Me: …yea, sorry for not updating for so long but I have to make sure that I got everything right in the story and history about Scotland. Not only that but I got really sick at the beginning of summer…to those that read the original of this fanfic, I was having trouble with kidney stones and I still am…
I had to stay at the hospital for about a week or two. When I was discharge, the IV had to stay on my arm since the antibiotics were liquid form this time. I wasn't allowed to move my arm much so that the IV wouldn't move but I had several times to return to the ER to have the IV be replace as the old one didn't work anymore or it hurt.
Afterwards, my arms were completely weak that I had to go through therapy to regain my strength once again. It took some time but I'm finally back and ready to continue my stories…sorry for the long wait.
Anyway to those who reviewed: Guest (Ch. 5), Fanfic Hunter (Ch. 1 and Ch.5, 2x), MMM and matmac – thanks for the reviews!
Fanfic Hunter: I hope you did well in your exams and thanks for the support. Sorry for not updating during the summer…I was planning to but unfortunately I got major sick – blast you infection! Hope you enjoy this late update.
Note: Morrison's Academy is a real independent school at Crieff, Perth and Kinross in Central Scotland.
P.S. Only Anna will be using Ciel's original name while of course the others will be calling him Ciel, until Hiccup tells his new friends about his past.
-Three days later, Scotland, Morrison's Academy-
Hannah Wilson clapped her hands to get her students attention. Her gray-blue eyes shine with excitement, "Attention everyone! Before we start our lesson today, let me introduce you to your new classmate. Please come in Mr. Ryder."
Everyone watched when a boy with auburn hair and green eyes came in, nervously. He was wearing the standard school uniform: a white silk shirt, black pants, black shoes and was carrying his bag on his left side.
"Class, this is the adopted son of General Ryder, Ciel," introduce Hannah, happily. "Let's give him a warm welcome and become great friends with him."
"Yes, Miss Wilson!"
"Wonderful!" said Hannah before tapping her chin. "Let's see – ah! Mr. Ryder, why don't you take that empty seat by Miss McClelland? Mind if you raise your hand, Miss McClelland?"
A young girl about Ciel age raised her hand. She had long dark brown hair that was held up in a ponytail and had snow-blue eyes.
Ciel slowly walked over to the young girl before taking his seat.
"Would you mind telling us a little about yourself, Mr. Ryder?" asked Hannah.
The students turned their heads to Ciel.
The auburn teen bite his lip before nodding his head and got up from his seat. "Um…let's see, I…um love to draw new inventions. I like to…um explore, and…I have a dragon partner," replied Ciel.
The students gasp before starting to whisper, happily.
Hannah smiled, "I bet you want to follow your stepfather's footsteps onto becoming a General."
Ciel slightly opened his mouth to protest but quickly closed it and nodded his head.
"Then I wouldn't be afraid in the future," said Hannah. She giggled, "You'll become a great General someday, Mr. Ryder. Who knows maybe you'll become a stronger General."
'Highly doubt it,' thought Ciel but nodded his head, slowly.
"Now, shall we review what we've learned last week?" said Hannah as she grabbed a chalk and started writing something on the blackboard. She looked over at Ciel, "Mr. Ryder, if you think you know the answer, don't hesitate to raise your hand, understood?"
Ciel nodded his head before feeling a slight hit onto his arm. He looked over to see the young dark brunette smiling over to him.
"Hello, my name is Pandora. I hope we can become great friends and if you need any help, you can ask me anything."
"Um…thanks," said Ciel.
After an hour, everyone was either outside talking or playing among other teens. Ciel was standing by a window inside the classroom and was looking around. He had to admit but this is completely different than back home.
At Berk, the children had to learn how to survive throughout the winter days and learn mostly about fighting but here in Scotland, they learn everything that include numbers, nature and culture.
Ciel was so into his thoughts that he jumped a bit when he felt someone grab hold onto his shoulder. He turned around to see a boy with messy black hair and have brown eyes.
"Um…hi?" said Ciel.
"Hey there Ryder, the name's Jack McKnight, nice to meet'cha!"
"Um…the same to you Jack," said Ciel, nervously.
"Ah come now, don't be so nervous," said Jack before grinning. "Hey, did your Father introduce yea to his Elites yet? My Dad is one of them and he's the best."
Ciel shook his head, "No, he has not but I think he did mention that he will introduce me to some people soon."
"Great!" said Jack, happily. He placed his arm around Ciel's shoulder, "I hope we become great mates like my old man and yours! Hey maybe in the future, I will be one of your Elites – that would be bloody wicked!"
