Chapter 67

Hiccups POV:

I was now sitting in the throne room that was now full of people sitting at tables and enjoying the food after celebrating the end to first day of the highland games. Sadly, they were also celebrating the new records that I had set and this garnered me a lot of attention from a lot of people. Some people wanted me to fill them in on my exercise methods that allowed me the strength to set such high new records while others wanted me to tell me what my diet was and asked me if I had any form of potions that helped me with my muscle growth. Those were just the men who competed in the games and then there were the children along with their parents and some of the girls from around here. The children were begging me to take them on as students, their parents were asking me to do the same since they knew what I had done and figured I would be a good role model for their children, as for the girls do I really need to say what they tried to talk to me about. It was rather frustrating how I wasn't able to even enjoy a meal without someone coming by to talk to me about how well I did. My Uncle Fergus was no help since he was busy entertaining the visiting lords or telling me to enjoy the attention from the girls while I could. My aunt was busy supervising the kitchen staff to make sure that the people had enough food to avoid any fights and my cousin Merida was dealing with the heirs trying to woo her while the triplets were somewhere in the castle no doubt causing trouble. The only thing that was keeping the people away now was Toothless who would growl at some people when they were coming towards us in large groups.

I cut a piece of meat from the ham on plate before bringing it to my mouth and enjoyed the taste of the meat as I enjoyed as I went over what happened when I got back to the castle after the wrestling match. It ended with young MacGuffin coming out on top but it wasn't surprising with his strength and size. He won the right to have tonight's feast in his honor along with a seat at the table of champions where the winners of the events sat to show that they had come out on top in the events. I was one of those men sitting at the table, which had a few empty chairs since I won multiple events. I was sat down next to young MacGuffin who was enjoying a leg of roast chicken as he babbled in that old Scottish tongue to one of the few other champions. I just ignored him since he wasn't speaking to me and right now I had my own thoughts to keep me busy. I had to say I enjoyed my day and I was glad that with these challenges I didn't have to face any form of demon, monster or magical entity like most of my challenges involved. Still though I did have to deal with the same issues that were brought with the other challenges. I could feel the eyes of the people on me as I ate and I doubt I'd be able to walk to the door without someone cutting me off wanting to talk or in the case of some of the girls flirt with me but this is why I'm glad I was staying in the castle. It was at that moment a man with half his moustache cut off ran in screaming like a mad man. Everyone stood to see what was wrong as he made it to the table where my uncle and aunt were sitting but he just kept screaming until Merida walked up and punched him in the face while saying.

"Get a grip man!" He nodded as my Uncle Fergus asked.

"Martin, what's the matter with you man?" He walked up to him. "You're meant to be keeping an eye on the waters for any new arrivals or invaders with Jacob!"

"It took him, it dragged poor Jacob into the water before blood surfaced." He dropped to his knees. "It was horrible, I tried to stop it but it took Jacob."

"What took him?"

"I don't know what it was but it was horrible." I then cut in.

"Can you describe it then?"

"It looked to be a mans torso stuck to the back of a horse but it didn't have any form of skin." He looked ready to puke. "It also had these long arms with sharp claws that it used to grab poor Jacob by the hair and dragged him away."

"Anything else?"

"There was its breath."

"Its breath?"

"Yes, I don't know what happened but it just breathed in poor Jacobs face and he turned pale and started coughing up blood as it dragged him away?" I looked around at the people.

"Anyone know what that thing could have been?" Lord Dingwall answered.

"I recall my granddad once telling me about skinless beasts that came out of the ocean with the torsos of a man attached to the back of horses that had the ability to breath diseases but I don't remember much else about them." I rubbed my chin in thought since I'd never heard or read about any creature like this but I knew where I might be able to find the information I needed.

"We should have some more men stand guard around the castle since for all we know this thing might attack again." The lords and my uncle nodded before they went onto order their men. "Tomorrow me and Toothless will go talk to someone who might know about this thing that attacked but for now I think it's best if everyone went to bed so should it attack tomorrow we'll be ready and well rested for it." Everyone nodded as I walked off with Toothless to my room as I wondered if I'd ever be free to enjoy a vacation without any monsters.

