Acceptance

Author: Nightstar Fury from Nightstar Productions.

Rated: M for Mature.

Disclaimer: I do not own HTTYD.

Chapter 4: New Life.

They'd been on their own for two months, getting farther and farther from Berk with each flight. Hiccup had stopped in on some other tribes just looking for supplies, he kept Toothless hidden in the woods so not to cause a panic or fight. Hiccup had to use his pull as being the son of Stoick the Vast to gain access when other chief's wondered why he was there alone. Hiccup was able to make a saddle bag and collect supplies such as blankets and a few spare pieces incase Toothless's tail needed to be fixed for any reason at all. He was always invited back before going to sleep, and under the cover of night he'd escape the place he stayed in and met up with Toothless, they'd be off the island by morning and left no trace. He couldn't risk his father searching for him and then getting a lead on where they went. Hiccup had just reached the forest and gave a whistle. Toothless came out and licked his cheek happily. "I missed you too bud. I got us some dinner, we'll leave before the sun rises so you'll have the night sky to hide in." Hiccup told him. Toothless purred and sat down as Hiccup placed a pile of 10 fish in front of him, Hiccup broke off half loaf of bread and gave it to his friend as he ate the other half as well as a fish. "I wonder how Gobber is...and Astrid too..." Hiccup sighed laying back against Toothless's side with the blanket over him.

Toothless crooned at him softly and nuzzled against his cheek, Hiccup chuckled now. "I know...I'm sure they are fine..." Hiccup yawned as he closed his eyes and fell asleep. Toothless finished his food and laid his head down on his two front paws, fall asleep as well. In the morning as the sun began to rise, they packed up and headed out. This is how it was for them. Flying most of the day, stopping for breaks and to eat, they'd set down somewhere each night, and leave in the morning. It was hard to find a permanent place for them to stay seeing as most had rather unfriendly dragons or were already inhabited by Vikings who were dealing with dragon raids themselves. In their travels, Hiccup had started a map naming each place as he went, accompanied by a small drawing of what the island looked like from above, then a note of how many hours away it was from their last located. Marking if there were dragons and what kinds, he observed them. Each time he'd looked at the map he'd see Berk and sigh before putting it away. Toothless would always lick his cheek with a soft purr to comfort him. As night fell again a storm was coming through, Hiccup and Toothless got caught right in the middle of it. Hiccup had a harder time controlling the tail in the powerful winds. "We need to set down bud..." Hiccup called through the thunder and pouring rain.

Toothless and Hiccup flew for about 15 minutes in the storm before setting down on an island, it was a rough landing too. Hiccup was thrown off Toothless, and resulted in him hurting his arm. It wasn't broken but possibly sprained. Hiccup looked around seeing Toothless laying on the ground. "Toothless!" Hiccup called to him rushing over, "Are you alright!?" Hiccup said worried. Toothless stood up and shook himself before smiling to Hiccup, then noticing he was holding his arm. Toothless licked his cheek sadly. "I'm alright bud...we have to get out of this storm..." Hiccup said looking around for some kind of shelter. "There bud!" Hiccup used his good arm to point to a section of rocks they could be under and stay dry. Hiccup and Toothless ran over to it and sighed in relief. "We've lucked out finding places to stay. Hopefully this storm will pass and we can leave in the morning..." Hiccup told Toothless, who cooed in response. Hiccup took 5 fish out and gave Toothless 4 of them. Toothless used his fire to cook Hiccup's for him and then they both began to eat. Hiccup laid back and closed his eyes, he had to say for a 15 year old boy and his dragon, they were going pretty alright on their own. Both of them fell asleep not long after.

(Berk)

"It's been 2 months since he left..." Astrid sighed out.

"I wonder if he's still alive?" Ruffnut said now.

"Of course he is...Don't talk like that!" Astrid scolded her as she then saw Stoick on the docks, it looked like he was preparing to leave for a long journey. Gobber was beside him, Astrid got up and moved closer to listen in.

"I've heard enough, Gobber. I agreed to give him time, its been more than enough time. I'm going out to search for him." Stoick said sternly.

"He's on the back of a dragon, and long gone by now...When Hiccup doesn't want to be found, he's invisible." Gobber stated.

"I'm still looking for him. You're in charge while I'm gone...I'll pass through other villages and ask if they've seen anything..." Stoick said.

"What are you going to do when if you find them?" Gobber asked now.

"I'm going to kill that dragon and bring my son home..." Stoick replied as he stepped towards the ship. Astrid jumped out now.

"You can't do that!" Astrid yelled now.

"I won't be hearing it Astrid..." Stoick said in a firm tone.

"Yes you will!" Astrid said stomping her foot down now, Stoick faced her. Gobber tried to pull Astrid back.

