So Much More
By: Selim
Summary: As future king, Toothless was entitled to the wealth, power, and women that came with the job. A chance meeting with a creature from another world teaches him that there's so much more outside his world and only he can protect it. Antro-Toothless x Hiccup
Warnings: AU-AR, Antro-Character, sug. human sacrifice, sug. dragon slavery
Pairing: Toothless x Hiccup
Disclaimer: I do not own How to Train Your Dragon. This is a piece of fiction and the author is not making any money off its creation.
He ended up sending the command unit on the search through a cave he claimed to have been hearing noises during his shift in the morning. With the guard out, he took his leave promising to make another tour again just to make sure they followed his advice. When the men were out of sight, he entered the hut, shaking the creature out of his sound sleep.
"We're going to fly back to my home, stay until I figure out what to do about you." He left the room, spreading his wings. Springing forth, he carried himself above the trees until he realized that the creature hadn't followed him out. Rolling his eyes, he dropped back to the ground, entering the hut.
The thing was squeezing its legs, breathing heavily.
"Come on, before the guard gets back." Toothless tugged the creature's elbow. It didn't move. "Ah-guh!" Toothless threw his head back, squeezing his eyes shut. "Don't you understand me?" He asked.
There was no response to his question.
So obviously, no. It made no sense to him why anyone would want a servant that didn't speak their language. "How useless," he said, grabbing the boy under the arms. Raising the creature into his arms, he considered the height difference. Just a little smaller than a Nadder, the thing's feet dangled against his knees. The creature was tense, fighting and pushing to get away. "Stand still! Stop!" Toothless struggled to keep hold of the creature, spanning his wings out.
His attempt to fly home was difficult, the higher he flew the more sure he was that he'd drop his package but the creature stopped struggling after they left the mountain ranges, becoming almost lax in his arms. A quick glance down reassured him that the creature was still alive. I wonder what he's thinking about? Toothless cocks his head, noticing that the creature is staring with rapt attention at the ground. Hasn't he ever flown before?
The creature wasn't heavy but Toothless was never happier to see the palace in the distance. Slipping past the guards on duty was easy, giving him access to his chambers where he dropped the monster on his bed before going to his closest, shuffling through his things for more comfortable wear than his uniform. A quick glance at the monster he brought with him makes the thoughts stop, however as he realizes the thing is wearing no more than a burlap sack held together with another rope.
"I must have something that'll fit you…" Toothless whispered to himself, going through his armory. He settled on a tunic he'd outgrown, tying a sash tightly around the creatures waist to keep it together. Missing leggings but more appropriate than the material he was daring to call clothes before. "Still dirty but you are now more acceptable." Besides the two ears and fur, one could almost make it that the person belonged there. "An ugly dragon though." He cupped the creature by its extended ears, tugging on the flabby skin. The creature winced instinctively but stayed in his spot, taking the rough touch. "Aren't you going to fight me on that? Insult my mother?" He jumped back, curling his fist.
The thing didn't even move. If anything, his seemed to grow smaller.
A knock from the door stopped him from punching air, taking away his fun. "My Prince?" The tiny Terror peeked in. Rockcounter, the Terror, was his father's most trustful advisor. One day, Toothless knew, the Terror would become his trusty advisor. "Your King father has heard of your return and wishes to speak with you."
"If this is about my mate-ship, I'd rather not." Toothless growled, lowering his shoulders. The creature he brought home flattened against a wall, trying to appear invisible. That was strange considering Terror's were known for their bad eyesight. Rockcounter probably couldn't see this far into the room and the scent of the creature was quickly being covered up by the thick scent that was the prince.
"No, your Lady Mother wishes to speak to you about that after your audience with the King about your recent tour of duty."
Exhaling, Toothless dusted his jacket off. "I'll be right out." When the doors shut, sealing him back in this the monster, Toothless steps away, putting wide berth between the two. "I'll bring you up something to eat." The creature looked away, burrowing into his body to hide.
His father's chambers are grand as ever, with more of a nervous chatter around them of his father's council and his lady mother. Both individuals give him a hard look at Toothless is mindful of his clothes. He washed them in a stream a day ago, so he'd need to send them with a steward to be properly cleaned and pressed. He smirks at his father. "I was on my best behavior." He supplies before the old man can open his mouth.
The king clamps his jaws shut, eyes hardened. "And is there anything ill to report of your tour?"
There's so much to say: the monster currently hiding in his room, the lack of respect to the uniform, the need for newer, fresher guard. He's even tempted to tell his father that the storing of men in those parts are a waste of his inheritance but his mouth doesn't seem to work with his mind. "No, sir."
His parents share concerned looks while the council murmurs to each other. "We were hoping they would have suggesting something illegal."
Toothless frowned. "Like slave trade operations?" He pressed. "Are you concerned that our guards have been less favorable to our rule?"
The look of sickness crosses his mother's face. His father pets her hand, breathing heavily as he does so. "There is more notorious goings in our men than just the slave traders. Those slave traders will always be there, it's a profiteers market in neighboring lands. The only thing within our power is to watch the export and import of these third persons and return the eggs families whenever possible." He breathed. "But no, that is not our problem. It's come to our attention that there have been godly visits there for centuries, ones that have been unreported . The gifts are taken into the custody of soldiers soon to be retired when in reality those are gifts that should belong appropriately to the royal houses."
