Chapter 1: A new start

'Brouf'

"Good job, bud, this is the last hut," said a suave, slightly nasal Viking voice to the creature underneath him while looking around the melting-snow covered village, and he couldn't suppress a smile, watching this place regain its vivid nature. The Viking, who was no other than Hiccup, landed Toothless on the ground, just below the statue of Stoick that was overlooking the Plaza, where the whole village of Berk was gathered.

"Chief, we are done! The village is reconstructed." Said a cheerful voice within the crowd.

'Chief'. This word was heavy on Hiccup's heart. Not only it marked the loss of his father, the previous chief of Berk, it also representants the responsibility that he now endowed: protect this land. 'Chief', that word hasn't meant this much for him until now; whereas before, he was the one who said it. Now, he was the one to receive it. Focused on the battle against Draco and his Alpha, and now on the reparation, he hadn't truly realized that his father was gone forever. Looking at the crowd below him, he started to feel anxious and getting driven away by his thoughts.

"What's going on, why isn't he speaking?" a slow whisper emerged from below.

Throat tight, Hiccup search the crowd for a specific pair of eyes. When his look finally crossed the sapphire like iris of Astrid, she smiled at him and articulated the word "You can do this" silently. Hiccup returned the smile and took a deep breath, before saying.

"We all know that this day will come, that I will be the new chief of Berk. But what I didn't know is that this day will come this" as his voice started to quiver, Hiccups continued painfully "soon". He pauses a second to catch his breath "And I always fear this day, fear of not being able to meet the expectation of my father. How do you become somebody so truthful, so good, so, selfless? I guess that you can only try. Our enemies are only getting stronger. Before, it was only dragons controlled by dragons. Now it is dragons who are controlled by malicious people, weaponizing these magnificent beasts. Who knows what will come at us next time? Before, I think that I could spread the reality all over the archipelago, finally unionizing Vikings and dragons. But I wasn't the peacekeeper I thought I was, because being a peacekeeper meant that there should have been peace at the very beginning. And I didn't realize that. Our way of life is unique, and I all want to say is thank you, for changing yourself, changing the traditions of dragon killing that has been implanted for four hundred years, changing your perspectives on what was considered a deadly enemy for the dream of a scrawny little boy." His words raised a round of applause; the young chief waited for it to calm down before continuing. "However, even if others don't accept this way of life, it doesn't mean that we wouldn't defend it. By accepting dragons on our island and training them, we are becoming a target of greedy people and it's only together, not only we, Berkians, as one, but also as one with the dragon that we will overcome what the future reserves for us. It is never the end, it's just the beginning of a new start, a new era where we, Berkians, would defend what we cherish the most. "

After an over lasting applause and way too many thank you directed at the villagers, Hiccup finally arrived at his new hut. During the reconstruction, whereas many took the opportunity to make some renovations, he didn't change a thing, in fact, busy helping everyone else, Hiccup hadn't given much time to his own house. Looking at the extinguished fireplace, a flow of memory gushed through his brain: from the awkward conversation when he started dragon training to the how-to-be-chief talks at night, passing by the episode of concerting plans together against Viggo's Shellfire. With his dragon-riding achievement, Stoick became his most loyal follower and his safe harbor. Without his mother for twenty years, His father was the one to whom he seeks help and advice. Of course, there was Gobber, but the blacksmith wasn't very diplomatic. And now, all of this, clinging present, gone to memories. But Hiccup can still feel the presence of his father, lurking in the hut. Looking down at his reptile companion, he was received with empathetic emeralds eyes and soft growl.

" I know bud, I'm sure he is happy in Valhalla."