Morning

I was flying over the forest to find the one place I knew of where I might be able to find some information on the beast but I knew Toothless wasn't going to like it. It was then I saw the place we were looking for and had Toothless land in front of it but when he saw where we are he growled. I dismounted him and gave him a rub on the head as I said.

"I know bud but this might be the one place I might be able to find the information I'm looking for." He just growled and looked down as I made my way to the door of the witch turned wood carvers' shop and as expected was greeted by the sight of wooden bear items but my attention was brought to the other side of the shop by a voice saying.

"Welcome back lad and what can I do for you today?" I turned and saw the witch carving a large bear with the crow sitting on the head.

"Thanks, and today I was hoping to buy a new chopping board for my home along with a quick word with you witch." She stopped and turned to me.

"Well I'll be happy to sell the chopping but as for the word I'm afraid I can't help you since as I told you last time I'm no longer a witch but a simple wood carver."

"You don't understand mam, I was hoping to ask you for information on a beast that killed a man last night." She brought out a bear shaped chopping board and held it up.

"Will this do?" I nodded.

"That will do but for now let's focus on the information I need." She handed me the board.

"I'm sorry lad but there were too many customers who were unsatisfied with their spells so pleas pay and leave."

"But I don't want a spell, I want information on this skinless creature on horseback that came from the ocean and dragged a man by the scalp to a watery grave." I saw all blood drain from her face and knew this was not good.

"Did you just say a skinless creature on horseback came from the ocean and dragged a man in?"

"Yeah but I'm not sure it could be called horseback since the torso was attached to the back of the horse." The crow then said.

"Oh, this isn't good!" The witch replied.

"No, it isn't!" She pushed me out the door while she came out with the crow but before I could ask what she was doing she closed the door and reopened it to reveal a small library. "You never keep your books where you carve since the sawdust could cause trouble." She ran up to the shelves and ran her finger over the books before pulling out a brown leather book and looking down at it. "There you are." She walked over to a desk and sat the book down before opening it to a page with the image of what I think could be the beast. "I think this is what those men were dealing with." I looked at the page and read the title.

"A Nuckelavee!" She nodded.

"And if one is here then it means this land is in big trouble."

"Does it say how to kill one?"

"Well no but it does list it's weaknesses." She then turned to face me. "You're not thinking of going up against this creature, are you?"

"If I don't then that thing will claim even more victims."

"But this is a beast with great power that very few have ever seen and lived to tell the tale so how can you be so calm?"

"I'll tell you about my trip to Greece some time and you'll understand." She sighed.

"Well if that's the case then I wish you luck lad." She then plucked one of her crows tail feathers and placed it on the page before shutting it and handed the book to me. "Take this book and study up on your opponent lad." I nodded.

"Thanks, and don't worry, this is not the worse thing I've ever dealt with."

"If you survive this fight you are coming back here and telling me what you've gone up against."

"Make sure you clear your day then because we'll be talking for a while." She cocked an eyebrow but I just shrugged. "Let's just say my first vacations in new places are rarely ever relaxing." She just nodded as I left.

Sunset

I had spent my entire day locked in my room studying every last detail I could on the nuckelavee learning its strengths, abilities and most importantly any possible weakness it may have. From what I could tell the only weakness it seemed to have was fresh water that it avoided at all costs. I'm sure it had a reason if it avoided water at all costs but I didn't know why and intended to find out why since it might be the key to killing this thing. In order to avoid the toxic breath of the beast I was having Toothless fly above me and beat his wings away from me to keep the disease filled air away from me. While he did this, I would do my best to use my water arrows on it since as I learned they turn into fresh water. Still though I was bringing my star sword and eagle shield in case something happened and I couldn't use my arrows and I also had both of my scauldrens load up on fresh water if nuckelavee made a run for it since this thing needed to die tonight. The reason it needed to die tonight is they're known to wipe out villages by breathing disease and plague that not only drives people to illness but also kills their crops and livestock leaving the people to starve to death. I knew I needed to kill this thing before it reached that point since the last thing I wanted was to see my relatives perish because of that thing.

