Dragon Claims and Human Change
By: Selim
Disclaimer: I do not own How to Train Your Dragon. This is a piece of fiction and all persons and events are fictional. There is no profit being made from this work.
Rating: M
Summary: Hiccup didn't know it, but he's been chosen as a Dragon Mate. The world as he knows it changes, leaving him to decide – does he stay with humans or move on with dragons?
Pairing: Toothless x Hiccup (Anthro-Toothless)

Thank you to: Loti-Miko, Brwainer, Rogue Blade, Alrye, Tendencia, Koifish, Fmafanmac, Angel Shinigami, MWA220, Pru Lorraine or Crazy Loki, Zamba, Hylian-Dragoness, Lilly, Yana5, EcchoKat, Brightsidetolife, Ryle Culler

Questions:

From Brwainer: Hiccup has forgotten Berk too quickly – No, he doesn't focus on it but he always has it in his heart. Throughout the chapters he comments on Berk, his father, and various other things in comparison.

From MWA220: When are they dragon and when are they human? I'll try to go into details better about which form Toothless and other dragons are in. For the most part if they're in Hadak, they're in their human-like forms unless otherwise stated.

Summer was drawing to a close, the days counting down when Hiccup would need to give his answer. He didn't really think about it much, not his impending decision or the fact that he could be mated with a dragon if he so desired. Weeks in Hadak had been spent working on the chest found in that old village, creating a key that could open the locked box once and for all. When he was over sweltering fires, he had been following around dragon's, trying to get a grasp on their way of life.

Friends, he learned, came in all shapes and sizes. Although he didn't understand what went on between the group that he spent his hours with, he felt very welcome in their midst. He had even gone so far as to give them names after the human's they resembled so much in personality. Currently he was following the Nadder – named Astrid because both females had similar personalities – around the castle, trying to ensure he didn't get clipped by the sharp tail trailing between them.

Physiology had become a strong interest of his. He spent hours with graphite, creating his own Book of Dragons, trying to accumulate as much real knowledge about these species as he could. If he did go back to Berk, he wanted the Vikings to see the side of their enemy that he was watching.

Females, like Astrid-Dragon there, weren't much different than their human counterparts. Tall in relation with their species, from the distance it was hard to tell one Nadder from the next…until one took the time to learn. Males, for instance, had a protective shell that started where a navel should be and looped between their legs. Females had a similar protective shell like men's but there's also formed around their toughened breast that didn't protrude nearly as far as human's did.

Scales on a Nadder were different shades and hues. Astrid-Dragon's scales were a soft blue with yellow that trailed into a deep golden shade around their neckline like hair. Decorated in priceless gems that were as common as rocks, she shimmered beautifully in the hot summer sun. Astrid-Dragon was a powerful warrior at the castle – in brute strength, in planning and foresight she came up short much-like her namesake.

"Gods, it's so busy up here. Is there a party going on today?" Hiccup trailed up to the Nadder, his hands folded in front of him. "Is that what Toothless is busy with?"

He had wanted to spend that day flying with his dragon but Toothless had rolled out of their bed before the sun shined. He hadn't even been courteous to bring Hiccup along; it wasn't like Hiccup was able to sleep when he was cold without his companion.

The dragon made a small nasal noise that meant either 'yes' or 'stupid', Hiccup smiled. He had been practicing his Dragonese but still had a long way to go. The taller dragon reached over the human's head, propping a wide door open, shrugging him in the bathing chamber. Hiccup grumbled about being tricked. He thought they were going to go to another part of the castle; he wasn't ready for another bath.

Dragons were so…clean.

Astrid-Dragon shut the door, sealing Hiccup alone in the room.

Exhaling sharply, the human made his way to the wide basin, dropping each article of clothes as he went. He bathed last night, with Toothless. He could admit being cleaner than ever and it felt great. It wasn't that he hated baths, not in the least, in fact it he wasn't sick, he could breathe better, and his head didn't itch at all. Vikings weren't known to be clean – it was so 'un-Viking-ly', which summed him up.

"I don't want to get too used to this," He slumped into the water, his head falling back against the rim of the tub. Without thinking about it, he raised his hands in the air, looking at his clean nails. His hands had never been so white in his life, especially since taking his apprenticeship at the smithy.

Although the son of a chief, he wasn't given the luxuries of other chieftain heirs. There was almost an unspoken understanding that should Hiccup take his father's title, there would be an uprising. Hiccup just wasn't strong enough to fight a rebellion should it occur. Because he was raised to be like any other citizen of Berk, he wasn't used to these comforts and knew he wasn't going to take well to returning to it.

Shouldn't have gotten used to this.Hiccup lowered his face into the water, blowing out a deep breath that caused the water around him to rumble.