Toothless went up and lit the fireplace with a small blast. Scrutinizing the flames, who were casting a dancing reflection on his face, Hiccup unclasped his armor before removing his tunic, finally released from the pressure that was beholding him for the past three months: in front of the village, beware of his chief duty, he had to hold back the tears to motivate the people. He was the new spirit of Berk, making sure to preserve hope. But now, finally, in the privacy of his hut, he let go of the emotions. His soft sobs resonated quietly in the hut, echoing the voice of his father. "Be strong Hiccup, A chief protects his own", heard the young Viking in loops. Accompanied by the sizzling sound of his tear falling into the fire, Hiccup closed his eyes and wandered slowly in his memories

A few moments later, a gentle knock on the door woke him from the mental maunder. Before he can react and answer the door, it opened, and Hiccup only had time to throw on a spare piece of cloth. Quickly, a blonde silhouette came in and said in a joyful manner

"Your speech was great, I'm sure you'll be a great chief" while hugging him

" Yeah?" answered Hiccup with a point of sadness in his voice

" What? You think that you are never going to surpass your father? "responded Astrid with the same energy, failing to notice the touch of gloom in his voice. "That you cannot fulfill the responsibilities of the chief? Comm 'on Hiccup, you need to trust yourself more; and it is only by trusting yourself that you will accomplish great things. You are the one that united us with the dragons. You are the one that defeated the red death, Vigo, Crogan and his flyers, and Draco, each one of them more dangerous than the previous. You saved Berk more than one time, and it's by trusting yourself that you managed to pull the impossible. "Astrid took his hand and stared at Hiccup's cheek before continuing" Remember Hiccup, no matter what happens to you, I will always believe in you and be by your side. You said it yourself, there will always be a Hiccup and As..."

Hiccup interrupted her brutally, by retrieving hastily his held hands before burying his head in them.

Shocked by his reaction Astrid, choosing her words carefully, pursued softly

"What's wrong?"

"What's the matter with all of you? My father is gone, GONE!" Hiccup almost shouted " And all of you only care about my abilities to lead. You lost a chief, I lost my father, someone, who no matter what, will protect me before I met Toothless." Hiccup gestured angrily at the Night Fury, who returned an interrogative look.

"Before I met him, I was just a wimp kid that can't accomplish anything, and everything I ever did couldn't be possible without him because I wanted to make him proud of me. Proud of his son, and this is what kept me going. Back in the days, back when I was working at the forge with Gober, the twins, Snoutlout and you all treated me like I was a failure because I was a weakling who couldn't kill a dragon. "He paused a bit" You guys ignored me unless is to mock me. Hiccup the Useless, that's what you guys called me. We were barely companions. All I wanted at that time is to prove myself not only to my father but also to you, " He paused "so that you would at least stop looking at me with a pitiful stare." Hiccup pointed violently at Astrid, who, startled, she moved back. Hiccup continued "Do you remember how I won you over, how I convinced you that I am not worthless?"

"By teaching us how to fly dragons, before leading the strike…" replied Astrid.

"No, you were already trusting me at that time" interrupted Hiccup "It was before that: you surprised me in the wood when I was carrying a saddle, I managed to lose you, but, of course, you have your curiosity peaked. Therefore, you figured out where the cove was. Of course, you did" sarcasm hinted through "You're Astrid, fearless, brave, and determine to figure out how can I, a scrawny fishbone like this" He gestured all of himself "can best you in fighting overgrown, fire breathing lizards." The comment about his kin earned Hiccup a warble from Toothless, but the reptile didn't insist, sensing sadness and grief pore through his human brother skin, but violence and anger in his voice. "However, when you saw me holding back Toothless from attacking you, your first reflex was to think that I am crazy and you ran off, ready to tell everyone that I have turned. "He paused, breathed "Typical reaction of a loyal Viking of Berk, I don't blame you. But, it was Toothless' initiative to chase you. And it's only when he heard you apologizing, fearing for your life that he calmed down, before heading up, above the could. That's when you started to trust me,"

The words struck her like lightning because she knew that there were accurate. Even the 'fearing for life' part.

"No Hiccup, I've trusted you before." Replied Astrid hesitantly

"Stop it, Astrid, I know I'm right and you know I'm right"

"But I do care about you" She was starting to lose her words

"The only person that actually cared for me." Regardless of her feeling, Hiccup continued his mindless rant" apart from Gober, is... was… my father. He was harsh with me at that time, but I know now that he pushed me so hard to get a kill was so that I wouldn't get… excluded." Hiccup finished his sentence, tone cracking. After a few seconds to catch his breath, he noticed the expression on Astrid: a mix of surprise and sadness with a bit of guilt sprinkled on her blue eyes. By scrutinizing closely, he saw a transparent pearl at the corner of her eyes. Was she crying? That thought barely crossed his mind that before Astrid quickly rubbed her eyes. Hiccup took a deep breath as he cleared his thoughts, coming to his senses

" I'm sorry Astrid, "He said carefully, while reaching out a hand, hesitating of reaching her shoulder. Too scared, the hand stayed in midair. "I shouldn't talk to you like that, shouldn't blame you. Is just" Hiccup was trying to find an explanation, before realizing that there were none, that he just lost his temper. "I lost control, pardon me, would you?"

