Author's Note: Hey there I'm here to bring you another HTTYD story. Now I know I'm behind on my other story "Self Preservation" but I took a break to try and write this story. This is an idea I had for a long while, just waiting for a chance to write it. Plus with the tone that comes later on, it does fit the month some. Basically this explains some creatures based on Norse Mythology, but with a few twists added and changes. I can't explain much, so I'll let the writing speak for itself, and hope it's good. Enjoy.

Chapter 1: The Book

Rapid footsteps were crunching through the thick grass within the forest of Raven's point, as a lone figure could be seen running through the trees at a moderate speed. Multiple thumps being heard...along with a few creaking ones as one of the steps happened to be organic while the other was mechanical. Not only that, but the figure wasn't alone as a black blur sped along behind, moving at a match speed in order not to pass the person in front of him. These two figures were moving fast through the forest all the while keeping their eyes peeled in case anyone was around. Soon enough the trees started to lessen, as cover and invisibility were diminishing.

The first figure stopped behind one of the trees as Berk came into view, a small head with green eyes peered out, looking ahead and seeing the chief's house, with no one in sight.

This made Hiccup sigh in relief.

Yes, Berk's heir is the one traversing the forest, and being careful, yet one would ask why is Hiccup trying not to be seen by anyone? More importantly, why is he running instead of flying? Well, the answer to that question lies within the teen's hand, which is an obscured item, wrapped up in a long yak hide, which stretched about just over two feet long. He held the item with both hands with care and didn't want to risk it getting damaged. He forgot his saddle bag, so he couldn't store it inside and he didn't want to risk it falling off while flying, even though it's a small flight, so running it was.

Toothless sat down behind his rider, tilting his head as he waited for confirmation to go, "Is it safe?"

"It's clear, just head for the back door and hope dad isn't home, the last thing I need is to explain this," Hiccup responded to his dragon, referring to the wrapped-up item. "Come on."

With that Hiccup ran out from behind the tree and headed for his home, Toothless following right behind as they closed the distance within seconds. Thankfully they managed to make it to the back of the house without incident. Turning around Hiccup held his hand up, informing Toothless to be quiet before turning back and slowly went to open the door. Thankfully it didn't creak as it opened up more, revealing the inside of the house, which is lit by the fire in the hearth. He peered inside but couldn't see anyone inside, nor hear anyone. This was good as he stepped inside, making sure to keep his metal leg as quiet as possible.

Once inside his home he sighed in relief before motioning to Toothless, who rushed in before the door was closed. Now that was out of the way the teen quickly rushed further inside and headed up the stairs. His footsteps now being heard if anyone were close enough as he headed up to his loft, bursting through the door as Toothless wasn't far behind. Hiccup immediately went past his bed and headed for his desk, placing the wrapped item down on the surface before gripping the wooden furniture, grunting as he exerted some of his abysmal strength. Slowly but surely the desk started to move from its place, scraping against the wooden floor as it pulled away from the wall.

Once a good distance away Hiccup went behind the desk and kneeled down, reaching down to some floorboards...which were loose! Hiccup's small fingers grip at the boards edge as he pulled one plank up and places it to the side, before grabbing a second one, revealing a hollow space within. This happens to be a small secret hiding spot Hiccup made as there are things he wanted to keep secret, even from his father. Yeah, it sounds shady, but hey everyone has their private items they don't want anyone to find out about, so yeah.

Smiling Hiccup went back and grabbed the wrapped-up item and carefully placed it within the hiding spot, fitting easily within, but still left plenty of space for anything else that needed to go inside. Acting quickly Hiccup replaced the floorboards, making sure they were nice and flush before pushing the desk back, thankfully Toothless used his head to assist in this. "Thanks bud," Hiccup smiled.

"Any way to speed things along," the dragon smiled as the desk is back in its place in moments.

Right as the two released the desk the front door opened, startling the both of them as a familiar voice could be heard, "Hiccup, are you here!?" that belonged to his dad.

For a brief moment the one-legged teen thought he was caught but relaxed as his father's calling out was a question. Trying to hide his surprise he turned around and walked over to his door, "Yes, I'm here, is something wrong?"

Stopping at the top of the stairs Hiccup indeed found his dad standing in front of the open front door, eyes locked onto him. A relieved sigh left his mouth, "Thank Thor, I thought I wasn't going to find you."

"What is it?" Hiccup walked down the stairs, now curious as to why he's being looked for, especially as the tone didn't sound like anything of concern.

"Trader Johann is here," Stoick said simply.

Both of Hiccup's eyes rose in surprise, not expecting this as a bit of excitement overtook him, "He is? Oh, that's great!"

"I say, I was looking around for you and thought you were going to miss him," the chief waved his arm, motioning his son to come along.

"I would be upset if I did," the teen smiled as he and his dragon headed for the door, which closed behind him.

