Chapter 169

Hiccups POV:

It's been three months since I not only saved Astrid from a life as a puppet to Ulrik of the Grown Hills tribe but also since I decided to give a relationship with Astrid a try. The first week back on Berk I had to spend the entire time trying to keep the Hoffersons from killing Ulrik after they found out what he made their daughter do. My dad certainly didn't help since he was close to declaring war on the Grown Hills tribe for what Ulrik had done to Astrid which he saw as an attack on our very tribe. I had to promise him that the woman responsible for what happened to Astrid was locked up and was never going to see the light of day again and I'd be keeping an eye on the Grown Hills using my golden eagles to make sure he's punished for what he did. After this my father actually agreed on holding off the call for a war on the Grown Hills tribe, especially after I told him the Grown Hills tribe had their own war going on with the wives being furious with their husbands. I'd taken to watching them using my golden eagles since it proved be a pretty good source of entertainment to watch since it was pretty entertaining to see the past actions of the men come back to bite them.

When the problems of that first week back had been dealt with, I had come up with a new problem of explaining to Astrid's parents about me starting a relationship with their daughter despite me being married. I did have Blanca and Astrid at my sides when I explained this to them and as expected they were shocked by what I told them and demanded to know what brought it on. Blanca was the one who explained the ways of her people with it being normal for the leader to take on multiple wives and how she saw Astrid still had feelings for me. I'm guessing they could tell we were serious about this and they knew I'd never hurt their daughter, so they accepted it but reminded me if I hurt their daughter or try to pressure her into something she wasn't ready for then they'd blood eagle me.

After that I was able to actually start courting Astrid and with how everything's been going I've actually gotten pretty close to her to form what I believe to be good relationship with her. We'd spend time together running through my jungle, having snow ball fights in my arctic environment, going on picnics together in either the forest or on the beach, watching the sunsets from the top of my Mayan temple and other such things. Honestly, because of all this she'd become one of the few people who I allow to come to my island for visits whenever she wanted and it was through this she'd met her own dragon while exploring the bewilderbeast nest. The dragon she'd grown close to was a light blue nadder that she'd named Stormfly and seeing the close bond they had I couldn't pull them apart and began teaching her how to be a dragon rider. Turns out she was a natural and took to riding Stormfly like a fish to water however her lessons still took time and she wasn't as good as me but she was getting there. Heck now it was normal to see her flying around on Stormfly for most of the day or just playing with her dragon around the village with people watching.

Sadly, Astrid bonding with her own dragons brought back a few problems with the people since when they saw how much fun Astrid had with Stormfly they wanted their own dragons. They made this fact clear to both me and my parents with their constant demands for them to be allowed to get their own dragons while also claiming that I most likely had more than enough in the nests. My parents were able to calm them down claiming they didn't have the time to train new riders but sadly this just resulted in them turning around and bothering Astrid for lessons. She was not the least bit happy with the attention that was thrust upon her since people would constantly crowd her wanting to ask her about what it's like to ride a dragon. Because of all the attention she spent most of her days on my island with me, Blanca, Stormfly and the other island inhabitants who she'd become close to.

Speaking of her relationship with the island inhabitants, she'd become pretty good friends with Blanca and Verta and taken to training with them in hand to hand combat. Because of this she'd become a much more skilled warrior than she originally was and I got a new source of entertainment by watching them spar together in the training room. When they spared it was actually rather majestic, almost like they were performing a dance that required the speed and flexibility of a snake but the skill and power of a Valkyrie. It was through this they'd been developing their own fighting style form like that was as pure as it was merciless as shown when a couple of men who were bothering her to teach her how to train their own dragons. She used her new fighting techniques on them which ended with those men spending a week in bed healing from the sever beatdown she'd given them. Sadly, this also got the attention of the tribes' warriors who were all interested to know where she learnt to fight like that and asked if she could give them any tips on fighting. Because of all the new attention she'd been spending entire days on the island which I didn't mind since it gave me more time to get to know her better.

Just because of the this though it didn't mean I'd been neglecting Blanca who I'd often take out on dates while Astrid trained in the different environments, played with Stormfly, taking a flight or sparing with Verta. Blanca let me know she was grateful to know I was doing my best to make sure I split my time equally between them and trying to make sure I don't show any form of favoritism. Astrid was grateful for this to claiming she was a little nervous I'd ignore her in favor of my wife since my feelings for Blanca were stronger but I just told her I'm more than capable of splitting my affections equally and although my feelings for Blanca were strong, the feelings I had for her grew stronger each day. This got me kiss from both women claiming that it was nice to know I wasn't one of the types of guys who just married a woman and then got a new one when he grew tired of the first and then ignored her in favor of the new wife. I promised them both right there and then that I'd always treat them both equally and if at any point it seemed like I was going back on that promise they had permission to slap some sense back into me.

My love life aside the only other things that've happened is I've been working on my jewelry making hobby and really improved with being able to add a little more complex details to my work. This along with my time in the forge, flying with my dragons, being with Astrid and Blanca were the few times I was able to relax a bit since Astrid getting Stormfly brought a lot of people to me, asking me to train them their own dragons. I told them that the reason Astrid got her own dragons was because she spent so much time on my island and bonded with Stormfly. This sadly was the wrong thing to say since my snake guardians and animals had to be put on twenty-four hour watch due to people trying to sneak onto my island so they could bond to their own dragons. This problem lasted a week before I began hiding my island again due to the fact that I was getting tired of my dates, work, baths and everything else being interrupted by me needing to deal with trespassers.

On the bright side these constant invasions of my island inspired some new automatons that I was able to work on while we were in hiding. The first automaton I was able to design was a sentinel type construct that was able to fold its body in on itself forming a statue that resembled a sarcophagus in a way. When it was fully active though it gave the appearance of a heavily armored warrior wielding two shields with pointed ends so they could be used as weapons. When fully activated it has two large X shaped shoulder pads with to top of the X reaching above the head to protect it the sides pulling in to hold onto the upper shoulders and the bottoms holding onto the arms with a fist sized blue crystal in the middle, lined with bronze that goes around the X's outer lining. The head had four eyeholes and resembled a helmet that covers the top of the head with a spear shape head mouth pointing down towards the chest. The chest looked like the upper part of chest armor lined with bronze with a blue crystal in the center lined with bronze while the waist was thin and painted black with an upside-down triangle between the legs. The legs were those of a bull with hooves at the bottom with blue crystals on the ankles lined with bronze that went up the backside and wrapped around the knees. The thighs had holes in them cutting down on wind resistance and the tops were lined with bronze with the sides having the same blue crystals lined with bronze. Then there's the arms that looked like long shields lined with bronze that had large blue crystals in the middle that wither also lined with bronze and while the tops were flat the bottoms had sharp blue crystals for stabbing.

