-Chapter: XIV-

-Pathways-

`A fragile mind is easy to shatter. All it takes is a slight nudge, and one lets the already present tension rip it apart into uncountable pieces. Something even more deadly, is when the tension suddenly lifts, causing all the weight and trauma caused to be released in a torrent of mind-shattering prospect. Is the pain a creation of oneself, or is it the manifestation of ones fears? My life has taken a turn down a road I would never image would have existed. Completely new thoughts, wonders, experiences, fears. I am split between two roads. The path of the Viking, and my own. Everyone I know is getting further and further from me, and I getting closer and closer to myself...

Every morning on Berk starts with cold and numb joints, with sore muscles. This morning was different however for one small boy in a chief's house up on a hill. Inside, Hiccup was busy stretching and testing his limbs, letting any ache flow away as a few logs were set into the pit. When he came back, most likely when it was dark, he wouldn't have to fumble in the dark for any wood. He set a few spark rocks on the hearth before darting out the door and into the waking world.

He had barely managed a few winks of restful sleep that night, yet he still felt rejuvenated enough to tackle what ever was thrown at him. The sun was clear of the horizon as he jumped down the rock steps, letting his feet glide over the worn stones with ease. He left the saddle he had crafted in the back room of the work shop. He had to grab it and make his way to Dragon Gorge; he dubbed the gorge that Toothless was in.

While at the shop, Hiccup took to grabbing some basic tools and gear that was loose. It would help to have some tools he could use while working on the saddle and fin with Toothless there. He grabbed the saddle with tools for spare and bounced his way past the hiding alleyways, snagging a basket of cod from his house on the way. His creeping continued until he was safe under the tree canopy. He shot one last look to the village and the faint ring on the cliffs before shifting away.

"I can afford to miss some of training. Not much to learn there anyways..."

Hiccup was eager to see Toothless again, not the Toothless in his dream, the Toothless that didn't bombard him with unanswered questions. He could not fully understand it, but he knew that Toothless was part of his dream. He could see it in his eyes. Every time.

He didn't need his journal and the map he made anymore, but he wouldn't dare leave it at the Village if someone were to find it. He always kept that journal on his person, at all times. It showed the route to 'Dragon Gorge', it contained all his notes and sketches of Toothless. It had all his information; if someone were to find it, the results would be devastating for the both of them. He eyed the sheets of parchment, glossing over the scratched runes and hasty sketches. There was still so much to put in, but now was not the time, he decided as the leathery tome was placed back in his sash.

The forest was remarkably beautiful this morning. The silent tone that came with the lack of any birds singing seemed to emphasize the secluded nature of the area. A subtle chill crept up his spine as a northerly breeze ruffled the skin of his cheeks, nipping at his nose with a slight bite. He could feel the coolness in the air and the pervading chill of the woods. Autumn was fast approaching and with that will quickly come Winter and all its frozen glory. He didn't want to think on how Toothless will cope with winter. He always assumed that dragons either just burned themselves a hot home or they lived in caves. If Toothless was stuck in that gorge, he wouldn't be able to find shelter for the freeze.

Hiccup decided on the spot that Toothless will fly before the first snow fall. The severity of the situation urged Hiccup faster as he moved with greater haste past the familiar logs and stones.

The sun had peaked over the tree tops in the time it took Hiccup to reach the waters of the pond. The steady pace he picked up left him mildly fatigued. He shook of his pack of fish and saddle before collapsing next to the water. He didn't need to look to know that Toothless was trotting next to him, sitting down next to the exhausted boy.

"Just, a moment to catch my breath. Ran a portion of the way here." Hiccup blurted out, in between sharp breaths. Who would have thought carrying a basket full of fish and a saddle would be such a workout. Hiccup laughed a little at the thought. Toothless perked his ears at the boys laugh, possibly wondering what it meant. Hiccup got himself up and undid the horn latch on the basket, spilling out its contents.

While Toothless lunged at the fish with a clear lack of dignity, Hiccup picked himself up and looked over his nights work. 'After the fish, so he knows.' Hiccup thought to himself, if he was going to progress any further, he would need Toothless' cooperation and understanding. He would not strap it on like he did the fin, he would wait and get his attention first.

So Hiccup sat and waited for his enormous friend to finish his enormous breakfast. When said dragon finished with the last of the salmon, he turned with smacking chops and looked over at the boy.