Down by the docks mostly everyone interested had gathered up just as Trader Johann set his plank down, "Ah, Berk. My favorite of all the islands I travel to! It feels so good being back." Giving a smile to all his potential customers he stood aside and held his hand out, allowing them to board his ship to look at his wares. Everyone excitedly boarded and started to look through all the items he had as idle chatter could be heard amongst themselves. Hiccup and Stoick were just coming down the final ramp, being the last ones to arrive. Looking at all the villagers that were lined up Stoick held his hands up and cupped them around his mouth as he spoke,

"Remember to log in what you get!" His voice echoed some yet many heard him as they passed Mulch and Bucket, the shorter Viking having a book open, using his hook to keep it up while holding a charcoal pen, ready to write things down. Ever since the incident with the Blue Oleanders being planted and poisoning the dragons Stoick had to issue a new rule when it came to trading with Johann. Anyone who got something new was required to list down what it is they got along with their name. That way if a similar incident were to occur, they could consult the list and quickly find the item in question.

"Getting something dad?" Hiccup asked his father in curiosity.

"Not this time, I'm mainly here to make sure no one tries sneaking off with anything," Stoick shook his head as he stopped right near Mulch and Bucket. He smiled and patted his son's back, "But go on, I'm sure you can find something good."

"Alright dad," Hiccup responded as he continued forward, Toothless following right behind. The teen kept his eyes forward as he neared the gangplank, already seeing a few familiar faces already on board, picking up a bit of an ongoing conversation.

"...Sorry Fishlegs, I don't have any more," Johann responded back.

"Oh, that's disheartening," the larger Viking sighed in disappointment, as he hoped there was another botany book for him.

"But I'll make sure to keep an eye out for one in my travels," the older male piqued some hope.

"Oh, really? Thank you," Fishlegs smiled at that prospect.

Before anything else was said they were interrupted as Snotlout came into the picture holding another reflective surface, "I said it once, and I'll say it again, I really am good looking."

"Hey!" Johann looked on in horror as he snatched the mirror out of his hand. "What did I tell you about touching!?"

"Oh, come on it was an accident, how long are you going to hold that mess over my head!?" Snotlout responded as he folded his arms and narrowed his eyes. Still, not believing that Johann was still mad about him accidentally breaking a few clay pots. Ever since then Snotlout was the only one on the island that wasn't allowed to touch anything on his ship.

"How about...forever!" Johann responded back, only for the buff teen to roll his eyes and walk off. "I hate that kid," he said in a low voice.

Hiccup chuckled as he walked up the plank and onto the ship, shaking his head, "Greetings Johann."

"Ah, Master Hiccup, it's good seeing you again," his mood instantly changed upon seeing Berk's heir, giving a big smile, yet got nervous as he saw Toothless right behind the teen.

Hiccup saw the look and understood his concern, "Don't worry, he'll behave this time.'

"I'll hold you to that," he responded back, remembering at how the dragon growled at him after tossing the Terrible Terror away from his goods. He'll trust Hiccup's words this time. Just then both eyes widened as he snapped his fingers and turned back towards some of the baskets on his ship. "That's right, I nearly forgot."

"Forgot what?" Hiccup asked in curiosity.

Johann didn't say anything as he continued to rummage, making small un-audible comments as he did so. It stopped as he rose up, holding a corked container, "Here you go, a replacement bottle of squid ink, courtesy of the colossal squid."

Both of Hiccup's eyes widened as he reached out and took the item, "Wow, thank you." He smiled, remembering how the previous bottle he got was dropped and smashed, due to Toothless from before.

"I should be thanking you, that winch is really helping with my gangplank, lowering and raising it is a lot easier," the elder male smiled as his shoulder pain had decreased a lot since using it.

"I'm glad it helped," Hiccup responded as he placed the bottle in his bag.

"Anything else I can help you with?" Johann responded back.

"I'll just have a look around," Hiccup responded back, not really sure if he wanted anything else, but he would look to see if anything would catch his eye.

"Understandable, just let me know if you need any-"

*Crash!*

The sound of pottery clattering on the ship deck reached them, prompting Johann to look over.

"I didn't do it!" Snotlout's voice was heard.

"I hate that kid," Johann growled as he moved over towards the sound to deal with the problem, leaving Hiccup alone.

The one-legged teen then turned his attention back to the items onboard, walking about and taking a nice look at everything. Passing by other Vikings as he did so, blocking out any chatter that was happening. Nothing really seemed appealing, all he found were nothing but weapons, foods that he didn't know about nor was interested in, and some clothing and trinkets. None of which really called his attention.

He reached the front of the ship where he found a small shelf, which was lined with books. That looked interesting as he crouched down, Toothless coming over and sitting down alongside him. "Find anything?"

"Let's see...maps...old fairy tales…" he started to speak out, taking out a few of them, big and small, as he looked over the titles. "How to care for you Yak...your chicken is your best friend...recipes for Yak milk? Huh, I doubt anyone would find any uses out of these….nor do I think anyone would miss these."

"They already sound boring to me, good thing you have no use for them," Toothless couldn't help but agree as he watched his owner going through the many hard bound titles. Waiting patiently to see if he found one that interested him.