"I-I…um guess," said Ciel.
Jack grabbed onto Ciel's arm, "Come let me introduce yea to the others."
Ciel didn't have time to say anything when Jack dragged him outside of the classroom. Jack walked over to a tree not too far from the school entrance to see Pandora with two other teens.
"Hey guys! Look who I have dragged along," said Jack, happily. He placed his onto Ciel's shoulder, "Ciel, the boy on the right is Scot Reid and the girl on the left is Olette Patterson. You already know Pandora McClelland."
"Greetings Ciel," said Scot. He had short dark brown hair and has light blue eyes.
"Hey there Ciel," greeted Olette. She had long wavy red hair and reddish-brown eyes.
"Hello Ciel," said Pandora, happily. "You did pretty well for your first day here. You were able to answer a few questions. I'm impressed."
"So did he just move here or something?" asked Olette.
"In a way, yes," said Jack. "My friends, he is the adopted son to General Ryder."
Scot and Olette had a slight shock on their faces.
"Really?" said Scot before grinning. "Well that would mean we will be seeing you a lot more. Are yea going to become a General like him? Or you have something else in mind?"
"I…I um…not sure yet but I wouldn't mind learning how to fight," replied Ciel.
"Then I wish yea luck if General Ryder trains yea," said Olette. She leans over at his face, "Though I would imagine that General Ryder is a strict parent, is he?"
"What – N-No! He's not strict at all!" said Ciel. He smiles a bit, "H-He's quite funny and kind to me and to my dragon but then again he too has a dragon partner as well."
"Mm never would have imagine General – wait! Dragon?!" said Olette in shock. "You too have a dragon partner as well?!"
Ciel had a confuse look on his face but nodded.
Scot sighed, "You see Ciel all of us minus Pandora here have a dragon partner too."
Ciel widened his eyes, "Y-You – all of you have dragon?!"
"They sure do," said Pandora. "Olette has a Monstrous Nightmare named Firestorm, Scot has a Timberjack named Striker and Jack has a Skrill named Shocker."
"How were you able to train a Timberjack and a Skrill?!" asked Ciel.
"Well Striker sort of found me but tell yea the story later," said Scot.
"The same with me but Shocker is awesome!" said Jack. "So what type of spices is your dragon?"
Ciel bite his lip but just as he was about to reply, there was a loud ringing sound. The auburn teen winced a bit before rubbing his ears.
"Damn, I guess I have to find out later," said Jack. "Come on Ceil and Pandora, or we will be late for Literature."
"See you two later then," said Pandora, softly.
Olette and Scot nodded before walking away from them.
"Where are they going?" asked Ciel as he followed Jack and Pandora to their classroom.
"They are a year older than us so they go to an upper class," replied Pandora. She tapped her chin, "Hey Jack, did Johnny say to you that he will be absent today?"
Jack nodded, "Sure did and ask if I can get these week's assignments for him. I will be going to his place to give him the work. Hey Ciel, want to tag along with me to Johnny's place?"
"Um…s-sure but let me ask my Dad if I can," said Ciel.
"Great," said Jack, happily. "If Scot and Olette can come along as well then maybe we can show you around. Our favorite place is this riverbank that is not too far where you live."
"You…You don't say," murmured Ciel before getting an idea. "I…I can ask my Dad if we can use one of his cottages. Maybe one of them is close by to that riverbank."
"That would be wicked! Thanks a bunch Ciel!" said Jack. "You think you would be able to hang out this time Pandora?"
"…properly not," murmured Pandora before offering a smile. "But let me go and ask my Father if I can hang out with you all."
"Here's for hoping," said Jack as he crossed his fingers.
After school, Ciel carefully made sure no one was looking and ran straight to the castle. King Charles informed the gate guards about Ciel and Toothless visits.
Ciel used the far end of the entrance gate before going over to the garden and spotted Anna sitting by the large fountain and was reading a book. Right by her was Jade and Toothless, sleeping together.
"Hey, Anna!" shouted Ciel.
Anna looked up from the book before seeing Ciel. She smiles, "Hiccup, you came! So tell me, how was your first day of school?"
Ciel walked over to her before taking a seat at the edge of the fountain while Anna sat next to him. He started telling her his day in school and his new classmates.
"Jack McKnight, Scot Reid, Olette Patterson and Pandora McClelland are sons and daughters to some of Victor's Elites," said Anna before smiling. "They are great and you wouldn't have to worry about them making fun of you."