The little monster in his room popped up, scared of the dark, scared of his own shadow really. "I thought there were just monsters out that way. Like in the story, about the year a monster was found in the caves and the guards were sent that way to protect our land."
"Do you really think that it is feasible for one unknown to be found in those caves but never another? For centuries?" His mother sat up.
"How do we know they're gifts from the gods?" Toothless crossed his arms. "This could be another attempt of yours to find a loop through your own slavery laws. Bring these undiscovered monsters to our villages."
His father's eyes widened but his mother spoke first, "Hush your rotten mouth! Your father is a good man. It is those men that capture the gifts that turn them into slaves. We've already unmasked four surviving gifts, malnourished. The oldest was able to explain the situation to us. Where they're from, it's their lordships favor to keep us happy so they're placed in a cave every ten years, to be given to us. They had thought their gifts had been received but that has not been true."
"Every ten years, another is dropped off for us, to keep our people safe but they haven't been delivered to the rightful recipients. Do you know what danger such a thing could cause to our kingdom if we scorn gods?"
"Not much," Toothless shrugged his shoulders, "Considering we haven't received one since the first and things have been good so far." At least he didn't have any complaints.
"We had half of the western section burn down last year! There was a famine out in the North Kingdom! King Ironlegs in the Southern Kingdom had a drought three years ago. The Mountain Kingdoms have had a low birthing rate for the last ten years! Where are you during your studies?"
Toothless swallowed.
"How about asking where he and his instructor are during his studies?"
Turning, Toothless glared at his younger, shorter, stouter brother. The other Night Fury didn't even favor him with the attention, a smug eye on his parents. A few paces away, his wife stood in her normalcy, still awed by the palace audience chambers while their two daughters bounced nervously on their heels. "No one asked you, Massclaws."
"I want an answer, son." The King growled.
"We," Toothless thought fast, "Haven't discussed that much."
"Hard to discuss anything when he's balls deep in—"
"Massclaws!" His mate hissed from her spot, trying to cover both her daughters' earfolds.
"At least I'm getting some, you celibate waste of—"
"Enough!" The King stood. Toothless and his brother stood straight, returning their attention to the oldest Night Fury in the room. "This is not becoming behavior for any prince! To use such language in front of your mother, mates, and hatchlings, I should have you strung up by your wings before the guard! And Toothless! Those are private lessons to better prepare you to take my throne not an attempt to add another notch to your bedpost!"
Toothless put on his best chastised look.
His father didn't buy it. "I'm putting you in charge of the investigation. I want the rest of the gifts whereabouts found. There should have been another gift the week you were there, I want that gift found before another tragedy occurs in our lands. I want this foolery to cease this instant." He touched his clawed hand with his female mate's meeting her gaze. "I intend to be on my throne for a long time. Your antics will cease long before I give my throne to a hatchling like you."
"Father!" Toothless stepped up.
"I want no more of this, Toothless! If one more transgression comes to my attention that you are not fulfilling your duties as my heir, I will cut you off. I will not be made a mockery! Am I clear?"
"Yes, sir."Toothless bit out, glaring from the corner of his eye at his brother. Massclaws' smile seemed sincere but Toothless could see the wheels turning in that thick head of his brother's. "Permission to be excused to begin my search?"
"I wish to speak with you alone, dear." His mother stood, flattening her skirts around her center. Turning, she pressed a kiss to her mate's forehead before stepping next to her son. "Let us go back to your rooms, we can address the matters of your formal courting there."
He was leaning his mother back to his room when he stopped suddenly, remembering the monster currently residing within the walls. He'd been so caught up with his problems, he'd forgotten that he had found this supposed 'gift' before it could be taken from him. Surely he could restore good faith in himself and his birthright by offering the thing to his father? He had protected it from the actual thieves.
But he didn't think that thing was any gift of the gods. He was sure he'd heard other voices, smelled similar creatures. What kind of god would tie up one of their own and leave it in a damp cave? At the same time, why hadn't they checked in on their so called gifts before?
There was definitely a mystery in all this.
"Let's speak in the gardens instead, Mother." Toothless wrapped his hand around his mother's elbow. "It's a nice day."
He led his mother out to the gardens, settling on a stone bench that overlooked the mass expanse of his property. "I remember being younger out here, being chased by you or father if he had time."
"You were such a child back then. So innocent. Where did your father and I go wrong?"
"You didn't." Toothless sighed. "Mother, there's nothing wrong. I'm just testing the waters of my future mates. If we don't connect on a sexual level, how are we supposed to be happy? I don't want a marriage like Massclaws."
"He and Maybar are very happy." The Queen shook her head. "Don't make excuses. After you've exhausted your options of women in this region, are you going to mess relations with our neighboring countries?"
"Of course not, Mother."
"Then find a mate and settle!" The woman held onto his face, fingers brushing over his high cheekbones. "Stop breaking honest girls."