"Astrid, don't challenge me. I know you're upset Hiccup left. I'll bring him back in one piece." Stoick said in a softer tone now.

"Don't you get it! Yeah you'll look for him but he'll never come back. He will fight to stay with Toothless. If you kill him...Hiccup will never forgive you, I wouldn't past him to try and kill himself every chance he gets if you do this." Astrid said angrily.

"Then I won't let him out of my sight. I won't let that dragon take my boy." Stoick retorted in a stiff tone.

"You're missing the point! Look, I promised Hiccup I wouldn't say anything but you should know this before you go..." Astrid said looking down now.

"I'm listening..." Stoick said with his hands on his hips now.

"The day the elder picked Hiccup to kill the dragon in front of the village...I followed him when he ran off after being chosen...He went to the cove and I overheard him calling to someone saying they were leaving forever...I confronted him angrily wanted to know how he got so good. After I kicked him...Toothless came out and tried to attack me. Hiccup tossed my ax and got Toothless to calm down. As soon as he introduced us...I ran to tell you what he had done..." Astrid paused to catch her breath.

"So you knew about this?!" Stoick yelled.

"I wasn't finished..." Astrid mumbled, "Hiccup was flying on Toothless, they grabbed me and dangled me over the lake in the cove. Hiccup pleaded to let him explain, when I refused he said to let him show me. I figured it was my only way down so I agreed...I rode Toothless holding on to Hiccup for dear life as that dragon did a bunch of dangerous aerial moves. Finally, I apologized for everything and begged him to get me off the dragon...Toothless calmed down and flew calmly. Hiccup showed me so much from a dragons view, he took me above the clouds, we saw the Northern Lights so close up...it was amazing...when we landed. I tried again to get him to talk to you. He begged me not to...He asked me to give him until his final exam to figure something out. And when it came...I asked him what he was going to do. He told me he was going to put an end to it, and had to try. He made me promise that if something went wrong, as in him getting killed in the ring...that I would make sure no one found Toothless..." Astrid told him. Stoick didn't say anything, he closed his eyes looking down with a sigh. "Don't you understand, Stoick...Hiccup knew you'd never accept his friendship with Toothless. Hiccup was prepared to leave before the ring, he was set on his decision to keep Toothless a secret even if he was dead...Even Toothless knew the danger of rushing in to protect Hiccup 2 months ago...But he came anyway because he knew Hiccup was in trouble..." Astrid felt tears brimming her eyes now before pointing at him angrily. "You want to kill Toothless for taking Hiccup, when its Toothless who saved Hiccup because of your choice! Toothless saved Hiccup's life against the nightmare! Toothless didn't take Hiccup...Hiccup chose to leave because of you, because of exactly what you are doing right now!" Astrid yelled at him.

"You're saying I should let that dragon live?" Stoick stated quietly.

"She's right Stoick. That dragon didn't target anyone, he blasted through a metal cage to save Hiccup's life...And you saw how Hiccup reacted when everyone tired to attack Toothless, Hiccup even stopped Toothless from killing you...If that dragon were dangerous...it wouldn't of stopped. Hiccup saved your life, even though he was furious with you..." Gobber pointed out. Stoick looked away.

"We know you want Hiccup back...But the fact is...you can't ever bring him back unless Toothless comes too. Those two are never going to leave one another...Just...think about that while you're looking for him...Please...For once in your life just think about Hiccup's well being...it would kill him. Please...I know you don't see it right now but..." Astrid started to cry again.

"Hiccup may not of grown up to be the Viking son you wanted, Stoick. But...He found his own place that makes him feel alive again...Don't take that away from him." Gobber finished as he put his good hand on Astrid's shoulder.

"I've made many mistakes raising him...haven't I Gobber?" Stoick asked now.

"Yes...you can always change, Stoick. Think about that while you're searching for him...approach it differently. Apologize, admit you were wrong even...All Hiccup wants is to be loved and accepted. He got that in dragon training because of how he subdued the dragons...He has a gift, Stoick. One that makes him different. Don't take that away from the boy." Gobber said now.

"Please sir..." Astrid asked him.

"I'll think it over on the journey...Set sail, we head East!" Stoick called out as he boarded the ship and they began to sail off.

"Do you think he'll find him?" Astrid asked him softly.

"Not sure. Hiccup is good at hiding...We just have to sit back and hope for the best." Gobber said. Astrid nodded as they watched Stoick's ship disappear from sight.