"What? I was just waiting." Hiccup shrugged his shoulders to give notice to the nearby saddle that sat waiting. Toothless sat down on his haunches with an interested eye full. Hiccup took the moment and picked up the item, showing it in all its wonder to his friend. Toothless however, sensed the possibility for a little fun and decided to lunge out of the way, prancing around the boy in a game of tag. If Hiccup was to get the saddle on him, he would have to catch him first.

Hiccup groaned in protest as he shot after the dragon, lifting his saddle above his head in efforts to swing it onto his back. The two of them chased after each other well into the after noon. Toothless on multiple occasions took to diving into the pond and disappearing into the depths, only to reappear with a mighty upheaval of water. After the third time, Hiccup padded away from the water, knowing what he was going to do. So Hiccup sat and waited well away from the pond, waiting and waiting for his friend to jump out and splash...no one.

Hiccup started to get worried. Toothless hadn't popped up from the water yet, and he never was under for this long. He slowly encroached the dark water, peering into the depths. Only when he was just at the waters edge did he go past the line. The moment Hiccup was standing over the water, a great shape exploded out of the darkness, nocking the small boy back with a torrent of water.

Hiccup ended up on his back, drenched from head to toe, starring up at the cloudless sky. His vision was blocked as a grinning face edged into his frame of view. A resounding chuckle emanated from the toothless menace. "Yep, its all fun and games." Hiccup replied flatly, his tone not of amusement. Toothless kept grinning as he hoisted Hiccup onto his feet.

"I should probably do something about this." He looked down at his dark clothes, sticking to his skin with and uncomfortable itch. At the remark, Toothless bounded off to the pile of boulders and disappeared for only a moment, but to reappear with a collection of tree branches and dry logs in his jaws. Hiccup stared dumbfounded as Toothless dropped the pile of dry tinder at his feet, gesturing for the boy to make his little flaming structures.

Hiccup didn't know what to think. So he just did what was needed and made a small pyre that the dragon light with ease. The drying rock was used again as Hiccup sat down next to Toothless. He could remember that this exact position was one he was not alien to.

Hiccup didn't know what to think, less so to make one-sided conversation with his friend. It irked him knowing that he could only speak with him when he slept, and possibly only on special occasions.

Toothless picked up on Hiccups sullen mood, rumbling to get his attention. Hiccup looked up at his friends confused face, wondering what was the matter. Hiccup felt the need to confess his feelings, after all, Toothless was the only being who would ever listen, even if he couldn't talk back. "Look Toothless, I just wish I could have a conversation with you, and not in my dreams. These one-sided talks feel awfully similar to the ones I would have with my dad." Hiccup looked down as he remembered all the times when he would not even be able to speak with his dad, knowing he would not listen, but be forced to head the words the Chief gave. "A nice two-sided conversation would be nice."

`Some things in life tend to surprise you, some things tend to catch you off guard. A lot of those things tend to be blades hurtling towards you. Sometimes though, the things that catch you off guard are nice and welcoming. Toothless is one of those things, he always catches me off guard, and manages to catch me when I fall...

"If you want a two-sided conversation, you need only ask." A strange yet familiar voice sounded beside a most startled Hiccup.

Hiccup jerked around, staring dumbly at the possible source of the voice. "No no! No! That! No!" Hiccup slowly scrambled on his hands and feet a bit away from the suddenly strange dragon beside him, stuttering like a fool,

"No no. This is not a dream! You can't talk! This-This..."

Hiccups voiced failed him as his eyes widened to impossible proportions to the event. Toothless merrily looked at Hiccup to reassure him. When Hiccup gazed into those eyes of his, he felt over come with strange feelings. Feelings of surety, security, serenity. He felt safe around Toothless, and he didn't need to feel frightened at him. 'Frightened? Am I actually frightened of him?' Hiccup thought almost in a voice as Toothless spoke out once more, or so it seemed like he did.

"A dream is understandable, but here, here things are different. I may not be able to speak in tongue like you, but I can still speak with you. You need only ask."

The words came to Hiccup like a whisper and a shout. They didn't echo off the walls or roll over him like a growl or grumble. They simply were there, like they were given to him to hear. He could hear Toothless inside his head. The real seller was that Toothless didn't move his jaw or make any sign of speaking when the words came. Hiccup was dumbstruck. Every single day, Toothless managed to surprise young Hiccup with something that topped the previous. All his worries and fear were washed away as he again felt comforted by the voice. It felt safe, and gentle, no tone present to strike fear into peoples hearts.