"So you meet them?" asked Ciel.
"I have but only in balls or parties," replied Anna. She smiled, "But I do know their Father's."
"I will be soon meeting them," said Ciel. "I think later today after our lesson or tomorrow."
Anna made a face, "Sometimes I hate taking these language lessons."
Ciel laughed, "I can maybe understand why but Victor explain to me why I had to learn to speak and read different languages."
"Let me guess, in case that our enemies or future allies are from a different country," said Anna as Ciel nodded. The princess sighs, dramatically, "I know, I know but it's still boring."
Ciel nodded.
The two spend another half an hour before heading inside the castle and into the library. For about two hours, Ciel was beginning to slightly understand on how to speak and read Latin while Anna was having trouble with Norwegian.
Soon after, Victor picked up Ciel and Toothless and guided them to Scotland's Training Grounds. The General was going to introduce his adopted son to his Elites.
Storm and Toothless landed nearby the building.
Ciel dismounted from Toothless and looked around the Training Grounds. There was a building and right next it was an arena.
"Right, let's get this introduction done with," said Victor as he guided Ciel inside the building. "Today was a bit of a trying day for me and it's probably the same with ya as well, no?"
Ciel nodded. He was a bit tired but mostly hungry.
"Once I introduce you to my Elites, we'll be heading back home and see what Liza has cooked for us," said Victor. He laughed, "I wouldn't be surprise if she made a feast instead."
Ciel silently hoped that she didn't but then again she did make a big breakfast for him. The auburn teen shook his head before noticing that he was in a room with six men. He slightly tensed up a bit but calmed down when Victor placed his hand onto his shoulder.
"Gentlemen, let me introduce you all to my adopted son, Ciel Hiccup Ryder, my heir," said Victor. "Come forth and introduce yourselves!"
A man with black hair and has blue eyes came forward to them.
He was wearing a black vest with gold trimmings and buttons with a cape behind him. Around waist was a black belt and on his left was a sword, black pants, black hat with silver trimmings on the side and black boots.
He bowed, "It's a pleasure meeting you, my young Lord. I am Elite Irvin McKnight, first in command."
"Um…would Jack be your son?" asked Ciel.
"That is correct, young Lord," replied Irvin before placing his hand over his shoulder. "I vow to protect and train your son to become the greatest swordsmen in Scotland, General Ryder."
"I thank you my friend and your vow means a lot to me and my wife," said Victor.
Irvin bowed once more before stepping back while another man with short black hair and have light blue eyes step forward. He was wearing the same outfit was Irvin but his vest was dark blue with black trimmings and buttons and around his waist was a light brown belt with a sword on his left. His boots were brown and his hat was black with a feather.
"Elite Jackson Reid, young Lord. I'm pleased to see that our General found a son to continue off his legacy. I vow to protect him as well, General Victor."
Jackson bowed before stepping back while another man with red hair and has light brown eyes step forward. The outfit was the same as the other two but his vest was red with gold trimmings and buttons and around his waist was a brown belt with a sword on his left. His boots were brown and his hat was brown with small belt version around it.
"Elite Francis Patterson, my young Lord. I do believe you have met my daughter today as school, correct?"
Ciel nodded but stayed quiet.
"Then I ask you a favor if you would watch over my little girl while I cannot," said Francis, softly. He slightly nodded, "It will be an honor to guard him, General Victor."
"You…worry for her, don't you?" asked Ciel, softly.
Francis nodded, "More than anything in the world, my young Lord. I hope the two of you will become great friends."
He bowed before stepping back while another man with dark brown hair and has gray-blue eyes came forward. Same outfit but his vest was dark rad with black trimmings and buttons, around his waist was a black belt with a sword on his right. He had black leather boots and his hat was black with gold trimmings and a feather on top.
"Elite Alexander McClelland, my young Lord."
Ciel felt a shiver going down his back but tries to stay calm but somehow he felt uneasy around Alexander. 'Something is not right about this guy.'
Meanwhile Alexander was eyeing Ciel strangely before forming a smirk. He looked over at Victor, "I say General, you found yourself a well-mannered young man. Will he be attending this year's Annual Ball?"
Ciel snapped out of his thoughts before giving a confused look on his face.
"Of course Alex," replied Victor. "I will be introducing my son to some Noblemen that I have connected with. I'm looking forward to see your wife and daughter once again."
'So this is Pandora's Father,' thought Ciel. He frowns, 'Why am I getting negative aura around this guy?'
"Indeed," murmured Alex before stepping back with the others.