Making the idea of going home even more difficult was Toothless. At first he was irritated with the Dragon for withholding something as important as their tentative-mating as well as making his father worry he had been kidnapped and ate by their enemy. Now, he wasn't sure where his feelings were with his companion. He found himself sharing lengthened touches with the dragon now, often making promises for months outside his window of opportunity in Hadak.

He liked to touch the dragon's scaly face and sometimes he found his gaze straying to the dragon's broad chest when his companion dressed in the morning. Even their flights, once long and breathtaking, had become shortened by Hiccup's inability to breathe properly when he realized how close their bodies were. At first, these touches had left him scared—they were different species!—but over time, he didn't notice their differences anymore. Toothless' flat face versus his defined features, a smooth tongue against a rugged, thick one…

Hiccup snorted up water, causing him to choke. Climbing out of the tub, Hiccup shivered silently. Those thoughts had been happening more and more as he integrated himself into the dragon way of life. It was only a matter of time before he forgot who he was, or rather what. "And yet it doesn't gross me out as much as it should." He dropped his head back against the floor when he had control of his breathing again.

The familiar coo of his name (as far as he was concerned) startled him into full awareness. Sitting up, Hiccup waved off his concerned friend, letting Toothless settle against his side. The big dragon nuzzled under his neck, pushing his head back.

"'M fine." Hiccup grumbled, pushing his friend back with all his force, knocking both back. Pushing himself to his feet, Hiccup made his way to a pile of clothes in the corner, likely left for him by a dragon he didn't see. Struggling into his clothes, he gave the dragon a weary look as he tied up the shirt, sealing off his flesh from ever-present eyes. "You left really early this morning." He grumbled, pulling his old boots on his feet. Dragons could walk around with bare-claws but he refused.

Toothless made an apologetic noise, his flat snout pressing against the human again.

Unable to keep glaring at the reptile, Hiccup smiled. "I forgive you if you tell me what's going on."

Now looking shameful, Toothless' wings dropped low, dragging across the floor towards the large stone doors. Hiccup trailed behind, not the least bit surprise that his currently human-like friend was able to open the heavy structure with one arm. The dragons had so much brute force in comparison to humans… He grunted when Astrid-Dragon clipped him with her wing as she made her way down a separate hall, no longer needed to 'babysit' him. Smirking, Hiccup enjoyed the low growl that escaped his companion's lips.

"She didn't mean to." He pushed Toothless forward, making the other continue down the corridor where he hoped the explanatory destination was. Toothless grumbled low, his ears curling back against his head. Hiccup huffed softly, tilting his head back. "I'm not glass you know, powerful Viking Warrior here. I can take on any dragon no matter how tough they are."

Toothless' wing spanned out, pushing Hiccup over. From the ground, the human could only look up and stare at his companion who laughed at him, probably taunting his claims.

"Well maybe not this," Hiccup slid his hand down his chest, "But there's some kind of Viking flowing through these veins." He pounded on his chest to add the effect but he knew it was for naught. Even he couldn't keep a straight face at thinking himself a Viking like his father. The dragon cooed lowly, crossing his arms across his broad chest, looking thoughtful. When he smiled, Hiccup smiled back, not sure what was going through his companion's head as he we helped from the ground.

"Come." The dragon cooed, tugging on Hiccup's arm. The human smiled, so used to that sound. Toothless was tired of showing the human his home, his people.

"All right, show me what's important. No more funny stuff." He tucked his fingers between Toothless' paw, enjoying the padded flesh along his own rough hand. Claws brushed across his knuckles. He stared at the two appendages, rolled together as one, before stepping closer to his companion, their bodies almost one. The human tucked his head, hiding his smile. He could definitely get used to this.

The wide doors leading to the gardens were pushed open by a Zippleback, its two heads taunting the other. Toothless growled at them and they silences, looking away. Hiccup giggled. Those, he decided, were definitely the twins.

Using his free hand to cover his eyes from the sudden harsh sun, Hiccup waited for his vision to focus fully opening them. The gardens were crowded with various dragons, each ones wearing similar clothes to his and Toothless. Some, he realized, looked more traditional, decked out with fine gems that trailed with their tails. Females laced their arms with males, children danced around together with glee, and a few of the dragonoids in their original, dragon-like forms flew above head making intricate designs in the fluffy blue clouds.

Toothless tugged him, moving him to the side so two of the aerobatic performers could land, transforming with the painful cracking of bones while doing so. Hiccup leaned against Toothless, watching as the two dragons were robed with similar garments as the other dragons, their narrow green eyes focusing on the crowds while they laughed and joked boisterously. Toothless snorted, gaining their attention.

Dragon language was interesting to Hiccup. It wasn't easy to pick up as a lot of the words were joined in low decibel growls that the human ear. Snorts were joined with growls and coos, a single growl could mean a whole sentence and Hiccup would never know. Body language had quickly become his best friend as everything that was being said was displayed so openly in the dragon's face, their form, and their tails.