Now I was standing by the lake where the beast was said to come out with my bow at the ready with a water arrow loaded, my shield on my arm, my sword on my hip and Toothless flying above me with my scauldrens flying a little higher. We had been waiting here for the past three hours but the only thing we saw in the water was the occasional fish jumping out to grab a fly. Besides that, nothing but I was going to wait out here all night if I have to just to make it easier for the people to sleep at night. It was then I saw the water begin to ripple so I signaled Toothless to get ready.

It was then a creature that had a head that was twice the size of a regular head with no skin, arms that reached the ground, looked to be a human torso stuck to the back of a skinless horse with a spear that had a head that was barbed and looked to be made out of bone came out of the water. It was so disgusting I could barely stand to look at it but I held back the puke and readied my arrow as it looked around before its red eyes landed on me. It gave what I could only guess was a smile but it looked as if it was trying to rip its own jaw off. It was disgusting as I released the arrow but it just leaned out of the way barely missing it before it let out an inhuman roar and charged towards me as I took out another arrow but before I could use it the nuckelavee charged at me with its spear raised. It then swung the spear at the side of my head but I ducked out of the way before it tried to stab me but I jumped back avoiding the tip before taking a few steps back to get out of the spears range while I prepared another arrow.

Sadly this didn't work since it then threw its spear towards me making me drop the arrow as I dived out of the way of the spear. Sadly this gave the nuckelavee the opportunity to reach me and try to trample me with its horse body but I unfolded my eagle shield and used it to block the strike and let out a shockwave throwing the nuckelavee back onto its side. This gave me the opportunity to get back up and grab my arrow before launching it at the nuckelavee but it was too fast and I missed it but I saw the arrow land in the ground and sink in giving me an idea. I put my bow on my back before unfolding my shield and preparing my sword. I charged at the nuckelavee with my shield held in front of me. I slammed right into the side of the nuckelavee pushing it back a few feet towards the patch where my arrow sunk in but it then tried to swipe at me with one of its long claws but I sliced right through it with my sword. I ended up cutting off the nuckelavee's right hand making it screech in pain and pull its arm away to cradle the place where its hand once was. I then took this opportunity to use my shield to push the nuckelavee back towards where the arrow had sunk in before it was literally standing right over the spot. I smiled at its human parts face and said.

"Let's see how you react to fresh water you skinless bastard."

It was then a large spring of fresh water burst from the ground launching the nuckelavee a few feet in the air while also soaking it as it let out an inhuman roar that was so loud I had to cover my ears to keep them from bleeding. When the spring stopped before the nuckelavee fell to the ground squirming and shrieking. I watched, as the muscle seemed to begin melting off the bone of the nuckelavee allowing me to understand why its kind avoided the water as it looked to be some kind of strong acid to them. When the only thing left was a skeleton that was quickly dissolving the screaming finally stopped. I wanted to turn away from the melting carcass but I couldn't no matter how much I wanted to and I was truly happy when the only thing left was dust. I smiled knowing that this battle was over but when I turned around I saw the nuckelavee's spear imbedded in the ground. I walked over to it and pulled it out of the ground and figured it would make a good trophy from this fight. I looked over it and saw the tip actually was made of bone while the staff was made of wood. I examined the head of the spear and I had to say it was one mean looking head which I could tell would slide in easily but pulling it out would be difficult for the one wielding it and very painful for the on it was stabbed into. I'm glad it didn't hit me or else I'd be in a lot of trouble but for now I needed to focus on getting back to the castle and let people know the nuckelavee was taken care of.