Taking a deep breath, Toothless nodded. "Of course, Mother."
"Thank you, son." She kissed his temple. "You're such a good boy."
Wrapping his arms around his mother's middle, Toothless nodded against her horns. "You know your happiness means everything to me." I can give up the girls but you said nothing about the boys. He grinned up towards the gardener making his rounds. "Anyway, I'm going to get a bite to eat, perhaps a bath before I start my new investigation."
His mother nodded, patting his hand. "Don't be a stranger, son." She released her hold on him. Standing up, Toothless brushed from his formal coat, purposely brushing against the gardener with a suggestive lure as he made his way towards the kitchens to grab a plate for himself and the monster in his room.
What did monsters eat anyway? He gazed at the newly caught fish being hung along the walls. The Nadder he'd spent the evening with the week before smiled towards him, arms extended to put the fish out. "My prince…" She rolled her long tail to the side, turning the spikes away from him. Glancing around the room, Toothless noted the lack of attention towards that far wall before stepping behind her, wrapping his arms around her middle.
"Everything here looks so delicious…" He breathed her highest horn, where the gland of pheromone was located.
"Tonight, my prince?" She rolled her wings into his chest.
He groaned. There was nothing he wanted more than to take her to the back pantry, to have the company of another for the first time in a week. Stopping him was the conversation with his mother and father. He'd promised to watch himself with the ladies, to ensure he wasn't leaving chance eggs around. Besides, as hot as she was, he didn't usually bed the same person twice. She hadn't even been that good in bed.
"Maybe another time." He flashed his teeth to her, a suggestion of a very good time. She made a deep noise of delight, slipping from under his arms. "Don't stop being beautiful." He winked, grabbing a line of fish from the wall.
"Of course, Prince Toothless." The girl giggled behind her hand.
With a tune on his tongue, he made his way back down the hall, narrowly dodging his nieces as he passed the hall leading to his chambers. Inside his room, the monster was rolled out on his bed, staring blankly out the open balcony doors with a lost, contemplative look. Dropping the fish on the table, Toothless dropped his coat over one of his spar chairs while digging in his armory. "Dinner." He murmured absently.
The creature didn't move from his spot, eyes watching Toothless.
"You have to eat eventually." Toothless grabbed the thing by its underarms, setting him in an open chair. "Eat." He pulled one of the fish over from its rope.
The child swallowed, reeling back.
Tapping the meal with his claws, Toothless growled. "Eat." He brought his hands up, pretending to eat then pointed at the creature, then the fish. "You, eat."
The creature looked green, not even making an attempt. A low gurgle filled the room, however, gaining both inhabitants attention. Pink, fleshy cheeks tinged a dark red. Going back to his armory, Toothless pulled out comfortable trousers and a house tunic before hiding behind his dress curtain.
Dressed, he stepped out, finding the creature still looking nervously at the food. There was definite hunter in his eyes. "It's not poisoned. That's some of the finest trout this castle has!" He grabbed one of the fish, taking a big bite from it. The inner fires in his gut cooked it nicely. He swallowed the last portion. He continued onto three other trout, while his creature-guest still stared at his portion.
"Why won't you eat?" Toothless sniffed the fish. It smelt fine but maybe there was a bacteria in it that only the creature could smell? "Just cook it then before eating it. It'll kill whatever's on it." He breathed fire along the outer skin, cooking it thoroughly. "There, it should be healthy now." Pushing the plate back over, he settled along his seat.
To his surprise, the creature finally began eating, a small smile on his face as his flat claws shredded the meal into portions, checking the inside meat. The head of the animal was pushed to the side, along with the fin, ignored while the monster focused on the inner meat, eating around unevenly cooked parts.
How interesting! He'd never seen a creature concerned about the condition of their meal! "Does raw food make you sick?" He put his chin on his hands, watching the monster clean up the remains of the fish, piling the meat on his plate. "What's your name?" He tried, leaning in.
The creature pushed back, looking away.
Exhaling, Toothless leaned in again. "Toothless." He pointed to himself. The creature glanced at him, one eye bigger than the other. It made the Night Fury smile. Such interesting expressions this creature had! No wonder those guards had wanted one. He was tempted to keep this one just for the entertainment value. "Toothless." He tried again, annunciating the sounds.
"Two-less." The creature pointed at the prince.
Unable to hide his excitement, Toothless clapped his hands. "Great job! Toothless! My name is Toothless!" He laid his hand over his chest.
"Toothless." The creature tried again. The same look from before crossed his face. A small pink tongue stuck out between flat teeth. "Hiccup." He touched his own chest. "My name is Hiccup."
"Hiccup." Toothless breathed.
The creature smiled, putting both hands on the table. His mouth moved fast, talking in his odd language as if solving the question of names fixed the barrier between the two. Hands folded, Toothless nodded his head, just pretending to know what Hiccup was rambling about because it certainly beat the monster cowering in his corner.
In the end, he forgot all about the gardener or his bath. All he could think about was where this strange creature had come from because there was no way gods could have put someone so non-threatening in such a dangerous situation.
And he would get to the bottom of this.