Victor gave him a look but said nothing when another man with blond hair and have light gray eyes came forward. Same outfit but his vest was white with light blue trimmings and buttons and around his waist was a black belt with a sword on his right. He had black boots.
"Elite Vincent Avalon at your service, young Lord."
Victor shook his head though he had a smile on his face while Ciel was holding onto his laughter after seeing Vincent's greeting.
"Not to worry, young Ciel. You're in good hands with me and the other Elites," said Vincent, happily. He winked, "Also next week, you'll be meeting my son since he went to visit his grandparents."
"Try to act serious, Vince," murmured Victor.
Vincent laughed a bit before bowing and step back while the last man with brown hair and has blue eyes came forward. Same outfit but his vest was dark brown with light brown trimmings and button and around his waist was a black belt with a sword on his left. He had brown boots.
"Elite Cyrus McFarlane, young Lord…Mm? Say General Victor, may I bring my daughter so that young Ciel can meet her? I believe they could be quite a match, what do you say?"
Ciel's face was a slight crimson while Victor sighs. He knew what his friend was trying to do but he wouldn't allow it. Not just yet.
"Now Cyrus, they are just children. Let them have their fun until the time is right for them to start looking for a family of their own," said Victor.
"Ah! But of course," said Cyrus. "But never doubt how love works, my friend but never the less, I too will be honored to guide your son to become the greatest swordsman in all of Scotland."
Victor nodded, "Wonderful! Now – back to training! McKnight, I want you to spare with Avalon! Reid, have you sharpened your reflexes just yet?!"
Ciel slightly jumped from his adopted father's shouts. He tensed up a bit but calmed down when Victor gave him a warming smile.
"Ciel, why don't you go up on the stands? You'll get a better view on their training," said Victor. He was about to walk away before slightly turning his head, "If you get bored, why don't you fly around a bit? This wouldn't take long, promise."
Ciel nodded before walking over at the stands. He watched to see why his adopted father was the best trainer and glad to know that he wouldn't be training until he is fully ready.
'This guy is brutal,' thought Ciel. He stayed for a bit longer before heading out to find Toothless. He saw that his best friend was looking up upon the sky. "Hey there bud, I just met Victor's Elites and they don't look half bad."
Toothless titled his head before rubbing his head onto Ciel's face.
"Easy there," laughed Ciel. He looked up at the sky, "Hey, want to fly for a bit? Victor is going to train a bit with his Elites before we head back home."
Toothless gave a gummy smiled and wailed his tail.
Ciel laughed before mounting on to the Night Fury. The two were enjoying the evening sky since it's been awhile for them not being on the air for quite some time. They were on the air for about fifteen minutes when Toothless stopped in midair.
Ciel leaned down, "What's wrong, bud?"
Toothless scanned around the night sky before giving out a slight growl.
Ciel looked around but couldn't find what is making Toothless acting so strangely. He was about gesture Toothless to land when he spotted another dragon not too far from them.
The purple dragon had large wings, a spiked back and tail and has shark-like gills on his neck. Its head slightly resembles a Thunderdrum and its tail looked like of a Deadly Nadder.
'Is that a Skrill?' thought Ciel before noticing someone was riding on top of the dragon. He widened his eyes, "J-Jack?! Is that you?"
Jack looked down before smiling, "Hey there Ciel! What are you yea – Holy biscuits! Is-Is that a bloody Night Fury?!"
"Um…yea," replied Ciel. "Can we land? I don't want to shout all that much."
Jack nodded before the two of them landed nearby the Training Grounds. The two sat down at the grass.
"So Ceil, where on Merlin's name did you find yourself a Night Fury?" asked Jack. He titled his head, "I thought only the Princess has one."
"Well…um I sort of find him in a forest where… I used to live," explained Ciel, nervously. He wasn't sure if it was smart to tell Jack the full truth on how he met Toothless just yet.
Jack nodded his head, "Well that would explain the makeshift tailfin. What happen to him? Did he crash into a tree or something?"
Ciel bit his lip, "Something like that…"
Jack was about to ask when he spotted his father and Victor heading towards them. He looked over at Ciel to see him dashing over to his adopted father.
"Well best be going home, see you tomorrow Irvin," said Victor. "Let's head home Ciel."
"Sure," said Ciel, softly.
"Wait!" shouted Jack but Ciel was already midair. He watched him leave with the General, 'What are you hiding, Ciel?'
It's been two days since Jack encountered with Ciel and his mysterious Night Fury. Jack noticed that Ciel was trying to avoid him as much possible.
