Disclaimer: I don't own anything How to train your dragon related. Everything you recognise is owned by Dreamworks.
Let me know if you have anything to say about my writing, to help me improve of course not just to insult me please. First time writer here, so expect some mistakes and sorry if I miss any. Let me know if the pace is off or anything like that.
Last thing, don't expect updates like this all the time, I would like to say I'll do one once a week but it really depends but that's my plan.
The King Of All.
Chapter Two: Contenders
He couldn't stand him. He wouldn't say hate, hate is a strong word after all but he would make it clear he didn't like him.
"Don't be like that Hiccup, it's just a little trip to the Between." An obnoxious voice stated.
A deep but oddly nasally voice spoke up next. "Snot, please for the last time, leave me alone. I'm not going to the Between and I'm not asking dad to open a tear for you."
Snotlout pouting before smirking, going on his tip toes to drape his arm around Hiccup. "I never said you had to ask, you can make tears, can't you? Just make a little one for me and the gang and I won't say anything. How bout it?" Snotlout's voice oozing with what he thought was charm but was actually arrogance.
Hiccup's face remaining stone cold, peeling Snotlout's arm of his shoulder. "No and my answer will always be no. We're banned for a reason Snot, not only would we get into trouble if we got caught but the elders would complain to my dad for another hundred years." Not even turning to look at Snotlout, his long legs carrying him a greater distance.
Snotlout shrugging off the dismissal. "Be cool for once Cuz, it'll just be a bit of fun-"
"Snot-"
"Me, Dog and Thug are dying for a bit of action ya know? -"
"Snotlout-" Hiccup's cold face beginning to crack with annoyance.
"You can only stay cooped up in Hell for a couple decades before you need to let-"
"Sigfried!" His name getting Snotlout to freeze in shock. "For the LAST time, no. I don't know how many times I need to repeat myself but the answer for now and forever is no." Not stopping in his strides at all as he spoke.
Snotlout still shocked that Hiccup had used his name. His smirk dropping, eyes boring into his cousins back. Huffing as he turned away, muttering under his breath. "Such a fuckin' buzz Kil."
Hiccups hearing allowing him to easily hear this but he didn't care in the slightest. His brash and impulsive cousin could say what he wanted; it didn't matter what he thought. After clearing more distance, he let his shoulders relax, his perfect posture coming down into a bit of a more relaxed position. A breath he was holding coming out freely now as he carried on his way.
The cold winds of Hell blowing his auburn hair around with every step he took, luckily immune to the cold somewhat but it was still cold, it was Hell after all. The cruel grey sky fitting the theme, he thought it really set the tone for those who came here. Cold, bleak and windy. Forever. Hiccup couldn't remember a single time in his life where it wasn't windy in some form.
Pushing his hair out his face, feeling a nudge on his very being as he did so. "Not now bud, just wait a little longer. Almost there now."
A stronger, playful nudge was the reply.
"Oh, very mature." Was Hiccups dry response, a roll of the eyes too. "The longer you distract me, the longer it'll take for me to get there."
A light and quick nudge was the way it was now.
"Not long now Toothless."
True to his word it didn't take long to reach his destination, only a couple more minutes. The garden of souls, a place where all souls fester and wither unless they gave into Hell's seduction, well until he came along. The foreboding black gate opening at the sight of him, Hiccup waiting for the gate to close to let loose a playful force of nature. He waited even when it did close, his own playful little smile on his face.
Hiccup beginning to count down. "Three, two, one..." Nothing happened at first but then he felt it.
Nudge. Keeping silent, ignoring the nudge entirely. Nudge! Trying his hardest not to laugh now as he was bombarded with an array of nudges, so many it forced him onto his back.
Laughing out loud as he apologised. "Ok! ok, sorry Toothless, I had to do it." Getting back to his feet, trying to reign in his laughter as he stood.
Hiccup closing his eyes, black and blue mist seeping out from his skin. Forming into a large cloud before him, all the mist beginning to take shape. Two large, expressive green eyes locking with his before the rest of the mist became solid.
A soft, genuine smile gracing Hiccups face. "Hey bud." A loving purr coming back at him.
It was less than a couple seconds later that Toothless had fully formed. His large but sleek body immediately pouncing onto Hiccup, bat like wings blocking his escape.
"Now Toothless, let's talk about this." A singular lick was Toothless's response, a lick that held no saliva but pure demonic energy. "No! Toothless you know that there is nothing that can get that out."
It was the shortest war in history, war of green eyes before another lick drowned Hiccup in energy. "Ah! Stop it!" Despite his protests, one could easily see the smile on Hiccups face as Toothless decided to let loose.
It was a good fight but as Toothless gave lick after lick the winner was clear. A very out of breath Hiccup running his hand along a very clearly energetic creature, who was purring in response. Toothless going so far as to roll onto his back, Hiccup shaking his head before scratching the belly of a literal beast. How the living form of lightning and death could be reduced to a puddle of purrs, Hiccup didn't know but he had to thank whatever old being of power created him this way.
It was a good comfy break, the two lying next to each other, the rise and fall of their chests in sync. It was indeed a good break, before Toothless rolled onto his paws, whole body wiggling in excitement as he looked to the sky.