When these automatons are in sleep mode in their folded up form the shoulder, pads are pulled in and the tops go underneath the edges of the helmet. The legs themselves would pull in together making it easier for the automaton to fold up before the blades on the bottom of the shields pull in making the bottoms flatten as the shields pull in underneath the shoulder pads. This completely shielded the body from any form of damage and giving these sentinels the appearance of simple statues. As for the materials used to create these automatons, it was mostly gronkle iron while the bronze parts were gronkle iron mixed with bronze using fusion ore. As for the blue gems that were decorating the automaton, they were really sapphires mixed with anti-magic stones using fusion ore so if a magic user ever got onto my island, they'd have a hard time fighting using their powers. The gems in the eyes were peer stones connected to my eye, which allowed them to see, and for me to see through their own eyes so I knew who I was dealing with.

The gem in the center of the chest however is really a lifestone mixed with sapphire using fusion ore allowing my automaton to function and acted as the heart of the automaton. I'd given these automatons the name 'Guardian Sentinels' and had two posted outside each door in the vault, two on either side of the entrance of the armory and another two inside on either side of the statue that leads to the vault where my god made weapons were and two on either side of the entrance to every building on the island. (AN: If you're having trouble picturing them just look up the Draenei Construct on my pinterest page.)

The other automaton I had created were giant bronze balls that were two feet taller than my dad and incredibly effective when it comes to capturing people. These spheres are able to open up from the front revealing their insides that have a large two fingered that is connected to the inside by a large wire allowing them to be launched out and grab onto people. The claws would pin the victims' arms to the victims' sides making it impossible to move as they're pulled into the sphere, which is when it would close trapping them. Once the sphere fully closes the victim would be gassed with my knockout gas stopping them from struggling and trying to break out. Once unconscious the four thin upside down triangle shaped legs are released from the bottom and walk the sphere to wherever they were needed. These legs would withdraw when the spheres were going down hill so the sphere could roll down but I made the section the victims in a separate dome with small balls out of it preventing the inside from spinning. The spheres could also release spikes on the outside making them look like a mace allowing the ball to roll up hills. As for how it can see, there's an eye that pops out of the top and can be pulled back in allowing it to return to its ball form but the eye then flips upwards allowing it to see where it's rolling since then it could move around the ball so when it spins it seems like the eye stays in place. These spheres are also able to dig themselves into the ground and use two pronged claws or shovel hands that come out of their sides to pick up dirt or dead leaves and use them to cover themselves allowing them to camouflage themselves as traps.

For materials used to create the majority of the automaton is gronkle iron mixed with bronze, polar quartz, depths sapphire and ruby dragons breath. This was so they'd be able to survive in extreme environments since they needed to with what I intended to use them for. The thick wire that was used to pull the claw back in was made of the same material with the claw also having latch stone added into the mix to help get a better grip. The eye used to see is made of peer stone that's connected to my eye allowing me to see what they see and making sure I knew who I was capturing. The balls on the outer lair were also made of the same materials as the rest but had bubble stone mixed into it so the ones contained in the ball would be able to breath after the gas is let out of the ball. Besides all this there was also a life stone built into the same compartment as the eye of the sphere but hidden behind the eye so it wouldn't easily be damaged. I'd set up ten of them in each of the environments and given them the names 'Capture Globes'.

When I revealed my island again a week and a half later it turns out I was right to create these automatons since not a day later the majority of them needed to be activated. They ended up bringing me at least three Vikings a day to be sent back to Berk, which ended in me needing to cut down on my time with Blanca and Astrid. Their constant attempts got so bad I actually considered leaving them in my Capture Globes and launching them back to Berk via catapult. After another week of dealing with them I actually did send them back this way while aiming for their huts resulting in a lot of damage done and a meeting with my angry father. He calmed down when I told him where they were caught but it didn't stop the hour-long lecture from him about how wrong I was to do so. It did get the message across to most people though making them understand I wanted them to keep off my island but sadly the twins and Snotlout were determined to get their own dragons and were sent back to Berk at least once a day after either my automatons or my snake guardians caught them.

Either way it all gave me a major headache, which I'm guessing is something both Blanca and Astrid took notice which brings us to now which is me sitting in the library with Astrid and Blanca who said they wanted to speak with me. I sat across from the both of them and looked at them before I asked.

"What is it you both wanted to talk to me about?" They looked at each other before turning back to me as Blanca said.

"Hiccup, we've been talking about what's been going on recently with how everything's been affecting you."

"What do you mean?" Astrid replied.

"Hiccup, you're becoming stressed out with all your projects and keeping everyone off the island." Blanca then said.

"We think you might need some time to get away from it all and reconnect with the roots that made you who you are." I raised an eyebrow until Astrid said.

"What Blanca means is we think you should go on another trip to look for new lands, you've got maps to places you've never been to and it'll be good for you to get out there and just enjoy exploring somewhere new." I rubbed my chin before I sighed.

"You're both right since I have been meaning to explore some new lands on those maps but I always get so wrapped up in my projects or roped into another adventure." Blanca then walked up behind me and began rubbing my neck making me groan in pleasure as she said.

"Which is why we feel you should go." Astrid then placed her hand on top of my hands as she continued.

"You've been getting overworked and need some time away from your workshop, the dragon nests and all your work." I sighed and looked down.

"You're both right, maybe it would be good for me to get out there again and see a bit of the world again." They both smiled. "I'll start going through my maps and start planning out the trip." They both smiled as Blanca said.

"Good and don't worry about the island or the dragons as I can handle things while you're away." I nodded with a smile.

"I know you'll be able to handle things Blanca." With that said I stood up. "Now if you'll both excuse me I have work to do." With that I stood up and left to prepare.