4 days later

I was standing on top of one of the towers watching my uncle Fergus fight with some of the men as I went over everything that's happened since I defeated the nuckelavee. When I arrived back at the castle I had to answer a few questions like what that inhuman screech was, what happened to the nuckelavee and how I defeated it. Long story short I received a lot of pats on the back, plenty of praise and sadly a lot of attention from the girls. They tried to get my attention the same way the Irish girls did by cooking me meals, trying to talk to me and more but fortunately my cousin Merida was kind enough to help keep them at bay. Then I also had to deal with the visiting lords who either wanted to go up against me or were trying to convince me to do other things. I admit when they were trying to buy Toothless they were annoying but now they were trying to convince me to join their clans and even offered the hands of any single women in their clans. All this got them was a punch in the face for me and when I told my aunt Elinor it got them a long drag by the ears followed by a very long talking to. This shut them up for a while but I could tell they were going to go back to it again sometime. As for the witch, she was overjoyed to hear about the nuckelavee's defeat and told me to keep the book since she had a feeling I'd need it in the future but after that she had me sit down and tell her about the other creatures I've faced. By the end I left a very shocked wood carver behind and brought a set of bear themed bookends.

Now I was flying over the forest to both look for someone and to get away from the people in the castle. If it wasn't the girls flirting with me, the lords trying to recruit me it was the former champions of the highland games looking for a rematch to take back their titles. I had already given them five rematches each and it always ended with them losing and me winning along with occasionally setting a new record. I just needed to get away from it all so when my uncle was putting together a search party for a missing man I was quick to volunteer Toothless and I so we could enjoy a nice solo flight while searching for the missing guy. It was then I noticed a man curled up by a tree and using my eagle eye I saw he was the man I was looking for but he had a bleeding stump where his left hand was meant to be. I had Toothless take us in for a landing so I could find out what happened. When we landed he looked up at me and began babbling as he held up his bleeding stump. I dismounted Toothless and grabbed him by the shoulders as I said.

"Get a grip man and calm down." He stopped babbling as I reached into my satchel and pulled out a roll of bandages I had packed and brought incase the guy was hurt and began wrapping the stump up. "What in the world happened?" He looked at me with fear in his eyes.

"I thought it was just a normal white horse but it wasn't."

"What wasn't a normal horse?"

"I went to pet it on the neck but its coat turned black and became so sticky I couldn't get my hand off." He shivered. "It began running to a pool of water which showed me what it really was." Before I could ask he held up his stump. "I had to cut off my hand to survive."

"What was it that did this to you?" He grabbed me by my armors neck and pulled me forward.

"A KELPIE!" I pushed him back.

"Calm down and tell me where this kelpie is." He used his remaining to point away from us.

"It was in a clearing about two miles away from here." I nodded before I turned to Toothless.

"Toothless, get this poor guy back to the castle while I deal with the kelpie." He crooned and nuzzled my chest as I rubbed his head. "Don't worry bud, I'll be fine."

He just looked down as I helped the guy onto his back and watched as they took off before I began my walk to find the kelpie. As I walked through the woods I felt the familiar weight of my star sword in my hand and smiled knowing I'd need it in this fight. I began mentally going over everything I knew about Kelpies from the book I got from the witch. From what I read they would lure people in by shape shifting into a horse before offering people rides on their backs and then making their skin become sticky trapping their victims and then running into the water where they would then consume the victims and throw the entrails onto the waters edge. They could be identified in their horse form by their hooves, which face backwards and the seaweed in their mane. It has been said that Kelpie's can be controlled if you're able to get a silver bridle with a cross marked on it into its mouth but in order to maintain it you would need to feed it three humans a day. There was no possible way I could do that without feeding it innocent people and that was the last thing I wanted to do to anyone. This only left me with the option of ending this beast's life before it killed anyone or cost anyone else a limb. It was then I came into a large empty field with a large dam in the center and the only form of life was a pure white horse grazing in the fields but one look at its hooves told me that it was really the kelpie I came to kill. It turned to face me before it began trotting towards me but as it got closer I released the blade and held it at the ready as I said.

"Don't even try your tricks kelpie because I'm not falling for it."

It stopped running towards me and let out a few huffs before the smooth white fur slowly turned to black as it seemed to grow a bit bigger as its lips disappeared exposing its teeth as its eyes turned into a milky white color. It stood on its back legs and waved its front legs neighing before it began charging at me once more. I rolled out of the way of the charging beast before standing back and facing the beast saying.

"You're going to have to do better than that."