" No, it's fine, I'm the one who should apologize, I can't possibly feel what are you feeling. I am going to live you alone, rest Hiccup" She said hesitantly. The boy in front of her has just seen his best friend kill his father, she couldn't conceive how torn she would be if only that happened to her, and it was minus an entire island to protect and care for.

" Astrid, wait, I know that I hurt you when I brought up our childhood, please, I didn't mean it, and... Oh, this necklace looks good on you, where you always wearing it?" Said Hiccup in an attempt of changing the topic as he spotted the round, tan silver circle resting on her chest.

The necklace in question had intricate engravings of dragons and Vikings on it, the one Hiccup gave Astrid as his betrothal gift to her. His words forced her a little smile.

" Think you'll never notice, I see there are improvements," said her.

"See, I changed, just for you" answered Hiccup in a way that he thought it would be romantic "euh, that was awkward" added him when he realized that his response didn't come out as well as he thought: he was wearing an old tunic, one size too small that he kept as his nightwear. Nevertheless, it drew a small chuckle from Astrid, to which he mirrored by a light smile.

"And yes, to answer your question, I wear it almost every day, just the majority of the time under my tunic。alright, I'm going to head back, have some rest babe "At the door, Astrid turned her head back" I just want to say thank you."

"For what? "Hiccup responded but she was already out of sight, question answered by the shutting sound of his door.

Looking at the descending sun casting its last rays, Astrid's face showed a mix of sadness and confusion. Was she the one to blame, only focused on the next-in-line aspect of Stoick's death and not realizing that Hiccup lost more than a chief? Well, she did want Hiccup to trust himself more. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't realize that a tall woman was beside her.

"Astrid," said the tall woman who was no other than Valka "is everything alright?"

"Yeah, don't you worry about me" replied the blonde Viking heavily

"I have just been talking with Hiccup, he told me what he told you. He just can't get his mind together; the past few months had just been too hard for him."

"I know that he didn't mean it, but this isn't what is concerning me"

"Then what it is?" Asked Valka softly

"The fact that he just doesn't trust himself. He thinks that everything he accomplished was because of Toothless."

"You know", sighted Valka "I don't know him as much as you, but from what I see, he thinks that his actions caused the death of his father and not what Stoick did was just like any father would do: protect his son. If you still believe in him, help him realized that he is not alone."

"Well, I do trust him with my life, but sometimes I wish that he just trusted himself more and not take all the blame when something is going wrong." Responded Astrid with worrying in her voice.

After trying to fall asleep and failed many times, Hiccup gave up and went outside after grabbing his weapon. The nights were usually peaceful, but since he was headed for the forest, he couldn't rule out the possibility of wild boars or dragons that have not yet been trained. His metal leg resonated on the wooden tiles, waking up Toothless. Arrived outside, Hiccup looked up into the stars, wondering if his father was doing the same the other way around. Night Fury by his side, Hiccup wandered along the island, finally sitting down on a cliff edge. Toothless yawned before covering his head with his tail, well decided to finish his night. Listening to the waves crashing upon the rocks below, Hiccup enjoyed the peace and quiet, alone, far from everything. Suddenly, Toothless stood up, breaking the harmony with a fierce growl, looking at the horizon.

