Chapter Two: Learning How to Raise a Human Infant

1.) Sleepless Night

The sounds of Hiccup's crying carried throughout Cloudjumper's cave, and the Stormcutter had no idea what to do to make it stop. Though Hiccup's insistent crying wasn't his only problem. Toothless had hatched not to long ago, and was immediately taken with Hiccup. Already acting the part of a protective brother. Which meant that a crying Hiccup caused Toothless to grow agitated, and it made him whimper loudly. The only thing that was on Cloudjumper's side right now was the fact that his cave was rather far from anyone else's.

Cloudjumper went over to Hiccup, and gently nuzzled him. He gently rocked the young boy in his make shift cradle. That Cloudjumper had made out of leaves and vines. "Shh, go to sleep little one. I will be here to protect you," Cloudjumper said softly with a small croon. Hiccup seemed to stare at the large Stormcutter for a moment. Before he started to gurgle and reach his hands out towards him. Cloudjumper continued to rock the makeshift cradle until Hiccup started to drift off. The small boy made a soft sighing noise before finally falling asleep.

Cloudjumper watched in what could only be seen as fatherly love. He watched as Toothless started to slowly walk towards them both. Before hopping into the cradle, and before Cloudjumper could scold him. Hiccup snuggled up to Toothless and Toothless wrapped himself around Hiccup. The two seemed content with being near one another, and Cloudjumper wasn't going to contradict that. So with a soft sigh Cloudjumper laid down to sleep. He just hoped there wouldn't be any big problems with taking care of Hiccup.

Oh how wrong he was.

2.) Finding Something To Eat

Cloudjumper regurgitated the fish he had caught that morning in front of his sons, and sat back to watch them eat. He watched as Toothless didn't seem to have a problem with the slimy food, but Hiccup seemed to just be looking at it. The poor boy seemed to be more confused than anything.

"You eat it Hiccup. It's squishy because you have no teeth," Cloudjumper said softly while pushing some of the salmon towards Hiccup, but Hiccup turned his head away. Which caused Cloudjumper to frown in confusion. "Come on Hiccup you need to eat something." Cloudjumper once again urged his son, but Hiccup didn't budge. Cloudjumper sat back on his hind leg in confusion. A Deadly Nadder flying nearby saw the scene and decided to help. With ease she landed nearby the Stormcutter.

"I've heard that human children as old as this one only drink milk," The Nadder said softly, and Cloudjumper turned to look at her. He wasn't even going to ask how she knew that.

"Do you know where I can find some?" Cloudjumper asked.

"Yes, and by the way I am Paradise," The Nadder, Paradise, introduced and Cloudjumper smiled slightly.

"Cloudjumper," He responded and Paradise nodded her head, and then gestured for him to follow. Cloudjumper gently picked up Hiccup and allowed Toothless to get on his neck before following. He just hoped he was doing the right thing.

oOo

Cloudjumper swept through the sky towards a small village that was a ways away from Dragon Mountain. Toothless sat on his neck with his mouth wide open, and tongue sticking out. Cloudjumper was reminded of dog when thinking of him, and he couldn't help but chuckle at the thought. While Hiccup was nestled safely between Toothless and Cloudjumper. The young boy seemed to enjoy the wind on his face. Which Cloudjumper was glad for. Paradise seemed to find the odd family amusing as she led them towards the farm, but she didn't comment on it.

Cloudjumper had never really seen a Viking Farm before, and had never really cared to observe one before, but he was glad his newfound friend had. He swooped slowly when he first caught sight of the farm, and Paradise was beside him in an instant.

"There's a healthy looking goat right there," She said gesturing with her snout to the field. With said animal grazing calmly. "Now we only have to bring it back to Dragon Mountain, and then we're in the clear, but watch out for the Vikings." She continued, and Cloudjumper nodded in understanding. With natural stealth the two dragon's flew down to the clearing. It had been a mutual agreement that Cloudjumper would be watch. While Paradise would go and get the goat.

Cloudjumper watched as Paradise swooped down into the clearing, and quickly snatched up the goat. Who kept chewing on the grass in its mouth. Cloudjumper saw that Toothless was staring at his surrounding with amazement, but before the little Dragon could hop off him. Cloudjumper shot back into the air with Paradise close by.

"You are very stealthy," Cloudjumper commented, and Paradise seemed to take the praise wholeheartedly.

"Thank you Cloudjumper, I appreciate the compliment," Paradise responded, and Cloudjumper nodded before turning his attention back to the flight at hand.

oOo

The goat seemed completely fine with being so close to fire breathing creatures. Which was a little amusing to Cloudjumper. He watched as Hiccup was lifted up by Toothless. Who had grown substantially in a short amount of time. Cloudjumper watched as Hiccup drank from the goat. Paradise was watching nearby with a softness in her eyes. When a thought struck Cloudjumper that made him confused.

"Don't you have a mate Paradise?" He asked with confusion laced in his voice.