"Don't mind me bud, go have some fun-ah! Toothless!" One last lick before Toothless angled his body to the sky, huge wings spreading wide.
To Hiccup it was always a sight to see Toothless take off, something that not every Devil or Demon have seen but something they all have heard. Lightning beginning to crackle around Toothless, one massive beat of his wings and just like that he was gone. A few seconds later the sound all of Hell knew let loose, the loudest thunder clap ringing out for all to hear.
"Always an amazing sight to witness, right Master Hiccup?"
Hiccup nearly jumping out of his skin, placing a hand over his heart. "Gah! Johann, don't sneak up on me like that! We already have enough souls in this place."
Johann giving a jolly laugh, clapping him on the back. "Sorry Master Hiccup, you're just an easy target these days."
Hiccup dusting himself off, the residue of demonic energy he could nothing about though. "What are we working with today? Any lost souls? Past murderers? Maybe the odd Fallen or Raider?"
Johann quickly scanning a list he held in his grasp. "Just one lost soul for today, right this way if you please."
Hiccup following behind the smaller well-dressed man, taking in the sight of the garden along the way. Withering roses representing those who had wronged a loved one, collapsing sunflowers for those who took the lives of many. The garden held hundreds of thousands different flowers but every now and then one would be a mistake and Hiccup took it upon himself to right this.
"Right here, Master Hiccup." Johann stepping aside to allow Hiccup first.
A beautiful white lily standing out amongst the rest, approaching it slowly. Hiccup dropped to a knee, reaching a hand to gently cup the flower. Hiccup wincing as Holy power burned him, gritting his teeth and reaching out his own power. To many it would seem quiet odd, a Devil kneeling before an unlucky soul with no words being spoken but to those who knew, Hiccup and the flower were engaged in conversation.
It never lasted that long really, who needed convincing to take the option of leaving Hell? Nodding his head, Hiccup brought his hand back, waving Johann closer.
"Yes, Master Hiccup?" Johann ready to write down notes, pen in hand.
"She was a priestess who prayed every night and helped those around her, wanting nothing in return. Make sure she reaches the Between for Angels to find." Hiccup spared one last look at the lily before turning to Johann.
"The Between... and found, ok got it. Thanks for always helping, Master Hiccup. Not many care that souls can sometimes end up in the wrong place." Johann bowing his head a little.
"Don't mention it, Johann. Someone has to do it." Hiccup said, eyes jumping to sky to see if he could spot Toothless.
A sad look coming onto Johann' face. "If only everyone thought like you..." Brightening up considerably when he saw Hiccup looking his way. "Anyway! I was debating on telling you this really because I needed the extra hand today but Gobber would have my head, he told me that he needs you at the manor."
Confusion easily visible on Hiccup's face. "Ok, thanks Johann. Don't know why he didn't just tell me before I left." Lifting his hand to his mouth, a screeching whistle penetrating the air. "I'll pop back in after I sort this out Johann, let me know about the lily when I come back." Toothless suddenly smashing into the floor, thunder quickly following, rubbing his head into Hiccup's hand.
"Will do. Oh! One last thing Master Hiccup, please do pass my wishes onto your father." Johann said.
A small uneasy smile was the best Hiccup could do. "I... ok, next time I see him I'll tell him." One last grateful nod from Johann and he swung onto Toothless's back.
Waving a hand over his back as a goodbye before Toothless took off, in the blink of an eye he was hundreds of feet up. He loved this, just being high at speeds he didn't know. Winding whipping past them, the whole landscape of Hell becoming a blur. The most visible thing being the icy cold water that separated the islands of Hell. Waters that freeze and drag you to the bottom that is. Tapping Toothless on the neck to go slower, Toothless gave a confused warble but complied.
Hiccup taking a second to answer, taking a deep breath of the air. "How about we get there in record time bud?"
A grumble and roll of the eyes were all Toothless had to say back.
"Don't be like tha-are you rolling your eyes at me? You've been around me-too long bud." Carefully standing up on Toothless, Hiccup crouched low. "What do you say?"
Another grumble but this time lightning began to crackle, Toothless readying his wings.
"That's what I like to see bud." The whites of Hiccups eyes bleeding black, filling his body with power at the incoming ride he was about to go on.
It was instant, Toothless easily breaking the sound barrier, lightning making a cone in front of them with Toothless really trying. Hiccups face being pulled back against the wind, hair pushed back, the world nothing but colours.
"Yeah!" Hiccup shouting as loud as he could, not caring that his stance was beginning to falter with every second at this blistering speed.
Not lasting much longer, being blown back with the wind, laughing all the way. Large smile on his face, falling closer every second to the water below. Toothless dive bombing to meet him, his own gummy smile plastered on tight. The two falling in tandem for a little while longer, the whites of his eyes returning to Hiccup, grasping onto Toothless.
"I'll get the hang of it one day." Running a hand through his hair, Toothless evening out as he spoke.
An insulting croon, letting him know what he thought on that idea.
"Yeah? You think so? Just you wait Toothless, I'll figure something out." Toothless sticking his tongue out for Hiccup to see. "Aw! Are you annoyed? Big baby boo!"