(With Hiccup and Toothless)

The storm had lessened now as Hiccup and Toothless began to wake up, it was dark out now. Toothless growled some, "What's up bud?" Hiccup asked him. Toothless instantly jumped out and snarled angrily at the figures coming closer to them. Hiccup's eyes focused as he could see wild dragons there enclosing in on them. Toothless backed up protecting Hiccup now. One jumped for Hiccup and Toothless whipped it back with his tail snarling still. The rest charged in as Toothless fought them, Hiccup didn't know what he could do. He only had his dagger on him and a shield. The next village they came across he was going to get weapons. Hiccup grabbed his shield and charged at a Gronckle pushing it back, the pressure on Hiccup's hurt arm made him cringe. Toothless got pushed and a Nadder sliced at him cutting him deeply on the side, Toothless roared out in pain. "Toothless!" Hiccup yelled worried for his friend now.

Hiccup ran over to him, "No, stay down bud..." Hiccup told him gently rubbing his head. Hiccup stood up now as he faced the dragons angrily. "I won't let you hurt him!" Hiccup yelled loudly. Toothless forced himself to stand as he fired 3 blasts at the dragons, they flew away. One snuck up behind Hiccup and bit his shoulder causing Hiccup to cry out and fall back. Toothless blasted it and fell down after it left. Hiccup whimpered moving towards Toothless now. "Too–Toothless...are you...okay?" Hiccup coughed a bit. Toothless crooned softly licking his cheek, Hiccup tried to smile but was in far to much pain. Hiccup hissed as laid against Toothless, he knew he'd be okay. The gash wasn't bad on him, but Hiccup's wound was worse. Hiccup panted heavily as Toothless looked at it worried, he moved his head towards it and began to lick it slowly. "Toothless...what are you...doing?" Hiccup asked, he was shocked to see the wound stop bleeding. It was like the Toothless's saliva acted as a bandage, sealing the wound from bleeding and it took the pain away.

When Toothless finished he saw Hiccup had fallen asleep, he wrapped his wing over him and then laid his head down on his paws and rested, he didn't sleep because he was worried for his rider. It was late afternoon when Hiccup woke up again, he held his head and rubbed his eyes sitting up. As he focused he saw Toothless staring at him worried. "Hey Toothless..." Hiccup whispered softly.

"Are you okay, you've been out since last night after the attack..."Hiccup heard a voice say. He looked around but only saw Toothless there.

"What! Uh...Too–Toothless, did you just...No, no way. I'm still knocked out...No way I just heard you talk to me." Hiccup began to freak out.

"But I did just talk to you, Hiccup...Wait...can you, understand me?" Toothless asked him now.

"Y–yeah, I–I think so?" Hiccup said, the two stared at one another for a minute. "H–how does this even happen?" Hiccup asked still trying to process it all.

"Its never happened before...I've always understood you, when you talk to me...but now you can...hear me...?" Toothless said trying to figure it out as well.

"Okay lets just back up and go through everything that happened yesterday..." Hiccup said as he got up to wander around and think now. "We were flying...the storm, landing...the fight...I don't remember anything after that..." Hiccup sighed in frustration.

"I do. You got hurt, a dragon bit you on the shoulder. I licked it clean and you fell asleep..." Toothless told him.

"That's right...your saliva stopped the pain, and bleeding...Maybe..." Hiccup said looking at him now.

"Maybe when my saliva came in contact with your blood..." Toothless began.

"And made it so I can understand you since you're DNA is in your saliva...mixing with my blood...Its like we're a part of each other..." Hiccup finished with a smile.

"That unheard of." Toothless snorted now.

"Is it? How often to dragons and humans get this close to one another..." Hiccup asked him.

"Not at all..." Toothless remarked.

"Exactly! So maybe this was possible all along...When our different types mix...We can understand one another. This is great!" Hiccup exclaimed now.

"It is pretty great." Toothless said smiling.

"Oh god, that's right...You got hurt too. Are you okay bud?" Hiccup asked him looking where the wound used to be, it was gone. "How?" He asked.

"Same reason your wound is gone. Night Fury saliva has healing properties..." Toothless told him, Hiccup looked on his shoulder and saw his wound was healed too.

"Wow..." Hiccup breathed out. "Least now I have someone to talk to, and understand." Hiccup laughed.

"Same here my friend." Toothless said.

"Guess we should pack up and keep searching for our own place to live, right bud?" Hiccup asked him.

"Yeah, this place isn't safe. You need weapons, Hiccup." Toothless pointed out.

"Yeah, we'll stop by a village during the flight...I can get a sword or ax, a better shield too." Hiccup stated.

"Might want to change your clothing too...That thing is covered in blood." Toothless added.

"Good idea bud. Are you ready?" Hiccup asked him as he got on his back and opened his tail up.