It just glared at me before charging again and once again I rolled out of the way but this time it stopped next to me before it began trying to trample me. I rolled back out of the way of the hooves that would've crushed me if I was still in that spot and slashed at the upper leg making the kelpie reel back in pain and stand on its hind legs giving me the opportunity I was hoping for. I didn't hesitate as I plunged my sword into the kelpie's chest where the heart of a horse would be and hopefully where its heart would be. I'm not sure what happened next but the kelpie's body turned to water and fell to the ground before being absorbed into the ground. I backed away from where the kelpie had fallen before calming down and walking forward but I kept my guard up. I kneeled down in front of the place where the water had sunk in and found the grass to be dry and I knew from the book this meant the kelpie had returned to the land from which it was born. I decided I should head back to the castle now since it was a very long walk home. Before I could turn away from the water though I saw a glimmer of something in the grass and decided to investigate incase it was trouble so I kept my sword out. When I reached it I found it to be a silver bridle and realized it was left from someone who must have tried to gain control of the kelpie in the past but instead they must have lost their lives. I picked up the bridle and shrugged figuring I might as well take it as a souvenir to remember this battle. I put the bridle in my satchel and began the long walk home but I figured I'd take my time since it's nice to enjoy some time to myself which I don't get that often at the castle with the people constantly wanting to talk with me. I smiled to myself and said.

"It's going to be a long walk back to the castle." I then began my long walk home.

1 hour later

I was sitting by a lake that was a stop on my way home and I had to admit it was nice to stop and rest my feet after walking for an hour straight. I looked out at the lake and knew it to be the famous loch ness, which was said to be home to a water dwelling monster that people call the loch ness monster while I preferred the children's name of Nessie. I had the hopes that Nessie wasn't a monster but an undiscovered species of tidal class dragon. I doubt I would see it now though since sighting it was rare which means it might prefer solitude or have a fear of humans. Hard to say unless I actually saw it and was able to study it at least a little. It was then I took my shoes off, put my feet into the water and let out a sigh as the ice cold water soothed my aching feet from the long walk. I looked around before leaning back as I looked around to admire the beauty and I had to admit it felt good to just kick back and relax without needing to worry about anything. I looked out at the lake an figured why not take a dip so I walked away from the lake and took off my armor leaving me in nothing but a pair of pants before running and jumping into the water. It felt ice cold against my skin but after my long walk it felt good against my skin and was a great way to cool down. It was then I heard an all too familiar screech cut through the air before looking up at Toothless coming in for a landing. I swam to the edge of the water and walked onto the dry land where Toothless was waiting for me. He ran up and began licking me as I laughed and pushed his head back and said.

"You always know how to find me, don't you bud?" He just crooned. "Don't worry bud, I'm alright." He nuzzled my chest. "That kelpie didn't stand a chance." I then looked around and smiled. "You know bud I think we should hang out here a bit." He tilted his head. "It's peaceful here with nobody to bother us, crowd us, try to buy you from me or just to annoy us." He looked around and gave me a gummy smile. "I say we enjoy the peace and quiet while we can." He bounced around at this. "Care to go for a swim bud?" He pounced on me pushing me into the water as I laughed and splashed him back.

1 hour later

I was just lying on my back as I floated on the water of loch ness while Toothless rested on the shores of the lake. It was relaxing compared to the rest of my time in Scotland with my cousin Merida threatening me, the highland games, the nuckelavee, the kelpie and dealing with all the people who wanted to talk to me for one reason or another. I was brought out of my thoughts when I felt something hard underneath me and lift me up out of the water. I looked down to see myself on the back of a large moss green reptile with a long neck that had turned its head around to face me. It lowered its neck so its head was right in front of me before breathing a puff into my face as Toothless let out a roar. The creature turned to the shores as Toothless let out another roar before the creature swam towards shore where Toothless was waiting. It leaned down to smell him while I signaled him not to do anything rash since from what I could tell this thing was just curious and didn't want to cause any trouble.

When we reached the shore I slid off her back before walking next to Toothless as Nessie leaned down to begin sniffing us. Toothless didn't move as she smelled him before she moved back to me and let out a puff of air at me as I slowly reached up and scratched her nose. I smiled as she leaned into the touch while with my free hand I signaled Toothless to remain calm. My scratch then turned into a rub as I realized the creature I was rubbing was none other than Nessie herself and as expected she was just curious about me since she must have smelt my dragons on me. I didn't know how but I could just tell Nessie was a girl as I looked into her lagoon blue eyes as I said.