Hiccup pulling back just in time to dodge an ear slap. "Ha! Not this time!" Not seeing the other one at all. "Ow, ok. Swinging twice now, are we? Poor sportsmanship Toothless, just plain poor." A throaty laugh escaping Toothless.
A massive building coming into sight as the two teased one another. "Alright, get ready to land bud. Try not to smash into the ground this time."
Toothless gently gliding over and lowering before landing, Hiccup stepping off his back. Toothless nudging him in the arm, wrapping his wings around him.
"Oh, so now you want to go back in? Right when we're about to meet Gobber, you suddenly want to go back?" Toothless ignoring him completely, turning back into and mist, disappearing back into Hiccup. "Some best friend you are."
Looking straight ahead at the manor, Hiccup sighed at the sight of flying denizens perched along the rooftops, the task of cleaning them out would probably be his. Making his way along the path into a small but thick forest, a forest that seemed to change with every step. Hiccup knew everything about his island, he grew up here after all, the forest would never lock him in, instead it would guide him. It wasn't simple actually getting to the manor, what looked like a straight path was actually a hidden maze made for those who were unwelcome. Taking one last step the trees parted, revealing the blood red manor. The two huge doors opening up for him with swiftness like everything else did for him.
The lobby matching the outside in colour with a few decorations and furniture littered around, but it was what was in the seated area for which Hiccup had come here.
"Hiccup! Glad you could make it here so fast. Toothless? I heard thunder." A large, wide man waddling over, iron leg clinking against the floor.
"Yeah, almost managed to stay on this time. What's up Gobber?" Hiccup asked, his eyes doing a quick scan for anyone else around.
"Got a message about twenty minutes ago." Gobber leading Hiccup back to where he was previously seated.
"I was wondering why didn't you tell me this morning but I guess it's new." Hiccup said, watching as Gobber used his comb attachment to comb his long moustache as he shifted through paper work.
"Believe me lad, this is very new. Spitelout sent word that he can't feel Sigfried's power anymore, which mean's one of two things, he's not in Hell anymore or-" A confused Hiccup cutting him off.
"Or he's dead? Gobber, I was with Snot not even an hour ago." Hiccup's mind racing to finish a race that didn't end.
"Now before you go jumping to the worst conclusion, Thuggery and... What's that brat's name again?" Gobber asked, a look of thought on his face.
"He calls himself Dog, but everyone calls him Dogsbreath." Hiccup answered.
Gobber shaking his head in disappointment. "I told stoick multiple times, don't let the new formers name themselves but did he listen to old Gobber? No, of course he wouldn't, now here I am writing down Dogsbreath for a missing devil."
Hiccup shaking his head in amusement. "Enough with my dad's policies, what was your point?"
Gobber scratching his chin, looking down at the information laid out on the table. "Thuggery and... Dogsbreath-" Gobber saying the name as if it hurt him. "-are also missing, so my educated guess is that they found a tear somehow. They either found one or someone opened it form them." Gobber bringing his eyes up, sending Hiccup a questioning gaze.
"You know I wouldn't do that, not after the lecture dad gave me last time." Hiccup said, holding his hands up in innocence.
"Well, it doesn't matter who let them out if someone did. We need to just bring them home before any Angels catch whiff of them." Gobber explained.
"Who are we sending? Alvin?" Hiccup asked.
"Hiccup, there is a reason I asked you here." Gobber giving an expecting look.
Hiccup backing up a little. "Gobber, no. The last time I left Hell dad threw a fit, plus Snot wouldn't listen to me anyway."
Pushing himself to his feet with a groan, Gobber looked up at Hiccup. "Look Hiccup, Sigfried isn't going to listen to anyone we send after him for one reason. He's a contender for the throne, along with you. You say he wouldn't listen to you but actually? You're one of the few who he would probably hear out and if Sigfried comes back so do the other two."
"But... but my dad-"
"Don't worry about your dad, Hiccup. If he says anything to you, I'll talk to him, ok?" Hiccup trying to find a way out of all Gobber's logic, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
"Fine, but is this come back to bite me, where going to have words Gobber." Hiccup lightly threatened.
Gobber brushing that off instantly. "Glad to hear it lad! Since we don't know where he went to, you're going to have to find him the old-fashioned way."
"Great." Hiccup's sarcastic reply falling on deaf ears.
Hiccup holding out his right hand, with a surge of demonic power it became clear why. A beautiful green and black sheathed sword forming in his hand.
"Now remember, be quick, quiet and?" Gobber questioned, trying to see if his old lessons had stuck.
"And double quick, just in case." Hiccup said, Gobber giving a proud nod.
Lifting his left hand to the hilt of his sword, he drew it from the sheath. The blade itself was black as night, looking as if it pulled in the light around it. Lifting it up, he swung it down once, his power filling him. Cutting the air in front of him, waiting as two giant skeletal hands clawed through the cut, tearing it apart.
A tear. Now big enough to walk through, held open by the hands of hell. Hiccup hesitated, Gobber giving him the little push he needed. Stepping through the tear, he just hoped he found Snotlout fast.