"Ready." Toothless said as she launched himself in to the sky and they were gone. After 3 hours of flying, Toothless glanced up at Hiccup who was silent since they had left the island. "Something on your mind?" Toothless asked him.

"Just wondering how everyone is back on Berk...Especially Astrid. I've never seen her cry until that day..." Hiccup said slowly.

"You told her you loved her and always would, right?" Toothless asked now.

"Yeah, its true." Hiccup replied.

"Why didn't you take her with us?" Toothless questioned.

"Because, she belongs there on Berk bud. She was liked, and accepted for who she was...She didn't deserve and outcast life like us...She didn't do anything wrong." Hiccup replied closing his eyes.

"You didn't either." Toothless looked forward again.

"I couldn't live there anymore, Toothless. I couldn't take it any longer. I was sick of everything...People only liked me because they thought I was some great...dragon master, could subdue them without killing them...My father hated me...I went against everything they stood for. My father would of killed you if I stayed...and I couldn't let that happen..." Hiccup responded in a firm tone.

"You didn't have to leave for my sake." Toothless said.

"You didn't have to save me from the Nightmare...But you did anyway." Hiccup retorted.

"I didn't want you to die. You're my friend." Toothless remarked. "Hiccup...why did you want to die?" Toothless asked now.

"What do you mean?" Hiccup asked.

"On Berk when you showed everyone your wrists...You said you wanted to kill yourself..." Toothless told him, Hiccup closed his eyes looking away.

"Before I met you Toothless...I hated my life. I hated it so much. My father never had time for me. He never talked to me, asked me how my day went, never taught me anything. Anytime he talked it was yelling at me, telling me that I caused disaster or destruction everywhere I went...I was known as the Berk embarrassment. I didn't have any friends...I didn't have anything. Except maybe Gobber...He may of given me hell too but he always made me laugh and joked around with me. He listened when I talked. The night I shot you down...I tried to tell everyone what I'd done. No one listened to me, just got yelled at again. I snapped that night, told my dad I wished that when my mother was taken, the dragon who took her had taken me too...because I'd rather be dead than living somewhere that everyone hated me for existing..." Hiccup told him as he felt a tear fall down from his eye.

"When did you try it?..." Toothless asked slowly.

"The night after I set you free...My dad tried to get me to eat and I snapped at him, at everyone. I was so sick of it...everything. I wanted it to stop...So I cut myself...I would of bled out on the floor if it weren't for Gobber showing up...He promised he wouldn't tell my dad as long as I never tried it again. He told me I was like his son...and he never wanted to see me in that state again." Hiccup sighed.

"Well, I don't think of you as any of those things...You're the only human who showed me kindness and understanding..." Toothless said to him. Hiccup rubbed his head smiling at him.

"Thanks bud...I appreciate that..." Hiccup said to him.

"Don't ever feel like that again...If you ever need someone to talk to...You can talk to me now." Toothless said with a toothless grin.

"I will...I'm glad we can talk like this...So, what's your story bud?" Hiccup asked.

"I got separated from my pack and family when I was younger. I've been flying solo until the night I joined in the raids on your village." Toothless began.

"Wait...so you know where nest is?" Hiccup asked him in shock.

"Yeah. I never stayed there though. The queen there is awful...She controls them to raid the humans and get food for her...If a dragon brings back nothing, they get eaten themselves." Toothless told him.

"Wow, so it doesn't affect you?" Hiccup asked.

"No, I seem to be immune to it. The nest is near Hellheim's gate, in a volcano." Toothless said softly looking forward as they flew.

"Wow, so my dad has always been close...but I guess he always went past it." Hiccup chuckled.

"I've seen his ship a few times, he does get close but the dragons fend them off before they reach land." Toothless said.

"Well I guess its good he never found it, by the sounds of it, he'd be dead..." Hiccup sighed.

"Do you miss them?" Toothless asked now.

"I'm...not sure. I miss Astrid, and I guess the other teens, Gobber too. They all stood with me when they found out about you...I wish I could see them but I can't go back...it'd never work. Everyone would just freak out again and tell dad...no. It's just...better to stay away." Hiccup stated.

"I go where you fly me..." Toothless warbled at him.

"Well that's true but...Never mind Toothless. Lets just find a place to call our own right bud?" Hiccup smiled rubbing his head again.

"You got it!" Toothless said before letting out a roar. They kept flying, and it took a few tries but finally they found a peaceful place to stay on. It was a quiet island, small and well far away from everything else. Hiccup marked it on the map as being 12 islands away from Berk and well hidden in a constant fog. There's weren't many dragons here which was good for them. There was plenty of things to live on and make a home for just them. They didn't build much, just a shack inside of a cave near a stream stocked with fish. After a few weeks they were all set up and ready to enjoy their new life.