\/—•—\/

Beyond the eastern horizon, where not even legends mentioned it, lied a strange island. A round elevated plain dominated the center, curiously flat and free from any vegetation, like a mountain that was sliced transversely. The plain was divided into eleven equal portions, ten of them was occupied a stone pillar, located at the edge of the elevated surface. The forest which the plain over hanged expanded to the edge of the island, however, only a sharp eye could spot it was divided into ten sectors, each one corresponding with one pillar. The missing pillar was backed with a summit, whose sharp inclination made it impossible to be climbed on foot. The structures didn't look natural since the lines were too straight, but it also didn't look human either, due to the lack of precision and symmetry. The whole island possessed a mysterious aura like it was hiding a secret that is better to be forgotten.

Halfway up the summit lied an opening facing west, with a stone balcony from which one may overlook the island. The orientation of the cave was such that only a pale crescent of moon can dim into it, revealing two reptiles like shadows. Both were the same size, quadrupedal with a smooth triangle shape as a head. The fluent lines of their body and their large wings retracted against their back coupled with a set of second wings at the connection between the flapped tail and the body made them the perfect flying machine. Their resemblance with Night furies was shocking as their only difference was their scale color: on was in a slightly darker shade of grey than the other, in contrast as the obsidian like scales of the Night Furies.

Without warning, the paler one raised its head and opened his golden eye and let out a growl, waking up the other dragon. Without a word, the darker one walked into the depths of the cave while the first one stretched his wings before landing at the feet of one pillar. Meanwhile, the other one arrived in front of a chair made out of stone where a humanoid outline sat.

The breath of the dragon woke it up, blue eyes blinking a couple of times in front of large amber eyes, before letting a guttural sound. The dragon responded before turning back to the entrance, followed by the woken, bipedal, creature. Arrived at the balcony, a silver ray of moon shined on the latter, revealing it fully. No doubt, it was a human that was covered in the scale of these two grey dragons, wearing it like an armor. Even the tip of each finger was terminated by razor-sharp claw, similar to the one of a Monstrous Nightmare, but shorter and thicker. His face was covered in a mask made out of an unknown rigid material of a slightly darker color, with the jaw chiseled in. Said mask was continued with a hood that disappeared under his shoulder plate.

He mounted the dragon beside him, gliding down silently to the pillar where the first dragon was waiting for them. As soon as they landed, he ripped the pillars with his frontal left claw. As solid as pillars were, resisting Nature for centuries, they were left with a profound claw mark. The human looked around, spotting similar claws mark on the other nine pillars, before saying in a sigh of relief: "finally".

He then turned to the dragons, whose gold and amber eyes both lit up with excitement and let up a short but powerful growl. The two responded with the screeching whistling sound of a charging a plasma blast. As their open mouths lit up in an intensifying shade of purple, so bright that it took over the pale moonlight in enlightening the vicinity of the stone platform. However, as the blast reached its maximum, easily identified by the sound no longer increasing in frequency, something odd happened: the duo of beast expanded their nostril slightly and the sound started again from the lower chords, only this time, the already bright purple mouth cavities started to shade bright blue, conquering the thick vegetations of the island.

Surprisingly, the intense lights didn't startle any other animals, as the bushed stayed perfectly still, not that they were used to it, but making it seemed that there were only three living beings on this land. Finally, when the second charges reached its maximum, they both aimed their head towards the sky, firing probably the most powerful plasma blast ever. When the two blasts collided with enough energy to illuminated the surrounding ocean, making it looked like the sun was early, a purple shockwave like figure then spread evenly in every direction, traveling the sky at a blazing speed. The human then said to the dragons:" Dawn, Dusk, time to make ourselves known to the world, it's been two hundred cycles since the last one was held." before mounting on the Dusk, the darker dragon, and both took off, flying northwest.

\/—•—\/

Back on Berk, Hiccup was perplexed by the behavior of his dragon, looking aggressive, ready to strike. "What wrong, bud? "asked him. The only response he got was Toothless placing its head between his legs before yanking the confused Viking on his back before taking off full speed.

"What is going on" was the only sound Hiccup was able to make before he couldn't hear himself, voice swallowed by the gushing wind. After a short amount of time, Toothless stopped brutally, almost ejecting Hiccup from his saddle.

"What now?" groaned him, back sored from lying too long on Toothless' back. Following the look of the dragon upward, he saw a purple wave extending in every direction, making stars shy on its trail. Turning its head to look behind him, the wave didn't seem to faint, continuing its way into the night sky.