"No, I don't," She responded softly while looking at the ground. Seemingly sensing his confused gaze she elaborated. "I'm sort of the social outcast among my species. Don't ask me why because I couldn't tell you, but I am. Which makes males not look at me as being a prospect for a potential mate."

"I'm sorry Paradise. No one should have to go through that," Cloudjumper said sincerely, and Paradise simply nodded. Before a thought so absurd struck Cloudjumper, and with a nervous air he offered his proposition. "Why don't you become a part of our weird family."

Immediately Paradise turned to stare at him, and Cloudjumper realized how absurd his offer must have actually been, but before he could react Paradise was nuzzling him. Before pulling back and staring at him with bright eyes.

"Thank you so much. I would be honored to join," She said excitedly and Cloudjumper could only watch as she went to help Hiccup dismount from Toothless. He knew in that moment he had just found a life long friend in the most peculiar place, and he had never before felt more grateful.

3.) The Changing

A horrid smell spread throughout the cave and Cloudjumper along with the other two dragons wrinkled their noses in disgust. None of them could figure out where the smell was coming from. Or why Hiccup wouldn't stop crying. Cloudjumper went over to the infant and was immediately assaulted by the smell. His nose wrinkled once again, but he would brave through it if it meant Hiccup would be fine. He looked Hiccup over and saw that his diaper was full. (Paradise had been training him on human terms).

He immediately knew what that meant. Hiccup needed to be changed, but Cloudjumper had no idea how to do it. Sure he could get rid of the diaper, but then Hiccup would be left naked in the frigid air. Which was something he wasn't going to allow. He glanced at Paradise for help, but she seemed just as confused. Apparently he was on his own with this one. He quickly tried to think of a solution, and immediately remembered that there was pool that had a flowing current. Gently Cloudjumper scooped Hiccup up being mindful of the diaper as he took off. With a befuddled Paradise holding Toothless flowing close behind.

Cloudjumper flew through the sanctuary to an empty tunnel, and immediately he glided down to the pools edge. The pool itself was made from a crack in the ice, but it was completely safe. Although Cloudjumper knew he couldn't keep Hiccup in the water for long. Even if he was going to heat it up with his fire.

He could feel Paradise stare on him, but he ignored it for the time being. Quickly Cloudjumper discarded Hiccup's diaper and his nose immediately wrinkled in disgust before he turned his head, and heated up the water. Once he made sure the temperature was alright. He gently picked Hiccup up, and put his lower half in the circulating water. He watched as Toothless ran around Paradise and towards them. He sniffed the water and immediately swatted at it playfully, and Cloudjumper couldn't help but chuckle. Once he was sure Hiccup was clean Cloudjumper lifted him from the water, and wrapped Hiccup immediately in his lower wings. He turned towards Paradise, and saw that she had a compassionate look in her eyes.

"Paradise, I need you to go find something that can be used as a make shift diaper for Hiccup," Cloudjumper said staring at his closest friend, and immediately the Nadder nodded her head before taking off. Which left Cloudjumper alone with Hiccup and Toothless. Although the Night Fury seemed to be more interested in his reflection than his surroundings. Cloudjumper turned his head towards Hiccup, and saw that the child was snuggling into his chest. Which caused Cloudjumper's heart to burst with joy. Hiccup was starting to see him as a parent, and Cloudjumper was beyond glad at the thought.

He turned his head when he heard someone land beside him, and saw Paradise holding a couple leaves in her mouth. She gently put them down, and Cloudjumper nodded his head in appreciation.

"Thank you Paradise," He said sincerely.

"My pleasure," She responded in kind. Cloudjumper turned his attention back to Hiccup, and immediately set to work on making him a diaper. Once he was done Hiccup seemed to be slightly uncomfortable, but hopefully in time he would get used to it. He gently put Hiccup on Paradise's back. Before turning his attention to the sullied diaper. His nose wrinkled in disgust.

"Now time for the unpleasant part," Cloudjumper muttered while pick up the diaper with his back foot, and as he took off he was followed by the laughter of Paradise and the giggling of Hiccup. He had never felt more complete.

4.) First Cold

Cloudjumper watched worried as Hiccup sniffles. The poor infant had caught the common cold. Which wasn't that surprising because they had been living in the Arctic environment for almost 2 months. In all honesty Cloudjumper was shocked Hiccup hadn't gotten sick sooner. Even though he was glad Hiccup seemed to have a strong immune system. Unfortunately however Toothless seemed to have gotten ill as well, and Paradise had left a week before for a secret errand. Which Cloudjumper couldn't even fathom what it could be. Which meant that he all alone.

Cloudjumper turned his attention to opening of his cave, and saw another male Stormcutter standing there. Cloudjumper couldn't help but frown in confusion, and the male seemed to understand what it meant, because he hurriedly explained why he was there.

"I'm sorry for intruding, but I heard that your Hatchling's were sick, and I thought you could take them to Gra'zurk," The male explained and Cloudjumper tilted his head to the side.

"Who's Gra'zurk?" Cloudjumper asked.