Twenty-five days later

It's been twenty-five days since my talk with Blanca and Astrid and four of those days were spent planning out my trip with Blanca and Astrid allowing them to select where I'd go since they wanted to make sure I didn't get pulled into any dangerous adventure. I chuckled when they said this claiming that no matter where I end up going to be exploring since trouble always has a way of finding me. They just rolled their eyes when I told them this before they took to the library and raided the section that held all the books on different places so they knew I'd be able to just enjoy some peaceful exploration. They eventually decided on a place known as Chamberg that was said to be a peaceful place that was nice to explore and the only dangers there are is some common bandits which compared to what I normally have to deal with was not going to be a problem.

Five days later I'd taken off with both of the ladies giving me a full on kiss on the lips with Blanca going first and Astrid quickly pulling me into one as soon as Blanca pulled away. They both made me promise that I'd at least try to avoid getting wrapped up in some type of dangerous adventure where I'd have to go up against some dark force to save the lives of the local community. I simply shrugged and told them I had no control over these kinds of things since when there's darkness in this world that I can help destroy then I'll take the chance since there's no telling what it could do if it was left alone. They both shook their heads as Astrid told me that it was that part of my personality that wanted to help people made them love me more. They then proceeded to practically shove me onto my ship telling me to go and enjoy some down time while exploring this new land and meeting the locals.

It was fourteen days later before I docked on the beaches of this land and in the two days we'd been here I'd been exploring the places from the skies with Toothless. So far we'd yet to discover any villages but to be fair I'd mostly been exploring dense forest with few clearings that would make it difficult for anyone to set up a building. Now it was nightfall and Toothless and me had set up a small camp, which was just my tent with a small campfire in the middle and a stump where I was sitting while Toothless was across from the fire laying down comfortably. While I sat there I was looking through the eyes of one of my Scouters that I'd set out a few moments ago to keep an eye out for any possible threats.

It was then my Scouter actually came upon something of interest; my Scouter came across what looked to be a waterfall that flowed down a hill creating another two separate waterfalls. The thing of interest however was what the first waterfall was running under which seemed to be a man made stone bridge meaning there could be people nearby. I stood up and turned to Toothless, ready to tell him we were taking off but seeing him so comfortable I decided it better not to so when he looked at me I just walked up and rubbed his head as I said.

"It's alright bud, I'm just going to go check something out for a few minutes." He looked ready to get up but I held up a hand. "No Toothless, you stay here and watch the camp."

He growled and nodded making me smile and give him one last pat on the head with a scratch behind the neck making him croon in pleasure before I took off to where my Scouter was waiting. I walked for ten minutes before arriving at the hillside where my Scouter was waiting on a nearby branch making me smile as it flew down onto my shoulder. I walked up to the steep side of the hill and released the claws of my spiderpack that immediately stabbed into the side of the hill before it began pulling me up the side. As I was pulled up and got closer to the top, I heard no sound of a village making me wonder if there was anyone at the top of the hill. The higher I got the silence remained and strengthened my assumption that there wasn't anyone at the top of the hill but it did make me wonder about the bridge.

When I reached the top, I found myself looking out at a large lake with a large castle that was in ruins on the other side of the lake and realized that the bridge was part of the abandoned castle garden. I decided I might as well check out the ruins of the garden around the lake and do a full examination of the castles area in the morning. I walked around to the side of the lake and found an bridge leading to a patio that was on the edge of the lake giving a good view of the lake. I walked up to the edge smiling at the sight and knew that come morning I was definitely going to move my campsite up here since it was a beautiful place.

I looked out at the lake and noticed something white swimming across the lakes surface and giving it a closer look, I realized that it was a beautiful white swan with a streak of gold feathers down the top of its head. I smiled at the swan that was an incredibly beautiful sight with the light of the full on reflecting the lake and knew I would need to paint bring Blanca and Astrid back here since it was a romantic setting. When the swan was nearing the edge of the lake I slowly up walked while pulling out a loaf of bread and began tossing it into the water for the swan to eat. Then I received a shock when the swan didn't eat the bread but looked up at me and actually spoke to me by saying.

"You have to get out of here!" I jumped back in surprise. "Please, you must leave now before Rothbart returns." I calmed down and kneeled back down.

"What are you talking about?"

Before she could reply the light of the moon shone down on her wings and the water around her began to splash up and circle her making me back up. When the water collapsed I found in place of the swan a woman with long blond hair that reached the bottom of her back wearing an ankle length white dress white dress with long puffed sleeves and blue lining, the top around the shoulders was blue, a belt made of the same blue material wrapped around her waist and down the middle with a gold piece where they met. All in all I had to admit she was an attractive young woman but before I could say anything she ran up to me and said.

"Please sir you have to get out of here before Rothbart comes." I opened my mouth to reply that I wanted some answers but before a word could leave my mouth a voice echoed through the area.

"ODETTE, WHERE ARE YOU?" She turned looked in the direction of the voice and then back to me.

"Please, you must go."

Hearing the fear in her voice I decided to heed her warning but instead of leaving I decided to use my ninja skills to see what in the world is going on. My grootslang coat tightened around my body before I used my ninja skills to become one with the shadows and become invisible within the shadow of a tree. It was then a man walked down the bridge smiling as his eyes landed on the girl who I figured was Odette walked down under the bridge as he smiled and held out his hands and said.

"There you are princess."

As he walked towards her I examined him and saw he was half-bald with orange-colored hair and two orange-colored sideburns growing from each side of his face, thick orange eyebrows and a big, orange mustache. He was wearing a black cowl hooded cloak cape with a plum lining, mustard dagged edge neck collar with all the yellow pearls over a blue long kurta tunic shirt, a blue long kurta tunic shirt, dark tan gauntlet gloves, a black belt with a golden buckle on a black belt around his waist on a blue long kurta tunic shirt, dark gray pants and black boots with all the dark beige dagged edge folded cuffs and all the mustard pearls over black boots. On his head, he was wearing a golden king crown that was lined with green emeralds so all in all he looked like a classic evil villain and my assumption was only strengthened by the glare Odette was giving him. He walked up to her as he said.

"Have you given thought to my offer princess?" She just glared as he looked around. "I thought I heard a voice." He began looking around. "Is somebody else here Odette?" She just glared and crossed her arms.