Although Toothless' growls sounded so menacing his shoulders were relaxed as his tail swayed calmly. His breathing was even and his eyes were tight with laughter. Hiccup brushed his thumb over the dragon's palm. He wished he could join them in conversation immediately – they seemed to have so much to say.

A terror approached them, its small human-like body barely coming up to Hiccup's legs. It held up a stone cup with an amber liquid. Hiccup smiled, taking the offered drink. It wasn't water but it wasn't ale either. He sniffed the substance, taking in the sweet smell before taking his first sip. It warmed his tongue and went down smoothly.

"Mm. Thank you," he beamed.

The little terror's cheeks darkened, it's small arms tucking behind his back, playing with a lone spike at the base of his tail. Toothless grumbled, his arm looping around Hiccup's thin waist. Glancing up at the jealous Toothless, Hiccup sipped his drink. Toothless watched him with a raised, hairless, brow. Rolling his eyes at the dragon, Hiccup took his hand back making his way through the crowd of dragons while nursing his drink.

It wasn't uncommon for a dragon or two to be on the castle grounds. Apparently there was no limitation of social standing in Hadak but that didn't mean other, lesser dragons came by the castle all too often. None were actually entering but there were so many on the small island that Hiccup was almost certain that the land would fall from the sky. Big and small, each one was coexisting in such peace it was hard to imagine.

A large male Nadder brushed against his shoulder, growling softly while tucking his arm around the double headers of a Zippleback, its tooth slightly extended from its mouth. Hiccup nodded, accepting his apology while watching the two dragons walk towards a large group celebrating merrily near a few drums and other musical instruments. The band, Hiccup realized, was playing a vibrant tune which a few of the dragons, namely the children, were dancing to in the middle of a crowd.

Moving through the crowds, Hiccup watched the children gallop around one another, their tails flicking together as they danced and giggled, lavished with priceless gems that made them look like royalty. Every few beats a child stepped out of the dancing circle into an adult dragon's sight where a necklace of flowers was put around its neck. Hiccup fingered his glass, barely noticing when it was refilled by another helpful Terror that settled next to him with her own drink.

Glancing at the little Terror, Hiccup smiled when he realized it was a child, perhaps too scared to join the other festive children on the dance floor. "You should join them." Hiccup whispered. "Don't want to be left behind, do you?" He tiled his head with a smile.
The little one tilted her head, bearing its own gem for the world to see before returning her attention to the other child dancers. Her longue tongue peeked out of her clamped mouth, darting into the amber liquid for a mouthful.

Unable to stop himself, Hiccup started laughing, startling a dragon or two around him. Dropping his hand on the little Terror's head, he chuckled softly while climbing to his feet. He didn't have gems or flowers to give the little one but he could make this child's dance part of her.

Grabbing her claw, Hiccup pulled the little one to his feet, stepping out on the dance field. The wave of curious growls meant nothing as he bent down to take the two small paws of the child and began to sway with her. Their bodies moved out with the other little children who stopped to gaze at them as they tried to replicate the intricate movements of the little ones just prior.

Foot in, out, twirl.

Hiccup laughed as the little one's wings flapped, trying to fly so she could be parallel with the little human. Dancing had never come easy to him. He was a klutz in every aspect of his life and he had two left feet to prove it. He nearly tripped once or twice but caught himself, not wanting the little one to fall as she began to fly around him with one hand of their hands clasped together. Hiccup almost didn't feel the tug at his trouser leg.

Looking down, Hiccup felt himself smile at the young Gronckle who was holding up a piece of jewelry towards him. The little boy dragon growled pushing it up towards him and Hiccup bent, letting the child place the piece of jewelry in his hair. With a child in both hands, he moved playfully as the music began to pick up, other children joining him at his feet.

What would his father being doing about this time? It was around the time they were preserving meet for the harsh winter, collecting the grains to bury and making enough mead to keep people alive until next summer. This year they would have plenty since the dragons hadn't attacked all summer. None of their sheep had gone missing, there were plenty of fish in the ocean, and he hadn't wrecked anything in Berk. They were probably doing well without him.

His movements slowed, his arms falling to his side as the little Terror flew off towards her parents for her first flower necklace. This place was just like Berk in so many ways. He had watched for weeks as the dragons preserved meat for the winter and collected fresh water for the families. In fact, even their infrastructure was the same as Berk. The chief (Gronky) ruled over fairly and equally. He made all the decisions but didn't rule with an iron fist.

Gronky stepped up to him, leaning on his cane with a relaxed pose. "It's unusual for adults to join the children in the Dance of Rebirth."

A blush took his face. So that was what had been going on. "I'm so sorry, I didn't know."