"I wonder why Johann agreed to trade for these, especially as they...wait...what's this?" Something in the very back of the shelf caught his eye, after moving a few of the books it could be seen. An eye raised in curiosity as he moved some of the books aside to allow him a better view. Reaching in he grabbed the book and pulled it out, "huh...this looks different from the others."

For some reason this book looked similar to the Book of Dragons, long, pretty thick with pages, except the leather-bound book is dyed black. There was no visible title, or symbol, on the front nor spine, which wasn't really odd as most books didn't have titles printed on the cover. His fingers then smoothed against the front, interest now piqued he opened and saw a cover page that has a neat handwriting etched onto the front page.

"To whomever comes in possession of this book," Hiccup started to read aloud. "Note that everything written down isn't a myth, I've seen these in person, and they do exist. Call me mad all you want but they are real. Either you believe me, or you finally realize the truth before it's too late. I hope what's written down helps in a dire time...Huh…there's no signature included," Hiccup finished, finding the warning odd.

"Sounds mysterious...but also not good at the same time," Toothless warbled, hearing the entire thing. Hiccup turned a couple of pages and were surprised to find that it was laid out like the Book of Dragons, each page having a name written at the top, along with some hand drawn pictures on some.

"Elves...Mare...trolls?" Hiccup raised his eyes in confusion as he saw a few of these titles, raising more questions than answers.

It was then footsteps were heard approaching, followed by grumbling.

"Glad I got that kid off my ship," Johann muttered to himself before he looked at Berk's heir. "Ah, found something Master Hiccup?"

"Kind of," Hiccup responded as he got up and turned towards the trader. "Johann, what can you tell me about this book?"

"Oh, that?" the older male raised an eye, taking a moment to remember it. "I nearly forgot about that, I've had that book for years, I can't remember where I got it from."

"What do you make of it?" the teen asked.

"I find it a bunch of nonsense," he dismissed with a wave of his hand. "It basically goes on about creatures that are myth and legend, detailing certain ones. Not really a popular item if it was placed at the back of the shelf."

"Interesting," Hiccup responded as he flipped through the pages, skimming through them quickly, taking note of many written words and a few crudely drawn pictures. He couldn't really get a good visual, but it was enough to pique his interest further. Creatures of myth were something used in make believe tales, usually for when telling a scary story, or making bedtime stories for kids. Some believed these creatures existed while others believed it was impossible for them to exist. Yet, when it comes to the impossible Hiccup is usually the one to believe in it...I think that's why for some reason this book drew his attention so much. He did know about myths and legends, as he heard his fair share growing up, as well as scary stories his friends and other said to horrify others and be used for a good time. No one ever considered them to be real at all. Despite the ridiculous nature behind it, it seemed too tempting not to put it back. "What would you take for it?"

"You really want it?" Johann raised an eye at that, not expecting to hear it.

"Yeah...it seems right up my alley," the teen responded.

"Tell you what, you can have it," he responded back.

"What-Really?" Hiccup perked up at this.

"Yes, after having an item for years, you tend to want to get rid of it, this helps us both out," Johann tipped his hat towards the teen. "Enjoy it."

"Thanks, I will," Hiccup smiled as he looked down at the book, despite what had been said about it he found the prospects of the book very interesting as he placed it in his bag.

On the other side of Berk on one of the deserted beaches the waves from the ocean splashed against the sandy shore, soaking and solidifying the surface. So far everything seemed normal and not out of the ordinary...yet if one were to look out towards the sea, they would spot...something approaching. A small figure in the distance was getting closer and closer as it rode the waves and headed right for Berk.

Soon enough, something completely solid, and wooden washed ashore on the sand, becoming lodged in with a loud crack. The item itself looked like a coffin of sorts...well not quite but it was a long, thick, wooden box that seemed to be decaying due to being waterlogged. On top of the box happens to be some kind of stones, which are loosely tied to the top. The water from the ocean hit the sand once more, including the box, which didn't move at all as it's stuck in the sand. Yet it managed to hit the top of the box, the force of the impact dislodged the loose rocks off, clearing it away completely.

*Bang!*

The box jumped and vibrated almost as if something had struck it…but not from the outside.

*Bang!* *Bang!*

The box moved once more as it was struck repeatedly once again, but no one was around to hit it...yet it wasn't from the outside. The sounds were coming from within! Something appeared to be inside, alive and is now trying to break free as it continued to beak on the inside of the box.

*C-Crack!*

Wood started to snap as the top of the box started to give away, breaking the seal that was on it. Once that happened all struggle stopped, as the lid opened some...and a bony hand appeared, decayed fingers wrapping around the lid before pushing it up

*Hiissssssss!*

As light started to flood inside the box a massive hiss came out before the hand disappeared from within, plunging it back into darkness. Whatever this thing was, apparently it didn't like sunlight. Either way, whatever had just landed on Berk was trouble, and no one knew about it.

A/N: Hope you like, now I know you have a lot of questions but I won't be able to answer all of them as they are spoilers. Can some of you guess what's going on? Things will get interesting from here as I hope it lives up to your expectations. I look forward to hearing your responses and questions if you have any. Till next time.