"We're miles away from any village so why would there be anyone around here besides me and the animals." He rubbed his chin in thought and nodded as I silently picked up a stone seeing he wasn't buying it.

"Well then I suppose there's nothing to worry about if you're sure." I flicked the pebble into a bush and he immediately turned to the bush and much to my surprise let out a blast that looked to be red magic that made the bush look as if it were caught in a fire revealing a frog before he took a breath. "Sorry, I thought there was someone behind the bush." He rubbed his head. "Must be my imagination playing up on me." He walked up to her with an extended hand before he kneeled down. "Now Odette, you know I get no pleasure from the spell I've placed upon you but if I didn't then you would not consider my offer."

"You mean the one in which I'm forced to marry you so you can claim my fathers kingdom or spend the rest of my life turning into a swan at dawn only turning back into a human when I'm on the lake and the moonlight hits my wings." My eyes widened as I mentally said.

"So that's what's going on." Rothbart brought me out of my thoughts by saying.

"Come now princess, you know the only ways to break the spell is by my hand or by Prince Derek making a vow of everlasting love and prove it to the world and we both know he'll never find you so why not just take the easier route?" She glared at him.

"I'd rather die than give you my fathers kingdom." He stood up as she turned her back on him.

"Keep pushing it but one day, I'm going to boil over." His face turned red with the last statement before Odette turned back to him.

"Go ahead then, but I'll never give you my fathers kingdom." I smiled at him clenching his fists and turning around while making strangled noises of anger until he took a breath and turned back to her.

"I see you need another day to think about it." He gestured to the sky behind her and we both looked to see the moon lowering behind the trees.

"No!"

Odette walked onto the water as Rothbart laughed before the water lifted up and spun around her before falling down revealing a swan while Rothbart walked away and knew this was going to need some investigation. When I knew Rothbart was gone and back in his castle I emerged from the shadows and walked up to the edge of the lake before kneeling down as Odette turned to me. I looked at her as I said.

"I think it would be best if you and I had a little talk about what's going on." She looked up at me in shock.

"How did you come out of the shadows like that?"

"I'll tell you later but for now I need to know what's going on."

1 hour later

I was sitting down in front of my campfire with my back against Toothless while I went over everything I'd learnt from my meeting with Odette and surprisingly her friends, the frog Jean-Bob, the turtle Speed and the bird Puffin. I admit at first I was shocked by the concept of these animals actually talking back to me but they then went onto explain that they'd been in the area for a while and absorbed some of Rothbarts residual magic giving them the ability to speak. After my shock wore off she told me what was going on and who Rothbart is and his capabilities when it came to his magic. From what I can tell he's one powerful wizard but not on the same level as Morgan le Fay who took my arm from me so long ago. (AN: Chapter 68 guys.) Still though I know it is unwise to underestimate any opponent, especially one who possesses any form of magic since that may lead to my defeat.

I promised Odette I'd do whatever I could do to help free her from this curse and get back to the man she loved knowing how painful it can be to have them taken from you due to past experiences when it comes to love. She advised me to get some rest for now since Rothbart might come back to check up on her and if he found Hiccup there then there'd be trouble. After she said that I left her and the others after saying goodbye before returning to my campsite where Toothless laid waiting for me with a curious look in his eyes. I just rubbed his head and let him know it was something to worry about in the morning since for now I needed to get some rest for the coming challenge. I stood up from my spot against Toothless' side gaining his attention as I stood up and turned to him and said.

"Let's get to bed bud, I have the feeling that tomorrow is going to be a long day." He crooned before we made our way into the tent to get some rest.

Morning

I was sitting by the lake with Odette and the others surrounding me while Toothless was laid down in the shade to avoid being seen by anyone in the castle despite me being told Rothbart rests during the day. Remembering the reaction of the group when they saw Toothless is something that would always bring a smile to my face since it was a funny thing to see when a frog tries to get into a turtles shell while wiggling around like a fish out of water trying to get in. After the shock wore off we began talking about how we could free Odette but the only way was to get Derek here and let him know what's going on. The problem with that is none of us know where he is nor did they know where the castle Rothbart called home was meaning finding him was not going to be easy. Then Speed mentioned that Rothbart most likely knew where they are making me realize he most likely had a map and if I could see it then I'd be able to get Odette to Derek and we'd all be able to find a solution to this problem.

This leads us to now which is me sitting down by the lake with my eyes closed as one of my scouter automatons holding one of my jewel wigs in its talons flying around the castle as I looked through the scouters eyes. I admit at first everyone was confused on how these two things would help us find what we were looking for until I told them that I could see what they see and control them by force of will. When I let them loose they told me when this was all over I had to tell them how I got my hands on the automatons, how they work and how I can see through their eyes. It was then I was brought out of my thoughts by the sight of a map on the wall through a window and smiled as I whispered.

"Found you!"

I willed the scouter to drop the jewel wig on the windowsill before I took control of it while just having my Scouter land next to it so I could get it back when I had the info I needed. My jewel wig walked up to the window before lifting its bladed tale to it and pressing the tips of the blades against the glass before rapidly rotating them cutting the glass. My jewel wig then pulled the cut glass out leaving a hole in the window; big enough for it to crawl in through making me smile as it dropped the glass on the windowsill before climbing in. I had my earwig crawl down the wall, across the floor, up the leg of a desk and onto its top giving me the perfect view of the map, allowing me to study its details and where I could find Derik. When I was done I had my jewel wig return to my scouter the way it came before having them both return to me as I turned to Odette with a smile and said.

"I know where we can find him." Odette immediately walked up to me.

"You do?" I nodded and signaled Toothless over.

"Come on, we'll fly you there since Toothless is faster than any bird." She nodded as I turned to the others. "You guys stay behind and keep a lookout for Rothbart." They nodded as I mounted Toothless with Odette taking a seat in front of me. "Take it easy bud, the last thing we need is for Odette to be hurt as we fly." He growled and nodded before we took off.

2 hours later

We were flying over a dense forest on the way to Derik's mothers' palace where I figured we could find Derik himself and get him to come back to the lake so we could figure out a way to get Odette back to normal. As we flew over the forest I looked down and wondered what wild life roamed these woods since it would be a good place to practice hunting and maneuvers. I was brought out of these thoughts however when an arrow flew up right in front of us making Toothless let out a slight roar of surprise as I asked.