Ciel found the library at school and would use that an excuse to not hang out with him and his friends. Jack had enough and was going to find out what's bothering Ciel so much about his past. He was waiting for Miss Hannah to finish up the lecture. Jack quickly got out of his seat when the bell ring and went over to Ciel's desk.
Ciel was silently talking to Pandora before getting up from his seat.
Jack walked right in front of him, "Ciel, my I have a word with ya?"
Ciel bite his lip, "What is it?"
"I-I – I need help!" said Jack, quickly. He laughed, sheepishly, "You see, I'm having trouble solving a few problems and I was hoping if you can help me."
Ciel blinked his eyes before nodding his head. "Um…sure, I guess I can help you but why me? Why don't you ask Pandora's help or any other of your friends?"
"I…I um…cause Pandora is not good with math and the other two wouldn't be helping me at all," replied Jack, quickly. "I…I thought that maybe we can help each other out with this problems, what do you say?"
"…sure," replied Ciel. "I just need to um…pick up you know who."
"Of course," said Jack before realizing something. "Where is he, anyway? The school has stables for dragons and horses. Why don't you leave him there? I leave Shocker there with Olette and Scot's dragons."
"Well um…you see, if anyone finds out that I have that kind of dragon," replied Ciel, nervously. He rubbed his head, "Not sure how they are going to reaction since only the Princess has one."
"I guess yea have a point there," murmured Jack. He smiled a bit, "I was shocked myself so I get what ya mean. Alright, I'll head over to your place within half an hour, alright?"
Ciel nodded before dashing towards the castle but made sure that Jack was not following him. He looked around before entering the back entrance and headed over to the gardens.
Today he had no language lesson as Anna was scheduled to have an extra hour of politics.
Ciel looked around to find Toothless with Jade once again. He walked over at his best friend, "Ready to go bud?"
Toothless yawned a bit before getting up and gave a silly gummy grin on his face.
Ciel shook his head before mounting on his back. He leans over, "I…You need to stay at the stables today. A fellow classmate is coming over. The one with the Skrill, remember?"
Toothless nodded before taking flight and headed back to their new home.
It took about five minutes where Ciel guided Toothless to the stables. He entered through the kitchen entrance and spotted Liza helping the cook make supper.
"Oh evening Ciel dear," greeted Liza. After giving out one final order, she turned her attention to him, "So how was school?"
"N-Not bad," replied Ciel. He bites his lip, "I…um…there is this classmate that is coming over. We're going to help each other out because there is going to be a quiz on Thursday."
Liza smiled, "Then let me make some snacks for you and your classmate. Who is it?"
"Um…Jack McKnight," replied Ciel.
"Irvin's son, interesting," said Liza before giggling. "Why don't you wait at the living room? I'll ask the cook to make some sweets for the two of you."
Ciel nodded before heading over to the next room. He placed his bag onto the table and took out his assignments. The auburn teen was looking over at the list of homework when he heard a knock.
"Hey there, Ciel," greeted Jack. He smiled, "It's a good thing that my Dad comes over here so I told Shocker to head over at the stables. Hope he and Toothless becomes great friends."
Ciel nodded, "Y-Yea…so shall we start?"
"Oh right," said Jack before taking out his work. He sat across from Ciel and so long the two of them were working on their assignments.
A maid came in with a tray with fruits and small cakes after half an hour.
"You know, you're pretty good with this," said Jack. He took a bit at the cake, "You understand math the same as Johnny does."
"Well you have to do a lot of measurements to crafting a weapon," said Ciel. "If you miscalculate the numbers wrong, the weapon will have the wrong sharpness in the blade or handle."
Jack lifted his eyebrow, "Were you a Blacksmith apprentice before coming here?"
Ciel tensed a bit before nodded, "…I was. Toothless tailfin…I made it."
Jack bit his lip, "Why? Did some sort of Dragon hunter hurt him? Or…a Viking?"
Ciel turned his head before sighing, "I get a feeling that you wouldn't stop until you know…I'll tell yea but first, listen to what I'm going to say then you can decided if you still want to be my friend, understand?"
Jack nodded.
"…I came from the Barbaric Archipelago Island of Berk. My original name was Hiccup Horrendous Haddock, the third and was the son of the Chief, Stoick the Vast…"
-Break Line-
Next Chapter: Jack's reaction to Hiccup's past, Hiccup's new friends takes Hiccup to the Marketplace and Ciel meets Johnny Black