"Gra'zurk is our healer. He lives in a cave in the tunnel just south of the Alpha," The male said and Cloudjumper nodded his head in understanding. He turned to look at his son's, and saw that Hiccup was red and shivering. While Toothless was a dark grey instead of his normal midnight black. Cloudjumper looked back up to ask who the male was, but saw that he was gone.

Cloudjumper turned his gaze back to his children, and knew that the mysterious male was right in telling him. Although he couldn't believe that Dragon Mountain had a healer and he hadn't known about it. Quickly scooping up his two children he took off. As he flew through the main chamber Cloudjumper tried to remember what the male had said. He flew above his Alpha and immediately looked south, and there it was. A medium sized tunnel heading to Gra'zurk. Cloudjumper immediately turned and swooped down towards the tunnel.

Though because of his size he had to walk the rest of the way once entering the tunnel. He easily put Hiccup and Toothless onto his back before going further. Cloudjumper was hoping that the male hadn't been lying to him, but he was holding onto the hope that he hadn't. As Cloudjumper went further and further into the tunnel. He could feel his son's shivering, and immediately Cloudjumper wanted to head back, but he knew that he couldn't. Partly because it would have been a wasted trip if he didn't see it through to the end. He also knew it would take longer for him to backtrack, because he couldn't turn around in the small tunnel. So onward he went.

About halfway through Cloudjumper could smell the familiar scents of medicinal herbs. Another couple of turns brought Cloudjumper into a rather large cavern. He observed all the hanging plants from the ceiling, and all the makeshift tools laying on an ice block. Cloudjumper turned his head towards the center of the cavern, and he saw Gra'zurk for the first time, and he couldn't help but thank Vrtra, because Gra'zurk was a Prickleboggle. One of the most renowned healing dragons in the known Archipelago.

Gra'zurk turned his gaze towards him, and Cloudjumper immediately moved further into the cavern. When he was relatively close to Gra'zurk the Prickleboggle finally spoke.

"What is the issue?" He asked kindly, and Cloudjumper relaxed at the tone. He turned his head and gently grabbed Hiccup and Toothless being mindful of his teeth. Cloudjumper gently put them on the ground, and the two immediately went into each other seeking warmth.

"My children are sick, and I don't know how to make them better. I was told you could help," Cloudjumper said hopefully.

"Of course I can. Now from what I can see all they have is a pretty bad case of the common cold. It might have already advanced into the earlier stages of the Avian Flu, but I know just the thing to help them," Gra'zurk said in his calm and kind voice. Which caused Cloudjumper to lose some of the tension in his body. "Just sit back and wait while I get the needed ingredients."

Cloudjumper simply nodded, and turned his gaze to Hiccup and Toothless. The two seemed to be finding some comfort in one another, but Cloudjumper could tell that they were cold, and hopefully Gra'zurk could break their fevers. He looked up when the sound of clanking was in front of him. He watched curiously as Gra'zurk crushed herbs into two separate bowls. Before adding his own plasma to the bowls. Cloudjumper looked at the now drinkable ingredients, and glanced at Gra'zurk with a questioning stare.

"I put echinacea, and wormwood root each into the two bowls. Before I added my plasma. Which should quicken the healing process quite a bit," Gra'zurk explained and Cloudjumper nodded in understanding. Cloudjumper watched as Gra'zurk carefully picked up one of the bowls, and fed it to Hiccup. The little infant seemed to not like it at first, but seemed to know that he had to drink it. Once he was finished, Gra'zurk proceeded onto Toothless.

Once he was done Cloudjumper couldn't believe how much better the two already looked. He looked up and met Gra'zurk's kind gaze. "Thank you so much Gra'zurk," Cloudjumper said but Gra'zurk shook his head.

"You don't need to thank me my friend. I am only doing my job," He said and Cloudjumper dipped his head in understanding. Cloudjumper then once again grabbed Hiccup and Toothless gently, and put them back on his neck. He turned his gaze back to Gra'zurk, but saw that the Prickleboggle was gone, and Cloudjumper simply turned around and left the cavern.

Knowing that he would always be thankful to Gra'zurk. As well as knowing that no matter how hard it got. Or how difficult it was to raise a Human child. He would never give up on Hiccup, because the young boy was his son in all but blood, and Cloudjumper could never imagine giving that up.

I hope you guys liked the chapter. I decided to instead of making it a multi chapter update about Cloudjumper getting through the trial and tribulations of figuring out how exactly to take care of a Human baby. That instead it be one chapter, and it be one event after another. Though the next chapter will have a one year old Hiccup, and it will involve him figuring out he was different from his family. (Obviously).

Also, for the questions revolving around Paradise. No, she is not going to be Cloudjumper's mate. She will be like a mother figure to Hiccup and Toothless because I feel like they should have one, and I never said Cloudjumper had to raise Hiccup and Toothless alone. Just that he couldn't find a mate until they are both mature. (Which means until Hiccup is at the most 21).

I also want to state that should anyone wish to help me create a name for The Bewilderbeast they can, because in chapters to come Hiccup will call him by his name.

Sorry for all the misspelled/missing words.