"We're not here to cause any trouble girl and I'm guessing you don't want any trouble either." She let out the softest croon I had ever heard. "I'm guessing you don't want to cause anyone any trouble and just want to be left alone in peace." She nodded as she crooned at me. "I can understand that girl and don't worry, I'll try to talk the people into leaving you and your lake alone." She leaned down to nuzzle my chest but with her size she nearly knocked me over but I was able to hold onto her head and keep my balance. "Easy there girl but before we leave would it be alright if I got some time to study you?" She crooned and crawled out of the water to give me a better look at her body and showing me she had no wings but flippers as I walked around her and took in every detail with a smile. "This is going to be interesting."

Nightfall

I had a satchel full of notes on Nessie after spending my afternoon studying her while also playing with her in the water for a bit. I knew when I got back I'd have a whole lot of explaining to do but I also had a promise to keep when it came to talking to everyone about loch ness and leaving it alone along with the dragon that called it home. She really was a sweet and gentle creature who from what I could tell was only curious about things when she came out of the water. I just hoped the lords and people would listen to me when I told them to just leave Nessie alone. When I got back to the castle I saw a large crowd beginning to form in the courtyard and knew that I was going to have a long night.

3 days later

I was in nothing but my pants and boots running through my own obstacle course in the courtyard practicing with my mystic weapons since I wasn't sure what matter of beast was going to be thrown my way next and I wanted to be prepared. I used my shield to block some rocks that were thrown at me never losing my pace as I threw three of my scimitar throwing knives at the men tossing them. I succeeded in pinning them to the walls as I drew my star sword and slid underneath the arms of a rotating wooden practice dummy as I sliced the through the bottom cutting it down. I quickly got back up and began running again as I sheathed my sword before I put it back on my belt and took off my bow along with a forest arrow. I continued to run as I looked at the targets on the side as I fired at one of them before taking out an ice arrow and fired it at another target before facing ahead where there were two rotating wooden dummies were coming up fast. I reached back into my quiver and pulled out two fire arrows before I launched both of them at the dummies, setting them a blaze so fast that when I got to where they were the only things left was two piles of ashes. I saw the finish line with three targets behind it as I put my bow on my back and took out my last three scimitar throwing knives before tossing them towards the targets and hitting each of them dead center. I crossed the finish line panting as I turned to one of the men who was watching me and asked.

"Time?" He looked down at the stone sundial before he looked back up at me.

"FORTY SECONDS!" I smiled before walking over to Toothless who was sitting next to my regular armor.

"My time's improving." I picked up my water canteen and took a few gulps before putting it down and picking up my battle armor. "Let's see what I can do while I'm wearing my battle." Toothless then began growling as a voice from behind me said.

"There shall be time for that later my boy." I turned around and saw a man in a brown robe with a hood covering the top of his face and a cloak covering the rest of his body and lower part of his face.

"Who are you?"

"All will be explained in time." He then raised his hands a light blue glow covered them. "Come forth power spread apart and carry us back body, mind and heart." The wind began circling us as Toothless wrapped around me protectively as I noticed the ground around us gave a light blue glow forming a pattern the light began to rise off the ground making me feel strange until it reached my eyes and a white light filled my vision and nothing more.

AN: Hey all I hope you all enjoyed the chapter because it's probably going to be the last one for a while. The reason being because I got a review telling me that Hiccup has gone through multiple battles unscathed. It's made me realize that I need to add a little more action and excitement to the next battle so it may be a while. I already know who his next opponent is going to be and decided he cannot end this battle with all his limbs so I'm sorry if you don't like it but he will be losing his arm as the foot will not make too much sense in this fight. Please don't think badly of me for this so until next time I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and if you have any requests BESIDES HICCUP LOSING HIS LEG INSTEAD OF HIS ARM OR TRYING TO CONVINCE ME NOT TOplease let me know through either a PM or review and if you wish to discuss the limb loss PM me.