"What was that?" Before Odette could reply a voice from below cried.

"DERIK!" Odette gasped and leaned her head down.

"Derik?" She pulled her head back up. "He's here."

Then before I could react she took off down towards the forest and I knew we had to follow since Derik or whoever shot that arrow might see her as a target. Keeping an eye on her wasn't easy since it was hard for Toothless to fly with so little wing space so we had to follow on the ground but as we landed we lost sight of her. I groaned and began looking around for her until my eyes landed on a man with a loaded bow in his hand hiding behind a tree as he looked at something. I followed his gaze and saw Odette but before I could cry out to her the man jumped out from behind the tree with his arrow pulled back and aimed as he yelled.

"THIS ONES FOR ODETTE!"

This was all the proof I needed that he was prince Derik who unfortunately just launched the arrow right at Odette but fortunately I was quicker to react than the arrow. I quickly dismounted Toothless and ran at her using my ox flame boots speed mode to reach the arrow in time and grab it midair inches away from Odette. This was something Derik didn't seem to like as he growled and charged at me while Odette flew away after I whispered loudly for her to get back to the lake. I turned my attention to Derik who looked ready to kill me as he reached me before he grabbed me by the collar of my coat and asked.

"Do you know what you've just done?"

"Yeah, prevented you from making the biggest mistake of your life." I then quickly slammed my fist into his gut knocking him out but before he blacked out I said. "You'll thank me for this later." With that said I caught his falling body before throwing him over my shoulder and walking back to Toothless who tilted his head at the sight. "Don't ask." I then put Derik onto the front of Toothless' saddle before mounting him. "Let's get back to the lake bud." He growled and nodded before we took off.

3 hours later

Night had fallen and I was standing against the bridge smoking my dragon pipe to pass the time while Derik lay on the ground in front of the lake with Odette swimming in the lake waiting for him to awaken and for the full moon to turn her back into a human. Toothless was down at my camp since I highly doubt Derik would take kindly to seeing a full-blown dragon when he wakes up since he may see it as a threat. It was then a groan caught my attention making me turn to where the sound came from and saw Derik groaning as he sat up while rubbing his head with his right hand and holding himself up with his left. His eyes then landed on me and he immediately grabbed his bow from the ground and loaded an arrow from the quiver on his back before aiming at me but I just kept puffing my pipe. He walked up to me and ordered.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you now!" I lowered my pipe from my lips and smiled as I looked at the coming moon.

"Your reason is about to show itself your highness." He raised an eyebrow until the glowing water behind him caught his attention and we both watched as the water circled Odette before dropping to reveal her in her human form as she said.

"Hello Derik." I smiled as he stared at her.

"Is that a good enough reason for you?" He ignored me as he dropped his bow and ran to her before pulling her into his arms and spinning her around while bringing her in for a kiss and when he pulled away Odette said.

"Derik, I missed you so-" He cut her off.

"Nobody believed me but I knew."

"You can't stay."

"Can't stay?" He pulled her to him. "No, I'll never let you out of my sight again." I walked up to them.

"She's right, it's not safe for either of us to be here now." He turned to me but before he could reply an all too familiar voice called out.

"Odette!" Odette pushed Derik aside.

"Oh no!" Derik asked.

"Who is it?" Odette turned to him. "What's going on?" Seeing how stubborn he was I stepped in.

"I'll explain everything to you later but for now all you need to know is that the two of us need to get out of here."

"Why?" Before I could reply Odette said.

"Derik, Hiccups right!" He raised an eyebrow. "You need to go but know that Hiccup is a friend who can be trusted."

"And I'm also someone who's ready to knock you out again if you don't get moving now." He stared at me but Odette began pushing him.

"You both need to go, he'll be here soon." Derik planted his feet to the ground.

"Who's he?" I grabbed his right arm and began pulling him.

"I'll explain everything later but for now just know that Odette's under a spell that can only be broken by you making a vow of undying love in front of the world and if we stay here, we're all dead." This got him to move but not before he took her hand and placed a gold heart shaped pendant in it and then we ran past the bushes but he turned back and said.

"There's a ball tomorrow night, so come to the ball and I'll make a vow of everlasting love." I saw her smile.

"Great idea but for now if we don't go the only thing that will be broken is your bones and I'll be the one breaking them for getting us caught." He nodded before turning back to her.

"I'll be back for you Odette." She nodded but winced as Rothbart yelled in annoyance.

"ODETTE!" That was all we needed to start running.

Nobodies POV:

Rothbart walked out from the trees angrily looking at Odette as he asked.

"Didn't you hear me calling?" Odette stuttered a few I's. "I thought I heard voices." He pushed some bushes to find Jean-Bob in the sitting frog position while croaking out Odette's name to throw Rothbart off.

"Voices?" Rothbart turned to her.

"Yes, voices."

"Well I, I-"

"You've what?"

"I've decided to become your queen." This shocked her three friends as she curtsied to Rothbart.

"No?" He turned to her fully. "You mean?" He swung his fist down in joy. "Odette, Odette you've made me so happy." He dropped to one knee. "I'll be a good king, you'll see." He pulled at his cloak. "I'll wear nice clothes." He grabbed his beard. "And I'll get my beard trimmed." He pulled fingers through it before he stood up and began spinning while letting out a laugh. "You've made me so happy Odette." He then turned back to her with the joy gone from his eyes. "Oh, by the way." He lifted his cloak up with his left hand and reached in with his right. "You wouldn't happen to know who" He pulled out Deriks bow and held it up. "this belongs to would you?" Odette gasped before Rothbart mockingly said. "Come to the ball and I'll make a vow of everlasting love." He then let out an evil laugh before raising the bow back. "Thought you could fool Rothbart?" He turned back while tossing the bow into the lake. "Did you?" Odette turned to him and angrily said.

"I will never be yours, you creature." She pointed at him as he began to walk up. "I will marry prince Derek and you cannot stop me." He growled.

"I hate to tell you this Odette." He took her hand and took the pendant out of it and dangled it by the chain. "But you won't be able to attend the big ball tomorrow night." He turned around and began walking away.