"You can speak?" Hiccup asked more out of astonishment really. He was right, dreams were understandable but this was the real world. Things like this didn't happen. They just didn't.

"I have spoken with you before, silly." Those liquid words sounded in his head again.

"That was a dream!" Hiccup slowly stood up, "...have you been able to speak with me since the beginning?" He couldn't help but wonder if Toothless had chosen to remain silent.

"Define beginning."

"Since we first bonded. Here." Toothless looked at the ground for a moment, possibly in thought.

"I can not give a simple answer." Hiccup snorted at the remark. It was easy getting used to the strange method of speech, even though it defied all he ever expected; even now. "Truth be told: I have been able to speak with you for a long time. I have been holding myself, waiting for the right moment." Toothless looked back at Hiccup, "When you said you wanted to speak with me and share a conversation, I felt it would be the right moment. I am sorry, If I have frightened you." Toothless looked down in shame.

Hiccup was nothing short of stunned. For unknown reasons, hearing him speak in his dreams was somewhat acceptable, but here, here it seemed strange. Impossible.

"How?" Hiccup found his voice again, "How are even doing this?" Hiccup sat himself down on a rock, getting more comfortable knowing this was going to be a long day...

The sun was at its highest point in the sky...

Toothless and Hiccup had been going at it for quite some time. Toothless was trying to explain how he was capable of speaking through his mind, and Hiccup was busy trying to comprehend all of it. He laid his head in his hands, furrowing his brow in concentration. Toothless tells that this form of communication is how all of dragon kind communicate. With a throat and mouth incapable of more flexible sounds, they use their mind to connect. It is called 'Mind Tongue'.

"Nothing makes sense anymore." Toothless had taken note that less speaking would be better at the moment. He resorted to his huffing and rumbles as notes of recognition. It didn't feel right, having heard how the boy had wanted him to talk back, but now that he was, he was not so sure anymore. He could although ask him questions and be able to get answers. "My entire view on the world around me, on you-" He gestured to the dragon, "-has changed."

"You just gestured to all of me." Toothless huffed in resignation. The mixture of throaty sounds and words floating in his head made Hiccup shift uneasily. He would have to get used to this.

A though rose up in his throat.

"Since when were dragons capable of this?" Hiccup looked over at his friends glassy eyes.

Toothless shifted himself to lay comfortably next to Hiccup. "Trust in me. Hold still." Hiccup let himself be cleared of his mind as a blank image formed in his thoughts. Toothless began with his ever fluid words. They flowed over his mind like clear water on slate. They presented themselves and then went away as soon as they came.

Hiccups mind slowly started to form pictures of torrential seas and wind torn hills.

"There was a time long ago."

-A mountain came into view, billowing smoke and fire.-

"When mountains trembled under a raging sky."

-Lightning flashed and bellowed across the hazy clouds above.-

"When the world shook under its own rage and destruction."

-The sound of the earth splitting open shook Hiccups ragged breath.-

"There was a time when the world was not so calm and serene."

-A feeling of serenity soothed the shaking his shaking spine as trees covered the rain fall.-

"In this time, dragons ruled the world. Three parts of One."

-A perfect sphere formed in his mind, split into three even portions.-

"The world was split between the skies, the earth, and the seas."

-Slowly, the perfect sphere fell apart at three large cracks.-

"These three parts were ruled by dragons."

-Flocks of dragons formed at the seams of these pieces of the world.-

"The Nîpîy, Asiskîy, Kîsik. Three Keepers of three realms, Water , Earth, Sky."

-Three dragons appeared in Hiccups' vision. They each were different from each other. One was dark blue with green frills running along the spine, webbed paws and dense fins tipped the wing. He assumed that one to be the Water dragon.-

-The next dragon was a light tan with no wings and short but strong looking legs. Overlapping scales covered the entire dragon was much longer in length than either of the other two and had what appeared to be whiskers on its snout. He assumed this to be the Earth dragon.-

-The third dragon, presumably Sky, was shorter in length than Water. This dragon had the largest wings and was of a colour that could only be described as being made of the moon itself. The scales glistened with their own vibrant light that danced across deep blue eye slits. The wings seemed almost cloud like, with bare hints of light peeping through the thin membranes.-

"The time came where the dragons of all sides gathered together to form a bond."

-The three dragons circled one another, each in dance with the next.-

"Slowly, over an uncountable expanse of time, they began to work together."