"It is fine; it's unusual but not forbidden." The Gronckle turned his heavy body, shrugging a shoulder to have Hiccup follow him. "I didn't think Njáll would bring you to our celebration. How goes your exploration of the old world ruins?" He accepted a drink from a passing Nadder, offering a sincere smile to it in passing.

"It's been." Hiccup rubbed the fabric of his pants. "I'm trying to figure out Hadak through it. You are right over the old village that has the Berk symbol all over it but there's no sign of any dragon attacks on that land. Why did my people leave this land? Why are the dragons and humans fighting? There has to be an answer somewhere." Hiccup sighed. The sun was starting to lower at the horizon, the moon appearing on the other side of the land. Around him a sharp chill was picking up but no one else noticed. "How long has this party been going on?"

"Since this morning." Gronky made a low noise.

"Toothless didn't tell me anything about it until a few moments ago." Hiccup felt his heart break. This looked like so much fun and he was only getting into the tail end of things. He had moped in his room all day because Toothless had kept yet another thing from him.

Gronky nodded. "Do not blame Njáll, it was I who asked him not to bring you out. Not all dragons like humans and there would be conflict if they knew you were residing within our lands." His eyes glazed over, hands clasped behind his back. Hiccup considered the new nervous air around the old dragon, filing the information away. "As for your questions about the land below us, it's been centuries since the humans lived there. I do remember hearing a story from my father's sire about the humans and dragons once living peacefully amongst each other there but I don't know more than that. Perhaps there are more islands around like it?"

"Have you ever left this land?" Hiccup raised a brow.

"Hadak? Oh no." Gronky smiled. "I was a scientist in my youth – a healer, much like Njáll."

"Toothless is a doctor?" He glanced over the hordes of dragons, to his companion who stood off to the wide with a Nightmare talking in hushed tones. At some point a child had come to the Night Fury's side, looking up with big golden eyes while he pet it's scaled head.

Gronky nodded. "A skilled one too." A claw tapped the wooden cane, the dragon's smile stretched. "You two are getting along – yes?" Hiccup nodded. "That's good, the way you two were acting those first two weeks I thought your decision to leave us was sealed. Now…I'm not sure. You seem to have made yourself a home here with us but I saw your face while you were dancing; you realized this isn't home."

"Yea, it's not Berk but that's not all together bad. I love it here in Hadak, I really do but I also miss home – my father, my people. I don't want to leave them, not forever." Hiccup wrapped his arms around himself as a sharp breeze came past. "Especially if the dragon attacks on Berk are still going to happen."

"They will decrease exponentially, those attacks. Our people who have met you have grown a new respect towards humans that can only grow with your influence. I can tell you we won't keep you here forever." Gronky stared in the distance, toward Berk. Hiccup's teeth clenched. "You're not our prisoner. There's just no way for our own to live aside the humans just as it'll take some time for every dragon to accept a human living amongst us."

Berk was always in that distance, past the fog and stars. It was always sitting, waiting. There he was a blacksmith, here he was Toothless' mate. There were so many options weighing on his mind, namely his future. There wasn't much left for him in Berk and his future was still obscure in Hadak. It was like walking a rope blind. "When do you want my decision?" Hiccup cracked his eye open.

"In a week would be preferable."

"I don't need a week." Hiccup turned, looking down at the dragon. He could almost hear his father in Berk, asking to know what was going through his head and why he couldn't just think like any other Viking. At the same time he could hear his mother, while still a baby, whispering in his ear before she did to live strong, to live for himself. "I want to learn so much more about dragons. I want to learn all about the people, to let my people know."

The Gronckle turned, his old paws tightening on his cane. "What are you saying?"

Near the gates, he saw Toothless talking with a guard that had his coat. Hiccup smiled as Toothless came towards them with the fur coat. He'd never had someone so attentive to his needs. He had never felt this flip-flop feeling in the pit of his stomach, ever. "I'm all right with mating Toothless as long as I can still visit home when I want."

"You are aware being with my heir means having his children?"

Toothless was in hearing range, holding the coat out for Hiccup. Smiling, the little human tucked his arms in the jacket, letting his dragon-mate tighten the strings together, thus sealing off his body from the cold air of the ending summer. Taking the dragon's hands in his own, Hiccup brushed his thumb over the hardened knuckles. His hands were small in comparison but that wasn't new. Instead of feeling awkward, he just felt right.

"I understand what I'm agreeing to. Toothless?"

A dark head tilted to the side, a look of pure confusion on the dragonoid's face.

"Will you take care of me?"

The dragon's long mouth parted. His eyes were a mixture of confusion and nervousness as if saying, are you sure?

"I want to be your mate—I want to stay in Hadak with you."

He knew it was coming but it still didn't stop him from being surprised as he was lifted from the ground and twirled around by the excited dragon. "Let go of me, stupid dragon! Help!"