened. Something like this has never happened before." Captain Livis fists clenched in anger. At the moment, all the Recruiters were locked up tight in cells watched by the regular guard. He explained to his apprentice that he and the other mentors, with the help from the guards, would thoroughly investigate what caused ten loyal members to perform an illegal act, on a royal minor, no less. No matter the findings, the ten of them would receive strict punishments.

Nissa heard what was underneath his words. His investigation so far had uncovered some evidence that indicated manipulation to some degree. That didn't comfort her much. Even if the others did really like her, she wasn't sure she could forgive them, let alone trust them, again. At this point, she was seriously thinking of dropping out of her apprenticeship, even if it meant she'd never graduate. She barely heard Healer Skerry inform her, that her she was physically fine and her Dragon Heart had already recovered. Completely ignoring the others as they left Nissa started to bawling her eyes out. Her Dragon Heart responded by closing off her links, but one. The one she shared with a little boy, who was hurting as much as she was.


Hiccup hadn't stopped crying since he returned home. The two and half year old was inconsolable. Valka tried to get into his room to help him, still confused how he managed to lock the door when he was so small. "Hiccup, please let me in."

"NO! You just like Daddy! You no love me! I hate you!" was the reply shocking his mother. What had Stoick done to make their son say these things? There was a loud thud as something was thrown against the door. "Hiccup, please let me in!"

Hiccup threw his toys at the door in anger. He tore apart his drawings, before breaking his charcoal sticks. In blind anger he kicked the door. He started bouncing about as the pain radiated in him. Falling onto his bed, he started crying his heart out. He needed his pretty right now!

The air shimmered around him and another bed appeared next to his. On the bed was his pretty crying hard. "Pretty? Pretty Nissa, why you crying?" Hiccup asked. Nissa's head shot up as her and looked shocked to see him. "Hiccup? How are you…?" Both of them reached out trying to touch each other, only to pass through one another. Of course, she wasn't really there, only small part of her Dragon Heart had connect them.

"Why are you sad Nissa?"

"I was hurt very badly today by others. You?"

"Daddy hurt me! Stupid heirs try to ki ki kill me!"

Both of them sniffled as they slowly stopped crying. Looking at one another, Nissa asked if he wanted to talk about what happened. He agreed and insisted that he hear about those who hurt his pretty.


Valka kept one ear pressed to Hiccup's door. He had been in full out temper tantrum. Now only a few minutes later he was quiet and his tears stopped. He seemed to be listening to someone. Could it be that her father or Hiccup's pretty had returned to comfort him?

The door swung open and she could hear Stoick's angry feet shuffling. "Where is Hiccup?" he demanded. Valka opened her mouth only to be rudely interrupted a Stoick carried on. "The other chiefs are demanding an explanation for why he was able to knock me down so easily. Ha, I knew that boy had hidden talents. I knew a little slap would get him motivated. If we hurry he can still compete in the heirs' obstacle race." Stoick marched over to the boy's room only to be blocked by Valka. Her stance and look made the chief back up several steps. Every man knew that you didn't mess with a mother and her child, it didn't matter if it was a dragon of human, and an angered mother would tear a man apart.

"You're not going anywhere near our son Stoick!" Without waiting for a reply she stood her ground as pointed an accusing finger at him. "How could you be so cruel? Hiccup's only two and half, a toddler!" With grand gesturing she listed all the laws he'd broken. All the other heirs had been twice his size and age! They had made no attempts to be gentle with a child, like they had been taught!

Stoick kept backing up into a corner as his wife got more into his face. She had witness testimony of his abuse to their child; Vikings never struck young children for fear of damaging them. The proud man felt his resolve starting waver as his wife went on about their son's "gifts". That he was the chief and ruled outside, but inside the home it was Valka word was law and it was her choice to raise their child the way she wanted to. She went as far as even threatening him with a divorce if he didn't learn how to be both a father and chief. "Do you understand me?"

"Yes." Valka nodded and told him to go back to enjoy the holiday. She would stay here and watch over Hiccup. When the chief left, she once again took up her post, listening to her son's one side conversation, wishing she could see and hear what he did.

Inside the bedroom, Nissa had finished her edited story. Hiccup was too young to know what really happened. She sniffled again. "I thought…they would…like me. My mentor…said they be punished, but…what about me? I still don't have any friends."

"Me no friends either. Daddy wanted me to be friendly with meenies. Meenies are crazy! Me no friend with them! Why did Daddy hurt me?" Hiccup asked her. He rubbed his cheek again, Stoick's hand print was still red. Nissa had noticed that mark. She felt a flash of anger at Stoick for harming her recruit.

The little boy sat on his bed, thinking very hard about the problem. His little mind tried to grasp the problem and find a solution. "I know how to make it better! You stay here forever and I promise to be your friend." Nissa laughed softly. She would like nothing more than to do that, at least until she felt better. "Okay! I promise to be your friend," Hiccup bounced on the bed with joy, "But I need to tell my boss first. Can't have a guardian spirit take off without telling anyone where I'm going." Hiccup laughed saying he would be waiting for her return.

For the next seven months, Nissa stayed in the cove with her Honor Guard. Periodically she would be visited by her mentor, her parents, and even Arkin came once to drop off her homework. It was during this time she started to hone her skills and take trips into the village without being detected. A few times she met Hiccup and played with him physically, making sure to slightly mist him, so he would remember touching her. They became the best of friends and by default, healed one another.