"If you want to stop me, you'll have to kill me." He turned his head back to say.

"No!" He turned around fully. "I don't think so, you see you've forgotten one very important thing tomorrow night." He gestured to the sky using his right hand that was holding the pendant. "There is no moon!" Odette turned around as she gasped before dropping to her knees while covering her face and crying.

Back with Hiccup and Derik

Hiccups POV:

We'd just arrived back at camp after I filled Derik in on who I was and what was going on with Odette and to say everything shocked him would be an understatement if the look on his face was anything to go by. Now we were both sat around the fire with me leaning against Toothless while Derik sat down across from me staring angrily into the flames but I knew the anger wasn't directed at Toothless or me. Getting annoyed with the silence I said.

"Gold piece for your thoughts Derik?"

"That monster Rothbart took Odette from me and cursed her." He clenched his fists. "I'll kill him as soon as Odette's free."

"Don't let your anger control you Derik, you'll end up regretting it later and when in a fight it can be your greatest weakness which is not something you want when dealing with a magic user." I rubbed my prosthetic arm. "Trust me on this." He looked up from the fire.

"You've dealt with magic users before?" I nodded.

"I have and letting your guard down or letting your emotions control you are the biggest mistakes you can make when fighting them." He sighed and nodded.

"Want me and Toothless to give you a lift back to your horse?" He smiled and nodded before standing up while Toothless and me followed.

"I can't thank you enough for helping me find Odette Hiccup but next time you need me somewhere, do you think you could be a bit more gentle?" I chuckled as he rubbed his gut.

"Derik, I'm a Viking and we Vikings don't do gentle." He chuckled as I mounted Toothless before helping him up. "I'll make sure Odette gets to the ball tomorrow night so don't you worry about that." With that said we took off.

Nightfall the next day

Rothbarts castle

Nobodies POV:

Rothbart was leaning on a wooden windowsill looking down a flooded dungeon tower where Odette in her swan form sat in the water. This tower was damp and miserable with the lower parts flooded from the lake while the walls themselves were covered in moss and mildew. Near the ceiling was a wooden door leading in and next to it was a window with wooden window frame and shutters and between the two was a lit torch. Below them was a support beam tat went from one side to the other, supporting a wooden net that was mostly gone but beneath it was a wooden support with a metal ring, dangling from a chain. Rothbart dropped some red roses down into the water as he said.

"It hurts me to lock you up Odette, hurts me deep." She glared up at him. "But then a kings day is full of tough decisions." She looked down at the roses. "You understand?" She began pecking at the roses and breaking one apart. "Now you're mad at me again." He gently slammed his fist against the windowsill. "Dog gannet, I can't do nothing right." He brought his hands to his head. "Head full of pudding." He lowered his hands and gestured to himself. "That's me." Odette turned away. "Well I can't leave you like this, if you're not happy, I'm not happy." He rubbed his chin as he hummed before throwing his hand out with a smile. "I know, if you can't attend the ball then I'll bring the ball to you." Odette just looked down sadly. "Let's see, the first thing you'll need is a young man." Odette gasped and turned her head. "The prince is busy of course but I think I could arrange a substitute."

Odette turned as the door opened to reveal a slightly pudgy man with long dark brown hair, green eyes, a big nose and pale skin, wearing a dark brown dagged neck collar, a light brown shirt with gray long sleeves, a brown belt a golden buckle on a brown belt, long dark brown pants, and a pair of brown boots with dark gray folded cuffs over brown boots. This man was none other than Deriks friend Bromley and behind him was an old woman with her hair tied at her sides into two messy pigtails, a tooth sticking out from beneath her bottom lip, an ankle length navy blue vest over a swamp green dress with a light brown scarf and brown leather shoes. This woman was none other than Rothbarts female minion Bridget who at this time was trying to push Bromley into the tower as he begged her to stop but Rothbart just chuckled and said.

"Poor fellah, he got lost in the woods."

With one final hard shove from Bridget sent them both into the tower but Bridget was able to grab onto the door while Bromley fell down into the water below. Odette immediately dived down and grabbed his shirt with her beak and pulled him back up to the waters surface before he could drown. When he could breath again he flapped his arms around like a fish until Odette helped him to the metal ring, which he immediately grabbed onto while looking up at Rothbart pleadingly as he begged.

"Help, don't go." Rothbart looked down shaking his head.

"I'd love to stay but if I don't leave now I'll be late." He grabbed the window shutter. "That's tacky." He began to close the shutter as Odette looked up sadly before he reopened it. "Don't give me that look missy." He leaned in making the light of the torch illuminate his face. "Had to be sneaky didn't you?" He lowered his hand from the shutter. "Had to drag your weakling prince into it but it's fine with me, just fine with me." He slammed the shutters shut leaving both Odette and Bromley alone.

Hiccups POV:

I was making my way towards the lake with Toothless at my side with both of us ready to pick up Odette for the ball but as I made my way towards the lake I saw Jean-Bob, Speed and Puffin looking worried about something. Knowing this was not good I ran up to them with Toothless and asked.

"What's going on guys?" I looked around. "And where's Odette?" Jean-bob answered.

"The princess has been locked away in ze tower mousier." Hearing this my blood ran cold.

"We've got to get her out of there." Puffin then asked.

"And how do ye think we'll be doing that exactly?" I walked up to the edge of the pond and examined the castle.

"Which tower is she in?" Jean-Bob pointed at one of them that was partly submerged in the lake.

"Zat is ze one." I rubbed my chin in thought before snapping my fingers.

"Can one of you dig a small hole in the side of the wall beneath the water?" Speed replied.

"I can do it but the crocodiles are going to be a problem." I smiled.

"Just leave them to me." I reached into my jacket and felt a ball being placed in my hand and pulled out one of my bombs but this one was one of the lower powered ones I normally used to make small explosions to create holes in walls or for mining and tossed it to Jean-Bob. "You guys just need to focus on getting that into a small crevice and putting that in it, pull the pin and then get out of there as fast as you can before it goes off." Jean-Bob then asked.

"Um, excuse me mousier but what iz zis this thing exactly?" I smiled.