-The three dragons and their dance slowly harmonized, each move influencing the next.-

"A connection was born among the great three. A connection among Water, Earth, and Air."

-Each dragon created a pale flame that moved to the center of the formation.-

"By combining their strengths, they soothed the raging world that they resided on."

-The swirling mass of fire mixed into the bleeding cracks in the world, sealing them shut.-

"With time, Dragon Kind ruled the world, working over Water, Earth, and Sky."

-The shattered world worked anew, lines criss-crossed a dotted landscape.-

"Through the connection of all, Dragon Kind learned to show themselves with their minds."

-Each dragon in his vision began to move together, forming one solid entity.-

"All of Dragon Kind are One, as a whole we guard the essence of the world."

-Suddenly, a small portion of the great Dragon broke off and fell into an abyss.-

"But all good things must come to an end. The peace did not last long."

-The broken entity started to crumble.-

"Dragon Kind was split, the Powâkan and the Kiskipitam. The Spirit Guardians, and the Those Who Tear."

-Two forms circled around each other. One followed the next. One of Light, One of Dark.-

"As the Three formed One, so do the Two form one. Always will there be one on the other side."

-The twin forms circled each other, slowly covering the expanse of the world.-

"All of Dragon Kind share likeness of spirit. We are all intertwined."

-With that, the vision slowly faded away. The grass became green again and Hiccup came back to his world.-

Hiccups mind was slowly starting to churn over the information given to him. It was like trying to use a bucket to stop a waterfall. He tried to form words, but ended up gargling. Toothless sat back, letting his jaw-dropped friend work over.

After what seemed to be few minutes, Hiccup began to ask for clarification. "So, is that a legend or a myth of some kind?"

"It is an old legend, passed down from passing to passing. It is a tale that tells of the beginnings of each Age."

"Is it true?"

"What is true, is that Dragon Kind have shared in a connection with the world since we first breathed. Some express more so. Legend has it that three great dragons worked together to unite the world of dragons and create a bond. That part can be argued to being true or not."

"So Dragons' have their own myths and legends much like Humans." Hiccup pondered over the shear magnitude that this meant. 'Could dragons and humans be more closely connected than thought?' The idea in itself was unprecedented, yet curious. The question was dangerous, it spelled disaster for the understanding of what is and isn't in the Viking world.

"Yes, now, all Dragon Kind share a connection with the world, but this connection is not limited to only dragons. All forms of existence are tied together."

"So humans and dragons are connected." Hiccups internal thoughts were finally answered, and immediately followed by many more.

"This is a lot to take in." The dragon gave a slight chuckle. Hiccup Hiccup blundered over how he was going to keep his sanity over the winter. At the thought of winter, he immediately perked up. Toothless looked over the sudden movement.

The dragons' flaps perked up in question.

"Toothless." The dragon in question shifted, "I made a promise to myself on my way here."

Hiccup looked over his saddle nearby and then back to his friend. Toothless eyes matched his own movements.

"You are going to fly again before the first snows fall." Hiccup spoke the words with surety. Defined that it will happen. He had brought down this being. The responsibility fell to his shoulders in righting that wrong. Hiccup shifted to look Toothless directly in the eye. Oh those eyes, how they seemed to pierce the flesh on his bones and pick at his very being. How they flashed over memories and feelings that were stuck to itchy skin. Hiccup couldn't keep anything from those prying eyes.

"We can laugh and play till our breathes catch in our throats. We can run and play till our backs crumple under tiredness." Hiccup paused for only a moment, wondering what his reply will be. Toothless had been very strange lately, to say the least. Now it was his turn to sit in the chair of oddities.

"Or we can work together and do something really stupid." Hiccup laughed slightly at the idea in his head. Toothless gave the most honourable reply he could.

He laughed with him.

As you can tell, I will be introducing my own 'Dragon Lore' into the story. I am open for additions from anyone who would like to have a 'verse' or piece of information written down. I am currently (date:10/24/2013) in the works on a document/story that details AS MUCH as one will need or want to know about the new 'lore'. It will be a piece of work primarily to provide a solid foundation for when deeper discussions take place. It's good to have continuity in your story.

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After going over a collection of languages, I have settled on the Plains Cree of Native Americans. I am using it primarily for names and the likes.

Will it have any main reason or being behind it? Probably not, I just wanted something to break up the monotony of the English word.