AN: Thank you so much for the nice reviews! You really motivate me to keep going!
Chapter Nine: Preparations
"You will obviously have to visit the other six big nations. They are all very different and you will have to be careful how you present the situation to them. Most of them don't know about any of this war-business with Darkness. They are too occupied fighting their own battles."
Loki pointed at six different areas on a map he had bought Hiccup.
"With Toothless, you shouldn't have any problems traveling. It the rest you should be worried about. Pirates, Cannibals, bandits, the weather, you know…?"
.
A bite more than a month had passed since Hiccup had decided to go on the quest to fight the darkness that was about to consume the nine worlds and would destroy all life.
He would prevent that from happening by uniting seven nations that had been at war with each other since pretty much the beginning of recorded time.
He had to travel the whole world and visit countries, so foreign and different that he got a queasy feeling in his guts just thinking about them.
He would have to talk to the people in these lands and convince them to unite with the other nations to prevent the ultimate destruction of the universe, even though most of the nations couldn't stand each other.
No stress at all.
As impossible their plan was, Hiccup couldn't doubt it. He could doubt the practical side, yes but not the theory behind it.
Since he had accepted that this was his fate, as everybody had one, he had be calmer about it, thinking for hours how to do it.
Loki had visited him every day. Partly because he wanted to help Hiccup, partly because he had to treat his leg.
The leg.
The leg was a problem.
Well, actually it wasn't.
A week ago, Loki had presented Hiccup a gift of his fellow gods as a sign of their gratitude that he was willing to help and fight by their side.
It was a prosthetic, made by the gods. It came together with a new saddle for Toothless.
It all fitted perfectly but still Hiccup refused to wear it longer than necessary.
The pain was nearly gone and the stump had healed incredible well, thanks to some magic. But it still hurt Hiccup mentally.
And he still couldn't stand the look.
Since he'd been living in the cave for quite a while now, Loki had bought him some things. He now had a bed, a table with two chairs and a stone-ringed fire pit, cloth to change and fresh water to wash.
Loki bought them food and maps and even weapons, though Hiccup hadn't touched them. He would prefer not to use them.
.
"Sure." he sighed and glanced at the saddle.
He really wanted to fly again. He needed to fly again and Toothless even more.
But Hiccup couldn't convince himself to do so.
Toothless was a saint in that aspect, really.
He kept quiet even though he wanted so badly to fly.
Hiccup was grateful and at the same time he hated himself for being so selfish.
He tried to ignore Lokis worried glances and concentrated on the map again.
"Where should I start?"
Loki tipped on a wide land in the far south.
"Here in Derandolia. (AN: I just make up some countries. I don't go by the actual world we are living in.)It's actually a peaceful nation. As long as they are not at war. They're very diplomatic and reasonable and will probably listen to what you say. If they believe you is a different question but they are the most civil nation if you ask me."
Hiccup nodded. "What's the best way to get there?"
Lokis finger wandered over the ocean that divided the Archipelago from the great mountains of Durgonheim that rose like a barrier in front of the southern sea where most of the other nations were located.
"The northern sea won't be a problem. There are enough uninhabited islands along the way where you can stop. But when you cross Durgonheim, stay near the waters. Rivers and lakes and alike. The people there don't trust water. That's why you won't find any towns and villages at the coasts. They live from the rainwater that comes down the mountains. So stay clear of the mountains because that's where you find them.
When you crossed Durgonheim, you will travel over pirate-waters. Stay away from ships with no trader flag. Otherwise you should be fine."
"And what about Toothless?"
"What's the matter with Toothless?"
"He's a dragon."
"Yes. And?"
"Won't the people panic on sight?"
"Why should they?"
"Besides the fact that he can breathe fire, can fly and has very sharp teeth and claws?"
"Hiccup. There are more dragons in the world then in the Archipelago. They know dragons in the other nations."
"Yeah, you mentioned that before. What I mean is: Won't they attack on sight or put me in jail for being a traitor for befriending a dragon?"
Loki seemed to understand what he wanted to say.
"Oh no, Hiccup! Not every nation follows the same rules as your people."
Hiccup looked at him with big eyes.
"Do you mean…do you want to say that there are other people like…me and Toothless? Dragon riders?"
Loki nodded. "I can't believe I forgot to tell you about that part! Yes, there are dragon riders. In fact quite a few in Derandolia actually. But there are also some nations that avoid dragons or fight them like your people do. There are those who found out about their good nature and befriended them, that is true. In Durgonheim they are a constant part of the people's lives. That's why you should go their first too. They probably understand you."
Hiccup sat back.
Other dragon riders. He'd always thought he was the only one.
"People like me." He whispered and looked at Toothless. "And other dragons."
Loki nodded. "I once told you before Hiccup. What's connecting the world, are the dragons. They are part of our past, our present and our future and part of the reason why you live so divided."
"How come?" Hiccup ask surprised and slightly worried.
"Dragons are old creatures. They fought at our side the first time Darkness invaded our world. Humans and gods rode them into battle. Dragons are creatures of light. They are fierce and strong, intelligent but gentle too. They bring light into the world and are humankinds protectors. You see, humans and dragons are connected. Your bond with Toothless is proof enough. But over the eons this connection was lost. But dragons were always there. And they will be long after."
Something in Loki's voice made Hiccup look up.
"Are you alright?" He asked. Loki looked back at him and forced a smile on his face.
"Sure."
Somehow Hiccup had se feeling that Loki wasn't telling him everything….
The god again was looking at the ground.
Hiccup walked slowly over to Toothless and scratched him behind his ears.
"The dragons are part of this world as you and I are. And like last time they gonna carry us into battle against our dark enemy." Loki continued.
He looked at Hiccup pointedly.
"First we have to get that far." Hiccup mumbled.
"Yes. And the only way you're getting that far is by flying. Now lift your sorry butt and mount Toothless so we can see if that thing is working." The god pointed at the new saddle construction.
Hiccup hesitated.
"Maybe…maybe later."
Since he'd gotten the saddle, Loki insisted every day that he would start flying again.
It was stupid but Hiccups last fly had cost him his leg.
He…he was afraid.
Loki sighed. "It's late. I'm gonna go. See you tomorrow."
"Yes. And thanks." Loki stopped in the cave entrance. He turned back to him and smiled. "It's okay brother." And gone he was.
Hiccup leaned back. Automatic his thoughts drifted away and his gaze fell on the map. The small island of Berk seemed to glow on the paper.
Since he'd woken up, he hadn't thought much about his former home. But now…what was happening there?