"A bomb to take out a small section of the wall for Odette to get out." Hearing what it was Jean-Bob held it away from his body. "Relax, the pin needs to be taken out for it to go off." They nodded as I turned to Puffin.

"Do you think you could lure the crocodiles to the surface?" He smiled.

"That'll be easy." I smiled and turned to Speed and Jean-Bob.

"While we handle the crocks, you two get the bomb in place and set it off." They both nodded. "Alright gentlemen, let's get to work."

They all nodded as I turned to the lake before Puffin took off and flew over the lake before diving into it and for a few seconds there was silence that was broken when Puffin flew back out with the crocs on his tail. I smiled as I signaled for Speed and Jean-Bob to get going and they took off into the water while I pointed my prosthetic at the crocodiles while releasing my disc launcher. I quickly launched bolas at each of the crocs open mouths and wrapping around them before snapping their jaws shut shocking the crocs that immediately tried to break free. When their struggle brought them close together I launched another three bolas that wrapped around their bodies trapping them together. I smiled and launched my prosthetic hand at them allowing me to grapple the thread of my bolas before I began reeling them towards me to make sure they didn't bother Speed and Jean-Bob.

Nobodies POV:

While Hiccup and Puffin dealt with crocodiles on the surface Speed swam towards the side of the tower where Odette was being held with Jean-Bob on the back of his shell with the bomb in his arms. When they reached the side Speed began digging beneath the wall before he pulled away and looked back at Jean-Bob as he said.

"Ready for the bomb." Jean-Bob looked down at the bomb nervously.

"Do you zink we will really be alright." He held the bomb out. "What if it goes off before we're clear?"

"Hiccup said it would only go off when the pin is pulled so just do it and we'll get out of here fast." Jean-Bob gulped and swam up to the gap beneath the wall and placed the bomb in it before pulling the pin and quickly swimming back to Speed. "Let uz get moving." With that they took off quickly and ten seconds later the bomb went off leaving a five foot hole in the wall.

"Let's get Odette out of there." Jean-Bob immediately swam through the hole and up into the tower in front of Odette who leaned back and asked.

"Jean-Bob?"

"To the rescue Madam." He pointed down. "We've blasted a way out of here through the wall so let's go." Odette smiled.

"Thank you Jean-Bob and when this is over, remind me to give you a kiss."

She swam over to Bromley and tried to pull him by his shirt with her beak only for him to try swatting her away believing the worst but Odette wasn't giving up on him. Jean-Bob then let out a whistle gaining her attention while gesturing for her to come, knowing time was of the essence she dived down and followed him through the hole in the wall. When they surfaced Hiccup was waiting with Puffin on the shore next to the two tied up crocodiles and swam up to them making Hiccup smile before scooping Odette up in his arms while saying.

"Toothless can get us there faster than you can fly." She nodded as Hiccup mounted Toothless. "Let's go bud." He growled and they took off at full speed.

Ten minutes later

Hiccups POV:

Since we left Odette let me know of Rothbart's plan for Derek to give his vow to the wrong woman who would be Bridget, spelled to look like Odette and in doing so would result in her death and this was all the incentive Toothless and I needed to fly full speed. It was then castle finally come into view and we sped towards the window of the ballroom only to find Derek confronting Rothbert, telling him he'd just made the vow of everlasting love. I knew right then and there we were too late and before I could react Odette took off just as Rothbert blasted Bridget with a red beam of his magic. I watched as Derek ran to her only for her to reveal her true face before Rothbert gestured to Odette's fleeing form in another window as he laughed. I clenched my teeth knowing I had to get them together by the lake and said.

"Toothless, plasma blast that creature."

He gave a growl that I believe meant 'with pleasure' before he shot a blast shattering the window catching everyone's attention including Rothbert who turned to look up. The plasma blast was fast but he was faster and conjured a yellow shield blocking the blast and reflecting it to the floor as we flew in and landed in front of Derek. Before anyone could do anything I turned to Derek and offered out my hand as I said.

"Come on, we might be able to save her." He gave a determined look and took my hand before I pulled him on as a chuckle caught our attention and we turned to see Rothbert laughing.

"If you hurry, I'll let you see her one last time." I knew he was trying to bait us but I ignored him and we took off out the window after Odette as Rothbert's laughter echoed in my ears.

Ten minutes later

Derek didn't wait till we were fully on the ground and leapt off Toothless when we were still ten feet up in the air and ran to Odettes still form. I felt my heartbreak at the sight of him holding her still body in his arms, knowing the feeling of the loss of someone you love. I felt a tear roll down my cheek seeing him begging her to forgive him until she whispered his name and I felt a tinge of hope for until she said.

"I feel so weak, I think I'm-" He embraced her.

"No, you'll live Odette." He pulled away. "The vow I made was for you."

"I know." She gently caressed her face. "I love you Derek." And then she was gone as I walked up to him while Derek yelled.

"THE VOW I MADE WAS FOR HER!" I placed my hand on his shoulder to comfort him until a familiar voice behind us said.

"No need to shout." We turned to see Rothbart standing there as he chuckled. "You know I really expected more from you Hiccup, the famous dragon rider who's defeated so many beasts and others like me who just wanted what should've been theirs." I growled as Derek stood up as I released my star sword while turning my arm into its dragon claw form and pointed my blade at him.

"You undo this or I'll teach you the true meaning of the word pain." He turned to me.

"My oh my, the famous sword forged from a star." He then raised an eyebrow. "I don't suppose you'd be so kind as to tell me why it's pointed at me in defense of this woman you barely know and in aid of this prince whose kingdom you don't serve."

"I raise my blade against all evils of this world and I know the pain Derek feels which is not something I'd wish upon my worst enemy." Derek pushed me aside and ran past me.

"Don't let her die!"

"Is that a threat?" He grabbed Rothbart by his cloak.

"Don't you dare let her die!"

"Oh, it is a threat."

"You're the only one with the power." He yanked his cloak forward. "Now do it!" Rothbart pushed him off and onto the ground.

"Only if you defeat me."

His hands glowed with orange magic which I knew wasn't a good sign before he slammed them down and in a flash of orange light Rothbart was no longer standing there. Now standing there was what looked to be a giant bat with see through wings that had light green flaps, a wolfs muzzle, eagle like talons, pitch black fur, a black mane around his neck and Rothberts beard. I heard Derek say.

"The Great Animal." He snapped out of his shock and pulled his sword only for Rothber to pin him to the ground but before he could sink his fangs into him Derek through dirt in his eyes making him step back and off Derek while I ran to help but Derek turned back to me. "STAY WITH ODETTE!" He turned back to Rothbart. "I can handle this creature." I nodded and ran to Odette cradling her head in my lap and turned to watch the battle but ready to jump in and help if needed.

Nobodies POV:

Derek charged at Rothbart cutting his arm making the beast roar in pain before looking at the wound and then turning to Derek who held his sword pointed at Rothbart as he said.

"I won't let her die."

Rothbart just gave a fang filled smile at Derek before he began flapping his wings and took off into the air until he could not be seen but Derek kept his guard up. Rothbart then slammed through the tree branches behind Derek catching him off guard allowing him to pin Derek down by his left shoulder making him let go of his sword that Rothbart quickly grabbed in his jaws before snapping down on the blade. The blade shattered in his jaws as Derek grabbed a large stone and smashed it onto the clawed foot that was holding him down making Rothbart leap into the sky while letting out a pain filled roar.

Derek rolled out of the way of another strike while Puffin threw Jean-Bob into the lake telling him to get the bow as Rothbart swooped down and picked Derek up by his shoulders. When Derek began pulling the toes open Rothbart bought him up to his face and then dropped him, sending Derek falling from fifty feet up. Before he could hit the ground though Rothbart swooped down and picked him up in his claws before slamming him into the top of a tree. Derek quickly recovered though and snapped a branch and begun swinging it at Rothbart trying to fight him off. As he did this however Jean-Bob just spotted Dereks bow below the water, underneath some dirt.

Rothbart swooped in again striking a branch above Derek who had to duck in order to avoid the strike but in doing so lost his balance and fell off the branch he was standing on. He fell through the branches slowing his fall but also causing him much pain until he hit the ground unconscious while Rothbart circled him. Rothbart then dived in for the killing blow but just before he could reach Derek Hiccup intervened using his ox flame boots speed mode to slam into Rothbart pushing him away from Derek. Rothbart shook his head and glared down at Hiccup who just glared back after leaving Odette under Toothless' guard. Hiccup unfolded his eagle shield while readying his sword before he said.

"You've caused these two lovers enough pain beast." He then got into his battle stance as his leather vest armor activated releasing the light blue armor. "NOW YOU DEAL WITH ME!"

Rothbart swooped down at Hiccup who quickly tuck and rolled out of the way and gave a quick slash of his sword to the back of Rothbarts back leg making him roar in pain. He slashed at Hiccup using his claws but Hiccup blocked it using his eagle shield that immediately let out a shockwave throwing Rothbart back. Hiccup smiled as Rothbart was thrown into a tree until he growled and let out a small blast of smoke from his nostrils and let out a roar at Hiccup who just glared back. Rothbart quickly took to the air and began circling Hiccup again as he kept his senses open not wanting Rothbart to get the drop on him like he did Derek. It was then Rothbart burst from the branches behind Hiccup who tuck and rolled out of the way of the blow making Rothbart scrape the ground where Hiccup was once standing. Hiccup glared up at Rothbart who swooped down at Hiccup again ready to try and strike Hiccup again.

While Hiccup held Rothbart off Jean-Bob with the help of Speed was able to get the bow out of the mud and got it to Dereks unconscious form. Jean-Bob slapped Dereks face while yelling at him to wake up, slowly waking him up before gesturing to the bow before Derek saw the weapon and fully woke up. He grabbed his bow as Jean-Bob gave a quick goodbye and hopped away while Derek turned to the battle Hiccup was having and saw Rothbart swooping down on him again with Hiccup barely dodging his striked. Derek reached to his back to grab an arrow only to realize he didn't have his quiver or his arrows with him due to him just coming from a grand ball. He looked at Hiccup in worry until the sound of someone saying 'Oh please' behind him got his attention and he asked.

"Brom?" He turned and saw a soaking wet Bromly with an arrow pulled back in his bow as he continued to say.

"Oh please, oh please." He then released the arrow while yelling. "NOW!"

Derek quickly turned and grabbed the arrow midair and turned quickly loaded it before aiming and firing it at Rothbart who was getting ready to dive at Hiccup again. The arrow pierced Rothbart in the chest leaving a wound that bled flame colored magic as Rothbarts body fell back into the lake causing a large explosion of pink smoke before a few rapid beams of yellow magic burst from the smoke and then there was silence. Rothbart was no more, his body was gone and nothing remained of the mad man that tried to come between the two lovers who were meant to be. Seeing this Bromley dropped back in a dead faint while Odette's animal friends cheered while Hiccup just smiled and pulled his sword back into his prosthetic arm as it turned back to normal and folded up his eagle shield as Toothless ran up to him. Their joy soon turned to sorrow however when they all turned to see Derek holding Odette's still form while begging her to forgive him and how he just wanted to break the spell and prove his love. He then said something that broke Hiccups heart.

"I love you, your kindness and courage." He gently shook his head. "I always have." He then gently kissed her head before much to everyone's surprise, she replied.

"Derek?" He leaned back to look at her.

"Odette?"

"Oh Derek." They then embraced as Hiccup leaned against Toothless and said.

"If that's not everlasting love, then I don't know what is." He just crooned as Hiccup looked down at his wedding ring. "Speaking of love, I have the feeling the woman I love is not going to be too happy with me for getting roped into another adventure." I shrugged. "Hopefully she'll find what I did romantic and won't force me to sleep in the library again." Toothless just gave a draconic laugh while Hiccup rolled his eyes hoping that one day his best friend would understand the same headache that came with love.

AN: And that brings an end to another chapter that is another crossover of an old Disney classic 'The Swan Princess' from 1994. This idea was inspired by my friend 'Red dragon 112293' in honor of the season of love since this old movie was not only one of the most romantic Disney classics and took place in Germany in which ideas are limited for me. Anyway I hope you've all enjoyed the chapter and will review kindly. Seriously guys I'd appreciate some reviews due to the lack of them recently and if you haven't seen the film I recommend you do since it's got some pretty catchy songs. Anyway till next time remember to review kindly and have a nice day.